Harken Cafe — Restaurant in Charleston

Terrible coffee, terrible matcha, terrible food, terrible experience. Expired Milk!!! My friends and I went for brunch and caffeine on Saturday, and I got an iced latte and a slice of quiche, and my friend got a matcha latte. I asked for cream in my coffee, which the cashier said they did not have, and she was like we have whole milk, which I said that's fine. I got my coffee and there was literally a chunk of milk that I had to spit out, and my quiche had fuzz on it. I got the quiche first which I took back once I saw the fuzz, but I was not upset bc I know that happens sometimes, until I got my coffee. When I had to spit out a chunk of milk I almost threw up. I didn't want to take the coffee back too because I was embarrassed and I am not one to complain to a restaurant. My friend took it back for me and the manager came out to talk to me! She said it was probably because I didn't ask for sweetener and the coffee was probably just bitter. It was absolutely not just bitter, I love coffee, and I drink it every day! I did not want to argue or anything, I just wanted a refund. She said she would refund it and she never did. The charge is still on my card but the quiche was refunded, so I know for a fact the coffee was not at this point. My friend got her matcha latte and it also had chunky milk in it, as you can see in the attached picture. I will not be back and I will tell anyone that mentions that place to...

Could the employees in this place be any worse? Rude, unhelpful and not a single one of them smiles. Thanks for reminding me why I don't come here very often....

You wanna go 12 rounds? Great- I could do this all day. I love that you think my behavior was inappropriate as if I care even a little bit what you think-chubby blonde lady and miserable employees. I was merely responding to your total lack of awareness and empathy towards your guests. (As well as any manners your mothers may have taught you.) I would understand if it was just one barista having a bad day, but it's not just one of them, it's all of them and it's not just that day, it's every time I come in. I will say that at least you always meet my expectations! I expect a mediocre experience and I always have one. Also: Your team is far from accommodating. Nice Try. I simply asked for honey to be added to my drink. The reply was "No. There's honey behind you". In the service industry, accommodating means willing to help with a patron's needs. You were also far from accommodating when you demanded I not block the aisle that I was forced to stand in to get my own honey. See where I'm going with this? You cannot DEMAND respect from your patrons without first giving it. Lastly, I won't be needing an invitation back to your poor excuse for a coffee shop. It's hilarious to me that you would think I'd ever step foot back...

Overall: Quaint yet sophisticated, with delicious sweets and drinks.

The good: Two of the three baked goods we got were outstanding. A chocolately "cinnamon roll" made with sweet potato was a surprise hit, with our favorite being a spring-like glazed orange loaf, filled with bits of apricot and pine nuts(?). They routinely change, and I can't remember their names. The treats themselves are large and definitely baked day-of, so there's no need to worry about the freshness. The decor speaks for itself - every corner of the restaurant blends together to create a warm, cozy feeling. There's an extreme attention to detail (in a good way), from major design choices like the orange espresso machine and exposed brick, to the tiniest of details like a twine bow on a book near the window. Service was friendly and prices are reasonable.

The not-so-good: The matcha chocolate chip muffin was dry and didn't have enough chocolate chips in it. The aforementioned "cinnamon roll" we got would have been twice as good if it was heated up first (they wouldn't let us have it heated after we took a bite, understandably). Had to wait in the long line to pay for a coffee refill (half price). Limited seating is both a pro (exclusivity) and a con (we had to wait for seats inside).

Food/drink: 8/10 Atmosphere:...