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Welcome to Kelsey's Coffee and Friends

Kelsey's Coffee and Friends, located at 1200 E Genesee St in Syracuse, NY, is a welcoming haven for coffee lovers and friends alike. Known for its warm atmosphere and friendly staff, the café resonates with a diverse clientele, including many Syracuse University students. Signature highlights include the delectable London Fog and Everything Avocado Toast, complemented by scrumptious pastries from Sweet Praxis. Patrons appreciate the carefully crafted drinks, such as vanilla lattes and unique seasonal offerings like the Coconuthead. The charming, minimalist ambiance, complete with abundant daylight, makes it an ideal spot for socializing or productive work sessions.

Kelsey's Coffee and Friends: Reviews & Ratings

Moriah Edwards
Moriah Edwards

The owner and staff are the nicest, and they have a very warm atmosphere. My favorites are their London Fog and the Everything Avocado Toast! I also love that they have pastries from Sweet Praxis.

R S
R S

I've been a regular at Peaks Coffee for years. The clientele skews toward college students, because of its location in a student apartment building near Syracuse University. Nonetheless, everyone (regardless of demographic) who comes in is made to feel welcome by the owner and staff. The coffee is terrific. I almost always get a cappuccino, and the baristas all aim for a carefully crafted drink. My favorite menu item is the breakfast burrito, a grilled tortilla filled with scrambled egg, spinach and bacon, with a generous dollop of sriracha mayo on the side. Delicious! The space is spare yet charming, with a few houseplants for a bit of life during the winter. A colossal picture window brings maximum daylight into the shop. A bar with stools faces the window, and there are a few tables with cheerful plastic chairs (comfortable even for those of us on the wider side). In the warm months, cafe tables are placed outside. The attentive welcome that customers receive is Peaks' best feature. The team members are delightfully genuine--friendly without being fake.

Alyssa Emmrich
Alyssa Emmrich

I got an iced vanilla latte along with the seasonal avocado toast (with pickled onions) and everything was great! Perfect coffee shop on a rainy day to get some work done. Will definitely come here again!

Giovanni
Giovanni

They’re the best. I really don’t like sharing them because I want this coffee shop all to myself. Would revisit ...

Vonny W.
Vonny W.

We drove past this coffee shop and couldn't resist its cute exterior. Going in, their interior is just as aesthetic with its minimal design. We were greeted upon entering and noted how busy it was once we looked around. No tables to sit, as a lot of people were sitting to work on their laptops and/over socializing so it didn't seem like anyone was leaving anytime soon so we got our items to go. They have a couple seats outside as well, but these were also taken. We ended up opting for two items from their spring menu, the COCONUTHEAD which I highly recommend from how smooth it was to drink and how prominent the flavors were. The description said they use Pandan leaves for its toasty vanilla-like sweetness alongside their coconut syrup and added to their iced matcha latte. The other drink we got was their LOVEBUG, which is a green tea sweetened with passionfruit honey and has raspberry puree, making it very refreshing for this summer heat. For their washroom, you have to request a key (which was hooked onto a plastic spatula, how cute!) since it leads to the washrooms in the condominium next door. This did mean it was quite clean though!

Neilani Mulalic
Neilani Mulalic

Awesome coffee shop. They have great quality matcha and the everything avocado toast is the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly seasoned and the bread is easy to bite through. Nice, airy atmosphere. Make sure to try the seasonal drinks. Parking is available on the street.

Samar
Samar

Delicious food items (best avocado toast I’ve had) and a smooth latte (medium strength). I got an iced americano next visit, and the coffee was stronger. Mixed review on service; at times friendly staff and at times very dry service. Simple and modern setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Take a little sweater or jacket - it’s generally a bit on the cold side indoors.

Stefania I
Stefania I

Great place!! Chill vibes, good amount of space to sit down, baristas are very helpful when ordering!! They have cute merchandise and fun decor around the cafe!! Good drink selection as well as some baked goods and small, but filling bites to eat!! Great place to meet folks for coffee, or just come and do some work!

Location

Welcome to Kelsey's Coffee and Friends, a charming gem located at 1200 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY. This delightful café has quickly become a beloved hotspot for coffee aficionados and casual visitors alike, offering an inviting ambiance that encourages everyone to linger a little longer. Known for their exceptional service, the warm and friendly staff truly embody the spirit of community, making you feel right at home from the moment you step through the door.

The atmosphere here is a perfect blend of minimalism and charm. With beautiful houseplants dotting the space and a massive picture window allowing natural light to flood in, Kelsey's is not just a coffee shop but a sanctuary for students, professionals, and families alike. Whether you’re looking to dive into some work while sipping on a finely crafted cappuccino or simply catch up with friends over a delightful avocado toast, Kelsey's sets the stage for memorable experiences.

Speaking of the menu, let’s highlight a few standout offerings. The Everything Avocado Toast, beloved by customers like Moriah Edwards, is a definite must-try, featuring fresh ingredients that marry together in perfect harmony. For coffee lovers, the iced vanilla latte and seasonal creations like the COCONUTHEAD—an iced matcha latte with unique pandan leaves—showcase the creativity and passion behind every beverage. Each drink is thoughtfully prepared, with baristas taking pride in delivering flavor profiles that delight the senses.

Moreover, special partnerships with local pastry shops like Sweet Praxis elevate the café's offerings, allowing guests to indulge in pastries that pair beautifully with their coffee selections. Such collaborations reflect Kelsey’s commitment to supporting local businesses while enhancing their own menu.

Although the café might be bustling with life, with tables often occupied by patrons engrossed in work or casual conversation, the experience is never overwhelming. Instead, it feels vibrant and alive—a perfect backdrop for enjoyable moments. If you're in the mood for outdoor seating, Kelsey's also provides a few charming spots outside, ideal for warmer days.

In summary, Kelsey's Coffee and Friends is more than just a coffee shop; it's a community haven that prioritizes great coffee, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. The personal touch from the staff and the thoughtful menu offerings truly make each visit special, inviting you to create your own stories while savoring every sip and bite. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Kelsey’s Coffee and Friends is a place you won't want to miss.