Are you looking for a cozy place to spend your time during the fall season? KAFN is right around the corner, and it’s probably not too far from your own neighborhood!
Established in 2017, KAFN is an underrated cafe in the heart of Adams Square, with other small businesses, a park, and a library only a block away. The crowd at KAFN can depend on the time of day that you go. The busiest crowds can be found in the mornings, but they get slower later in the day. I prefer going to KAFN in the morning, but only because it’s the best way to start my day, especially when I haven’t had my coffee.
When you walk into KAFN, you are hit with the aroma of coffee and small-town vibes. Just imagine, a cold morning and an itch for something warm… like coffee (or perhaps a hot tea for all you non-coffee drinkers)!
The service at KAFN is quick and friendly, which creates a welcoming environment. They’ve also remodeled the place with a cleaner look, but it still holds an artistic and cozy feeling that attracts customers.
Other than coffee, KAFN serves tea, seasonal drinks and pastries. If you’re ordering a matcha, I recommend asking for a strawberry matcha instead of a plain one – it just tastes better. For the fall season, everything is about pumpkin! Like matcha and lattes with pumpkin! Their pastry section includes cream cheese bagels, sweet and savory croissants, muffins, cookies and other delicious pastries.
My go-to order off their menu is a salted caramel latte with oat milk, and I also usually buy their vegan chocolate cake, which is like a brownie but a bit moister. The balance between the caffeine and the sweetness in their beverages is just right, and they make their syrups in-house. The caramel drizzle is fantastic, and I usually ask for extra.
Their love for creativity and inclusion is highly reflected both inside and outside of their cafe. Not only do they serve beverages and pastries at KAFN, but you can also find cute collectibles and mugs. On their shelves, there are a bunch of ceramic mugs, necklaces and other merchandise that you can buy for yourself or as a gift. On their walls, they have framed artwork, and the current artist is Marilyn Espitia, whose photography is quite divine.
Outside of their shop, they have a spot where anyone can draw or write. When I go, I make sure I leave a small note or a sketch. I think it’s cute and unique, because it’s great for customers to enjoy and share their visit.
What makes this location even more unique is that it’s far from the city and closer to a neighborhood environment. Across from KAFN is the Adams Square mini park, and what’s cool about this park is that it features a small exhibit featuring artwork done by local artists. The current exhibit is called Threshold: Between Wilderness and Wonder, with artwork by Candace and Pete Metzger, and it expresses a visual concept of human existence and nature. Enjoying a nice beverage from KAFN, while also admiring the exhibit at the park, is an activity that everyone should experience.
Overall, KAFN is the perfect complement to Adams Square, which is a nice, compact area on its own. As someone who enjoys going to new cafes, KAFN is worth visiting at least once. It has definitely changed my life in a way where I crave going there, especially during BRRRew season, because KAFN knows how to warm up the place!
