Avenue Brew — Restaurant in Bellevue

I’m not the type of person to leave reviews, especially bad ones specifically on local businesses. However, after hearing about experiences with close friends and a visit I recently had, I think this is necessary. Let me just start off by saying that I did not have high expectations for this place. From what I have heard from three former employees/trainees, Avenue Brew is neither a clean establishment nor is it one where ownership/management is respectful or kind. My close friend made me quite aware of this when her younger daughter had been yelled at by one of the owners in front of a busy crowd of people. Another close friend informed me that she worked there a few years ago and was treated awfully by the same owner. She came in recently and witnessed the same thing happen to another worker. If you do plan on still going here, the place is an unsanitary disaster. There is dust crawling on the walls and tables. Not to mention the fact that a few customers mentioned seeing mice run throughout the place. Finally. Be prepared to wait 25-40 minutes for two lattes. This place is grossly understaffed, which management/ownership should try to piece together as possibly being an issue in which they literally treat their staff awfully? I love a classic mom and pop shop but in this case, it’s important to look at the way your establishment looks as well as the people who represent your establishment look. I hope this is able to reach them and they can understand that changes here...

Having been here before over the years, it was disappointing to have SUCH a negative experience. If you literally have no where else to be during the day, by all means come. We were there on a Tuesday. Suffice it to say, by all appearances, they are disorganized, (and the windows/tables/outdoor area could use a good cleaning--and the fish tank!) and lack respect for their customer's time/business. I know we're rebounding from a pandemic, and I realize it isn't "fast food". Still, I would think long and hard about returning until they figure out a better system of service. Over an hour after ordering, one person in our party received their food (an incomplete order, and it was the premade casserole--so it could have easily been warmed and out) and was able to finish ENTIRELY while the other two parties STILL didn't have food, nor would have likely had food, without speaking up. The FOH gal had her hands full trying to navigate the register, make coffees/drinks and make sure the wandering co-worker randomly asking people "Is this your order?" (including the table long finished eating and ready to leave) wasn't delivering the wrong food. To be honest, I don't know that the first plate delivered to my mom wasn't someone else's. It just happened to be what she ordered. Who knows? Who cares? Plenty of other places to eat. I support small business always, and I'm willing to give a little, especially during these...

A good little coffee place on Bellevue's main drag. I like that they have so much outdoor seating for use on nice days, and the fact that they have Highlander Grogg available every time I've been in is a big plus. The inside of the shop is casual and colorful, with much to look at while waiting for your drink or food. Unfortunately, there's a good chance you'll be waiting awhile. I've been in about 5 times, and one of the last times I went, I ordered a breakfast sandwich. After ordering, I waited. And waited. No one seemed to go back to the kitchen to make it nor did anyone communicate to me that it would be awhile before anyone would be going back there to make it. Then I realized the man seemingly in charge of the kitchen that day was just up front casually talking to a customer about whatever. He finally finished his conversation, went back into the kitchen, and made the sandwich. He offered a "sorry about the wait" as he handed me the bag. It irked me a bit that I had to wait that long after ordering when very little was happening in the shop at the time, and I was late getting back to work because of it. I am trying to support local businesses as much as possible right now, and my time is more valuable to me than parting with my dollar. As someone used to Coffee Emporium, Black Coffee, and myriad other fine shops with excellent service, I think I'll be more discerning about where to go for a quick breakfast...