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Parking lot situation is a big mess. The last thing I want to do when I want to drop in for coffee is worry about if the small number of reserved spots will be taken up or not. If you’re thinking about dropping by during prime coffee drinking time, be ready to circle the parking lot a few times or park far away and walk. The person taking my order seemed agitated and annoyed to answer my questions about pricing. Definitely needs some better customer service training. As a small business owner myself, I always start with five stars and subtract for infractions. Minus one stars for terrible parking. Not an issue if you live around the place, but for people who need to park, expect to circle around a few times unless you go during off peak hours. Minus one star for value. The drinks are extremely overpriced for what they are. For $7, they need to step up their service. Minus one star for bad service. It’s a normal thing for customers to ask questions. No need to roll your eyes at me. Minus one star for quality. The coffee tasted absolutely awful. I tend to be easier on this kind of stuff as I worked as a barista all through college and I know how things get when its busy. However, this was unacceptable. This barista either had no idea what they were doing or just didn’t care. Definitely don’t see myself returning to this place any time soon. The decor is nice at first but I’m not here for the decor. Terrible parking, bad coffee, and bad service equals a one star rating. They may get their act together eventually, but there are plenty of other coffee shops that give you a better experience.

Kahwa Coffee – Menu with Prices – 701 6th St S, St. Petersburg

I’ll give this tiny coffee bar at the hospital a 5/5 because it’s convenient, the coffee is good, the barista is nice, and the caffeine in their coffee does the job. +3 stars- yummy coffee. Their coffee is not the best that I have had but it is delicious and it is good. It does not have any after taste and it is smooth. They also have daily offers and happy hour. I don’t remember what exactly it was but I remember 50% off pastries after 3pm. +1 star – convenient for me because we spend a lot of our time at the hospital and it is easy to just go to this location and have a yummy hot cup of coffee to get through the 12 hour shift and the cold hospital environment. If you are at Bayfront and you need some coffee, definitely come here! +1 star – nice barista. The barista who works here is nice. She does her best to accommodate us even if she is working by herself. She also let us know that there is 10% off with a USF ID so if you have a USF ID don’t forget to avail this offer. LOCATION: it is inside the West Entrance of Bayfront. You can park in their parking garages or the 2 hour curb parking. Overall, they have good and yummy coffee. I suggest that you try their coffee.

Brewing Market – Menu with Prices – 2525 Arapahoe Ave # D4, Boulder

Really good coffee, iffy service I live nearby and this is one of the coffee shops I frequent. I love they’re coffee and their selection of whole beans as well as all of the various brewing accessories for sale. More than a few times I’ve come at different times during the morning and waited 10+ minutes for black coffee. After having had a few cups of their coffee on different occasions I discovered their large selection of whole beans. When someone helped me I had a few questions on their beans. I’ve worked in the coffee industry for 7 years (barista, importer, roaster, etc.) so I know what I’m looking for. They seemed offended that I wanted to know how they source and their roasting practices. I’ll be back because the coffee is too good to miss out on, but they could brush up on their speed and stop being so snobbish when people have questions about their practices.

Porto Rico Importing – Menu with Prices – 201 Bleecker St, New York

I would have give this coffee shop 5 stars. They put 4 express shot in my $4 ice latte. It was the best ice latte I ever had. However, the customers service is surprisingly awful. I would give them 0 star for customer service. Their so called baristas is the worst I have ever seen. The barista is even worse than the ones who work in Starbucks. I am not sure they are even qualified as a barista. I was taking photo of my coffee. The barista got freak out and said don’t take pictures of him and told me to delete from my phone. I don’t know who he think he is because I was taking photo of the “coffee”. Just like the other reviewers on yelp, this coffee shop has 0 customers service even they have great coffee. They’re very unlike other coffee shop. First, They don’t offer a comfortable environment for you to stay. No seats inside of course. Apparently they want the customers to pay the money and go away. Second, this place is not credit card friendly unlike other coffee shops in the city. They have old fashioned machines. They prefer cash. Third, the environment is dirty. You can actually see the dusts around the cashier area. The only good thing about this coffee shop is the good coffee with cheap price. I would still come to here next time but I would just close my eyes and ignore everything and get my coffee out of here.

