Frankly Coffee — Restaurant in Colorado Springs

Part 1 of a good coffee shop:

The barista is cooler than you. They don’t say it, but come on, they don’t have to say it. Look at that shirt, those glasses, the tasteful bracelet. You’d dress like that in your dreams if only your dreams could be so vivid. The bands they listen to: More underground than a South African gold mine. Their interests: Philosophy, 14th century art, esoteric Comptist mathematics. Their preference in coffee: Best not ask that question, you don’t even have the requisite education to understand the first step. The beans alone have a name which can’t be written in any western alphabet.

Part 2 of a good coffee shop:

The baristas are super nice. Way nicer than they have any right to be as you ask, “what’s good,” and you can see the imbecility in your question the moment it comes from your mouth. They should reply, “what’s is good? Everything! Nothing! does what’s good follow from the gods or do the gods follow what is good? Coffee is not good or bad, It is the consummate experience of life itself. It is bitter sorrow with a sharp finish, or a rich and deep pool from which you stare out at a bland and tepid world. You come to MY altar ask me what is good — you who doesn’t even know what good is? What is sadness? What is joy? You ask for good but I don’t think you could even recognize true good much less handle it in a cup. I fear to make you a cup as I fear your soul is deeply unprepared. Perhaps another cycle through the wheel, another Vedic return and you might be able to, at most, smell good coffee. But taste? Ask not for that which thou are not capable of knowing.”

But they don’t say this. Instead they give a friendly smile and say, “we have this new UV process light roast which is pretty good. Tastes like watermelon.”

Part 3 of a good coffee shop:

The coffee or whatever....

My wife and I travel all over the United States and have a cute little tradition “Coffee Dates in every state.” We chose Frankly Coffee for my birthday coffee date in Colorado. The tiny cute space, and rainbow artwork drew us in… 0/10 would NOT recommend. The staff is beyond rude. Upon walking in one of the employees said “if you could close the door that would be great.” That should have been our sign to leave. The cashier didn’t even really acknowledge me standing in front of her so that was awkward trying to order. Got our drink, and it’s basically a cup of milk. I said “thank you” to the human that handed me my drink and she responded “yeah.” I paid $9.57 for a terrible drink and the worst customer service I’ve ever experienced. I would not recommend this place to anyone.

Edited to add: my name is Sara, I do not have a husband. I always tip at least 20% minimum no matter what as I understand that no matter my experience people have bills to pay and are working...

I’ve been a long-time customer of Frankly, one of my favorite coffee shops in the Springs. The coffee is usually delicious, and the seasonal menus are great. However, the service has recently declined. Good hospitality seems increasingly rare these days. I’ve had a few awkward encounters during my last visits. The employees don’t appear as eager or helpful as they used to. On this occasion, I entered the shop when it was empty. Frankly is a small place, no bigger than a room. The barista was making drinks and didn’t immediately notice me. That’s understandable since he was busy. I waited for a minute, but he continued without acknowledging me after clearly seeing me. I stood there longer without a word from him, so I left without ordering. A simple acknowledgment would have kept me there. With prices rising, why has hospitality decreased? If I’m paying $7-$9 for a latte, it would be nice to be greeted...