I've been on the hunt for a good cafe to work from close to the federal hill area and finally stumbled upon Koba! The first thing that jumped out at me when I walked in was how reasonable the prices are. I ordered an iced coffee and paid less than $3 which I loved! There are lots of fun drink options ranging from smoothies, your typical coffee drinks, and frozen coffee drinks. I saw some other customers order food and I'll have to try that next because it looked nice and fresh. The baristas were so friendly too. There are two floors to the cafe. The second floor seemed to be the "work" floor when I was there. There were plenty of people doing work on their laptops and hanging out. I can see myself coming here to work a lot in the future :) read more

Yes and yes and yes!! If you need a space to get work done in library silence but among other people....get a beverage and go upstairs. When you get hungry, go get a hot sandwich and dont skip the bread pudding. The staff are A-maazing! I will definitely be back, cant believe I didnt know about this neighborhood gem. Downstairs is also pretty cozy, with lots of light coming in so whatever your vibe, you got it. read more

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One of my favorite chill coffee shops in Baltimore. Has really good local neighborhood vibes. The staff are so welcoming and friendly. Menu is straight to the point coffee drinks and basic breakfast and simple sandwiches. Not too complicated. They have WiFi and plenty of seating on the second floor to enjoy you drink/mea or actually sit and do some work. During my visit got an americano and a piece of coffee cake. My drink was hot and solid and the cake was crumbly on top and moist. Prices were also super reasonable compared to a lot of other places. Definitely worth a visit if you're in federal hill looking for a caffeine pick me up. Recommend and I'll be sure to come back next time I'm in the area. read more

Koba Café - Americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I can't believe I've been missing out on this spot while living so close for 4 years. I love the quiet upstairs for getting work done and the private room for taking meetings or having a study group. Love the decorations and food as well read more

Koba Café - Iced white mocha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Quaint cafe with chill vibes. Recently stopped in for a working lunch. I had the Turkey BLT. Good sandwich with fresh ingredients. I also had the iced green tea. It was good but, kind of tasted like water. I did however order a mango smoothie to go. It was so good. Very refreshing. All items are made to order. Service was good and friendly. Will definitely patronize again. read more

Koba Café - Turkey BLT - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I was very pleasantly surprised by Koba Cafe. We spent a couple of hours here recently just hanging out, reading and enjoying an afternoon. I got a almondjoy latte with a coffee crumble cake which they were nice to warm up and bring to the table. My bf ended up getting a chia pudding which he also enjoyed. The table space is a little small admiteddly, and they are mostly a small table with two chairs so its a little small space wise. There is also an upstairs but I did not go up as the upstairs seating was already full, but I believe it was the same set up more or less. I did also get lunch there of a chicken mango salad wrap which just hit the spot as well. I'd recommend Koba Cafe. Friendly staff, great service and good laidback vibes to just get some work done or just catch up with a friend over coffee. read more

Cute little cafe - plan to come here for a variety of breakfast/lunch options over a wide coffee selection. Great service! read more

Koba Café - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I love their teas! Period. And just a short flight of stairs up and the space is secluded so you can just sit and hang!

I came here for a period of time on almost a daily basis. It's a very quaint coffee shop and cafe. Very classic, and does not have the modern aesthetic of newer coffee shops, so don't come looking for that. It's Black-owned and has very personalized service. The menu options are tasty, so its a good lunch time option. They also have some good dessert options and teas. It would be nice to get more protein on the sandwiches- I cannot confirm that it is a full 4oz serving, which leaves me feeling hungry again soon after eating. read more

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A beautiful, homey atmosphere. Everyone who works there is always so kind and everything there is delicious, from the coffee to the baked goods and lunch items. Highly recommend. read more

