Calm Waters Coffee — Restaurant in Bristol

I used to come to Calm Waters for years because of its prime location. Not anymore.

The coffee is NOT special. Espresso-based drinks tend to be fine, but that’s where it stops. No interesting single origins or experimental varieties. They only have 1 coffee for pour-over. It’s been the same one for months. At $6.75, it’s more expensive than any pour-over I’ve seen in downtown Philly. And…it’s not even that great.

No food options apart from pastries, grilled cheeses, pretzels and some other empty-calorie items. What about those of us who actually need something nutritious to eat?

Opening hours seem to benefit only the management. On some weekdays they work only till noon. In some seasons, they're closed a part of the week. Doesn't seem very customer-oriented.

Half the staff are suffering from some kind of angst/anti-socialism. They don’t smile or engage with you in pleasant conversation, which is a huge part of the coffee shop experience for me. In fact, they are often so busy with all kinds of side work, that they just brush your off as an inconvenience. They rush through serving you so they can get back to seemingly more important things like sweeping or restocking napkins, apparently to appease their boss.

The arrogant manager (whom I'll call Jer) is too concerned with his self-importance than with making your stay pleasant. Won’t lift a finger to help out or hear your concerns.

Overall, a dismal experience in what could be a decent coffee shop space.

P.S. A few miles over the bridge in Burlington, you’ll find a lovely shop called Evermore. It’s filled with joyful staff who will give you the time of day. The coffee options are endless, including all kinds of single origin beans and experimental varieties. Plenty of nutritious food to choose from and good vibes all around. Worth the drive?...

If there was an option for ZERO stars, that’s what I would choose. I was publicly embarrassed by a barista named Emily who refused to serve my family inside the cafe (like any other family) because I have a service dog. (My service dog had his harness on identifying him as a working service dog.) Emily was quick to jump out from behind the counter, and “shew” us back towards the entry door, explaining to us that they don’t allow any pets inside and that she can only take our order from the sidewalk outside. I explained to her that he isn’t a “pet” he is my service dog. She replied “I’m sorry, it’s our policy.” She asked again to take our order outside (Side note-They had no customers outside.), and at that point we were so disgusted we wouldn’t give them business. I don’t typically write reviews; however, we were referred to this establishment for their coffee, and now, we want to expose to anyone that is willing to listen the type of business they are - not offering the same service to everyone regardless of their...

I don't normally leave 5-star reviews (check me out)...four stars if you are good...three stars if you are average....

I give Calm Waters 5-stars because it is really good, but, more importantly, Calm Waters doesn't have a peer in the area...that's right...there are no coffee shops (15 miles) in the area that are even half as good as Calm Waters.

But Calm Waters isn't just good because everyone else sucks, it is good because they have an amazing roast for their coffee (not burnt, actually roasted)...they also have great snacks that are sourced from local bakers and producers.

Finally, it is such a calm and beautiful environment to enjoy your coffee in. Whether you are meeting a couple of friends, doing a little reading or studying, or just taking a break from shopping in Bristol, Calm Waters is an environment that will re-energize you whether you have a highly caffeinated shot of espresso or something with no...