Zoka Coffee Roasters and Tea Company — Restaurant in Kirkland

Was just there this morning meeting a friend. I've only been there once before and I didn't like the coffee. Was there because my friend chose it.

Liked the interiors and the brightness of the place. Disappointed not to see separate recycling and compost bins though.

Coffee was okay. Had a mocha. My friend liked his so that was good. Coffee cake was really good. And some of the other pastries looked nice.

What was NOT nice was the attitude of the girl who took orders. At first I thought it was just me, but when we got back to our table and I asked my friend about it, he agreed with me. She treated us with disdain. It was as if she couldn't really be bothered to listen to our order or give us our food, like we weren't worthy of her time. Worst of all, when my friend gave his name, Jonathan, she said, 'I'll go with John'. The utter disrespect, not even taking the time to write down a customer's name properly and deciding, ON HER OWN, to shorten it, neither of us could believe it. She definitely needs more training or maybe she shouldn't be interacting with customers because not acknowledging someone's name is just... disrespectful. Thinking about it, even now, later in the day... What happened to manners and courtesy and respect? I actually got a better response and attitude from the barista who made our coffee. We had that short, 'How are you? I'm fine' conversation and wished each other a nice day. Is that that difficult?

At any rate, we didn't let the experience ruin our day, but I think that service is a BIG part of someone's experience especially if it has to do with food and drink. I've already told my friend that the next time we meet for coffee, it will be...

I'm not a big review person. HOWEVER, it's time for the owner or general manager of this place to retrain their staff regarding BASIC manners. It is embarrassing to the company name at this point. I walked in with my sister last weekend, (Saturday around 4:30-5:00 if you'd be interested to know which employees were on staff) and ironically, we had just been discussing how every time we come here, the female employees are so rude. It does NOT matter how polite, understanding and patient we are with them- understanding that they are often busy- they never fail to make the customer feel like we are annoying them by walking through the door. So after we walk in, the two female staff members behind the counter who were both visibly scrolling on their mobiles, make eye contact with us. I say hello, like a normal human being. They proceed to roll their eyes at us, right to our faces, do not say hello back, and almost grunt as they have to stand up and walk towards the counter to help us. We actually started laughing because we were JUST talking about this behavior, and we decided to leave then and there. I am all for snobbery when snobbery is deserved. It's not a high end place. It's very basic. So BASIC manners are expected from a customer. The employees do not own the business, so they have no right to disrespect and belittle customers that are coming in whilst they're being paid hourly to be there. Also, everyone knows that "baristas" rely on tips to make ends meet. How are you going to make us feel bad for even entering the business and expect a tip? Unacceptable...

Zoka Coffee Roasters and Tea Company in Kirkland is a gem for coffee enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of downtown Kirkland, this cozy coffee shop offers a welcoming atmosphere with its modern decor and comfortable seating. The ambiance is perfect for both working on your laptop or catching up with friends. One of the standout features of Zoka is its exceptional coffee. The baristas are skilled and passionate about their craft, ensuring each cup is brewed to perfection. Whether you opt for a classic Americano or one of their specialty drinks like the Lavender Mocha, you won’t be disappointed. The coffee is rich, flavorful, and always served at the perfect temperature. In addition to great coffee, Zoka also offers a variety of teas and pastries. Their pastries are fresh and delicious, making for a perfect pairing with your drink. The service is consistently friendly and efficient, adding to the overall positive experience. The shop also has a strong community vibe, often hosting local events and providing a space for people to connect. It’s clear that Zoka values its customers and strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Overall, Zoka Coffee Roasters and Tea Company in Kirkland is a must-visit for anyone in the area. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a great place to relax, Zoka has...