I came here for the first time with a friend after a run. We walked, but there are a few free street parkings available nearby if you drive over. Koba has a cute exterior with nice decor and ambiance, though the interior does feel more like something out of the 90s, I did actually enjoy the nostalgic vibes. Their menu is not up to date, I am happy to report after asking the barista that they carry matcha lattes! She was very nice to make this for us as I am not certain this is a regular offering. Koba has a LOT of seating upstairs that's perfect for a study date (solo or otherwise!) at a café! They carry a bunch of refrigerated drinks as well if you're not in the mood for a prepared drink. They also have a selection of foods offered through baked goods and actual meals on the menu. Hot Matcha Latte w/ whole milk 1.5/5, I agree with my friend that this does not taste like matcha in the slightest. However! It does absolutely taste like a very white chocolate mocha from Starbucks that I do like the taste of! For that reason, I've raised the rating an extra 1/2 star. Iced Matcha Latte w/ whole milk 1/5, my friend reviewed this one as it was his order. He noted it did not taste like matcha and he would not reorder it as a result. Banana nut muffin 3/5, this was decent I don't think I would order it again as I would want to try something else but it satisfied my baked good craving read more

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Koba is my favorite coffee shop in Baltimore. I will drive over even from the other side of town because it reminds me so much of cute, eclectic coffee shops I used to frequent when I lived in NYC. I absolutely love how sun soaked it is in the daytime and the ample seating upstairs. I love the comfy seating more than the tables. The coffee flavors are always on point and I love trying the different syrups they have. I love the plants and the ambiance as well. I've never gotten the food but need to try one day. Great place to get some work done. The people who work there are all so nice! read more

Koba Café - Upstairs seating - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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As I type, I am currently working here for a remote work day. I love the atmosphere here-- it's bright and cheery! There's an upper level loft with plenty of seating and tables to work remotely! I tried the Milky Way latte iced with almond milk, it's pretty solid and creamy. But what really stood out to me was the bacon egg and cheese croissant! A perfectly buttery croissant, just the right size sandwich to have a medium portioned breakfast. The internet here seems to be very stable, and its quiet upstairs, good for taking meetings. Sometimes it can get a bit crowded (it's still a public space), but it's been really great. So glad I discovered this spot today! Service here was very good! Everyone is very polite and laid back, they also will bring your food to your table, an unexpected addition to the spot (its order at the counter). I love it here and I can see myself coming more and more! A cute gem near locust point! Check it out:) read more

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Cute and cozy spot with excellent service! An older black gentleman who I assume was likely the owner took my order and was so incredibly kind and lovely! We got two different flavored iced lattes, and though one was significantly sweeter than the other, both were yummy! Didn't get any food, but what was coming out of the kitchen looked delish. Will be sure to go back soon for friendly, happy, lovely vibes and service read more

Bright and welcoming cafe in a lovely neighborhood. I had a really nice espresso macchiato, and I especially appreciate that they leave cinnamon out. My wife had a mango smoothie, which was also excellent. They were busy on Sunday afternoon, and while we just enjoyed drinks, a lot of people were getting savory and sweet food. They have a nice selection. Tons of seating, too, with seating area upstairs, downstairs, and a bench outside. read more

This is a great place to catch up with a friend or get some work done. The upstairs area offers a variety of seating options, plenty of outlets, free wifi and a quiet atmosphere--perfect for productivity. The coffee and tea selection was solid, and the curry chicken salad wrap with kale on the side was excellent. It's a cozy, local gem with plenty of street parking right out front. Highly recommend! read more

Visited this cute cafe on a Saturday morning at 7am (right when they open). I got there a little before opening and sat on their bench outside until they did. I came to this cafe because I read good things about their matcha latte. I ordered a matcha latte with oat milk and an avocado toast. They have a good amount of indoor seating. I enjoyed sitting by their window and people watching. There was only one person working when I arrived. She was kind and very fast at getting everyone's orders. The matcha I got was pretty good, but it was much sweeter than I expected. I'm not sure if they put some sort of sweetener in it, but it had a very sweet after taste. The avocado toast was pretty plain, just avocado with some spices. It had a bit of a kick. I think they put a lot of cayenne pepper in it. I enjoyed starting my morning at Koba Cafe. They had a lot of drink and food options. read more

