Never fear the struggling economy...a new coffee shop is open!
Okafes is located in the historic Pepper Place district (you know it by the big Dr. Pepper sign and the Pepper Place Farmer's Market on Saturdays).
Okafes roasts their own fair trade, organic coffee from around the world. I tried their House Blend at the Pepper Place Market. It is a perfectly balanced, smooth cup of coffee. Their menu is especially unique and delicious offering a variety of quiches, spanakopita (a traditional Greek pie), chicken salad, paninis, and more. They also have live music on the weekends.
You really must go to this unique coffee shop and try it all!
Okafes
o kafés! coffee
2901 2nd Ave S.
Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 6 am – 5 pm
Thursday - Friday: 6 am – 10 pm
Saturday:7 am – 10 pm
Sunday: closed
1 comments:
I visited Okafes a couple of weeks ago, and was very impressed. I think its location makes much more sense for a coffee shop than a bar, which it was in its previous incarnations. The atmosphere is warm enough to hold a conversation with friends, or even have a casual date, but spacious enough to mingle or find a quiet corner to read or chat without disruption from others. The coffee roaster is visible when you walk in the door, and I believe they offer demonstrations of the roasting process and coffee tastings on Saturday mornings.
I visited on a Saturday afternoon, and there were a few people reading and enjoying themselves, but the shop was relatively empty--I imagine Okafes does a better business during the week, especially in the morning and around lunch. My spanakopita was quite nice, and the tomato soup I ordered alongside was warm and good, but nothing really special. I ordered coffee to go, their Russian Blue specialty latte (I believe all their specials are named after cats, to go along with their theme), a blend of dark chocolate and mint, two of my favorite things. The texture was smooth and creamy, and the drink was full-flavored and rich. I highly recommend it.
I'm looking forward to trying some of Okafes' other items, like their sandwiches and their other lattes. Even if you don't particularly like coffee, they offer other beverages both hot and cold, several different types of pastry. I'm pleased to have visited Okafes, and I'm glad to see that they have extended hours on the weekends; it's a welcome respite for those who don't drink or for someone looking for an alternative to the bar scene.
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