Lyla D.

Gosh, I hope my review doesn't merge with this coffee stand initially stationed at Kaka'ako's Aloha Beer because there ARE two locations for this business. Anyway, we drove into Kailua to get some of Empty Elle's Montréal-style bagels on Saturday (1/29/2022) morning and chose to dine-in. Fortunately, we could also get our caffeine fix from this Ruby Violet Coffee & Goods stand to pair with our breakfast. We were first seated and ordered our Eggels through Empty Elle's friendly server who then directed us to place our order for coffee directly at this coffee stand. We perused the menu of coffee beverages and my husband placed and paid for our order. The young man informed us that he was pulling single-origin sustainably produced Ethiopian coffee on this day. He also said that his coffee stand usually pulls single-origin or a Columbian + Ethiopian coffee bean blend and they are currently working with a local coffee farm/roaster as he plans to soon feature Kanu coffee AKA "cousin of Kona coffee". As an avid coffee drinker, I was excited to hear about the featured coffee as the brewed flavors of Ethiopian beans tend to taste berry-like and chocolate. I didn't realize that the barista would deliver the coffees to our table so I waited to the side. I enjoyed watching him extract the espresso and adding hot water through his Simonelli espresso machine to create our caffè Americano. When he completed making our coffees, he noticed me standing to the side and informed me that he'd deliver our order. It was a blessing to have him deliver the coffees since I hadn't had my wake-up caffeine fix yet and I'd probably spill the fresh aromatic brews. Upon returning to our table, I could smell the fruity aroma of the coffee and the first sip was bold, smooth and flavorful. There was a creaminess to this intense and bright brew with a berry-finish. It paired well with our Eggels. After we finished our breakfast, I had a short conversation with the barista who confirmed their Kaka'ako location, formerly just outside of Aloha Beer, but now just inside CrossFit O'ahu on Reed Lane so they're a lot closer to our home. However, it's good to know that we can enjoy Ruby Violet Coffees at Empty Elle Bagels on Thursday, Friday or Saturday mornings.

Kelsey H.

Looking for something a little different for your morning pick me up? Ruby Violet is for you! I am not a coffee drinker. However, I do love a pretty drink. A friend brought me here for a quick cuppa. I chose the ube latte and she purchased a matcha latte with lavender syrup. Ruby Violet uses oat milk, which isn't my favorite, but is very smooth. Both lattes were both beautiful and delicious. Another option I like is that they have a few small tables and will make your drink in a mug so you can enjoy it at Aloha Beer Works brunch. No waste! Give it a try if you're looking for something rich and delicious that's not just the same old same.

Irene M.

HEY (Healthy Espresso Yelpers) but ssshhh! don't tell that to anyone until they try it because it's obsessively amazing! Ruby Violet is a mobile cart in the outdoor garden at Aloha Beer Co. every Friday to Sunday. Serving plant based drinks using coffee from around the world their concept of keeping things clean and simple is done exceptionally right you seriously don't need anything else...uhhh except the best vegan pandesal made by Wow Baguio absolutely delicious!!! Using only oat milk which I've never had before is ridiculously mellow and incredibly highlights the coffee even more so ahhhh and the superfood powder...I added turmeric the first time and beetroot the second time. The root powder they use are vegan, gluten free, non-gmo are deliciously genius!! It is blended with a tiny bit of coconut blossom sugar, the turmeric is with a little ginger and cocoa and the beetroot is with a touch of cocoa as well. They also have ube powder that I have yet to try oh I'm so excited!! Always a positive experience with the most kind, friendly and thoughtful heart they exude you see it every single artsy cup I can never get enough of check them out and follow them on Instagram and FB @rubyvioletcoffee Thank you!!

Wesley T.

We were at Empty Elle Bagels for a late breakfast or early lunch one day and saw that Rubyviolet sharing the space offerings specialty coffees, so we ordered matcha milk teas to accompany our breakfast bagels and it sure was good. From what we hear the coffees here are fantastic also. We are sure to return because the outside seating was wonderful on a beautiful clear day in Kailua. The wonderful environment is so Kailua and we are planning to return to enjoy the same. I only wish that they offer a frozen blended version off their offerings.

Chris R.

15-year coffee veteran has set up a mobile coffee stand as part of Aloha Brewing and already the coffee might be some of the best in town. They rotate beans but currently serving a bright, "crisp apple" Rwandan that makes even iced coffee sparkle. You can order and sit in Aloha's shaded seating. Wifi available. On weekends you can also grab brunch from Aloha and coffee from Ruby. Intentional coffee social justices include choosing beans from black-owned and woman-owned roasters. Plus these folks are just super friendly.

Erica P.

The cutest little coffee cart there ever was! Parked at Aloha Brewing Co, Ruby Violet serves up an incredibly simple menu of espresso - you have the option to add water, oat milk, or oat milk with either coconut sugar or other flavors (ex: ube, turmeric, beetroot). While the menu is small, the drinks speak volumes on their enthusiasm of coffee and commitment to quality! The coffee is lightly roasted and smooth as can be. It's a bit pricey, but definitely good quality and you can never go wrong with supporting small local businesses. The owners are VERY kind, welcoming, and passionate about their coffee. There's also a nice, open, socially-distanced, and dog-friendly seating area to hang out, do work, or do some dogspotting lol.

Jessica Y.

