Denim Coffee — Restaurant in Carlisle

ADDITIONAL UPDATE: Since posting my updated review, things have gotten a little better at denim coffee. The space is starting to come together, with better attention paid the atmosphere of the shop, and slightly better quality control. The coffee can still be hit-or-miss, but it's probably the best coffee that you can get in Carlisle. Carlisle could still use a true quality coffee shop, but for now denim will do.

UPDATE: I hate to say it, but the quality of coffee has really gone downhill since their opening, and the space still feels like the shop opened 3 days ago, not 4 months ago. I recently have gotten cappuccinos that taste burnt and watery, with thin overheated milk. The space, while having potential, feels empty and uninviting. With no art or decor on the walls, large empty food cases, and often no music playing. With some love and attention payed to the space, and REAL QUALITY CONTROL payed to the coffee, this could be a good coffee shop. For now, don't bother.

ORIGINAL REVIEW FOLLOWS

Finally, good coffee in Carlisle! I've enjoyed 2 drinks so far; an espresso shot, and a small Mocha Latte. The espresso was pulled pretty well, with no burnt or watery taste, but had little crema. The flavor, however, was very good and had a delightful sweet character without being overly bright, the perfect characteristics for espresso flavor in my view. I got this cup on their second day open, so I'll chalk up the minimal crema to dialing in a new machine. I'll get another one in a few days to see if things have improved in the texture department. The mocha was very well crafted, had excellent milk texture, and I was pleased to see that the small came in an 8oz cup. Many flavored "espresso" drinks from corporate coffee chains can be as large as 16oz, and the majority of that space is filled with the syrup and milk, leaving the espresso masked. It's always a good sign when a coffee shop will offer flavored drinks in small sizes, it shows that they're proud of their coffee flavor and are not afraid to let it show in the drink. Good on Denim for letting that great espresso shine! I've yet to try any of thier black coffee offerings, but it seems that there are single origin offerings on menu pulled through a chemex, and standard brewed coffee as well. I'll have to try them soon, and if they're as good as the espresso offerings I'm likely...

I recently visited Denim Coffee and to say the least I wasn’t impressed. I myself am a barista at another local coffee shop, and my boss encourages us to go out and try other coffee shops especially ones that roast in house as we do. When I was ordering my drink, I noticed that they did not have a large variety of flavors which I thought was strange. When I asked the baristas behind the counter what toast their espresso was, the one had no idea what I was saying. Luckily the other barista chimed in and attempted to answer my question. He basically said that it’s italian style, and it’s a darker roast. Well espresso is Italian so I’d hope it would be so, and he seemed unsure that it was in fact a dark roast. I was impressed at his description of the coffee as having an earthy tone, and I know with having experience of being a barista, that describing coffee for me is difficult. Regardless I ordered an iced white mocha peppermint and cinnamon latte which is cleverly advertised on their pastry case, if I remember correctly. It was delicious. It’s probably the only reason I gave them a two. I thought the flavors complemented their espresso very well. Overall I would try again, but I would hope that their baristas would know more...

Because I am new to the area, I have been trying out a some of the coffee shops around the Harrisburg area and Denim is my favorite so far! Both my husband and I like their rich and dark coffee and have enjoyed several treats too. The working environment has plenty of natural light and electrical plugs, which makes a big difference when you intend to hang out for a long time! There are a few small areas for improvement, in my opinion. It would be helpful if there was always someone at the counter to answer questions or take orders. Every time I have been to Denim, I have waited awhile for service. One time I was there the internet was not working and there were no signs notifying customers and the staff told me they would check on it and never followed up. (Kind of a deal-breaker when you need to work!) I ended-up having to connect to another network nearby while I ate my scone. Customers really appreciate a friendly "I don't know, but I will see how I can help!" Overall, they have a great product and large working environment and I...