Café Moca

4.0 star rating
16 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

2835 Woodburn Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45206
Neighborhood: Walnut Hills
(513) 281-1333
Hours:

Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 5:30 pm

Sat 8 am - 2 pm

Sun 9:30 am - 2 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Ashley H. said: "I don't drink coffee. After a bad experience when I was younger, I have never been able to drink coffee without immediately feeling nauseous.  All that changed today, thanks to Sidewinder.  My husband and I stopped in looking for a…"   read more »

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16 reviews in English

  • Review from S. H.

    • 2 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Cincinnati, OH

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/10/2012

    Sadly, I recently received an email from the owner of MoCA- due to a dispute that could not be resolved with the property owner- MoCA has suddenly been closed.

    The owners of MoCA were an incredible asset to the East Walnut Hills neighborhood, and MoCA was THE place to hang out...the soul of the neighborhood is gone...

    Listed in: My Neighborhood

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      6/18/2008 First to Review

      Cafe Moca is a cute neighborhood cafe.  Its a lot like Starbucks-its cofee menu and prices-but… Read more »

  • Review from Greg H.

    • 28 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Cincinnati, OH

    3.0 star rating
    12/15/2011

    Given the nature of my profession, I work quite a bit out of coffeehouses.  I tried Moca today for the first time, and have mixed views.  

    The people, ambiance, location and free (rear) parking are all major pluses.  The coffee is good.  

    But I was really disappointed in the breakfast selections.  As someone who tries to buy local and support independent businesses--and who wants local businesses to support other local business--I was surprised that the bagels and muffins appeared to be purchased from a Sam's Club or Restaurant Depot.  Given Moca's close proximity to Shadeau Breads, Bon Bonerie, not to mention local intuitions like Marx's, they could easily be purchasing much higher quality breakfast breads and pastries from fellow local vendors.  I'm sorry, but jumbo plastic wrapped muffins and generic bagels are not what I want from a local eatery.

    Coffeehouse like Coffee Emporium, Iris, Sitwells, BLOC (Price Hill), etc, all prioritize buying their foods from other local, independent businesses or vendors.

    I really hope Moca develops their breakfast/snack menu and a stronger buy-local ethos, as it is an otherwise wonderful addition to a charming Walnut Hills business district that's transforming for the better.

    Also, I haven't sampled their lunch menu, but it appears to be much more varied and stronger than their breakfast offerings.

  • Review from Alex S.

    Cincinnati, OH

    5.0 star rating
    9/7/2011

    To me, and I mean this, this is the perfect coffee shop. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Located right next to Suzie Wong's, this shop has everything I need. Let's break it down:

    Coffee: Fresh, awesome, lots of choices. You can't go wrong with a drink here.

    Atmosphere: Cute and comfortable. Lots of fantastic comfortable chairs (with or without tables) both inside and outside on the patio. It's nice to sit in either and I've done both. And a great menu written up behind the bar.

    Food: Amazing! I only got my first sandwich here yesterday but it was delicious. A spicy chipotle chicken on fresh thick bread with a side of delicious potato salad. And very reasonably priced. I loved it.

    Staff: Warm and friendly. They gave me suggestions on what to eat and knew their products well. I was very impressed.

    Wifi: Free! Can't beat that.

    Park: Free! There's a lot behind the building that you can park in if you're going to Moca (or anything in the plaza). It's a little hidden but you'll find it. Free parking at a coffee shop is one of my favorite things in the entire world.

    I can't say any more than that. For me to give five stars, I have to not only love my expereince, but be so surprised by how much I love it that I want to go back right away. That's just how I felt about Cafe Moca. A fantastic coffee shop. Five stars the full way.

  • Review from Erik S.

    • 22 friends
    • 68 reviews

    Cincinnati, OH

    4.0 star rating
    11/18/2011 17 Check-ins Here

    It is both a good and bad thing that I live so close to this place. I find myself walking down here on weekends and wishing they were open earlier so I could get my fix, so I guess thats my only knock against them.

    Ok now that the one negative thing I have to say is out of the way, here is the good. It has the best Chai Tea Latte in the city, hands down. I dare you to disagree! Their breakfast sandwiches rock too. Great warm atmosphere to this little neighborhood hang out.

