Blue Owl Coffee East Lansing — Restaurant in East Lansing

I’m not the type to leave reviews but I must share as I’m appalled at what happened here. First I ordered my usual and was told by the barista that they cannot make it in pour over. I figured she was new. I’m not picky, still left her a great tip for pouring a simple black coffee. My friend ordered her usual, and was given that. We’re sitting and visiting and another barista comes over to inform that she will no longer be able to order the coffee the way she likes it. Caught offguard, she asked why. He exclaimed, “because we just don’t do that here” Still not understanding, she said, “so if it comes out not hot enough, I have to come back and either request a refund or another cup of coffee, which wastes product and simply doesn’t make sense” The barista repeatedly stated, “we just don’t do that here” and “I’m not trying to argue” but could not answer simple questions and clearly he was coming over to argue. He walked away for a moment and my friend and I discussed how strange this interaction was and very unprofessional and lacking of customer service. He came back and told us we needed to leave. We asked for our money back if he was making us leave. He refused so we said we would finish our coffees and leave once done, no harm. He then said he would call the cops. We said please do. He did just so. We left once the cop showed up as I’m sure cops in East Lansing have much better things to do on a Saturday afternoon. A place I once frequented, I will boycott and will spread word to others what a crime it is to order a hot coffee at blue owl in East Lansing. 2 major coffee chains have opened within walking distance. Blue owl must set itself apart and consider this when they hire staff. Maybe it was a win for the barista on his high horse but overall, he will negatively impact the business...

UPDATE: The original review was written about their previous location on Albert Street. I went to the new location on trowbridge and while the employees are kind as ever, the shop just isn’t the same. I assumed they were changing location for an upgrade, but this new location doesn’t have the sunlight, the open space, or the quaint atmosphere. It is much more sterile and silent now, like a Starbucks.

end of update

I go to Blue Owl about two or three times a week. My friends and I use the space for creativity and writing, and Blue Owl serves as a high quality space for this exact kind of work.

I don’t frequent many coffee shops, so I didn’t know what to get the first time I came in. When Terrence (my fave Blue Owl employee) heard me saying I had no idea what I wanted, he offered to surprise me. After asking what flavors I liked, he made me a brown sugar latte, and I’ve ordered it every time since!

We’ve spent upwards of 6 hours there every time we go, as there doesn’t often seem to be a viable reason to leave! The back private room is often available to us, and the environment is relaxing and inspiring to us, with all of its plants and natural lighting.

We love every minute...