Chris Himmelheber
Latest Reviews
Kahwa Coffee
In general, I think Kahwa Coffee shops are the best in Tampa/St. Pete. I like this location, but it isn't my favorite one for three reasons. (My favorite one is on 2nd St S and 2nd Ave S. See my review of that one.)
For one thing, here they have precious few electrical outlets - enough for only 4 tables (more if you have an extension cord.)
My second quibble is that it gets pretty crowded in the early afternoons, even on weekdays. (I haven't tried it in the mornings.) While socializing isn't a bad thing, I generally go to a cafe to read, sip coffee, and maybe do some light work online. If it gets too crowded and boistrous, it gets harder for me to concentrate. Just one of my preferences.
Thirdly, there are 5-6 tables on the sidewalk, and while they are all well-shaded, traffic going past this corner is fairly constant - meaning noise and exhaust fumes.
On the other hand, the coffee is quite good and reasonably priced, and they have a fair selection of parfait, quiche, and snacks. The barristas are also very quick and attentive, and the decor is industrial chic.
There are plenty of tables with comfy chairs and a few bar chairs, but no sofas. The music is unobtrusive making this a great spot to meet and talk. Add to that fairly fast WiFi and rotating local art on the walls, and it's got a lot going for it.
Parking is typical street parking for downtown St. Pete and its neighborhoods.
For one thing, here they have precious few electrical outlets - enough for only 4 tables (more if you have an extension cord.)
My second quibble is that it gets pretty crowded in the early afternoons, even on weekdays. (I haven't tried it in the mornings.) While socializing isn't a bad thing, I generally go to a cafe to read, sip coffee, and maybe do some light work online. If it gets too crowded and boistrous, it gets harder for me to concentrate. Just one of my preferences.
Thirdly, there are 5-6 tables on the sidewalk, and while they are all well-shaded, traffic going past this corner is fairly constant - meaning noise and exhaust fumes.
On the other hand, the coffee is quite good and reasonably priced, and they have a fair selection of parfait, quiche, and snacks. The barristas are also very quick and attentive, and the decor is industrial chic.
There are plenty of tables with comfy chairs and a few bar chairs, but no sofas. The music is unobtrusive making this a great spot to meet and talk. Add to that fairly fast WiFi and rotating local art on the walls, and it's got a lot going for it.
Parking is typical street parking for downtown St. Pete and its neighborhoods.
Kahwa Coffee
*** Revisit (3/30/2023): I've sampled dozens of cafes in the St. Pete area - and reviewed many of them - and without a doubt, this is my favorite. It's about as close to perfect as I could hope for. Chances are good that on any given afternoon, you'll find me here. ***
I love this place, and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the slight lack of electrical outlets. (There are only enough for 4-5 tables and the two couches.)
On the other hand, the coffee is quite good and reasonably priced, and they have a fair selection of parfait, quiche, and snacks.
The barristas are also very quick and attentive, and the atmosphere is about as good as it gets. The decor is industrial chic. There are plenty of tables with comfy chairs, a few bar chairs, and two nice sofas. The music is unobtrusive making this an ideal spot to meet and talk.
Add to that some nice sidewalk tables out of direct sunlight (the street is really quiet), fairly fast WiFi, and rotating local art on the walls, and it's pretty hard to beat it.
I love this place, and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the slight lack of electrical outlets. (There are only enough for 4-5 tables and the two couches.)
On the other hand, the coffee is quite good and reasonably priced, and they have a fair selection of parfait, quiche, and snacks.
The barristas are also very quick and attentive, and the atmosphere is about as good as it gets. The decor is industrial chic. There are plenty of tables with comfy chairs, a few bar chairs, and two nice sofas. The music is unobtrusive making this an ideal spot to meet and talk.
Add to that some nice sidewalk tables out of direct sunlight (the street is really quiet), fairly fast WiFi, and rotating local art on the walls, and it's pretty hard to beat it.
Black Crow Coffee Shop
It's the epitome of asmall, independent, neighborhood, bohemian coffee shop. They have all kinds of coffee drinks and a pretty good selection of pastries (both vegetarian and gluten-free). The furniture is comfortable and slightly shabby, the decor is eclectic and worth exploring in itself, and it is suitably quiet to allow conversations and reading. The coffee and snacks are quite good, and definitely cheaper than Starbucks. If you like to support local businesses, Black Crow is a must!