Columbus Coffee — Restaurant in Ōrākei

A group of four of us arrived at Columbus, sat down and weren't given any notice by any of the staff. We went up to order and had to grab ourselves water from the water station. When we sat down, we noticed that all the glasses were dirty and the water was warm and had floating bits in it. The coffee came out at different times and tasted bitter despite my order being a mochachino with sugar. They attempted to give us drinks that weren't ours and had to ask what our drinks order was two times. After receiving most of our drinks, we waited on smoothies for a very long time until we finally had to go up and ask how long they would be. When we finally were given our food, the bread was already buttered, and covered with eggs which by this time made the bread soggy. The extras we paid for were missing and the food was served on black, unclean, plates. However, the serving size and quality of the food was quite good. As couple of us work or have worked in customer service and hospitality we didn't mention anything to the staff as we understood that it was still the beginning of the year and that maybe they were understaffed, as well as the fact that we were just happy the food was good. However, the cafe was extremely quiet and it was just disappointing that the local cafe I used to go to many years ago, felt like it had made less of an effort in customer service then a fast food restaurant, where you order online, arrive when it specifies and your food is...

Absolutely furious with the experience at this Columbus Coffee. I called ahead and was told they do free birthday coffee. Drove all the way there on my birthday, only to be told I need to show the voucher on the app—which was nowhere to be found. I showed my ID clearly proving it’s my birthday, but the staff still REFUSED to honour it. Instead, I was told to call customer support, which goes straight to voicemail with a message saying it’ll take 48 hours to respond—seriously? The Philipinal staff had the nerve to say I could take my ID and try another store for my “free” coffee—what a joke! Do they expect me to waste more time and petrol just to maybe get a coffee elsewhere?

To make things worse, I NEVER received the 2-for-1 voucher when I first downloaded the app, as promised.

This is pathetic customer service, and I’ve had enough. Columbus Coffee is blacklisted permanently. I’m telling all my friends and family to avoid this brand entirely....

2AUG17 It is a year since I was last here. Had tea this time - with an Auckland Council ATEED executive to discuss a very timely concept with the potential to unite agriculture and urban life. Fast service. Upping the rating from three to four stars. Also, the street life is one of the joys of sitting in this cafe's window seat. Check the motor bike!

18Jul15 Business meeting with two Board colleagues went well in this store because of good coffee, prompt service and roomy, well lit, interior. Friendly, attentive, staff. Really a 3.5 star rating. I tend to rate these Columbus Cafe's 0.5 to 1.5 stars above the...