Firehouse Coffee 1881 — Restaurant in Hampton

I work in the area and frequent Firehouse Coffee. It's convenient, quick, and easy to walk to. I wanted to wait to write the review so I could assure it would be well informed with over a year and half worth of experiences being a customer there, visiting once every 2-3 weeks or so. I've put a lot of thought into this review because I can see the genuine care that goes into this cafe.

But if I'm being honest, the food and drinks are subpar, at best. I feel three stars is a bit generous, but it's due to the ambiance and service being nothing short of lovely. Everyone that works there is very friendly and accommodating and it's a casual and cozy place to enjoy a snack or drink. Plus dogs are allowed inside!!!

That being said, my overall issue is that the flavor is, to describe it in one word... bland. I have had almost every combo of breakfast sandwich using all breads and cheeses, and I genuinely believe that the eggs used are those cartons of pre-whisked egg put into a microwave until firm, and slapped in between bread, no salt, no pepper, no seasoning whatsoever. I even tried getting it on the everything bagel to try and have more taste, to no avail. Meats and cheeses are good, and after trying all the breads, the croissant is definitely the way to go!

Drinks are a bit all over the place The coffee selection (plain bean coffees, not the mixed drinks), are delicous. They have a wide range of different types from all over. Now, I've gotten both the iced and hot chai and the flavor the first time I got the iced one was amazing, bold, and robust. However, I've had several experiences that are super inconsistent. Most recently, I got a hot chai that tasted like only steamed milk. Just bland. I couldn't taste the chai at all.

I think it's also important to note, that I have over 6 years experience of being a barista, so I know what I mean when I say I want a "Chai Latte." That just means spiced black tea with steamed milk. However, the barista once gave me spiced tea with espresso and steamed milk, or a "Dirty Chai." I told her that that wasn't what I ordered, and she proceeded to tell me that there was a difference between a "Chai Tea" and a "Chai Latte." No. There isn't. Chai literally translates to tea, and what makes it a 'latte' is adding steamed milk. If you're going to have it on the menu, knowing the distinction seems like a simple google search could keep the staff be better informed. Nevertheless, the woman was kind enough to remake my drink.

Lemon blueberry muffins have barely any lemon flavor, leaving a bland blueberry muffin, lacking on the blueberries. They're really not that bad, but it's just... I hate to say, Starbucks is better (although I prefer to shop small and local).

Tuna and chicken salad sandwiches are good too, but the deli sandwiches are simply not worth the $9.00 AT ALL. This is quite literally bread, one slice of deli meat, cheese and LTO (only on request). Just dry, plain, and once again- bland. I wish there were a special mayo/ mustard options... or anything to give these sandwiches some oomf and make them worth the money.

In conclusion, I just wish the care that went into customer service, would go towards the food as well. The coffee and ice cream are spectacular, but otherwise, you're better off taking the short drive for a more flavorful sandwich to the Hardees or McDonalds up the street, plus it's cheaper.

I'm truly not saying this to be mean and bitter, but in hopes that there is a change in the approach to the small details in food. I hate to see a place with so much potential, lack so...

Stopped in at Firehouse Coffee Saturday morning to show one of my friends who is visiting from out of town the space. We ordered two iced coffee beverages and some breakfast sandwiches. Unfortunately, the iced coffee beverages did not taste very good at all :( My friend got a matcha latte and I got a cold brew coffee with vanilla. They were just watered down and poorly made. We didn’t even want to drink them. I asked one of the employees if I could switch my iced coffee out for a hot coffee instead because I didn’t like it, and thankfully she was very nice about it. I’ve enjoyed Firehouse Coffee in the past, but the last two times I’ve been there the iced drinks have not been the best. Also, the water jug (orange gatorade container) had mildew all on the spout and when I tried to get some water little pieces of mold went into my cup. It was gross. So I asked one of the employees for a cup of water with ice from the back. I think it’s really important to make sure the water container that everyone is supposed is cleaned and checked regularly. Lastly, the couches and furniture had stains all over it. I assume kids had something to do with that, which is completely understandable, but I would try to clean the furniture with some upholstery cleaner because it looks bad to have dirty furniture. People should want to sit on the couches in there, it’s part of the experience and overall atmosphere to have comfy couches to sit on. But they looked like they came from a preschool classroom. Overall, I really like Firehouse Coffee, so I hope they can make improvements and continue to thrive...

Firehouse Coffee has such a neat atmosphere and is a very welcoming place. All the people working here were very friendly and helpful, and since this was my first time here they gave me a sticker, which is apparently their neat tradition for first time guests! I ordered my usual tester, a hot caramel latte, and it was good, not the best but good. I also ordered the egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a croissant. I went out to my vehicle, started it up, and decided to take a bite before I left and I am so glad that I did! That breakfast sandwich was the best breakfast sandwich I have ever had at a coffee shop and maybe even ever! It was so delicious that I turned off my truck, finished my sandwich, and went back inside to let them know how good it was and to order another sandwich, which was just as good! The croissant was buttery, flakey, and fresh. The egg was cooked there, not microwaved pre-made like almost every other coffee shop. Any time I am out this way I will definitely stop in and get another 2 breakfast sandwiches. Absolutely delicious food and I highly recommend...