Mike S.
Yelp
Boy, this was a really mixed experience. I met a new friend here (neither of us had been before but it was on both of our bucket lists and it was located midway between us). We arrived around 11am on a Saturday and it was about 1/4 occupied. The venue is both bright, airy, clean, and inviting. I was the only one at the register so I took the liberty of asking about their business model. It turns out they don't have a loyalty program (unlike Cafe Luce or Savaya or BlackRock, Exo, etc.,) and they also don't do plain coffee refills on any of their fancy drinks such as $6-7 lattes. The only time you are eligible to get a refill (they always cost $1, never free) is if you originally purchased a plain coffee to begin with.
My friend opted for a latte (there is only one size, 12 oz, and it's $7!) and she also got oat milk (their only alternative to cow's milk... no soy, almond, or coconut, which is her fav) and lastly she added lavender honey as the sweetener. BOTH of these cost an extra $1 each, resulting in a total of $9 for what amounts to a small latte at most other cafes. The taste was good (but to be clear, Not worth $9). The bigger disappointment was the Chai latte ($6.50 + $1 for oat milk, also just 12 oz). While the flavors (made from a powder/mix) were quite good and perfectly (medium) sweet, the execution was awful -- it arrived barely warm, just a fraction above room temperature. My friend and I had such a good conversation going by that time I didn't want to interrupt to protest the chai that became downright cold within 5 minutes, so I drank it as is. The staff was friendly, except for the one brunette with full arm/leg tattoos (and we love tattoos). She was... extremely sparing with any charm or politeness. Parking is ample and free in this small but elegant strip mall. There is also one bathroom and it was tidy. Wifi is free with password at the register.
Note: neither of us noticed that the cafe closes at 2pm (daily) and at 2:10 we were gently advised they had just closed (indeed there was no one left, Doh!).
Note: they don't have actual decaf drip/coffee. The only way they can make a cup of decaf is via an "Americano" which is decaf espresso diluted with a bunch of hot water (this is horrible tasting vs true decaf coffee). Other places may not have a pot of decaf ready at all times (understandably) but they'll do a no-up-charge pour-over of decaf ground coffee... it makes a big difference. It turns out both of us normally drink decaf daily (a trend I have noticed among more and more of my officemates too). Just something to keep in mind with YBC if you are a decaf drinker this would not be the place to get it, plus the refill Lol.