While hanging out with Abeba (co-owner), we discussed how it was in Ethiopia that goats first demonstrated the burstlike impact on activity of caffeine. And yet identifying the shrub was only the first step - innovation required the roasting, grinding, and then boiling of the coffee beans to get us to today! It is at Kefa Cafe that I enjoy these quiet times, pleasant words, bright cheers, full friends, and the history this Silver Spring institution embodies. From the book corner, community testimonials and ceremonials, and excellent breakfast paired with the ideal first cup of the day. Just know that Kefa Cafe opens 9ish... and definitely not earlier! read more

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The neighborhood cafe was the first place I went to when I moved here, it's where I met my partner, and it is a fixture in my weekly schedule. Abeba is a warm, caring and welcoming person. She's the cafe, in many ways! The beans used are unparalleled in the area, and the drinks are fantastic. The baked goods are lovely, though I prefer getting an egg, cheese and bacon sandwich. The inside hosts rotating artwork from local artists and is filled with history from their over 20 years in the community. read more

I love how Ethiopian coffee is roasted and prepared. I'm not originally from this area so I had to do my research to find the perfect place. I'm so glad that I found this shop. I was warmly greeted by the owner, Abeba. She is such a delight. I'm so indecisive with any and everything so she suggested a few things that she thought I'd like. I returned a couple days later for a repeat order. Abeba remembered both my name and my order. They are closed on Sundays so I'll probably be there bright and early Monday morning. This is definitely one of my new spots. There are also some pastries that I have been eyeballing that I'll try the next time read more

Kefa Cafe - a hand holding a coffee cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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tried Kefa Cafe at the Wheaton library and it is genuinely some of the best coffee I've had outside of El Salvador. Had their iced chai and it was incredible. Skip the big chains and support local! read more

Such a great cafe with amazing coffee and food! I tried a latte as well as the bacon, egg and cheese on an everything bagel and it was all DELICIOUS!! The owner was so lovely and created such a warm environment. Definitely stop by this cafe if you're in the Silver Spring area, I can't wait to go back! read more

Kefa Cafe - Hot Latte and Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on and Everything Bagel. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

This cafe have the cutest owners who are so kind and hospitable! I got a regular coffee with a splash of oat milk. The coffee tasted amazing and the overall environment of the cafe was so cute. The breakfast sandwiches look so good as well and made to order. There is a cute outdoor seating area which is great! Tip: $10 credit card minimum read more

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Very happy with this find, thanks Yelpers! We were staying right around the corner from here at the Marriott and this was perfect for breakfast. A short walk led us to this cute locally owned cafe. Service was friendly and food is made to order. Once you let her know what you want, she starts making it and then you pay once it's ready for you. So be patient if you have a big order, it's worth it!!! We got 2 egg and cheese on croissants, one with bacon and toast with butter for our daughter. Price points are fair. The eggs are made fresh and nicely seasoned, they're fluffy and yummy. Croissant or bagel (depending on which you choose) is toasted before everything is placed inside. Coffee was good and they have a few tables outside for you to enjoy the your food. If we're ever in the area again, we'll definitely be back. Please go and support, owner is lovely and the food is YUMMY! read more

I was in downtown Silver Spring and saw large sign that read "Gelato" outside of Kefa café so I had to try it -and oh my goodness I'm so glad I did. They serve the best authentic gelato ever. Tastes like the gelato I had when I was in Rome. Pro tip: Bring cash; $10 min at this location. read more

Kefa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I will remember my pleasant experience at Kefa Cafe forever. I ordered a macchiato and chatted with the owner, Abeba, while she prepared it. She made me feel instantly welcomed, and I learned about the tight-knit Ethiopian community which had sprung up around her cafe over the past 20-something years. I returned the next day and no sooner had I crossed the threshold that Abeba welcomed me by name and recalled my previous order. The coffee and pastries were both of the highest quality, but neither compares to the kindness you will find at Kefa Cafe. The walls are decorated with an enchanting patchwork of photos and documents from the establishment's storied past, connecting customers to a lineage of fellow coffee-drinkers which spans generations and continents. Whether you visit on a bustling morning or a lazy afternoon, you will be pleased by what you find here. read more

