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I tend to stop into CafeWorks in the mornings before work or in the afternoon if I need a pick me up. The baristas are incredibly friendly and already knew my name and typical drink order by the third time I went in. I barely walk in and they’re greeting me and it seems they are genuinely happy to see me. It’s a wonderful feeling. For the coffee, I’ve had the mocha and americano with sugar free flavoring. Both are great. Their sandwiches are freaking awesome. They are made on the spot for you, either cold or warmed. Their pastries are excellent too. They come from an acclaimed local pastry shop. The bearclaw is insanely huge and I devoured it too quickly before I realized I should have taken a picture. As for the space, there’s areas to set up your work/laptop. I’ve had meetings in the main space, as well as larger meetings in their board rooms that you can reserve online. If you don’t feel like staying for long, I highly suggest perusing the home and decor shop that is inside CafeWorks as well. Tons of upscale vintage items. I saved the best for last. This place has a special mission. It provides job training for at-risk youth and young adults from Cocoon House and Housing Hope though a youth barista training program. The interns gain skills in the food service industry enabling them to advance towards a living wage career. Their goal is to address youth homelessness and is dependent upon securing the support of customers, which is a huge reason why I continue to go. But let’s be honest, I’d still go because of how fantastic their drinks, food, and baristas are even if they didn’t’ have such a cool mission. Seriously, you should go.

Ceremony Coffee Roasters – Mt. Vernon Menu with Prices 520 Park Ave, Baltimore

This is a very clean, well designed coffee shop (not roastery, as mentioned in other reviews). They have a limited menu with some breakfast bowls and simple foods. They also have standard coffeeshop treats like chocolates and expensive bottled drinks. There’s even coffee prep things like grinders that you can purchase. The shop itself has a really nice feel to it. It’s all industrial materials, grays, whites and wood tones. And huge windows that on the side of the building look at a dog park which I think is part of the condos or apartments next door. Towards the back of the shop there’s a training lab for baristas, it’s encased in glass like a fish bowl. The baristas here are pretty good. I’m luke warm on Ceremony Coffee for home brewing but it’s always spot on in their shops and I think that running coffee shops is improving the coffee bean quality. And I’m really impressed with the service and coffee quality at their shops! Between that and the beautiful design that I personally enjoy, I had a 5-star experience here multiple times. I also came here with my toddler kiddos and they were tolerated really well. And you know what, it’s the space that makes it even better because the other patrons are happy to be here as well. Instead of being annoyed by my rowdy kids, they were amused and chatted idly with me while waiting on their orders. It was a fun time! It’s the city, park on the street.

1951 Coffee Company Menu with Prices 2410 Channing Way, Berkeley

Is there such a thing as ethical capitalism? Not sure about the answer to that question yet, but I do support the mission of this coffee shop: providing job training and employment to refugees. AMBIANCE (5/5) I particularly love the designs on the walls. it’s a good example of how good graphic design can intersect with social impact. It clearly communicates comprehensive information about refugees through compelling visuals. There is a good amount of working space with tables/chairs at various heights, which is a small thing I appreciate a lot. I’m very particular, but I feel my best work self when I’m sitting at a high table for some reason, and these high chairs all have backs to them, which is the one thing I always wish bar stools had. The space is super clean and well-maintained, adding to the inviting atmosphere. It was easy to find seats on a Thursday morning when I came. Good meeting to chat or do work at. COFFEE (4/5) The prices are pretty standard. I paid $3.50 for an Americano, which was decent (a little too watered down for me). They have simple syrup, honey, and metal stirrers (a plus in my book in terms of environmental consciousness). OVERALL I support the mission of creating opportunities for historically marginalized populations and love that it’s done through something that communities nowadays seem to want. This cafe is basically the manifestation of what I dream of for my own community. Would definitely come back here the next time I’m in Berkeley.

