MoKaBe's Coffeehouse — Restaurant in St. Louis

Limited experience, but I was extremely pleased with my visit, and I went during peak evening business hours so I was able to get a very good idea of the various elements of a typical visit. They have a very talented staff ( and the coffee and other drinks/food all seem to be practically gourmet, and the service is prompt and efficient (it was busy when I went in but I still got my order within minutes, faster than you'd get your drink during a slow time at a Starbucks). The staff seemed courteous and polite, none of that "I wish I weren't working and you needing service annoys me" attitude you get from so many other places. The chai tea I ordered was made from scratch, they spice and mix it on the spot, no premade mixed store bought junk, it came in a classy, generous bowl-cup, and was probably the best chai tea I've ever had (and I have had many). They have a nice front room with seating, the ordering counter, and displays of house made baked goods, so if you want a quick drop in you can walk in, order, sit down, eat/drink, and leave with relative speed and ease; however, they also have a very large, multi-level seating area in the back half of the establishment with large tables if you and a group of friends want to sit down and hang out for a while. It has a very nice, bright (but not uncomfortably bright), decorative atmosphere, so mentally it's very relaxing and conducive to a positive, social mood. It predominantly attracts a younger, trendy crowd, most people you'll see are somewhere in their 20's, but it's still a pretty calm environment, the patrons weren't loud or obnoxious, so if you don't fit into that demographic you should still find it a comfortable, positive experience.

In summary it's everything Starbucks tries to do, but where the corporate, fast-food style, over-priced Starbucks fails, Mokabe's overwhelming succeeds. If you're looking for a good cup of coffee and somewhere to socialize, or if you just happen to be in the area, I would highly recommend this place. But if you're a coffee house enthusiast Mokabe's is a place you absolutely have to visit; even if it's a bit of a drive, it's absolutely...

I came in recently and had, for the first time, an unpleasant experience. I am a student who lives nearby and comes by maybe once a week to study. I always spend at least $11-12 on a coffee and either lunch/dinner while I'm there. The food is good, the location is good, and I like the atmosphere.

I came in and got situated at a table with my laptop, books, and charger, planning to go grab something to eat and drink once I put my things down. I didn't want to carry around a heavy backpack while waiting in line nor risk hitting people in the crowded establishment with a heavy backpack. A couple minutes after I sat down, while I was pulling out my laptop and getting my book out, an employee comes up to me and basically tells me to buy something or leave. I was super taken aback and said that I just got here and was going to grab something in a minute after I got situated. He was super rude and unprofessional about it--as if I was a repeat problem customer or something. It was really embarrassing and quite frankly, degrading.

I get it, it's not a public park. You should purchase something if you're going to use a coffee shop as your study space. I totally agree, and I always do (and tip generously). However, I had been inside for maybe five minutes total before this employee decided to publicly humiliate me. It's not as if I had been sitting there for a half hour or longer without buying anything. Nor do I have a history of coming here to study without buying anything--I have bought a coffee or meal (usually both) every single time I have been here. I was not bothering anyone, and multiple people in the vicinity were studying/chatting/etc. and did not have either a coffee or any food at their table. I'm not sure why I was singled out? Either way, it was really awkward and uncomfortable--and makes me not want to come back.

I also tried to contact Mokabe's about this and never received a response. If I had received a response, I would have refrained from posting a...

When I first walked into Mokabe's, I had thought I had found my new coffeehouse. The layout was very cool and the menu seemed fairly priced. However it didn't take long for me to be turned off of this establishment. I simply ordered their brewed coffee, costing $1.65. When I went to pay with my debit card, I was informed by the cashier that there was a $5 minimum for debit and credit cards. Fine. When I sat down at my table and tasted the coffee, I was appalled. It may have been one of the worst tasting cups of coffee I have ever had. I don't know how you can call yourself a coffeehouse and serve coffee that tastes this poor. I ordered a basket of fries to have enough items to close the order. Again: horrible taste and burned edges. I don't know how this place can screw up the simplest things.

Another thing about Mokabe's is their blatant attempt to make those who hold political beliefs different than their own feel unwelcome. Considering how leftist this coffeehouse markets themselves to be, they have a lot to learn about intolerance. Even more hypocrisy comes from the fact that they promote their healthy vegan options on the menu while basically reserving their outside patio for smokers. Considering the fact that they sell lighters inside, they are HOPING that smokers will come to their coffeehouse to smoke. Not only does this prevent non-smokers from enjoying the patio, but it also forces non-patrons to unwillingly breathe in a cloud of smoke as they walk down Arsenal. This coffeehouse is just full of hypocrisy and you won't find me coming back...