Condesa Coffee — Restaurant in Atlanta

Atmosphere- This corner coffee shop lends most to the urban, industrial, warehouse vibe, with its concrete, high ceilings, steel & aluminum, and windows that entirely encompass the two outside walls. The amount of sunlight (or lack-there-of) casts a strong influence on the ambiance inside the shop. I love being able to be indoors but not be closed off to what's happening outside. At Condesa you can easily find a seat facing the windows which will give you an amazing look of the South East view of Atlanta.

Now, dress is a detail I don't believe we have ever felt the need to mention, but here at Condesa Coffee you will find each barista clothed and accessorized to fit the mood. We're talking suspenders, black framed glasses, fadoras, etc. I think it's a nice touch! It encourages this geeky fascination and appreciation for coffee in a similar way to what the people at Steady Hand Pour House over in Emory Village are doing.

One more note on the atmosphere- this Latin American detail that is worked into the name (Condesa meaning Countess) and the drinks (Mexican Colas and coffees originating in Central and South America). That's about as far as this layer of the atmosphere extends. Maybe we missed something else or perhaps they chose to keep it as a subtle accent.

Coffee- Serves Counter Culture Coffee and Intelligentsia teas. I was offered a taste of the coffee that was brewed at that point in my little tasting cup (located to the left). I loved the option to see how the coffee suited my palate- wow Jaclyn I can't believe you just wrote that. The coffee was rich and smooth and served piping hot. Excellence in a paper cup!

Service- Condesa is equipped with a helpful, interested and interesting, staff of beverage connoisseurs. Along with the coffee selection they also offer cocktails, beer, and wine. You will not find the baristas running around in a hurried manner. They individually craft each beverage creation so expect your order to take some time, even if it's simple pour over coffee. I don't know what would happen if a line of 10 people or so formed but I have a feeling that it would take a while. Keep this in mind and don't expect to run in, grab your drink, and fly because that's just not the way things operate here. And why would you want to? After all you read in the "Atmosphere" section I'm ashamed that you would even consider missing out on it.

Location-Condesa sits boldly at the corner of Freedom Parkway and John Wesley Dobbs Ave in the Old Fourth Ward. It's a convenient location that won't leave you driving around in circles in search of the cafe. A Path Foundation trail operates right next to it which also provides access to bikers, runners, and walkers. I can envision right now biking down the path trail on a hot summer day and stopping into Condesa for a refreshing iced tea. Parking is available on the side street and in the Tribute lofts parking deck.

Legitimacy- I don't doubt Condesa's legitimacy for a second. Just take a look at the brands it sells: Counter Culture, Intelligentsia, and Holeman and Finch pastries. The knowledge of the staff and the time that is spent on the offerings adds a significant value to whatever you choose to purchase and hopefully enjoy here.

Take a look at their blog to see...

Coffee was GREAT! The cashier/barista NOT SO MUCH. I shoulda have asked for his name but I guess he would not have given it since he was ignoring me and pretending he couldn’t hear me half the time. He also took my pictures behind the coffee machine as if I was dumb and blind not to notice it? It scaredme and creeped me out at the same time. If you have a problem - just say it, don’t sneak take pics of customers.

My friend was trying to pay with Apple pay and he was muttering under his breathe complaining he had to put the items in first - We were not rushing him at all but were checking if we can use Apple pay. So I said to his face that it was not very nice of him to talk like that and treat me friend like that. He said he did not say anything - as if we were deaf ? Afterwards, he made one brewed coffee for me and an iced one for NO ONE as my friend ordered Iced latte. So I pointed that out to him - nicely said I think he ordered iced latte. HE COMPLETELY IGNORED ME. Then later when the right latte was ready - he said the iced coffee was for someone else. Funny because there was no one else :)..... We finally sat down and he took his phone out and was obviously taking my pictures and I stared at his phone facing me and when he noticed that, he awkwardly changed the angle to as if he was taking picture of the coffee grinder... what? I called him out the second time he was taking my picture and he said he was taking picture of the coffee grinder. WHAT? You would take the picture of coffee grinder out of no where for what? Lol. I felt like it was an act of racism too.

I hope whoever runs this place sees this. It was Saturday 04/07/2019 in the evening. If you see this - to the jerk who worked that night, shame on. By the way, taking someone’s picture without consent like that - that is a crime dude :)

COFFEE...

I read the other reviews on my way here and almost drove on by to go somewhere else. I'm so glad I didn't! On one hand, I'd kind of like to keep it to myself. On the other, I want them to stick around. So....

Parking is no problem. Just turn down the street parallel to Freedom Parkway. Free street parking and a retail garage (not sure if its free but I think it is).

They DO take all credit cards. Another reviewer said no Amex but they use square and it's all there.

Coffee selection for pour over is superb. Enough said. Helpful barista took his time discussing the varieties.

Vibe/ambiance/atmosphere is very classic coffee shop. It's super clean and neat inside. Obviously, someone really cares about this. The view out the west window is amazing.

There were no hipsters (except the barista). I actually find hipsters entertaining. However, if you want a more diverse, urban culture without feeling like you are the least cool person in the room, this is your place.

I visited in the am for coffee but noticed an excellent whiskey selection for future reference :)

Finally, wifi and OUTLETS. There are not outlets at every table, but there are a few. If you need to charge, you can probably...