Stephanie O.
Yelp
Guys, I'm hungry.
Cafe Phenix decided to close to celebrate the pride parade (not mad, just sad because I love their coffee), so my dad and I walked up to Brioso in desperate need of a coffee. We got there right before a huge line swarmed in. Brioso is just like Phenix in that it has a hodgepodge of different furniture items throughout the cafe that are attempting to be homey. I'm not quite sure how homey they're trying to be - there was a man in there that was sleeping on the couch. I don't care if he's homeless, an employee, or even a normal paying customer. It was weird and inappropriate. But you know, the place was big enough that my dad and I could sit far away. It was just very, very uncomfortable.
Anyway, my dad had a maple latte while I had an iced mocha. The man making my dad's drink took extra care with it and made some nice latte art, but for some reason it was served in a glass instead of a cup? He felt bad asking the barista for a to go cup, but honestly what kind of common sense needs to be had to put a hot drink in a mug? My mocha came out with considerably less fanfare, albeit it done come in an acceptable to-go cold drink cup.
The mocha was fine, and my dad really liked the latte. I was really bummed to find out they won't be serving a breakfast or lunch menu anymore. I was a bit hungry, and I was hoping to get some of the food everyone on Yelp was raving about. Their signs mention their desire to focus on the coffee, but I can't help but think not serving the food people have been talking about will hurt their business. I just can't think that their coffee and apathetically places pastries are going to carry this place.
My dad and I had a great seat to watch the parade, but I just had an eh experience all around. Between the complete lack of concern for its appearance, the disappearance of their food menu, and common sense issues, I don't understand why I would ever choose Brioso over Phenix.