Caffe Kilim

Wonderfully Authentic Turkish Coffeeshop Beautifully decorated with Turkish rugs, and travel photos: Kilim serves Turkish coffee and pastries, and some Gluten-free selections. You'll likely encounter at least one group of old men deep in conversation about half in English, which adds to the charm. Excellent service.

Caffe Kilim is definitely one of the better cafes in Portsmouth. The Turkish coffee is delicious, and served in traditional Turkish coffee cups. If you haven’t had one and like strong coffee, this one is for you. Ask for it with some sugar, and ask to be shown how to drink it - you don’t want to sip the grinds!

If I could give a place 6 stars, this would be it. I don’t think you’ll find better coffee in NH, period. There’s a good reason they’ve been in business for 30 years and counting. For a real treat, try the mocha frappe or the Turkish candy bar latte. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

I stopped in here while in Portsmouth to get a quick snack and a coffee, and man was I glad we stopped! The inside is so unique and fun with the Turkish flair and influence. The snacks and coffee was excellent and there were options as well for Turkish snacks. I'd recommend their Turkish breakfast sandwich which was feta, green bell peppers, and tomato on bread. Delicious! Folks inside were really friendly and quick to help customers. I'd definitely say stop in if you're nearby!

The most delicious coffee, and such a unique place overall. You can get rugs, Turkish treats and various foods, on top of the best Turkish coffee and pastries here. The vibe is great, makes you want to sit and chat all day, as well as seriously consider buying some rugs.

Per my husband, it was the best iced coffee he had in a long time. I enjoyed my iced latte and my daughter liked her dessert. The place is cute and unique. Service was great.

Finally writing Caffe Kilim up after coming here for years. There are a number of good coffee spots in Portsmouth but this place is probably the most dependable spot I can think of. Staff and coffee are always good, unfussy, and attracts a pleasant crowd.

Fun, cultural experience. Nicely decorated, beautiful ethnic music, and the Turkish coffee was very good. Service was very friendly.

Very helpful staff who helped me find exactly what I was looking for. The food was amazing, and helped my Turkish friends feel like they were back at home! 10/10 recommend.

Coffee was pretty good, but it wasn't really "traditional" Turkish coffee. They just poured boiling water over finely ground coffee in the cup they served it in. To charge $3.5 (plus tax + tip) for that is silly. Those who know how to really make a Turkish coffee where cold water and grounds are brought to a boil on a hot surface, know that it takes time and careful attention to make sure it doesn't bubble over, it's not over-extracted, etc. I wouldn't care so much if they didn't have a sign that literally says they make it the traditional way (should have taken a photo to post here). It comes in a nice cup and with a sweet marshmallow-like treat, which is a nice touch. The interior is cool and they have some traditional snacks that are really good. I'd maybe try a drip coffee or something else if I go here again, but I'd skip the "traditional Turkish coffee" unless they start making it properly.

The most delicious coffee, and such a unique place overall. You can get rugs, Turkish treats and various foods, on top of the best Turkish coffee and pastries here. The vibe is great, makes you want to sit and chat all day, as well as seriously consider buying some rugs.

Delicious Turkish coffee. I got a drip coffee with honey, nutmeg and cream. It was delicious. The cinnamon chip scone was also moist and had a great flavor. My entire order was ~$6. Very affordable and delicious coffee! Staff was kind and the place has a market where you can shop Turkish goods.

Great coffee ! Had the caramel latte and the syrup mixed great with the espresso. they should definitely have more food options...

If you enjoy Turkish coffee, check this place out. Admittedly not for everyone but if this is your preferred method, you are in luck!

Tasty coffee served in large portions. We had a cookie that was flavorful and fresh. Parking is not always easy but worth the search.

One of the absolute finest cafes around. The food selection is smaller, but it's all very good. The coffee is top notch. Best cold brew around Portsmouth. And I've tried them all.

I stopped in here while in Portsmouth to get a quick snack and a coffee, and man was I glad we stopped! The inside is so unique and fun with the Turkish flair and influence. The snacks and coffee was excellent and there were options as well for Turkish snacks. I'd recommend their Turkish breakfast sandwich which was feta, green bell peppers, and tomato on bread. Delicious! Folks inside were really friendly and quick to help customers. I'd definitely say stop in if you're nearby!

