So I stopped by this coffee shop for coffee because I was driving buy and the curb appeal caught my eye. I passed it so I reversed 50 to 100 yards and parked behind an F150 that was parked in Front of the store. I got out of my car, dropped my black and mild on the sidewalk and started to stand in line. The double doors were open and I was the only customer that did not cross the threshold of the doorway.There were about 4 to 5 customers waiting to order in front of me,not including an extremely dirty shirtless and shoeless guy in the store in which the employee in question gave him a water cup it appeared. The homeless man thanked the employee and left with his water cup no problems.I thought she was pretty nice for that.(at that moment). The pace of the employees reflected the 0740 time of day and the line was long so I decided to return to my black and mild smoking until the line progressed. I returned to my car to to check my phone my music was playing on low as I had left my car running because it was directly in front of the building. I closed my passenger car door after checking my phone, turned around and continued smoking as I monitored the line. I noticed an Asian man working on his laptop outside the shop as he drank his coffee. Moments later I noticed an Asian older lady approaching the coffee shop and line, so I stepped closer to the door to indicate I was as wanting to purchase coffee. The Asian lady acknowledged me being in line and kind of laid back instead of cutting me in line. Prior to that there was a white lady who instead of acknowledging my presence outside the door she walked right passed me to place herself at the threshold of the door. It wasnt a big deal so I didnt mention it but that is why I made sure the next person know I was iwalked around in a circle a few time then noticed the Asian lady lite a cigarette and walked a few yards away from were I was standing. I thought to myself " she didnt even want a cigarette, she just saw me smoking and decided light up herself (no harm). I did another paced in another circle then rhis employee came out of the store and said "Excuses me sir you can not smoke within 25 feet of this building. If you do not leave I will call security ." Naturally I was confused at how situation started at leave or I will call the police." The employee went back in the store without an response from me as I was trying to process what the hell happened. I grabbed my phone from the car and dropped my black and mild near my car and entered the coffee shop to get documentation of what just happened. I asked the rude and ugly employee while I was recording her on my phone " "excuse me ma'am but what is your name? " employee stated her name and said " id you dont leave I will call security." The white lady who cut me was now at the front of the line she said " why dont you just leave. She already said to leave or will call security. Just go." Now at this point I am saking from anxiety. I am a black man talking to 2 white women who do not have any interest in treating me how they want to be treated which means this situation has all the ingredients to turn really bad really fast. So the pressure was on me to stay calm and collected during a situation in which I know I was not being treated kindly Fairley or with respect. As a 36 year old black man in America. I have learned the hard way to just let ugly be ugly by itself. Do not match it. So the employee said " I told you you can not smoke and to leave. " I said " was I ever given the opportunity to put the cigar out?" Employee said " I asked you to leave." As I was getting my vehicle I asked the Asian man working on his laptop " excuse me sir. Do you think if it had been the Asian lady in that situation the employee would of given her 5he opportunity to put it out?" The Asian man said " Yes I do think she would have given her the opportunity to put it out." It is very difficult to not notice I was the only
An amazing coffee house in San Diego downtown!Baristas are very friendly with a beautiful attitude. Great menu with sandwiches in addition to classical pastries. I recommend egg sandwich (with multi-grain toast).Their cappucino is also really nice and strong!The tables in front of the cafe are nice to sit and enjoy food and drinks.Many locals come to this place, so vibe is almost always great!
Seriously so good! Used to manager a coffee shop and it’s surprisingly easy to make a bad cup of coffee so it makes me nervous to go else ware and waste money. Every experience I’ve had here is amazing! Love all the staff, and like chatting with them (sorry if that annoys them lol I know absolutely no one in SD so I dont get to chat much lol). I’ve had both hot and cold coffees. Both great! I’ve been craving the almond milk honey cinnamon latte and hillcrest sandwich add bacon (chefs kiss). I’ve only visited this location and want to see the others!
Achilles is the spot. My team worked in San Diego for a few weeks and the whole crew on Fourth and J are wonderful. LaAna, Nathalie, and Andrew were a joy to see daily and they make a mean cup of coffee/latte/you name it, it’s good. As for the food? Bangin’. Everythingis yummy and the folks in the kitchen are amazing. Everyone working here is the MVP. I will miss this joint when we depart San Diego.
Pretty decent almond milk latte, although not my favorite ever
The staff was fine and pleasant. I think it may have recently reopened and at least one person was new and having trouble with the register. Her co-worker kindly helped her with it.
Small coffee shop on Cortez Hill serves up excellent coffee and light breakfast mills. I stopped by one early morning and had a great experience. coffee was on point, breakfast sandwich was made to order, therefore very fresh and indeed delicious. It's a small space, but there are few seatings outside.
Just so you know, I do mind to wait outside on a cold morning when literally nobody else is in the store. Not a welcoming feeling for a first-timer. And now that I think about it, you did not make the guest before me with his dog wait outside. But instead you make me wait outside like a dog. And after I just tipped the Barrista generously.
This is a gem of a place! Delicious coffee which they roast themselves - I recommend the dark roast. They can also make fancy coffee drinks like lattes and such, and I overheard another customer raving about the latte art. They also have a robust breakfast/lunch menu with a wide variety of sandwiches. We went two days in a row and I can attest the lox is good, and the sandwiches on the pretzel buns are tasty - try the fig jam! They are also dog-friendly, allowing dogs in the shop with treats at the counter. Highly recommend!
I want to love this place, but I just can’t. I’ve dropped in here a few times because it’s so close to my apartment and I want to give it a shot. But each time, I am reminded why I didn’t come back earlier. The coffee is consistently bad and lacks flavor while good customer service is inconsistent. I want to support local businesses, but it’s hard to justify when the product isn’t good and quality service is lacking.