Cafe Bar Mahala
3010 Shaffer Ave SE, Kentwood, MI
Crema's Take
“This cozy Kentwood gem punches above its weight with genuinely excellent espresso drinks crafted by Batsi, a barista who has mastered the rare art of making strangers feel like old friends the moment they walk in. Beyond the impressive coffee itself—think punchy espresso and creative signature drinks like the Strawberry Fractal—Mahala offers something increasingly rare: a warm, unhurried space where people actually want to linger, whether catching a futbol match on TV or just soaking in the genuine hospitality. After seven years, it remains a delightful local secret that deserves far more recognition than it gets.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Batsi was amazing! So kind and helpful. Felt like coming in and chatting with a friend. Had a delicious smoothie, Strawberry fractal, and Orangina. What a pleasant surprise of a place. And also got a recommendation for a place to go eat -Albos.
Stopped in here with my girlfriend this morning while we were waiting for Best Buy to open. So glad I checked this place out instead of the going to Starbucks or Biggby etc. Such delicious and strong coffee and surprisingly very cheap! My delicious cappuccino was only $3, so I had to get two of them. Great environment inside as well, will definitely be back anytime I need a coffee near the Woodland Mall area.
Batis was an absolute legend at the coffee bar the kind of guy who makes you feel like you’ve been friends since childhood even though you just met him while waiting for your latte. He smiled, joked around. Then there’s Arnes…let’s just say if Batis is the sunshine, Arnes is the cloud that forgot to check the weather forecast. He looked at me like my coffee order personally offended him. Still, I respect the dedication someone’s gotta keep the balance in the universe! All in all, Batis brings the energy, Arnes brings the mystery. 10/10 entertainment with my caffeine fix. ☕😂
Wanted Turkish coffee and google showed me this place instead. It’s nestled in Kentwood and very unassuming. We went on a Sunday and the futbol game was on, which was a nice change of pace. The server seemed upset we wanted to order beverages, not very warm of a interaction which was a bummer but not a deal breaker. Out of the nearly 15 patrons, I was the only woman on the premises. Again not a big deal but something to be aware of if that’s a deal breaker. It seems almost like an unofficial club of sorts. I’ll probably go back because of the comfy chairs, laid back atmosphere and futbol games. Will I be welcome? That’s to be seen.
Excellent espresso and hard to beat their service and friendliness! Though Mahala has been around for 7 years or so, it is not well known. But it should be! The couple times I have been for espresso left me knowing I need to return 👌, and I’m looking forward to trying their Turkish coffee! Also, they clearly strive to make this a place where slowing down and taking time to socialize is encouraged, and that starts with how they treat you when you walk in the door. Head over there and bring others with you! It may look or feel different from your neighborhood coffee shop, but don’t let that keep you away!