Still a great coffee shop and super safe in Covid. Best cappuccino in Portsmouth. The coffee is excellent, my sister-in-law drives in from Maine for the mocha latte, and my daughter says the Chai is the real deal--i like the pre-made types you get most places. Go to Kilim's. The baked goods are great and it feels really safe.

Caffe Kilim wraps you in a comforting blanket of aromas the moment you open the door in a way that makes you never want to leave. The cold mornings in Portsmouth often led me out of the AirBnB to seek out warm coffee and baked goods to start our days off right. I was intrigued by the nature of the description of Kilim and their Turkish coffee offerings and knew I had to try these exotic roasts. I've gotten away from the "big coffee" stores and their snobby following in favor of the locally-owned and operated stores that have a higher quality product at the same (or lower) prices. The space is rustic and feels like you are walking into someone's home. I was served by two young women who were extremely pleasant and well-versed in their coffees and drink offerings. I had an iced coffee, an Americano, an Irish Coffee Roast, and their popular Turkish blend as well. All were extremely well balanced and brewed and served with a smile by the two who waited on me. Whether you are looking for a regular drip coffee or something more "interesting" - you will be able to find something that will please you at Caffe Kilim. It was a great find and everything we had was head and shoulders above the typical offerings at the $tarbucks stores.

The cutest little boho coffee shop in a town that stole my heart on my first visit a few years back! I called before making my way over here to see if they made a maple latte. I can't come to New England and not have one! Sadly, they do not, but the girl who answered the phone was so darn sweet, "I wish I could run out right now and get you maple so I could make you one!" I just had to pay a visit based on her kindness alone. I'm so glad we did.... What a chill place with all the laid back vibes. I was totally digging all of the textures and patterns found in every nook and cranny of this hip spot. It was totally my style! This Kilim rugs, I die! The Turkish music had me wanting to break out in some bellydancing moves. So fun! Very unique space and concept! The baristas and patrons couldn't have been sweeter. I chatted with quite a few of them. All were so friendly including the group of men who hanging out in the front room, just chilling, who insured me this was THE spot for coffee in town. "No need to try elsewhere" they said. I ordered a honey almond milk latte and the girls had some apple cider. Both were delicious! The place was so inviting we didn't want to leave. I noticed a father with his two littles hanging out by the front window in the back spacious room playing chess so don't be afraid to bring the wee ones along! If I lived here (which one day I may) You would find me here with the whole fam pretty often. They have a little market where they sell classic imported Turkish treats, art from local artists, those kilim rugs they proudly display as well as all things evil eye. The barista even commented on how much she loved my signature evil eye nail design. A fab stop on our autumn New England road trip and definitely a place I'm putting on the list for our future visits to Portsmouth. Give a try, it's an awesome place!

Just all-around fantastic. You can't beat the atmosphere, people, or product. One late night on my way home I ran into the owner after closing. Not only did he graciously let me in, but he also wouldn't let me pay for my coffee! How's that for customer service? Go here and get something, maybe hang out if you have time. You won't regret it.

I ordered a latte and it was one of the best I've ever had. The unique earthy note and sweetness is a taste that I enjoy. From outside of the shop it looks so cute but wait until you see the inside! I would've love to sip my latte inside the cafe but since it's pandemic indoor seating wasn't available.

Per my husband, it was the best iced coffee he had in a long time. I enjoyed my iced latte and my daughter liked her dessert. The place is cute and unique. Service was great.

Amazing Coffee and food. So refreshing to find a unique coffee shop with a Mediterranean flair in Portsmouth, NH

Phenomenal coffee. Great neighborhood vibe! Kilim has an exceptional little market filled with plenty of Turkish goodies :) 10/10 would always recommend

Loved the cafe mocha Almost everything in the menu are great. Servers are great,friendly According to me it's one of the best coffee places in Portsmouth

Best coffee of all time ever! A Portsmouth institution. If you live in Portsmouth and go elsewhere for coffee, you are really not from Portsmouth. I have bought beautiful kilim rugs for my home and they have great imported Turkish foods like soujouk Turkish sausage. For coffee, the Turkish Blend and Dancing Goats are my faves. I also love their double iced mocha. They have their own beans roasted for them, locally.

