Mahala Cafe Bar

3010 Shaffer Ave SE #3, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, United States
+1 616-890-5747
$$$ Cafe
(90 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Welcome to Mahala Cafe Bar, a hidden gem nestled at 3010 Shaffer Ave SE #3 in Grand Rapids, MI. This delightful cafe is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a community hub where friendly faces and a warm atmosphere invite you to linger a little longer.

The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in a cozy ambiance that feels like a welcoming home. With comfortable seating and a laid-back vibe, it's the perfect spot for working on your laptop, catching up with friends, or simply savoring a moment of relaxation. The charming decor and the engaging atmosphere make it hard to resist staying for just one more cup.

Mahala Cafe Bar offers an array of delicious beverages that cater to both coffee aficionados and smoothie lovers alike. Indulge in their smooth and rich Espresso or treat yourself to the luxurious Mocha, both priced at an accessible US$4.00. For something refreshing, why not try the Berry Banana Bliss smoothie? As Ashley Kauffman beautifully said, it’s “perfect,” and at only US$6.00, it’s hard to resist the tropical twist of the Exotic Fruit blend featuring juicy piña coladas and luscious dragon fruit. Each sip is a burst of flavor that transports you to a sun-drenched paradise.

The service here truly stands out. Regulars rave about the friendly barista, Batsi, who is known for going above and beyond to ensure everyone feels at home. Whether it’s picking up alternative milk for a customer or recommending the best drinks, his passion for making each guest's experience special is palpable. Helana Zakher noted that the “service was amazing!”—a sentiment echoed by many who appreciate the personal touch that Mahala adds to your visit.

For those who prefer a bit of fun alongside their coffee, Mahala Cafe Bar boasts games like pool and darts, making it an ideal spot for both casual hangouts and group gatherings. Bassem Chamma captures this when he describes the “awesome vibes” and the welcoming nature of the cafe. You truly feel like a part of a family rather than just another customer.

In a world where cafes can often feel generic and rushed, Mahala Cafe Bar generously encourages its patrons to slow down, connect, and savor not just the drinks but the moments shared. With ample parking and a comfortable setting, this quaint cafe is a must-visit destination that invites you to return time and time again. Why not pop in for your own experience? You might just find your new favorite spot here.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Has live performances
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Dining options
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

90 Reviews
Ashley Kauffman

17 Sep 2025

Awesome place! We stumbled into it on a whim with little idea of what we wanted, and the people there were so friendly and helpful. "The boss" even went to pick up an alternative milk when they realized they didn't have it for me, (after making sure we didnt mind the brief wait), which is way above and beyond. Both drinks were perfect, and the place itself was super chill and comfortable. Two thumbs way way up!

Helana Zakher

16 Sep 2025

Service was amazing! Batsi was excellent and recommended the best drinks for us! He was so friendly and the smoothie and coffee were great! Definitely stop by!

Josue Castillo

03 Sep 2025

I had a wonderful experience at Mahala Coffee. From the moment I arrived, Batsi was exceptionally welcoming—friendly, kind, and very helpful. His attentive service truly made the visit stand out. The atmosphere is inviting and well-suited for both small gatherings and larger groups, offering a comfortable space to relax or connect. Another big plus is the ample parking available, making it convenient for everyone. Overall, Mahala Coffee is a place I highly recommend—for the quality, the environment, and especially the outstanding service from Batsi.

Luke Salik

01 Sep 2025

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!

Jazz B

05 Aug 2025

When I first walked in on an early Sunday morning, I had to ask if it was public because I felt like I walked into someone’s house. Though I do not understand their language, I could understand the connection between the guy working (I think he’s the owner?) and almost every single customer that came in. You can tell he’s proud of what he does and seems to make each drink like he would for family. Great environment, espresso, and people!

Bassem Chamma

31 Jul 2025

I got the green smoothie and it was so good! The atmosphere was very cool and the vibes were awesome. Batsi served us and was very kind and personable. He made us the best drinks and made us feel at home. Would definitely come here again!

Genevivie Burns

27 Jul 2025

Love this place! They have pool and darts. And comfortable seating to hang out. I've been here many times. Batsi is a great barista! He always makes extra delicious lattes.

Aamina

19 Jun 2025

I will definitely go again. We only popped in to get take-away iced lattes but we were struck by how friendly the service was. The whole cafe and the environment is amazing. The lattes were wonderful too! And very well priced.

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