Nabi Cat Cafe is a women and Asian-owned business founded by sister-in-laws Christine and Ailee, who bonded over their shared passion for rescue animals. The name "Nabi" translates to "butterfly" in Korean and serves as a common Korean nickname for stray cats, reflecting the founders' mission to provide second chances for at-risk felines. The facility features a full-service Korean-inspired cafe serving espresso-based specialty lattes, cold brew coffee, matcha beverages, and partnered pastries alongside a dedicated cat lounge. Every cat lounge session includes a complimentary cafe drink. The lounge maintains an 8-person-per-hour limit to ensure a genuinely cozy atmosphere with abundant cat furniture designed for feline comfort. Reservations are strongly recommended, and the cafe provides complimentary WiFi. Santa Clara University students and staff receive 10% off beverages with valid ID.
Nabi partners with non-profit rescues including
Scritch Kittens and
Kitten Rescue 101, housing 89+ adoptable cats. The adoption process is rigorous, ensuring cats go to carefully vetted homes. Visitors consistently describe the cats as well-socialized, healthy, and clearly content. The facility also hosts private parties for special events up to 14 guests for 2-hour sessions at $60 per person, with each guest receiving complimentary Polaroid photos and lickable cat treats.
Guest reviews emphasize the quality of both the cafe drinks and the overall experience, noting that this operation transcends typical novelty cat cafe formats. Guests appreciate the respect shown toward cats' autonomy and the staff's knowledge and friendliness. Several reviewers traveled 60+ miles specifically to visit Nabi, describing the experience as worth the journey.