Spokane, Washington, has long outgrown its reputation as a mere pitstop in the Inland Northwest. Today, it stands as a burgeoning hub for culinary innovation and craft beverages. At the very heart of this cultural shift is Indaba Coffee, a specialty roaster that has spent over a decade redefining what it means to serve a cup of coffee. To understand Indaba is to understand the modern identity of Spokane itself: a city rooted in community, resilient through change, and deeply committed to social equity.

The Visionary Roots of Indaba Coffee

The story of Indaba Coffee does not begin with a corporate expansion plan, but with a summer pilgrimage. Bobby Enslow, a Spokane native with a background in finance and an MBA from Washington State University, found his life’s mission not in a boardroom, but on the streets of South Africa. During his travels, Enslow was struck by the "indaba"—a Zulu word for a gathering or discussion aimed at solving problems. He witnessed how huge income gaps created invisible populations, marginalized and excluded from public life.

Returning to Spokane, Enslow looked at his own backyard with fresh eyes. He saw the West Central neighborhood, an area rich in history but burdened by poverty, crime, and food insecurity. He realized that many of his former high school classmates lived in these neglected streets. Driven by a desire to "love people" as much as he loved coffee, Enslow founded Indaba in 2009 with a modest $10,000 in startup capital and a single espresso machine.

What started as a tiny shop in a tough neighborhood has evolved into a powerhouse of specialty roasting. The progression was organic. In its early years, Indaba operated as a multi-roaster café, curating the best beans from across the country. By 2014, Enslow made the pivotal decision to begin roasting in-house. This shift allowed Indaba to control the entire narrative of their coffee, from the ethical sourcing of green beans to the final, nuanced flavor profiles that would eventually win national awards.

Why the Love People Love Coffee Mission Matters

In an industry where many brands claim to be "socially conscious," Indaba Coffee backs its rhetoric with a quantifiable impact. Their motto, "Love People, Love Coffee," is not just a marketing slogan; it is a business model.

The One for One Meal Program

One of the most significant ways Indaba contributes to the Spokane community is through its partnership with 2nd Harvest. For every bag of coffee sold at their retail locations or online, the company provides a meal to someone in need within the local community. This program addresses the food insecurity that Enslow witnessed firsthand in the West Central neighborhood during his formative years. By purchasing a bag of their "Lilac City" or "High Drive" blends, customers are directly funding the city’s social safety net.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainable Wages

Beyond local charity, Indaba’s impact extends to the global coffee belt. The roastery prioritizes beans from women-owned farms and cooperatives that provide education and healthcare to their workers. For example, their High Drive Blend supports women-led farms in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. By ensuring fair wages and sustainable practices at the source, Indaba ensures that the "Love People" mission encompasses the farmers just as much as the baristas and the customers.

A Detailed Exploration of Indaba Coffee Locations

Each of Indaba’s locations in Spokane has been intentionally designed to reflect the character of its specific neighborhood while maintaining the brand's signature warmth.

The Broadway Original: Where It All Began

Located at 1425 W Broadway Ave, the Broadway shop is the spiritual home of Indaba. It sits in the West Central neighborhood, serving as a beacon of stability and hospitality. The atmosphere here is unapologetically community-focused. It’s the kind of place where baristas know the regulars by name and the "Indaba ritual" is a daily necessity for locals.

The interior is industrial yet cozy, reflecting the grit and heart of the neighborhood. It is a space where the income gap is bridged over a shared table. Whether you are a student from the nearby schools or a longtime resident, the Broadway location offers a sense of belonging that is rare in modern retail.

The Riverside Downtown Hub: Professional and Polished

If Broadway is the heart, the Riverside location at 518 W Riverside Ave is the brain. Situated in the bustling core of downtown Spokane, this café caters to the professional crowd, remote workers, and travelers staying at nearby hotels.

The aesthetic here is modern and urban, with high ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light. For those wondering, "Where can I work remotely in downtown Spokane?" Riverside is the answer. The shop is equipped with ample seating, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, and strategically placed power outlets. It even features rentable meeting rooms, making it a favorite for local startups and freelancers who need a professional environment without the sterile feel of a traditional office.

The Summit at Kendall Yards: Coffee with a View

Perched on the edge of the Spokane River gorge at 1315 W Summit Pkwy, the Kendall Yards location (also known as the Summit shop) offers one of the most scenic coffee experiences in the city. This shop is unique because it shares its space with Fleet Feet, a local running gear store.

