BonLife Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Cleveland

It would have been almost impossible for BonLife Coffee Roasters to have compared with our last coffee shop in Kentucky. However, they did a really respectable job! Their coffee was solid, the foam art fantastic.

Here’s the only ding I had for BonLife and it’s not a problem for all; for some it might be considered a positive thing!

When I walk into a coffee shop of a morning, I like the baristas to be friendly. I don’t go to Starbucks for a reason. I like the little mom and pop shops where – ideally, anyway – people love their jobs, they love their customers, their regulars, and are happy to see new faces.

The baristas, while perfectly professional and courteous, were not particularly friendly. They inquired politely as to what I wanted, they delivered mostly really good espresso, and that was all.

I’m using measured words for the coffee; it was so much better than anything you can get at a chain coffee shop (Starbucks, Scooters, Caribou, etc.) and better than what you can get at many local, independent shops. There was just a touch of sour indicating a problem with the shot pulled, it was under extracted.

To be fair, I don’t use any kind of sweetener in my coffee so someone who even adds syrups or even a bit of honey or sugar might not notice it. It wasn’t bad enough to be a problem, just enough to have it not be great espresso.

In short, I wouldn’t turn anyone away from BonLife. Just understand what you’re getting. For me personally, I’d rather have an espresso drink that isn’t fantastic with friendly, smiling faces vs. a brilliant flat white with perfunctory service. But...

Coffee is just ok, I wouldn't say it is great by any means. I ordered a peppermint mocha but couldn't taste even a hint of peppermint. They don't take cash for payment when asked why the girl said that most people pay with a card so it didn't make sense as a company to take cash. Yet they have a large jar on the counter for "cash" tips. They also don't carry white chocolate which is pretty standard for a coffee shop. I've been drinking vanilla white chocolate mochas since the 90s, traveled all over the country and have never been told by a coffee shop that they don't carry white chocolate. Needless to say based on other 4 and 5 star reviews we were excited to go and try Bonlife but today's experience will probably keep us from going again. Seems they cater to a certain "type" and that all are not welcome. I almost forgot to add that I could clearly hear the batista and cashier talking about us as they were making our coffee. I have to wonder if the 4 and 5 star reviews are from employees and friends. Reading the other 1-3 star reviews certainly shows a trend of poor customer service and below...

Tried for the first time, was really looking forward to it. Boy was I disappointed. Costumer service was horrible! No one greeted us, no one even looked up when we we were standing there ready to order, we waited a few minutes for anyone to help us. First time there I didn’t realize they only took cards so I went to hand him my money and rudely he said “Um we only take cards here.” may I add he rolled his eyes at me. Like I just ruined his entire day. Then just walked away as I was pulling my card out to pay. So I waited for him to come back so I may use my card. Tip=Not with that attitude. The coffee was ok, wasn’t super impressed. The chairs were super uncomfortable & was only a certain type of vibe in there. Didn’t feel welcome whatsoever so we threw our coffee away & left. I understand people have bad days but still try better you’re making the entire business look bad. 10-10 do...