Calling all coffee enthusiasts! I have found you your new favorite outdoor coffee spot. Talk about a hidden gem, this place was a little hard to find. Thankfully Joanna L.'s pic had the Aloha Beer Company geo-tagged and I knew exactly where to go to find this place! If you're like me and have been feeling super cooped up in the house lately, you'll want to add Ruby Violet to your list of places to check out when you're in need of some fresh air and some good coffee. The ambiance reminds me of a roof top bar in the city meets down to earth, mellow but edgy coffee shop. If I had more quarters to feed the parking meter, I'm pretty sure I would have and could have stayed all day to hang out and get some work done. This outdoor, open-air mobile coffee cart is parked in an old parking lot (nicknamed "The Garden"), sandwiched between two buildings immediately to the right of Aloha Beer Company, and across the street from Lex Brodie's, Security Alarm Shop, and the GadgetGuyz. Ruby Violet is definitely ideal for those living in Kaka'ako as there's not a lot of places to park in the immediate area. Lucky for me there were a few stalls on the Lex Brodie's side of Queen Street right in front of GadgetGuyz. The Garden had plenty of seating that was very spaced out and following social distancing guidelines. The barista, James, is very kind, knowledgeable about coffee, and personable. He gave me the low down on his business that he and his other half, Amy, started and opened the day before Hurricane Douglas was supposed to hit and in the middle of a pandemic. Talk about a resilient duo! I'm no coffee expert but James was definitely serving up some pretty tasty brews! I ordered an espresso with oat milk and was very impressed. The taste was smooth and not too bitter for a sweets lover like me. Everything on their menu is plant-based as well! Currently they're only open Friday to Sunday from 7am-noon. I stopped by around 10:00am and stayed for about an hour to do some work, chill out, and vibe. It started to get a little hot around 11:15, my laptop was at 17%, and being a naturally very sweaty human (TMI sorry), I knew that was my cue to head out. Nonetheless, the sunshine and fresh air felt fantastic and it was nice to escape and change up my WFH scenery. I know I will be back!

Cathy G.

I adore this coffee cart and always have a great experience. James has a real passion for coffee and is very knowledgeable on all aspects of the industry. The owners really try to highlight smaller owned coffee roasters from all over the United States, and will occasionally rotate out the selection. Most of the time I go for a standard espresso with oat milk, and have always loved the quality! These guys never stop trying to improve their products and ingredients. If you are interested in discovering more about the Honolulu coffee scene, I can not recommend this place more. Parking is easy if you take the ramp up beside Aloha Beer Works. I think they only charge for parking on the weekend after 12 if you are staying for more than a quick pick up. Aside from that Amy, James, their staff and regulars are all around awesome to stay and chat with. They're Star Wars as well as coffee nerds, and animal advocates. This last part is just why is would give them an extra star if possible.

Lauren M.

Located in Kakaako next to Aloha Beer Company on Queen Street, Ruby Violet is a little gem pop-up coffee bar! I got to chat with the owner who showed me the different powders he uses for the lattes. Full of flavor, low glycemic because it is made with palm sugar. Per his recommendation, I tried to the ube latte and got an espresso shot on the side. This is REAL ube taste! Not the bright purple flavored kind that you normally get. I will definitely come back to try the other flavors like beetroot cocoa and the seasonal match flavor. Cheers to Ruby Violet Coffee in Kakaako. My new walk-to coffee spot!

Joann Y.

Cute little outdoor coffee shop! Located right next to Aloha Beer Company, you'll find Ruby Violet Coffee & Goods. They recently opened up and plan to have food soon but right now it's just coffee. There's four types on the menu: espresso with milk, espresso with water, espresso with a powder, and espresso with cocoa and milk. The milk used is Oatly which I happen to be a huge fan of! The coffee barista was so enthusiastic and seems to really enjoy what he was doing. He was super helpful and welcoming despite being my first time there and my questions about everything. Coffee - I got the espresso with milk which is essentially a latte. It's an 8 oz size coffee, reminiscent of coffee in Australia where it's just the espresso and lovely ratio of milk. There's a nice concentrated taste so overall I would give it a 4/5 because I prefer whole milk with my coffee rather than the Oatly that is used. The location is sweet since you can park up at Aloha Beer Co. or on the street. Everything is outdoors so that makes me feel more comfortable during COVID, and you're surrounded by beautiful paintings so what's not to love? Overall, great location, wonderful service, lovely coffee, and beautiful art. I'm looking forward to coming back again!

James S.

Great coffee with a story behind it. They have some very unique and healthy options, like a turmeric latte. Everything is served with oat milk (except for the basic americano), and it's clear a lot of time and thought has been put into the menu options. The venue is Ruby Violet in the morning and Aloha Beer Company at night. Lots of seating and perfect for people watching. There always seem to be dogs in the area, and the owners occasionally have their dogs chilling in the area too. Such a wonderful place! You're missing out if you haven't tried a few of their drinks.

Lauren K.

Keep The Coffee Coffee! These guys truly live up to this motto! Located under the awning at Aloha Beer Co., this little coffee cart is here to help perk you up. This place is for those who truly enjoy coffee and would consider themselves to be enthusiasts. The menu is small as it is catered to brewing and pouring delicious espresso, not making random "secret recipes" per customers' requests that can essentially mask the coffee itself. I will confess that I myself am not a true coffee aficionado but yet I still find that I enjoy all of their drinks here! Plus the atmosphere is charming to sit outdoors and maybe read a book under the gables of the brewery while enjoying your morning brew. While I do feel it is a little pricey, I appreciate the local ownership and artistry that goes into making their product with pride. Plus you gotta love that their own pups are the mascots of the brand!

tania s.

Found this place on my run. Love the concept - straight espresso for legit coffee drinkers with healthy optional enhancements. Since I actually prefer the coffee drink, they do have hot water option for people like me. They had Colombian coffee beans today, really tasty! Service was very personable, to the point I think I was speaking with ownership. Cool industrial venue too.