Calibrè Coffee — Restaurant in Barrington Township

Updated 2/25/20

I have gone to Calibre 10 - 15 times now. They extract a wonderful cup of espresso but the stars of the show are definitely their gluten-free treats. I have driven 45-60 mins back and forth from Long Grove to pick up an assortment for the family. They also make wonderful treats if you’re having company for Sunday brunch.

On a side note re: the cars and coffee gathering I seemed to have missed. Well, I finally found the group on Facebook and have since then met up with the good folks who meet up on most Sundays 8:30 - 10:30 AM.

First review:

I drove 30 minutes from Long Grove on a Sunday not for a cup of coffee but to check out their cars and coffee event. I got there around 8:45 AM to find a few (maybe 4 or 5 American sports cars) folks. I decided to park my car in their side lot right next to dedicated EV parking with a charger (so that’s a plus for Tesla owners).

As far as Calibre Coffee, it was spacious with enough tables, chairs and couches. I sat at the counter which I appreciated was there on a crowded Sunday. The Americano I had was hot and they used Intelligentsia Black Cat espresso beans which is a plus. I also tried their gluten-free blueberry muffin/madeleine which was absolutely delicious (maybe a tad bit too sweet).

I might be back again on a sunnier Sunday in the near future to see if folks come out for C&C event. Maybe I’ll try another coffee...

I arrived at the store at 4.48pm on the nose and they had locked the doors (they do close at 5pm). My review is for the attitude of the staff who would not even come to the door. I was there to buy beans,. I did not want a drink. 2min of his time and I would have bought $50 beans, but he would not even come to the door to hear a customers question. Instead he just mocked me from behind the counter.

All he had to do is entertain one question, a simple and civil, 'sorry we can't even run the register would have sufficed'. And then...he called security on me as I sat outside and wrote these comments.

The coffee is good. This treatment was bitter.

UPDATE: right after I posted the original review a different employee came outside and apologized that security had been called; he asked what the problem had been and listened. As I began to leave he asked if had a (credit) card and offered to complete a transaction for me (20min after closing). This employee, Adrian, was great; he was courteous and respectful.

The transaction to buy 2 bags of coffee beans for $50 took less than 2 minutes, and earnt Adrian a tip. I add 2 service stars back for Adrian's...

Tough review to write because I’ve been a customer since they opened and there are very few great coffee shops in the area. Calibre has declined in the last year and my last 3 visits tipped me to writing a review.

Negatives: it is expensive. My large drip is a few cents under $5. That would be ok, if they consistently delivered $5 quality. For a while the prices weren’t posted, to add to the sticker shock. product is inconsistent. The last few visits I have had a great cup, a meh cup, and a lukewarm cup. See above…$5?? too few baristas. Waits can be long as only one barista appears to be on staff in the mornings. I’ve waited 10 minutes to order my drip to find the drip is out and needed 10 minutes to brew. (More than once). One barista can’t keep up. the offerings (breakfast items, beans, pour overs) have been dumbed down in the last year, maybe because not enough help?

On the positive side, baristas try hard here and know how to prep espressos and caps and when you hit it right it can be very very good. And the baristas...