WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – It was gone so soon, we barely got to know it! One of Walnut Creek, California’s best new smoothie places has abruptly closed, just a few months after opening.
Earlier this year, we shared a review of Monja Cafe, a brand new smoothie and acai bowl joint located at 2850 Ygnacio Valley Road in the Orchards shopping center.
At the time, we praised its tasty drinks, as well as its clean, minimalist black and white interior. In addition to fresh smoothies made with real fruit (which Monja spelled “Smoothy” for reasons we couldn’t fathom), the cafe offered sandwiches and coffee drinks.
Monja was apparently born in April of 2025 when the owner decided to break away from a smoothie franchise and start an independent smoothie (or “smoothy”) cafe.
Sadly, that venture doesn’t appear to have worked out. Just a few months after opening, Monja Cafe appears to have closed permanently.
The Bay Area Telegraph stopped by to check on the store in early August, and found that the signage had been removed. The interior was empty–all the lovely fruit and tasteful, minimalist decor was no more.
It’s unfortunate to see a new, locally owned place go under. We hope the owner tries again in a new location, because the smoothies (sorry, “smoothys”) here really were excellent.
Still craving a smoothie fix? We love the smoothies at the Joozi Juicery inside the Shadelands Sports Mall. In a pinch, there’s also a Jamba Juice in the Countrywood Shopping Center in WC.
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