Closings on 14th Street: Amara Coffee, Dua Kafe

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Dua Kafe has closed at 520 E. 14th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

While Google states the Albanian restaurant is temporarily closed, the space has been cleared out. A tipster informed us that the landlord sought a larger rent increase than the owners could afford and that they hoped to relocate to a different location.

There is a sign on the door that says, "For all deliveries, please talk to Johnny, the socks guy next door." 

So I went next door and spoke to Johnny, the socks guy, who confirmed the permanent closure.

Dua Kafe opened here in 2018, offering a touch of homespun warmth amidst the impersonal chill of the EVGB retail-residential complex that flanks both sides of the address.

Meanwhile, closer to Avenue B, Amara Coffee closed several weeks ago...

From an Instagram post from April 7: 

Thank you to each and everyone who came and supported us on our journey. We met incredible people who supported us and cheered for us. Sadly, we encountered difficulties and decided to close our doors. 

The coffee shop, which debuted last May, also offered pastries and sandwiches and showcased the work of local artists.

The space was previously Perk Espresso & Coffee Bar. 

Amara Coffee makes an artful awning debut on 14th Street

Photos by Stacie Joy

On Friday, we spotted local artist Eddie Pons creating an awning mural for the recently opened Amara Coffee at 534 E. 14th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Here is how it looked on Sunday...

Amara debuted in late May... and had its grand opening on June 28. 

The coffee shop (serving Stumptown) also offers pastries and sandwiches.

Amara features the work of local artists, the first of which is "The Friend-A-Renda Show."

Pons (below) says he plans to live paint once a month outside Amara and offer giveaways of his work.

Shop hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with an 8 a.m. open on Saturday and Sunday.

The space was most recently Perk Espresso & Coffee Bar.