Kahwa Coffee

I was recently introduced to the Kahwa brand by a small café in downtown Tampa who sold their product for their iced coffees. The next time I went to St. Petersburg where the coffee is roasted, I sought out the actual café and had an enjoyable experience. I was really excited to see another Kahwa café on my side of the bridge in Tampa, but didn’t have time to go in, so we headed through the drive thru. The voice that greeted us was so excited and comedic, I thought it was an intro recording. Oh no, that is just how you sound when you work at a coffee shop selling an excellent product. I ordered a large iced mocha latte after a long deliberation. I’ve only ordered regular coffee from them up to this point, as I love how smooth their brew is. I was not disappointed with the latte version. It had the same characteristic smooth taste of well roasted beans and prepared perfectly, not being overly sweet as requested, and a heavy dark chocolate flavor. I am excited to branch out here and try their other offerings, especially in the cold section as they cold brew, which is hard to find and worth the look. Overall, really great experience from the start with the enthusiastic employee and excellent product.

I work at a stote only a block from this coffee shop and it’s such a lifesaver on those days when I simply want that caffein. They’ve amazing java, and their breakfast croissants are tasty too!

Love this coffee house in S. Tampa. Love the breakfast croissant and chai latte. Super friendly staff!!!

Coffee was great. Attitude of staff was underwhelming. Yes, I realize that you are not Starbucks. I drove past two Starbucks to get to you. Treating me like I’m an idiot because of how I ordered my drink isn’t the way to build customers.

Best local coffee around. I wish more local businesses would serve it. It’s a smooth taste that has no bitter or burnt flavors.
They offer several brews and teas along with some sandwiches and baked goods (vegan and not) from a local bakery. The raspberry chocolate pound cake is addictive with that icing and raspberry center, yum.
This location at Henderson and Neptune is unpretentious, great for working, chatting, or just consuming. There are two comfy corner couch areas and the rest are two top tables and one high top communal table. The drive thru is super convenient, too.

After waiting for six minutes in the drive-​through line, with no end in sight to just have my order taken, I pulled away in search of another coffee house. Sorry, but your parking lot wasn’t full and I couldn’t see any reason why you couldn’t at least address my question about how much longer the wait would be.
Coffee lovers also love good service.

I visited this particular Kahwa location 3 or 4 times in the past year and loved it. I think Kahwa has the cheapest, good quality coffee I’ve seen in a while. As usual I stick to my iced soy latte which comes in 12oz and 20oz and the soy milk is an extra $ 0.25 (its unsweetened soy milk). I also love this location on Henderson because, for some reason, its not very busy. This makes it an ideal place to get some work done in peace. There are also a lot of windows which lets in the natural light. The temperature at the coffee shop is pretty warm compared to any of the other places I’ve worked at – its a plus for me because I’m ALWAYS cold. lol The staff is also very helpful and friendly. :)

I really love Kahwa for 1 things and that’s Granita… And for the past few trips the machines has been broken so I’m giving 2 stars till its fixed. And the two stars is because I like their egg and cheese croissant. Otherwise I prefer other locally roasted coffee better. Please fix the granita machine!!!
²⁄₁₅ update machine is still broken.

Rude service. Gossipy baristas that berated guests in the drive thru and served with a smirk. Isn’t it code that food service employees are supposed to wear long hair in pony tail or bun? Milk sitting out on the counter all morning. Re-​steamed milk over and over, cross-​contaminating pitchers. Never saw an employee wash their hands. Dirty café floor. Trash on patio. Front doors were a mess. Bathrooms looked like they haven’t been cleaned in weeks. Mediocre coffee at best, and was probably sitting in carafe all morning just like the half and half. Will not be back.

I love coffee. Coming from the coffee capital of the world, Melbourne Australia. Since moving to Tampa I have struggled to find the perfect latte. I don’t need to look any further, best coffee in town.

Some of you also remember when this was a Wendy’s and it sat abandoned for quite some time.
Been around two years since it became this coffee spot and it doesn’t look like a Wendy’s at all inside.
The space to sit and work or lounge is very open and comfortable and the employees seem very helpful and accommodating.
Coffee prices are less expensive than other places and they do have a small selection of sandwiches and other treats.

Very reasonable prices on coffee. I actually thought it was a misprint when I first walked in.
Taste of the coffee does not reflect the lower price compared to other popular spots and the interior is very comfortable.
Nice employees too. They are dressed very casually, rather than wearing some sort of uniform which adds to the laid back feel overall.
A more modest selection of treats than similar coffee shops, but they do have the basics and offer a few different sandwich croissants that others around me seemed to enjoy.

