Cafe Kacao — Restaurant in Oklahoma City

As someone who is passionate about family, community, and experiences that are genuinely life-giving, I have to say that Cafe Kacao is more than just a restaurant—it's an Oklahoma City institution and a place where memories are made. I've been here several times with my family, and every single visit reaffirms why it consistently has a line out the door. Don't let the wait deter you; it's a testament to the treasure that lies inside.

The Atmosphere: From the moment you step in, you're hit with a vibrant, buzzing energy. The space is filled with colorful Guatemalan decor, the sounds of happy conversations, and the incredible aroma of freshly brewed coffee and savory spices. It’s loud in the best way possible—the sound of a community coming together to enjoy fantastic food. It feels authentic, purposeful, and full of life.

The Food (The Main Event): This is where Cafe Kacao truly ascends to legendary status. The menu is a brilliant celebration of Guatemalan flavors, and the portions are incredibly generous. My go-to order is the Tikal—perfectly seasoned steak, two eggs cooked to your liking, savory black beans, fried plantains, and warm tortillas. Every component is a star. The steak is tender, the plantains add a perfect touch of sweetness, and the house-made salsa brings it all together in a symphony of flavor. My family loves the Motuleño, with its layers of flavor from the corn tortillas, black beans, fried eggs, and ranchero sauce. But let's be honest, you can't talk about Cafe Kacao without mentioning the pancakes. The Tres Leches Pancakes are nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. They are fluffy, decadent, and soaked in a sweet, creamy goodness that is simply heavenly. It's a breakfast and a dessert all in one.

The Drinks: Don't skip the coffee! Their Guatemalan coffee is rich and robust. The Cuban Coffee is a shot of pure, sweet energy, and the creamy Horchata is the most refreshing and authentic version I’ve had anywhere in the state.

The Service: For a place that is as busy as it is, the staff is remarkable. They are a well-oiled machine, hustling with smiles on their faces. They are attentive, friendly, and efficient, ensuring that even at peak hours, you feel welcomed and cared for. You can tell the leadership here has built a strong, positive culture.

Final Thoughts: In a world of chain restaurants and fleeting trends, Cafe Kacao stands out as a beacon of authenticity and excellence. It's the perfect spot to take your family for a celebratory brunch or to simply share an incredible meal and make a lasting memory. It's a business run with passion, and it shows in every single dish they serve. This isn't just one of the best breakfast spots in OKC; it's one of the best restaurants, period. It's an experience that feeds both the body and the soul. We will be back...

Long post alert: I was thinking about just leaving it at that and not coming back, but I really like this place and I’ve been coming there since it opened. Today I went in to have a breakfast and get my husband early lunch to go. I was sat promptly even though I was told I would have to wait.

The reason why I’m writing this is that through years of my customer service experience I never been bullied or bullied anyone into ordering or paying for something they did not want or ordered. I was served by Rachel who had nice demeanor even though she was gone most of the time. I understand they are busy. Got their special drink that tasted like warm juice and warm sparkling water, had no ice. (Not a fan) Got water also had no ice, hard to get a refill. While she was taking my order I said that I will have Carne Asada for here and I will also have an order to go. Which then I looked at the menu and ordered crispy motuleno. I was asked how I wanted the eggs cooked and said over easy, then my waitress asked If I wanted one or two, I was confused and said that it comes with two so yes I want two…(eggs?pieces?idk?) she looked at me confused said okay and walked away, so I thought that was weird but since she left and didn’t ask anything else I didn’t though much of it and just waited on my food.

Fast forward to my meal everything was delicious, my carne asada was done well just as always, she told me that my order to go was in and I was like “great”. Then I saw this huge bag with not one order but two orders of crispy motuleno. That’s when I finally realized what she meant by one or two. She then brought it to where I was sitting and I told her right then that I just wanted one order and I was confused with what she was asking me about prior. I would like to say that she never asked or confirmed if I wanted TWO ORDERS. If I was asked that I would gladly respond that I want ONE ORDER. After I told her I just wanted one order, she told me that that’s not what I said earlier, and that I said two so she ring two orders because you can’t just get it per piece.

I decided not to make a scene in a restaurant and told her that I will pay for it. I wasn’t happy to pay for 3 meals total instead of two.. that made my whole tab $64 instead of $47 and it’s just food that no one will eat. I’m so so so disappointed.

Warning: be very explicit about what you would like to order. Never had that issue before, so...

Cafe Kacao has been at the top of our list to try for brunch on sunday, but after my recent visit, I'm left with a somewhat mixed impression. While they boast delicious food and unique drinks, some significant drawbacks to those with allergies or dietary restrictions that keep this spot from being a top recommendation for people in my circle.

My first impression? Huge portions! The cilantro burrito I ordered was way bigger than I expected, and the flavors were fantastic. At $17, it's definitely on the pricier side, but the sheer size and taste almost made it feel worth it. Speaking of drinks, their espresso mocktail was a real treat and my wife's chai latte was superb. If you're a specialty coffee lover, you'll be in heaven here.

However, there's a catch for those with dietary restrictions. Gluten-free options are virtually non-existent. My wife, who is gluten-free, had to settle for a basic side of eggs, fruit, and bacon, which, surprisingly, ALSO RANG IN AT $17! Our server said they use a chicken powder containing wheat in all of their dishes (including all the meat besides bacon, beans, rice, etc), which is something to keep in mind for vegetarians and vegans as well. While they were really careful about the allergy, the lack of consideration for dietary needs surprised us and impacted our experience.

The atmosphere inside Cafe Kacao is pleasant, although it can get a bit crowded and cramped. But hey, that's often the sign of a popular spot!

In summary, Cafe Kacao has its high points – the bold flavors and generous portions are undeniable. However, the lack of gluten-free options, the high prices, and the long wait times make it a less-than-ideal choice for many brunchers. If you do decide to give it a try, go in with the right expectations and be sure to get on the waitlist well in advance on the weekend (like 3 hrs...