Ember + Forge — Restaurant in Erie

This shop is downright delightful.

The cappuccinos are delicious, even for a complete coffee snob from San Francisco (me 🤣). And the atmosphere is welcoming, with a historical vibe from all the exposed brick and architectural details (check out their tin ceilings!) and just enough pops of bright color to create that creative energy you want from a modern coffee house.

I managed to slip in four times while I was in Erie for the weekend. Had 4 different baristas. Each one was friendly, accomodating and lovely to chat with, which is refreshing to experience.

My mother, father, and cousin all enjoyed their experiences as well. Mom had ice tea and a Heath bar muffin. Dad had water with lemon (does that even count? Well, he did comment extensively on the great coffeeshop vibes. 🤷‍♀️). Cousin got a decaf capp as it was late in the afternoon.

The one thing I think they could improve upon is their muffins. We sat and debated whether they had been previously refrigerated or frozen due to the crumb quality and flavor. Disclaimer that my mother baked wedding cakes for years, so her taste on that account is more developed.

They also sell freshly roasted beans by the bag so you can take some of that deliciousness home with you.

All in all, this is by far the best shop in Erie, and it has become my number one choice for all coffee...

This downtown Erie coffee shop stands as an essential destination for enthusiasts seeking a refined café experience. Boasting an extensive drink menu replete with a myriad of unique options, its beverages consistently rank among the finest in the region. Complementing these offerings are delectable bakery items sourced from local businesses, all reasonably priced. The establishment prides itself on delivering unwaveringly friendly service, fostering a welcoming atmosphere accentuated by a modern interior conducive to both leisure and productivity. However, a notable drawback lies in its restricted operating hours—opening late morning and closing by 2 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends—potentially deterring patrons seeking coffee beyond these times in favor of more accessible alternatives among local and chain...

We travel the world and experience many coffee drinks… the coffee was not to disappoint… Outside of the fact I ordered a HOT latte (max size 12 oz) I received an ICE latte. The 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ comes from two factors… the lack of friendliness from the baristas and the other staff having a very involved & inappropriate conversation in the center of the coffee shop. Two staff members or management were having an indepth conversation in the middle of the coffee shop about how their target market is 50-65 year old women. “They need to figure out the way to broaden their market as the current demographics are going to be dieing off.” Ok, not what I want to hear when I fit those demographics. As a suggestion you may want to have these type of conversations in the office and not where your patrons can...