Urban Coffee Lounge
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, lively chatter of more than satisfied customers and interesting décor surround me as I step into an urban haven within our suburb in Juanita Village. “Urban” is in the name and most likely inspired the décor in this quaint coffee shop that is as friendly as one in a small town. The “regulars” vary: teenagers having study session to elderly couples enjoying a late afternoon snack. The menu varies from “to-die-for” chocolate milkshakes to the best caramel macchiato you will ever taste! The menu is designed to appeal to all ages from old fashioned coca cola in a bottle for the kids, a variety of smooth coffee drinks for the caffeine addicted teens, to a posh wine selection for the adults. Located right across the street from the conventional Starbucks, many people were skeptical whether it would be successful or not. I am happy to announce that it is BEYOND successful, the character of the place, the friendliness of the employees and delicious organic pastries create an atmosphere that I would describe as charismatic. With an extensive outdoor patio people watching in the summer will be a hobby for many customers. I may be a bit biased considering I am one of the many regulars, but check it out and you may just become a regular yourself!
Zoka
A few tables and chairs are scattered outdoors along the busy sidewalk reminding me of cafes that you would find in Paris. Located in the heart of downtown Kirkland with large windows for surrounding walls give this spacious coffee shop an open atmosphere and creates a people watcher’s heaven. Zoka is a high energy place with traffic and people constantly passing by. With decorations, including artistic photography of coffee lining the walls, large hanging lanterns, a ten foot clock and a central table with eleven seats makes it easy to start up a conversation with a complete stranger. Employees are very friendly and joke with customers and seem genuinely happy to be working in such an electric atmosphere. As I am sitting here writing, I eavesdrop on employees making, tasting and critiquing drinks to ensure they are of the utmost quality to satisfy their customers. It is obvious that all the employees have a passion for what they do and it shows in the excellent taste of their coffee. The clatter of baristas hard at work echoes throughout this high ceiling establishment setting a lively mood. With summer coming around I highly suggest you take a morning for yourself and stop by Zoka to enjoy a smooth coffee drink and sit back and watch as our beautiful Kirkland passes you by.
Kirkland resident Sara Anderson is a junior at Inglemoor High School.
