Velo Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Chattanooga

It is abundantly clear that the owners and employees of Velo have a deep passion for their work. Every single person here cares so much about fantastic coffee and creating a welcoming environment that feels like the family you wish you had. I have been buying coffee and hanging out here since 2017 and in those 8 years, the level of attention to detail and genuine love for good coffee/vibes has never diminished. On top of a solid cup of coffee (brewed in-house, btw), they also support local businesses that make pastries and sandwiches that pair perfectly with every drink on the menu. When Velo says they are giving back to their community, they really mean it. They host community bike rides, markets, and so many other events that bring life and vibrancy to the city. If you've visited Chattanooga but you haven't been to Velo, you haven't really been to Chattanooga. If you're weird and hate coffee in all of its forms for some reason, there is still something for you: MERCH. Velo has quite possibly the coolest t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, mugs, etc, that any business has ever had. Velo's manager creates almost all of the designs and brings in other local artists to keep the merch fresh and cool. I could go on about Velo for days, but just go see for yourself. They opened a new space a few months ago and when you see it, you will not want to set foot into any other coffee shop. I mean it. I love you, Velo! Excited to see you again the next time I'm in...

Went in for a decaf latte. Couple of things to note which were displeasing: the girl behind the counter seemed a little frazzled with a few people walking in asking for things as she was making my drink. Maybe that’s why I was given a regular caffeine latte? (I was so jittery for a while after leaving. I know decaf does not mean 0 caffeine, but woah!) Also, I asked for honey as a sweetener. I was told that the honey would be on the side. Well, as anyone knows, a latte is given to you with foam and a cool design on top. So I poured in the honey and ruined/stirred half of what makes a latte a latte. Pouring the coffee over the honey in the cup would have prevented this! Lastly, by the time I was done drinking my less than average size latte out of their mug, it was getting cold. Not sure what temp the milk steamer was on, but they need to amp it up a little and account for the fact that adding a cold dairy product will change the temp all together. I’m a quick drinker, I didn’t sit around. I was in there for a grand total of 15 minutes. Overall, unimpressed with the exceptionally tasting coffee drink due to the unexceptional knowledge and service. Probably will return, and hoping to give them...

The coffee was fantastic, but if your experience is anything like mine, you’ll be gouged on the price ($7.37 for an Americano w/ an extra shot) & you’ll have to fight through a gauntlet of attitude to get it! After being ridiculously over-charged (which is partly on me for not reading the menu, but 7 bucks for an americano?), the dude making it only filled my 20 oz mug up half way and then griped when I asked him to fill it all the way up. He said “we don’t usually do this because it’ll taste terrible” before reluctantly giving me extra water. Not only do I not owe him an explanation for my taste preferences, but I don’t care if he doesn’t agree…just give me what I asked for instead of trying to guilt me into liking it the way you “usually make it.” And for context, I’ve been roasting coffee for years and have a side hustle selling it, so I’m no novice (that is, I’m not a Starbucks fan).

Summary: I will never be back because great coffee with terrible customer service is like a great meal with terrible customer service…only with coffee...