Modern Java brewery forges into Richmond

Richmond+residents+Shelley+Okimoto+and+Stuart+Ake%2C+sit+across+Oakland+resident+Alexis+Miller+as+they+enjoy+a+nice+conversation+in+Point+Richmond%E2%80%99s+newest+cafe%2C+Kaleidoscope+Coffee%2C+located+in+Park+Place+on+Sunday+afternoon.

Denis Perez / The Advocate

Richmond residents Shelley Okimoto and Stuart Ake, sit across Oakland resident Alexis Miller as they enjoy a nice conversation in Point Richmond’s newest cafe, Kaleidoscope Coffee, located in Park Place on Sunday afternoon.

By Marci Suela, Art Director

Students can seek refuge at Kaleidoscope Coffee from distracting cramp spaces and loud blending sounds. With its quiet and mellow ambience, students can appreciate the inviting atmosphere and enjoy a decent cup of coffee brewed from beans grown locally.  

Its hours range from Sunday to Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 6 a.m. to 11p.m.

Kaleidoscope Coffee is located at 109 Park Place in the heart of Point Richmond’s historic downtown. New customers can easily fall in love with the cafe by aesthetic alone. The composition and color of the cafe is appealing to the eyes with warm colors that reflects the atmosphere it emanates. Kaleidoscope’s aesthetic of brick walls and Victorian sitting area compliments its vintage surroundings. Although these elements may seem to clash with a traditional cafe, the geometric decor offset the classic components to create a modern look.

A semi-circle trail of gigantic beige triangles hangs in the middle of the room, from bottom of the left brick wall to the ceiling, and ends against a white wall.

The furniture also contributes to the modern look as the tables with wooden tops and metal frames are complemented with sleek black chairs. These tables are strategically spaced out and allows guests to talk aloud with a friend within their respected area or comfortably eat alone.

If someone is seeking sustenance from a meal, Kaleidoscope is limited in its food options.

The only option that can satisfy a growling belly is a prosciutto, turkey or avocado sandwich with sourdough bread. Toppings in the sandwich include goat cheese, fig spread, mixed greens, apple slices and thinly sliced red onions. The selection for sides are salad, hummus or chips.

Other food options come from local bakeries and companies like Tara’s Organic Ice Cream, gluten-free pastries from Bacano Bakery in Emeryville and regular pastries from Ardent Mills Bakery in Stockton. The coffee beans are also made locally by Wrecking Ball Coffee.

While the cafe dedicates its Mondays to student customers to maintain tranquility, Kaleidoscope offers a variety of weekly events that includes not only the typical open-mic night on Thursdays nights.

The cafe is famous for hosting a storytelling time slot on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., which is a great way for unacquainted community members to connect as they share relatable experiences and tales of love, identity and adventure.