Zanzibar Brews

Our first mocha quest excursion took place after a morning workout at the Eldon Ward YMCA on the East Side. We saw an advertisement for Zanzibar Brews up on the wall while we were working out and since it was on our way home, we made a stop at the cool shop.

 

Located in the King Lincoln Gateway building, when we walked in, we were struck by the decor. It is a very modern mix of bold colors with exposed ductwork in the ceilings, along with dangling lights and chandeliers that give off a warm glow in contrast to the cool metal decor. The ambience overall was excellent, and the graffiti artwork on the walls was interesting with it's words of hope, peace, love, and other inspirational slogans done up colorfully.
Paulita ordered the regular mocha, and declared the first sip was bitter and steaming with a hint of chocolate. It was almost too hot to drink, but the barista was very polite and attentive. She offered to add more chocolate if needed. She also offered whipped cream on top of both drinks, which, according to the rules we set up, meant we had to decline.

Grace got the Secret Garden mocha, a mocha with a shot of raspbery DaVinci syrup. It was good, mildly sweet but not very flavorful. The drinks overall were both a bit watery and we decided it was because the espresso wasn't quite strong enough. The cups were nice with Dixie lids that slid open for drinking and safe transport without spilling.  Each mocha was $3.30 for a 16oz drink, according to the menu, but strangely, the bill totaled $7.10.

One thing that was very cool about the menu was that each drink and food item had a name on the menu along with the descriptor of what it actually was, like the Secret Garden mocha and The Big E turkey club. The establishment also caters and is available to rent out for an event.

There is a big parking lot located right next to the King-Lincoln Gateway building with easy access to the shop either from the front door, or the inside door that leads to the rest of the building.

You can read other reviews of Zanzibar Brews, 740 E. Long St.
Columbus, OH, at Yelp.
Here's our review with 4 beans being excellent:
Taste of the mocha 

 Ambience

 

 Barista

Overall Review: