Onyx Coffee Lab — Restaurant in Fayetteville

Having worked in the industry for 5 years, this place is a marvelous gem swimming in the sea of burnt bean juice that surrounds it on all sides.

I'm relatively new to Arkansas, but I worked as a barista for 3 years in Philadelphia. I roast my own beans and can pour some competitive latte art. I've worked at a failing cafe, as well as one that was expanding from success. Onyx seems to be on track to continue on form with the latter.

Short menu? Yes. This makes sure they keep their doors open, folks. Come here for the coffee, if you're staying a while, they have food offerings, but I was always surprised with people that would come into a cafe for a a specific food item. They are "overpriced" to most, but think about what it takes to keep fresh food stocked in an otherwise non-perishable business model and you'll understand why it takes them the effort (this cost to you) that it does to keep sandwiches, quiche, and avocado toast on the menu.

I had to get that off my chest after googlG told me that people think this place is expensive and limited. That's what 3rd wave coffee is, people. Focus is on the coffee, which means the beans are sourced very responsibly, and from impeccable farmers. This translates to a premium price, but you are receiving a premium product with minimal negative impact on the world, if you value that sort of stuff.

While here, I enjoyed a pourover, Kenyan washed beans. In the cup, the aroma is bright, but not sharp, with a note of fruit. Taste is phenomenally juicy for a washed bean, with honey, maple, tamarind, and light citrus notes making for a very round, yet bright cup profile.

Swing by for your next coffee, you won't be disappointed in the quality, especially if you check your pricing expectations...

So, I ended up in Fayetteville for a business trip and heard whispers about this place called Onyx Coffee. Apparently, it’s premium stock—the Beyoncé of coffee shops. Naturally, being the skeptic I am, I had to check it out. But here’s the twist: I don’t drink coffee. Like, at all. So why did I go to a coffee shop? Because I figured if this place is as amazing as people say, they’d have good tea too. Plus, I couldn’t resist seeing what the “Best Barista” winner could throw down.

Let me set the scene: I walked in, ordered an Onyx Active Tea (fancy name, right?)—“iced black & green tea blend with notes of ginger, yuzu, and orange.” Didn’t even know what yuzu was, but I was here for it. And to top it off, I grabbed a gluten-free chocolate muffin. Now, I don’t know who’s back there baking, but that muffin was so good it had me questioning reality. Gluten-free? Really? Are we sure? Because it tasted like a straight lie—but in the best possible way.

And the tea? Hands down the best tea I’ve ever had at a coffee shop. Flavor game: 10/10. I was ready to become their tea spokesperson right then and there. The vibe inside? Immaculate. The atmosphere was so chill, I considered leaving my laptop and declaring I now work remotely from Onyx.

My only gripe? Parking. It’s like trying to find Waldo in a sea of striped shirts. But honestly, when you’re this popular, I get it. People will park on the moon just to get in.

So, Onyx, if you’re reading this, I’m just gonna say it—please franchise. Take my money. Take all of it. I’ll be first in line. Until then, I’ll keep dreaming of your tea and...

I usually don’t leave reviews, and I hate starting my morning like this, but I’m genuinely disappointed. After reading positive reviews and Reddit threads, I was excited to try some locally roasted beans while visiting Fayetteville. I picked up the “Southern Comfort” - 10oz for $20, which is on the pricier side, but I was hopeful given the hype.

To get a feel for Onyx’s coffee, I ordered an espresso while purchasing the beans. Unfortunately, it was incredibly bitter, undrinkably so, but I chalked it up to a possible mishap in the brewing process.

Still optimistic, I ground the beans fresh and brewed them using a French press. I patiently waited, only to be met with another bitter, unpleasant cup that not even milk could save. I genuinely thought I must’ve made a mistake, just like the in-store espresso. But even the smell of the ground beans carries an aggressively bitter aroma. Not to mention these beans came from a new bag, different from what I would’ve had in-store.

Maybe I got a bad bag—at least I hope so. Because at $20 for 10oz, this roast was surprisingly harsh and unenjoyable. I wish there were a way to return it, but for now, I’m mixing it with some Black Rifle and milk just to make it drinkable and avoid wasting it.

I’m strictly reviewing the coffee here. I was only grabbing stuff to go but the atmosphere seemed good and the staff friendly. It is definitely a place I could find myself sitting down at and doing some work, if only the...