I ordered my food to go, over the phone and the girl said it would be ready in 15-20 minutes - for pulled pork nachos. I walked to the location, during my lunch break, after I made that call. I arrived in 10 minutes and they hadn't even started my nachos - this was at 1-130p and when I arrived there was only a couple that was already eating and a guy sitting at the coffee bar - already a bad sign. -1 star. I walked around the store which was pretty cool, nice, clean, modern and the staff were friendly. The owner/manager was very inviting and showed me around. The vibe in there is pro-women and feminist type. I even had a women challenge my manhood by letting me know that I couldn't finish the woman's tournament. She was joking, but not really - based on her mannerisms. 15 minutes later my nachos were ready. So this was about 25 minute wait, in total so far, only to have to continue waiting for 1 register/computer to be available to ring me up. Same computer for ordering merchandise or viewing the catalog/inventory, ringing up sales, and food orders for the restaurant/ cafe 𤌠so if you order food you have to wait for the the person buying merchandise to make up their mind about the purchase and still wait for the transaction - or at least I had to. Not good. -1 star. I waited another 5 minutes or so for the girl behind the counter to decide to improvise and try to get me going on Square while the manager/owner tended to a customer of the retail on the main computer. I arrived at work 13 minutes late only to open a box of nachos with over-cooked, day(s) old pulled pork (salty and no flavor) and Costco type tostadas (more salt). It's loaded but what's the point? Check the pic and zoom in, you can see the fibers of the meat which means it was dry (overcooked or old). Pretty expensive (time and cost) for what I received. Sorry but this experience sucked. -1 star. Not going back for the food experience. I know it's a bike shop, but if your going to offer a food menu at least put some effort into it - especially at that price point.đ 1 star for the cool look of the store and 1 star for the friendly staff.
Update 01/09/2019: The owner hasn't contacted me at all regarding the bad experience, bit he was willing to throw a jab at me via @Irma Lopez review. And you all believe this place deserves 5 stars? My review is based on my experience with the manager and the staff and is justified. The people ragging on my review are hypocrites because they have the same complaints, FOR OTHER BUSINESSES, that I have in my review of Podium. My complaints aren't petty and are a detailed account of my bad experience with service, atmosphere, and food quality - what any person with common sense, which most of El Paso lacks, would expect in the...
   Read moreWe recently attended a small birthday gathering at Podium Finish Coffee & Bikes and were left deeply disappointed by how the reservation was handled. When my friend originally booked the private room, the owner clearly told her that the $150 reservation fee would be applied to the final bill. However, when the check arrived, that credit was not applied. The owner claimed they âno longer do that,â despite having previously made the promise â and unfortunately, there was no written contract to back it up.
When we politely asked if he could honor what was promised, he refused, saying he needed the fee to pay his staff. That would be understandable if we had received attentive service â but we didnât. We had just one server for our 10-person party, and she was frequently absent, helping other tables outside our reserved space. Our refills were rare, and water wasnât consistent.
To add to the frustration, we were still charged for all drinks and even billed an extra $10 for a tablecloth â despite the owner previously saying the $150 would cover the room and drinks. In the end, my friend paid $150 for the deposit plus $150 for the meal, and we all left feeling misled and honestly a bit taken advantage of.
The food itself was good, but the experience left a bad taste. I would caution anyone looking to book a private room here: Get everything in writing, and donât assume a verbal agreement will be honored. Disappointing service and broken promises shouldnât be part of a...
   Read moreThe Podium Coffee and Bike Shop: A Culinary Oasis in El Paso
If you're searching for a culinary experience that delights all your senses, The Podium Coffee and Bike Shop in El Paso is your ideal destination. This place not only offers a unique atmosphere where the passion for cycling and great coffee merge, but it also stands out for its exquisite flavors and freshly prepared food.
As you enter, you're greeted by a vibrant and welcoming ambiance. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, but what truly makes the visit unforgettable is their menu. We ordered a Cobb Salad and a Cubano sandwich, and both dishes were a revelation. The Cobb Salad, with its freshness and perfect balance of flavors, was a masterpiece. Each ingredient felt freshly chopped, delivering an explosion of taste in every bite.
The Cubano sandwich, on the other hand, was a sublime experience. The perfect balance between the crusty bread, savory meats, and pickles, made fresh to order, was simply outstanding. The flavors melded together harmoniously, creating a symphony of taste that left us wanting more.
The exceptional attention from Diana added a personal touch that made our visit even more enjoyable. Her warm service and knowledge of the menu made us feel right at home.
I highly recommend The Podium Coffee and Bike Shop. The food, the ambiance, and the outstanding service make it a must-visit spot in El Paso. Don't miss out on...
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