Superb customer service, vibe, pastry and matcha! My hot matcha and warmed pastry were paired perfectly with the morning weather. Most definitely be returning. Kudos to my barista and the pastry chef. read more

Very relaxed/laid back cafe that is perfect for chatting with friends, socializing with other customers, or even studying/reading. The place is right on the corner of 14th and E but from the outside doesn't look as lively as it is inside. They have seating at the bar, in front of the big windows (where you get to see the beautiful trees), some booths, tables, and couches! There's a pool table and they have tvs playing shows. The staff were very nice and explained the drink options and provided recommendations. We sampled the Bali tea both regular and with syrup. It is a bitter tea so beware if that's not your thing but the syrups help it taste better. Personally I liked the bitter flavor mixed with the syrup. My friend ordered a lavender latte and I order the matcha latte. When asked what level of sweet I wanted between 1-10 I asked for a 7 and it was honesty on the spot and perfect. We didn't try any food. Definitely check this place out if you're in the area. read more

Shine Kava - Pool table - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

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It was my first time here, but it was definitely worth the stop. My friend and I came here for a quick coffee after dinner and had a great time. The barista had us try their Bali tea which is super delicious and has a unique bitter taste to it. She ordered a matcha and I got a lavender latte. Both drinks were delicious and made quickly. The music is super calming and creates a beachy ambiance. Overall, we had a great time and would recommend this stop! read more

Shine Kava - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Visited for the first time today, my bf & I have lived nearby for the last 6 months but we hadn't gotten a chance to try it until now. We loved it!! He got an Iced Lavender Latte - the lavender is pretty light flavor-wise, but noticeable if you're looking for it! I got an Iced Matcha Latte (they don't serve chai, which is my normal iced order placed, so the girl working helped me & even added some sweetened condensed milk which was so good & I hadn't tried before!) -- everything was delicious and served quickly! Also shout out to Irena, she was so sweet and helpful and answered all my questions! read more

Shine Kava - Iced Matcha Latte & Iced Lavender Latte! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

I will say that I am a huge fan of the alternative and eclectic businesses. And when it comes to that retro vibe, there isn't many places in Midtown Sacramento that shine as much as "Shine". This place has been around since 2010 and as recently as 2020, new ownership took over which further added the creativeness that the business offers. The end result was combining a coffee shop, bar, live music venue, kava lounge, and restaurant with small bites all under one roof. Located directly at the corner of 14th and E St. in a quieter part of the Midtown/Alkali Flat, this place can be easily missed with the lush landscaping and trees surrounding it. Parking is surprisingly easy to find since this area is away from all the hustle and bustle. I ended up coming here during the morning of Friday 10/20/23 at around 10:20am before my 11:00am dentist appointment right down the street. Upon entering, it was not busy at all as this was past the morning rush. Since I had not yet gotten my coffee, I glanced at the menu to see what kind of selections they were offering. Since I was craving something cold and sweet, my heart was set on an iced "Caramel Latte". The order only took a couple minutes as it absolutely had the bitterness of the espresso combined with the sweetness of the caramel. I proceeded towards the rear of the building while enjoying my drink. As I mentioned, this place has a trendy, hip, and almost Polynesian vibe to it. The wicker chair I sat on had a plush pillow on it while gold letters that read "SHINE" were directly above that. You will also notice an abundance of live plans as well as paintings that resemble more of a Tiki-bar theme to it. I think the overall atmosphere is a lot of fun when you factor in the live music. I also would like coming here during the evening hours and try some of their kava drinks. They are opened for business 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. All in all, "Shine" is a must-try place that I highly recommend. My rating, an above average four stars. read more

