After serving coffee out of their trailer on the patio since this spring, Black Kahawa coffee roasters has finally opened their full service cafe at Broad and High streets downtown!
The coffee roaster has transformed the former Tim Horton’s space on the northeast corner of the intersection into a bright and cozy spot, with comfortable seating, bar stools and counters in the back of the space.
Black Kahawa was founded by Doug Buckley, who imports coffee specifically from East Africa. Doug and his family once served as missionaries in Tanzania where they helped people set up a business roasting and selling coffee from the region. Back in the States, Black Kahawa has been roasting for several years and has started running a coffee trailer on the Scioto Mile and at various events. Their grains are available at a number of local stores such as Weiland’s Market and Hills Downtown. (You can read my profile of Doug in May 2023 Columbus Monthly here.)
Black Kahawa’s menu includes hot and cold espresso drinks, drip coffee, decaf and nitro cold brew.
I’ve long been a fan of their nitro cold brew flavored with the Zanzibar spice blend, but given the winter weather lately, I’ve opted for a quick shot of espresso and a hot Zanzibar latte. The spice blend is rich and sweet without being too heavy.
They also offer snacks from locals like Bite This By Annie.
Doug also introduces more sweet and savory items from another local baker (forgot the name), like chocolate chip cookies, chicken pot pie, and spicy lox danish. His goal, he said, is to offer customers a light meal to go with their coffee, especially downtown workers on the go.
They still have the High Street patio for the warmer months and there is plenty of room to sit and work.
Doug roasts several times a week, so you may find yourself following the smell of roasting coffee downtown. Black Kahawa also helps round out that small business corner, which includes the recently relocated Peanut Shoppe and Three Bites Bakery/Little Cat Boba.
Black Kahawa’s Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m
Black coffee
2 E. Broad St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Website: blackkahawa.com
FB: blackkahawa
IG: @blackkahawa