Kahwa Coffee — Restaurant in Dunedin

This is a long, detailed review. If you are the TL;DR type, here: Kahwa Coffee in Dunedin is great in both service and quality coffee. They have an app with a points reward system you can order ahead on and a drive-thru option. I recommend the hot Lucky Pistachio (previously featured specialty drink as of the time writing this review) and the Aloha Latte (current featured specialty drink) if you manage to see them on the menu. I have not had any of their other options (drink or food) yet, but I definitely have plans to.

I found Kahwa Dunedin while I was searching for more local alternatives to the commercialized sludge that was available to me in my area, but had a drive-thru, and Kahwa fit that criteria. I didn't know anything about them prior and I didn't bother looking at any other reviews. I appreciated the fact that they had the ability to order ahead in an app, so I did that (I immediately received points for signing up and was eligible to choose one of two free small items already, which was nice), and ordered one of their specialty drinks: a hot Lucky Pistachio (large, whole milk, simple sugar, extra hot, no modifications). Getting my order was a quick, pleasant experience and I was served by a nice Barista (long, dark wavy/curly hair, wearing a Kahwa hat, light eyes, silver septum piercing, and tattoos). The coffee was great, better than I anticipated and I was very impressed, and I was excited that I found a new coffee shop that I could stick with that wasn't too far (I live about 10 minutes away).

Today, I did the same thing; however, I was a little disappointed because I couldn't order the Lucky Pistachio as it seems it was a limited specialty drink and it got rotated out. They are currently promoting their Aloha Latte as a featured drink, so I chose the hot option (same personalization as with the Lucky Pistachio). When I pulled up to the Menu Board, the Barista was busy making a drink, but greeted me and said they would be right with me. Even though that is such a small thing, I appreciate when people working the drive-thru do that so I'm not just sitting in silence until they are ready to fully take my order. Eventually, they readdressed me, thanking me for my patience. I said I had an app pickup and they told me to pull forward.

The Barista (thin, blue Kahwa t-shirt, dark blond/light brown hair that was longer on top, black titanium septum ring) was kind, as expected, and handed me my drink saying that mine was actually the one they were working on that caused me to wait. I thought to say "I'm sure it will be great" but sometimes my mouth and brain don't work together and my mouth has its own filter and I just awkwardly giggled "Aww, thanks!" instead, which doesn't even really make sense, and drove away. I took the first sip of my drink as I was further down the road.

Even if I had said "I'm sure it will be great", it would have been an understatement. My Aloha Latte is the best hot specialty coffee that I have ever tasted before in my life. That is not hyperbole, and I'm a little sad as I drink the last few drops of it as I sit here and write this. I actually gasped aloud upon first sip. I almost turned back around to Kahwa to express my feelings, but it wasn't logical for me to do so. I went to their Google page and tried to call them, but was unsuccessful. I don't think the number is a local one and it went to their main Sarasota store and, even then, something happened and I couldn't get through. So, I decided that my only option was to write this long-winded review until I can get back to the store and go inside to speak with someone, because I am actually compelled to get out of the car and do that. I didn't notice any nametags for the Baristas, and I kind of wish that they had them so I could identify the Baristas mentioned in this review directly by name. But I understand why the company may not make them (may clash with the brand's aesthetic, the privacy aspect, etc.) if I didn't overlook them.

Anyway. Kahwa Coffee. Go try them. It's more than...

Visited often to buy whole beans as needed. On a day off from work today made the trip from Oldsmar to stock up. Paid for three bags and was told they were “unboxing” my beans and left. Unboxing beans? They returned with three tiny bags of holiday coffee. I said that’s not mine I ordered the 16oz paper bags of whole beans, and not 12oz holiday bags for same price. Was informed because the manager over ordered the holiday bags, they were not permitted to sale the normal fresh 16oz bags until these were gone. This went back and forth and after failing to provide what I paid for because this young girl was provided ridiculous instructions from the manager, I just asked for my money to be returned. Off the list and you can keep the holiday bags. Was excited to see a store possibly coming to Oldsmar but now I am looking forward to attending the city hall meeting to join the many others in boycotting against the proposed location of the new store. (Side note, Whole Foods sells the same coffee for $10, for the same coffee they sale for $15...

Today on National Coffee Day they advertised a free small coffee. However, when I arrived, they told me I had to purchase another item to get it. This condition was never mentioned in the ad they sent. Very misleading advertising and disappointing experience. When I ordered the coffee, the employee never informed me of this requirement — they simply prepared two and then told me to pay. If I had been told in advance, maybe I would have considered buying something, but the way it was handled felt dishonest. I had passed by this business several times and the place looked excellent, which made me want to stop and give it a try. But with this deceptive promotion and the rude attitude of the person who attended me, I will definitely erase this place from my mind as if it...