In Germany, coffee is a more popular beverage than beer. Called kaffee, German coffee and the culture surrounding it has been informed by a long-evolving European tradition.
“Coffee culture there grew over the last 350 years so it’s more nuanced than what you see in America,” said Marcus Solga, owner of Kaffee House.
Serving up a good steaming, aromatic cup of coffee is only part of the picture at Kaffee House, which opened on West Avenue in February this year.
What makes Kaffee House truly unique begins with their assortment of German-inspired dishes - from homemade pastries and cakes, to daily soups and specialty sandwiches that are pleasing people looking for a quick, hearty bite to eat. They also have a drive-thru window so you can grab it on the go.
Good Mood
Since opening its doors, the response from Kaffee House customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Receiving a five-star rating on Yelp, Facebook and TripAdvisor, people are raving about the fresh, bright atmosphere and homemade German fare.
Equally welcoming as a place to relax or to stay and get some work done using the free Wi-Fi, the spacious main room, with its energetic green and blue wall color, is bathed in light from an expanse of windows and a cascade of textural rounded white hanging light fixtures. Art featuring famous German architecture is displayed on the walls throughout. A selection of books, magazines, newspapers and games are available.
An expertly arranged and ample selection of seating options invite you to grab a stool by the counter, settle into a set of comfy chairs nestled in the corner, slide into a booth, or gather around the carpeted center section around the fireplace, or to watch television. There’s even a separate meeting space, called the Library. The closed room features a large table and seating for 12, a flat-screen TV with computer hook-up compatibility and a separate sound system.
Good Food
Kaffee House’s hospitable atmosphere is outshined only by the praise they’ve received for their homemade foods. Prepared by Marcus’ mother, Sabine Solga, she gained her experience in the kitchen while cooking for their family of six in Germany.
“German food is hearty, not as sweet and not as sugary. We also use a lot of fruit,” said Marcus.
Apple streusel is their best seller, followed by their hole-in-one turkey sandwich. A full display case shows off their beautifully dense German cheesecake, cream-filled brioche pastry Bee Sting (Bienenstich) cake and gorgeous flaky croissants.
Lunch offerings include specialty soups, vegetarian egg salad, gluten-free potato salad and a variety of traditional sandwiches made with a twist. For beverages, in addition to coffees and teas, they offer Italian sodas and fruit smoothies.
A Promising Blend
Serving the reasonably –priced items to between 60 and 120 customers a day, in their seats and in just eight minutes, while also manning the drive-thru window, is all done efficiently with the help of a small staff. Marcus, educated as an industrial engineer, has optimized the process by hiring high school students who are already familiar with and enthusiastic about working in the café culture.
He is passionate about growth, providing jobs and buying products locally. His coffee is a blend from the Capital Region’s Chris' Coffee Service, one of the largest coffee roasters in upstate New York. Kaffee House teas are purchased from Saratoga Tea & Honey Co., their eggs from Thomas Poultry Farm in Schuylerville and their apples and plums come from Saratoga Apple.
Because the tax rate was 56 percent in Germany, buying locally wasn’t an affordable option there, which is why he especially appreciates the opportunity to do it since moving to and now living in the United States full-time.
Bringing German delights to Saratoga in new and exciting ways throughout the year, this October customers can look forward to two weeks of Octoberfest specials at Kaffee House. The menu may feature Ketwurst (a German hot dog sunken into a fried bread dough and served on a stick), brats and pretzels.
Kaffee House, 120 West Ave., Saratoga Springs is open Monday through Friday 7a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For large drive-thru orders please call ahead. 518-729-8480. Find them on Facebook or online at kaffeehousesaratoga.com.
