The Coffee By Hand — Restaurant in Duluth

[Location/Ambiance]: I believe that the grand opening was a week prior so things are still being worked out for them. On our arrival that Sunday, there was one big group in the open table area, while majority of other patrons I believe were in the more cozy, private rooms with sofa chairs is the best I can describe it. On the opposite end, walled booth like tables that seats four via the the same sofa chairs. So far there's only a few tables and chairs outside. Noise level is quiet for the time being. We'll see as they progress. The once bare, empty plaza is slowly revitalizing with more shops being opened as per the signs of "coming soon". Supposedly this same plaza will have Sweet Hut, though in direct competition with this cafe. Management informed that they are still trying to decide whether they should stay open late, 1-2am. Maybe this gives people hanging around the Duluth area another option. For the time being ambiance is what I feel like is chill.

[Service]: This is pretty much order and pick up at the counter. Though they do not have a "now serving" number. I'm not sure how they plan on calling out numbers if this place picks up. Maybe have someone scout for a table then one stay behind to pick up food/drinks.

[Food Highlights]: From what my coffee-addicted, uh ahem, I mean coffee loving friend suggested that the red velvet cake was awesome. And also, since they supposedly brew coffee by hand, they informed that the strength of their expresso shots are stronger and 3 would equal 5 at starbucks. Any coffee lovers willing to try?

I'm not too fancy on my coffee myself, so take my reviews for them with a small grain of salt.

What I do know, is desserts.

Red Velvet Cheese Cake - Though I thought it was all sold out, they just misplaced it at the wrong label. The whip cream is NOT fat free, and has a bit of sweetness to it. So be advised if you are aiming for fat free / low calorie. The slices are not as thick of a cut as Intermezzo, but I think is good portion. Richness is not overwhelming and a bit more subtle. A bit of moistness so you're not drinking down your beverage with each bite. Worth a try.

Dark Mocha Frappe - Once again, the whip cream is NOT fat free. I think they should offer both types or at least advise on this before completing the order. Also, please note I'm not a hardcore coffee drinker. My thoughts on this was pretty good, not too sweet. Not over powering sweetness on the chocolate sauce either so no being hyper and crashing after. It's well made. Worth a try if you are a big Frappe fan.

Dark Mocha cappuccino - My sister's order. She though it was actually good, though she had her doubts. She's also a starbucks fan if that helps anyone on deciding.

Ice Caramel cappuccino - My cousin's drink, his verdict it was pretty good.

{Summary}: The font on the signage of the building looks awfully familiar with another Korean own establishment, I just can't put my finger on it at the moment. But this place is worth checking out. Plenty of space for large groups and small. The cheesecakes tasted pretty fresh to me. Worth a visit for a chilled, relaxed atmosphere while the place is starting out. Even more so if you are a hardcore coffee drinker. 4 stars and hope...

This review has to do with racism and prejudice. If that’s something you don’t want the chance of running into when you’re going out to work, this might not be the place for you.

Honestly if I could, I’d probably give no stars at all. First time I came here it was really quaint and nice, relaxing atmosphere, good snacks and drinks and an overall good time. Got here and all the seats were taken so a friend and I asked two kind women if we could sit in the section they were in (it was a 6+ section on SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS) and they kindly obliged. We were minding our own business, my friend doing work for her job on her MacBook, myself drawing. She ordered food and we waited around for it, and she stepped out to her car to grab something. Right before the food was ready, an older man (manager I’m assuming?) with no respect for anyone for some reason decided to come and tell me (a mixed Hispanic/African American/White male) that I could not be where I was seated because it was a section for at least 6 people on Saturdays and Sundays. One, it’s friday. Two, this man never said anything to the two kind women of Asian background. I didn’t make much of it, and just began to pack my things up. When my friend returned and got her food, they moved us to a section outside, which is fine. However we quickly realized the manager never asked the other 2 women to leave. My friend was angered by this, as we were paying customers and in today’s world we expect to be treated just like anyone else. She went to talk to an employee about it and just try to get an answer of why we were asked to leave, (mainly me, keep in mind my friend who is European was not with me at the initial exchange) and the girl behind the counter seemed annoyed and as if it were a bother that she was asking about something completely reasonable. She got the manager, who when asked what the reasoning was just looked antsy and panicked and did not give any explanation of why and instead ran off like a coward instead of admitting that there was prejudice or an unstable racial fear inside of him. This really is a nice place architecturally and for the food, but unfortunately the disgusting behavior that took place inside of here tonight will defer me from going back. I really hate to play the race issue but there is really no other reason I can think of for the circumstances. No loud music, we weren’t talking loud or much at all. Both busy working on our own things. I hope there is some sort of resolution that comes with better training of staff or just dropping stigmas towards other human beings. Normal, well behaved, paying customers driven off due to an irrational fear.

Above all else, I sincerely hope no other people have to deal with this inconvenience and completely...

sharing my recent experience at Coffee By Hand in Duluth, which has left me feeling disappointed and disheartened. I have been a regular customer at your establishment for quite some time, often visiting on Sundays to sit inside with my laptop while studying for my new career. However, this past Sunday, I encountered an incident that has compelled me to reconsider my future visits to your cafe.

As usual, I settled down at my favorite spot, a table I have occupied numerous times in the past. I had my laptop out and was focused on my work, wearing headphones to ensure that I didn't disturb anyone else in the store. After being there for only about 20 minutes, a man

approached me, who I believe was the manager, and initiated a conversation in a stern tone.

To my surprise, he bluntly asked, "Your table is empty. What did you buy?" His question caught me off guard, and I looked around, wondering if there was a misunderstanding. I hadn't even considered that I could be bothering someone since I had always been a quiet and respectful customer.

Before I could explain my situation, he continued, "You haven't spent any money. You need to spend money if you want to sit here." I was utterly baffled and felt a rush of embarrassment wash over me. It was humiliating to be singled out in front of other customers without even given the opportunity to respond or clarify the situation

The truth is, I have been a loyal customer and have spent my money at Coffee By Hand every weekend for quite some time now. I value the ambiance and the environment your cafe provides, which has been conducive to my studying and productivity. I have always appreciated the warm beverages and treats you offer, and I make it a point to purchase something during each visit.

Unfortunately, this recent encounter has left a sour taste in my mouth, and I must say that I won't be returning to Coffee By Hand in the future. Such an incident goes against the spirit of hospitality and customer service that I had come to associate with your establishment. As a regular customer, I believe I deserved better treatment and a more respectful approach.

I sincerely hope that you reconsider such practices in your business, as they can alienate and drive away loyal patrons like myself. In today's competitive market, it is essential to build strong relationships with customers, and incidents like these can significantly impact...