Rita S.
Yelp
I had a rather disappointing experience at this café, despite walking in with high hopes of supporting a small local business. I recently moved to the area and, without internet at home yet, I was drawn in by the sign advertising "Artisan Coffee" and WiFi, expecting to find a nice place to work while enjoying a good cup of coffee.
On my first visit, I ordered a coffee directly at the counter, as one would do at places like Starbucks, and left a generous tip in the jar. Unfortunately, the coffee was subpar: the latte lacked the proper creamy texture because the barista simply heated the milk without taking care to texture it properly. On top of that, I ordered an espresso, which tasted oxidized, likely because the equipment isn't cleaned properly after each use.
I decided to give them a second chance the next day. This time, when I approached the counter, a young woman greeted me in a rushed and rude manner. I couldn't understand her at first, so I asked her to repeat herself, and she curtly told me I needed to sit down because a server would bring the menu. I already knew what I wanted to order and wasn't trying to avoid tipping, but I sat down as instructed. That day, I only left them a one-dollar tip because the service was far from friendly.
The coffee itself still doesn't meet the basic standards I would expect from a place marketing itself as "artisan." However, I must admit the breakfast sandwich I ordered was excellent. Still, the overall service remains unprofessional and chaotic. They should consider training their staff to be more courteous and attentive because the employees' attitude leaves much to be desired. Uniforms would also enhance their presentation and give a more polished impression.
I understand that this is a rural area, but if they want to position themselves as an "artisan coffee" shop, they need to deliver more than just pretension: better customer service and properly prepared coffee would make a significant difference. A good WiFi connection and an appealing menu are not enough; customers return for the complete experience, and unfortunately, that is something they are not yet providing.