Friendly. Unique. Bustling. CK is your one-stop Turkish mini-store and cafe, complete with Turkish music and a wallpaper of global postcards. It is everything a corporate coffee shop is not. WiFi's a tad slow and the bustle and music of the space make it not the best place to work from, but that's really not the point here, which is more about local community, good coffee, and bringing a little bit of unapologetic internationality within walking distance to what can be a slightly generic downtown Portsmouth.

Awesome drink and friendly staff. I really enjoyed my iced mocha and my daughter loved her iced chocolate drink.

Absolutely the best coffee place in town! Customers in the know, know they will always get a great coffee here and some Turkish treats

Delicious coffee but rude staff. They messed up our order and blamed my husband because they misheard what he ordered instead of apologizing and quickly correcting it.

delicious delicious ice chai latte and muffin! the cinnamon muffin was heavenly! nice staff and nice restaurant! 10/10

Yummy Good Food I Like Yay Yum but actully tho gr8 cafe food is amazin anf good atmosphere

Eclectic cafe with interesting and strong Turkish coffee. Don't drink the grounds at the bottom!

Tasty coffee and coffee drinks, a cool interior, and some tasty snacks, what's not to like? It also has a little market of Turkish snacks and other items like t-shirt and rugs.

Best coffee, best people . They have the safest protocol for covid. And all is done with a friendly smile.

The coffee here is the best I've ever had. I can't come to Portsmouth without getting a cup of dancing goats. This time I took home some freshly ground beans. They grind them there. The flavor is absolutely still there when using the ground beans in a reusable k cup. I also have to say the staff is always extremely friendly. Even when they are super busy, not once has anyone given the impression they are stressed. It's awesome!

Never have I ever felt the urge to call a barista and let them know how much I love my coffee...Until today.. My order is an iced americano with two pumps of raspberry. So simple yet apparently so complicated. Rarely does this turn out perfect. I guess you can see where this is going.. IT IS PERFECT. And it certainly didn't hurt that the two girls making it were cute as a button. As for the rest of the place.. It's awesome too. Small and cozy. The kind of local business anyone feels welcome in. Genuinely cool. I'm all in.

Had a delicious chai latte in an interesting space with culture and art. So much appeal to the eyes and the taste buds! Oh, and their vegan brownies are amazing!

Great selection of ice cream flavors. I have the option to select half scoops of 2 different flavors so I can order small cup without giving up choices. Opt for the cones. As you walk into the shop, the freshly made waffle scone smell engulfs you. It is an amazing experience for your senses.

This cafe has this quirky/hip vibe to it. With a bunch of posters and postcards lying around the place on its walls, and also artwork for sale, this place has got it pat down on the hip factor on the high end. I see this place being Turkish themed based on the several posters I saw. But agian, came here for the coffee. COFFEE: Cheap and not bad. I would say my coffee felt a wee little burnt, but I am also not a coffee connoisseur, but I think my regular coffee was so so. For the price though, I could not complain. The coffee was not bad. It's a great little local store in Portsmouth that helps the local community, so please come here to support the people of Portsmouth!

A locally-owned shop full of genuine character and charm. If you want a seriously delicious coffee without all the fuss of some hipster beardo fumbling over a chemex pour-over, go here. Some of the best coffee I've had.

Bullet point review: -Latte was delicious -Like Adelle's they serve an authentic iced latte with steamed milk -Their coffee might actually be better than Adelle's; they both use Torani syrup, which I have at home -Pricing doesn't seem to be affected by flavor shots, which is nice compared to places that add 50-75 cents extra -My large latte cost $4.75 which is cheaper than Starbucks and better -Turkish music helps create atmosphere; fun and not too loud -Very well decorated placed with many, many pictures on the wall; maybe too many -You could easily spend over a half hour looking at everything -I saw a nipple! -Great drawings up against the back wall -Work area seems clean, spacey which is good because cramped quarters can affect food preparation -Barista was very nice and relaxed -Appeared to be lmany regular customers; some sketchy -Nice day had people on the bench outside chilling, borderline loitering -Raspberry crumble cake is so good it's hard to describe because I ate it so fast -Fairly open with two seat tables on one side and a (hard) bench on the other with a short long table in front -Out back is a tv with more seating, rugs, clothing items not sure if for sale) and very expensive food items to buy -Tons of paraphernalia -The Community Art and Poetry book is a nice touch, reminds me of the Five Guys drawings which I like -Don't be in a rush caution near the lids -The warning describes the lid caving in, which left me wondering if that's more a fault of the containers or people -Paper taped on the walls about who to approach for complaints is curious -Only con really is I don't see recycling options

Divey, hipster coffee shop with some pretty decent coffee. The atmosphere is laid back and the price is excellent.

