This Historic Minnesota Coffeehouse Serves Coffee In Handcrafted Pottery Made By The Owner

• Attraction: Mocha Monkey
• Location: 115 S Olive St, Waconia, MN 55387
• Industry: Coffeehouse
• Website: https://themochamonkey.com

Coffee culture meets artisan craftsmanship at this extraordinary downtown Waconia gem.

And it has been brewing coffee & community connections since 2006.

What makes this place truly special isn’t just the small-batch roasted coffee—it’s the fact that every single cup is served in handcrafted pottery made by owner Jon Schmidt himself, transforming your morning ritual into an authentic artisan experience.

Set within a charming 100-year-old home, Mocha Monkey has earned recognition as one of Minnesota’s top coffeehouses by perfectly blending exceptional coffee with the warm atmosphere of a community gathering space. You’ll discover this isn’t just another coffee shop—it’s where creativity brews alongside your favorite latte.

Coffee & Specialty Drink Highlights

Small-Batch Roasting: Every cup starts with organic, fair-trade beans roasted in-house using small-batch techniques that capture bold, rich flavors and maximum aromatic complexity.

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You’ll taste the difference that fresh roasting makes, with oils and compounds that create depth and antioxidant benefits you simply can’t get from mass-produced coffee.

Signature Mocha Varieties: The menu features an impressive selection of specialty mochas with playful names like the White Mocha Monkey, Lucky Monkey (white chocolate and mint), Love Monkey (white chocolate and raspberry), Nutty Monkey, and Rhesus Monkey Mocha.

Each one offers a unique flavor profile that keeps regulars coming back to try new combinations.

Handcrafted Lattes & Americanos: Whether you prefer a classic latte with perfectly steamed milk or a bold americano that lets the coffee’s natural character shine through, you’ll find expertly prepared espresso drinks that showcase the quality of their roasted beans.

The chai tea lattes are particularly popular, with customers praising the rich spice blend and creamy texture.

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Smoothies & Cold Drinks: Beyond hot beverages, you’ll discover refreshing smoothies and iced coffee drinks perfect for warmer days. The cinnamon and honey iced coffee has become a local favorite for its unique flavor combination.

Loose Leaf Tea Selection: Tea enthusiasts will appreciate the premium loose leaf tea offerings, including red rooibos tea ground for the espresso machine, chai varieties, and South American yerba mate loaded with antioxidants.

Food & Treats

Panini Perfection: The panini sandwiches have developed a devoted following, with the turkey cheddar and Southwest chicken leading the favorites list.

These aren’t your average pressed sandwiches—they’re crafted with quality ingredients and panini-pressed to achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and melted interior.

Fresh Breakfast Options: Start your day with their popular breakfast sandwiches, including the sausage breakfast sandwich with provolone that’s become a morning staple for many regulars. Each sandwich is made fresh and designed to pair perfectly with their coffee offerings.

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Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto: You’ll find house-made gelato and sorbetto (dairy-free sorbet) with selections that vary daily. The gelato follows traditional Italian techniques, creating a creamier, denser texture than typical ice cream, while the fruit-based sorbetto provides a refreshing, lighter option.

Daily Soups & Pastries: The menu features daily soup selections and fresh pastries that complement the coffee experience. The tomato soup has earned particular praise from customers for its rich, satisfying flavor.

Atmosphere & Unique Features

Historic Charm: The downtown location occupies a gorgeous 19th-century home that combines old-world charm with funky, artistic touches. You’ll find multiple levels of seating, including cozy upstairs nooks perfect for intimate conversations or focused work sessions.

Handcrafted Pottery Experience: Every drink and food item is served on pottery handcrafted by owner Jon Schmidt, making each visit feel special and unique. The pottery is also available for purchase, allowing you to take home a piece of the Mocha Monkey experience.

Artist Showcase: Beyond Jon’s pottery, you’ll discover works from local artists like Oliver Clay Co. and Rhonda Tesch, creating an ever-changing gallery atmosphere that supports the local creative community.

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Multi-Level Seating: The space offers diverse seating options from tables and chairs to comfortable couches and cozy nooks. The little alcove to the left of the stairs is particularly beloved for its intimate, secluded feel perfect for studying or quiet conversations.

Live Music Venue: Weekend evenings transform the space with acoustic live music performances, often featuring local artists that match the eclectic, community-focused vibe. You can enjoy carefully selected organic wines or craft beer while listening to performances.

Other Considerations

Pricing: You’ll find the prices fall into the moderate range for specialty coffee, with most drinks and food items reasonably priced for the quality and artisan experience you receive.

While it’s slightly pricier than chain coffee shops, customers consistently feel the quality and unique atmosphere justify the cost.

Multiple Locations: Beyond the flagship downtown location, Mocha Monkey operates additional locations at Waconia Hometown Bank (with drive-thru), St. Bonifacius, and Carver, each offering the same quality coffee with convenient drive-thru service for busy mornings.

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Parking: Street parking is available around the downtown location, though it can get busy during peak hours. The central location makes it easily walkable from other downtown Waconia attractions.

Perfect for Work & Study: With reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages lingering, you’ll find this an ideal spot for remote work, studying, or casual business meetings.

Community Hub: This isn’t just a place to grab coffee and go—it’s designed as a gathering space where you can plan events, meet friends, read, or simply hang out and soak in the creative atmosphere.

Coffee Classes & Events: Keep an eye out for special events, pottery classes, and coffee education opportunities that connect you deeper with both the craft of coffee-making and pottery creation.

Mocha Monkey
📍 115 S Olive St, Waconia, MN 55387