Grin Coffee Roastery — Restaurant in Hattiesburg

I’ve been going to The Grin for several years, and I really wanted to keep supporting this local spot. The atmosphere is nice, the food is decent (though limited), and the staff — mostly younger — is generally polite. The menu is simple, which is fine, but what’s driven me away is how rigid the service has become.

There’s little to no flexibility when it comes to customizing drinks. I’ve tried a few times to substitute the base of a specialty latte for a cold brew or an Americano, and each time I’ve been told it’s not possible due to pricing. I understand needing structure, but it’s frustrating that there’s no effort to find a reasonable workaround. It’s not about trying to be difficult — it’s just wanting to enjoy the seasonal flavors in a different form. Most other places, even big chains, can figure that out with no problem.

This isn’t a one-time issue either. It’s happened multiple times, and each time I’ve left feeling like the customer’s happiness isn’t really a priority. It comes across as inflexible and, honestly, a little indifferent. There’s also small things that make it feel like attention to detail is slipping — like their sign listing weekday hours but leaving off Saturday, even though I’m pretty sure they’re open then.

Lastly, I don’t know if it’s just me, but the coffee roast doesn’t taste the same as it used to. It used to feel more special, and now it just feels a...

Details: I make at least a weekly visit to Grin Coffee. It's definitely my favorite coffee. IMPORTANT: this is not a coffee shop. It is a rostery that sells awesome coffee drinks.

The Short: I always leave satisfied. The staff is awesome and most of the time you get to watch the coffee roasting process.

The Long: Like I said, this is not a coffee shop. They have two small tables and a sitting bar where you can enjoy your beverage and watch Tommy (the owner) work his magic roasting coffee.

As for drinks, don't think your going to get your fluffy Starbucks frappe. This place sells real coffee. They have regular drip coffee, pour overs, cold brew, nitro coffee and always something special. Once I got a jalapeño basil nitro coffee drink. Sounds weird, but it was pretty good. At the writing of this review, they were making cereal milk lattes (lattes made with milk that your favorite cereal soaked in).

As for food, if you get there early enough you can get a bacon cheese or chocolate croissants from Town Square Bakery (down the road). Probably the best croissant you'll ever eat.

I love this place and keep a stock of their whole bean coffee at home and work. If you haven't been yet, go. If your passing through, go. Bottom line,...

Warm atmosphere and friendly baristas. Their menu has all the staples of a coffee shop: drip, pour-over, latte, espresso, etc. I heard about their “cereal-milk” lattes and was super excited. I tried the Apple Jacks latte and savored the sweet and cinnamon flavors. I plan on trying their other flavors asap. Very cozy area with two small tables to sit at. You can watch part of their brewing process and a big machine in the middle of the shop (I think the roaster?) Small pastry options like croissants, muffins, & scones are available. Drive thru is easy access with a wrap...