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Cafe Kili
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
5731 E Fowler AveTampa, FL 33617
(813) 988-2879
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6:30 am - 9 pm
Fri 6:30 am - 10 pm
Sat 7:30 am - 5 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
19 reviews for Cafe Kili
Review Highlights
19 reviews in English
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Review from Jason S.
Asheville, NC
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nothing bad to say about this place. Had The Lion Den sandwich which was delicious. Also had the shrimp bisque that was also good. The coffee was great, free wifi and a comfortable atmosphere. Come here for lunch, coffee, wifi...whatever!
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Review from Brett N.
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Why 4 stars? Because my coffee was phenom!
--- --- ---
I know it's tough to rate a place based on one Cafe Con Leche, but I was very impressed. The impressing started right away when they asked me if I wanted it sweet or unsweet - I don't recall ever being asked that with a Cafe Con Leche.
Taste wise, it fit right in with the great coffee shops of Ybor City. I would definitely grab another coffee (and possibly a snack) next time I am sleepy in the USF area. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Tampa, FL
5/11/2012
Shame on me for not having tried the coffee yet (I hear it's the 'thing' to get from there), but I have tried a lot of sandwiches and soups and it's all simply amazing. The staff is so friendly and is more than happy to make conversation with you while you wait for your food/drink. The preparation of your order is always fast.
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Review from Meghann A.
Tampa, FL
4/4/2012 2 photos
Spent the afternoon working from here a while back. They have free wifi, the iced coffee was good, and the workers were sweet. It's a great quiet coffee shop for a little peace and quiet. http://mealsandmiles.c...
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Review from melanie n.
Naples, FL
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
The vanilla chai latte was spectacular! Was made from scratch and definitely worth the few minute wait. It was creamy, a little on the sweet side but perfectly heated and blended. Prices very reasonable. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, decor is African theme.
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Review from Nelly P.
Tampa, FL
2/28/2012
Love this place. Had a red velvet hot chocolate, which was really good! Live music was not loud and did not make it hard to study. The owner was friendly and pleasant and the service was great. It's a great little place. I will definitely come back!
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Review from Danesh J.
The chai is pretty fragrant. The sandwich, Daniel's Lion Den, was delicious! The horseradish sauce went well the iced chai. It essentially dampened strong taste.
To sum it up in statements: Pretty decent. Quiet and comfy. Not bad. A-OK I'll be back, maybe to check out their open mic nights. Probably order a mocha next time. -
Review from Joseph D.
Mayo, FL
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very friendly and fast service. I came here after hearing of it from a friend and reading other reviews from yelp. I do not know how i could have missed it for so long when this is the kind of place I love to go for good coffee and a great atmosphere.
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Review from Carlos H.
One of the reasons I love going to cafes is that I can write my review during my visit, when it is freshest in my mind. Cafe Kili has been right under my nose for quite some time, I must have been to to Applebees and Tokyo Sushi a million times and never noticed that there was a nice place right next door. I decided to come here after reading Sally L.'s review and must say she did a pretty great job on her review.
The people who work there are extremely friendly. The minute I walked in and approached the counter the man at the register was friendly and helpful. I let him know it was my first time and he recommended the soup of the day, Shrimp Corn Bisque to me, along with a chilled Caramel Latte for this hot weather we're having today in sunny Tampa, Florida.
The Caramel Latte was excellent sweet with a good coffee taste, as Sally mentions the taste isn't overly powerful, but just right for people who prefer not to have that Cuban coffee taste. It was way better than any Starbucks coffee I have had...maybe I have been spending too much money there.
The Shrimp Corn Bisque was a bit of a shot in the dark for me because I didn't know whether I was going to really like it or not, but this soup tastes amazing. A nice sweet taste, the shrimp tastes really fresh and the corn tastes fantastic as well. I'm a little sad that I only got a cup, if it is here the next time I come I will have a bowl for sure.
The place also has free-wifi which is always a nice plus and when I sat down I found a power charger with plenty of plug slots to ensure that even groups will have enough plugs to charge their laptops or whatever devices they bring.
The ambiance of the place is quite relaxing. Today the clientele seems to be an older crowd and I could really see myself studying here sometime. It could be because it's summer that there doesn't seem to be many USF students around.
The cafe is decorated with pictures and decorations to give it that African vibe with Zebra statues nearby, African gifts and jewelery for sale, and a painting of some animals in Africa up on the walls nearby me. Even the outside of the bathroom has an African illustration on it. It reminds me a little of Cafe Tu Tu Tango without the dancers and artists, maybe a daytime version of Cafe Tu TU Tango in Orlando.
I'm impressed with Cafe Kili and since it is right by USF I can see myself making many future visits here. I want to try their smoothies, desserts, and breakfast someday as well.Listed in: University of South Florida…
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Review from David W.
Oakland, CA
10/5/2010
I am using Cafe Klil's wireless right now to write this review. This is only my first visit so it may be a bit soon to really rate this place.
But this cafe has got enough to make my first impression worth yelping about . . . It is definitely a great vibe here, very friendly staff, a variety of cozy nooks to study/chat. The walls and display cases highlight some local events, art, and heroes. Apparently a lot of locals and regulars meet here because everyone is on a first name basis. A good mix of coffee, tea and eats on the menu. It definitely exceeded the expectations I had when I pulled into the strip mall that Cafe Kili is located in.
