Whittier Cafe — Restaurant in Denver

I hate to leave a poor review since this is a local coffee shop and I've lived in the neighborhood for years, but since they've renovated, the prices have skyrocketed while the quality and service (mostly wait time) has not improved. A large "16 oz." latte costs you a whopping $5.80 compared to $4.50 at Queen City Collective, Crema Coffee House, and River & Roads Coffee, all which provide quality roasts, and it comes in a medium-sized cup (at best). If you want an alternative milk, the menu says $.90 but I got charged $1.25; the barista told me that's just what's plugged in the system and couldn't change it. Syrups are $.80. I got charged $6 for a matcha when the menu says $5 flat. They're far more expensive than any of the coffee shops in RiNo that have quality roasts; Whittier Cafe doesn't advertise their roasters. I've also never waited less than 10 minutes for a coffee, including a drip (I've been told to please order online ahead of time, they need to make a new batch, they forgot my order...) - make sure you have nowhere to be when you come. Their caps don't fit the hot cups so it's always a nightmare waiting to happen. Dog treats went from $1 to $1.50. Maybe it's new management but I went from feeling like this was a community-driven, activist small shop to one that's taking advantage of it's local reputation while cutting corners and not seeking to make a better experience for customers outside of the reno.

Again, I want to love this place. I bought my house 3 blocks away with the intention that I'd walk my dog here every morning. I can't find any justification for the price hikes since the coffee is very mediocre and they are SO. SLOW (they've always been, but it's not cute anymore). I've unfortunately now hit my limit with them - only here for the paninis, which are still excellent, and burritos, which are delicious and exactly what you pay for. Please make an effort to improve this place - it currently does not deserve better reviews than the other neighboring coffee shops.

UPDATE in response to owner: $1.25 for oat milk is exorbitant (other mentioned coffee shops price it at $.75 but also have oat milk free on their counter, along with unflavored syrup - Whittier Cafe does not). $5.80 for a latte is also exorbitant, even if one of the other shops mentioned has a similar (but still lower) price point. Not to mention that Pablo's itself charges $4.50. As is reflected in my review, my support of any local business (Black or not) is not just based on prices but also customer experience, service, and quality. The wait time is an enormous factor coupled with the exorbitant prices. Lids do not fit your cups, a very basic and necessary improvement that should be addressed asap with the extra revenue. I have supported the business for years but experience has steadily been on the decline at a hefty cost and I think it reasonable to point out. Neighbor to neighbor, I look forward to a better...

An absolute gem! I stopped here purely because I needed to use the bathroom (and fine, I'll admit that I didn't NOT need to get some coffee and a scone) and.I was nearby, and as luck would have it I stumbled upon this amazing place.

The coffee and scone were delicious, of course, but the atmosphere was what makes this place stand out. In these disturbing and terrifying times being in a space so clearly devoted to fighting injustice, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and all of the other forms of hated that are spreading like wildfire locally, statewide, nationally, and globally is a breath of fresh air.

As a white, male-presenting US citizen I know that the most I have to worry about (at least for now...) is being "accidentally" detained temporarily. But my husband and most of my friends are refugees from Venezuela facing an unknown but certainly awful future and it often feels like no one else in this country thinks of them as fully human and deserving of the same basic human rights, opportunities, and ability to live with their families without fear or starvation. And of course the situation is the same for people from countries all over the world, usually as a direct result of the actions of the US.

Anyway I'm getting off track, as usual. A+, 20/20, 100%. Great coffee, great baked goods, and lovingly tended plants. If you're in the area, or even if you're not, definitely stop by. I promise you...

Out running errands in the Denver area on today and got quite peckish. Anytime I am in the metro area I head straight to Einstein Brother's for a Caribou iced coffee and a bagel. In the midst of all of the events that we are facing, including the injustice of people of color, I decided to dine locally and find a restaurant down for the cause. Upon Googling the cafe, I was impressed on the reviews of how well the restaurant was as far as food and drink but also the work they do for the community. Pulling up to the lonely cafe on the corner, the sunflower box welcomed me. They had patrons out on the patio that were smiling and enjoying the beautiful weather and great conversations. When I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by two beautiful smiling faces that wished me a warm welcome and asked if I needed any help. Luckily I placed an online order because there was a few people who came in after me. The layout was beautiful, although due to COVID-19, the dining sections were closed.The decor was also beautiful and inspirational, as I browsed around the place while waiting for my order. I was blessed with a piece of fruit, and a delicious panini as well as the Cortado (my first time trying it and LOVED it!). I will definitely revisit the next time I am...