Coffee and Cream — Restaurant in Columbia

Could be really nice for you, but I had a bad experience and wouldn't go there again.

First things to note, the cafe is beautiful, and has an incredible view of the river and bridge. The selection of foods and drinks is slightly above par, having a good amount to choose from. And the overall feel of the establishment is 'small town coffee shop/cafe'. Walking up, you feel like you found a hidden gem.

My experience was terrible, though it was hopefully unique to me. We visited the establishment for a quick breakfast, we had about 40 minutes until we needed to be at Turkey Hill for our appointed time. There were only a few customers sitting, and only one group ahead of us on line. We placed our order and sat down outside to enjoy the view. After about 5 minutes, I went in to ask if I needed to wait inside or if they would bring the food out, which they said they would bring it out. I go back outside and after another 5 or so minutes, my mom hears her name get called and some guy standing at the door immediately grabbed it and left. We were sitting and placed the order together, so I wrongfully assumed the food was going to be brought out to our table on something like a tray. After about 10 more minutes of waiting, my mom decided to go in and ask if they called her name yet, as we were still waiting outside. Thats when the man who had taken her order walked back in saying they gave him the wrong order(no, you took the wrong name). So they gave him his orginal order which had been sitting there, and went to remake our order. At this point we had less than 10 minutes to get to where we needed to go. It took them 8 minutes to make the food, and when I asked if they could just hold it somewhere for us and we can come back after and pick it up, I was met with a mean "I'm literally wrapping it up, so just give me a second, okay?" response. Since I had to eat my food cold, because I was late for the appointment so we didnt get to eat until after, the food tasted gross. Also both sandwiches were missing cheese (probably due to rushing to remake the order they gave away to somebody else) which was just more disappointing.

The main issue in my eyes, was that all the staff were running around due to more customers coming in and weren't paying attention to what they were doing. I think a method of confirming orders before handover would have completely avoided the situation. Another method would be setting up table numbers, or having the staff member who took the order, hand off the order.

With Coffee and Cream being my first experience in the area, other than arriving at the hotel, it really set a negative mood for my trip. It left a bad impression and happening in the morning just made it unfairly worse for them, I wouldn't ever go back. But that doesnt mean you shouldn't.

Despite my awful time, I think this shop has potential and may be a really nice stop if you are in Columbia for Turkey Hill or the lovely nature trail...

While at Coffee and Cream last Friday, there was a young man training on the register. He was friendly and helpful, patient and attentive. As he recorded our order on the iPad/computer, I was disturbed by the young lady behind him who was harshly and curtly correctly his mistakes (I.e. we’re out of…, etc). He persisted through these unkind, barked corrections, and I was sure to tell him he was doing a good job and leave a tip as I completed my order.

I may have misspoken, or perhaps the wrong button was clicked, but I had thought I ordered a iced caramel latte/iced coffee (I don’t remember, haha), but when I saw a vanilla latte on my receipt, I returned to the counter and asked if it was too late to fix the mistake. Another young woman was in the process of making the coffee and turned around and said she already added the syrup (there was very little liquid in the cup, so perhaps just expresso and the syrup?). I said that was no problem and contentedly drank the vanilla latte, but I was a little disappointed that they considered it too much of a loss or hassle to make me the correct drink since they were so early on in the process.

The staff did not go out of their way to serve my friend and I. I was not impressed and will be...

My original review is found below. This is a long overdue edit. We went back - upon invitation of the owner / manager and tried the cafe a second time. This time was a much better experience. We received complimentary coffee and pleasant service. I like strong coffee. There was a dark roast available; it would have been stronger had I made it, but it was better than the medium roast I had last time. The space is lovely and inviting. Enjoy!

Original Review: We ride the River Trail most Sundays so we watched the progress of this place as it readied for opening. We love a cup on coffee after our ride. We entered with great anticipation. It is finally open! We did not feel welcome. We were met by a woman who was clearly annoyed by the presence of customers. And please, customers, do not bother her with questions. There is one price on the board for coffee so I thought that there was only one size. When I ordered I was asked 'what size?' and I explained my confusion. I am clearly stupid - unable to read that which is not available to be read . . . on top of all of this the coffee was weak. Good coffee might have caused me to overlook the attitude. Bad coffee - not worth it any way...