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 experience next time!