New City Cafe – Menu with Prices – 441 Parsells Ave, Rochester

This place is awesome! Not only is this a great addition to the neighborhood, the staff is friendly, the coffee (and chai!) is delicious, and the atmosphere is welcoming. This spot is more of a community space than a cafe. I found people of all ages coming through during my most recent visit – from youth group meetings, to friends grabbing coffee, and folks getting work done. Fridays are chai Fridays, and when the barista mentioned it, I had to go for it. My 16oz. chai was $3, which uses local blend from The Chai Guy. I opted for almond milk and it hit the spot. They also have soy and oat milk if that’s your style (plus all the regular milks too). I snagged some beans for home too. Their mix of roasts are some I haven’t seen around and was pumped to try their Zambia roast. They have some light food options too like bagels, muffins, wraps, breakfast sandwiches, etc. So I’ll be back to try a breakfast sammie and coffee for an upcoming coffee shop workday. They’ve got it all! Can’t wait to go back again soon.

Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee – Menu with Prices – 10700 N Rodney Parham Rd A2, Little Rock

I had two meetings in Guillermoâ??s this morning and was surprised by the relaxed yet professional feel of the place. The baristas are very kind and knowledgeable. There are plenty of seating options, great art and an overall pleasing aesthetic. Guillermoâ??s Gourmet Coffee is also a big supporter of local businesses there is a table stylishly set up with an old typewriter that is covered with stacks of business cards from a wide variety of industries. The coffee is decently priced and the coffee of the day comes with a refill, which is great for a long stay or several meetings. There is a conference room that can be rented for $10 for 2 hours, which is the best pricing I have seen yet. The decor is a mix of rustic, mid century and modern. Guillermoâ??s has free WiFi and the password is posted in several places on the walls and screens. If you are looking for a coffee shop with universal appeal and a place to quietly work while sipping a great cup of coffee, Guillermoâ??s is the place to be. Business or pleasure, there is a place for everyone. I do not recommend bringing young children as there is not much to keep them entertained. Guillermoâ??s does support City Year in the belief that education has the power to help every child reach their potential. Come in and bring your business cards to drop off at the networking table and one to drop in the drawing for a City Year giveaway. I will return to Guillermoâ??s for future meetings and maybe to just get a great cup of coffee or tea.

The Flight Deck – Menu with Prices – 1540 Broadway, Oakland

Flight Deck is an idea that seems too good to be true, but they make it work — in a world-class way. Take an old downtown storefront, remake it into a theater, create workspace for multiple artists and arts organizations, use the walls as a visual art gallery, recruit and house four diverse local theater companies, apply for grants, sell tickets, cultivate and perform original work, train a sizeable youth contingent — basically, produce risk-taking, provocative theater, have a strong educational component, run the business end like professionals — and treat each other well, serve the community, and continue to grow and prosper. I mean, really, isn’t this how it’s supposed to be? Is this the real America at 15th and Broadway in downtown Oakland? A model arts organization and it’s on the map for young arts entrepreneurs to emulate. All of which results in a theatrical experience that feels like something more.

SnackChat-Networking Lounge & Deli – Menu with Prices – 540 Fairview Ave N, St Paul

This place is a great and innovative option. It is networking space that sells food. You can come in and have meetings anytime and for a nominal fee have exclusive use. Great for baby showers, holiday parties, and meetings. Also great to support a local small business in Midway.

Maud’s Café – Menu with Prices – 422 W 900 S, Salt Lake City

The outside appeal is clean and simple, which matches the inside. However, they surprise you with quite a few potted plants that really add to the space. It is aesthetically pleasing. The coffee and tea offerings are quite standard. The breakfast options are standard for a coffee shop. I was in only a couple hours after the shop opens and had to change my food order several times because they were out of those items. That’s ok, I get it. I guess. I was mostly surprised that the staff was not from the VOA Youth Shelter next door, as advertised on their site, but several employees in their late twenties. Maybe it was because it was a Tuesday at 9am. Either way â?

