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Kahili Coffee - CLOSED
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
105 S Lake St(between Market St & Lakeshore Plaza Dr)
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 576-5600
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Kahili Coffee
Review Highlights
"Free Wi-Fi and really good pastry's and sandwiches too."
(in 9 reviews)
"They also have 100% Kona drip and excellent pastries."
(in 5 reviews)
"Good relaxed atmosphere and great diversity (for kirkland."
(in 3 reviews)
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Shino O.
Bellevue, WA
6/14/2010
Kahili is closed. My husband (huge fan of this place) came back with this sad, sad, face and said, "Kahili is turning into a italian restaurant or somthing."
Too bad.
I loved their artisanal coffee, yummy treats, sofa so huge and cushy that gulp my whole body.
No more. We don't know where to go now! -
Review from Vas S.
New York, NY
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Okay, the only reason I came in was because I ate brunch at Hector's across the street. Yes, I'm slumming it in Kirkland today. And I regret it already. The vibe was too yuppie, Kirkland hipster, which has got to be the worst kind of hipster of all. Couches looked comfy, but the atmospher wasn't, so I walked out without even trying the coffee.
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Review from Derek C.
Tacoma, WA
8/28/2006 3 photos
Once, a place where I would travel to for many reasons: baristas that had a passion for making good coffee and a calm/relaxing atmosphere to name a few.
Times have changed.
Now, I would still drop by if it were on the way simply because of the great location they have down by the Marina Park which very well could be my favourite spot to hang out in in all of the Seattle area during the summertime. All the businesses in the area open up their windows, the sidewalks are bustling with beautiful people of all ages, and there's a wonderful street market that goes on every Wednesday.
It's still the best cafe I know of on the eastside, but it is no longer a destination point for me but rather a place to drop by for a while if it's convenient.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Craig V.
Wenatchee, WA
5/24/2010
This place has gotten better with age.
Not only has the decor improved, but the taste of the espresso and the quality of the baristas has gone up since opening.
Kahili also has a fireplace that you can sit and read by.
The downside is seeing all the same guys in there every time you go. Downtown Kirkland is full of a bunch of thirty-something year old software engineer men who drive BMW's and hang out in coffeeshops all day flirting with girls ten years younger than they are. -
Review from AJ G.
Kirkland, WA
11/28/2006
I like the Middle Eastern crew that hangs out there. They bring the much needed culture to the eastside.
Their Zoka Espresso Blend is good; The Kona coffee is fine if it's fresh. Although I haven' t had a great cup yet.
Not happy with the current crew that runs it. The free wi-fi and couches are a plus, but you can find that anywhere. My feeling is if Triple J's wouldn't have converted into a bistro, and there was another independent to go to, they wouldn't be as busy there. Although, a better choice compared to the starsucks that is going in. -
Review from Inna B.
Seattle, WA
7/18/2009
When I came in, the two girls (probably in late teens, early 20's?) working were swamped. Or at least it seemed like it. It was kind of weird because it seemed like they were moving around super fast, but it didn't seem like much was getting done and the line was moving very slowly.
I had a northwest berry smoothie and it was decent. I kind of wish I would have gone for the cheaper iced Yerba Mate Latte instead.
The interior seems nice. They had some guys playing guitar when I came in, which seems like a good idea... but not so much considering how LOUD it was. I was surprised that anybody could stand to stay in there for longer than necessary. I felt kind of bad for being happy that they finished right after I came in. -
Review from Helen W.
Seattle, WA
10/12/2006
Can this really be the same sticky floors I used to dance on when it was Dynamite?
This place is now a beautiful coffee house with comfy couches, good coffee and free wi-fi. Very relaxed atmosphere with good music and excellent opportunities for people watching. Although the music was a tad loud at times and the Barista also thinks he's a DJ. Just because you don't like a certain song, doesn't mean you can just push 'next'. Don't they know that they are being Yelped right now as I'm sitting here enjoying a cup of latte and free wi-fi? -
Review from Jeremiah A.