Fahrenheit Coffee – Menu with Prices – 120 Lombard St, Toronto

Now this is what I was looking for. After being impressed but not blown out of the water by Strange Love, Fahrenheit Coffee gave me exactly what I was looking for: an amazing local coffee shop with a focus on the product driven by a fantastic team of people behind the counter. Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? Philz Coffee remains my favorite coffee shop in the US, and the reason behind it is because you interface as much with the barista and his or her own specialties and recommendations as you do with the institutions itself. That’s the case here at Fahrenheit as well, with barista names and nicknames on the board, high fives all around, and a fantastically jovial atmosphere that really gets your day off on the right foot. Star. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? $5.10 for a medium Mocha was a reasonable price point, and everything was priced comparably down to their cookies and pastries. Star. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? One of the other real appeals that drew me into Fahrenheit and Philz alike is the ability to choose your bean regardless of the drink you order. As I’ve said before, I’m not at all a coffee snob, but in choosing between three different beans for my mocha with cool little descriptions below each, I could easily become a full fledged third wave fanboy, which is a cool feeling when it’s not done in a way that’s intimidating. From there, my diablo fueled mocha was awesome, and I wanted to go back and order the same thing with the other two specialty beans of the day. A very cool concept. Two Stars. Star 5: Would you be excited to go back? Without a doubt. Star.

Delante Coffee – Menu with Prices – 960 W University Dr #111, Tempe

1 star for atmosphere I liked the layout of the store and somewhat random selection of tables and chairs 1 star for customer service The barista was very nice and quick with getting my order done 1 star for croissant One of the best croissants I’ve ever had. Fluffy, buttery, big, and just great Minus 2 stars for my cappuccino I don’t believe it was on the preparation, but the cappuccino I ordered left a lot to be desired. Slight burnt taste and not much flavor/strength to the espresso. The milk wasn’t all that frothy either. I don’t care much about latte art, so the lack of visual aesthetics doesn’t matter to me, but it would’ve been hard to make much art on what little thin foam there was on top. Overall it was worth the 15 min walk from my Airbnb, but I’ll find someplace else next time. Worked well for an easy drink and snack, and gave me a good place to kill some time and hangout.

Bottoms Up Espresso – Menu with Prices – 80 W Warner Rd, Chandler

I drive by this place all the time and decided to try it out today. I went through the drive thru this morning around 6:45am with no one in front of me or behind me. After looking at the menu for a minute and not getting a response at the order board I pulled up to the window. A barista made my drink (a Little Irish Girl- this is the name of the drink, not a description of the barista) and I went to work. Honestly, had I not known this drink contains espresso, I would not have guessed it at all. The drink was very pale looking and tasted sweet and nothing like coffee. I had to add black coffee to it just to balance the taste out. I don’t know if it’s just bad location, competition around (2 Dunkin Donuts, 2 QTs, 2 Circle Ks, Starbucks, SoZo, Ziggi’s, Bikini Beans, Dutch Bros- all within a 5 mile radius) or price, but I get the feeling this business isn’t going to last. For the price/quality, there are other coffee houses nearby that are better. I really wanted to like this coffee shop because of how conveniently located it is, but I probably won’t be returning here again.

Tiferet Coffee House – Menu with Prices – 3020 H St, Sacramento

This is my first time back in over three years, so I wanted to go back and update my review. The interior of the shop was like I remembered it and I don’t think they have done any upgrades in the past couple years. Or if they have, it wasn’t noticeable to me. You can park your car in the shopping center in which they are located instead of paid street parking on the street. The owner/barista was very nice in all my interactions with her and this is a 3 star review instead of a 2 star review mainly based on the politeness of the owner. I ordered a 12oz Mocha with almond milk and unfortunately found it to be really gross. It didn’t come with any latte art which for me personally is an important part of my experience at a coffee shop. The coffee also had a bad after taste that seemed to last for hours in my mouth. Perhaps they can take a second look at what beans they are using in their espresso and learn how to do latte art on their drinks? I think until that happens, I’ll be passing on coming back, but hope they take my earnest suggestions seriously to improve the coffee experience for their customers.

