Green Hippo started out as an emergency solution of sorts because I needed a place to have my sister wait for me while I went to therapy (and let’s be honest, it’s always nice to debrief with a trusted person and a nice cup of coffee), but then it quickly became a staple. For several reasons. 

First off, they don’t charge an exorbitant amount for shitty coffee. Helsinki coffee culture has come a long way in the past decade, but there’s still a lot to catch up on in the land that loves and lives for coffee but – up until not too recently – only in the comfort of my own four walls and strictly with those I like, thank you very much. Between coffee festivals and different flavors there’s still the danger of hit or miss when it comes to places that want to put on the best possible face in showcasing Finland to foreign tourists. 2€ for a coffee (1€ if you’re having lunch) and as many refills as don’t make you rattle is a pretty sweet deal. Add to that pretty good food that fulfills the job of filling  you up – whether you’re a meat lover or vegan – amidst a boho-meets-hipster vibe and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for a place to hang out. 

Green Hippo pinged on my radar when it took over what was then Tori, a cozy place in Punavuori also known as  Helsinki’s design district (formerly the place where sailors and prostitutes made promises to each other neither intended to keep). It meshed with the vibe of the neighborhood and the same was true of its Kallio  location. Kallio is the preferred district for students and artistic hopefuls and if ever you want to catch that vibe and bottle it up, Green Hippo Kallio is the perfect place to be, including the staff.