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Coffee was fine, but there was a pretty large group of young white people who were openly throwing out the N-word in conversation. It seemed like the group was a mix of friends of the employees and maybe a few were employees themselves. I was turned away working, so I didn't pinpoint how many different people were saying it. Despite my friend and I turning around in shock as we heard them, they continued and no employees said anything about the use of inappropriate and offensive language. I approached a couple of the guys, saying I overheard the N word being thrown around, and they denied it. The rest of the group just stared. The whole establishment heard and no one seemed alarmed. Clearly this language is commonplace here, so we will not be back. Bathroom smelled like piss, too. read more

There are better coffee shops that don't charge $2 for alternative milks. I went in the morning and they had no food options, aside from old pastries, available. After we got settled, the barista brought us each an individually wrapped biscotti like you can buy in bulk at Costco. The place also smelled like cleaning products. It was pretty disappointing. read more

Horrible spot. Overpriced and the environment is probably one of the most uncomfortable vibes I've been in...surprising actually and a little sad. read more

I started coming here a little bit more often since I don't live too far, so I got to see how there service really is, there are 2 people that are really kind and helpful when I'm there, an older gentleman and a young lady, You can tell that they actually try to make your day a little bit better and the coffee they made for my friend and I were really yummy. But the last time I went I wasn't a fan there was a older lady that took my order, she seemed really confused as if she wasn't present when she was taking my order and she wasn't really nice and seemed as if she wanted to get rid of me. read more

I came on Sunday to charge my car rental. Luckily they opened at 9am and I was able to enjoy a drink in the morning while waiting for my car to charge. Anyways I came in and ordered something different today. Last time I got a Carmel macchiato and this time I got a vanilla latte. It tastes so weird. I asked the barista (a nice young lady) what was the milk they used. They used the Costco whole milk which I drink everyday. It's not that. For vanilla they use the standard vanilla brand and that wasn't it either so I have no idea what was in the drink. Maybe the coffee bean??? Anyways it was not drinkable. The drink came out to be $7.28. Not sure what I'm going to do with this drink. Suck it up and swallow it or bring it home and redo it so I can actually enjoy it. Next time I come I'm sticking with my caramel macchiato and not be adventurous. Sigh read more

Shine Kava - Vanilla whole milk and 2 shots of espresso $7.28 do not recommend - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

I was here for milk and coffee drinks with the whole family, and maybe some card games and maybe some chess games... It was super laid-back on a Sunday morning and a delight all the way around read more

Shine Kava - Mellow coffee house - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

Their coffee is So over-priced! The large regular coffee with milk was over $6 I feel for the Barista, because at that price, she didn't get a tip. read more

Shine Kava - Just a 12 oz Coffee with milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

The "Willie Nelson Dude "behind the counter IS NOT AN EMPLOYEE- He's literally a neighborhood Volunteer Person who helps out his community and the Neighbors who live close by. The young ppl that work here tend to be solo workers. This place is its own thing and instead of LEADING WITH EXPECTATIONS- find out what's going on. This place has morphed into its own thing. Often times - more so than Always... you'll be waiting - you gotta be here on a day you're not in a rush. Come here on a day off... Frank aka everyone's friend AINT HERE FOR YOU. Try em again another time. The food is good- the coffee is better now that they switched and if you can't handle a bunch of dudes bro'n out... skip it here. read more

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I love coming here and ordering the Bali tea I get a half gallon for home it makes you feel great if you need a boost of energy. It's also a great place to hangout with friends. The staff are nice, great service read more

Shine Kava - Kava tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Super cool vibe in there. My biggest complaint is the prices of drinks and while I liked the music they were playing, it was a little too loud. read more

I ordered a drip coffee and toasted bagel and cream cheese. It cost $17. $5 for the coffee and $12 for a bagel. That seems like a ridiculous amount to pay for bagel and a coffee, but it was my first time here so I thought I'd give it a shot. The coffee's good but still overpriced imo. And the bagel, at least they put a good amount cream cheese, but it wasn't toasted!! It says toasted on the menu and it was cold and completely untoasted. Really disappointed for the amount of money it cost. read more

