Duck Rabbit Coffee

Top-shelf coffee and knowledgeable staff are battling to polish a gem which is only blemished by somewhat detached service and an inconsistent atmosphere. This makes some visits blissful and other visits sub-par in comparison to other shops in the area. I tend to go elsewhere when I want a reliably chill experience, which I find unfortunate because I think Duck Rabbit could be a truly great coffeeshop with some simple changes.

1.) Sound deadening panels. Some spaces don't need sound deadening panels. This space NEEDS sound deadening panels. It can be truly game-changing. If you know, you know.

2.) Quieter music, and more consistent. It's always good music, and I usually end up hearing something new and interesting, but it is often at volumes better suited to bars than a coffeeshop which closes at 3pm. The environment here doesn't feel as well considered as the coffee, and both affect the overall experience. The music changes in tone and volume from song to song and from visit to visit, and for me this is distracting, although for others it might improve the experience. I can only speak to my own feelings, and I want to be able to enjoy a coffee in a relatively peaceful place. I don't think you should notice the music unless you want to tune in, and today the bass was vibrating in my chest and it was hard to hear each other talk. I just don't think that's the vibe for coffee, to be honest, and it isn't the first time.

3.) Hospitality also feels less well considered than the coffee. We ordered an americano and were told we ordered a quick cup. The thing is, nobody else calls drip coffee a 'quick cup' and my partner didn't see it phrased that way on the menu, so wouldn't have said this. I think this is one of those cases where you at least leave some room for the customer to be right (we were), but in my numerous visits this is exemplary of the overall hospitality - it's okay. We've experienced more mistakes here - though still infrequent - than at other shops and staff feel somewhat indifferent toward customers. It's not the worst, but it doesn't stand out like the quality of the coffee does, and I think it would be worth paying special attention to this.

I really root for this shop because Cleveland benefits culturally from third wave coffee that's of this caliber. I hope that ownership/management takes this comment as the well-meaning, genuine suggestion for improvement that it is. These are the main reasons why I end up choosing other reliably chill shops for a weekend outing with a slightly warmer welcome and attentive service. That said, we'll keep giving y'all a shot every once in a while!