The coffee, vibes and food are great but you’ll need to wait for a hot minute. Consistently 25-30 mins to get even easy-to-make food items like avocado toast.
Caroline Teitelbaum
Hate the new attempt at being a chic dinner spot after 4pm. It was sad and empty when my friend and I stopped by (didn’t know it had changed). The late night coffee shop vibe was elite and always packed. Disappointing pivot. There are plenty of overpriced dinner spots already, didn’t need another one.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Jasmine Jones
I used to live in Silver Spring and would go to Kaldis often there. I had only been to this one once for coffee. We were looking to try a new place for breakfast today so I suggested this and we were pleasantly surprised! I got the breakfast burrito and my boyfriend got the chicken and waffles, and it was delicious. Both tasted home made — the burrito wasn’t too salty, and I’m usually hesitant about sauce because restaurants tend to add too much. But honestly the burrito wasn’t perfect. Maybe add a little hot sauce if you’d want to spice it up even further. My boyfriend really enjoyed the chicken and waffles, the chicken was Korean fried and it was so good. I wish I had taken pictures but was too busy eating lol but I had to come write a review. And we will definitely be back for breakfast soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Arkin
I am writing to express my disappointment with the service (barista )I received at your café on 09/27/25. I ordered a coffee and a croissant, but when my order was ready, no one called out my name or notified me in any way. Since I had moved to another table, I did not realize my coffee was sitting at the bar. After about 20 minutes, I went to check and found it cold and untouched. When I politely asked if it could be reheated or replaced, the staff member responded in a very rude and disrespectful manner. What upset me even more was that I noticed this person spoke kindly to other customers, but treated me in an unprofessional and dismissive way. This behavior made me feel discriminated against, and it left me with a very negative impression of your café. I believe every customer deserves equal and respectful treatment. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
K C
USED TO BE GREAT! :( This used to be my favorite place in the whole region and the kind of place I came multiple times a week and wanted to bring friends to. Pastries have always been a bit meh but the drinks were superb, the menu terrific, reasonably priced for the area, and food always steller. Over the last year it's gone downhill, starting with the kitchen. Portions have gotten significantly smaller (most recently they've changed all their dishware, since their new portions looked ridiculous on their formerly large dishware). Portions decreasing and prices increasing might be understandable in this economy but quality has also been in serious decline. Sausage severely undercooked, fruit that tastes rotten or like fridge, eggs either undercooked or overcooked, food cold or seemingly microwaved. All while prices increase. Vibe has also changed: service is worse, servers less friendly, an overall decline in quality of environment, but the food has been the dealbreaker for me. The last time I brought friends in I was embarrassed by the food so won't be doing that anymore. At this point every time I go the food is disappointing to the point that my husband (who used to swear by this place along with me) says he never wants to go back. So far it's still a great workspace which is a plus, but the lack of quality food makes me not want to return since it always feels like a loss. The hot drinks are still excellent but I'm dreading when that goes too. In any case, $50 for an unsatisfactory breakfast, or even lunch, feels absurd. Sorrowfully looking for a better haunt now, if anyone has any suggestions.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Nisarg Joshi
I would have rated kaldis 5/5 before their recent changes. Haven’t stayed past 4pm with the no laptop rule and probably wouldn’t anyway. They have become less accommodating in every way, from food to seating arrangements to service. Was told they will gladly remove an item and charge me extra for an extra side but they will refuse to do substitutions, even for allergies. I suppose it’s their new policy, and it’s a bad one. They also seem to be much less staff, had one barista working and I waited 20 mins for my drink with the place half empty at 10am. None of this used to be an issue - this place was full of character and a joy to come to and it feels like someone (the owner) is sucking its soul out to turn its empty husk into another typical, basic, arlington instagram moment
Service: 3
Shannon Lake
Erick was amazing. This restaurant only recently opened to dinner time I think. They used to close down earlier. I’ve been going at night and it’s quaint and lovely, great service great food…. I expect people will start noticing that they’re open late now but I will enjoy the quaintness and my Erick while it lasts
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
David Castillo
Food and drinks amazing! The Service is good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Neil Podoba
This was my favorite coffee place. The staff is always friendly and the coffee is good. Food was always okay, but my dog and I went here for the ambience. It can get quite crowded. Recently, the owner at this location decided to put in very uncomfortable seating arrangements and high bar tables. It is super uncomfortable to sit here and it’s disappointing that the owner felt the need to make these changes. I was also told that I could not have my laptop on the table the other day when there was no one in the venue besides me. The staff informed me that the owner decided he doesn’t want people with laptops at regular tables after a certain hour. And I could tell the staff was shell shocked probably from reactions by other customers that it’s a ridiculous request to make someone not have their laptop on a table. I will go to the other locations, I do not feel like this space is welcoming or focused on good coffee and food for its customers. It’s trying to be a bar scene.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
Alexandra Marotta
As you can see by other recent negative reviews, the new policy of no laptops after 4pm is driving away customers. I sincerely hope management reconsiders this policy. This used to be an ideal place to get coffee and get work done, alone or with friends. It was always busy and had a nice energy. They have completely lost the point of their establishment. They had a niche business model in a neighborhood surrounded by normal restaurants. I am not sure what they hope to gain by chasing away their regulars.
