Coffeeline, Manoa’s best-kept secret
(Or shall I say, the visiting?)
I’m writing this blog with nothing less than a heaping-helping of guilt. I’ve known about this coffee hangout for 17 years and that’s just how long it’s taken me to discover I’ve never had a real cup of coffee. I’m talking a cup of brew so smooth that your cup’s empty sooner than you think. Nothing bitter or dark or biting. Just really, really good.
Coffeeline just happens to belong to my cousin and movie aficionado, Dennis Suyeoka. Thanks to this blog and relentless prodding from my partners in crime, Jacqueline and Luke, we finally made the 15 minute trip to Manoa. Yeah, 15 minutes to find the best coffee and hole-in-the wall that only UH professors and grad students know about. Heck, even Wallpaper magazine got here before I did!
Coffeeline is the oldest business in the University area. It’s a one-man shop hidden from the street in the Atherton (University) YMCA. Dennis can’t advertise so all his patrons are word of mouth. The food is homemade and includes handpicked herbs from his garden in the back. And while you’re waiting (or eating), there’s plenty to entertain you—editions of Wallpaper mag, National Geo, Smithsonian and whatever else the educated crowd brought in. I could be imagining things, but hanging out there kinda made me feel smart.
Luke had the beef stew. At least that’s what we think he ordered as it disappeared almost before it hit the table. Jacqueline kept taking photos of her latte. It didn’t have a frou frou leaf design, but she proclaimed it her best cappuccino ever–and that’s coming from a Canadian who likes her morning brew. We also had Greek salads with fresh picked arugula from the garden in the back. (In addition to serving up a mean cup of coffee, Dennis plays the mandolin, mandocello and almost anything else with strings.
You can find Dennis at Coffeeline in the Atherton (University) YMCA. Monday through Friday: 7am – 2pm. Holidays and weekends: 8am– noon. There is also faculty tea on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters.)
Coffeeline from Jacqueline Davey on Vimeo.
Nothing like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in the morning (or anytime). Glad you wrote about this place, Jo! It sounds like a great find – especially interested in the fresh herbs and such straight from his own garden. Can’t wait to try it when I’m on Oahu again. Going to add this blog to our blogroll.
I think you’d really like his place. He collects all kinds of old stuff…I could spend hours there. And for some reason, it might be the artsy/academic eclectic setting, but hanging out there makes me feel smart.
Jo: Of course you’re writing about food (what else!) Love the title and pidgin word of the week feature. I’ll look forward to reading more from the whole crew to get my island fix!
Hi Anne, click on the home button and you’ll see even more food! So when are you coming back??? (Hint. Hint.)