El Union Coffee — Restaurant in La Union

We have been to Elyu recently so we tried El Union since it is one of the hyped-up coffee places in Elyu. However, here are our experiences:

Bad customer service. It was around 11am and we were informed that our group (who were currently in line) will be the last ones included in the cut-off since the crew will take their breaks. We ordered 5 iced coffees, 1 cookie, and 1 La Trinidad coffee bean jar. The crew who took our orders wasn't friendly at all. He gives off negative energy and made us feel like a nuisance. He told us to wait for the drinks then when the drinks finally arrived, they dont have lids and they did NOT provide lids (eventhough it was raining; so we cannot take the drinks out)

The coffee beans are old. I bought their La Trinidad 250G coffee bean jar which costs 700+. I was very dismayed when I found out that the beans they gave me is almost 2 MONTHS OLD from its roast date. Roast date: July 13, 2023 Bought date: Aug 27, 2023

Miscalculated orders and no receipt. The crew asked as to pay 2,010 pesos in total which I thought at first seems too much but I also thought it might've been the beans that made it expensive. They DIDNT provide receipts. Back at our hotel, when we computed, we should've just paid 1,700+ total. We have no idea why there’s 300+ discrepancy.

Overall all, it was a very bad experience for tourists like us. Good thing their Iced Mocha is good so I'll give a star to that.

I am writing this review as a constructive feedback that would help the business identify what they should improve on. We hope someday when we visit Elyu again, we'll have better experience than this.

——— Update: October 3, 2023

I have updated my review from 1 star to 3 stars.

Reason: El Union reached out to us and sent us newly roasted coffee beans for free. Also, the crew who communicated with us were very friendly and professional. Thank...

A hidden pearl along the shores of the once sleepy town of San Juan, El Union Coffee has blossomed into a bustling hotspot for coffee enthusiasts and foodies alike. With a humble beginning as a coffee shack, this cozy café has transformed into a committed supporter of small-scale coffee farmers, sourcing their beans directly without middlemen.

My experience at El Union Coffee was delightful, albeit the long wait times due to the surging popularity of the place. But the food and coffee were worth the patience. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I sipped on their specialty brews sourced from local farmers in the northern Philippines. The care and transparency in their direct trade with coffee-farming communities truly stood out.

The menu offered a delightful range of options for both coffee and food lovers. I indulged in their scrumptious lunch options, savoring the flavors of their thoughtfully crafted dishes. The blend of locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavors was truly a treat for my taste buds.

El Union Coffee's commitment to supporting local farmers and their future plans of setting up their own farm is truly commendable. The passion and dedication of the team, including their alumni turned coffee entrepreneurs, is evident in every sip and bite.

If you're in La Union, a visit to El Union Coffee is a must. Be prepared for the crowds, but rest assured that the food and coffee will leave you craving for more. A culinary experience that will awaken your senses and leave you with a taste of the Philippines' rich coffee...

Great food as always, but service could use some warmth

I absolutely love El Union’s food — it was honestly the second thing I was most excited about on my recent trip to San Juan. It’s a place I always recommend to others, and it’s the kind of spot that people tell me to visit too. The food and coffee never disappoint, and I really appreciate the brand’s philosophy of a laid-back, down-to-earth, and welcoming vibe.

However, my recent experience fell short of that signature vibe, mainly because of the service. As someone who also works in the service industry, I know we all have off days — but a basic level of courtesy really makes a difference.

When I was placing my order, I asked if I could pay by card since I didn’t have cash on hand. I didn’t mean to cause any inconvenience, but the cashier’s attitude caught me off guard. Their reaction felt dismissive and abrupt, which left me feeling confused and honestly a bit embarrassed.

Later, when I was called to receive my order, I accidentally left my card at the counter — another awkward moment that could have been handled with a bit more patience and understanding.

I still have so much respect for El Union, the team behind it, and the effort that goes into creating such good food and coffee. I just hope the customer experience can match the heart that clearly goes into everything else.

Despite this, I’m still a fan and I look forward to coming back — hopefully to the same great food and the warm vibe El Union is known for. Kudos to the team, and I...