It seems like only yesterday that Kefa Cafe opened in downtown Silver Spring but it has actually been FIFTEEN YEARS! You KNOW that for a small independent business to survive that long the owners HAVE to be doing something right. In Kefa's case it is the always warm and inviting sisters Lene and Abeba Tsegaye who will greet you upon entering. Their coffee and pastries are great and their side Space 7:10 gallery always has a changing display of art. Kefa has become such a beloved business that I proudly included them in my book "Downtown Silver Spring" (Arcadia Publishing, 2010). Skip the chains and visit an authentic piece of Silver Spring! read more

Kefa Cafe - L-R Lene and Abeba Tsegaye pose in front of their business. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Your local coffee shop in Silver Spring! +Comfy setting! +Caring Staff! +Good Products - love that specialty soda brand that they carry read more

What a sweet spot this is . Very good coffee . They offer a good variety of sandwiches . I only tried a Coffe which I enjoyed . The coffee shop itself is cozy and nicely decorated with different tea cups, coffee grinders and coffee machines . Big windows make for a sunny interior and brightly colored table covers create a cheerful atmosphere . Good idea lace for meeting friends or reading a book . Rare to find a place like this when so may coffee places are part of these big chains with cavernous spaces . read more

This place is perfect: cute, homey atmosphere; attentive and caring owners, and beautiful espresso at a good price. I ordered an espresso, and one of the ladies pulled a double for me. I hadn't asked for it, but once I finally tasted it, I was glad I had a double shot. It was perfect: thick crema, and a great balance of earthy, nutty tastes and that slightly bitter, tannic jolt you want in an espresso. What puts this place over the top for me is how great the owners are. I was having a clumsy moment, and spilled my espresso before I could even take a sip of it. The owner came over, asked if I was ok, and then very quickly offered to make me a new espresso. She didn't charge me, and was just so nice about the whole thing. I will definitely be back when I'm in the neighborhood. Extra double bonus: they run on green energy. Good times. read more

Yum yum yum. My oh my, a chai tea at Kefa Cafe on a windy cold day today was just what the doctor ordered. I met an old friend for drinks and pleasant conversation, and Kefa was a great location for that. I love the small town feel of this coffee shop right in Silver Spring. It's a very welcome change of pace from the chain coffee places that are so prevalent in the area. My only complaint is that my tea wasn't as hot as I generally like it. But, I guess that's better than too hot! I hate burning my tongue on too-hot coffees and teas. I won't downgrade my rating though; Kefa Cafe is definitely still worth 5 stars! read more

Yes, Kefa Cafe is cute, and the owners are ridiculously friendly, and the coffee is superior. However, I recently ordered the Spring Street, a vegetarian sandwich, and was disappointed. Kudos to Kefa for offering a veggie (even a vegan!) sandwich, and kudos to them for inserting fun, non-standard veggies like sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. However, the sandwich just did not have any flavor. It didn't come with any spread, any garnish, any side item, no pickle slice, no hummous, no mustard, no nothing. It was slightly soggy from sprouts, which did not add to its appeal. I asked for a slice of cheese, and they charged me 90 cents extra--putting my sandwich at nearly $7, above yummy choices like chicken tarragon and roast beef and cheese. Really, Kefa Cafe? I love you, but I won't be back for a veggie sandwich, and that's too bad. I want to support local business, and I like your style. read more

You gotta support local businesses! Kefa Cafe is a gem. I've been coming here for years and the sisters are sooo wonderful. They truely epitomize good customer service. The coffee is great, the gelato (I think it's seasonal) is divine... but they might not have it anymore. The sweets are good. The space and location are great. I can't say enough, the owners are really nice, you just want to support them. read more

Awesome friendly service and very cute store decorations. It is my first time here but I already like it. read more

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

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What a lovely, cozy little spot. I've been in here a couple of times; the coffee and food are good but the service and atmosphere are fantastic - the server/owner was so kind and charming. I'll be back. read more

Charming and friendly and utterly unassuming. If you are lucky, you'll snag one of the three tables in the odd-shaped side room. And if you are really lucky, you'll be there when sun streams through the windows and the walls glow. If you can get that moment, you'll be strengthened and refreshed for weeks. read more

The coffee is great, and the two sister proprietors, Lene and Abeba, are among the warmest people I know.

