Life is too stressful right now, so let’s try to keep it simple. At least that’s the motto behind K.I.S.S. Cafe.

The acronym stands for Keep It Simple Sucka, which is the creed by which Brenda Reed tries to live. Ballard resident Reed is one of three partners of the café, which opened over a year ago.

After being in the restaurant industry for more than 15 years, she was ready to start her own venture.

“K.I.S.S. represents what’s simplistic but good, the theory of life; keep it local, keep it real, keep it simple,” she says.

K.I.S.S. serves beer, wine and espresso from Seattle’s Zoka coffee. With a huge selection of exclusively bottled beer, K.I.S.S. invites you to join their Ballard Drinking Team. If you drink 99 bottles of beer on the wall - and don’t think you can cheat because they keep record - you get your name and date completed on a trophy (or rather a beer glass) for display.

Reed tries to offer beer that others don’t, such as brews like the tasty Turbodog from Louisiana’s Abita, Colorado and New York, to name a few.

Although K.I.S.S. caters to beer drinkers, the food is very tasty as well. All food is made in-house, serving breakfast items all day long.

They serve delicious soups, sandwiches, salads and vegetarian options. They also offer a few sweet treats including tiramisu straight from Italy. All prices include tax, so what you see on the menu is what you pay.

The French dip is served with thick au jus, Tim’s potato chips, and crispy kosher dills. The jambalaya is spicy and perfect. And even for a meat eater, the veggie sandwich is yummy.

The best part about the café is the location.

Reed says, “I’m so blessed by the location. I have awesome businesses on both sides, I meet the coolest people from the hostel, and I’m by the Locks.”

She’s made friends with the Habitude and Stone Garden folks, as her business nestled right in between brings in many customers from both places.

With a great ambiance, art on the walls, and an area that is used as a music stage, K.I.S.S. is a great space to rent out for private parties. The last Friday of every month has food and drink specials for singer/songwriter night.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and no cover charge. The café also participates in the Ballard Art Walk and features local artists.

People also like to just hang out with books and laptops, as the café offers free wifi. Everyone looks comfortable, as they should be because most seem to know Reed and she knows them on a first name basis. She sits at the table and hangs out with the customers, inquiring after their dogs.

During trying times all we can turn to are the simple things in life that give us pleasure, such as good coffee, a café to sit and hang out, and delicious food.

Head on over to K.I.S.S. Café to say hello to your Ballard neighbors.

What:
K.I.S.S. Café

Where:
2817 N.W. Market St.
www.ballardkisscafe.com
789-5477

When:
Hours: Everyday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.