I am very new to the Sacramento area. In order to get more familiar with the area, I've taken the time to walk to nearby, coffee shops, while I work from home to get a change of scenery and build a routine. Walking in here, the atmosphere was pretty standoffish. The barista was conversing with some regulars at the front, and seemed peeved that she had to break away from the conversation to take my order. The lavender latte was actually very very good. When I was ordering, she asked if I wanted an extra shot. I laughed and said "yeah I am pretty tired. I'll take the extra shot." She very dryly said "yeah I see that". MA'AM?! Kinda rude, but I tend to have a dry sense of humor myself, so I let it roll off. I was working there for several hours. Great Wi-Fi reception in a pretty cozy environment with plenty of outlets for me to stay plugged in and get plenty of work done. I wanted to work on a more stable surface than the couches, so I relocated to the counter when it cleared up. A couple regulars or maybe off the clock employees came in and gathered around the other end to talk with the two people behind the counter. The four of them started engaging in one of the most ludicrous conversations I have ever overheard. I tend to work with headphones in but every now and then to give my ears a break I take them out. I tend not to really care about what patrons discuss. They're private people and can talk about whatever they please at their discretion. However, the two employees, I believe one may have been in the owner, had no business being as crass and vulgar as they were alongside their friends. I am never the first person to cry "misogyny" where there isn't any. But the men in the conversation were completely devaluing women. Repeatedly describing them as nothing more than objects. Saying they "serve no purpose." I wish I was kidding. The male employee/owner(?) was describing in graphic detail, and such vulgarity how he has "run trains through women". It was at this point I decided it was time to leave. I don't care what type of industry you work in or whether you believe no one is listening, that sort of discussion has no place in any sort of job. Especially to be so bold as to have it in front of other customers who are trying to do their work, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee. And it wasn't like they tried to keep the discussion amongst themselves in lower tones. It was boisterous, nasty, and just so despicable. IDK, what the environment used to be. I can see from older reviews that this coffee shop was once really loved but it's changed hands in ownership. It definitely could use a revamp in staffing and employee conduct . read more

Worst coffee I've ever had. Coffee isn't supposed to be the color of iced tea, is it? Well here, that's exactly what you'll get. Wondering if this coffee shop is a front, there were four people sitting in separate booths on their phones, no coffee, no food. Bored out of their mind. Very strange. The lady at the register looked shocked to see a customer arrive. read more

Bad, unwelcoming vibe got a very mid expensive coffee. First and last time I think I'm good. $8 to be treated like I don't belong lol

Under new owners, it's really just a coffee shop. The now very limited food menu included a very underwhelming small waffle, pedestrian grilled cheese sandwich ("with basil" means dried basil sprinkled inside). The grilled ham and cheese croissant was fine. A latte was also solid but nothing to write home about. They do some live music on Thursdays but the barista said it's no longer an open mic. Wish the business hadn't had to go through this. read more

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5 STARS. 10/10. By far the best coffee shop / tea shop. They have this "Bali Tea" that has no caffeine but gives you great natural energy! The service here is absolutely amazing & friendly. Don't even get me started on the vibes here. You walk in & it feels like you stepped into different world. I love the music they play & all of the comfortable seating. They have high quality chess boards & some card games / board games. I highly recommend Shine Cafe & Kava to EVERYONE. Oh yea! & they serve Kava! IT'S SOOOOOO GOOD TOO! P.S. The wifi here is great! (unlike A LOT of other coffee shops) read more

Shine Kava - Bali Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

Still my fav local spot. Good AC, relaxed chill vibe, friendly younger staff, and the salmon lox bagel is delicious. Plus sweet treats. Bonus - this is a low-key chess hit spot! Really great spot to just chill out. read more

Upon walking in loved the layout and the decor. One thing I liked about this place especially when it comes to going to cafes to do work was I took a seat did some work for a good amount of time and wasn't bothered by an employee. When the time came to want to order something I went behind the register and was immediately helped. Wish I caught the employee's name so I can give her credit because her recommendation to get a peach mango Bali tea was just what I needed. Hope to come back here again and again for when I want to do work in downtown and possibly bring friends to hangout at the back lounge area or bar. read more

