Cork Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Cork

Decent coffee & pastries (2/5 green stars) Cork Coffee Roasters have expanded beyond Bridge Street by opening this second branch on French Church Street. The smell of freshly roasted coffee is very inviting. It’s a busy spot so you may have trouble finding a seat. No Wi-Fi. I had a flat white and berry tart for €5.50. Coffee (their medium roast “Rebel City” espresso blend) was small, pretty strong, with nice dense flat white foam. Most coffees cost around €2.50. They roast the coffee themselves and it’s quite well done, but on the dark side compared to third wave roasters from places like Portland and San Francisco. Staff members were busy but very efficient and polite. There’s an interesting little cubby at back with red lighting, and also outdoor seating on French Church Street – a cute, busy lane near Rory Gallagher place. The tart (€3) was fresh and very substantial – delicious berries and a crunchy oat topping. They sell coffee beans in the usual foil bags – it’s a pity they didn't go with compostable paper-based bags considering they are a local small operation.

I’m giving them 2/5 “green stars” for social and environmental impact for now (until more info becomes available). I’ve spent a couple of hours searching for information on their coffee sourcing policies but have come up with very little. On their website they say “We use only the best Premium Coffee Beans available.” Alas, this means nothing on its own. Here are some pros and cons: Pro: For those taking coffee to go, they deliver drinks without a lid, thus reducing waste a little bit. Cons: I could find no information to suggest that they pay above-market prices for green coffee beans or otherwise support coffee farmers. There is also no information (or certifications) to suggest that any of the coffee is organic or shade grown (etc.) Their coffee bean packaging is not eco-friendly. Barista hourly wage is reported (on Glassdoor) at around €9 – around minimum wage. Hopefully the owners can update or correct this with new information. Interested in writing green star reviews? If so, contact me!...

Frequented Cork Coffee Roasters for years, I can remember when the owners were in there we had some great chats about coffee roasting. Also the weekly coffee in Mahon Point Market. Went in there recently with family (young children) for a treat having just been to a funeral. I cannot aptly describe the horrendous experience we encountered. There was one lady behind the counter and it was not busy. I placed my order and while I was waiting for the coffees to be made she made an agressive comment to me out nowhere at the top of her voice. When I told her that was rude she proceeded to throw me, my wife and children out of the cafe. She has serious mental issues and should not be working in a customer facing industry. She continued to shout at us out the cafe door onto the street. As a customer, I expect to be treated with respect, and shouting is never acceptable. This incident left me feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed, and it has completely ruined my impression of this place. My children were crying their eyes out on the street. I hope the management addresses this issue and trains the staff on proper customer service. Until then, I can’t recommend this...

Cork coffee roasters is an institute in the city and always enjoy having a cuppa when visiting. This branch is a hole on a wall, with only 1 table inside to enjoy a cuppa, with multiple seats outside with no heaters. Prices have noticeably gone up, in line with inflation.

They apply a surcharge for dairy alternatives, which always feels predatory for those with dietary sensitivities. No toilet facilities on site.

Disappointed with the baked goods they offer. Grabbed a caramel square and disappointed to find it was very dry and overall, unpleasant. The lemon slice was also dry.

Barista when we visited was super friendly and outgoing, girl at the till was noticeably quieter and didn't say much during our exchange. Would visit again when around the area but wouldn't be rushing...