Cream & Amber — Restaurant in Hopkins

I stopped in today (10/19/23) with my girlfriend to try and get some trip planning done while also enjoying a cup of coffee at a new place for the two of us. We ordered a coffee and a miel and sat at the bar. Props for installing a bar length power strip for laptops/cell phones/etc. and for having lightning quick, reliable WiFi. The coffee and miel were both decent. This is where the positive aspects of my experience end.

As other reviewers have noted, this place is LOUD. I could hardly hear my girlfriend speaking to me as we sat beside each other. Why? Because the staff behind the bar talked non-stop at a high volume the entire time we were there. I kept thinking that soon enough the talking will subside as shifts end and new workers arrive or when more customers come in and things get busy, but that never happened.

No employees asked us how our drinks were, if we’d like anything else, a refill on coffee, or literally anything. Even when we walked out the door, no thank you for coming in or “have a nice day”. Instead, I got to listen to a few hours of employees’ non-stop stories and opinions on x, y, and z. At one point during my time at the shop, one employee stopped herself mid sentence, looked at customers sitting at the bar and quietly commented that she forgets customers are present, meaning she realizes she talks about stuff that she probably shouldn’t in front of customers.

I don’t feel like I was treated like a customer and won’t be back due to this...

I wish I didn’t have to leave a negative review because I used to really like this coffee shop, however I had an unfortunate experience that makes me not want to return. I came with my mother in law and 1.5 year old daughter and as soon as I sat down, my toddler reached over the table and I inadvertently spilled my full coffee (mostly to avoid spilling hot coffee on her or my elderly mother in law). A worker came to “help” clean, which was more of them bringing me a bunch of napkins and a mop so I could clean myself. I was on my hands and knees wiping up spilled coffee. While I know this wouldn’t be required, no one offered to make me a replacement coffee. I realize I was the one who spilled, but I’ve mentioned this situation to many others and 99% of the people I talked to have been very surprised that the coffee shop didn’t offer me a new one. It would mostly just be out of the goodness of their hearts for a tired mother, but it does speak to the type of people that are employed here. It’s too bad because the ambiance is great, the coffee is great and the book selection is great. But the poor service means I won’t be back. Maybe they just aren’t...

Cream & Amber is a staple spot for me and the owners -- best friends running a community bookstore/cafe -- are essentially living out my dream/fantasy.

Food/Drinks: -Rose Cardamom Latte: This might be one of my new favorite coffee beverages PERIOD. It was so good! The rose is definitely present and carries the drink until the end when the cardamom takes over. I think this is a seasonal drink and I'm already mourning when it's taken off the menu. -Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies: These are delicious, especially if you happen to catch them as they're coming out of the oven! -Lavender Bread: I love lavender and this bread doesn't disappoint! -Great local beers and ciders on tap. -Lots of salads, sandwiches, etc.

Parking: I never have an issue parking. There is street parking out front and a small lot out back.

Renting/Reserving Space: There are desks and offices that you can rent upstairs, otherwise you can reserve the community room ($25 per hour) or a large free table.

All in all? This is a lovely community spot with really wonderful staff, food, books, and more! I can't...