Zen Kitchen

Zen Kitchen Bakehouse and Craft Beverage Company is a quirky cafe in historic downtown Kilgore at 117 S Rusk Street. Kilgore sits about 12 miles from Longview and its downtown is a short drive for East Texas musicians. The cafe fills a 1931 building decorated with butterfly murals and dark walls that give it a cozy and creative feel.

Atmosphere and Setting

Zen Kitchen began as a simple coffee shop and grew into a full cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. Cornhole and games keep the patio busy and the cafe offers yoga classes several times a week. Live music on weekends makes it one of downtown Kilgore's most lively hangouts.

Open Mic Night

Zen Kitchen hosts a monthly Open Mic Night on the first Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The night is organized by Gan Ainm Cosplay and Geekery with emcee Melissa and it welcomes singing and instrumental music along with dance and spoken word. The all-ages event is relaxed and open to everyone and performers and audience members are both encouraged to take part. Editions have been listed through 2025 and 2026.

Food and Drink

The counter-order menu includes salads and sandwiches and brick oven pizzas including breakfast pizzas. Craft coffee and cocktails round out the drinks. The signature dessert is the Zengnet which is a beignet served churro style with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce. Owner Casey Moehring rolls out seasonal menu ideas throughout the year.

Good to Know

Zen Kitchen is at 117 S Rusk Street in Kilgore. Call (903) 218-6070 or email ZenKitchenETX@gmail.com.