With great publicity comes cramped spaces. Kawa is an espresso bar located a few blocks away from the bustling nightlife of 11th Ave, and was part of the Support Local Coffee movement from a few months ago. I've been here once since then, in the middle of the week, and the place was jammed. Seating is forever an issue (ubiquitous laptops lapping up the free Wi-Fi), but when you find it, it is a pleasant place to hang out, and it is one of the rare downtown coffee shops open late.
My wife and I first came here on a winter evening last year to meet our future wedding photographer Maria Lang, and have enjoyed visiting when we are in the area and have a little time to kill between her Steeling Home and my vinyl stores; she gets a hot chocolate (and maintains its one of the best in the city), while I vacillate between the cappuccino and the latte, both very fine. They are also licensed and have a variety of beers from around the world, and their pastries are excellent. A highly recommended place!