First Stop in the Morning--Mokka

If you are a caffeine addict, chances are you've already found Mokka--one of Columbia's few early morning espresso stops.

Located in the Marketplace Shopping Center just across the parking lot from the post office, Mokka offers a full menu of espresso drinks, more than twenty different flavored syrups, Ghirardelli sauces and a outstanding customer service beginning at 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. on weekend mornings.

Owner Shannon Zarek decided to give up her lengthy commute from Columbia to law offices in Clayton, MO to hit the barista trail six months ago and hasn't looked back since. Now, Mokka is open weekdays until 7:00 p.m. to offer an even wider array of items, including:

• Salads, wraps and sandwiches--all made fresh to order
• Boxed lunches and carry out
• Danishes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, bagels, scones and specialty cupcakes
• Trays of mini muffins for bridal showers and other events
• Wine and microbrews

Mokka also offers live entertainment with an open mike--check it out!