This synergy creates a vibrant, active atmosphere. On any given morning, you’ll see runners finishing their miles on the Centennial Trail and stopping by for a post-run cortado. The location is surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants, making it the perfect starting point for a weekend exploration of Kendall Yards. The outdoor seating provides a stunning view of the river and the downtown skyline, especially during the crisp Spokane autumn.

The Monroe Street Flagship and Roastery

The newest addition to the Indaba family, located at 2020 N Monroe St, represents the brand’s future. Opened in 2024, this facility serves as both a spacious café and the central roastery. Visitors here can witness the craft firsthand. The smell of roasting beans permeates the air, creating a sensory experience that connects the customer to the production process.

The Monroe location is sprawling, with a minimalist design that emphasizes the scale of the roasting operation. It’s an educational space as much as a social one, where coffee enthusiasts can learn about different roast levels and processing methods while enjoying a fresh pour-over.

The Art of the Roast: Signature Blends and Single Origins

Indaba Coffee has consistently proven that its technical skill matches its social ambition. Their roasting philosophy leans towards highlighting the natural characteristics of the bean rather than masking them with dark, oily roasts.

The High Drive Blend: A Spokane Classic

Named after the scenic High Drive in the South Hill neighborhood, this is Indaba’s signature espresso roast. It is a meticulously crafted blend of beans from Guatemala and Ethiopia. In the cup, the High Drive offers a rich, full body with tasting notes of chocolate and cherry. It manages to be both juicy and balanced, making it the ideal base for their milk-based drinks. If you are new to Indaba, this is the roast that defines their house style.

Lilac City: An Award-Winning Tribute

Spokane is famously known as the "Lilac City," and Indaba’s medium roast of the same name is a fitting tribute. This blend has secured multiple bronze medals at the Golden Bean awards (2023 and 2024), the largest coffee roasting competition in the world.

The Lilac City roast features beans from Latin America and is celebrated for its delicate notes of rose, apple, and cedar. It is a "clean" coffee, perfect for filter brewing or a Chemex, where its floral nuances can truly shine.

Seasonal and Single-Origin Offerings

For the true coffee connoisseur, Indaba offers a rotating selection of single-origin beans. These are often sourced from specific estates in Ethiopia, Kenya, or Colombia. These offerings allow drinkers to explore the terroir of different regions, with flavor profiles ranging from the citrusy and tea-like qualities of a washed Ethiopian Yirgacheffe to the boozy, fruit-forward notes of a natural processed Brazilian bean.

What to Order: The Indaba Coffee Menu Highlights

While their black coffee is exceptional, Indaba is perhaps most famous for its innovative signature lattes and house-made syrups.

The Lemon Vanilla Latte

It sounds like an unusual combination, but the Lemon Vanilla Latte is a cult favorite in Spokane. The brightness of the lemon zest cuts through the richness of the milk, while the house-made vanilla syrup rounds out the finish. It is refreshing, subtle, and unlike anything you will find at a national chain.

The House Butterscotch Latte

For those who prefer something more indulgent, the Butterscotch Latte is a must-visit destination in a cup. Indaba makes its butterscotch syrup from scratch, resulting in a deep, caramelized flavor that lacks the artificial sweetness of commercial alternatives. It is creamy, comforting, and particularly popular during the cold Spokane winters.

More Than Just Coffee: Food and Tea

Indaba’s food menu is curated to complement their beverages. Their bagel sandwiches, particularly the arugula and egg bagel, are highly recommended for a hearty breakfast. They also cater to diverse dietary needs, offering a variety of vegan breakfast options and alternative milks like oat, soy, and coconut.

For tea drinkers, Indaba partners with high-quality producers to offer loose-leaf options like Yunnan Silver Needle and various herbal infusions. Their Italian sodas, often customized with house-made fruit syrups, are a great caffeine-free alternative for children or afternoon visitors.

The Experience: Why Locals Keep Coming Back

What differentiates Indaba from a "third wave" coffee shop that might feel intimidating or elitist is its radical hospitality. The baristas are not just skilled technicians; they are trained to be "knowledgeable friends."

