The Coffee Class used to be my go-to instead of other coffee shops in the area. There are many things about the bistro that are desirable - they are locally owned and operated, always have had wonderfully kind baristas, and I really enjoyed their house-made syrups and rotating menu of new flavors. I found myself coming back and back again for a short while whenever treating myself and my friends because consumers vote with their wallets and I felt it was the right thing to do. I'd much rather give a couple of extra dollars to support a smaller, local cafe instead of a corporate chain.
I loved the atmosphere and their coffee (specifically their flavored lattes) so much that I actually applied. I was thoroughly disappointed with the entire process. Although I applied for the pastry position, I was required to complete a one-way recorded interview online before being considered for the position at all. All of these questions were difficult to answer because they all pertained to why I wanted to be a barista, even though I was applying as a pastry chef. Regardless, I made it to the second round of interviewing after a bit of a wait, followed by what I'd describe as a 45-minute "trial" interview where I worked in the kitchen before they officially hired me and sent me employee handbook information. Ultimately, what influenced my decision was the fact that they were offering me Nevada minimum wage ($11.50) to work as kitchen staff. It was very explicitly stated that I'd make up the rest of the cost through tips. I declined and chose to work somewhere else.
This all came to a head a few days ago, when I decided to treat myself and my partner out to breakfast. I knew it would be on the pricy side, but for two upsized lattes, the avocado toast, and the GOAT, I paid $55.28. Perhaps without my previous experiences, I wouldn't be upset, but in retrospect, how can the Coffee Class continue to pay their employees minimum wage when a small breakfast for two people comes out 55 dollars?
The avocado toast was disappointing - 14 dollars for two slices of bread that were smaller than my iphone SE with a generous amount of avocado and two halved cherry tomatoes. I would've preferred two larger slices, even if it meant that the amount of avocado was less because it felt like the ratio was all off and I would imagine that a cafe wouldn't be cheap on bread costs that badly. The GOAT was much more appetizing, but it felt a little upsetting that the side of chips was clearly something kettle-popped like Miss Vickie's instead of something house-made considering the wrap was smaller. Additionally, the flavored lattes we ordered tasted like milk. I know not to expect a strong espresso flavor from them, and perhaps it is because I chose to get a larger size, but why am I paying a two-dollar upcharge for such a weak latte/why is it an option if it is going to taste milkier? I usually get the banana nut bread latte and it has a much stronger espresso flavor. The baristas were lovely, but I didn't receive napkins when they brought the food and I ended up bussing my own table out of sympathy.
For my $55 meal, my receipt says I earned $9.70 off of my next order, so I headed to the front counter to order another drink to go, because I did not plan on returning. Again, the baristas were sweet, but somehow despite my receipt, I only had 4 dollars and some change in cash-off, which wasn't even enough for a small so I paid for the rest of my chai in cash.
Does the food taste good? Yes. The atmosphere in the cafe is splendid, the food menu is well-crafted, and there is a lot that the Coffee Class Horizon should be proud of. However, I think the cost of the portions has become completely outrageous. How many people (in this anti-tipping culture especially) are tipping on such high tabs? Where is the money going, if not to their skilled chefs...
Read moreDon't recommend ordering for pick up. Ordered food and coffee. Waited until the app said it was ready for pickup. Arrived was told the drinks weren't ready yet. Time stamp on Receipt was 9:32. App alerted me that pick up was ready by 9:45, I arrived shortly after. I checked in and my food was on the counter. A blond barista with braids was super sweet and said the drinks weren't ready yet. I waited another 15 minutes while my food sat out on the counter. Asked another barista ( update found out it was the manager) about time frame and she gave me attitude and said 'we are kinda busy". I mentioned my food was cold and she was still giving attitude. She sarcastically responded she'd reheat my food for me, but after her attitude I just gave up. I spent $60 on food and coffee to receive cold food and get treated poorly for stating my food was cold. I like the food and coffee here, in fact it's exceptional, but the sarcastic attitude is not what I ordered. I already have to fight for parking here I shouldn't have to fight the barista too. I hope it improves
Update: called in found out it was the manager who spoke to me. She stated she spoke to me like this because I rolled my eyes at her. Yes I gave attitude in response to her. Rather than address the issue with me she decided that telling me “we’re too busy right now” was the proper solution. I was upset because my food was cold. I expressed that I did not feel as though I was a priority and she offered me a gift card. I declined as I didn't want anything free, the customer service and lack of concern was the issue. She stated she was sorry I felt this way after telling me “you rolled your eyes at me and I stopped engaging”. I called in not to get anything for free, but to address how this situation wasn’t handled properly and she blew me off in the store. The phone conversation didn't improve the situation as she stated I rolled my eyes at her and thus this entire situation was essentially my fault. I received cold food, but apparently that’s not worth complaining about. The food and coffee is great but not worth being treated like garbage by the manager. I live down the street and thought I’d support a local business but after today I highly doubt I’ll ever return...
Read moreFirst timer here. I've been ACHING to go to The Coffee Class off Eastern, but it's too far of a drive and tucked away. This location is great!
Now, the parking lot is a madhouse because of the neighboring McDonald's. I mean, I forget about how popular McDonald's is until I go to this one. That's how busy they are. Anyway, it's also shared with a CBD store, daycare, and nail salon. So, yes, very busy.
Coming in, it's a cute space. They gave us some time to order, which was nice. They were also busy, so I'm sure they were glad for the little reprieve.
The young woman behind the counter seemed like she was in a rush. I ordered two beverages and three pastries as I know they're known for them. It came out to about 25 bucks. Okay, that's fine. It's a small coffee shop and I ordered a ton of stuff. Our coffees came out first and the pastries out shortly thereafter. The gentleman said they gave us a free pastry and we were excited we got a bonus. We were out and about until we started to delve into our pastries. We only got two, both of which we had ordered and were missing their pop tart pastry. We were running errands, so we couldn't go back and it wasn't worth the jaunt. The guy behind the counter was nice, but that's about it.
So, it seems that there was CLEARLY a mistake somewhere. Looking at the menu, it's obvious that the girl behind the counter was not really present when taking our orders.
The chocolate pumpkin bundt was good. The pumpkin wasn't strong until you hit the icing. I like pumpkin, but holy smokes that's super pumpkin spiced. The almond croissant was delicious. I love the crispiness of the croissant and the soft, fluffiness of the inside with the almond custard. Absolutely delicious.
Would I go back? Eh, maybe for the croissant. Their coffee was good, but not one I...
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