Roast Coffee Company

Coffee shop · Upper East Side

Roast Coffee Company

Coffee shop · Upper East Side

1

2132 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA

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Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null
Roast Coffee Company by null

Highlights

Art-lined brick walls, unique lattes, baked goods, and lunch  

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2132 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA Get directions

roastcoffeecompany.com
@roastcoffeecompany

$1–10 · Menu

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2132 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA Get directions

+1 414 828 2030
roastcoffeecompany.com
@roastcoffeecompany

$1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 7, 2025

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A UWM‑area staple since 2004, known for playful signature drinks, local art, and campus‑friendly energy. Shepherd Express chronicled its staying power—proof that independent coffee culture thrives on Milwaukee’s East Side.

https://shepherdexpress.com/locations/roast-coffee-company/
Best Coffee Shops in Milwaukee (2025)
View Postcard for Roast Coffee Company

Nicole Wrensch

Google
We didn’t order any pastries but they looked yummy. We enjoyed the iced Hammerhead, and the Black Honey Latte. The barista was very nice and the gentleman who took our order was excited and happy to meet new customers. We will be checking out more drinks in the future. Nice little state fair coffee mid day pick me up.

Alex Casares

Google
I LOVE THESE GUYS! As a vendor at a fair, good coffee is absolutely essential. Not only are these guys dishing up FANTASTIC coffee, but they’re absolutely electric behind the counter and brighten my day, EVERY DAY! Thanks for the laughs and the endless love, gang 🤟

Cloey Nieves Knapp

Google
love it here! the coffee is really high quality and it is beautiful inside, the staff are super kind as well and super stylish lol - it does get very crowded around 11am-12pm but it’s still really nice - excited for outdoor seating to open up as the weather improves :)

Lynne Zeidler

Google
Swing by and give a warm “Hey” to Ryan and Mark—their hospitality is truly unbeatable! I can’t recommend enough the Iced Vanilla Bourbon Latte; it’s honestly the best iced coffee I’ve ever tasted! But really, you can’t go wrong with any of their delightful concoctions. Treat yourself—you won’t regret it!

Anya Ramos

Google
Honestly some of the best coffee/ matcha in the city . I love the vibes here everyone is so nice and they love to try new drinks. I always come here and recommend to anyone. Food is buss too.

yang 723

Google
Very cozy cafe! We got in just before there was a rush of people. The staff was very pleasant and we were served delicous drinks and yummy bites. I throughly recommend The Championship bagel sandwhich. It was super tasty! The image I attached was of The Oshi bagel sandwhich which was also good, but if I had to go back for one it'd be The Championship. I also ordered a Winter Spice Latte with regular milk and my partner had the Cafe Miel with oat milk. Certain oat milks are not my fancy but I actually really enjoyed the taste of the latte my partner had. I learned that they use chobani oat milk which was new to me. They also serve fun flavored rishi teas as well if you're a tea person!

Courtney Hunt

Google
Not only is the service top notch but the coffee is absolutely DELICIOUS!!! I've tried ALLLL coffee from all everywhere and this is hands down in the top 3 🙌😍☕️ GET SOME

Scott W

Google
We were in the neighborhood, visiting some local gardens. Needed some refreshments and a bite to eat. This place had lots of great reviews so we stopped in. Right away we were greeted by a friendly and helpful server. (thanks Andy) I asked for a London Fog, and although they didn't have Earl Grey, we worked it out. Got several smoothies a bagel sandwich, and a couple of cheese scones. Everyone liked what they got. The seating area isn't large, but it's spacious. There were a bunch of other people there, but everyone was being respectful, quiet conversations, and no loud phones or TikTok video (what a relief). Definitely a place that we'd come back to.
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Dakota K.

Yelp
the roast was my safe space during college haha. living basically just next door, I was always here. the coffee and food never disappoint, and all the baristas are lovely! high recommended
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Celeste L.

Yelp
Superb coffee shop in Riverwest! I went here to work and had uninterrupted WiFi connection, plenty of seating and chill indie music. Friendly staff and cool local crafts/souvenir for sale.
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Jody M.

Yelp
Yummy coffee drinks and right next to a popular bus route. Friendly staff and quick service!
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Kye B.