Koba Café - Matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Super vintage, rustic vibes with 2 floors perfect for studying. + Cafe Au Lait (under $5; sf coconut and hazelnut syrups): okay, very inexpensive for a quick coffee (7/10) read more

Literally my new favorite coffee shop in the city with just one visit!! From the outside ambiance to the customer service to the delicious coffee... 10 out of 10! read more

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Kudos to hubby for finding this little cafe off of Fort Ave. The app took us past the location, but no worries, we just turned around and lucky enough, we found a parking spot only a few steps away. Koba Cafe is nestled on the corner of Fort Ave and Webster St. Upon entry, we were greeted right away. Hubby was asked to wear a mask while inside, and he obliged. He ordered us the Breakfast Burrito, and coffee for himself and I had the Ginger Citrus herbal tea w/ honey We sat toward the back where we can look at great artwork by local artists. We waited until our burritos were prepared, and looked at the decor and art and looked up other activities to get into for that day. They brought our burritos to our table. The breakfast burritos were stuffed with bacon, sausage, eggs, spinach, cheese, and salsa. And I must say, hats off to the chef, and looks like I need to ask for the recipe and get me a grill for sandwiches. The salsa had the right amount of heat, and the flavors were impeccable. The cost for everything was about $20. Overall, we will return if we are in the area. read more

Koba Café - Rear Exterior- Ginger Citrus Herbal Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I was in front of a very large group in line. Took my order at the cashier and then they proceeded to cancel my order and "let a larger group order first". 1. Why let a group behind me go before me in line if I was there first? 2. Why take my order in the first place if it was going to be cancelled? Terrible service. read more

I can't say that I spend a ton of time in south Baltimore. That may change now that I came across this jewel of a cafe on Fort. What strikes you once you come in is how welcoming the place is. The staffer beamed as she welcomed us in and offered her suggestions. Secondly, the place is clean. Like, really clean. The owner, Adama (Black owned btw!) was personally wiping down tables after guests left. Once I saw that, I knew I'd made the right call. I ordered the mango curry chicken wrap with kale salad while my guest ordered the veggie powerhouse wrap also with the salad. They were delightful! The chicken was sweet without being cloying and the salad was fresh and robust. Their tea selections are organic and the tropical smoothie is can be made to order. The experience gave me hope that more places could serve healthier foods that don't taste like you're eating twigs. Anyway, I will most certainly return to explore more of their offerings. read more

Koba Café - Mango curry chicken wrap, powerhouse wrap, green tea (organic--fancy!), tropical smoothie. It's all fantastic! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The employees that work here always make my heart feel so warm. Food & drink are great and come out quick. Love the ambience of the cafe as well. All around great place to visit! read more

Great spot for a relaxing cup of tea! Their breakfast is really good too. I had a sausage, egg and cheese croissant and a cheddar quiche. The steamed chai was perfect. Noticed the menu is a bit outdated but it was quite nice to see since it felt so nostalgic! Plus most cafes have the same menu and it gave me the chance to get something instead of my usual matcha latte. The decor is eclectic and homey. A great place to study or chat with friends. The staff were so kind and friendly. Parking might be tough during busy time, but I went around 11 AM on a Saturday and had no issues. I will come back soon! read more

Definitely becoming one of my go-to places to get work done. It's a quaint 2 floor cafe right on the corner of Fort Ave & Webster Ave just a couple blocks off Key Hwy. Although on a busy street and we'll populated area, I've never had trouble finding parking. I've gone during the week and later on a weekend. I'm sure it's far more congested on a Sat morning. The first floor has a few tables, the restroom and is where you order your food or drinks. And trust me, it has more menu offerings than you might think given it's size. The second floor has more seating, and even a small room if you need privacy for working or studying. People tend to keep their voices lower or simply quiet upstairs so you can get lots down. They're even kind enough to bring to you if you're upstairs. Such a cute place with friendly staff, WiFi, yummy sandwiches, salads and beverages. Almost didn't want to write this review because I'd like to keep it to myself. read more