BARE Menu with Prices 1475 Western Ave, Albany

Ok, I’ve given this place a fair shake, and my final evaluation is two stars. They earn one star for location, and one star for, well, I don’t know; just feel like they are better than a one star establishment. Here’s where they lose three stars: Minus one for inconsistency. Every time I go the bowl is different. It could be a case of more toppings, less toppings, icy açaí, flavorless açaí, too thick açaí, etc. At a really good restaurant, consistency is key. You need to know what you’re getting, and at Bare, it’s always a mystery. I brace myself for that first bite, knowing that I’ll either be elated or disappointed. If I’m keeping score, I’ve only been elated 20% of the time. Minus another star for wait times. I get it, they only have a few blenders and a few workers, but waiting 20-25 minutes for an açaí bowl is unacceptable. A few times I’ve been, I’ve waited less than 10, but more often the wait approaches 20-25. Finally, I have to take away that last star for a few random things: 1. Wooden spoons. I’m all for saving the planet, but I feel like a kid with a Hoodsie cup and my wooden spoon. I wouldn’t mind except you can kinda taste the wood, and the ingredients get absorbed by it. 2. Music. Today Adele was playing, which was a pleasant surprise. However, I’ve been there with things like Drake blaring and the workers yelling across the counter, “Alexa, turn it up/turn it down!” The speaker is literally on the counter where people are eating and it just seems disruptive. 3. Ample seating….lack thereof. The counter in the front is ok for sitting at, but you literally feel like you’re in the way. People are waiting all around you and it’s very crowded. The back could have more seating if it weren’t for the couch. 4. Price. I spent 25.00 today for two mediocre bowls. Enough said. It’s a shame that BARE isn’t quite what it could be. Maybe with experience and growth, it will earn a few stars back!

Julian’s BBQ – Menu with Prices – 1818 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi

Writing this review with 2 Stars … As a Texan, and a self proclaimed professional bbq judge, I know my bbq, so let’s see how Julian’s stands up against Mr. Texas’ Food Judging Scale … Came here with a coworker who said they had good bbq, well it’s more like fair bbq. They do have reasonable prices, but I was shocked to see they charge .60¢ for a jalapeño !!! This my friend is an “Unforgivable Texas Sin” !!! Jalapeños should be FREE !!! So minus 1 Star for charging for jalapeños. I ordered the brisket plate which came with two sides. I got green beans and potato salad, both were good. The brisket is fair, meaning it needs some help or some sauce, it’s not a stand alone eat by itself brisket, so it’s a 2 Star brisket. Folks, their brisket is nothing to get excited about, or brag about, or even rate an OMG comment. What about their bbq sauce ??? Their bbq sauce downright sucks, so it can’t help the brisket, so minus 1 Star for horrible sauce. Just a word of caution, the sauce bottles are open containers and flies can crawl into these openings, so be aware. More on flies ??? Yes … I know this is Texas, and I’m a Native Texan, bred, born, and raised, but the flies were hungry too !!! We spent more time swishing away flies between bites so we couldn’t even enjoy our meal. The dining area was about half full, and when I looked around, we were all doing the same synchronized dance, Shoo Fly Shoo !!! So minus 1 Star for the infestation of flies in the dining area. If I did my math correctly, yep I did, it’s a 2 Star review, and the 2 Stars are for serving fair brisket. If you want great Texas BBQ, this ain’t the place to get it, but if you want fair Texas BBQ while fightin’ off flies, then this is the place for you !!! That’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Hidden House Coffee – Menu with Prices – 511 E Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana

I’ve visited this place a few times on my way home from Santa Ana and it never fails to disappoint! Up until today, I haven’t really spent time studying here or anything but decided on this place once T found out that they also had this location (with the first one being in Costa Mesa I believe?). The outside of the coffee shop is adorned in red bricks and it looks very nondescript. Coming from the Grand Exit off the 5 Freeway, I saw “coffee” painted on the side of a building and I know that I’m at Hidden House. There’s lots of street parking so you just need to circle around a bit before finding it. There are two entrances to HHC, one is through a clear garage door (when open) and the other is through their door. On a hot day in the summer, it looks like they tend to keep the garage door closed to make sure that the AC doesn’t escape. When you walk in, you there is the coffee bar in the middle with bar seating facing the baristas in the center. On the other end of the coffee shop, there’s a larger clear garage door as well that leads out to their patio seating. The whole area feels SUPER spacious since the ceilings are high and there’s plenty of seating available. Inside the coffee shop, there’s probably about ~30 seats available. The outdoor section is just as spacious as the indoor section with trees providing shade from the sunlight so you can enjoy the breeze without the heat. The great thing is that there’s a TON of natural lightning because they use the clear garage doors and have a few windows that allow the whole area to feel super spacious. I usually order their iced caffe latte (I feel like I’m only in Santa Ana when it’s 100 degrees out) and it’s a very mild and not extremely bitter coffee taste so it’s pretty good. We also ordered the Spinach and Feta Pastry and after they toasted it, it was SPECTACULAR. T ordered the Hot Matcha Latte and it was creamy and delicious with good matcha flavor. Shout out to the barista who made it because the design on it was A1 amazing. Super clean latte art! If you like to study at coffee shops – this place isn’t a bad place to consider! Lots of bar seating with individual tables lining the walls. If you don’t need too much space, it’s perfect since the bar seating isn’t too cramped. Most of the times I’ve been here, there’s always been a few seats open. 5/5 would come again!

