Third Wave Coffee — Restaurant in Pune

Long time Third Wave customer here so it pains me to say this: Third Wave really needs to invest in Barista training - I was served two mediocre coffees on two consecutive days.

First day, I was served a very acidic V60 - felt extremely over extracted. I know Indian coffees don’t do too well with percolation, so I let it pass. Maybe it was bad ordering on my part.

Second day, I was served an absolutely horrible flat white. The milk was not textured properly and was piping hot. It felt like something you’d get at Durga Coffee (conveniently located close by, if anyone fancies an alternative)

Clearly, it’s not the poor barista’s fault but more a systemic problem within Third Wave.

This review reeks of snobbishness and the reality is, most folks would never know the difference between well textured milk and terrible white swill. But if you’re marketing yourself as a specialty coffee chain and charging $$ for your drinks, I think it’s reasonable to expect a certain level of quality from the output.

Hope this changes - or perhaps Blue Tokai opens up in Aundh? Either way, hoping for a change.

Update (as of December 2023) Baristas still need to be trained - we asked for 4 cappuccinos (one in a takeaway cup, others to have in store) - all our coffees came in takeaway cups. Milk texture was abysmal. Milk temp was way too high for specialty coffee.

Manual brews were not available for some reason. So we had to make do with an americano.

The last time I wrote a negative review, they were kind enough to call me and offer free drinks (to me and my family!) so I appreciate the customer service.

BUT the bottom line is that Third Wave (at least the aundh branch) cannot rightfully call itself a specialty...

Expected fresh coffee from this specialty coffee shop. Checked the shelf which had 40-50 days old coffee. Barista was reasoning that starbucks has coffee older than 6 months. Well, why you chose third wave as your brand name then? Just name it ThirdWaveBucksToo.

One can actually order from their website and get freshly roasted beans instead of paying astronomical prices for the old coffee which has already passed its peak. After visiting KP's branch I had recommended this to so many people I know, I wish I paid a visit to this branch before I advised anyone.

Check on shelf before ordering. If you see coffee older than 4 weeks, just leave!

As bad as it sounds to a coffee person, I'd actually advise going to starbucks (if desperately in need of caffeine) which is just beside Crossword, there you atleast get an ambience which may kinda justify the premium price tag.

This isn't a specialty coffee shop ( Aundh branch) by any standards. Just a fancy cafe with fancy tools. Coffee is their last concern.

Needless to say I didn't drink their coffee. Why would I? I don't have a thing for sad...

A small cafe nestled inside the Crossword store, and I must say, it was quite an enjoyable experience. The cafe had a cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and sipping a cup of coffee with your friends. The staff was friendly and quick in taking orders, ensuring prompt service.

However, there was one minor inconvenience that we encountered . The billing counter was located on the ground floor, while we opted seating area of first floor. This arrangement made it a bit inconvenient to request additional items, such as sugar or placing new orders. Each time we wanted something, we had to go downstairs to the counter to make our request. Even there was no one available from the staff at first floor for taking any orders

It would have been more convenient if there were a way to place orders directly from the first floor or if there was staff available on the upper level to...