Also, 4pm does not even make sense for a serving a dinner crowd, as that is still during the majority of peoples’ work day. I could even understand a 5:30 or 6pm policy. 4pm is just silly.
They have a no laptop rule after 4pm except for the community table.. which is always full. Not sure if they’re trying to move towards more of a restaurant vibe but considering the place was mostly empty it wasn’t working..
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
Robert Logan
It can get really packed and finding a spot for two people can be rather challenging, but has some good food and drinks to offer. Service is a little weird as there isn’t anyone walking around dedicated, but you may have to go to front for things at times.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Mike Geb
What kind of ridiculous policy is this? After 4pm, laptops are only allowed at “dedicated tables.” Fine, except every single one of those tables was already taken, while plenty of empty tables sat unused. I was told I couldn’t sit anywhere else with my laptop. So basically, they’d rather chase away paying customers than let people use open space. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s plain bad business. A coffee shop should be welcoming, not enforcing arbitrary rules that make no sense. If you want a place to relax or work without unnecessary hassle, avoid this spot. Plenty of cafés nearby actually appreciate their customers.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Curlene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Had an amazing dinner at Kaldi Social House! The vibe is cozy yet modern, perfect for both coffee and cocktails. I tried the 8oz Blackened Salmon Filet with pomme purée, potatoes, broccolini, and lime compound butter — absolutely delicious. The Blood Orange Cosmo was refreshing, and their Espresso Martini with Baileys is a must-try. Huge thanks to Sean and Darnell for the wonderful hospitality. Highly recommend checking this spot out if you’re in the Arlington area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anna Wong
This used to be a great cafe. I have been coming here every week since the pandemic. But recently they introduced a new policy of no laptop after 4. And they kept the light on the table for the laptop very dim throughout the entire day (it’s like being kept in the dark). There used to be a great social vibes even though ppl have laptop all over the place. The manager who used to provide great customer service is now gone. Replacing him is a lady who kept badger ppl to put away their laptop at 4 even though there are no one there in the main seating area. Who would be actually socialing during still working with hours for most people? Worse now they switched to place the tall laptop table smack in the middle of the seating area (contradicting the whole vision of trying to create a more social atmosphere). Good luck to this beloved cafe…the owner will need it. It’s been a series of mistakes.
The coffee, vibes and food are great but you’ll need to wait for a hot minute. Consistently 25-30 mins to get even easy-to-make food items like avocado toast.
Hate the new attempt at being a chic dinner spot after 4pm. It was sad and empty when my friend and I stopped by (didn’t know it had changed). The late night coffee shop vibe was elite and always packed. Disappointing pivot. There are plenty of overpriced dinner spots already, didn’t need another one.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
I used to live in Silver Spring and would go to Kaldis often there. I had only been to this one once for coffee. We were looking to try a new place for breakfast today so I suggested this and we were pleasantly surprised! I got the breakfast burrito and my boyfriend got the chicken and waffles, and it was delicious. Both tasted home made — the burrito wasn’t too salty, and I’m usually hesitant about sauce because restaurants tend to add too much. But honestly the burrito wasn’t perfect. Maybe add a little hot sauce if you’d want to spice it up even further. My boyfriend really enjoyed the chicken and waffles, the chicken was Korean fried and it was so good. I wish I had taken pictures but was too busy eating lol but I had to come write a review. And we will definitely be back for breakfast soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am writing to express my disappointment with the service (barista )I received at your café on 09/27/25. I ordered a coffee and a croissant, but when my order was ready, no one called out my name or notified me in any way. Since I had moved to another table, I did not realize my coffee was sitting at the bar. After about 20 minutes, I went to check and found it cold and untouched. When I politely asked if it could be reheated or replaced, the staff member responded in a very rude and disrespectful manner. What upset me even more was that I noticed this person spoke kindly to other customers, but treated me in an unprofessional and dismissive way. This behavior made me feel discriminated against, and it left me with a very negative impression of your café.
