Perhaps the single worst customer service experience I have ever encountered in specialty coffee---truly, shamefully bad.
Here's the whole story. I ordered a dirty Chai, extra hot, but asked them to be careful to not scorch the milk in the process. Unfortunately, they did. No biggie, it's hard to strike the balance, but it was undrinkably hot even several minutes later. So I brought it back in to ask for a remake. All regular occurrences so far. I felt that I was quite apologetic as I really hate putting people out. Fortunately, nobody was in line when I returned.
Despite this, the blonde, tan woman at the counter was extremely rude to me throughout the process. I asked (I thought very nicely) for the remake, and she literally didn't speak a word to me other than "what's your table?", all the while giving me an incredulous scowl. Welp, she did remake it, but when she gave it to me she didn't say a word, she didn't look at me, nothing. Odd as that was, I tasted it and now it didn't taste like there was any espresso in it (that part was probably on me - it tasted strange since their concentrate probably used star anise and I'm not used to that kind of Chai). So just to double check I hopped back in line just to ensure that there was espresso as I had a long commute ahead. When I stood there, the same barista was visibly annoyed and glaring at me from behind the groups, so I came over and asked if it was a dirty Chai or not.
Even still, her demeanor suggested that I was putting some terrible imposition upon her just for asking the question. Her replies were curt and not the least bit kind or conciliatory. Never once smiled, only visibly scowling. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this woman has some seriously awful customer service skills. So I asked her if she felt like she was being a bit rude, only to be met with a scoff, followed by a "I remade the drink" in, again, the same tone as earlier.
Houston is a big city and I will certainly not be back. That said, I'd be happy to talk with management about...
Read moreTenfold Coffee is a local coffee shop in Houston’s Heights neighborhood. From the moment you step inside, there is a warm and welcoming vibe with its industrial style atmosphere with an assortment of green plants spread throughout. They have plenty of seats available, a large community table, and a great outdoor patio. They even offer coffee classes, wine tasting, and pop-up dinners!
There is a private parking lot available, but this can get quite full. A taco truck usually parks out front on weekends as well if you want breakfast. They also have pastries and other drinks if you aren’t in the mood for coffee.
Tenfold Coffee really stands out for its commitment to ethically and sustainably sourced coffee, partnering with farmers across seven countries—Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, and Mexico. This careful selection underscores a shared passion for quality and a dedication to fostering long-term relationships with coffee farmers. Each origin contributes its unique flavor profile, making every cup a testament to Tenfold's global journey and commitment to excellence.
The roasting process at Tenfold Coffee is nothing short of alchemy. Rejecting the binary of light or dark roasts, they instead focus on unlocking the unique qualities of each bean. Their technical prowess is evident in the meticulous application of the roasting phases—drying, Maillard reaction, and caramelization—ensuring that each cup highlights the coffee's intrinsic characteristics. The result? A coffee that's not just tasted, but experienced, with every sip revealing a new layer of complexity.
In a city full of coffee shops, Tenfold Coffee is a gem, and I would say it’s my favorite place in Houston. Whether you're a coffee aficionado eager to explore nuanced flavors or someone seeking a cozy nook to unwind, Tenfold Coffee is a destination that promises to exceed expectations on every visit. I would highly recommend...
Read moreTenfold Coffee will forever have a place in my heart. This place has saved me through my postpartum period after the birth of my first baby. We had just moved into the neighborhood in early 2024 and I was very excited to have a coffee shop within walking distance. After my baby was born, I found it difficult to leave my home and was unsure of how to navigate life with a newborn. I forced myself to take daily walks, and since Tenfold was nearby, I had easy access to caffeine for my sleep deprived self. There was a point during my maternity leave that I was here almost every single day; whether it be grabbing something to go or hanging out on the patio with my newborn. It helped that the staff was very friendly and even some of them already knew my order. Thank you Tenfold for being there when I needed you the most!
Going onto the actual review, Tenfold has excellent coffee. They even roast their own beans where you can purchase it for yourself. My typical go to is an iced/hot decaf mocha latte with pistachio milk. Instead of almond milk, they use pistachio milk as a milk alternative. On the weekend, they have two different taco trucks that come on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. There is also a spacious outdoor patio with a covering for more seating if the inside gets full. They also offer coffee classes throughout the day! Overall Tenfold Coffee is one of my favorite coffee shops and I love that it’s located in my neighborhood. This place is always busy and I...
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