    Worth checking out if you are in the area, you wont be let down!

  • Review from Tara N.

    Cincinnati, OH

    5.0 star rating
    8/9/2011 5 Check-ins Here

    This little coffee shop is directly across the street from my office, and I adore it. While I don't usually get coffee there, the food is excellent and the staff is fantastic.

    Whether you need a meeting spot or just a spot to plop down with your laptop and get some work done, enjoy their free wireless internet, cozy atmosphere, and friendly, local faces! When it's nice out, eating or working on the patio is lovely.

    This is definitely one of the best lunch spots near DeSales Corner!

  • Review from Rachel M.

    • 13 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Washington, DC

    2.0 star rating
    4/22/2011

    MoCa is one of those places I pass on a daily basis and have always been meaning to try because it's right by my office. I am a Starbucks junkie, but mostly because it's what is convenient, so I really love it when I can find an independent coffee joint.

    As a former barista, I am quite the snob about my drinks and, I have to say, I was a bit disappointed by MoCa. I asked for a nonfat, cherry mocha and they were out of cherry syrup, so I easily substituted raspberry, which was not a big deal. However, I had to give quite the vivid description to the woman making my drink (I believe she was the owner, too!) and she had to ask again when she began to make my drink what kind of milk I wanted. When I got my drink, it tasted very watered down.

    I do have to say, everyone in the entire shop, from the employees to the other customers, were all very friendly and the food did smell quite delicious, so I'd be willing to give it another try.

  • Review from Jessalynn S.

    Cincinnati, OH

    4.0 star rating
    2/2/2011

    I live down the street from MoCA, and while I don't go there for to-go coffee (I admit to a bit of a Starbucks habit), I do like trekking over with some grading or other work and settling in with one of their delicious espresso drinks. I recommend the Dirty Chai (which has a shot of espresso in it), but everything I've had here has been pretty tasty.

    One word of warning: around 2-3ish every weekday, the place fills up with high schoolers from the nearby school. So you might want to avoid those hours. MoCA also closes early in the evenings, as many coffee shops in Cincinnati tend to do. But for a late morning/early afternoon work spot, it's an excellent alternative to your standard crowded Starbucks.

  • Review from Mike M.

    Cincinnati, OH

    4.0 star rating
    11/6/2011 13 Check-ins Here

    awesome food.

    awesome people.

    awesome, locally grown coffee.

    if you are meeting someone to discuss business, a potential date or politics - meet at moca.  drop starbucks (if you know what's good for ya) and support local walnut hills' businesses.  

    in a neighborhood that could use a little love, moca brings it.  they don't turn anyone away and, like the real world, you can encounter all kinds of folks here.

    many thanks to moca for being so kind to my students from purcell marian (if they give you a hard time, you know the number:)).

  • Review from Elizabeth W.

    Cincinnati, OH

    3.0 star rating
    8/17/2011

    I like this coffee shop as a quiet place just a few miles from University of Cincinnati and right on busy Madison Road.  It's spacious inside with booths and tables scattered on a concrete floor, which feels warm and modern instead of cold and industrial.  I've only had coffee here and it's just fine for me.  They have a menu with a selection of sandwiches and salads.  They have tables outside that would be nice on a quiet morning, but the traffic noise would probably be too noisy on a typical work day.  Free parking in the back makes this a great place for some quiet work or just a quick caffeine jolt.

  • Review from Julie B.

    Cincinnati, OH

    3.0 star rating
    11/27/2010

    Nice little coffee shop at DeSales corner.  Decent food and drinks.  They use the same Chai as all the places in Cincinnati.  Good place for a metting but if you are doing it during the shcool year at lunch then you might not find a table.  Parking is behind the store.  Staff is very friendly .

    Don't expect to blown away by MOCA but do expect good service and free WIFI.

    It does cater to HS kids so expect that when  you go....

  • Review from Zack F.