Pepita Coffee – Menu with Prices – 284 Broadway, Cambridge

The tacos and tostadas were just fine, but I’m from San Diego so I would not describe them as either authentic or creative. They’re decent for Cambridge. Customer service left a lot to be desired. I was there studying for the bar exam starting at around 11am on a Monday, and stayed until about 12:30pm. Everyone in the cafe was working on laptops or reading; the taproom had not yet opened, and my understanding was that the space was still functioning primarily as a cafe. But the music was LOUD to the point of being deafening (not to mention the fact that the playlist was exclusively outdated indie rock from the mid-2000s). My three companions and I all had our headphones on at full volume, and none of us could hear our bar prep course lectures because of Pepita’s music. I politely asked one of the baristas if it was possible to turn the music down. She responded very condescendingly, “I mean, we keep it at the volume we want it.” Her attitude persisted, and after our interaction ended, I could see her and other baristas talking about me with outraged expressions on their faces. I did not think my request was unreasonable, and in fact I was only inquiring as to whether it was possible to turn the music down, not demanding that it be turned down. We all left immediately and won’t be returning. It is not a welcoming study space. In addition, I don’t appreciate being condescended to or spoken to in the way that the staff treated me. I’d recommend Pepita incorporate better customer service training for its staff, and consider whether it wants to function as a daytime club or a cafe environment that facilitates customers’ work/study. I will not be returning to Pepita.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee – Menu with Prices – 4949 New Centre Dr, Wilmington

This is the cutest local chain coffee shop there ever was! I am in love with a good coffee, but a good coffee with a mission behind it? Sign. Me. Up. Not only is the vibe exactly what I want in a coffee shop, it’s got good coffee. Bonus! This one is a little hard to find because you look like you’re going to go and buy a Cadillac at first then you realize the coffee shop is next door. Once you figure out you don’t need to purchase a car you can breathe easy and get your heart pumping on caffeine. This space is so clean, bright, and white. I want to sit on my computer and work all day in there. The employees are the nicest and so upbeat. I ordered a chocolate muffin and a brown sugar cinnamon iced latte with almond milk (no soy). The coffee was good – too sweet for my taste but the name sounds sweet so I get what I asked for. I am interested in buying some coffee beans once I’m ready for more and can’t wait to brew it in the pour over!

Press N Plate Fitness Cafe – Menu with Prices – 8261 E Gelding Dr Suite B, Scottsdale

Amazing facility, incredible staff, out of this world programming! A true Health wellness and fitness club. They have everything you need from Youth Sports training to weight loss recovery and nutrition. This is the community you want to belong to fun energetic, motivated inspiring people living their happiest and healthiest life and having a fun time doing it.

Millionair Club Charity – Menu with Prices – 2515 Western Ave, Seattle

We’ve had about 6 day construction laborers sent out and they either arrived late, didn’t show up, moved very slowly performing tasks (hourly work!) or were completely out of their mind. MCC doesn’t assess their mental health, so you take a chance dealing with a raving mad/rude lunatic. Be very cautious who comes to work with you. They have NOTHING to lose, so they’ll make up their own rules, once they’re in your hands. We even tried to help one of them with a housing situation and he took full advantage, being completely ungrateful and complained when we sought help around the house. I have completely given up trying to help these lost souls. They take advantage of your generosity and constantly move around to stay under the radar. Majority of workers signed with Millionair CC are homeless/living in their vehicles. Sad existence.

Counter Culture Coffee – Menu with Prices – 85½, Spring St, Charleston

This is strictly a training center for most of the Charleston coffee shops that use Counter Culture as their wholesale distributor for coffee. What’s great is how in-depth the training is for getting baristas properly ready to provide quality service. I’m fairly new to the barista game only about 2-3 months in, but feel like I was given the right tools in providing quality service for my customers. Counter Culture also provides free courses that you can attend at this center as long as you’re employed with whichever coffee shop you’re associated with. Those courses help you build towards being knowledgeable in not only coffee brewing but techniques to understand differences between superior quality and what’s considered subpar. I understand on early morning’s every Friday they do coffee testing free for the public so if you’re ever in the area, this is the place to find great coffee and how/where to purchase their products throughout the Charleston area.