I believe every customer deserves equal and respectful treatment. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
USED TO BE GREAT! :(
This used to be my favorite place in the whole region and the kind of place I came multiple times a week and wanted to bring friends to. Pastries have always been a bit meh but the drinks were superb, the menu terrific, reasonably priced for the area, and food always steller. Over the last year it's gone downhill, starting with the kitchen. Portions have gotten significantly smaller (most recently they've changed all their dishware, since their new portions looked ridiculous on their formerly large dishware). Portions decreasing and prices increasing might be understandable in this economy but quality has also been in serious decline. Sausage severely undercooked, fruit that tastes rotten or like fridge, eggs either undercooked or overcooked, food cold or seemingly microwaved. All while prices increase. Vibe has also changed: service is worse, servers less friendly, an overall decline in quality of environment, but the food has been the dealbreaker for me. The last time I brought friends in I was embarrassed by the food so won't be doing that anymore. At this point every time I go the food is disappointing to the point that my husband (who used to swear by this place along with me) says he never wants to go back. So far it's still a great workspace which is a plus, but the lack of quality food makes me not want to return since it always feels like a loss. The hot drinks are still excellent but I'm dreading when that goes too. In any case, $50 for an unsatisfactory breakfast, or even lunch, feels absurd. Sorrowfully looking for a better haunt now, if anyone has any suggestions.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
I would have rated kaldis 5/5 before their recent changes. Haven’t stayed past 4pm with the no laptop rule and probably wouldn’t anyway. They have become less accommodating in every way, from food to seating arrangements to service. Was told they will gladly remove an item and charge me extra for an extra side but they will refuse to do substitutions, even for allergies. I suppose it’s their new policy, and it’s a bad one. They also seem to be much less staff, had one barista working and I waited 20 mins for my drink with the place half empty at 10am. None of this used to be an issue - this place was full of character and a joy to come to and it feels like someone (the owner) is sucking its soul out to turn its empty husk into another typical, basic, arlington instagram moment
Service: 3
Erick was amazing. This restaurant only recently opened to dinner time I think. They used to close down earlier. I’ve been going at night and it’s quaint and lovely, great service great food…. I expect people will start noticing that they’re open late now but I will enjoy the quaintness and my Erick while it lasts
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Food and drinks amazing!
The Service is good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was my favorite coffee place. The staff is always friendly and the coffee is good. Food was always okay, but my dog and I went here for the ambience. It can get quite crowded. Recently, the owner at this location decided to put in very uncomfortable seating arrangements and high bar tables. It is super uncomfortable to sit here and it’s disappointing that the owner felt the need to make these changes. I was also told that I could not have my laptop on the table the other day when there was no one in the venue besides me. The staff informed me that the owner decided he doesn’t want people with laptops at regular tables after a certain hour. And I could tell the staff was shell shocked probably from reactions by other customers that it’s a ridiculous request to make someone not have their laptop on a table. I will go to the other locations, I do not feel like this space is welcoming or focused on good coffee and food for its customers. It’s trying to be a bar scene.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
As you can see by other recent negative reviews, the new policy of no laptops after 4pm is driving away customers. I sincerely hope management reconsiders this policy. This used to be an ideal place to get coffee and get work done, alone or with friends. It was always busy and had a nice energy. They have completely lost the point of their establishment. They had a niche business model in a neighborhood surrounded by normal restaurants. I am not sure what they hope to gain by chasing away their regulars.
Also, 4pm does not even make sense for a serving a dinner crowd, as that is still during the majority of peoples’ work day. I could even understand a 5:30 or 6pm policy. 4pm is just silly.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
They have a no laptop rule after 4pm except for the community table.. which is always full. Not sure if they’re trying to move towards more of a restaurant vibe but considering the place was mostly empty it wasn’t working..
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
It can get really packed and finding a spot for two people can be rather challenging, but has some good food and drinks to offer. Service is a little weird as there isn’t anyone walking around dedicated, but you may have to go to front for things at times.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
What kind of ridiculous policy is this? After 4pm, laptops are only allowed at “dedicated tables.” Fine, except every single one of those tables was already taken, while plenty of empty tables sat unused. I was told I couldn’t sit anywhere else with my laptop.
So basically, they’d rather chase away paying customers than let people use open space. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s plain bad business. A coffee shop should be welcoming, not enforcing arbitrary rules that make no sense.
If you want a place to relax or work without unnecessary hassle, avoid this spot. Plenty of cafés nearby actually appreciate their customers.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Had an amazing dinner at Kaldi Social House! The vibe is cozy yet modern, perfect for both coffee and cocktails. I tried the 8oz Blackened Salmon Filet with pomme purée, potatoes, broccolini, and lime compound butter — absolutely delicious. The Blood Orange Cosmo was refreshing, and their Espresso Martini with Baileys is a must-try. Huge thanks to Sean and Darnell for the wonderful hospitality. Highly recommend checking this spot out if you’re in the Arlington area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This used to be a great cafe. I have been coming here every week since the pandemic. But recently they introduced a new policy of no laptop after 4. And they kept the light on the table for the laptop very dim throughout the entire day (it’s like being kept in the dark). There used to be a great social vibes even though ppl have laptop all over the place. The manager who used to provide great customer service is now gone. Replacing him is a lady who kept badger ppl to put away their laptop at 4 even though there are no one there in the main seating area. Who would be actually socialing during still working with hours for most people? Worse now they switched to place the tall laptop table smack in the middle of the seating area (contradicting the whole vision of trying to create a more social atmosphere). Good luck to this beloved cafe…the owner will need it. It’s been a series of mistakes.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
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