Zola’s Cafe wins double for Best of Auburn

Is it any surprise that Zola’s Cafe has won Best Bakery/Desserts and Best Coffee Stand/Shop for 2025? A mainstay of Auburn’s Main Street, this reporter remembers enjoying this coffee shop and its delightful ambience way back in the day when taking a break from classes at Green River College.

Even with new owner Matthew Noesen’s small changes to the café, and his upcoming plans to revitalize the menu, Zola’s is still the top spot for coffee in Auburn.

Take it from Linda and Tony Romano, who have been getting their doppios at Zola’s nearly every day since it opened nearly two decades ago.

“We’ve known the people over the years and from the staff to the great coffee, it’s kind of our vacation home. It’s just something to do every day and we’re retired now,” said Tony.

The Romanos love Zola’s so much that, when the Auburn streets were filled with nearly a foot of snow one winter morning, they decided to get out their cross country skis and make their way downtown for a coffee.

About Noesen, who took over Zola’s in February 2020, the Romanos say that they love his food and are impressed by his credentials. Before becoming the owner of Zola’s, Noesen had been a professional chef and had worked in fine dining for 15 years. He said that he wanted to do something on his own.

While on vacation in Arizona, Noesen had been golfing and then attended a Husky game with a family friend who mentioned that Zola’s was for sale and wanted it to be sold to someone who would love it.

“I came in with my parents and just ate some food, checked it out and literally, three months later, I was the new owner,” he said.

Well known for its delicious coffee, pastry dishes and fireplace corner with a cozy couch, the atmosphere in Zola’s is as good as ever, with local jewelry vendors, work from local artists on the walls and a monthly specials menu that is popular with customers young and old.

As for updating the menu, Noesen said that he wishes to expand the breakfast items and to make them a bit more elevated than before, bringing his years of fine dining experience into each meal.

Open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, Zola’s Cafe is located at 402 East Main Street on the corner of Main and D Street Southeast. Call 253-333-9652 for more information.