Yelp
This is a fantastic idea and a great coffee option. Ryan posted up backstage at the Fiserv Forum and so I just had to try it out and man am I glad I did. In fact I'm about to go have another cup as soon as my rehearsal is over!! Okay, so now I'm on my 2nd cuppa and it just keeps gettin' gooder!! It's a kiosk that the venue sets up and they just give out complimentary coffee, etc. and we, the "customers" benefit just being around such a unique and fun experience of coffee-ness!
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Abby S.

Yelp
Great coffee, better service. Convenient location if you live on the East Side. Ordered a drip coffee and an iced vanilla latte - no complaints, both were really great. They serve Anodyne coffee which is one of my favorites. Cozy atmosphere inside and has a very neighborhood-y feel too. They also had some fun specialty drink options that I want to try the next time I'm back!
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Jax A.

Yelp
Given I only live about two blocks from here, I decided to give it a shot for studying. I came in and the atmosphere felt very cozy, with exposed brick walls and scattered wood tables. The art on the wall made the time waiting for my drink pass by quicker. The woman at the counter was very nice and the transaction was speedy, even as I took a moment to decide what I wanted. I opted for the chai-der (apple cider and chai), a little bit sweeter than the normal recipe. My drink came out quickly and it tasted very good, very much reminded me of apple pie filling with the apple juice and cinnamon flavor of the chai. Judging from the other patrons, this place is very friendly to students, so I will definitely be coming back. Overall, 8/10, a little pricey but a great study spot.
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Abigail P.

Yelp
I've been here many times since I moved here a few years ago, but I apparently never reviewed! It is in a great location. Super walkable from campus and for those of us living on the East Side. I've had one of their breakfast sandwiches (I believe the only vegeterian one. Not sure). It was quite tasty to me, and the price was moderate. The service is consistently friendly and efficient. My orders always come out pretty quickly. The space itself small-ish but in a cozy way. Always students and others working on their laptop at the numerous tables and bar seating. It's a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The only negative (I think this is a me thing.) is that, when I go to work for a long there, I am always freezing. I can only hang out for about an hour or so before it's too chilly for me! Delightful spot to grab an excellent coffee, close to campus and wihtin walking distance of plenty of restaurants.
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Ophelia M.

Yelp
Listen. There are so many good coffee shops in Milwaukee. And, Roast is absolutely on the list with the greats. We've been meaning to try this spot for a while and finally made our way here on a recent Saturday morning. So glad we did. Their espresso beverages? Spot on perfect. I got their harvest latte, which puts pumpkin spiced lattes to shame. It was a beautifully flavorful spiced delight. Their breakfast sandwiches? Also--spot on. They have several on menu. I got one that mentioned having mustard on it. Weird, I thought. But, I'll give it a whirl. It was perfect. There's plenty of tables and a bar by the windows. It would be a great spot to meet some friends or to work alone. Or, in our case, to enjoy a game of Saturday morning cribbage over a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. If you haven't yet--take the time to make your way here. You won't regret it. Get to it!

Roberta S.

Yelp
I've been coming to this coffee shop for years, and it's consistently been one of my favorite spots in town. The coffee is always spot on--rich, smooth, and clearly made with care. Their selection of snacks and pastries is always delicious, with a great mix of sweet and savory options that pair perfectly with whatever you're sipping on. This past week, I met a new (to me) barista named Maddie, and I just had to leave a shoutout. Her energy added an extra layer of warmth to the visit, and it's always great to see new faces who really get what makes this place special. If you haven't stopped by yet, you're missing out. And if you do, I hope you get a coffee made by Maddie--you'll be glad you did.
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Samantha B.

Yelp
We ordered the Gold sandwich and LOVED it. Also got two coffees and they were both great. Menu is small, but mighty. Service was really quick. It's dark inside, kind of a hipster vibe. But welcoming nonetheless.
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Lico J.

Yelp
Cozy chill coffeeshop vibes. I enjoyed going to this neighborhood & community favorite coffee place in the early morning before 7:30AM. It was not busy but there were some customers who apparently frequent the place (possibly every morning). This morning I got a brown sugar & lavender nitro cold brew. When I got the drink I felt like the color should look darker and the texture should look thicker for being a nitro cold brew. But when I tasted it - oh wow the flavors are all there. I barely tasted the coffee because it was so floral. I enjoyed it.
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Laura T.

Yelp
This is my favorite secret go-to for coffee. Their lattes are amazing, service is fast, friendly and genuine. It's excellent location is great for a little break with a nice spot in the sun no matter the season.
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Teddy L.