Duvall, WA
3/10/2010
I used to work out of Kahili on a pretty regular basis. The vibe was similar to what you would find in many Eastside coffee shops (lots of people working, small groups meeting and college students). I always enjoyed the coffee, but then about a year ago the menu board changed from a chalk board to a preprinted menu that looked cheaply done. This was a apparently a sign of the end. The quality and cleanliness of the store has really declined and all of the Barista's that used work there are gone. The staff seems much less friendly. I haven't visited for months, but I moved on to the Zoka that moved in down the street. The few times I have tried to go to Kahili the hours had changed and I was forced up the street to the Starbucks. It is kinda sad to see the decline of what was one of the best Eastside coffee locations.
Perhaps if they got back to their roots and hired a hire quality of staff and focused on the coffee things would improve.
Update: They went out of business... -
Review from Cat C.
Seattle, WA
7/31/2008
Finally a coffee house that isn't Starbucks and is open past 7pm!!! The decor is fabulous, couches are comfy, coffee is excellent and they are open till 11 PM on weeknights!
Kahili almost makes me think living on the east side isn't so bad! The only down side (when I was there at least) is their obsession with playing Depeche Mode! Hello, the 80's are over! I lived through it and would like to not repeat them, thank you!
This is my new favorite coffee house (Well Diva will always be number one in my heart!). -
Review from Shep G.
3/9/2006
GREAT place to hang and enjoy some good Kona coffee. Free Wi-Fi and really good pastry's and sandwiches too. They are right across the street from Hector's. Kahili is also trying to do a Wine event every Thursday night. Check the web site for updates regarding the wine events.(14 Hands winery was March 2nd) They serve wine AND beer in the evenings. This place is a great addition to downtown Kirkland!
I'm thinking of moving in and living here.... -
Review from Denice R.
3/24/2009
I waffle between two and three stars. Ok three. I keep coming here to support the indie coffee house (as opposed to Starbucks or Tully's) but I do have issues.
The service is inconsistent and teeters between friendly and downright rude with a median being around disinterested. I like the coffee and assortment of menu items and you can get wine by the glass. They offer free wi-fi but beware: often the music is way too loud and abrasive for any type of effort requiring serious concentration (they attract a hipper crowd than Starbucks/Tully's but there is this atmospheric trade-off).
Parking is catch-as-catch-can and is fastidiously monitored by the Kirkland parking patrol in a near ADD state of fervor. I grew up in Kirkland, some things never change. The location is sweet. Right on the Lake Street, just steps from the marina. -
Review from Carina N.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2007
I have sentimental reasons to rate Kahili Coffee House with 5 stars.. Moving from sunny LA to the depressing Seattle during the hash winter of 2006, Kahili was the only thing I look forward to go to everyday.
It is a very adorable coffee house with plenty of cozy big coaches to snuggle up with. The interior is made of wood, along with the warm lighting, it feels very classy and homey. When it's getting dark and windy or snowy outside, I'll just go to Kahili and start working on my laptop. It is hooked with Wi-Fi, but it can be flaky. On the weekends you'll see more families with kids. But usually, you'll spot mostly students and Microsofties like myself.
The fireplace towards the end warms up the place very fast. If lucky, you'll find a coach there. Take a cup of coffee or latte or Chai, and pick up some random newsletter to read. It can get loud when there's a full house, but usually, the ambient music is very nice in the background.
Their coffee is actually excellent! I love their latte, and especially when the barista made the effort to make a leave or heart pattern with the foam milk when they serve.
The only draw back, is that this place will leave a funny smell on your sweater after you walk out. I don't know if it's from the food or the coffee, it kind of sticks to your hair and skin too. But this does not hinder my excellent rating for Kahili. -
Review from hung n.
Bellevue, WA
1/25/2008
Want some exotic blends? This is the place to be...
Plenty of space for free wireless activities or just kicking back and catching up with some friends.
Attached to sister restaurant in the back with great view of Lake Washington.
As my yelp friend would say, "Can you say yummy coffee?" -
Review from Marisa M.
