Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company — Restaurant in Big Bear Lake

Disappointed in the service we had here today. After asking for a vanilla late, the barista asked if I wanted a 12, 16 or 20oz. I asked “do you use a double basket espresso shot for each of the sizes?” This is my usual question when ordering larger milk drinks like this, as some 2nd wave coffee shops like Starbucks/diners have different espresso amounts in each size, but other specialty/3rd wave coffee shops use a standard double basket (16-20g of beans) no matter what the drink size is.

The barista responded to my question in a condescending tone saying “Where do you think you are? No of course not.” I responded saying “That is not always the standard practice, my fiancée and I have worked at a number of coffee shops where it was standard to use a double basket in each drink.” He responding again condescendingly “Oh yeah? Where? Starbucks?” I told him no. Yet even if we had, Starbucks is one of the few places who do increase their espresso amount based on drink size-like his establishment.

He then confused us, or maybe he was confused with his set up, but he said they all use the same basket, but have different amounts of caffeine in each drink. So either they are under filling their espresso baskets, which would create inconsistent depth from the grounded beans to the group head causing improper pressurization/flavor. Or they are pouring the same espresso amount for each drink, but throwing out the extra amount for lesser sized drinks.

We decided to not get anything because of his attitude and took our buisness else where. I would like to note that I do believe my fiancé and i were calm and respectful throughout the interaction, but the was not...

Came in to buy some beans and try a latte as I like to do when visiting new places.

Unfortunately the shop was closed due to weather, but they sold and some beans. The freshest they had was around 8 days old, a bit older than I like to purchase typically. Bags are not sealed and do not have one way valves to let the beans gas off after roasting.

Talked to the barista a bit about dosing and brewing process specific to their beans, he had no idea what I was talking about. I expect that at a chain, but when you are roasting your own product at least know some basic barista technique.

Only gets a 4/5 for the beans being quite good, otherwise I'd have gone lower. They're pretty dark roast, which kills a bit of caffeine, but does make for a very pretty shot and drink. Would have preferred some fresher stuff on the shelf and a sealed bag. Owner has some small areas to improve upon which would be easy and make a...

I think the espresso beverages here are little strong. Small=3 shots,medium=4 shots. But it's a roaster and I am rating this place based on their beans. Normally I am not a big fan of flavored beans, they usually hide something. I bought 2 bags of flavoured beans, each had relatively recent roast dates. They extract great espresso, smell and taste fantastic too. There are sample bean jars on the shelf you can see and smell before buying a bag. Their bean bags don't have valves, and the wait time in the shop was a little high due to it being a one-man show at the time (this labor shortage warning was posted at the door, so can't blame him). Also the opening time was one hour later than what Google suggested (might change back). If you are a coffee lover of any kind, or looking for a gift, this is a must-go place in Big Bear before you...