Kili provided a nice welcome for this out-of-towner,
thanks, David -
Review from Sally L.
Tampa, FL
11/13/2008
Disclaimer 1: I am not a big coffee drinker, but my fiance is, so reviews of coffee are based off of what he said.
Disclaimer 2: My fiance went to school with the late son of the couple who owns the cafe, so we have a little bit of a personal bias.
That said, I really really like this place. If I had just stumbled into it, not knowing anything about the people who owned it, I would still love it just as much. The atmosphere is really charming; they've got beautiful African furniture & wall decorations, setting a really comfortable environment to sit & chat & catch up with friends; discuss business; do some homework or studying; or just soak up the atmosphere. It seems to be very popular with students from the nearby USF.
They sell goods made from women in Africa that they buy, & then sell for them, sending back the profits. The wares aren't cheap, but I wouldn't call them expensive, & they seem to be of high quality. Next time I'm in I'm definitely buying some jewelry.
On to the food & drinks.
My sweetie had a coffee & asked for the strongest flavored one. He said it was really quite good, but not as strong as some other coffees he's had. If really strong coffee isn't your thing, then you'll probably like this. He said it's really flavorful, too. We bought a pound (half-pound maybe?) of beans to bring home to mom & dad to enjoy -- did I mention that Cafe Kili roasts their coffee on-site themselves? They offered to grind it for us but we declined since we have a coffee grinder & it tastes better fresh.
I had a bowl of seafood chowder that was a special of the day. Needed a little salt but I respect it when places let you salt your own food; better than being too salty. Salt added, it was delicious. They also have sandwiches, so you can stop here for a light lunch.
Price-wise it's very reasonable.
This cafe has been owner Rose's dream; my sweetie recalls hearing about it from Kevin, her late son who was killed in Iraq. There's a memorial on the wall to Kevin & the rest of his battalion (? I always forget military terms...) that brings tears to your eyes.
I really love this place & highly recommend for coffee-lovers (& non-coffee-loving cafe-lovers who enjoy tea & ambiance) to check it out & support a local family in their endeavors.Listed in: The other Bay Area -- Tampa
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Review from Lisseth C.
Costa Mesa, CA
9/23/2009 3 photos
I drove 11 miles to get to this coffee shop. I usually just go to a coffee shop near by to study, but decided to check this place out! And it's pretty cozy and good place to study. good coffee and good chocolate muffin and it's good! :)
It was a bit load just b/c there were people talking load, but it's cool. I saw another girl studying as well. -
Review from Ben O.
11/25/2008 1 photo
I've only been in Cafe Kili for a few minutes and already I've met the owner's husband, Patrick, who made me feel at home. Rose roasts her own beans here--sometimes Costa Rican, sometimes Tanzanian, but always, always Kenya AA, the best from the place where she grew up.
I ordered a bold coffee, less than $2 for a large, and happily waited for it to brew. The free Internet access is de rigeueueueuer -- uh, expected -- at any modern café, and here it's reasonably fast and doesn't make you look at a splash screen proclaiming the name of the ISP.
I'm about as impressed as I can with with my first ten minutes here. I'm only sorry I can't stay longer. -
Review from Blake B.
Houston, TX
2/23/2009
Drop Starbucks and support this small business run by African immigrants. The owners, Rose and Patrick, always make everyone here feel at home! They're Kenyan, and have decorated the shop with items from back home.
Beans are fresh-roasted every day, and the prices here are great! -
Review from Kevin F.
5/3/2010
Come for the delicious tea and coffee. Stay for the food, nice people, and warm atmosphere.
I usually don't have much luck finding a place that makes good sandwiches. I'm a bit picky, I guess. I like lots of meat and quality ingredients. No issues here. Very tasty.
I think the main reason people keep coming back here, though, is the service. Very helpful and friendly staff.Listed in: African Adventure
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Review from Melvyn B.
Hillsborough, FL
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great little place to stop In an grab a breakfast sandwich and a smoothie. Not the fastest, but it's worth it! Very clean also. Perfect place to relax.
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Review from elizabeth w.
Tampa, FL
11/8/2010
I'm not really a coffeehouse guru or anything, but I love this place. The people are fantastic and I love their teas. They're accomodating to groups which has been super helpful to me. They also have some great live tunes.
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Review from Charles V.
Tampa, FL
7/28/2010
Great coffee and wonderful service...met them through the Temple Terrace Chamber and my friend Edgar. I enjoy the causal atmosphere and having some great coffee. A wonderful way to start your day with fresh Java and a toasted bagel.
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Review from Sara J.
Portland, OR
8/6/2009
A great local, independent coffee shop. They have your typical coffee-based drinks - mochas, cappuccinos, blended drinks - plus some loose leaf teas and, to eat, baked goods and sandwiches. The food is tasty, and the drinks are even better. The coffee is strong, bold, and smooth, and I particularly enjoy getting their iced coffees and mochas. The decor in the cafe is cool too - very African. A great place to relax, hang out, play games, meet friends, or just get some work done.
