Track 5 Coffee — Restaurant in Cranford

warning: long review :) * I've been meaning to write a great review for this place for quite sometime but somehow avoided it because I knew how much time I would invest in writing a long review because of how much I appreciate this place. What finally made me write the review is my appreciation for businesses like Track 5 after my horrible experience(s) at the Starbucks drive-thru a few blocks down where I was greeted with such rudeness and condemnation from their baristas for ordering an iced doppio espresso with a side of milk and being told that I was going to be charged for an iced latte (more expensive) since they assumed I was trying to make my own latte... I did not want a latte nor did I expect that type of judgement at a coffee place..... Apologies for the rant, let me start this review.

First, I must commend them for the greatest customer service I've ever experienced at a coffee shop; the most commendable part is how the customer service and the friendliness of the staff is always consistent. I have been to this coffee shop more than 50 times and I must say that every time, I am greeted with welcoming smiles and each one of the staff members remember my name. The overall environment makes me feel extremely comfortable and I never have to worry about a horrible experience, it's always pleasant. This place is a prime example of customer service.

Second, all of their coffee selections are great and you can really taste the quality of their beans through their various types of coffees. If you're knowledgeable enough in all things coffee, with every sip you can taste the quality and the care of their beverages. Even when I watch the baristas make the espresso drinks, you can see the care they take to make sure they serve you a perfect cup of beverage. Small details like first stirring the hot espresso with the cold milk then stirring again after ice is added and topping with foam to ensure consistent coffee temperature is truly remarkable to me.

Finally, I love their decor and the ambiance of the shop. I love the rustic wood with the exposed brick.

The overall experience is wonderful and this would have to be my favorite coffee shop. I must say that this business is a textbook definition of a...

UPDATE 2 5/22/2022: I have updated to five stars and left the old review for reference. At present, you will not find a better coffee shop in the area. I now visit several times a week. The coffee is excellent, the location is great with a small park across the street to sit. Wifi is constant for my occasional work time and connection.

Unusually, I find that more and more that I go there due to the service. At a time when I believe customer service everywhere has declined due to staffing shortages everywhere, Track 5 has excelled. They have a unique approach and system that is effective. The staff is consistently cheerful, busy, productive and efficient.

Do not be deterred by the long lines, they will move quickly. Their standards are very high, enjoy the experience.

UPDATE 1: Part of reviewing is staying up to date. I heard that Track 5 has updated their methods, we did go by and had some coffee and pastries. I've updated from one to four stars. I'm happy with the new experience and will return.

OLD REVIEW: Track 5 is a victim of their own success. Their coffee is above average, but they are popular more due to their location and past performance. In fact, I've spent time there in years past before moving into the area recently and it was nice.

Their solutions to the current business demands of covid has created a consumer hostile environment well beyond other stores. The loyal regulars may be used to submitting exclusively web orders as their staff is "too busy" to take them over the phone or in person.

Anyone not on a schedule or desperate for coffee will be entirely disappointed by the price, service and unreasonably entitled attitude...

Excellent and very lovely coffee shop in the heart of downtown Cranford. This has become one of my favorite coffee cafe`s recently. The people who work here are extremely friendly and when I have difficulty telling them what kind of coffee or beverage I want they are awesome in helping me figure out exactly what that drink is and are always able to make that drink a reality for me! 🙂 The food here is delicious. My weakness is their chocolate croissants. They have free WiFi here and the seating is nice and expansive . They are very kind. The other day one of the employees asked me with a warm smile if I had been here the other morning and indeed I had! 😊 She made me , the customer feel very welcome. It was also a genuine greeting that she was saying " Nice to see you again." I have been to other cafes and restaurants and they will greet me but not genuinely. I love to sit down at one of the lovely tables or sink into a cozy chair. What I appreciate about Track 5 is that it has it's own style and does not look like some of the other cookie cutter coffee cafe chains. I really love when the weather is warm as you you can take your coffee to their seating outside , you still have access to their Wi-Fi in the outside seating and best of all you meet lovely people enjoying their cup of Joe. Highly...