Binki Cafe Charlotte — Restaurant in Charlotte

Edited to reflect owner response:

I recognize that I should have alerted someone that I was picking up an order, that was my mistake. I was very tired.

However, the crux of the issue is that I was told explicitly that my online order would not be made until I arrived at the store, which defeats the purpose of ordering online, and also negates the need for a convenience fee paid by the customer. I was also given a window of time estimate for when my order would be ready in my confirmation email. I "just came in and sat down" because I arrived about 10 minutes before that window and I'm aware that other customers ahead of me take priority. I was under the impression that my order would be made at some point during that time frame, it would be placed somewhere I could see it, and I could then alert a worker that I was picking it up. Every other restaurant I order pickup from places to-go orders somewhere in view of the customer, so they can either pick up the order themselves or alert a worker who hands it to them. This did not happen. Instead I was told that I need to notify someone that I'm at the store before my drink even gets made. At that point I could've just ordered it at the counter.

Other customers who do not pick up their orders after 2 hours is not the fault of the restaurant. Not having fresh food is a trade off the customer accepts by choosing to pick up instead of ordering in-store. Furthermore, I saw a delivery option when I ordered online. If this was really about a commitment to fresh drinks, why offer delivery? I understand that some customers may complain about watered down drinks if they pick up their orders late, but that's entirely on them for arriving late. The solution shouldn't then be to disrupt the flow of ordering ahead to appease customers that don't understand how it works.

My issue is that online orders at every other restaurant are made whether the customer is present or not, and I was told at binki cafe that they don't start making online orders until the customer arrives, which negates the entire point of ordering ahead and paying extra on top of it.

Original review below:

The boba is delicious, so why 1 star? I placed an order online, was given an "order confirmed by store" email, and an estimate for when my order would be ready. I wait over 40 minutes at the store (past the time estimate) before a worker approaches. He tells me I need to tell them I'm here before they make the order....

I'm sorry, what? At that point what is the difference, logistically speaking, between ordering ahead of time and walking in to place the order? If they don't make it until you arrive... What. Is. The. Point. Of. Ordering. Ahead. And furthermore what is the convenience fee for? I would assume that is the fee for making an order without the customer being present, that makes sense, but why do online orders cost more when they don't start making it until you arrive at the shop? Why is there a convenience fee if there is no added convenience to the customer?

When someone places an order online they expect to be able to pick it up after the estimated time, because the restaurant has already made the order and set it aside to be picked up. If binki cafe is not willing to handle online orders the way literally every other restaurant in existence handles them then they need to take that option off the website, or at the very least not charge a...

We had the Halo Halo, Tokyo, vanilla ice cream cone. Halo Halo was the best thing since idk what! A young girl took our order, kept correcting whatever we ordered lol. She was not very friendly and when asked about a drink or menu item she was vague or had to ask someone else. The place was a bit messy. We still loved our items.

I went back during the week at an earlier time, the place was spotless. Service was way nicer and helpful. The girl cleaning the ice cream machine was super sweet. They let us know we could order and it would only be about 15 minutes more. So we waited. We traveled there so I didnt want to miss out on the Halo Halo. The Halo Halo was delicious. I ordered some more flan because omg that is what makes the Halo Halo taste like nothing else. Its like creme brulee but its flan. So delicious and creamy. I could do without the bottom shaved ice but all in all its the best!

Guys! We went back for a third time! Yes we have an addiction. Take my money Binki!!! That Halo Halo cannot be matched. Also we had the ramen it had a good flavor but yes they do seem overcooked but not horrible. We ate most of it. Probably would not order food again but def going back for my baby Halo Halo (spanish accento) 😋

¡YA TU SABE! We came back! Yes the fourth time. Same girlie at the front but this time i knew how to pronounce it Halo Halo!!! Ahh! So good. Like why dont all Boba places make this. Worth the travel and yes the price. You get points too! Download the app. And the girl who was there cleaning the ice cream remembered me 😄 i was proud to say yes i be coming way too much. But like how can you not. I did notice a difference in the Halo Halo. They added the red beans and i believe some jack fruit. There wasnt the same jellys. The taste was there but i had to remove the red beans. They were hard and had no business being in there. Lol Okay last...

Idk where to even begin.i was eating boba before boba was avail to most of America and esp here in clt.THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST TEA ANS BOBA AND FOOD EVER( And embarrassingly enough I do have a specific list of places I like to order from...in order from first to last😅) this one ties FOR first place. It's the ONLY REAL BOBA PLACE IN CLT PERIOD.

The food? Well ,the food is equally as jaw dropping and the variety AND customs ways it can be made is as much as the drinks,IS GREAT.its a GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE NEW TASTES(food drinks and desserts) I am a little picky,but everything I've ordered new I've liked so far and I spend about 200 a week at this place.its like a Starbucks addixtion🤣

The atmosphere? IS FANTASTIC, a kinda "we tried to be modern but it's a little scummy diner kinda thing" aesthetic/charm.AND IM(most ppl seem)TO BE LIVING FOR IT.comfy,clean,relaxed, and the mood is just sooo chill.younger adults(not whiney teens)hanging our chatting with thier friends.people on quick dates.people standing around staring at the menu for 20mins asking each other about what they've tried...lol.really friendly and awesome. Idk why but this place really encourages organic connection and interaction between people.its like magic lol.

The workers? Phew-they kick butt in that kitchen!they are young and keep the vibe high paced and fun.they are polite,quick,and won't hesitate to add or make anything you order even if it is weird or not presented on the menu as such. They seem to enjoy it and I see the same people often so I assume they are treated well which is rare in this working world ATM. I support this place 1000 percent and I encourage you to stop by this hidden gem. It keeps that whole dull strip mall alive!

Keep it up binkis and thanks for your...