The Electric Brew-Downtown Goshen — Restaurant in Goshen

I've been there 3 times, so far.

It's a needed place, here in dirty old Goshen Indiana.

The ambiance is middle class, most patrons seem to be upper middle class, the wifi is 'ok' (but not great. and not reliable, if enough people show up with laptops), and seating is comfortable and adequate most of the time.

But if you're not used to getting something to drink in a coffee shop like this, then you need to understand some things.

First, many of their "large" drinks come in medium or small cups; depending on what you get. Next, if you get a large Cappuccino (for example), you'll get it in a small cup.

That cup will be about 55% bland dairy foam (this is a dishonest practice; but since the American business model is patterned after traveling gypsies, there's nothing remarkable about it).

Underneath that impressively thick foam is 2 inches of drink; -costing about $1.50 per inch. It will be unsweetened, very strong, and fairly harsh coffee.

Unless you're used to sucking on raw and strong coffee beans for a snack, there's a good chance you'll be rushing back up to the counter for milk, cream and sugar; lots of it.

If you've ever gotten Cappuccino from a commercial source, like a gas station or some restaurants, you've been spoiled on fast-creation, fun flavors, rich sweetness, and good value.

Forget all of that.

You're now paying for decent (but not amazing) decor, upper social ambiance and barely-personable service.

That drink is mainly the price of admission; since it would be rude to hang out there without buying something.

I'm giving it 4 stars because it does and IS what it's meant to be and do; and we really do need a social oasis like this.

I love being there; I really do. Though, after trying 3 different items on the menu-board, I plan to be the first patron in the door next time, so there's time to have a real discussion about what the other items really are. Maybe I can find something that isn't so .. harsh.

I've tried to have the discussion before, but they were busy (as they usually are) and there is still a communication gap to overcome.

I only go once every few months, but ...

We'll get there! Or I'll just start bringing a thermos of sweetened milk and we'll just make it work from...

I’ve really liked the brew for a long time but coming back after a while there’s now a lot that’s changed that sort of erks me. The people are still great but the policies make it really hard to love.

All the doors that were put up during covid really ruin the space in my opinion. Makes it feel so cluttered and crowded. It was sooooo much nicer without them. Maybe they’ll take them down someday but it doesn’t seem like that will be soon.

The bathroom is on a key now, which is a huuuuge pain. I understand that there’s probably people who abused the bathroom before to make this policy- but in a shop like this it’s really not feasible. There can be a huge line and you need to get the baristas attention (while there’s often multiple others trying to get it as well) or try to catch the last person out with the key. There’s only one bathroom, and coffee does stuff to peoples bowels you know?

Menu is huge (which I consider a bad thing) this makes the line super slow while people consider so many options and takes away from the things they do well (like awesome fresh bagels and cinnamon rolls!). Also they’ve started using beepers which is INCREDIBLY annoying when everyones table is beeping. Also the door beeps when people enter which I think is also unnecessary in a shop this busy and only adds to the annoying noises found here. I bet it is a nightmare to work in that kitchen when it’s busy.

Last bit is more personal taste but coffee is usually medium to dark and not great on its own. In the world of 2023, there’s really so much better roasters out there. This place is definitely a “second wave” coffee shop focused on sweeteners and flavors etc. which is fine but if you want a nice espresso I probably...

I go to electric brew weekly. I walked into electric brew two weeks ago in the middle of a work phone call and didn’t want to be rude, so I finished my phone call for a few minutes while setting my stuff down at an available table. I was approached my a female staff member who told me I had to leave my table bc I didn’t order right away. I apologized and said of course I was going to order and headed up to the counter right away. She then said it was too late and I needed to leave my table bc she gave it away to someone else. I was in shock and reminded her I intended to order. She said it was too late and I felt quite humiliated by the experience as it was the last table in the shop and I was basically given no choice but to leave. I never complain about customer service, but this girl was not friendly or understanding and I felt completely offended and unwanted. I walked out and had to go to another coffee shop. I do love electric brew, but if this kind of thing is your policy please be understanding that the typical person is not going to know this as it’s not normal of any other coffee shop environments. I have friends and family who have complained about the same person, so maybe this is just a staff problem? Really hate to leave a bad review but it was...