Shine Kava - Peach Mango Bali Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

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My husband and I got kicked out for being in an "undesignated area", to which had no sign informing us that we weren't allowed. Irina, the manager went on a power trip. We felt discriminated since there's always a group of people hanging out in the area. Plus we weren't being disruptive nor loud. She became very hostile, aggressive, interrupting me when I'd question her about the policy or others being allowed. She threatened us that we could no longer trespass (for being rude lol) proceeding kicking me and my husband out. In conclusion, I think she could have handled the situation better, at least explaining new protocol, and perhaps she could take some classes to educate herself on how to talk to customers. Unfortunately, we will no longer be supporting this business. I do not recommend this coffee shop, you never know what kind of mood the manager will be that day. Beware! P.s. Will take pictures of you without your consent or knowledge. read more

Live a block away and me and my wife thought we would try this place for the first time. we ordered 2 vanilla ice lattes and 2 croissant sandwiches and the nice girl who took our order was doing everything. She seemed new and was polite, but made our food first then our coffees after as we sat there for 20 minutes. Willie Nelson looking dude behind the counter did nothing to help. Couldn't tell if he was the owner or a manager but he was definitely an employee but wasn't working that's for sure. Never spoke to us or helped her at all. Don't go. read more

I agree with some others. Shine use to be such a cool place but now it's very different. I walked in a while back and it was very unwelcoming. It really felt like I did something wrong and walked into some place that I wasn't supposed to be at. The group that was there seemed to be friends with the staff and just kind of turned back to us as we walked in like we did something wrong. There are so many better coffee spots in the area so I haven't been back since. read more

Under new ownership due to Covid. The atmosphere is not great. I had the most bizarre grilled cheese I've ever had. It was more like cheesebread with one side completely raw untoasted bread. Filled with teen-acting, 20 something chuds. IYKYK. Parking their large overcompensating trucks in the vicinity makes it harder to drive and park in the area. Less comfortable and inviting than the old place. Feels like it's trying to be a coffee shop, diner, and sports bar and fails at all of them. Shame, this used to be 2nd or 3rd best coffee shop on the grid. Won't be back unless they fix their issues. read more

Idiot below me can't tell the difference between an American flag and a confederate flag take of your flag boys, some idiot online said they're racist read more

Shine Kava - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

one of the cutest coffee shops, food was good i highly recommend the frosted cinnamon roll, everyone inside was very friendly and attentive, the vibe was also pretty cool and reminded me of more cafes i tend to see on the coast, overall really good spot read more

Shine Kava - cinnamon roll - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

$10.65 for a quad shot is unreal!!. $7.62 for a Doppio is unreal!! It's sad because they have nice atmosphere and serve Insight coffee (which is great) Prices like that just made me have to turn around and walk out. It's a shame because I'm willing to pay more to support small coffee shops but that was highway robbery read more

Honestly I hate to give a terrible review.. But you literally could not pay me in returning to this location. As many others have mentioned the employees and customers are both maskless, the grilled cheese is unfortunately microwaved and somehow they made a cold brew not worth finishing. Now to the real and the weird! Entering this establishment you're given the vibe that they would rather not experience you as a customer. Staff literally huffed and puffed: while taking our order and when asked questions regarding the restroom (meanwhile I just spent 16$ and tipped 25%). If you're interested in having a barista perform the bear minimum, grow visually irritated in asking simple questions/requests, and overall make you feel unwanted and uncomfortable.... THEN this is the place to be! read more

