After serving coffee out of its patio trailer since this spring, Black Kahawa coffee roasters has finally opened its full-service coffee shop at Broad and High streets downtown!
The coffee roaster has converted the former Tim Horton’s space on the northeast corner of the intersection into a bright and cozy spot, with comfy seats, bar stools, and counters down the rear of the space.
Black Kahawa was founded by Doug Buckley, who imports coffees specifically from East Africa. Doug and his family once served as missionaries to Tanzania, where they helped people establish businesses roasting and selling coffees from the region. Back in the States, Black Kahawa has been roasting for a few years now, and started operating a trailer selling coffee along the Scioto Mile and at different events. Their beans are available in a number of local stores like Weiland’s Market and Hills Downtown. (You can read my profile of Doug in the May 2023 Columbus Monthly here.)
Black Kahawa’s menu features 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 their Zanzibar spice blend, but given the wintry weather lately, I 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 feature snacks from locals like Bite This By Annie.
Doug is also introducing more sweet and savory items from another local baker (I forgot to get the name), like chocolate chip cookies, a chicken pot pie pop tart, and a savory Danish with lox. 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’s plenty of space to sit and work, too.
Doug roasts a couple times a week, so you may find yourself following the toasty smell of roasting coffee downtown. Black Kahawa also helps complete that corner of small businesses that includes the newly relocated Peanut Shoppe and Three Bites Bakery/Little Cat Boba.
Black Kahawa’s coffee shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Black Kahawa
2 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Web: blackkahawa.com
FB: blackkahawa
IG: @blackkahawa
