Downtown Espresso (Huntsville, ON) — Restaurant in District Municipality of Muskoka

Let's start with the fact that I am a small business owner and know what it takes to put a quality product and experience out there. From all the rave reviews, I understand that if you want a true Italian coffee experience, this is the place to be. But, God forbid, you should lack the taste and refinement to want it served the way they want to serve it to you. The woman behind the counter was pleasant but when the owner came bustling in and I asked for a bit more vanilla I was shamed. Between the oat milk and vanilla I clearly didn't deserve to be served a beverage there. I understand being proud of a quality product and would have been fine with a joking chastisement but there was no warmth or kindness. It was clear the place has quite a following as he warmly greeted all the young women who came through the door but he likely has his customers well trained - or natural selection has kept those away who order off script. I get it, I sell tea...if you ask for milk and sugar, I wince, but I don't chastise you or make you feel less than...it was a rainy hard morning to ride a motorcycle and I was so looking forward to this experience as this shop was recommended. I wolfed down my custard croissant (which was excellent) and then we took off...would rather brave the rain than hang out there....

My Sister in law had mentioned a new coffee shop had opened in Huntsville, and generally I'm skeptical of coffee shops in non metropolitan areas, as I've come from a decade of residing in Toronto and now live in a small town where the shops here (and most similarly small towns) are hit and miss.

We got to Downtown Espresso with about 7 minutes to spare before closing time and the welcome couldn't have been lovelier and more genuine, followed by conversation that took us beyond close, saturated in an air of big city, confident, Italian, attitude - and a side of precocious snark when I was goaded into taking the final custard cornetto of the day - all of which only added to the charm of the visit.

Not to bury the lead, but the coffees are deftly executed and delicious - so much so, it warranted a return visit the next day on our way out of town. For a properly made and enjoyable cup this is easily the best spot I've encountered in Muskoka in the years I've been regularly visiting.

The shop itself is cute, cozy and eclectic with an atmosphere driven by the well volumed mix of 60's - 00's pop and rock. The height adjustable, rotating, brightly painted pastel dining tables added a touch of playfulness to this warm and welcoming...

Totally agree with those who gave this coffee shop just one star. The barista (who might also be the owner) was quite strange. We visited the cafe yesterday morning, and there was no greeting—not even a simple "Good morning."

Since it was my first time there, I didn't realize I had to order at the counter, so I sat at a table and waited. About five minutes later, I noticed the barista and another woman, who was repeatedly wiping down a desk, chatting with each other about an event. Neither of them seemed to acknowledge my presence.

Finally, I went to the counter and asked if I should order there or at the table. After that, I placed my order and got my coffee, but the whole experience felt unfriendly and unwelcoming. They didn't seem to care about their customers at all. Why run a business if you treat people like that?

Oddly enough, before entering the shop, a local guy was really nice and warm. He offered help when he saw me looking for the parking signs and kindly told me the space allowed for three hours of free parking....