Authentic Colombian coffee shop bringing jungle vibes to Over-the-Rhine

Annasofia Scheve, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Coffia is part of 3CDC's Columbia Flats in OTR. “I was drawn to Over-the-Rhine for its variety of art and culture,” owner Christian Gonzalez said.
Coffia is part of 3CDC's Columbia Flats in OTR. “I was drawn to Over-the-Rhine for its variety of art and culture,” owner Christian Gonzalez said.

Authentic Colombian coffee will soon be right around the corner, as Coffia, a new coffee shop in Over-the-Rhine, plans to open next week.

Owner Christian Gonzalez is a Colombia native who moved to the U.S. six years ago, and he hopes to bring a piece of his home to Cincinnati. Located in Cincinnati Center City Development Corp.'s (3CDC) Columbia Flats at 31 E. 13th St., Gonzalez believes the rich cultural scene of Over-the-Rhine serves as the perfect backdrop for what Coffia wants to achieve.

"I want Coffia to be a place where people from all different backgrounds can mingle and learn about each other," he said in a release.

Coffee won't be the only thing on the menu, as the shop will offer baked goods, both sweet and savory. Some of the specialty cocktails will also incorporate coffee, and beer will be available as well.

Coffia's interior was designed to represent the jungle, another nod to the owner's Colombian heritage. An abundance of plants and neon signs recreate the vibrancy of the jungle, and some of the decor will be works of art for sale.

The interior of Coffia represents owner Christian Gonzalez's Columbian heritage.
The interior of Coffia represents owner Christian Gonzalez's Columbian heritage.

"Coffee is about love for art, love for coffee and love for people," Gonzalez said. "It’s about sharing our culture."

“3CDC is intentional about cultivating more diversity among business owners in the neighborhood, placing an emphasis on increasing the number of minority-owned businesses in OTR storefronts,” said Lindzie Gunnels, commercial leasing manager at 3CDC. “Christian has a lot to offer the community and Coffia is a welcome addition, serving as a melting pot where folks with different cultural roots can come together over a fantastic cup of coffee, or a delicious pastry or baked good.”

Coffia hosts a soft opening at 8 a.m. Monday. A grand opening celebration with a live DJ, free drinks and small snacks will be Aug. 3.

Hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Coffia, authentic Colombian coffee shop, opening in Cincinnati's OTR