Just a note - didn't get to try their food because my sandwich came to $8.73 and they would not take a credit card unless it was $10 - I went to Zeb's Cafe and they took my credit card with no problem. They lost my business over $1.27. read more

Kefa Cafe...wow! What else can I say that has probably not been said already. I am going to keep it short and sweet...I love Kefa Cafe, they stand for organic and great coffee, something rare to find these days (Staaaarbucks). The food is great and the service makes this whole coffee experience as good as it can get in the Silver Spring area. Love the place and I wish them the best success. Oh, the library section, is a brilliant idea! read more

Very cozy and friendly neighborhood spot. Enjoyed the quiche and coffee. No wifi to facilitate community so don't come here expecting to get work requiring wifi done. Love the fact that they showcase local art! read more

Service is always outstanding. It has the feeling of being at home where are you give me your cell and comfortable. I've been going there for years, and highly recommend it to anybody and everybody! Neal Kursban read more

Everyone else has described all kinds of good things about this place, so I won't try to list them all.... Why I'M giving them 5 stars is primarily for the coffee. As with anywhere, there are good days and bad days, good brews and bad. However, the ladies here are extremely good, and the espresso ranges anywhere from "quite good" to "best I've had in my life." (seriously. The very best one. I've ever had. Blew me away.) Their pourovers are absolutely fantastic. Such a beautiful aroma, full perfect balance of flavors, never weak or overextracted... it's to die for.) If you passionately care about your coffee, go to Kefa. You will not be disappointed. read more

What a great local spot! The sisters who own Kefa are always so warm and friendly, the coffee is always high quality and delicious, and the ambiance is perfect! This Kefa has no wifi, so if you need it to get work done, you are better off going to the location housed in the library close by. I actually really love that this cafe doesn't have wifi or televisions- it makes it a perfect spot to stop when you need a break from all the negativity on the news and just want to connect with people face to face. read more

This is more then a cafe, Kefa is a Silver Spring staple just as important as the penguins! This place has all the family owned charm you would want out of your local java spot and so many wonderful people who visit! You never know what neighbors you might see here! It's so fun to see all my former classmates photos on the wall! They care about quality, community and of corse a great cup of coffee and food! read more

This is a great coffee and tea shop! It always brings a smile to my face to walk in here. The people are friendly and welcoming! There is a very quiet, calm, and home-y feel in this cafe. The chai lattes are incredible and we always get a delicious pastry. It's great to support small businesses! read more

Ah Kefa, what would I do without ya? But lyrical praise aside, really, how would I have survived 10 hour shifts day after day without your proprietors' glowing smiles? Your varied and complex pastry offerings? And your piping hot coffee infusions? Answer: it would have been all but impossible. read more

Lovely service and delicious coffee. Cafe breve was strong and hot. Perfect. There are many options in downtown Silver Spring and this one is the best of the lot. The tiny café in the library is equally good but does not have as pleasant an atmosphere. Clean tables, sunshine through the windows, and local coffee make for a repeat visit. read more

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

Charming little cafe on the corner of Bonifant and Wayne, Kefa offers a nice variety of coffee drinks and teas, as well as danishes and other baked goods. Nice, cozy environment, with puzzles and books available to customers who wish to relax a bit over their drinks and snacks. Great place to stop for a quick pick-me-up or cool-me-down. read more

This is an artsy intimate coffee shop with a loving owner. You can tell she has put all of her magnanimous heart into this place. I'm glad I stopped by while I was in town. read more

Stopped in for a the first time. This was a great experience. The owner was so friendly and the coffee was excellent. They seem very community centered. I was super impressed. It felt like a home away from home. Charming, clean, joyous. Nice way to spend 30 minutes. read more

The best mocha in the DMV: robust and flavorful without being too sweet. Pure heaven. I'm so thankful for their stand at the Silver Spring library. read more

Kefa Cafe is a gem! Not only is their single-origin coffee from Yirgacheffe superb, their customer service is supreme. The owner, an amiable and beautiful lady, is an exceptional conversationalist! She sells comfort and good memories alongside her amazing suite of coffee, teas, and freshly baked pastries. Highly recommended. read more

This review is a little overdue. Love their coffee and the owners. We're constant regulars here (though we've noticed that they were closed a couple of weeks ago due to the fire at Quarry House). We really like the macchiatos. Coffee has nice fruity notes and pairs really well with milk or cream. During the summer they also have gelato and you can get affogatos with your choice of gelato flavor. Really sweet staff and always any interesting array of art scattered about the place. Definitely one of the best coffee places in the DC area. read more

Awesome, awesome coffee!! Good price for pour-overs and you can pick your choice of beans. Lots of single varietals from Ethiopia. Love em! read more

I stopped going to Starbucks and started coming here. You know why? Because the coffee is better! Not only that, the owners are very friendly, and give off a great atmosphere. I will be drinking their iced latte all throughout the winter because it is just so darn good. Love this place. read more

So for all who love their coffee, you know how it feels to find that cosy, homey neighbourhood cafe that has really good coffee and all those little perks. I love their macchiato and it is my morning fix almost everyday. Then my eyes open up. I really love the place, and the owners, Lene and Abeba, are awesome. I recommend. Very much. read more

Gem of the neighborhood! My husband and I have been Kefa Cafe fans since 2002. It's our place to stop after church. The coffee is wonderful, the desserts delectable, and the service absolutely awesome. Definitely recommend! read more

Had a very yummy cappuccino at their location in the SIlver Spring Library. In the warmer days that have passed in August, I enjoyed very good iced coffees. Always great service with a smile! read more

This place is indeed a gem. The best chai latte EVER always served with a smile! Tasty egg sandwiches at a reasonable price and cozy tables where I invariably run into folks I know or folks who will become new friends. At the original location and at their second location at the Silver Spring library, you can also buy freshly roasted coffee beans. The beans are roasted locally at nagadicoffee.com, also in Silver Spring. The Indonesian Sumatra Purbatua that I bought today was roasted on Feb 22nd and is direct trade. Can't get that at Costco! read more

The macchiato I enjoyed here was perfect, and I was thrilled to see Goldilocks Goodies gluten-free cookies at the register (they are not inexpensive, but they are delicious). I do wish the tables were a tad cleaner. read more

Awesome coffee, friendly service, unpretentious atmosphere. This is a perfect neighborhood coffee joint and I appreciated the lack of Starbucks-ness. Don't know about the food or the gelato (yet!), but I will definitely make this a regular stop. read more

Abeba and Lene are so kind and really make you feel welcome in their cozy little shop. The quiche is consistently delicious, it's never loud or crowded, and a few weeks ago I had a wonderful conversation with Lene about the different books on display-- a mix of works by patrons and local authors, and literature projects by migrant women, incarcerated youth, and other marginalized people. read more

This an awesome local establishment in Silver Spring, within walking distance from the metro station. The owners are beyond pleasant, and the blends of coffee that they have are each delightful. I particularly enjoyed their house blend, a blend of Sumatran, Arabic, and Ethiopian beans. I haven't tried anything else but the coffee at this place; I've, however, read that the gelato kicks ass. Next time you're in Silver Spring and looking for a cup of Java in an intimate atmosphere, skip over Starbucks (or even Mayoga's Coffee Factory) and head over to Kefa Kafe! read more

My first visit to Kefa Cafe, and I was not disappointed. I ordered the Café au lait with their dark french roast. It was just what the doctor ordered on a gray, rainy day. So rich and creamy, not weak and watered down like many places. It even helped clear my stuffy nose, at least temporarily. My husband got the Americano and enjoyed it. Maybe I'll try that next time. Thank you Yelp reviewers! read more

Kefa Cafe is a great part of Silver Spring. When you enter it feels like entering someone's home, it is very inviting. The people who work here are always very kind. The coffee is also quite decent, though I think the gelato + espresso combination is a bit too expensive. read more

Very small, but warm, neighborhood coffee shop. The food and coffee were both good; but on a busy Saturday morning it took a few minutes to get a table. Service was friendly and welcoming. read more