Kakao

As I was waking past, I saw this shop reopening so I decided to stop by. They're open 3 days a week, Tu-Th, and advertise as a coffee shop and work space, and I think they've succeeded! The inside is airy and comforting, and there were quite a few people there working in the calm ambiance. I went to order, and the barista explained to me what they're known for (their chocolate drinks). I had intended to get a chai but figured I'd try one of their fancy hot chocolates, since I am not a coffee/mocha drinker. I got my drink in a reasonable time frame, and it was great! Really thick and creamy, and a gold chocolatey flavor! Not too sweet at all, and I'm sure the darker cacao contents would be even more chocolatey if that's what you're into. Will be back!

Coffee and chocolate are wonderful, open airy space to read, work, or just have conversation.

Update:
I came in again for a nonfat milk latte. Their WiFi was down but I only had Apple Pay, so they offered me a free latte!!! Thank you!

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Love that they do double shots (and specified that in their menu) for espresso drinks! $3.75 (tax included) for 8oz latte, 0.75 (tax included) for alt milk, very good price for decent coffee in this area, esp. when they come with latte art.

Their chocolate sample by the checkout is delicious too.

I went to Kakao to meet up with a friend for coffee. It was an alright place. The hot chocolate that I had was great. I went during rush hour time, and surprisingly the place was not crowded at all. The customer service was a different story.

The reason I gave three stars is because the customer service was severely lacking. There was one guy behind the desk and he did not even acknowledge myself or the other woman who was standing there. It also took forever to get my drink, which was annoying. I mean yes, I had time, but not all the time in the world. geesh.

It has a very cozy and comfortable atmosphere, which I liked. There is not a lot of seating space, but at the time I went, there were several empty seats, so it was not a problem finding seating. It had a cool hipster, modern minimalist vibe going on, which was peaceful. The place also has like a larger room where you can host work meetings and such and I believe the room was for rent.

I would go back, but only if they had more than one barista working.

Definitely the place to go if you are a chocolate lover! They have sipping chocolate, got chocolate and a large variety of different chocolate bars!

I had the salted hot chocolate and molasses cookie, which was delicious.

They also have a decent seating area to just hang out and have your coffee or hot chocolate.

Coffee/chocolate hangout in front, event space in back, I haven't seen/heard anything else like this in Seattle. Come take a break here vs. a big coffee chain where they also have hot chocolate - actual melted chocolate from around the world - and others to nibble, that's what I come in for as I don't do coffee.

I've come in here and received a tour of their event space they have in the back for consideration of renting it out for a non-profit holiday party. It's a large room that holds up to 25 round tables or 299 people theatre style. They had a grand piano for rent, with a full kitchen and external catering was allowed and AV. It's an alternative small space for a company gathering or even a wedding on a budget.

They also have a small conference room, for a lack of a better word, that holds up to 16 people that is available through reservations.

Kakao is not open Saturdays-Sundays as they use those days for the events. They may also be closed during the week, as I've stumbled upon this a couple times, for an event.

Parking stinks in SLU as a whole. There are a couple designated spots by the entrance.

One of my favorite places to get some work done or to meet up with friends. Their hot chocolate is amazing, and you can choose between several different varieties and darkness levels. The wifi is solid and reliable.

This space is occasionally used for other events, and there maybe been times when I had to leave before their closing hours because they had a private event going on. 8pm closing time on weekdays, but I really wish they were open on weekends too.

After walking by this place a few times I had to stop in. I ordered a house mocha and got settled at a table in the quiet open space. It was the perfect atmosphere to relax and get some work done or read a book. As nice as the space was, the coffee will keep me coming back. The house mocha was so amazing I'd struggle to order anything else but there were so many other things to try -- especially the hot chocolate options. I think the prices were also very reasonable. Check it out!

Husband and I were walking around in the SLU area and yelped for coffee near me, Kakao popped up as #1!
We ordered the affagato (my favorite!) and the 85% mocha with a caprese sandwich to share. Both coffees were awesome. This was the first time we saw multiple options in mocha to choose the chocolate type! The caprese however, was a little disappointing, I don't know if it was the type of cheese or they actually added sugar(!!!), but we weren't pleased with the sweet taste.

I love it here! Such a beautiful setting to catch up with friends or get some work done. And the drinks are amazing!