Kefa Cafe serves delicious Ethiopian coffee and tons of yummy foods & pastries. They have the most warm and welcoming environment. As soon as you walk in the door, it feels like home. I got the opportunity to talk to one of the owners, Lene, and I'm so glad I did. She radiates kindness and positive energy. It's awesome to be able to support a small, Black owned business and woman owned business in the community. I got a DELICIOUS egg sandwich on a bagel and a cup of coffee. read more

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I was waiting around for a friend and say this cafe. The lady behind the counter was very sweet and asked me about my day and suggested her favorite sandwich. They make everything fresh. I can't wait to go back. read more

Kefa Cafe - Vanilla oat milk latter with biscotti - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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DE.LI.CIOUS!!!!! The female barista (who I believe is the owner) suggested a chai/espresso beverage that might possibly be the best hot beverage I have ever had! And the biscotti was perfect for dipping and on its own. And on top of being an incredible cafe, they have also been partnering with a local org to help feed those in need for the past two years. They literally had sandwiches ready to be given out when I came in. I'm so happy my mom brought me and this is now my go to coffee spot when I'm home! read more

Delicious coffee and sandwiches. It is decorated with teapots, cups and coffee pots. It feels cozy! Owner very friendly!!!

I have to say this is the best sandwich I had in Silver Spring. We had a short conversation with the owner, I can tell she enjoys what she is doing. read more

Kefa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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The coffee here is so rich and delicious! The woman who runs the cafe is extremely kind and it feels so homey inside. Only advise, bring cash if you're not spending over $10. read more

Super cute cafe with a home-y feel. The woman behind the counter was nice and clearly smiled at her job as she was multi-tasking effortlessly between a few orders, even though the shop was pretty slow at the time. The rationale behind my rating is the menu/cost of my coffee. I ordered an iced latte with almond milk. The menu said $4 and I anticipated an upcharge of $.50 or $1 however my total came out to $6.24. I asked about it and she said they charge $1 for both the milk and it being an iced coffee. I didn't like that because 1) the charges weren't listed anywhere and 2) why charge extra for changing the coffee from hot to iced? All in all, I would go back because I like to support local businesses owned by people of color. I would try other things and do some reading but I will be sure to ask about the prices beforehand. read more

Very neat little coffee shop that has all the espresso beverages you need to get through the day without going nearby to the green siren lady. My latte was tasty and rich with a very firm foam. Well done considering that it was skim milk. The vegan blueberry muffin was also very tasty though extremely messy to eat. Nothing that's not solved by a few napkins. Cool place. Good coffee. #YelpLocal read more

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This is such a cute and cozy-looking cafe in Silver Spring (right around the corner from Pete's New Haven Pizza) - I had a cup of their Cafe Mocha, which was their famous espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup. Yum yum yum! It was hot, full of flavor, and I can taste the great quality coffee beans - the steamed milk and the drop of chocolate syrup also made this a nice delicious beverage, but not too sweet - it was a great balance between the two. I liked the coffee burlap bag decorating the tables throughout the place, and it seems like a great spot to get some work or studying done. Metered parking can be found along Bonifant St. I'm all about in supporting local and independently-owned stores/cafes! :D +Cafe Mocha +metered-parking along Bonifant read more

Kefa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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The cafe is a destination! Great coffee pastries amazing service ! It's a don't miss it Stop check it out read more

so pleased to have come across this shop. The owner was so kind and sweet. I got an iced latte and an everything bagel with cream cheese. I usually get a syrup with a latte (they don't have any), but the latte was great alone. The everything bagel was amazing and I would definitely come back to get it again. read more

Phenomenal coffee and pastries in a super-cute cafe. The owner is very kind. I can't wait to come back on my next visit to the area!

