Iconoclast Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Edmonton

Edit: there seems to be a discrepancy between the kitchen which is outstanding, and the front of the house which is now bordering on appaling. Last time I went in I wanted to get out right away because of the sheer lack of courtesy from the cashier/barista/whatever. Last time it was cold coffee, this time it was cold people. Unattentive and dismissive. Next time I'm speaking with the manager because frankly, the girls up front are chasing customers away. Get somebody involved and competent to front your business. Below is my original review, before I took a star off.

First the good: atmosphere, people, food, freshly roasted coffee, all excellent. Uncomplicated place, it feels much more inviting than other places that cater to "in-crowds", you know where they are...

The pancakes that were on special were simply phenomenal. Something so simple as a pancake, but you realise just how much other places disrespect the ingredients and the execution when you have a top notch experience like here at Iconoclast. Simply the best-tasting, most perfectly executed pancakes I have ever had; anywhere.

Now for the sloppy: the espresso-based coffee, not great. Lukewarm and a bit of an off flavour to it. Other people have commented on this, I think maybe the baristas need to adjust something along the process. Also, a flat white to stay is rather small, and I mean tiny. It's no café au lait, which really that is what is meant to be. The brewed coffee was good, but again, more a reflection of the quality of the coffee than the execution as it was slightly weak and lower in temperature that ideal (though not as bad as the flat white).

I feel as though they could really improve on the coffee making, they certainly have the coffee roasted down, and the kitchen is just excellent. I will come back and hopefully I will add...

I stumbled upon this place accidentally and honestly thought it was going to be my new place. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be coming back because of customer service. I was excitedly opening my study books, looking forward to a lovely cup of coffee and maybe lunch a little after. I was a little bit disappointed that there was only one plug-in in the entire place, but that wasn't a deal breaker for me, since I also had books. Unexpectedly, before I could get into line, I received a phone call that was pretty serious. I was on the phone for about an hour when the manager/staff decided to have a word with me. He said "this is not a public place and you haven't purchased anything, and I hear you have been here for a while" (I am currently ON the phone with a friend whose mother just died). I was shocked, and I apologized and stated that I had intention to purchase and that I was just on the phone (as he could see). Anyways, I stayed, had the lunch combo and the Chai tea late. Both were good, nothing special. I would like to add that there were a total of 3 people in the whole place during the time I was there and parking is difficult. It did pick up slightly by lunch time with to- go orders, but I was in no way harming anyone or taking up a spot. I have never experienced this type of rude service and I frequent many coffee shops in Edmonton. Another way they could have approached is when I was off the phone, to actually come and ask if they could get me anything, if I was placing an order soon etc. Literally, anything else would have been appropriate. On the plus side, he did say thank you when he noticed I ordered. Anyways that's my review. Food =good, coffee=good, parking=difficult, customer service= poor by the staff/manager that approached me only- cant...

Signage is poor, but you enter through the main door to the building, not on the side. The atmosphere is alright, it is a bar style coffee roaster with open seating inside the roaster as well as out in the common area of the building. I liked the plants. My spouse ordered a Cappuccino and I ordered an Americano. The service was sub par. The barista took our coffee order then just immediately left without asking if we wanted a receipt or if we wanted anything else. They don't tell you if you should come to the bar to pick up your order or if they will bring it to you, so we guessed and sat at a table. The answer is they will bring it to you. My spouse is somewhat of a Cappuccino connoisseur. He reported that the Cappuccino was cold, it had a very distinct fruity flavour which was unexpected. My Americano was very watered down, and also had the distinct fruity flavour too. The notes on the coffee were not readily available which is unusual for a roaster, so the coffee flavour is unexpected in general as it is not a traditional coffee taste. The atmosphere is busy and lively, there is seating throughout and we were able to find seating right away. Although, I would not recommend coming here if you are looking for a quiet coffee shop atmosphere or somewhere to concentrate. There is food fare available as well if you are looking to come for lunch or dinner, they also serve alcohol. Overall, I would not return as this was not the roaster experience I was...