As other reviewers are posting... this is not the same Shine pre COVID. I had been to Shine in the past and had enjoyed the quirky/artsy vibes and of course live music. However, my latest visit was best described as being weird. I came in on a Sunday afternoon and the building was completely dark. Five men sat at a counter watching a fight while another two sat playing chess. They were hitting Vape pens and arguing with one another. I ordered a latte and a bagel and tried to find somewhere to sit. Most of the couches and seating were incredibly dirty. My latte was fine- nothing special but not bad. The bagel tasted stale and cheap. The two items were a little under $20-insanity. I left quickly as the energy in there was horrible. I should have checked yelp before-looks like the old shine is no more and the new owners are coasting by on the old name. Do yourself a favor and keep on walking by. read more

It's only getting worse, and the owner couldn't care less. 1) The staff don't care about customers. 2) The guests tend to be friends of the owner. 3) Constant car races are planned here. 4) They don't care even 1% about the community. As a neighbor of the business: Why didn't they change the name?!?? Then the reputation of THE SHINE would have remained intact and not ruined by the mafia. read more

Shine used to be a joyful place to go to. Now when you walk in you don't feel welcome anymore. The customer service is horrible. They don't speak to you. The prices is so high you would think someone would be nice. I miss the old shine. Now it's some rude people in there that aren't welcoming at all. Kinda bites because the 8 dollar coffee in a small cup is actually pretty good. read more

Unfortunately I would have to agree with the more recent reviews of this place. I used to love coming here pre-COVID. It's a chill coffee shop with plenty of parking, never crowded. The vibe is definitely different now with new ownership but thought i'd still give it a try. The employees are nice, but don't go out of their way to greet you. I've been here often enough to realize that they either invite all their friends to hang out or maybe they're also employees that are just hanging out (and talking really loud). Who knows. Its not the vibe it once was. It is hard to concentrate on work here since they blast music at 1pm and I can hear all their conversations even with noise cancelling air pods. Kind of a shame, it sucks to also hear that this ownership does not invest in the community/neighborhood. This place is super BLAH now. I'll have to find another go-to coffee shop. read more

When I walked in, I wasn't greeted. I asked for a chai tea and the girl behind the counter looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language! Who doesn't have chai? Ambiance is dark, kind of broody. It feels like it's a place for old men to hang out. read more

Super weird vibe in there. Seemed like we were interrupting their conversation/party when we walked in. I thought it was a coffee shop but seemed more like a bar lol. Smelled like cigarettes really bad. Got there around six and they said the ovens were off so they couldn't toast a bagel so they gave me a untoasted bagel that reminded me of the ones you get as a kid in the school cafeteria. It was gross. Coffee was okay. They didn't have any decaf which sucked since I normally order decaf. The area is also pretty sketchy. Won't be coming back here sadly. read more

Although this place changed ownership, i find it to be a quirky spot for people to hangout and meet new friends in a chill environment. I sat down after my first sip of coffee was into a conversation with a few others my age. I recently moved to downtown so it's really nice that I now can make friends right near my home. Definitely coming back with my laptop next time. I think the reason people are upset (per previous comments) is because this used to be more for older folks and now it's more for the new generation. The theme is very islandy which is nice. The iced hazelnut vanilla latte was bomb! 4 star because they close at 9pm, wish it was a bit longer. read more

Review for Kava only, I did not try their food. ---------------- This place has a super odd vibe. I walked in around noon on a Saturday while my husband was getting a haircut. There was a ton of frat bro looking guys watching UFC. Not my kind of scene but my husband who is into UFC mentioned he may check it out for some fights. Their Kava was strong and the girl behind the counter was super nice and helpful and made it with a flavor and chaser. I'll be back for the Kava but will probably take it to go unless I tag along with my husband if he goes to watch a fight. read more

The service immediately was garbage upon entry. It is very clear they are under new management, the vibe felt like a dark garage. The new cashier looked at me crazy over asking for a blended coffee. They told us they close at 9, but stop making coffee at 7pm. It felt like it was colder than Belarus's!!! We left immediately, never coming here again. I miss the prior owners. read more