Americano Lounge – Menu with Prices – 434 Houston St Suite 120, Nashville

Updated Review: Even more disrespectful to bash a customer who’s willing to be vulnerable and give both positive and negative feedback… in front of other customers. The review was read out loud for all in the shop to hear… and then staff continued ranting for over an hour threatening to respond in ALL CAPS, memorize my face if I ever come back, wanting to tell me to never come back, disagree with everything said…. After listening to the bashing thought I should update my three stars to one. I sincerely, genuinely hope my post gets buried in more five star reviews and that y’all learn a lesson in maturity, professionalism, respect and kindness! *** Original 3 Star Review *** I love that this little coffee shop is in my neighborhood, and I love trying to love it. I’ve been more than 3 times. It’s an awesome atmosphere with soft jazz music playing, comfy antique furniture, plenty of outlets near 4-top tables and the croissants are really pretty good. I find the coffee and tea so-so and overpriced. The ownership/employees are not friendly, disengaging, not helpful in answering questions about menu-items and coffee selections and have to be reminded multiple times about items I ordered. I feel like I’m a nuisance to them every time I step to the counter to order, or when I ask a question about the menu. And quite honestly the staff are sometimes a nuisance themselves hollering “Booze Cruise” several times within an hour and tapping on the countertops, disrespecting of why patrons might be at a quaint little jazz-playing coffee shop. I love me some new Nashville coffee spots, but would love even more if this place and this staff could evolve, mature and offer more of a friendlier/welcoming/respectful interaction and environment!! I’ll give them another shot I’m sure, but hoping for growth!

DECO Wilmington – Menu with Prices – 111 W 10th St, Wilmington

My review is awkward because I’m effectively reviewing four places… so here we go. [5/5 Stars] Phubs is outright amazing. They’re a Vietnamese restaurant but don’t let that scare you, the food is incredibly fresh and delicious. Most importantly to note is a lot of their menu is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Peanut Free. The GF/DF Sesame Chicken Rice was absolutely delicious and did not compromise on flavor in anyway versus Sesame Chicken you might see elsewhere that isn’t GF/DF. Also, the food portions were relatively large given the price. This place definitely rocks. [4/5 Stars] The Verandah is a fantastic Indian Street Food place. I had their Chicken Curry Wrap which was delicious and had a lot of great flavors. I docked a star only because it seems a little bit pricey for what I got, but it certainly was great. [4/5 Stars] Stripp’d is a great smoothie place and my Antioxidant smoothie was fantastic. Important to note is that they do have Oat Milk and that’s not on the menu. I docked a star because, like the Verandah, $8 for a smoothie certainly isn’t unfair, but it is a bit higher than what I was hoping to pay. [4/5 Stars] Spark’d has La Colombe Coffee which, while I didn’t try, I trust is as fantastic as typical La Colombe coffee. While I wish that they had a larger iced tea selection (since I am a tea nerd), their single black iced tea did fit the bill and was great. [3/5 Stars] The building itself was great. I really appreciated their restroom setup which consists of single-occupancy toilets which all connect to a room with sinks. This lets multiple people of all genders use their restroom efficiently and preventing odors from permeating the whole restroom. I also really liked their filtered water bottle refill machine, which I may or may not have used a lot to refill my bottle during my meal. I docked them one star because their parking situation is kind of awkward. There is a parking garage on 12th St with free parking on nights & weekend, but to get the free parking, you must show a receipt from De.co to the parking attendant. This wasn’t explicitly communicated so be sure to keep this in mind. Also if you do take this option, you can park on the ground floor — you do NOT have to follow the signs saying you must park on the roof, well, at least on weekends. I docked another star too because I was asked by (presumably) homeless people twice to give them money while in the Food Hall. They weren’t a bother too much, but, it does cast light to how little security De.co has, and is something worth noting.