Yelp
Roast is a nice little coffee shop that is a great place to sit and study. They have bagel sandwiches that are quite good. Service is usually quick and the staff is very friendly. Oh and the coffee is great!
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Jessica J.

Yelp
Throwback! I haven't been into Roast since I lived down the street in college. Last week I returned to meet someone for a work chat, and nothings changed in the last six years. It's a small, quaint shop and it's corner location allows for plenty of windows and bright light. To no surprise, there were a few students working away on their laptops. The atmosphere is nice for just that, I could probably do the same. They also have relaxing jams playing which is always a good-vibes bonus. I ordered an oat milk latte from the friendly women behind the counter, which she whipped up for me quite quick for being the only staff member on. Can't say the coffee was to die for, but I still enjoyed it. They have a food delicious sounding menu items, which I've yet to try so I guess I'll just have to return again!
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Linda W.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try Roast for quite some time now and finally got the chance - met a friend there mid morning for coffee on a chilly day. Bright sunshine streaming through the corner window location and cheery barista were very inviting. Really cool vibe: mix of students and some faculty, neighborhood people. I ordered a latte which was really lovely to look at as well as taste. I got my name in the paper cup, but noticed that you can request a real deal ceramic cup which is I was a perk! Really a great price for a 12 ounce latte. My friend had a tea and the last scone which was apricot and brie which she raved about. The menu looks varied for other drinks as well as breakfast and lunch items. Will definitely be back! Found parking just down the street quite easily. Last thing, they have a Loyalty punchcard which I will bring along when I return next time :-)
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Payton D.

Yelp
Roast has quickly become a favorite of mine while living on the east side. The place itself is so cute with local artwork for sale on all the walls-- I'd enjoy hanging out here even if the food wasn't fantastic, but it is! Coffee is strong. Employees are funny. Everything you want in a local shop. Always happy to be here!

Stephen L.

Yelp
I have ordered a coffee from Roast over 200 times since I moved to Milwaukee. I have NEVER had a bad cup of coffee! I have NEVER had bad service! I have NEVER looked to go somewhere else! Happy 20-year anniversary!

Lauren H.

Yelp
The inside has a cool vibe to it. I got the iced brown sugar lavender latte, and it was delicious. The workers were very friendly.
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K G.

Yelp
Fierce ambiance, incredible & unique flavor combinations! Definitely worth the quick skip off campus!

Kim K.

Yelp
My favorite coffee in the city served by the best staff. Roast is a friendly neighborhood coffee shop that really makes you feel a part of the community. If you spend time in the East side this is the only coffee shop you need. They also have interesting collections of art that rotate through the shop. Nice selection of baked goods and sandwiches as well.

Joshua L.

Yelp
a local gem earnestly serving primo espresso to an array of students, families and locals in the know roast always delivers a pleasant experience

Zhuo Z.

Yelp
Very good coffee, service is great! I also like the atmosphere in the shop. I highly recommend stopping by for a coffee break when you visit UWM.

CJ G.

Yelp
Had some time to kill before work started so I stumbled upon Roast Coffee Company. The staff, particularly Andy, made sure I had everything I needed to have a great time.

Megan O.

Yelp
The 4 one 4 breakfast sandwich is one of my favorites in the area! The location is super convenient to walk to in the east side! Highly recommend :-)
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Diane H.

Yelp
The food and coffee were delicious. The atmosphere was pleasant and creative. And, the service was fabulous!!

Sienna M.

Yelp
I was in immediate need of caffeine while at the Wonderbus festivals in Columbus, OH. Luckily I found the roast coffee kiosk, and let me just say how amazing it was. During the concerts I got 3 of the best iced chai lattes I have ever had from Boss Man (aka Ryan) who was absolutely wonderful. He was helpful and very enjoyable to interact with. He was very funny and matched the energy of the festival so well. My group and I enjoying meeting him so much, we had Boss Man sign our festival wristbands because he truly was the highlight. Thank you Ryan! Sincerely, -A grateful caffeine addict

Laila H.

Yelp
Absolutely splendid food and service! Will come again. My 414 sammy just hit the spot.
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Alison P.

Yelp
Very much appreciate their outside kiosk right now for safety reasons in this world of covid. Their Facebook page has been posting updates to let you know when they are open or not related to weather conditions. Delicious iced chai on this hot, hot day!

Elizabeth M.

Yelp
We had quick, friendly service. The food and coffee were delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Brie & apricot scone.
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Regne N.

