Anji B.
Yelp
Have I really not reviewed Rose Park yet? As a patron since 2016, I've got to admit that I really miss the early vibes, back when 4th St was the only location. The interior was sleek yet comfortable, with an intimate seating area for two in one corner that I absolutely adored. There also used to be a skinny bar and stool area along the wall next to the counter area that was removed and replaced by a very noisy refrigerator for to-go items a few years ago. I guess the vibes really started to decline during the pandemic shut down. It just hasn't seemed as clean or inviting since then. Where I used to love spending time there either alone or with friends, now I always order online and grab my stuff to go. The coffee is still great, as it has been since they opened. I love their cold brew, cappuccinos, and maple lavender lattes -- which, btw, back when it was just a "seasonal" offering I begged them to keep on the menu longer and now here we are 8 years later and it's listed as one of their 3 most popular items!
As for food, well... Once upon a time they had some amazing plant based options. I'm super thankful they still carry Caffeinated Kitchen's baked vegan donuts, as they are amazing and come in so many wonderful flavors with fun seasonal offerings. But there used to be in-house kitchen offerings here that were pretty great. The first one I recall is a granola with coconut milk, then they had some kind of like plant based poke bowl/salad type of thing. The owner told me he was resisting offering toast because it was too trendy, but after awhile, they finally gave in and offered it. They launched with Gusto Bakery then switched to Colossus Bakery, both of which were popup/farmers market vendors at the time but both of which have gone on to open popular brick and mortar locations. Rose Park had an amazing heirloom tomato and squash toast, a roasted beet and cashews cream toast, and later an avocado toast with tomatoes, arugula, and Furikake (vegan-friendly) that was the toast of my dreams! Those were truly peak times for Rose Park Roasters!!!! Sigh. In recent times they have offered a vegan curry hand pie that is solid.
As I understand it, once the location on Pine Avenue opened, the owners aimed to use that larger location for dining and this smaller shop strictly for coffee, baked goods, and quick grab items. I think I've seen some plant based items in their fridge from time to time, but nothing that could compete with the old kitchen menu. I mean, I get it, the kitchen area is tiny and it was probably tough on the staff, but I still miss those days. I'll still give this spot 4 stars for the coffee but I have to dock 1 for the declining vibes, sorry.