Mike H.
Yelp
It's always good to have choices. I think this now makes for three coffee shops on SE Woodstock (First Cup, Papaccino's, and Heart). I primarily go to First Cup, so be making a lot of comparisons it's that coffee shop.
At Heart I paid $4.50 for a 8 oz spicy chai, I was given the non-dairy option for free (saving 50 cents) after having complained about the lack of dairy-free options. The taste was mediocre, while the chai at First Cup, while on the sweeter side; makes a better chai. Heart has Coava Coffee, and cold brew coffee, so high marks for that. Heart Coffee is on par with most other local coffee shops, they have quality coffee, so they have that. But I think they miss the mark with it comes with their limited drink options, questionable customer service, and lack of allergen friendly food and drinks.
I would summarize Heart as a good choice if you are seeking quality coffee, but aren't concerned about value; while being in a minimalist vibe with uppity staff.
They have a lack of allergen friendly beverages and food, they have an almond and walnut non-dairy selection, a combination of the two. But that's all. No coconut, hemp, or soy milk. I feel they should at least have an almond milk and moreover a coconut milk option, like most coffee shops. It takes extra effort to include allergen friendly or vegan options, but it's more inclusive and I consider it to be a component of service. I heard they have gluten-free porridge, and oatmeal. However, they have no gluten-free pastry items. Really? Even a subpar Starbucks has GF options. I boycotted Starbucks over ten years ago as only 8.5% of their coffee is Fair Trade (google it, what percent of starbucks coffee is fair trade), and they are a monopolistic corporation. Come on, it's Starbucks, do I even need to elaborate?
Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of Heart is there service, or lack thereof. While the cashier was good, patient, and helpful. The barista was, frankly, terrible. I remember the day, the 25th of this month, around one in the afternoon. They verbally scoffed when I asked if this was my chai, followed by "Yeah, I think that's chai, I don't know if it's Your Chai". Really? Did that attitude come for free or do I have to pay extra? The barista needs to go back to the Pearl District and can take their "Your lucky I served you" attitude, with them. I experience this kind of service too often, and I'm pretty done with it.
I have a choice, and I'll choose First Cup. They have consistently good service, when when you're there you're made to feel welcomed with a more relaxed vibe. Good food including allergen friendly food options. Smaller on demand breakfast items, yes, but more pastries. Larger drink menu, and options including more allergen friendly (non-dairy, nut free) options. First Cup makes an effort to cater to those with food and drinks allergies. Not necessarily the most important thing (unless you don't have any food allergies of course) but the frequency of food allergies is so common, it's not something to be dismissed either.