Pocket Coffee — Restaurant in Calgary

There's a new coffee shop in West Hillhurst -- 19th st NW, next door to the landmark that is the Dairy Lane cafe. My first impression: aesthetically, it's bright, modern, well laid out with appointments that smack of thoughtful planning and quality execution. It's a cozy space, with a few tables inside, and more tables outside on the shaded patio. Very nice. I like it. Will the products and service live up to initial appearances? Even more than I expected -- an my expectations were already high. Of course there is the usual assortment of teas, coffees, and special coffees, and then some. There are also fresh snacks and pastries. Today I had a london fog and a ham and cheese croissant. Fresh and flavourful. The service was efficient, and while the place was busy (packed, in fact), staff were friendly, and took the time to briefly chat with customers. The personal touch makes sense - -this is a family run small business, not a cookie cutter franchise unit--and it really shows. I recommend Pocket Coffee, and I wish Shayne and Jodi every success. I have a hunch this coffee shop is going to be...

Given this spot a couple tries but sadly has been consistently a bit strange and off putting.

Felt like we were inconveniencing the baristas by being there and then with our most recent visit there was no one at the front. Waited for five minutes, double checked the time to make sure they were still open, but no one showed so we left. Not sure if that’s normal and we missed a sign or meant to flag someone from the neighbouring space? I really do like the interior design and the overall atmosphere. The other reviews also seem fairly positive so perhaps just an unlucky...

I really love the vibe of this place and the pastries they have and I want to keep going back but unfortunately I don’t think it will be the case. The customer service is pretty much nonexistent, one time they just talked to each other behind the bar and ignored all customers; the orders were so chaotic. Then the second chance I decide to give there’s just one person behind the bar and not really much in the way of hello or welcome or any type of acknowledgment, truly lacking enthusiasm.

I don’t think I’ll be giving it another shot which is too bad. Hope it can...