Yelp
My favorite local coffee shop!! The staff is amazing, sandwiches are tasty. Immaculate vibes!

Abby C.

Yelp
Very friendly staff and great coffee! Came here to work on finals projects and the experience was great

Brody F.

Yelp
Exceptional quality of product and service. Mason in particular is clearly a craftsman very dedicated to the customer experience. I'm here weekly and I adore it.

August Z.

Yelp
Great neighborhood coffee place. I love that they feature local artists. Favorite drink: apple chaider.
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Nancy B.

Yelp
I hadn't been here in a few years and I'm glad to see Roast has maintained its independent character and unique vibe. Some sandwiches have changed names and I see that the hummus Vic and Gab is not a wrap anymore, but it is still a good veggie option. Their beverage menu continues to be on the average, affordable end. A nice change is that now you don't need a code for wifi. Good place to read and work while having breakfast, lunch, a pastry, or a coffee (or chai) drink. On the 30/30X bus line. A hop away from UWM and Oakland Avenue.

James H.

Yelp
We stayed in Milwaukee for a few days, and Roast was our favorite spot in the neighborhood. Super fast service and great coffee, we tried their bagel sandwiches as well and they were so good. The girls behind the counter were a delight, just overall great experience!! :) Definitely coming back when we're in Milwaukee.
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Kaity K.

Yelp
Great place - I like the small and cozy atmosphere of the cafe. The coffee is delicious and I like the food on the menu too. They support small businesses in the Milwaukee community - what's not to like?! Take yourself there today! :-)
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Jennifer F.

Yelp
Roast was one of the first coffee places I hit when I landed in Milwaukee 10 years ago (my! how time flies). While the service has never been stellar, I absolutely adore the coffee drinks here. I rank much above Collectivo in terms of drinks. I know a lot of people like to hang out here and study but it's never really been that kind of place for me. The seats are kind of uncomfortable, it can be unbearably hot in there, and it's on a noisy intersection. I appreciate that they have a rotating display of artwork.
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Alec T.

Yelp
Radio Milwaukee is one of my favorite breakfast items I can get anywhere Milwaukee. I love walking here in the morning. I always see a dog or two if it's before 10 am. The artwork hanging inside is fun too!

AJ W.

Yelp
Luca is the best! Service was top tier! Great location in the heart of Milwaukee's Upper East Side

Lauren D.

Yelp
Best food ever! LUKA IS THE BOMB.COM best smoothie I ever had and best food as well. Definitely recommend
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Alyssa A.

Yelp
Got the lavender latte and it was delicious! The inside is cool and relaxed too. My latte was only $4 which was a good price too for the quality.
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Pete J.

Yelp
Excellent espresso, made with care from Anodyne beans, served in a clear demitasse with a spoon. Excellent. Just the right amount of crema. The coffee shop has one wall and part of a counter decorated with recycled wood, very interesting. The entire valence/ light above the counter is really interesting. Today, there were pictures on the wall. framed, for sale, taken by Wisconsinite Abraham Louis Clark during his self-supported 2960 mile coast to coast run. They also had Clark's book, "Running Water" for sale. Very cool. The service was superb. The lady who waited on me was working alone, made one espresso which wasn't to her liking, dumped this out, made another. Very mindful. There are a number of food entrees. The BLT I had (hold the bacon, add extra tomatoes) was good. Really nice shop, really good espresso. Highly recommend.
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Allison C.

Yelp
Oh Roast, how I wish I loved your coffee. I've been now 3 times and ordered the Miel latte (honey with cinnamon milk), a classic latte, and a black coffee. Let me tell you, the black coffee was bomb. Nice and hot, great flavor, and reasonable price. However- both lattes were lukewarm at best. The flavors were fine, but when you're expecting a hot latte and it's not that, it just tastes like milk that sat out on the counter for too long. The redeeming factors are that the staff is super friendly and the proximity to UWM. I'll be sticking to black coffee from now on.
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Adam C.

Yelp
This is a solid 4 Star neighborhood coffee house. Let me be clear, I have to be really in love to give 5 stars, so take my 4 as a solid vote of confidence this is a place to stop. I love Riverwest; it's a great mix of cultures, age groups, residential and commercial, and best of all local neighborhood bars, restaurants, and coffee shops - all while maintaining a hint of grit that you'd expect near a large university on the edge of zip codes long stricken with poverty. Roast coffee is a 5 Star all day long. I think it's one of the best cups of coffee in MKE, and beats the big guys like Starbucks any day (this is where I interject that I would have placed Colectivo on par with Roast, but they've become too big and commercialized at this point). As for the food they offer, it's a good quick snack. Today's bagel sandwich was a bit dry, but it was better last time, so I'll blame the bagel and not Roast. The atmosphere is nice, and the only thing I would correct is the high top chairs...they are a bit wiggly for a big guy like myself!
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Sara F.