3/23/2009
Kahili Coffee... Other than brewing Kona coffee (amongst others), please tell me what makes you Hawaiian. Is it the fake palm trees, or maybe the Tommy Bahama-like ceiling fans?
I was totally psyched when I saw the sign - I'm a lover of all things Hawaiian, and love the Hawaiian coffee places down in SoCal. But this place is far from anything Hawaiian.
With that said, the coffee here is just ok, but I have a feeling it was because of the people making it. Aside from their mocha-making skills, the service wasn't actually bad! They were friendly and talkative. That's more than I can say of the patrons. Everyone seemed so morose, though that wasn't the first time I experienced that at a Seattle-area coffee joint... hmmm (could there be a Vitamin D correlation?).
I think I'll try some of the higher-rated coffee places in Kirkland from now on. Aloha, Kahili! -
Review from Gary F.
12/20/2009
KAHILI HAS BEEN CLOSED PERMANENTLY: Full disclosure: I'm a tea drinker, and base most of my comparisons on the quality and selection of teas. Kahili brews fresh, loose tea, though they put it small tea bags when they prepare it.
If you want to work out of the office on your laptop, they do have free wifi, but more important, the cafe is a little quieter overall than Starbucks or Tully's.
They also have huge front windows that swing open, so on a nice day you can have fresh air and keep your laptop plugged in.
The service is above average. They can get backed up, but no more than your local Starbucks.
Bonus points because they put out a water bowl for dogs. -
Review from Whitney Z.
Kirkland, WA
7/24/2008
This place has great seating, free wifi, spacious area, and variety of great choices.
However the staff wasn't super friendly..
Coming from a previous coffee shop that prided ourselves in our great customer service, its like pulling teeth from these guys. its almost as if you feel your troubling them.
Good americano though... but find a sweeter staff -
Review from Josh G.
Kirkland, WA
4/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
My gut tells me to rate this place at 3 stars. It does have some pretty good things working for it. There are a few comfy couches and chairs in the place which make it nice to plop down and read a book. The coffee was pretty decent and they played some good tunes while I was there.
For the negatives, it is a kinda small and they have a lot of tables jammed into the space which makes it feel cramped. There is also apparently free wi-fi but I wasn't able to get it to work, although you can pick up the Kirkland city wi-fi here.
I'll probably be back but this won't be my 1st choice in the Kirkland area. -
Review from Thomas B.
King, WA
2/1/2010
Kahili is a pretty good coffee house. The biggest problem I have with it is the management. Me and my buddy used to come here all the time for coffee. It got to the point where we knew the baristas by name.
Then they all quit. Why? The owner was being a jerk. I don't like to support a jerk's business. -
Review from Marcus J.
Beverly Hills, CA
11/30/2006
Kahili is a fantastic place to hang out and visit with friends and family. Occasionally, large groups mingle for extended periods of time on the oversized, overstuffed sofas but for the most part the environment is friendly and welcoming.
Kahili's coffee is first-rate and well prepared by their expertly trained baristas. Their pastries are fresh and delicious, the sandwiches outstanding.
I am sad to see posting like the ones below by Ron and Laila. Obviously, these two are disgruntled and want to only speak poorly of this wonderful establishment. Reading their posts only imply that they are low level individuals that cannot take responsibility for their own actions (Laila, maybe being fired will give you the wake up call that you needed!) I suggest that you two find a new coffee shop; the bitter taste in my mouth is not Kahili's coffee, but your childish attitudes.
Keep up the great work Kahili- I am excited to celebrate the 1 year anniversary in February! -
Review from Angie B.
4/12/2006
Stopped in here briefly the other day & plan to be back whenever work takes me to Kirkland. I'm always looking for a good spot w/ wifi where I can relax, have some coffee and/or a snack & get some work done. This definitely fits the bill. Also it's downtown w/ big windows that open out to the street, so in the summer I can imagine it'll feel quite "beachy" - good for people watching too! Coffee was good - though I've only been there once so far & sometimes it depends on the barista...so we'll see...
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Review from Ian W.
