Ascension Coffee - Design District — Restaurant in Dallas

Came in on a Saturday to finally try their food selection since I normally only come in for take-out drinks. I was promptly sat down outside, given water, then forgotten about. It took about 15 min for my actual waitress to show up. In that time another waiter walked over to the table right next to me and asked to take their order. The patron stopped him, got my attention, and proceeded to ask me if I had been served already. Like he knew I’d been there waiting longer, it was a very kind gesture. I told him I wasn’t ready and he could go ahead. It’s a shame that another patron recognized I hadn’t been helped but the waiter who walked up to their table didn’t…After he takes their order he comes over to me and I put a drink order in. I feel he only did that because his table had put him on the spot, otherwise I would’ve sat their unattended to a lot longer.

Another 5 minutes go by anf my waitress finally shows up to take my food order. That’s the last time I see her or receive service outside of food runners bringing my food then quickly disappearing. The food runner dropped off my food and was gone before I could even ask for condiments or tell them something was missing from my order. I tried to wait hoping someone would come back but nope. So I just started eating my food because I was already getting cold. My drink came almost 10 minutes after my food. Again the runner was gone as fast as they arrived. I then sat there for another 15 minutes after finishing my food waiting for my waitress. The whole time listening to everyone around me receive attentive service from their waiters, waitresses, & even the food runners. Being asked if they needed anything else or condiments but I was never given the chance. At that point I was annoyed and highly upset.

The waiter from the table next to me came over to ask if I needed anything. (I guess after realizing I hadn’t been helped or attended to in over 20 minutes. But, not before he came to check on the table next to me multiple times, cleared their dishes, and taken another drink order.) I told him no and that I’d like to pay my check. Thought it was interesting that when he flipped around the portable kiosk for the tip part he mentions “This is the screen to tip YOUR server.” as if he knew I received terrible service and it wasn’t his fault.

The food was alright overall (salt, pepper, & other condiments might’ve helped) but I don’t think I’ll be back. I came in to enjoy a beautiful day off and I’m ignored by staff, message received...

UPDATE: Ascension was unfortunately bought out by a restaurant group and has since changed the menu from when I originally posted my review. They removed literally ALL of the items we loved about Ascension to begin with(soppressata panini - ricotta pancake - THE TRES LECHES COFFEE CAKE OMG WHY DID YOU GET RID OF THIS?! - 9 spice chai - and much more)! The original owner cared about the craft at his restaurant and now, they streamlined the menu (which in theory is good, but not in this case), and even the staff service diminished considerably at both locations we used to frequent. What a terrible disappointment. I used to love this place :(

I LOVE Ascension. This small coffee/brunch spot has incredible food, coffee and tea. Not to mention, even though it's in a crammed location in the heart of the Design District, they do an awesome job providing great service. I've never had any issues here with my food or service.

They hand-make everything and they put interesting and unique spins on all of their dishes. Also, they make the ABSOLUTE BEST tres leches cake I have ever had in my life and being Mexican and a lover of tres leches, I've had plenty!

Only thing I will say is this spot is not designed for large groups. That's not a problem, but just something to consider before heading there with your party of 8 or more. They don't try to be a brunch spot for large groups, so that's okay.

Give it a shot - you...

Fantastic coffee shop. Honestly my taste buds have been blessed. This coffee has no "burnt aftertaste" but is also not bland. There is flavor to it. I got the lavender latte and it was hands down the best ive had in dallas (and ive tried many places while studying).

On top of that, the food is delicious. I got the croissant with bacon egg and cheese, and i'm shocked at the effort and quality of it. This wasn't some week old croissant with bland eggs and some cheese thrown in there. It was rich and perfectly balanced. The croissant was fresh and to my suprise there was tomato spread inside. So so good.

I will definetly be going back here soon to try more of their menu.

The one con to Acension is the prices. I door dashed the sandwich and coffee and it ended up being 28$. Obviously that includes delivery and tax but the items were already going to be around 19$. The croissant sandwich was 10$ which is really not reasonable. The coffee was 5.75$ (milk substitutes are 75 cents which is better prices than some places).

Overall, I recommend coming to check out this place. If you're looking to grab a coffee and snack from here, I would recommend just getting a pastry. The breakfast items don't seem to be meant for to-go. If you want a substantial breakfast here you're going to be spending 12-14$. I'm sure it's more worth it if you're actually getting the food on a plate instead of in a brown paper bag!...