Kafe Kerouac image

Kafe Kerouac

Cafe Coffee shop Record store

Laid-back hangout with a neighborhood vibe for live music, drinks, poetry & arcade games. People often mention coffee, great, good, books, nice, Kerouac, shop, drinks, staff, chill,


Address

2250 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201

Website

kafekerouac.com

Contact

(614) 299-2672

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (955 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 1 AM
  • Sunday: 12 to 10 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 12 AM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 12 AM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 12 AM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 1 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (71) great (25) good (20) books (19) nice (16) Kerouac (15) shop (13) drinks (13) staff (12) chill (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Debisree R. 1 year ago on Google • 1347 reviews
    It was raining and we were looking for coffee. We saw this coffee place and stopped by. I got a cup of mocha, and my mum got a regular drip coffee. The coffee was decent, nothing fancy or extraordinary. The place looks super chill though. It was a Friday evening, and was fully packed. People were chilling and hanging out over coffee. I would love to go back to spend time there
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy L. 1 year ago on Google
    so cute!! love the bottomless coffee, the used books to read, and just overall warm feeling.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel U. 2 years ago on Google • 135 reviews
    My friends and I were looking for a coffee shop and the ones we usually go to were closed, so we decided to give this place a try. If possible, come here and try their ice vanilla latte. It litterally tastes like the milk left after you eat the cereal. Its smooth, very delicious, and goes down easy. It was so good that after I finished my medium latte, I went back inside and order another large! And because it was so good I decided to get one of their T-shirts! Yes it's that good.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katie D. 1 year ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Best coffee shop in Columbus! Latte menu named after famous authors, books and records for sale, cheap beer (like high quality local beer but cheap price), board games, great place to meet friends, personable staff. I can't say enough great things about this place!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dominique Y. 3 months ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    This place is super cozy. It reminds me of a great coffee house I used to visit in college. The prices are reasonable and the coffee is amazing. They also have cocktails as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Grace C. 7 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Kafe Kerouac is a great place to go just for the vibes. The shop is a cool place and they have a good variety of seating. The employees are friendly too. The service is definitely not the fastest but I’m guessing that’s because they don’t have many people working. However, as long as you’re not in a rush, it’s really not an issue. The coffee was good (and really inexpensive compared to other coffee shops!) but probably not the best coffee I’ve ever had. Still, if you’re looking for a fun, interesting, and inexpensive place to get coffee this is the place for you!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rajika R. 1 year ago on Google
    This Kafe isn't trying to be anything it's not. It is authentic and focuses on a simple ambiance, cheap coffee, and a quiet space to work/chat/play games/read. I love this place because it's not a pretentious coffee shop at all. It may have some folding chairs and random outdoor tables but the quality of the experience is always good. I've been coming here for a few years now and I wish there were more places like it these days.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Robert G. 2 years ago on Google
    The coffee and atmosphere are great. I had a Mark Twain, which is a latte with chocolate and peanut butter. Great idea. I can't rate the place highly, though. The pandemic is nowhere near over and numbers are going up because of an especially bad variant but nobody had any protection. I was the only one there with a mask. Even the workers were entirely unprotected. No masks or gloves. I look forward to going back but that's not going to happen until it is safe.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abby J. 5 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    Nice study spot! The coffee is the best priced that I’ve found in Columbus so far and it’s delicious. You can pay $2.50 for a cup and get house coffee refills. On top of that, there’s fun little events happening here all the time. My only feedback would be getting more seating as it is a pretty popular spot!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lily C. 6 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    I love the vibes here. If I was in college, I would be here all of the time. There's the cafe, board games, used books, events, and study spaces with some noise. It's close to campus so it's perfect for students looking for a place to study that also sells drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Benjamin V. 4 years ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 tim n. 2 years ago on Google
    Coffee spots that are open late are sadly rare in the US. They should be ubiquitous. I had a fairy to pretty good Mocha while I was here recently and hey, they have comic books. I recommend that you and I and all our friends patronize as many of these late night coffee spots as possible. They are fantastic, especially with comic books.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nyghtpet 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious Author/Poet drinks, friendly "you're home" vibe. Chess along with absurd comedy. My new happy place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brootofer 1 year ago on Google
    College croud. Friendly staff. Indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoyable experience; I would recommend it. No on site parking; but there is parking in walking distance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Magic G. 1 year ago on Google
    I mean it’s fine. The coffee honestly isn’t that great. The atmosphere is cool but it’s honestly not very friendly, this place is for a certain demographic that isnt exactly your normal coffee drinker, however it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. It’s the kind of place your girlfriend begs you to come with her to so you go but you’d never go to alone. It’s pretty small and cramped.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darin N. 1 year ago on Google • 208 reviews
    Very cute coffee house records and bar. Nice atmosphere. If I was a local this would be a daily stop.