Yelp
I've been coming to Roast since I've started coming to school in Milwaukee and it's hands-down my favorite place to go. The prices are reasonable for what you get, and I've never gotten a bad drink or meal. Personally, my favorite drink is the Cafe Miel (it's not on the menu sometimes but they always make it) and it's the best Cafe Miel I've had in Milwaukee. I've also gotten the white chocolate mocha and the crackhead, which are also great. My favorite meals to get there are the egg, tomato, and cheddar cheese on a bagel breakfast sandwich, and the yogurt with fruit and granola (the granola is delicious). Everytime I have friends or family in town I always take them to Roast and they love it just as much as I do.
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Gabriella C.

Yelp
Came here around 11:30 on a Saturday for brunch and coffee. Ordered right away and our breakfast sandwiches came out pretty quickly. Got a seat with outlets nearby, perfect for our study/work session! Great place for a long study session, especially since the coffee and food is a reasonable price. -toasted bagel, egg, tomato with cheddar cheese: on an Asiago bagel, nothing special, but very filling and your typical breakfast sandwich -toasted bagel, crispy bacon, egg and cheddar cheese: on an Asiago bagel as well, much preferred this one to the tomato and cheese one, bacon give it an extra taste, filling as well -coffee in chemex: takes a bit longer to come out, but well worth it especially if you're here for a study session; aromas of the coffee really come out with this -maple nut latte: a bit sweeter, but love the maple flavor of this latte, definitely would get this again
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Malgosia L.

Yelp
The cappuccino was fantastic. We are on our second cup and might be sitting here all morning and keep ordering just to see what other fantastic designs on our cup this super awesome guy can come up with :). The ambiance and decor is super cool. So is the crowd and the guy making coffee. I have been hankering after good cappuccino, after spending 3 weeks in Italy (working!) and finally found it. They are also playing pretty cool music, I'm a musician and picky about what I hear in different places. :)
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Daniel S.

Yelp
Nice little coffee spot, they have a wide array of coffee drinks, both iced and hot, and smoothies. I got the citrus almond cold brew, not bad, certainly an interesting combination of flavors that's for sure. And then they also have some bagel sandwiches, both breakfast and lunch flavors. I forget the name, but I got the one with cucumber and chive cream cheese. I enjoyed it. Good place to hang out, lotsa people were chilling there. Baristas there were friendly. Would def stop there again as my friends live near it just down the street
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Xarion L.

Yelp
TERRIBLE, RUDE OWNER!! To start, I live very close to the Locust location and visited on 4/26/21. I received a warm welcome from the barista working. He took my order and as I gave him the card to make the transaction, my card declined. He told me not to worry, that the machine had been doing that to everyone. He told me I could use Apple Pay instead and everything went just fine. The next day I came in and there was a different worker behind the counter, unmasked. When he saw me come in with my mask on he had this annoyed look on his face as he walked towards me, reluctantly putting on his mask at the register. Because he had the decency to put it on I didn't think much of it. However, I ordered a sandwich from the menu and gave him my card. He looked at me and told me that my card didn't work. I told him that the guy here the other day said there might've been issues with the reader and offered to do Apple Pay. He looked me in the eye and told me they didn't have Apple Pay. He lied straight to my face!! I looked at him and said, "I did it yesterday". He then aggressively reached into the drawer behind him and said "Well if it's charged we can do it". As he was dealing with the card reader I told him not to worry about it, that I didn't want to cause him any inconvenience. I went to the Instagram page shortly after to see that the employee that had mistreated me is the OWNER!! You would think after almost 2 decades in business he would not be so rude or lazy as to lie to someone local willing to become a regular. The more I think about it, the more I feel personally attacked as a black woman. The way he looked at me as he told me my card didn't work was indescribable. Then to say they don't have Apple Pay. It's as if he was deliberately leaving me with no option as if he had no interest in serving me. I realized after he lied that I would never be okay with someone like that preparing my food or drink. Sickening !!!!