Penny Lane Coffeehouse — Restaurant in Evansville

I am really sorry that I am having to write a one-star review, as I usually only go on Google Reviews to write 5-star reviews. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve written a bad review of any place in five years or more, but, hopefully, you’ll understand how seriously motivated I was to do so. I went in a few days ago and asked the young woman working if there was anything that could be done about how smoky it was inside. Her first response was to look at me like I was from outer space and then, after that, gaslight me by asking me “Is it smoky in here?” I don’t know if she thought I was an extra, “speak to the manager” kind of person but the truth is actually the opposite. How can I prove that? Well, I’ve come into this cafe, off and on, for over three years now. I have never said anything—even though it is always a problem—because I have kindly, patiently hoped things would get better. Sadly, they have not. This isn’t an issue of taste or pickiness: it’s a question of public safety, which is why I have also just called the County Health Department. Back to the barista. After giving me a hard time she said they could turn on some sort of exhaust fan (which are on, in restaurant kitchens, basically all the time). The problem, here, is that they are cooking in the dining area, not really in a separate, ventilated kitchen. The barista then asked us to turn off that exhaust fan, after about 30 minutes, since it was “sucking all the cold air out.” I mentioned that I was finding it hard to breathe, and she offered no apologies other than to say a. I could sit outside (even though it was hot and humid), and also b. That “I guess everyone is affected differently by it.” Essentially this was telling me that there was something wrong with me. Thank goodness I don’t have asthma or any sort of disabilities, because, if so, we’d be looking at a lawsuit. On a more basic, human level, there was absolutely no human response when I mentioned the difficulty breathing. Instead, I got a cold, inhuman look, which sort of lead me to believe that she wished some sort of physical harm on me. And you know, I was so polite and kind when ordering: I ordered by saying “May I please have…” and actually spoke so softly and kindly that she had to ask me to speak up and repeat myself. I think she was annoyed with this, as she probably hopes to get rude customers just so she can spar with them. I really hope that the manager or owner reads this, takes it seriously, and responds. I love supporting local spots, and I feel like this is a great community place for the neighborhood. But you cannot comprise when it comes to health and safety. I’m concerned for the employees, too. They seem pretty nonplussed by this, but they are young… God only knows if this will lead to COPD or some other issues as...

Color me surprised! Penny Lane was one of the very (and I mean VERY) few things open this last Sunday in Evansville. It's a couple blocks from the museum we had gone to see and about the same distance from our church. It being Lent we went there hoping to at least score some coffees with almond or oat milk. Well, they had not only that but some really amazing smoothies (I had the Dirty Hippie), sandwiches, and some lovely baked goods including a Vegan lemonade cupcake. Perfect since we can't have animal products until Pascha.

We were warned the neighborhood could be a bit sketchy but it was fine that day and time and we even got to sit outside (though it was breezy and in the 40s) and enjoy the spring blossoms and twittering birds. The inside was lovely. The comfy atmosphere you'd expect with books, cushy seating, and just the right amount of exposed brick was on display. (Tbph that whole area has some amazing architecture and landscaping. It's worth walking the back alleys!)

Three of us had smoothies with my husband trying a sugar free caramel latte with oat milk. Delish! The veggie burgers had cheese and pesto which we skipped. They were still nice, served on warm toasted bread with very fresh lettuce and tomato. I could have used a thick slab of red onion but they didn't NEED it. We almost felt badly ordering food as that poor lady behind the counter was working on the smallest prep space I think we've ever come across. We were legit surprised by how quickly she turned out the food and drinks and they were all high quality. Zero complaints from any of us!

The prices are more than reasonable, too. I've been surprised by the prices in Evansville in general. Whether it's the zoo, the museum, or spots to eat (even the more upscale ones), it's super reasonable which makes it painless to take the kids out. I would recommend taking a vacation in the area, especially if you're into natural sites (like Howell Wetlands, Wesselman Woods, etc) and great dining. Evansville has some great small businesses tucked all over and Penny Land is definitely near the top of the list for us. We now have a go-to place for coffee and plan on going back. i think Mom and Dad need a low key date night and this would be a perfect...

This is my fifth coffee house I visited on my week-long stay in Evansville and the worst. My latte was bland and watered down.

I recommend going elsewhere. Check out Mission Grounds or Honey Moon Coffee instead. Also the owner likes to insult their customers. See below

RESPONSE TO OWNER (owner deleted original response insulting me)

Interesting tactic to insult someone because they didn't like your product. I actually visited your shop a couple months ago and the drink was mediocre at best but I thought I'd give it another try. I travel a lot for work and always visit local shops versus big chains. This time it was so horrible I could barely finish the drink.

You don't use water in latte's? 😂😆 😂 Seriously? And you run a coffee shop? I'll bet you $1,000 water is used in making a hot latte. Actually maybe you're right and you didn't use water. That would explain the awful drink. What was used instead? Turpentine?

Why didn't I return the latte? You know some people have to work and don't have time to go back to the store and get another drink made. Forgive my high expectations in paying $6 for a drink to be palatable.

And you do understand to point of reviews correct? Yes I hardly give great reviews for coffee shops because it's actually rare for a coffee shop to know what it's doing, use good beans, and train the baristas correctly. Most bad coffee is covered up by tons of sugar and the customer...