  • 5/5 Avery S. 1 year ago on Google • 30 reviews
    Kafe Kerouac has been amazing to me every time I've visited. The prices are very good, although not listed, and the coffee (and chai) is amazing! Their baked goods are good, I've only tried the bagels. As you can see through my pictures, their bathroom is a little all over the place, but in that same way it is something unique that only Cafe Kerouac can offer. I hope you enjoy this place as much as I do.

  • 5/5 Cassie K. 1 month ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Great place, good prices and comfortable seating. Appreciate the atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Nicolas T. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Love going there for late night coffee. They are open all day until 1 am which is very cool. Their drinks are pretty decent and I would recommend it for a late night tea or coffee.

  • 5/5 Colton B. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Great place. This is the only coffee shop in Clintonville that I know of that doubles as a bar. Various nighttime events occur throughout the week. Kafe Kerouac to me seems more like a community than a coffee shop; do yourself a favor and make yourself a regular.

  • 5/5 Emma 3 years ago on Google
    Probably my favorite place in Columbus. I've come here every day this week to study for my boards and it has a very chill vibe. You also can't beat being able to immediately switch from coffee to beer when you're done working

  • 4/5 Jacob Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting vibe and good coffee. I got their orange and I think raspberry latte and it was good not amazing. Mostly the flavor not the preparation. Overall enjoyable experience.

  • 5/5 valentina a. 3 years ago on Google
    Don't worry if it's busy, it is worth the wait. The staff was sociable and attentive.

  • 5/5 Angela M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great trendy place! Great coffee great staff

  • 5/5 Megan F. 2 years ago on Google
    I really love this place. I hadn't been here since my college days (many moons ago), but upon visiting again I discovered that it is just as cool as always. I love the used books for sale and immediately found one I had to have. I tried an Earl Grey Latte with Lavender and some other syrup (can't remember the author the drink was named after, maybe Dickens?), but it was great. They had a nice collection of bagels and other baked treats as well as a number of special drinks and also regular drip coffee. The staff were fun and engaging.

  • 5/5 Joshua K. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my favorite spots in the campus area! It has a unique charm to it and the people who work there are always super nice and welcoming. Love to go there when I want to read or get a little bit of work done. The hours are also fantastic, as I often like to hang out in coffee shops in the afternoon and many places close around that time. The fact that they have beer is also a plus.

  • 5/5 Frank G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great coffee

  • 5/5 Sarah N. 2 years ago on Google
    This cafe has great coffee, mixed coffee drinks, books, and atmosphere. It is a fantastic place to work between classes or hang out for an afternoon!

  • 5/5 M G. 3 years ago on Google
    Visited on a Wednesday I think. I see why this place has so many good reviews.

  • 5/5 Baker L. 3 years ago on Google
    Got a tasty cup of existentialism with the Franz Kafka. Add bourbon to ward of dread.

  • 5/5 Russ D (. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice funky little joint lined with shelves full of used books. Which appear to be for sale. Affordable prices, wifi, and laptop friendly power strips abound. Obviously caters to students and faculty. But I didn’t feel out of place here. Solid drip coffee and I cannot fault the vegan zucchini walnut cake. Easily a meal itself!

  • 4/5 Moon L. 1 year ago on Google
    The barista was friendly and quick making our drinks. Ordered the Dr Seuss. Was ok but nothing to write home about personally. The atmosphere of the venue was nice, rather relaxed. Overall a decent place to get coffee, especially with their pricing (more affordable than Starbucks).

  • 5/5 Kyle B. 3 years ago on Google
    Good coffee but the people make it great!

  • 5/5 Jesse K. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm not normally a coffee shop guy but this has been one of my favorite chill spots for the better part of a decade. The service is always good, the coffee is delicious, and perhaps my favorite part is how warm and cozy it feels inside on a gray Ohio day. There's bigger tables and also couches and loveseats which are very comfy. They have a great library of books available and perhaps my favorite amenity is there collection of board games that anyone is welcome to play.

  • 5/5 Ann15 C. 3 years ago on Google
    Super appetizing. Definitely worth a return trip. Bring your appetite because portions are filling. Mood here reminds me of Colorado Springs area.

  • 5/5 Natalie Anne W. 2 years ago on Google
    Comfy, not too busy or loud, decent selection of books at around $9.50 each for the larger ones & $2 for the small ones near the front entrance. I've never had issues with parking & the coffee selection is super cool.

  • 5/5 Sarah T. 3 years ago on Google
    Great coffee, nice people. I like the chill vibe. No super modern perfect furniture and decor like some coffee shops where you feel like you're in a real estate ad. Easy to focus. Baristas are always down to earth, helpful, and nice. A little bit over priced, and a little hipster.

