You’re walking down the Monon Trail on a Saturday morning in Indianapolis. The air is crisp, and the village of Broad Ripple is slowly waking up. If you’ve spent any time at all in Midtown Indy, you know exactly where the smell of roasting beans leads. It leads to 920 E Westfield Blvd. Monon Coffee Company Broad Ripple isn't just another coffee shop; it’s basically the living room of the village. It’s been there for decades. It's seen the neighborhood change from a gritty artist enclave to a nightlife hub and back again.
Honestly, most people think every local coffee shop is the same. They expect a minimalist, white-walled box with a $7 latte. Monon Coffee Company is the exact opposite of that. It’s cozy, slightly cramped in that charming way, and smells like twenty years of deep espresso.
Why the White Zombie is Still a Legend
If you ask a regular what to get, they aren't going to tell you to get a plain drip coffee. Well, they might, because the drip is solid, but the real "if you know, you know" drink is the White Zombie.
It’s a white chocolate mocha, but don't let the simplicity fool you. It’s notoriously smooth. It’s the kind of drink that has kept people coming back since the 90s. Some people swear it has a cult following. They also do a "Mona Lisa," which is their version of a white chocolate and raspberry mocha. It's sweet, sure, but it hits the spot when you're freezing after a long walk on the trail.
Varying your order here is part of the fun. One day you’re grabbing a Choo-Choo Brew, and the next you’re eyeing their loose-leaf tea selection. They have a massive wall of teas—everything from Masala Chai to Apricot and French Vanilla. It’s one of the few places in Indy where the tea menu is actually as long as the coffee menu.
The Vibe: No, It’s Not a Corporate Office
Let’s be real. If you’re looking for a sterile, quiet place to take a three-hour Zoom call, this might not be it.
The seating at Monon Coffee Company Broad Ripple is limited. It’s intimate. You’ll see local art on the walls—stuff you can actually buy, like clay mugs or postcards. There are mismatched chairs and a homey, "boho village" feel that feels very authentic to Broad Ripple's roots.
- The Honor System: One of the coolest, most "old school" things about them is their self-serve honor system for certain items. It’s built on trust.
- The Soundtrack: Usually, it’s a mix of indie vibes or whatever the barista is into that day.
- The Crowd: You’ll see everyone here. "Bridge kids" grown up, cyclists in spandex, students from Butler, and families grabbing a muffin before heading to the park.
Parking? It’s a nightmare. Let’s just put that out there. It’s street parking only, and Broad Ripple isn't known for being generous with spots. Most locals just park further out and walk the trail. It’s worth the walk.
📖 Related: Market District Settlers Ridge in Robinson: More Than Just a Grocery Run
Organic, Fair Trade, and Actually Roasted
A lot of shops talk about being "local," but Monon Coffee Company walks the walk. They use organic and fair trade beans. They also roast in small batches. You can buy the beans whole or ground to take home, which a lot of neighbors do.
They also lean into the community by carrying stuff from other local spots. For a while, they’ve rotated selections from places like Blue Mind Roasting. It’s that interconnected Indy ecosystem that keeps these places alive when the big chains try to move in.
The Menu Beyond the Mug
It’s not just caffeine. If you’re hungry, they have the standard coffee shop fare, but better.
- Muffins: They’re huge. The cranberry nut bread is a sleeper hit.
- Smoothies: They have these wild names like the "Green Giant" (spinach, banana, ginger) or the "Malted Monkey" (chocolate and malt powder).
- Vegan Options: They’ve been ahead of the curve on this for years, offering plenty of non-dairy milks and vegan pastries.
Is It Still Worth the Hype?
Broad Ripple has had a rough few years. People talk about the "spiritual deterioration" of the village or the shift in nightlife. But when you walk into Monon Coffee Company at 8:00 AM on a Sunday, none of that matters. It still feels like the Broad Ripple people fell in love with twenty years ago.
✨ Don't miss: Why Are People So Angry and What It’s Doing to Us
The hours are a bit tighter than they used to be—usually closing around 3:00 PM most days—so you can’t exactly hang out there into the evening anymore. But for that morning rush or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, it remains a staple.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head over to Monon Coffee Company Broad Ripple this week, keep these things in mind to make the trip actually enjoyable:
- Check the hours first. They currently close at 3:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 2:00 PM on Sundays. Don't show up at 4:00 PM expecting a latte.
- Walk the trail. Don't even bother trying to find a spot right in front on Westfield Blvd. Park near Broad Ripple Park or a few blocks north and enjoy the 10-minute walk.
- Try the Choo-Choo Brew. If the White Zombie is too sweet for you, this is their signature blend that’s perfect with just a splash of cream.
- Bring a book, not a workstation. Because seating is tight, it’s a better spot for reading or catching up with a friend than setting up a multi-monitor laptop rig.
- Support the art. Take a look at the local pottery and postcards near the entrance. It’s a great way to put money directly back into the Indy art scene.
The village is changing, but this spot isn't. It’s a slice of Indianapolis history that you can taste in every cup.