Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters - Westchase — Restaurant in Citrus Park

AVOID - spend money at businesses who care about you as their patron. The service was non-existent. I think maybe three times in my life I’ve taken the time to write a poor review, and I felt compelled to do so in this case. I wrote management a detailed message describing my experience and they cared so much about their customers and their business they didn’t even bother replying. It shows that the culture starts at the top.

My experience: When I walked in to the empty shop, two male baristas were having a conversation and said nothing to me. Not even a nod in my direction. I hadn’t been here before so I was reading the menu when another customer entered—once again, no greeting. The person asked what the difference was between the cold brew and the nitro cold brew, and the barista said flatly and annoyed, “the taste.” When the person ordered, one started making their drink, and the other stood looking around except for in my direction. The customer took their drink and left, and the baristas proceeded to mock the question and make fun of the patron right in front of me. Clearly, I was invisible or someone who was of no importance. I ordered an ice coffee. Just said “one iced coffee.” They entered my order, charged me, made my drink and gave it to me all without saying a single damn word to me. Not one word. Here’s the best part: I asked for a straw and received my first and only acknowledgment with a surly, “we don’t do straws.”

You don’t “do” straws, Blind Tiger? You serve your food and drinks in non-recyclable PLASTIC cups. But sure, straws are where you draw the line. Straws and service, clearly. There are so many wonderful coffee shops in Tampa to support when you buy a $5+ cup of brewed coffee, and...

I was going for a early morning walk and decided to stop into Blind Tiger Coffee which I have been doing for the past week. I did not have my mask on and the sign at the door encouraged mask but did not require so I thought I would order my coffee to go. While inside I walked up to the counter to order and was immediately denied service for “not having a mask” I then explained I wanted to just place my order to go and I would be happy to wait outside until the order was ready. The person behind the counter... a “barista” if you will still denied my patronage. At first I was understanding being that Florida cases seem to be skyrocketing. While looking around I noticed other patrons sitting in enjoying themselves WITHOUT mask. I started to ask myself what was different between myself and the customers sitting ?. The color of my skin maybe ?. I admit maybe in times like this many people play the race card and I would not do so myself unless I can adamantly say this was cause of race. I simply would not take this time out to write this review if I was denied service for simply not wearing a mask even though there was no sign saying mask required. I feel the denial of service was racially motivated.... thus the reason for leaving...

I have no problem with the food or service. I will say though, every time I enter I’m a little disappointed because of how they operate their kitchen hours. I’ve been here plenty of times and I have never gotten an actual lunch or breakfast item from their menu because it’s always the same excuse about the kitchen closing at a specific time. For example, I was there a few months ago and was excited to try out of the many delicious options they had on their projected menus only to find out that their kitchen closed and pastries were the only thing left. The cashier pointed to a tiny sign saying that kitchen closes after 3. (this is just one instance) I think it’s fair to have a bigger sign or specify that on your website. Turn off the electronic menus that have the lunch or breakfast items if that is the case. I am always pleased with how the pastries and drinks taste, but as I said previously there’s always some kind of an excuse...