Jesse explores local Kirkwood eats
Jesse Hofford
-Opinions Editor-
Kirkwood has its fair share of coffee houses. We have the mega-chain known as Starbucks and the locally-owned Wired Coffee down the road, but one coffee house that seems to be a favorite is Kaldi’s Coffeehouse, located directly across the street from city hall. How does this small six-store St. Louis-based chain compete with the Seattle giant? By offering better and more exotic coffee.
Starbucks is a national corporation, so naturally they have lost sight of what made them so big, their coffee. Kaldi’s, on the other hand, is still a small business by comparison. So they still know what makes them stand out. Offering coffee varieties from all over the world and roasting the beans right here in St. Louis, Kaldi’s can serve their coffee as fresh as can be.
The coffee here never has that subtle but noticeable burnt taste like so many of Starbucks’ drinks do. The Cafe Kaldi’s blend is always a pleasurable experience that will wake you right up. For those that maybe are not too fond of the taste of coffee, the white chocolate mocha is a great introduction and the offer bottomless cups for their drip coffee.
Walk into any of their locations and you will feel right at home. Tables, booths and big leather chairs to relax or study in offer several different places to sit and sip your java. Apart from the coffee, Kaldi’s offers a slew of different baked goods and just go wonderfully with the coffee.
One issue that some have a problem with is prices. Some of Kaldi’s specialty drinks can run upwards of $4. Some of their meals can get pretty pricey as well but that should not detract from the rich and flavorful brews that await inside.
True coffee aficionados and coffee newbies alike can appreciate the drinks that Kaldi’s serves up. Kaldi’s is located at 120 S. Kirkwood Rd. in Kirkwood, Mo., and they are open Monday to Saturday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
