Where is it?
Mahalo’s original shop is far north of North Knoxville. Though the address says they are in Knoxville, they count themselves as part of Powell. You’ll find them in the Dry Gap area, right beside Route 131. They have their own parking lot around the shop.
When is it open?
Right now, they are open 6:30a – 6p Monday through Friday, 7a – 3p on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. This makes them one of the earliest opening coffee shops in all of Knoxville. Check them out on Instagram (@mahalocoffeeroasters) or at mahalocoffeeroasters.com for updates.
The Menu - What Are They Known For?
As one of the local roasters, they are known for their coffee roasts of course! Grab whatever is on drip, or visit the merch area to snag some to brew at home. They do have all the espresso drinks to sate your cravings as well, including being one of only a handful of shops to serve an affogato. (For those who don’t know, that’s espresso over vanilla ice cream – do yourself a favor and just get one!) They also have a decaf “babyccino” on the menu, which is hilarious and adorable.
What's the space like?
This is a large, clean feeling space. The middle of the seating area has two 6-seat tables, so you’ll have plenty of room to spread out. There’s also a 2 seat table, what looks to be a kids table, 6 bar-style seats at the back (2 sections of 3) and 4 more plush seats around the fireplace. That brings the indoor total to about 24, and the front patio has room for 12 more via six 2-seat tables.
Dark wood floors, lighter wood accents, white chairs and walls highlight the room, making it feel large. The brick wall behind the coffee bar and stone fireplace at the other end add a touch of texture and a dash of home-y feeling.
True to their name evoking the slogan “make waves, drink coffee”, they have a surfboard hanging above the mantle. Very aesthetic latern-like hanging lights keep the space bright any day, though they may not be necessary due to 3 walls having windows.
Is it a good work space?
Yes, you can definitely camp out here for a while. The aforementioned large tables to spread out, responsive wifi, and baked goods menu in addition to their coffee will keep you moving toward your goals. Note that if you’re going to need to plug in, you might want to snag a spot at the bar-style seating in the back of the shop.
Other things to do in the area
Clearly, you’re not afraid to get out and explore what java there is to be found just outside of Knoxville. For an awesome Winnebago-turned-espresso-bar, search out Brynn Coffee Co in the mornings in Fountain City.
Heading back into town? Maybe it’s time to reward your hard work with a cold one – visit Hexagon Brewing.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
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