Kafe Kerouac

Awesome place!! First time ever being here or hearing of this place. Drink was on point, and the place has an amazing vibe. Can’t believe I never knew about it.

3rd Person --> 1st Person --> 2nd Person

3rd: People line up on bar stools with laptops, sitting in the main room. Conversations wander both sides of the Kafe as people balance getting work done with sitting by old friends. The part barista but always a bartender oscillates between taking orders, cashing folks out and lending an ear to any nearby patron wanting to be heard. And when it is busy here, the storm behind the bar is a whirlwind of refilling a bottomless coffee pot, toasting bagels, serving cookies and pouring enough alcohol to keep things loud and quiet. When different servers DJ, they transform the space from rock halls to lo-fi R&B corners. The customers rolling in are as different as the bartenders ranging from quiet to talkative and serious to funny. There’s always someone or something interesting at Kafe Kerouac. When you’re lucky you get both.

1st: The big question, “Why am I here?” is perpetually unanswered, but I’m not surprised. The good bare bones of hot coffee, nippy cold brews and cocktails as entertaining as luaus make it easy to forget the question. I might get work done on a novella or I might not. I’m bound to see a friend here or make a new one and either way we talk for hours. They got as much done as I did, but we're not worried. We’re chilling. My “whys” “whens” and “wheres” mix in a cocktailed Edgar Allen Poe that resurrects me from the gutter. Time flows differently here and by the time I leave Kafe Kerouac, I’m probably late to something else.

2nd: You might miss it driving south down High street; it’s on the opposite side. If you’re walking the side walk North beside it, then take a chance to step inside. Here, you could grab an authored cocktail or latte, like the peach-vanilla Roald Dahl. Take a seat in a staged room with three-sided wall-to-wall bookshelves or lounge on the other side where art gallery meets a hole-in-the-wall cafe bar. Lose track of time finding the vibe where you pick up easy conversations with strangers like old forgotten friends. Or don't branch out and squirrel away to a corner to sit and get work done. No matter how or even why you come in, there’s more to enjoy here than coffee and booze. Take a moment to be besties with serendipity and come inside to a live performance of poetry slams, open invite book clubs or drunk power-points. You won’t be bored at Kafe Kerouac unless you want to be.

Super great atmosphere for getting a paper written. Loved checking out the books for sale! Coffee is amazing, will be coming back!!

Absolutely the best Cafe in Columbus. I personally love the outside seats in the summer. You can enjoy all sort of interesting events throughout the week such as poetry nights, wine/drink tasting nights, open mics and so on... . Whether you want a lovely place to work, or hang out with your friends you should check out this place. I don’t understand why people should even consider places like Starbucks when there are local cafes like this one

Went in for two large French vanilla ice coffees and they literally tasted like water. I also said light ice but I love the aroma of the shop.

Poetry "Caldron", open mic. Friendly, college (alternative) crowd. Cafe is attached, but in a separate room.

I was pleasantly surprised of how good the drinks are here. The atmosphere is super chill with great music. We got the J.R. Tolkien and loved it. They also have an assortment of Vegan Patty Cake Treats. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because it is a little dirty.

A very accommodating and welcoming cafe and bar, very supportive to local artists giving them an opportunity to display their craft. A great place to bring your laptop work, write or read and have a coffee or tea, or maybe something a little stronger.

Friendly and helpful employees. Very quaint for it's location. Love the selection of old books and music. Coffee is very good an prices aren't bad. Only issue is it could be a little cleaner.

Such a great hole in the wall spot, very popular with locals, fun and tasty drinks, and great book and record selection!