Won’t be back.
We ordered two croissant sandwiches. One was prepared but five minutes after the first one was ready, we inquired about the second and they hadn’t realized one was missing. Without any apology, employee said they would put another in oven. When it was ready, I went up to get at counter. Egg was still cold! Basically inedible.
Also, when asked about hot chocolate before ordering, staff said it was made with milk. However, it tasted like water…
Staff not friendly and décor/​vibe has no character. The actual coffee was good.

Awful kahwa. Had to order twice as usual and this time both egg sandwiches were freezing on the bottom and they refuse to pick up the phone the last 30 minutes. Spent $ 20 and got two coffees and two frozen unedible egg croissants. This and the downtown st Pete location constantly screw up orders and one time my boyfriend ordered an iced coffee and the girl gave him a hot coffee so he politely said he asked for ice and she said yeah you did and got pissy about it.
The menu is much smaller than Starbucks so I don’t understand how employees consistently don’t know how to do their job properly. Kawha must hire the Starbucks rejects.

I finally had the opportunity to try the coffee here. I asked the barista, «What makes your coffee different?» He explained that unlike their competition they roast their beans locally in St.Pete.
I tried a regular coffee. The flavor was rich and had notes of chocolate and a nice smokey flavor. It kind of reminds me of chicory coffee blended with Colombian coffee. I also enjoyed the ambiance that resembles a downtown loft with concrete floors, large windows, and high ceilings. I will return to try an espresso next time.

Pros:
Plenty of outdoor seating
Comfortable indoor atmosphere
A drive thru is available
Decent Macchiato
Potential for being great
Cons:
Coffee isn’t out if this world delish
Variety of coffee is limited
Food isn’t tasty
Fix the cons because the concept is good. Not sure if I’ll be back since there are other solid options for fantastic coffee in Tampa.

Decent alternative to Starbucks, not quite as polished. I like the coffee and free wifi and all. Think they could offer a little more variety on the breakfast menu. The Quiche was ok, tried both the red pepper with goat cheese and the one with mozzarella, neither blew me away. The sandwich croissants I’ve had in the past and I have to say they are pretty good. During this particular visit, the quiche came out way before the coffee, not sure what happened, it wasn’t even busy. I had to go back in to figure out what the deal was. The lady taking the order appeared to be very new to the job, she apologized for the long wait. Starbucks would’ve offered me a free drink, but whose comparing?
I like Kahwa, but can’t help but to feel there is more potential. For starters, I notice at times they’ll bring out your drink to your table and other times they’ll set it on the counter for you to pick up. Which one is it? You notice people at times look around as they are about to leave, wondering what to do with their plate, you shouldn’t have to do all that.
The tables are solid for having your coffee with a friend, not so much for working your laptop as they are on the small side. Still would recommend Kahwa, mainly for the coffee, the drive thru is the best way to go.

Kahwa Coffee is a great place to kill some time, but judging from the herds of teenagers monopolizing the outlets with their laptops and couch space with their belongings it’s a good place to study as well.
I was happy just to have my corner of the couch to enjoy the wifi, my cookie and coffee granita. The cookie was a huge oatmeal chocolate chip with flax seeds. The granita was delightfully refreshing and perfectly sweet.
I’d go here again if I was ever in the neighborhood, maybe in the summer when the teenagers have better things to do than study in a coffee shop.

I’m all for supporting small business.
Especially when that business is coffee!
It’s nice to have other options,
Besides Starbucks, Dunkin or Joffrey’s.
These locally roasted beans
Create a coffee that nice and smooth.
It’s some of the best coffee in Tampa!
And that’s the honest truth!
They also offer tasty pastries.
Even gluten free, if that’s what you like.
Come chill on the couch w/​your laptop.
Take advantage of the free Wi-​Fi!
Scattered throughout the city
Are a few stand-​alone Kahwa stores.
And according to their website,
They’ve got plans to open more!

Teas and vegan bread
Coffee shop sit and do work
Sustenance for gods.
This is a pretty awesome coffee shop. There is easy parking, a drive thru, plenty of sitting space, wifi, good coffee, good tea, and amazing sweet breads.
I had an iced tea and vegan strawberry chocolate bread. I had a pleasant time sitting, reading, eating. I assume their coffee is pretty great too.