(mokascafe.com) – Near South Lake Union
How I heard of this place: Years ago my friend Sadiq recommended it because it was a great place to sit for hours over a cup of coffee while working or studying, or to grab lunch with a friend. Biggest draw: They have parking!
Type of cuisine: Pastries from the likes of Macrina, Essential Baking Company, Little Rae’s, Wisteria Bakery, Desserts for Flirts and Ma Johnson’s Pies, handmade sandwiches and paninis made to order, fresh daily salads and soups.
Ambiance: Casual with a couple of single and multi-person sofas. Mostly wooden tables and chairs that seat anywhere from two to six (round and square). Perfect for business lunches, coffee with friends and a place to study or plan. The music can be loud, as can the coffee grinder, ice buckets, etc. so it’s difficult to listen to your own personal MP3 player or focus very close attention on a book if you’re easily distracted.
What I ordered: The Savannah panini which came with a side of vegetarian chili (topped with cheddar cheese), five grapes and a slice of orange. The panini itself was filled with turkey, Havarti, avocado, red onion, aioli and greens and then toasted to melty perfection.
What I loved: Avocado. The chili was tasty, but could have had a bit more kick and spice, though the cheese was a lovely addition. The panini was amazing and I’d definitely come back for it! It remained warm and scrumptious for at least the 90 minutes it took for me to eat it. I also enjoyed the presentation with the added grapes and orange slice.
Why I loved it: It’s a great location, specifically for the parking perk, to meet up for lunch with a friend, conduct a casual business meeting and enjoy a nice snack, lunch or pastry. The coffee must be good as most who sat for any period of time enjoyed a good ol’ cuppa joe.
Cost: low- to mid-range $6.50-$8.50 for a panini with side of soup (or salad) and fruit.