  • 5/5 Jonathan K. 3 years ago on Google
    The drink names are fun, staff is nice, environment is cozy, and there's beer for when you get bored with coffee. Love it here.

  • 5/5 Jessie H. 9 months ago on Google
    Loved how much space there was! Staff was kind but it may be a little loud bc it’s next to a busy intersection so bring headphones. I was lucky to get parking but if not it may be harder. The specialty drinks are so special I want to come back. Also surprisingly cheap!

  • 5/5 Gizmo G. 9 months ago on Google
    Funky Coffee shop with a little extra. Small love stage. Comic, paperbacks, vinal, art, and posters for sale. Study/chill out space near the stage. Some comfy couches, and plenty of room to sip and study!

  • 1/5 Victoria A. 7 months ago on Google
    Atmosphere was relaxed and calm. We were not greeted when we walked in, but the barista was nice when he spoke to us. The latte I received had no caramel flavor like I asked and paid for, and the espresso tasted cheap and burnt. I LOVE chai and make it myself daily whilst always trying new places when I travel, this chai however was really gross to me with an off flavor. Not impressed at all honestly. As soon as we walked out the door I threw both the latte and chai away , waste of money.

  • 5/5 Ken W. 3 years ago on Google
    Aptly named coffee house that also serves alcohol, congenial staff, thematically organized book collection that one can pull off the shelf and peruse, a piano that is played impromptu by very talented customers, etc. In summary, a great place to hang out, drink coffee, read and have a few belts of adult liquids.

  • 5/5 T L. 7 months ago on Google
    Had just gone to the comic shop down the road and they were incredibly rude. Stopped here for a coffee after and they happened to have a really good selection of comics and got a good deal on a stack. Thanks for being cool. Coffee was great, thanks again

  • 5/5 Prasanth S. 4 years ago on Google
    Oh! This place is just awesome. You get a good vibe entering this place. You have to grab a book and a coffee; just sip and enjoy your time.

  • 5/5 Bob R. 5 months ago on Google
    I visited Kafé Kerouac, at 2250 N. High St. in the "University District" neighborhood of Columbus, for my first time in several years, on 10-2-2023. During 2014 at Kafé Kerouac, I had attended the "Columbus launch" for "Sunday Assembly," a "non-religious gathering for non-religious people who want a similar communal experience to that of a religious church." That event had been my first time ever to visit Kafé Kerouac; the south dining room provided a great location for "Sunday Assembly" for the next several years. During 2019, also at Kafé Kerouac, I attended several events that had been hosted by a different non-religious organization. I decided to visit Kafé Kerouac on 10-2-2023 while on my way to a discussion [about "cults"] at University Baptist Church, two blocks to the southwest. Nearly all of what Kafé Kerouac sells is beverages that contain either alcohol or caffeine, neither of which I drink. However, they do sell bagels so I decided to stop there for a bagel while on my way to the discussion group. The bagels at Kafé Kerouac are delicious. I ordered and ate a jalapeño-cheddar bagel with cream cheese that probably had been the most delicious bagel that I have eaten in many years. If you are in the "north campus" area of the "University District" and you are looking for a great place to hang out [as long as you purchase something there] [and to do your schoolwork if you are a student], I recommend Kafé Kerouac.

  • 5/5 Kasey W. 3 years ago on Google
    Masks were worn where they were supposed to be but its a small spot so I would have ordered curbside if possible. Very nice spot to be and in a diverse area and a really nice selection of coffee drinks. Loved my visit and the energy of the barista!

  • 5/5 ana g. 3 years ago on Google
    It's so tasty. The bill was decent for the quality. Menu is like a place in San Francisco I liked.

  • 5/5 Tyler B. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice little coffee shop with friendly staff. They have a study room with every wall covered in filled book shelves. You can browse and buy books and some old vintage vinyls. There's couches, tables, and bar stools inside for seating as well as tables and benches on the patio. Their selection of coffee is awesome, and they also sell bagels, cookies and muffins. I highly recommend the jalapeno cheddar bagel

  • 5/5 Lori Ann C. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting little bar/coffee shop hangout.

  • 5/5 Andrew D. 3 years ago on Google
    Good coffee, and a chill place to hang out or study

  • 5/5 Erin B. 3 years ago on Google
    Lots of books and really good drinks, alcoholic and otherwise. Really nice vibes, certainly different from most other coffeeshops

  • 5/5 KittenPrint 3 years ago on Google
    Epic chill funtime spot, and they do tastings almost every friday 😍😋🥵

  • 5/5 Krysta-Marie H. 3 years ago on Google
    Good, chill, friendly space.

  • 5/5 Sammi T. 3 years ago on Google
    Very cool place! Definitely going back! And if you love chai like I do, there's is great!