10/27/2008
Strolling through Downtown Kirkland, I made a coffee stop at Kahili Coffee. The atmosphere inside is very laid back with ample seating (couches, armchairs, table seating, and high wood seating at the coffee bar. There's also a fireplace in the back and framed local pictures hanging on the walls. Several customers are taking advantage of the free wi-fi, including myself as I type this review sitting at the coffee bar. They offer drip coffee, espresso, chai, lattes, smoothies, Kahlua drinks, spiced caramel apple cider, paninis, soups, baked goods (I saw cakes & eclairs), & organic granola. Live entertainment here too. I'm drinking a medium drip coffee, which is pretty decent. The place is quiet as a library with the one barista keeping the prep area clean. The vibe is pretty cool here. Gotta get going, more to see. Those "Take It To Make It" pedestrian flags are pretty neat!
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Review from Gwen C.
7/21/2010
It's closed, and given what a jerk the owner was, good riddance.
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Review from Ebru Y.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2008
I have just been to Kahili Coffee and I have to say they make pretty good white chocolate mochas. Their pastries are also delicious. The only problem I had was, we were sitting next to the window because they were quite busy so there were no other seats, and I guess their windows aren't that well insulated, so we were kind of cold. Other than this little problem, everything else was great. They have free wi-fi, which rocks, who wants to go to Starbucks and pay for internet when they can have it free? Parking in this area is also easy. Cool place to meet friends for coffee.
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Review from Jennifer M.
Kirkland, WA
7/23/2008
If I could give this place zero stars, I would. I have been in twice and, have walked out twice (empty handed). If you like standing in front of the employee for 5 minutes and, not being acknowledged AT ALL this might be your favorite coffee shop! Seriously, what's up with the people that work at this place? They don't know how lucky they are to have such a great location, that's the only thing going for them! Rude girl with the apple in your mouth that said "You were KINDA open" even though the doors were unlocked and, you had served other people, get another job and, put down the apple GEEEEEZZZ!
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Review from Anne C.
Seattle, WA
11/24/2008
went to Kahili a week ago to have a latte and read my book. The coffee was fantastic, the decor was pleasant, but the cashier was very rude. After barely finishing my latte order, the cashier punched the keys on the register and gave me a total of about $3 - then I indicated that I also wanted a cookie. Not only did the cookie order get me a big sigh in frustration, but she then charged me $3 for the cookie! Trying to be nice, as I planned to be there for an hour or so, I kindly asked if the cookie was really $3 - and she snapped that she doesn't set the prices. She then rolled her eyes at me as she gave the barista my order.
While the coffee is tastey, you'd be much better off going to the Starbucks across the street. Hopefully blue-sweater-set cashier will develop a sunnier disposition, or leave the customer service industry. -
Review from Krisha D.
Kirkland, WA
10/10/2008
This was not only an bad experience because of the staff but because the coffee was SO BITTER, I felt sick and had to wash it down with some no-name coffee stand's latte to get the taste out of my freaking mouth.
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Review from Marina H.
Washington, DC
3/26/2009
I love this place, and am a frequent customer. While I prefer getting my morning coffee from a place a couple of blocks north, but I love Kahili Coffee house in the evenings. I feel cozy inside, I love the friendly staff, quality Hawaiian coffee, variety of teas (they even have matte!), free wi-fi. I bragged about this place so much that I now always bump into a friend or two, when I stop by there in the evening.
Listed in: Bestest Coffee
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Review from Tomomi G.
Sammamish, WA
4/9/2006
This is one of the few privately owned coffee shops in the Eastside. They serve excellent coffee. It has very relaxing atomosphere, Nice big couch and chairs almost makes you feel like being in your friend's living room. Nice place to stop by after a meal to get a cup of coffee of glass of wine. Open late compare to other coffee shops in this side of the lake.
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Review from David W.
King, WA
Updated - 6/6/2010
Gone? It was covered with brown paper, but no sign indicating what happened. Looks like it's gone to me...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/10/2010
They make a nice latte and mocha and have a relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes, it seems too relaxed in… Read more »
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Review from Kerou C.
