Kalakala Co

Great decoration does not make up for high prices on mediocre food.
My first impression walking in was that the people who work here are all very friendly, the vibe is great, and the décor is clean and modern (that hanging table is awesome!). A great fresh new feel for Langley, a neat little hang out.
Too bad the food isn’t super great.
The ramen was bland as hell, had few veggies, maybe an ounce of (under-​seasoned and tough) pork and a boiled egg, at a cost of $ 13-​ish. WTF? It was a quart of soup after all, but that’s standard size for many Asian noodle/​soup places, and other places I could get much better noodle soup for nearly half the price. Never again. (Side note– unless you’re looking for basic-​ass Chinese I wouldn’t bother with Asian cuisine on S Whidbey.)
Also had the smoked salmon quiche. Meh. Not bad, but not great either, and also overpriced.
On one visit they were selling brown butter blonde brownies for $ 8 each. EACH. I mean, Christ, I make those all the time and blondies are not costly to make, even if you do decide to use brown butter. Outrageous for anyone to try to sell a pastry for that much.
I’ve had their pour over coffee a few times– that brewing method is actually my favorite, and they nail it (proportions are perfect, super hot.) The coffee choices are limited tho– each time I’ve been there they’ve only offered African coffees. I’d just hoped for more options/​greater origin diversity from an artisan pour-​over place.
Let’s say I probably won’t come here on my own much, but I’m happy to come to meet friends and sip coffee or wine.

Delicious sandwiches! The ham and gruyère was so good as well as the grilled cheese with kimchee. The dressing for the greens was yummy too. We loved the rustic large wood table. It was a warm welcome to Whidbey Island. Sandwiches and drinks are their new speciality. No more ramen.

This has become our go-​to place in Langley.
Casual atmosphere, beautiful surroundings.
Counter service, so don’t expect a waiter to come to you.

Just didn’t like it. My friend and I went there and while the décor wad very clean and modern (I loved the set up on the back porch with the string lights) the food was over priced and mediocre. I ordered the ham and gruyère panini and when they brought it out it was maybe a 6 inch bready sandwich with a thin slice of cheese and more bread than filling. When I order an almost $ 10 sandwich I expect gooey cheese and lots of flavor. My sandwich lacked both. My friend ordered the veggie panini and when it was served found it had cheese on it.
My friend can’t eat cheese and upon asking if it could be made without It, the waitress said that they were pre-​made and it couldnt be. Then the other employee came out just to tell us that the menu states it had goat cheese on it. After she left I checked he menu that was left on the table and it actually said nothing about any cheese. I ended up paying for it anyway and ate it later. Not worth 9 dollars. All it had on it was cheese, pesto and a few bits of yellow pepper. NOT what I consider a veggie panini. Plenty of other delicious places to eat. That’s were I’ll be

Just a few sugg.: keep some glasses in the cooler for beer patrons, increase your brewery choices to include more of our locals (across the bay), and don’t be afraid to engage with your counter customers, we’re likely to leave more of OUR appreciation on the counter. Thanks

This place is very cute and stylish and we had no doubt the food and service would be spot on as well. We waited in a short line for 5 minutes, ordered 2 Pork Bahn Mi and the Snap Pea and Radish salad featured that day. We sat down to wait, and wait and wait. There were 3 – 4 other tables seated so it was hard to understand waiting so long. I finally asked if our order had actually gotten to the kitchen, it’s located opposite of the counter behind a sliding door. I was told fairly flatly that it would be a few more minutes. I. Total I think we finally left with our food to go after 25 – 30 minutes. We opened our food in the ferry line to see the Bahn Mi was small and the bead so toasted that neither of us could eat it. There wasn’t much pork and much of it was gristle. So disappointed! I had to hunt for the snap peas and radish in the salad. Service was not good either. The 3 items totaled $ 29.00.

Oh my gosh. Smores by the fire! This place’s interior was so cute and clean. The outside deck has a fire pit and cute string lights on top, making a great atmosphere to chill and grab a drink or dessert. They also have hot cake goodies from Ballard hot cakes!
Oh and just an FYI they didn’t have ramen when we stopped by. But they did have sandwiches and small plate platters!

Had the smoked salmon board and the italian panini. Both were great. They have a good local offering of draught beer.

Three weeks later — back again at Kalakala Company Mercantile to have lunch!
This time had the Kimchi Deviled Eggs ($ 5) plus the Pork Ramen Bowl again ($ 12).
The place was nearly full ~11:30am, so again I sat at the same counter seat outside. This time I looked closely at the condiment tray brought out: salt, pepper, fish sauce, soy sauce, Japanese spices, and a red chili lime sauce. I tried the latter from Marshall’s Haute Sauce from Portland, OR which gave an additional tasty dimension to the deviled eggs.
Ironically, I savored this bowl knowing that today is the last day for Bloom — a ramen favorite in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood.
As I paid my bill, I mentioned to the counter person that their ramen is truly worth the drive from Shoreline to Mukilteo, then heading across via the Mukilteo-​Clinton ferry to Langley on Whidbey Island. Empty bowl # 2 — delicious!

Outstanding décor. That was the first striking element of this fabulous café/​gastropub tucked neatly into the Langley scene. I could easily see myself making a home in the dining space, if they’d allow me. And the food and beverages easily lived up to the glowing first impression on looks alone. We shared fantastic roasted root veggies and a delicious (generous) slice of goat cheese smoked salmon quiche. Didn’t try the pour over coffee, though that’s the plan for next time. Loved their selection of Miro Tea (in adorable local wood-​topped jars) and the fact that you could smell every one before picking! They also have a fun display of local products and gifts as well as ample indoor and outdoor seating.

Very fun and fresh feel! Great coffee and tea… Fresh! Amazing blueberry lemon scone! Will definitely come back in summer when the outside patio is open.

Great environment to read. They only serve high-​quality pour over coffee (pricey) and if you want to little dessert, they have some desserts from Ballard’s «Hot Cakes,» (also pricey) haven’t tried the hot ramen noodles yet, but I hear they’re to die for. Very friendly service, desert took a little while, but it did taste incredible. Nice relaxing ambience. Very well designed and super clean.

This review is for coffee.
Great little shop. The coffee (even drips) are made to order with freshly ground beans. Many choices of coffee, tea and beers primarily locally sourced.
Baked goods a lunch menu and daily specials board.
Cannot wait to come back another day!