Vespr Coffee Bar — Restaurant in Alafaya

About three years ago I "discovered this gem" of a coffeeshop and I'm now a "regular" here. Let me start by mentioning the things that keep me coming back, besides the great tasting coffee.

First off: Great quality coffee Vespr supports locally sourced, organic and fairly traded products, including their coffee. So when you buy from Vespr, you are not only about to enjoy great quality coffee, but your are contributing to local and independent vendors.

Second: Friendly and epic baristas I really believe the owner carefully chooses who he is hiring. You might ask yourself, why does it matter who serves your coffee, as long as they prepare correctly? Sure... I'll give you that, but let me just say that, in my experience, they all have unique personality traits that are welcoming and make you feel like you are a friend. This is specially important because for us "coffee connoisseurs", who look for a "special coffee shop" that meets our needs and feels like a "second home", Vespr is a place where you feel comfortable enough to work, have a decent conversation over coffee, study or just chill.

Third: Creativity Although I have to admit that my "First World Problems" list grows whenever they stop selling or preparing a specific drink that they included in their menu as a "seasonal or special edition drink", the fact of the matter is that they never seize to amaze me with their creative and savory drinks and/or concoctions. They do have "regular items" that are there to stay, however, their menu is often changing and incorporating new drinks that are bold and imaginative. Favorite creations: Affotago Atunno (Smoked vanilla bean ice cream with hints of wood and an espresso shot), Cold Brew Nitro, Lavender Latte (not on the menu), Café Negroni (coffee-based cocktail) and any of their current coffee beans brewed with a syphon. Favorite traditional creations: Cortado, Cappuccino, Latte with an extra shot and your traditional "Red-eye".

Fourth: Ambiance Vespr has a very "chill" and positive vibe. It doesn't matter from which community or subculture you identify with, Vespr is welcoming to all. Decoration is simplistic and vintage. Has a "cabin feel to it." Music varies from blues, jazz, old-school rock & roll, independent artists and alternative. Also, most of the "regulars" I've met or exchanged hellos with, are friendly and considerate. Bonus: Fee Wifi and drinking water.

Lastly: Location, location, location! Vespr is in the heart of Waterford Lakes, in Waterford Towers Shopping Plaza, East Orlando, about 10-15 minutes away from UCF. With plenty of restaurants and stores around. Finally, it's about 30 seconds from the 408 East-West Expressway.

Summarizing: Part of my life is spending my work/study time in this gem of a coffee bar which means a lot to me since it has become a second home with great tasting coffee, awesome people, and a chill environment. Definitely a place to visit if your are...

OMG OMG OMG! Now that I have your attention, I want to talk about something that doesn’t always get seen by customers: how the employees at Vespr are treated behind the scenes.

From what I’ve heard and witnessed over time, the owners might come off as sweet and caring at first, but that doesn’t seem to reflect how they manage their team. There was a period when the owners left the country for months, leaving the baristas to run the entire shop—yes, while still being paid minimum wage. They monitored the staff through security cameras and reportedly got upset over small mistakes, never offering a simple thank-you when they returned. Instead, they allegedly criticized everything that wasn’t done perfectly in their absence.

It’s also said that baristas were pushed into responsibilities way beyond their roles—like dealing with exterminators—without any prior notice or additional support. Another concerning issue is that employees have overheard the owners ranting about other staff members in front of them, creating an awkward and uncomfortable work environment.

If a customer made anyone feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it seems the staff were often left to handle the situation on their own, without any real backing. And if an employee tried to suggest improvements or offer creative input, it was often dismissed—or even met with suspicion, as if they were trying to take over the place. Ironically, there didn’t seem to be an issue trusting them to run the shop unsupervised for months.

Worst of all, it appears employees could be let go simply for standing up for each other. That kind of culture is incredibly disheartening, especially when the team is clearly working so hard to keep things running smoothly and make every customer feel welcome.

This isn’t a call to boycott the shop—but if you do visit Vespr, please be extra kind to the staff. They’re doing their best under a lot of pressure, and their smiles might be hiding more than...

I feel that to only say, "I travel here for the staff and their incredible ability to brighten my day with impeccable service and each of their vibrant personalities," ..takes away from the quality and powerful impact VESPR's menu has on a community simply seeking out modern takes on quality coffee based beverages, unexpectedly addictive food pairings, and a humble aesthetic.

STAFF Any combination of Jude, Morgan, Alex, Celeste, Jason, Isa, and Stella is a cast built to entertain any who love to people watch and enjoy the sounds of laughter and hilarity on a dull afternoon (Jude's laugh is one such sound that is hard to miss and easily the fastest way to cracking a smile). I truly believe that the heart of a cafe is it's baristas and VESPR's beats loudly and without apology, bringing kindness and professionalism to every guest.

COFFEE If you didn't yet, ...do.

Seasonal menus, fresh ingredients, complex flavor profiles. The nature of their coffee & tea menu boasts passion for the art of crafting drinks that both entertain your palette and serve a purpose in getting you through your day, one sip at a time. And these drinks do just that.

FOOD Below, I included the VEGAN CHORIZO & CHEESE PANINI, optionally served with melted provolone and sheltered between two large slices of perfectly toasted sourdough. It's served with an arugula salad, topped with tomatoes, and drizzled with the best Blood Orange Vinaigrette I've ever tasted.

This comes second to my favorite--which was unavailable, due to high demand, that day--the GRILLED CHEESE & RED PEPPER BISQUE! Just go all in on this one while it's available.

OVERALL Love in every drink. Love in every pastry and bite of delicious food. Most of all, Love in every kind interaction made with a staff totally worth getting to know.

You won't...