Bellevue, WA
2/26/2010
Out of necessity I have become a coffeeshop aficionado (I do my work in coffeeshops when I can't concentrate at home). Their coffee is decent, though I think it used to be better. If I recall correctly, they used to serve Zoka coffee but probably switched because Zoka opened a location next door. They have free, reliable wi-fi, but the reason this place is so great to work is the furniture. They have big open tables with lots of outlets if you need them, or if you are reading, I would recommend their nice plushy couches, complete with ottoman. :)
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Review from Brandon H.
Seattle, WA
12/21/2007
Ah Kahili... so close to greatness... First the good, the espresso is very good, their beans are roasted by Zoka and the drinks are to the same high standard as Zoka. They also have 100% Kona drip and excellent pastries. Now, the problem I have is that the name and the shop have little correlation. I'm from Hawai'i, I know Hawai'i, and you Kahili Coffee are not Hawai'i. Where's the Aloha? I'm very friendly and always tip and smile, I can tell they recognize me yet all I get is a cold stare(with two notable exceptions). Former workers, I wish I knew you. No Hawai'ian music, and no Aloha... what more can I say?
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Review from Michael B.
WA
5/22/2010
Kahili has closed. Which is too bad, because I enjoyed it.
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Review from Chris S.
Fayetteville, AR
Updated - 7/5/2009
Well, I wrote my initial review in 06. They opened with a wonderful manager, changed managers... yadda... update is, it still lacks. Beautiful place but horribly inconsistent hours. Not unusual to find a paper sign in the window "closing early." Sad. Ladro with WONDERFUL beans on the north corner, Starbucks with WONDERFUL employees, and now Zoka's opening in a few weeks. Kirkland is coming of age for coffee drinkers. (Yes, I know I didn't mention St. James and Terra Byte east of Kahili. Save your walk.)
Listed in: Best Coffee and Espresso in…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/28/2006
March 07 - Wow! This place has really gone in the toilet. Food prices worse than Tully's and… Read more »
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Review from Liz J.
Seattle, WA
1/21/2009
I like this place. Great location, wonderful options for seating (tables, couches, fireplace seating), free wifi, great coffee! Music could be improved and so could the staff.
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Review from Trish J.
Renton, WA
3/1/2009
I liked this place, free WiFi, ample seating and coffee is superb. However, I will have to agree the staff could be a bit more friendly, in this economy any tip is better then no tip from crappy service.
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Review from NANCY L.
Seattle, WA
4/14/2009
I order a cup of coffee. The girl forgot my order. When I get my drink, it was wrong and it was not hot nor warm. I won't go there again if I have to for it's free WiFi but it's free WIFi all around Kirkland anyway.
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Review from Gabe B.
Redmond, WA
1/17/2010
Kahili has a great small coffee shop vibe with a great staff and friendly patronage. You can always find someone having a group conversation or just some friendly banter with a nearby table. The drip coffee is 100% Kona which is AWESOME since it's probably the best. Their espresso and other items are non-Kona, but still very good considering how inexpensive it is. Anytime I need to hang out or just read, this is a place to go.
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Review from James M.
Redmond, WA
2/14/2010
Good coffee, much better than any chain place. They can even do alcoholic coffee drinks, which is great for a weekend evening out. Vibe varies based on the crowd at the time.
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Review from Danny D.
Kirkland, WA
4/24/2007
Kahili makes great coffee, excellent milk & micro-foam, nicely roasted beans that don't taste old. Good relaxed atmosphere and great diversity (for kirkland!). It is a bit more expensive than other coffee shops, but hey, it's better than starbucks !
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Review from Gary F.
Seattle, WA
11/2/2008
I love Kahili Coffee, however often times there is really funky music playing. It varies, as sometimes more smoothing and normal music is being played, however when studying and trying to concentrate the techno or alternative music without words (don't know the exact terminology for what its called) is kinda annoying and makes it hard to concentrate. Several other people around me have mentioned it as well.
This place is great and like coming here, yet often times I have to leave due to the music. This is more of a comment than anything else, just wanted to let management know that later in the evening the music volume goes up and the weirder music comes on the later it gets...