Wonderful coffee and super accommodating! Even though they were no longer serving iced coffee for the season, they were generous enough to still make one for me. read more

Lovely little cafe at the heart of downtown silver spring. I believe there's only one lady operating the place who's also the owner. Don't be fooled by what appears to be a mediocre sandwich menu! They somehow make a typical sandwich worth dying for! read more

Tiny little coffee shop with some sweets and sandwiches. The Ethiopian coffee is amazing, and there are a couple of small tables on the sidewalk if you prefer to be outside. They are happy to make any modifications you request, like toasting the bread for your sandwich. Very lovely owners and great service. read more

Kefa Cafe is a Silver Spring fixture and a cozy, pleasant little spot to pass the time with a friend or two, or by yourself! It's on an unimpressive side street, but don't write it off - it's a sanctuary worth discovering, and there's actually a couple other gems on the same block if you know what you're looking for! Be forewarned that Kefa is really small (maybe...10-12 tables total? including some two-seaters: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/b4Ul5aj9IN9vD7oqkajlIw?select=KuLygHXmm5AlbOcTGeTj3A), so you may have to wait a few minutes to snag a table if there's a few of you and you're there during busy hours. This little nook definitely has a neighborhood feel, with photos and flyers on the walls and the two much-loved sisters always behind the counter. There's also a selection of games (in the desk thing by the bathroom) if you really want to unwind, including a set of Yelp playing cards, which you KNOW I love! The menu is spread over a few hanging chalkboards and is comprised of hot and iced coffees/lattes/etc and teas, breakfast sandwiches on croissant or bagel, and lunch soups & sandwiches (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/b4Ul5aj9IN9vD7oqkajlIw?select=8rVBURz0rEjM1NlDoMb7tA). There's also gelato and pastry cases to peruse. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/b4Ul5aj9IN9vD7oqkajlIw?select=LNQUulr9o7SQUIRjNvVEBA) The lattes are delicious and you can get it in a mug, which always adds to the homeyness factor. I had a bagel sandwich today that was pretty mediocre, but realized after I'd ordered that I could have asked for it on a different bagel (I didn't specify so it just came on a plain one) and that I hadn't asked for cheese (because the "Egg Sandwiches" are described as having egg and cheese) so it apparently hadn't been included. So, next time I'll do better, and maybe the result will be better. Despite the sandwich debacle, I'm still going with four stars because, frankly, this place makes me happy, and that's definitely reason for a ratings boost! read more

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This is still a favorite place of mine. I came in last week to pick up a scone to go, but when I saw the bread pudding on display I quickly changed my mind. As always, the sisters that own this place are just as lovely as can be! They informed me that they will be closing for a month starting next week, July 3rd thru August 2nd. One of them will be going to visit family in Ethiopia. So today I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with my friend before heading over to the craft fair nearby. I plan to have more lazy days of summer here when they return. read more

I'm in love. Sorry Starbucks. The sisters who "run" this place (they'll tell you God owns it), are genuine, warm and friendly. There are so many good things here: *Eclectic, random collection of teapots and cups. *Bookshelf with various topics - something will catch your eye. *Great espresso and serve-yourself coffee stations *Separate seating area where the local french speakers meet to practice and drink coffee every Saturday afternoon. *Local art and news clippings on the walls. *Cheery, comfortable touches everywhere. No wi-fi or couches...alas, a prerequisite to be a 5-star coffee shop. But I really, really want to give them 5. read more

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Wow I've lived in DC for 5 years, and Silver Spring for almost 2 and I had never set foot in this cafe, or even the surrounding block. I have had this mentality of 'SS sucks, everything I want is in DC'. Well I was wrong. This part of town is actually pretty interesting. This is the 'real' Silver Spring, not that plastic-y chain driven 'downtown' everyone hangs out in. After being convinced that Starbucks was about as local as a DC area coffee shop got, I was pleased to stumble across this place. The cafe is a bit of a mishmash with floral print chairs, local photography on the walls, and a cooler full of pastries. Those are the kinds of things that make local coffee shops fun, right? The cappuccino I got was really tasty (but a little too hot!) and the little Napoleon I had was really good, too! As mentioned in other reviews, the lady behind the register was very friendly and made the experience that much better. I'm glad to have finally found my local coffee shop (NOT Starbucks by the metro). I guess you have to explore your local neighborhood to find the worthwhile places. read more