  • 5/5 Schyler M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice vibes, nice space, nice coffee.

  • 5/5 Nath H. 3 years ago on Google
    Cosy and not too noisy

  • 5/5 Pieter W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place!

  • 5/5 Jeremy M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great coffee and a chill place for students (or anybody) to sit and relax whilst reading a book or whatever. Seen people sit around and play board games here before. It's really pretty nice.

  • 5/5 Ryan B. 3 years ago on Google
    Cappuccino, chai tea, and coffee are all delicious. Really nice chill place 👍

  • 5/5 Michael A. 3 years ago on Google
    Everything a cafe should be!

  • 3/5 C F. 3 years ago on Google
    I love the fact that you can locate a local coffee shop near home. But do we have to battle the cigarette smoke trying to come into your establishment.

  • 5/5 Mya A. 3 years ago on Google
    Looking forward to going back again. It has a cool interior.

  • 5/5 austin guitar r. 4 years ago on Google
    Kate Kerouac, consistently cool

  • 5/5 Alyssa K. 4 years ago on Google
    My favorite thing about this place is the names of their drinks, usually flavors you can't find other places. This is a great study spot, and hangout spot. There are also board games and books galore, and they're open later than most coffee spots.

  • 5/5 Angela D. 3 years ago on Google
    Very filling. Fast and courteous service.

  • 5/5 Nick B. 2 years ago on Google
    This has quickly become my favorite cafés near campus. It's a great place to study, and they have a nice selection of coffee, alcoholic drinks, and small bites. I like looking at their record selection and books while I'm in the shop as well, and it's an especially nice environment when they have live music! I highly recommend it all around!

  • 5/5 Autumn P. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved this place! They had shelves filled with books all around and vinyls. People were playing chess and it was super chill. The iced latte I got was delicious, and as a bonus, they even serve beer. 10/10 would come back

  • 5/5 Parth K. 2 years ago on Google
    Kafe Kerouac is a gem hidden in the city. It's understated facade makes it easy to miss. But don't miss out on a chance to go there at least once. It's a great place to sit and work for a few hours, to take your SO out for a coffee date or just go with a friend group for some games. The place is divided into 2 areas; the main areas with the actual coffee bar, music, books and tables to sit and drink and play the games. And the adjoining area is the "silent study zone", with no music, bookshelves and tables to sit and work. They offer a series of specialty coffees named after authors. And even spiked coffees for the fun evenings. Whilst coffee connoisseurs might pick them apart, for the prices and occasions, I think they work pretty well. Can't recommend anything in particular, would say just try each one out with every visit. The staff are unfortunately a mixed batch. I've had great staff who've been happy to have a conversation and keep the place open just a little over time for us. And I've also had staff be unfriendly, unhelpful and somewhat rude about sitting as a group if everyone hasn't purchased something. So it's just a bit of luck then.

  • 5/5 Zoe C. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful staff. Very accepting environment.

  • 5/5 Jordan M. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing atmosphere

  • 4/5 Dominic F. 4 years ago on Google
    Really simple. Coffee is pretty okay.

  • 5/5 Sarah M. 4 years ago on Google
    This is one of my favorite local coffee shops. The drinks are creative, cozy environment, and there are board games, comics, and records. Also the zucchini bread is bomb 👌

  • 5/5 Ali G. 4 years ago on Google
    I love Kafe Kerouac! They have the best coffee in town!

  • 5/5 Sherry L. 4 years ago on Google
    Went there with our daughter. She has spoken highly of this coffee house. We were pleasantly surprised...great coffee, great energy, great prices. What a gem of a place right near OSU's campus. Enjoy!

  • 5/5 Weltin T. 4 years ago on Google
    Great customer service and great coffee.

  • 5/5 Lily S. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this place. It's a super safe and inclusive environment. Lots of options for coffee and alcoholic beverages. Lots of books to read if you fancy. Comfortable, homey seating.

  • 4/5 Samantha 4 years ago on Google
    Fun atmosphere, free wifi, and good coffee. There‘s maybe not enough seating given its high traffic location but it’s a great place to get work done.

  • 5/5 April A. 4 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    went with a group of friends & it was a beautiful spot. the location was beautiful to sightsee on the balcony. the coffee drinks were named after famous authors (which i loved) & the records/books for sale were in tremendous quality. i can tell the place was well taken care of and passion was put into it. the bathrooms also has the cutest graffiti

  • 5/5 Brandon W. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Solid latte, fast service, cool atmosphere

  • 5/5 Rome J. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    why is it so hard to sign up for open mics I’ve been tryna play for weeks 😭😭


Call (614) 299-2672 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Solo dining
    • ✓️ Good for working on laptop
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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