Every time we visit a city, I make it my mission to try every good coffee shop and Caffe Kilim was my absolute favorite! Yelp rarely ever misguides me. However, I must admit, before arriving, I mentioned to my family that a post mentioned pornographic images decorating the walls so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect and even joked that this was sure to be my pervy brothers favorite place. Turns out, there aren't any pornographic pictures. That is, unless, you never go to the beach and count post cards with women in bikinis porn. Instead, on the walls you can find postcards and photos sent in from people all over the world. I really enjoyed looking at all of the images and found it touching that they took the time to save and decorate the shop with such memories. After speaking to the owner for a while, I fell in love with the place a little more as it's obvious this is a labor of love kind of cafe. On to the most important part-- the caffeinated beverages! Machiatto was unbelievable- espresso pulled to perfection! Normally, I am anti-iced cappuccino-- I can't really understand how something could be refreshing if there is cold espresso topped with hot foam. However, Caffe Killim, is the exception. The iced cappuccino was delicious and I'm not sure what kind of magic they perform in order for the foam to be cool and refreshing while still maintaining the integrity of the cold espresso, but it's perfection. I also tried the hot mocha and iced mocha- both rich and delicious. There's a reason they've been in business over 20 years. I love Caffe Kilim & wish they would open an outpost in Brooklyn, NY so I don't have to wait until my next visit to Portsmouth!

Caffe Kilim is absolutely hands down the best little coffee secret in Portsmouth. Expect to set aside some time to really soak in how authentic and awesome this place is. Caffe Kilim is owned and operated by a Turkish family who are there day in and day out with a friendly smile. The walls are lined with years and years of photographs, postcards, art, and memories from along the way and it is sure to touch your heart to feel how personal this coffee shop is to the family that owns it - as well as the community that supports it. This is a tiny place, so don't go with the expectation of having a seat. And unfortunately they do not have wi-fi, though that is probably a good thing because people would spend the day in there soaking in the ambiance. It is quite common to see during the summer months MANY people just hanging out outside on the benches and talking while getting coffee. Come here if you truly love culture, community, and what it feels like to be in a real coffeeshop that defies the confines of how Starbucks has defined coffeeshop. It doesn't get better than this if you appreciate culture. Attached is also a Turkish market, where you are sure to find very reasonable prices on miscellaneous middle eastern ingredients. *Fun little anecdote: when I first moved to this city I was walking by during the winter absolutely freezing my butt off - and even though the shop was closed, the owner saw how cold I was and opened his door to me. He served me complimentary hot chocolate before sending me on my way. Can't recall the last time an owner of Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks would reach out and take care of another community member that way.

My friends and I walk the extra distance to get our coffee here. No matter what we order, it is always fresh and so, so good. Their americano's are smooth with a delicious, caramely finish. Their mocha's are rich and velvety. Their brewed coffee is even awesome!

Best cafe, hands down! I grew up in NH but live in Boston now, and I have to say it's a huge bummer that I have yet to find a chill laid back cafe that is half as great as Caffe Kilim, in Boston. But luckily my family and many of my friends still live in NH so I'm up fairly often to visit. Caffe Kilim is great- such a cool atmosphere with the Turkish music, and the staff are always so friendly. Great selection of coffees, and their little store off to the side is great as well. As others have said, if I still lived in the area, I'd be here all the time!

96% of cafes get it wrong, it's embarrassing and they should immediately go out of business. Caffe Kilim is NOT one of those places! Caffe Kilim has it all, atmosphere, mood, perfect lighting, knowledgable baristas who are mysterious AND nice. And insanely good Americanos and coffee in general. As a bonus, tasty treats that are natural and life-affirming. The walls are loaded with REAL stuff to gaze at, genuine and old and cool. This is the kind of place you drive an hour for, a place you block out time in your calendar for. There are many "rules" of running a cafe and like I said earlier, 96% break most of them. Kilim is nearly perfect, except, they sell chewing gum, that's a big no-no in my rule book, cafes shouldn't sell gum, gum and coffee don't go together. Other than that, they're perfect. Go there NOW! Five stars.