In our experience, the staff at Indaba are remarkably patient. Whether you are asking for a detailed explanation of the Aeropress brewing method or simply trying to find a drink that isn’t too bitter, the service is consistently warm. This culture of kindness is a direct reflection of Bobby Enslow’s original vision: a place where everyone is welcome, no matter their background or coffee knowledge.

The physical spaces also play a huge role. In a world of "grab-and-go" culture, Indaba encourages you to linger. At the Monroe or Riverside locations, you will see a cross-section of Spokane: students with headphones deep in study, business partners sketching ideas on napkins, and parents letting their children play in the designated "kid spaces" (particularly at the Broadway location).

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

If you are planning a trip to one of the Indaba Coffee locations, here are a few expert tips to enhance your experience:

  1. Use the Joe Coffee App: For those in a hurry, Indaba is integrated with the Joe Coffee app. You can order your latte and a bagel sandwich ahead of time and pick it up at the counter, saving you time during the morning rush.
  2. Try the Flight: If you can't decide between a single-origin pour-over and a signature latte, ask if they are doing coffee flights. It’s a great way to taste the spectrum of their roasting capabilities.
  3. Buy the Beans: Don't leave without a bag of roasted beans. Since every bag provides a meal to a local family, it’s one of the best souvenirs you can buy in Spokane. The "Lilac City" roast makes for an excellent gift for out-of-town friends.
  4. Check the Events: Before you go, check their social media or website for community events. Indaba often hosts brewing workshops, public cuppings (tastings), and live music on weekends at their larger locations.

Is Indaba Coffee Good for Working Remotely?

One of the most frequent questions from Spokane visitors is whether Indaba is a suitable "office for the day." The answer is a resounding yes, but with some nuance:

  • Best for Focus: The Riverside location has the most "professional" vibe and the most outlets.
  • Best for Creative Inspiration: The Monroe Roastery offers a large, airy space that is great for brainstorming.
  • Best for Casual Work: Kendall Yards is perfect if you want to work for an hour and then take a walk to clear your head.
  • Best for Community Connection: Broadway is better for reading or light tasks where you don’t mind a bit of neighborhood chatter.

All locations offer free Wi-Fi, though it is always a polite practice to purchase a new drink or snack every two hours if you plan on staying for an extended period.

Conclusion: A Spokane Staple with a Heart

Indaba Coffee is more than just a place to get a caffeine fix. It is a testament to the idea that a business can be both commercially successful and socially transformative. By focusing on "Loving People" as much as "Loving Coffee," Bobby Enslow and his team have created a brand that is woven into the fabric of Spokane’s identity.

From the award-winning Lilac City roast to the life-changing "one-for-one" meal program, Indaba represents the best of the Inland Northwest. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a traveler passing through, a visit to Indaba Coffee is a visit to the soul of Spokane. It is a place where every sip supports a neighbor, and every gathering—every "indaba"—moves the city toward a more connected and compassionate future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main Indaba Coffee locations in Spokane?

Indaba Coffee has four primary locations: Broadway (West Central), Riverside (Downtown), Summit (Kendall Yards), and North Monroe (Roastery and Café). Each offers a unique atmosphere ranging from historical community hubs to modern, professional workspaces.

Does Indaba Coffee roast its own beans?

Yes, Indaba has been roasting its own specialty-grade beans in Spokane since 2014. Their central roasting operation is now located at the North Monroe shop, where visitors can often watch the process in action.

What is the "one bag, one meal" program?

For every bag of coffee purchased from Indaba, the company donates the cost of one meal to 2nd Harvest, a local organization dedicated to fighting hunger in the Inland Northwest.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Indaba Coffee?

Yes, all Indaba Coffee locations provide free high-speed Wi-Fi for their customers, making it a popular destination for students and remote workers in Spokane.

What are the must-try drinks at Indaba?

The Lemon Vanilla Latte and the House Butterscotch Latte are the two most iconic signature drinks. For purists, the award-winning Lilac City medium roast or a pour-over of their seasonal single-origin beans is highly recommended.

Does Indaba Coffee offer vegan food options?

Yes, Indaba provides several vegan-friendly choices, including vegan breakfast sandwiches and a variety of plant-based milks such as oat, soy, and coconut for their beverages.

Are there meeting rooms available at Indaba Coffee?

The Riverside location in downtown Spokane offers rentable meeting rooms that are perfect for professional gatherings, interviews, or small group discussions.