Pete and Kathryn Collins opened Waffle Monkey Sarasota in May 2025, right in the middle of Gallery Row on South Palm Avenue — the heart of downtown Sarasota's arts district. It's their first Waffle Monkey, and they've poured heart and soul into it: a kitchen built around fresh, made-to-order waffles, proper Costa Rican coffee, and a welcome that's become the cafe's signature. Here's their story.
The Story Behind the Cafe
How did Waffle Monkey Sarasota come about?
We fell for the brand the way most people do — proper made-to-order waffles, really good Costa Rican coffee, and a playful spirit that doesn't take itself too seriously. We used to live in the Cayman Islands and are good friends with Waffle Monkey founders, Scott and Jay, who are based there. When we decided to move to Florida we lobbed the idea of bringing Waffle Monkey to Sarasota over to them, and here we are!
Why Gallery Row?
We're right on South Palm Avenue, in the middle of downtown Sarasota's gallery district — walkable, full of character, and busy with locals and visitors alike. For a cafe that's as much about colour and personality as it is about breakfast, it felt like exactly the right street.
Made Fresh, Made for Everyone
What's different about the waffles here?
Every waffle is made to order — crisp outside, fluffy inside, never sitting under a heat lamp. And we take gluten-free and vegan seriously: those waffles are made from a separate mix on their own dedicated iron, kept well away from everything else so there's no cross-contamination.
Why does that matter so much to you?
It's personal. Pete is celiac, so he knows exactly how it feels to be the one at the table who can't eat what everyone else is having. We never wanted anyone to feel like an afterthought here — so if you're gluten-free or vegan, you get the real thing, made with the same care, on equipment we keep just for you.
What's On the Menu
What should a first-timer order?
The waffle that shares the name — the Waffle Monkey — is the one to start with: powdered sugar, banana, local honey and coconut, a proper tropical nod to the brand's Costa Rican roots. If you're after something savoury, the Chicken & Waffles is the signature: chicken marinated a full 24 hours, then breaded and fried to order.
And beyond the waffles?
Plenty. Sausage rolls wrapped in puff pastry, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, the fruit-packed Monkey Bowl, and a build-your-own breakfast platter. We change things up with the seasons too — the pumpkin-spice menu is a firm autumn favourite. And the coffee is the same Costa Rican beans we're proud of right across the brand — 100% Arabica, grown slowly at altitude for a deeper, richer cup. We wouldn't pour anything we weren't proud of.
The Mural, and the Welcome
Everyone talks about the mural — what's the story?
It's the heart of the room: a hand-painted jungle of whimsical, waffle-loving monkeys that wraps right across the wall. The whole thing started as Kathryn's vision, brought to life by artist Kenneth King of Kingdom Home. People walk in, stop, and just take it in before they've even sat down.
What's the cafe like to sit in?
Bright, tropical and table-served, with room for everyone — around 44 seats inside and more out on the patio. It's the kind of place built for birthdays, lazy weekend mornings with the kids, or just catching up with friends over coffee. We love to think of it as a hub for the community, and we're introducing some fun evening events — pub quiz nights and even a bit of karaoke.
What do you want first-time visitors to know?
Come hungry, bring everyone — gluten-free, vegan, kids, the lot — and don't be surprised if one of us comes over to say hello. The waffles are made fresh to order, so give us a few minutes and we'll bring you something worth the wait.
Visit Us
Waffle Monkey Sarasota is at 52 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236, on Gallery Row in the heart of downtown. We're open for breakfast and lunch (hours vary by season). Check our hours and full menu on the cafe page — and give us a shout ahead of time if you're bringing a big group.