    Cincinnati, OH

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2010 3 photos 5 Check-ins Here

    Bright energetic environment. Plenty of outdoor seating. Quality coffee drinks, smoothie and a lot of light, healthy food (many vegetarian and vegan options as well). The prices are competitive, and the staff is both friendly and competent. It's a good option to consider as a regular hang out spot during down time at the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science.

    It's on the corner near the big church, right next to Suzie Wong's. There is on-street parking surrounding it.

  • Review from Margot W.

    • 4 friends
    • 15 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    4/28/2009

    Great little coffee shop with a wonderful staff in DeSales Corner in East Walnut Hills. They have a nice selection of coffee drinks as well as lunch items. Prices are decent, only complaint is that they aren't open late.

    Check it out! They have a nice outdoor seating area for the summertime.

  • Review from Michael C.

    • 24 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Cincinnati, OH

    4.0 star rating
    10/12/2010

    Cafe Moca has a great selection of coffee and friendly service to go with it.  Every time I go there I'm greeted with a big smile from one of the young ladies who work there, which is certainly more than I can say for most coffee shops in town.  Their free Wi-Fi has saved my life numerous times when my "wonderful" Cincinnati Bell home internet service has gone out.  The only real drawback about using Moca's Wi-Fi service is the fact two of the cafe's walls are glass from ceiling to floor, which can cause a bad glare on a laptop screen when the sun is out.  

    As another Yelper mentioned, I really wish that Moca was open at night.  East Walnut Hills doesn't have much in the way of nighttime culture.  It would be great to have at least once place in my neighborhood to spend a quiet evening reading a book and sipping a great cup of Ethiopian coffee.  Hopefully Moca will someday become that place.

  • Review from Stephanie O.

    • 17 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Cincinnati, OH

    5.0 star rating
    8/9/2010

    I'm probably biased on why I put five stars. See, I go to Walnut Hills and Moca is the only coffee shop around. If you've never attended Walnut, let me just tell you that if you don't have a coffee in 1st bell you WILL fall asleep through AP Chem.

    The reason why this place isn't open at night is because it caters to the high school kids. Walnut is down the street, Purcell is across from it, and St. Ursula, Summit and Withrow are 2-5 minutes driving. This is where kids hang out after school, and it's an excellent place. No one ever gets rowdy because it's a coffee shop, and I am ALWAYS in the mood for their cinnamon rolls (Mmm....$2 fresh cinnamon rolls? Sign me up!) I also love the punch cards...I get a coffee there five days a week, so my free coffee comes up pretty fast:)

    Their wraps are delicious as well, but I've only ordered from nonsnack food there once, after a weekend volleyball game vs. Purcell Marian. But I'd definitely order it more often, and this coming school year I have to remember to do so.

    Then again, I may also be biased because all my classmates work there:)

  • Review from Devon S.

    • 6 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    4/30/2011

    I love this place!

  • Review from Emily R.

    Cincinnati, OH

    4.0 star rating
    5/7/2010 ROTD 9/3/2010

    Today is such a beautiful day! So, when Tony said, "wanna meet for lunch?" Yes was my obvious answer and sitting outside was my only criteria. He suggested Cafe Moca in Walnut Hills. Never been but I was in!
    I had heard about this place before in passing from other coffee shop goers. So, I had to try it out and see what all the buzz was about. I walked in expecting there to be a limited coffee shop menu and was pleasantly pleased to see about 5 pages of options! Salads, Wraps, Sandwiches, baked goods, etc... There were so many choices and all healthy! Right up my bikini season alley!
    The girl behind the counter was very sweet and helpful. She answered all of my questions- usual for me to have at least 2. After practically interviewing her about their menu, I decided to indulge in the Asian Chicken Salad and unsweetened raspberry iced tea (I've been on a kick recently).  They gave us our drinks and we headed outside to enjoy the weather.
    The wait for the salad was about 10 minutes but absolutely worth it. It was fresh and crisp and yummy! Mandarin oranges and crispy wontons with the most delicious toasted sesame dressing! This salad was perfect! The portion was perfect too. I was completely satsified but not stuffed. I will definitely be back! Maybe even for some coffee shop action. I am still looking for a new coffee shop to call my office. Meanwhile, I'll definitely be back to try the Bacon Avocado Wrap!

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