Carabello Coffee
Tues-Fri 7a-8p; Sat 8a-8p

I heard a lot about Carabello Coffee before actually visiting for the first time. I heard the establishment started roasting beans in Florence, KY (ironically at another one of my favorite coffee joints, Velocity Bike + Bean). (Who still serves Carabello's coffee.) I heard that growth moved Carabello to historic Newport, Kentucky on the corner of Monmouth + Ninth [map]. I heard they showcase a selection of pastries from local bakers at checkout - including my favorite, Brown Bear Bakery! + I also heard, from several sources, that I would absolutely love it.

Well, I finally visited the popular independent coffee bar this past weekend (+ I also learned that in exactly one week [9-17-14] Carabello is celebrating their first Newport birthday!) + guys, the rumors are true. I do love Carabello. What, precisely? Well, for one, they use mason jars + piping in almost all their decorations. The wood is light + the space is cheery. + oh holy heavens is the coffee delicious. They roast the beans right here in town mere days before it's in your mug.

But above the wonderful taste + decor + tremendously welcome demeanor is the Carabello story. Justin + Emily Carabello started Carabello Coffee three years ago with two prerogatives: 1) Bring Greater Cincinnati really delicious coffee 2) Use the money raised through that really delicious coffee to build sustainable lives for the people in the Third World Nations where it came from. Or, in a less wordy explanation: Coffee + compassion in tandem.

You can read all about the philanthropic works here. (+ all about the amazing meaning behind the tandem bike HERE.) (Spoiler: When Justin asked Emily to start looking at engagement rings, she declared: I don't want a ring, I want a tandem bike." To which Justin replied: (laughing) You need a ring... but I'll try to get you the bike too.")

Oh Carabello, how I love you so! I love your direct, simple, yet multi-layered mission. Thank you to all my friends who planted the Carabello bean in my mind. +, Carabello, happy birthday! I am so glad to be your neighbor (The Studio is just a wee 2 miles away!). You guys are changing lives, one hot cup of joe at a time. & that is something pretty spectacular.

P.S. Follow along with Carabello's adventures via Twitter + Facebook + Instagram.