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First coffee shop of 2023! Koba is a cozy shop on the corner. The young lady at the counter was friendly. She was familiar with the two customers in front of me. It definitely had a neighborhood friendly vibe. The shop was busy. Most of the tables on the first floor were taken up when I was there. Be sure to take a stroll up the stairs. At the top of the stairs was an adorable little spot for two people to sit and chat. The second floor has a great little area to sit and ready or study. The top floor was full of light. I ordered my usual cortado. It was a solid drink. It wasn't bad but it also wasn't anything to write home about. read more

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I had the best surprise with this place today! I pulled up to a random coffee shop nearby, but it didn't vibe right, so I decided to search again. Enter Koba--instant LOVE! I ordered an iced mocha latte, and let me tell you, the attention to detail and flavor in that one drink was unreal. DELICIOUS. They also have tons of space for anyone working or studying, which is perfect for my kind of spot. The service was also top notch! I'm kicking myself for not having more time to try the food before my flight. Finding out it's Senegalese-owned just made me love it even more. I will return. read more

Koba Café is in a great location with lots of street parking and lots of seating inside. The food and drinks are good. Upstairs is a great space for reading or working, however, when I went to use their WiFi I realized it was an open network which I don't understand if you're a space that clearly promotes working there, for this they get 4 stars. I didn't feel comfortable doing work there on an open network and left right after my meal although I had intentions of staying a while. Please update to a secure network! read more

My favorite place to go when I need to work from home. They offer WiFi and their upstairs area has a homey ambience and during the week it's very quiet and I can get a lot of work done. I have been here many times and the food is always good. My favorites are the croissant sandwich with bacon and mango curry chicken salad. I usually get the same dish every visit with coffee or hot chocolate. The staff is friendly and nice. It's busier on the weekends and the upstairs area is still quiet with a lot of people on their computers. read more

Koba Cafe is a popular coffee shop/cafe for students and working professionals. I came here for the first time with friends and business was booming, mainly due to the MLK holiday and libraries being closed. This is my new favorite non-library study spot! Seating/atmosphere (4.5/5) - colorful and cute, 2 floors, tons of seating, many outlets and plugs, including a wooden bar with 6 chairs that had outlets at every seat. The bar table had so much space. There are also comfy couches, love seats, high tables, and short tables. A unique feature is their meeting/conference room (can be reserved). It has a table inside and a door that closes for good privacy. The first floor has a few tables as well, but didn't appear to have outlets. 1 gender neutral bathroom on first floor. One thing that could be better are comfier chairs. My friends and I felt that the cafe was a bit too chilly as well. Otherwise, it's a perfect study spot! WiFi - I had no problems with the Wifi. I had a stable connection almost the entire time and good speed. Food/service (2/5) - as another Yelper put it, unremarkable but well-priced. I ordered the egg salad panini w/ pasta salad. I was told the food would be brought upstairs to me, but after waiting 20 minutes, I went downstairs to find out that it was sitting on the counter and completely cold. The sandwich was also a little disappointing as the egg salad was a bit dry. I asked for mayo, but they didn't seem to have it immediately available and gave me honey dijon on the side. The staff was nice but not overly friendly today. Drinks (4/5) - good number of options and well-priced. I had a mocha freeze, which is like cold coffee and ice blended together. It had a really strong coffee flavor and was lightly sweet, nothing near Starbucks sweetness which was awesome. It was very caffeinated. Parking (4/5) - free street parking; depends on your luck, but usually it isn't too difficult to find a nearby spot. read more

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This cafe is super cute and has a good variety of treats and coffee. It took a bit for our food to be ready but it was all fairly priced. read more

