Narrative Coffee — Restaurant in Everett

They should change their name to "Overrated Coffee"!

UPDATE #2: Stopped in on a whim while visiting the weekend farmer's market. Much less busy this time around and a handful of customers seated around the café seemed to be enjoying their breakfasts. Ordered a 16oz iced latte with an extra shot (learned my lesson from before!), but 2 things still sullied my experience...

First, my drink came out to $9.25! That has got to be the most expensive iced coffee in Washington! Second, it took FOREVER to get my drink. Despite a full complement of staff behind the counter, it seemed only one person was making coffee. I actually went back to the farmers market for a few minutes, came back, and still had to wait a while.

Meanwhile, I watched as the barista screwed up BOTH of the drinks of the nice couple ahead of me.

And the coffee? It was fine. Better than last time, sure, but truly nothing special. I don't really know what to say, other than Narrative simply isn't worth the cost OR the wait.

Reducing my rating to 2 stars again. Not recommended.

UPDATE #1: I truly appreciate the owner's response to my previous comments. Unlike the approach of the service staff when I brought my concern to their attention, the owner's reply was informative and suggestive of wanting to "make things right".

While I don't feel blame should lie with any single person, I do appreciate the owner's acknowledgement that staff could have handled the situation better, if nothing more than in the name of customer service. In light of their response, I have raised my rating to "3" stars.

I will plan another visit to the establishment soon and update my review further, if warranted. To the owner, thank you for taking the time to read and address my concerns!

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Very disappointed upon first visit!

First, despite touting themselves as having "Everett's best breakfast", they were out of nearly all breakfast items on the menu aside from literally only eggs and potatoes. Couldn't even make a sandwich!

Second, my latte was the most bland "coffee" drink I've ever had in my life. I even asked my wife, who absolutely hates coffee in all its forms, to try it and even she remarked "this just tastes like milk...I don't taste any coffee at all".

I brought my concern to the barista at the counter, who proceeded to tell me "well, a latte is pretty much just milk, so that's why it tastes that way" and further insulted me by telling me I must not be used to the "lighter roast" they use. Something tells me she doesn't drink coffee, LOL!

I explained that I have lattes nearly daily from different establishments in the area and even make my own espresso drinks at home on a regular basis with a variety of roasts. I like to experiment and can certainly appreciate a good light roast, but this drink was lacking any flavor or suggestion of containing coffee at all! It was simply unpleasant, to be completely honest.

She told me that if I wanted additional shots to improve the flavor, I would have to go back and wait in the long line again to purchase them! I was blown away at the lack of care and concern at this place. Customer service clearly isn't their strong suit.

I'm willing to give Narrative Coffee one more shot on the assumption that the day I visited was just a particularly "off" day, but my rating won't improve until my experience does! That said, the tea was great! Only reason for giving them 2 stars...

Initial Impression in 3 words: Oh. My. Gosh!

This was my first time at Narrative Coffee and it exceeded my expectations in terms of artisanal coffee quality, technique, and taste.

Atmosphere: It was a relaxed yet very lively atmosphere when I walked in. There were groups of people from all walks of life in the seated areas. Study groups, couples, a few friends and family members. This was a Monday morning around 9:45AM. Personally, despite the audible volume, I feel I would be comfortable reading a book here - 5/5.

Staff: They were welcoming, friendly, and very accommodating when I told them it was my first time in their shop. I had narrowed my coffee selection down to three items and asked for recommendations between those three- and I was able to make a decision I was happy with in the end, based on the information I was given by the staff. I was also able to inquire about allergies (as I'm allergic to almonds) and was told they have an ingredients list for their items (except for the newer editions to the menu) - 5/5.

Coffee: I ordered the Lavender Mocha and it was presented on the counter, cap-off to the side with lovely latte art of a heart at the top of the drink for the customer's eyes to enjoy. The presentation was immaculate and the taste was incredible. As far as the coffee goes, I could tell from the taste and consistency of the crema that both the quality and the technique of the baristas was as good as it gets. The milk was frothed to perfection and there was just a hint of lavender and chocolate. The flavors were not overwhelming, thus allowing the established coffee drinker to still enjoy the high quality beans in tandem with a little something extra - 5/5 (if I could rate it any higher, I would).

Pastries: My impression of the following pastries: -Orange cardamom tea cake (warmed): Moist with a delicate flavor, not heavy on the glaze, orange or cardamom, and went well with the coffee. I could see it also pairing well with tea - 4.8/5. -Cherry tea cake (cooled): This cake itself was also very moist. The glaze was very rich, which leads me to believe it would be best paired with a lighter flavored drink or tea to contrast the richness of the glaze - 4.2/5. -Chocolate cherry darling (cooled): The pastry was buttery and flaky with a hint of cinnamon-sugar, and the filling was robust in chocolate and cherry flavoring. Very rich, but well-balanced between the pastry and the filling. Would be good by itself or paired with a black coffee - 4.5/5.

Food: N/A - Didn't purchase any food from them at the time - (?)/5.

Merchandise available: On the south-facing wall near the entrance they sell a variety of blends of coffee, Ritual brand chocolate bars, some coffee supplies, and Narrative Coffee branded t-shirts & hats - (?)/5.

Restrooms: There are 2 single-occupancy unisex restrooms. They were nice, clean, and on the larger side- it seems it would be good for parents with small children, or those who use wheelchairs - 5/5.

Overall impression: A wonderful place to unwind in the morning with high-quality coffee and...

Not a bad place - just not at all what I was expecting or hoping for.

After wanting to visit for a long time, based on photos and customer reviews, I was sadly disappointed. I had hoped to find a spacious and cozy feeling Coffee House as so many photos made it look and reviewers spoke of - for me it was neither from the moment I walked in.

This is more of a hipster cafe serving gourmet, specialty food offerings and hand crafted coffee beverages. A bit pricey but inline with the business model that they appear to be going for; locally sourced foods on the menus and 'performing artists, on occasions. They offer various specialty roasters/coffees along with local bakery items, on occasion.

No 'sugar free' offerings ... know this before you arrive if in need of that dietary need for medical or personal choice. They do have Spenda but not in packets, they scoop it for you.

The ambiance would, at first appearance, make you think possible coffee house but you soon find that the vibe and seating does not really provide for that.

Four small tables, one slightly larger table, two raised sitting bars and two long sofas, still a small place with no tangible vibe of coffee bar, it's open, highly lighted, deafening echo when conversation peaks and most people came to eat, not simply drink coffee and chill or work on a task normally found in a Coffee House.

I would come back and have lunch or grab a brief moment over a cup of coffee while relaxing on the couch but I would suggestion it to someone looking to work on their book, business or other endeavor. This is not that kind of coffee place in my opinion.

Narrative Coffee Co. brings a new flavor to Everett, a much needed one. It's just not the coffee ambiance or experience I personally was hoping for. I hope they continue to find success and continue to set the business bar for supporting local artists within...