Chasen Brew — Specialty Matcha & Coffee — Restaurant in Vienna

I was there 5 months ago but I’m surprised I didn’t leave a review then. I was so excited from all the pretty pictures only to get my matcha in this paper cup without warning. Even worse, it was so ridiculously loud in the place (I’m not joking, I’ve never been in a place this loud in my entire life, something about the acoustics is seriously off) that it was impossible to hear them shout out the name for your order (if they even did that) so I kept glancing at the till from my seat. Since I only saw them preparing what looked like takeaway orders, I assumed they weren’t mine. Only after like 20 minutes I got very suspicious and went to the till to ask. They then told me the matcha latte in the paper cup was mine. I said I ordered one for sit in, can I not get a glass? And they said they’d run out. A) This should never happen and this is not what I came to pay for b) They should’ve informed me of this to begin with and c) If an order doesn’t get claimed for so long, maybe you should wonder why that is? I did not enjoy my experience at all since I was already annoyed, didn’t even have a pretty drink to console me and the noise levels were a real pain.

I know 3 stars seems generous for that but the food...

Ok look: the matcha is really good, ceremonial grade etc. no arguing with that.

Compared to other high quality matcha spots in town (if you know you know) it is more expensive and as a person already mentioned it is not appropriate to charge extra for plant milks and iced versions!!

Chasen Brew is a new stylish spot to hang out for the cool kids and Vienna insta girlies. The big mirror is nice for selfies, the interior is „aesthetic“ but personally I think a big plant or some more smaller ones would make such a difference in terms of coziness.

It is close to my work so I’ll definitely will come by regularly to get my matcha fix (even though I could prepare it home as well but it is nice to go for a matcha walk…)

As for the staff: the guy seemed nice and chill, the woman today not so much.

Mandatory tip selection on the card payment gives a not so good vibe. I don’t see the point to tip for take away (and generally… this tipping culture is too Americanized already)

So after all 5 ⭐️ for the matcha even though the rest is...

The cafe shows promise for the future but for now it’s disappointing.

I don’t think paying extra for vegan milk alternatives is viable anymore, it’s a way to secretly increase the price of the drink, when oat milk is no longer more expensive than cow milk and is highly requested. Some goes for ice.

The cafe needs soundproofing, when it is full, it is too loud to carry a conversation. I don’t see myself being able to concentrate here or meet a friend for a chat.

Although the coffee from Alt Wien is a very good blend from the neighborhood, it is far from specialty. I would welcome seeing another option of coffee blends, maybe from a smaller Viennese roaster.

This implies that the prices are too high. 5€ for a double espresso (from alt wien) is very high for local standards. Same goes for the cake selection, seems overpriced for the size and...