Koba Café - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Local neighborhood coffee shop with a variety of cookies, pastries, beverages, sandwiches, etc... I've been to Koba Cafe twice now. I'm impressed by the variety of food and drinks that they have for such a small place. I've tried the Honey Lavender Latte and some of their cookies, I believe it was called Sheila's cookie or something like that. I really enjoyed the Honey Lavender Latte and hope to try more of their food items in the near future. read more

The owner is so sweet and helpful and always remembers you and will greet you! Love their food and smoothies and coffee, honorable mention for the price of their coffee, so hard to find a coffee under $5 but this place has it! read more

I've been to this cafe several times over the years and have never been impressed with the coffee or food. Today I bought a cheesecake slice and when I went home to eat it I opened it up to find mold covering the whole top of it. Clearly will not be revisiting this establishment especially when there are so many other , better cafes in the area. read more

Koba Café - Cheesecake with clear mold on the top. Wished I had looked at it before leaving the cafe . - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

There needs to be more coffee shops as cute and friendly as this one! I was in the mood to visit a local coffee shop, where I could also get work done, that's NOT a Starbucks. This one was close by, so I drove over since I'm not a local. For a Saturday morning around 11am, I didn't have an issue finding a street parking space, even though it looks like a decently populated neighborhood. We were greeted when we walked in and took a minute to look over the menu. I ordered an espresso, a large coffee, and two breakfast sandwiches. The girls behind the counter were very friendly and let us know, we could go upstairs and they will bring our order to us. When we got upstairs, it was bigger than previous photos I viewed, they don't do the space justice. I loved that there was plenty of seating, some people were already there studying. We stayed for around 2 hours working and I also ordered an additional iced latte. (Which was delicious, large, and you can mix flavor combinations) When we finished eating and drinking upstairs, there was a convenient dish-wash bin near the stairs to stack your plates and mugs in on your way out, so you don't need to carry them down the stairs yourself back to the counter. A few things to know: - There is one bathroom downstairs and it's Unisex. It didn't bother me at all, but it might bother others here, just letting you know. It was very clean and well kept! - This shop is dog friendly! I love dogs but I know there are some people who hate them. Just be aware a customer or two may have their pupper with them at their table while eating, or in line while ordering. I saw both. - Free wifi! WiFi is available and is not password protected so I didn't have to hunt for a sign containing the login information. So convenient. Would I return? Absolutely! But unfortunately not as frequently as I'd love to, because it's a little pricey for what you're getting. However, higher prices are expected in this neighborhood plus the quality of the coffee is high. Still had a great experience, I recommend! read more

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Tasty sandwiches, wraps, and salads for lunch or breakfast. There is a nice selection of drinks from the espresso bar. The service is always personable and cheerful. There are places to sit on the main floor and upstairs it is not uncommon to find people with their laptops and working. A friendly and welcoming neighborhood place. read more

Koba Café - Avocado toast and English Breakfast tea. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Solid little coffee shop. It's a busy neighborhood but I didn't have a problem finding parking on the street. Everything was extremely well priced and the food was very good, the coffee wasn't anything special but this was a great spot to grab lunch. read more

My first time to this cute cafe and I had a great experience with Khalif. He helped me pick exactly what I needed and everything turned out wonderful. Ended up picking an iced butterscotch caramel latte and potentially one of the best blueberry scones I've had from a cafe. Great all around in and out experience! They had all kinds of decent looking pre-made goodies and a large drink and food menu to choose from too. Wish they had little places like this back home! Anyone visiting or new to the area should check it out! read more

food is delicious and the service is absolutely wonderful. The atmosphere and people here are extremely welcoming. Definitely a great spot to visit. read more

Such a lovely, quaint cafe. We walked here for breakfast and had some bagels. The downstairs is where you order and then upstairs is a nice lounge and tables. Loved eating here in this warm, cozy spot. There is beautiful decor and lovely artwork on the walls. They have lots of party, sandwiches, wrap, and bagel options, as well as coffees and teas. The bagels we got were fresh and delicious. We will definitely be coming here more often. read more

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