Kalona Coffee House
425 B Ave, Altoona, IA
Crema's Take
“Kalona Coffee House wins hearts with genuinely affordable pricing and a cozy, laptop-friendly atmosphere that makes it perfect for lingering over a cup or catching up with friends. Their espresso-focused drinks shine when you catch them on a good day—reviewers rave about seasonal lattes and cappuccinos that showcase quality local milk and well-pulled shots, though consistency with service and drink execution seems to depend on who's behind the counter.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
As I walked in the door, no acknowledgment until I said “good morning “ and then it was a forced “morning”. My coffee was not what I ordered (I ordered half vanilla and half hazelnut)(I got half vanilla and half coconut)so I brought it back up to the counter, and was replied with an eye roll. I did “not” get a new coffee. She poured some of the coffee and added the correct syrup. So there was still the taste of coconut in the coffee. Service was not welcoming at all and nothing in any way apologetic. There is a new place out at the Cheese Factory. They will have a new customer. Customer service is huge.
Cute and very reasonably priced coffee shop. On the slow side in terms of order completion but no issues otherwise
Unfortunately got the bad end of their morning service today which just so happens to be the case depending on who is working, you either get an amazing frappe or something you wouldnt even give to a homeless person. My order was completely wrong and tasted like blended ice with maybe an ounce of coffee and some sort or almond flavoring after I ordered pumpkin caramel.
Stopped in while I was in town for a job. The staff was extremely helpful as I wasn't sure what to order. I got a seasonally flavored latté with half the syrup. It was absolutely delicious and just the right amount of pick-me-up I needed to drive home. I normally get a cortado to gauge how good someone's coffee is but their seasonal menu caught my interest today. There's a wonderful assortment of pastries , as well. There are so many places to sit. And, even a play area for kids! It looks like a great place to meet or even sit and read a book. Would definitely be my go-to if I lived here!
Cappuccino is my go to drink for any coffee shop I visit the first time as my gauge for good coffee. It was tasty! To much milk though, too much foam. But that Kalona milk and the espresso shots where strong enough to make it balance alright. I think any cappuccino over 8oz is way to much. 6 oz is ideal with microfoams. It had great space inside for just about any person.
Crema Reviews
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