New coffee window in downtown Bradenton offers a Mediterranean vibe, seasonal menu
Since opening in November, Kefi Streetside Cafe has become a favorite of Giselle Maya and many others in downtown Bradenton.
“I give it 10 out of 10 stars. I’m a regular and I’m here every day,” she said as she waited for her iced latte made with oat milk. “Kefi is my favorite coffee shop.”
Located at 1201 6th Ave. W., Kefi offers a seasonal Mediterranean-inspired menu, coffee menu and a food menu. Customers order at the walk-up window and can take their order with them, or enjoy at one of the open-air tables on the covered and fenced patio.
“We were looking for a space that would be flexible, and we found that this space was available,” said Eleni Sokos, who opened Kefi with her life and business partner, Jason Simpson. “It was a perfect fit.”
Originally, the space was a bank teller window. A previous coffee shop, Tellers, had converted that space into a walk-up cafe.
“Tellers did all the hard work in converting the bank teller window and installing the plumbing and electric,” Sokos said.
Simpson and Sokos made it their own, however, with distinctive exterior art and seven words, plus Kefi, imprinted in a pattern surrounding the window. Those words, or wishes, are hope, health, luck, love, happiness, joy and peace. They also added the overhead covering in the patio and the fencing.
In Greek, Kefi means the joyful beauty of feeling alive, Sokos said.
“Using simple, bright ingredients presented honestly and served in a creative, casual outdoor setting, Kefi Streetside Cafe offers a place to refuel the body and revitalize the soul. Our delicious, healthful menu of food and beverages inspired by life by the Mediterranean Sea is offered for breakfast, lunch, and catering,” the owners say on their website.
Among the current seasonal offerings are caramel apple cold brew, Louisville iced tea, chocolate-cherry latte and honey ginger matcha.
The coffee menu includes espresso, cappuccino, Americano, cold brew, mocha, drip coffee and espresso soda. Add-ins include whole milk, half and half, oat milk and simple syrup. Also available are matcha, ice tea, hot teas and Italian soda.
A variety of food items are offered, including pressed pitas, avocado toast, egg dishes, overnight oats and bagels.
Also: The Zeus pita with Greek-style pulled pork, bacon, tomato, white onion, tzatziki and feta. For vegetarians, there is the Athena pita with hummus, sun-dried tomato, cucumber, Kalamata olive, pickled red onion, feta and lettuce. For the full menu, or to order online, visit kefistreetsidecafe.com.
Suppliers include Buddy Brew of Tampa and Sweets Bakehouse of Bradenton.
Although it is Simpson making the espressos and cappuccinos, Sokos has a a thick strand of hospitality in her DNA as well. Her family has been in the restaurant business 45 years in the Bradenton area, owning and operating Demetrios’ Pizza House on Cortez Road.
“We have had a lot of support. Growing up here has helped. The best thing is we have met so many new people,” Sokos said.
Kefi Streetside Cafe is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The business is closed on Sundays.
For more information, call 941-896-2282.
