Kevista Coffee Shop Review, Bend, Oregon
On the east side of the Cascade mountains in Oregon, you could easily forget that you are in the Pacific Northwest. Gone are the endless rain and green accompanying the rain and you find a different world. Instead, you will find a small city on the eastern edge of the Cascades where it begins to transition to the high deserts. Known for being a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, you can find almost anything to do in Bend.
Situated in town, you will find Kevista Coffee, the best coffee shop in Bend operated by Kevin Lauinger and his wife Krista Lauinger. If you take Kevin and Krista and mash the names together you get Kevista. High school sweethearts who have had a vision for creating a place where people can come and just be able to enjoy themselves in the same way as you would visiting friends in their family room. Their vision comes to life in this family-run business.
Kevista made a name for itself during Covid for its stance on the unequal application of the law which resulted in a number of fines by the Oregon Health Authority for willful violation of the law. There were a number of naysayers who thought that their position was a political or religious ploy to grab attention without regard for their customers, yet anyone that comes into Kevista quickly realizes that the owners have a heart for people and their community. Their position during Covid was a simple desire to be able to operate their business and be treated fairly by the state.
If you get caught up in politics or religion or making statements, you will miss the main thing at Kevista, the atmosphere. In the company motto “Come with anticipation, stay for community, leave with joy” lays the foundation for the shop.
Entering the shop, you are greeted with a large room for indoor dining, with couches, swing chairs, and even a piano. The shop feels much more like a family room than a business. Employees are all positive and then there is the food and coffee. The barista will create almost any creation you desire. Beyond just great coffee, Kevista offers gelato and pastries that will add pounds to anyone’s waist if you are not careful.
Seating is ample for casual conversation or there are tables where students could do homework or just catch up on social media. The first time I visited, I so enjoyed the owner’s son playing piano, it really felt like I was in someone’s home it was so relaxing.
In talking with Kevin and Krista, it was interesting to learn the proactive stance they have with their neighbors. Sharing the same parking lot with Kevista is Dutch Bros coffee. Dutch Bros is a drive-through where you will often find a line of cars as they hurry on their way. Kevista does not even have a drive-through, instead, their focus is on creating community, and that can’t be done with a drive-through. The lauders shared that they talked to Dutch Bros and let them know that although they both are in the coffee business, they are targeting different audiences. So far that seems to work well for both companies.
Kevista has gained fame for its Ocean rolls. But be sure to try any one of their tasty treats like the cinnamon rolls. Their coffee is on par with the best coffee I’ve enjoyed in a long time. Living in Missouri as I do, it is a place I wish was closer to or that they could find a reason to start a location here. Although rumor has it they may be expanding, we’ll have to keep our ears open on that one.
Final thoughts – 5 Star rating for great service, good food, good coffee, and above all an atmosphere that creates community. They are one of the few companies I have seen that live up to the company motto – you can come expecting great things, you will find community here and you will leave with a smile!