Kefa Cafe - Mural on the outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Very cosy locally owned coffee shop. Be aware of the hours since they seem to close at 5 during the week. My only issue with the place is that there isn't wifi. Seriously...... Same side of the street is 2 hour metered parking, opposite is 1 hour metered parking. read more

Stopped in here for breakfast one Saturday morning. It's such a delightful cafe! The server was super friendly as she took our order. She seemed to be the only one working at the counter and serving customers, but still greeted us when we walked in I ordered an everything bagel with egg and cheese - I'm not a coffee drinker so can't comment on the coffee. It's a small little cafe, but has such charm and is the perfect place to hang out in the mornings on a weekend read more

TOP OF THE LINE customer service. The manager and other employees make you feel like family. You won't regret your fine here!!!

Me and my mom were in Silver Spring for a morning parade and I decided to look on Yelp to see what cafes or coffee shops came up in the area. Kefa Cafe had the best reviews and it was open at 8:00 in the morning so we decided to go. The shop is adorable, the atmosphere was good, and the space is very small but we were able to find a seat. We ordered a chocolate muffin and a plain bagel with butter and cream cheese and a mocha with soy (Vegan/Vegetarian friendly). It was pretty crowded for it to be that early on a Saturday but the service was quick. The two owners/sisters were very friendly and welcoming. They have a wide variety of coffee so for all of you coffee lovers this is a good place to try. read more

Kefa Cafe - Bagel, muffin and coffee w/soy milk. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Very very polite and friendly staff. A family run business ...nothing better! Affordable food and coffee, what a gem this place is! Please tip them when you visit! read more

This Muffin was over priced!!!!!! At $4 is more like a $2 maybe $2.50 is small and nothing special about it #facts!! I wouldn't be surprised if they were from Cosco Safeway and the Price of the coffee was on a sliding scale even though we only have one size!!! And lady at the register wouldn't take the money from my hand I had to put it on the counter I'm not sure that's a religious thing or what end it was an older crowd there she kind of just like gave me my stuff to go even though everyone else was asked if they were sitting read more

Kefa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

The coffee is great, my kid loved the hot chocolate and the customer service is excellent! Highly recommended! read more

Kefa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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This is a quaint and pleasant little cafe with very good food. My entire party had scrambled egg, cheese and bacon on croissant sandwiches, and they were delicious. There is a selection of teas which they brew in a small ceramic pot for you. As mentioned in other reviews, it appears there is a one woman staff. Her friendly service made everything nicer, though the food didn't need help. I can understand others' cautions about large parties. While the tables are lovely, it would be hard to seat more than four people together, especially if other customers were already there. If you are looking for a light breakfast or lunch near Fenton Village, I highly recommend Kefa Café. read more

Sweet ethiopian woman serving delicious espressos. A nice find for a caffeine spike on a bike ride through the rock creek park. Nice.

I had rarely visited this location before the library location down the street from here closed off due to COVID, but this is a quaint & comfortable neighborhood cafe. Superb coffee & food/pastry pairings! I especially love the occasional chocolate biscotti. It's also worth mentioning how personable the owner is. The ambiance here is definitely more welcoming and not uptight. read more

Do not get the scones, they are dry,dry, dry. The service on the other hand was superb. The location is cute but parking is not adorable. But, I like to support local so it sure beat the Bucks or DD...you know what I mean! read more

Yummy soy cappuccino and delicious quiche. I enjoyed the arty atmosphere, and the woman behind the counter was super nice. They lose a star because the food was kind of expensive for what you got, but I'm willing to pay a little more for a local joint. It's worth looking beyond the Starbucks in DTSS for a walk to Kefa Cafe. read more