This is perhaps the most hippie-ish coffee shop I've ever been to and I've been to coffee shops all over Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I came in yesterday and there was a 90 year old woman having a political argument with a 40 year old man across the cafe, and it was getting rather heated. Moments later a woman dressed in full hippie regalia entered the shop staring dreamily around. Where am I? I'll tell you where I am - in one of the coolest, most authentic coffee shops I've ever been to. Both times I've come, I've gotten a mocha and both times it's been absolutely delicious. The baristas are usually hippies, laid back and helpful. I love it.

Incredible coffee variety here featuring Turkish specialities. Always hot and fresh coffee. The chai tea lattes are excellent. I was a barista for years and this place really goes above and beyond. The milk is steamed perfectly and drinks are always the ideal flavor, temperature, and consistency. The staff are so genuine, helpful and just enjoyable human beings, which is a refreshing departure for Portsmouth. Atmosphere is a perfectly Turkish combo of middle eastern and euro. I can not say enough good things about this place.... Skip Starbucks and come HERE

Yummy cafe au lait here during my stay in Portsmouth. I loved the atmosphere and the fact that it was off the beaten path and away from the tourists. If I lived in the area, I would be here all of the time.

Cafe Kilim is my new favorite coffee haunt in town, hands down. I hope that they can weather the two year 2010 - 2012 clusterf*ck that will be Islington St outside of Kline's while the old Kline's is torn down for, you guessed it, yet more condos Portsmouth doesn't need in place of retail and other businesses it does need - heck, why didn't they use the existing Kline's building and parking lot to make a Trader Joe's?? But, I digress... They serve fantastic Turkish brew, and each cup is spot on. The interior is quirky, yet comfortable. They could use a few more tables, but with the little food alcove selling Turkish goods they have, I'm not sure where they'd put them. The cafe seems out of the way, but it is a one or two minute walk from Jumpin' Jay's down Islington St from downtown. They don't have good parking if you are driving through, but using the pay lot on Bridge St will get you close enough. I now buy their Dancing Goat as my at-home bean, and go there at least three times a week to meet people for work or just to grab a quick cup. The staff is friendly and their small but delicious selection of pastries and snacks is enough, especially being two doors down from Celebrity Sandwich and about a block from Lexie's Joint if you want something more substantial. I'm rooting for them to tough out the pending upheaval of street construction.

This is a great place for coffee. There are always people hanging out and talking. They could use some more snacks and if they ever get together with Celebrity Sandwiches (a few doors down), they'll have it all. Lots of people stop here but on-street parking can be tough. If Islington Street gets its act together, they're going to be in the perfect location. Parked out front, I've seen everything from a Rolls (or was it a Bentley?) to a VW Microbus with surfboards on top.

I am a huge coffee morning coffee drinker, I have tried coffee in many many places. Recently I was in Portland, OR and tried Stumptown for the first time, it is some of the best coffee I have had. It would be my first choice for everyday coffee but its too expensive, I found that Wegamns canned coffee tasted better then all other national brands and at $2.99 a can can't beat the price. My Favorate coffee Shop is Caffe Kilim which is a little sotrefront mon and pop place in Portsmouth, NH take serves the locals. Its has a very homely,eclectic, bohemian vibe with its dark wood weathered floors, walls littered with Turkish art, postcard and picture of all sorts. when you walk in you can expect to hear anything from Bob Marley to Dropkick Murphy's. There are a few table in the front that are usually ocupied by manny of the crusty but friendly local regulars who would never dare step foot in a starbucks. The counter is filled with natural, organic and artisan snacks and food products of all shapes and sizes. The regular coffee is good but the Mocha's and Latte are even better!

Awesome little cafe! I got the iced Caffe Mocha and it was delish!!! And baklava is my favorite so I had to try the Turkish baklava they had and it was sooo moist and flaky and sweet definitely some of the best baklava I've had. The staff was very friendly, and it was quite busy in the cafe. I sat in a sweet little spot near the window and did some work on my laptop. The turkish music playing was quite peaceful.

Best coffee in Portsmouth Friendly service Kind of a hidden gem as it's a little bit out of the main area in Portsmouth Always satisfied when I leave

They have spoiled me--no other place makes a real cappucino like they do here. And don't let anyone tell you there is no such thing as one iced--and I don't mean an iced latte. Theirs is a work of art-strong and with foam. I have followed them here from their downtown location and will go out of my way to have coffee here.