Kahvi

By PHX Rail Food on September 27, 2024

The distance between Finland and Mexico's Yucatan peninsula is nearly 6,000 miles, and neither place is particularly close to Phoenix. In terms of culture and climate, the three locations are also about as different as possible. That doesn't stop them all from coming together in the Monorchid building at the north end of downtown Phoenix. Kahvi, a coffee house named for the Finnish word for "coffee", brings together a Nordic concept of cafe culture; a tropical theme associated with the beaches of Tulum, Mexico; and the steady development of Roosevelt Row.

latte and mixed berry scone

Kahvi is one of several new businesses to open since Monorchid changed ownership a few years ago. It replaces a previous coffee bar tenant in this spot three blocks east of the Roosevelt/Central light rail station. Bike racks are found outside the apartment entrance immediately to the east. While having coffee inside Monorchid is not new, the way in which Kahvi expands to fill the space does represent a transformation. The coffee house now fills much of the open space formerly used as a warehouse and more recently as a gallery.

bagel and lox

A counter with an overhead drink menu greets customers as they enter from Roosevelt. Pastry is on display, and a small printed menu on a stand lists the food available from the coffee house's kitchen. There is some sunny seating between the counter and the window facing the street; however, far more tables are found further back in the building's interior. A bar occupies the center of the room, and seating extends far into the space behind it. Hanging plants, colorful tile, natural wood, and video of tropical scenes create the look of Marimekko meets Mexico.

brioche French toast

Kahvi's coffee theme features two daily brews, one a medium roast from Brazil and other a seasonal light roast. These are offered hot or iced alongside classic espresso drinks and a nitro cold brew. Signature coffee drinks include an espresso tonic and a Nitro-Fashioned, made with smooth nitrogen-infused coffee, orange bitters, and a twist of orange. Tea offerings incorporate classics like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, as well as green and black iced teas, chai, and matcha. Tonics and herbal teas extend the beverage offerings into decaffeinated territory.

yogurt and granola bowl

Seasonal drinks are featured on a sign near the counter. Winter holiday selections are typically creations incorporating notes like cinnamon, maple, and pecan while summer selections are oriented more towards fruit flavors.. Pastry selections to accompany the drinks routinely include items like raspberry oat bars and mixed berry scones. Cookies, muffins, croissants, and bagels add variety to the baked goods displayed under glass domes at the counter. While most are sweet, a few steer in a savory direction with flavor combinations such as fig and prosciutto.

chicken, pesto, and hummus wrap

More complex creations are available from the Kahvi kitchen. Avocado toast is enlivened with cilantro, sprouts, and tomatoes with the option to add an egg. A bagel and lox is a classic presentation with a choice of a plain or everything bagel from Noble Bread, cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomato, red onion, and capers. Additional breakfast entrees include a "Commuter" breakfast sandwich, a ham and cheese croissant, brioche French toast with a creamy topping and fresh fruit, and a bowl of Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit.

protein bowl

Although the entire menu is offered whenever Kahvi is open, some other items are clearly designed more with lunch in mind. A wrap combines chicken, pesto, and hummus with lettuce and a side of chips, and a classic club sandwich incorporates turkey, ham, bacon, and Swiss cheese. One of the most ambitious items on the menu is ingloriously labeled a "protein bowl," but it is actually an appealing assortment of roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa, avocado, hummus, tomatoes, and butternut squash with the option to add a choice of meat or an egg.

Grand 75

In addition to its coffee, Kahvi has a liquor license. Since the shop is under the same ownership as the adjacent Pedal Haus, which is visible through the back windows, that brewery's lineup is on tap. There is also a selection of wine by the glass or bottle and a small array of cocktails including margaritas, mimosas, a Grand 75 with Grand Marnier and sparkling wine, and a Tulum Rush made with Mexican corn whiskey, lemon, and honey. While Kahvi has aesthetic influences from Finland, Mexico, and many other places, it seems right at home on Roosevelt Row.

214 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix AZ 85004
http://drinkkahvi.com