Ascend Coffee — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Ascend is my favorite Coffee Shop I've ever been to. Before last week, I've actually not been much of a fan of coffee, but Caleb has gotten me hooked on the Cuban. (The greatest of all coffee drinks in my completely objective, definitely-not-biased opinion)

Aside from the coffee & baked goods (which I've heard nothing but awesome things about. I'm very sad that I'm not eating bread right now), Ascend has a fantastic atmosphere, and the staff are some of the nicest people I've ever met.

Faith has a super fun, bubbly personality, and Margo is very friendly and pleasant to talk to. Interacting with either of them is always a great experience. Caleb is probably one if the most knowledgeable people about coffee in the state of Indiana. He's spent years perfecting his craft, and it really shows both in the menu, and the design of Ascend. He's also traveled all over the world, and always has a fun & engaging story to tell. (Also he's like super cool)

The location is very convenient, being just off of the Allisonville exit of 465, and right next to the Castleton Mall, across from Costco. There's also a large parking lot in front of the building, so parking should almost never be an issue.

The inside of the building is well lit, with interesting features and a cozy atmosphere. There's a really neat plant wall next to one of the couches, and a couple really cozy wooden booths. There's also a high bar next to the main counter where you can sit & talk to the staff, or just watch everything that's going on behind the counter. There's also several tables lining the wall which are a perfect place to get some studying or work done.

Overall, I'm planning on being a regular here, and highly recommend it to anyone passing through the Castleton area, or even Indianapolis in general.

Coffee/Food: 10/10

Atmosphere: 10/10

Location:9.9/10 (I want it to be right next to my...

Ascend Coffee is a hidden gem! I stumbled upon this cozy coffee shop and was blown away by the quality of their coffee and the warmth of their service.

The atmosphere is modern and inviting, with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating. But what really sets Ascend apart is their commitment to serving only the best coffee. From the expertly pulled shots to the carefully crafted pour-overs, every cup is a delight.

I ordered the cappuccino and was impressed by its rich flavor and smooth finish. However, I would recommend ordering just one shot if you're not used to dark roast espresso - it can be overpowering! But if you're a seasoned coffee lover, you'll appreciate the bold flavors.

But the real star of the show was their ham and cheese croissant - hands down the best I've ever had! Flaky, buttery pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese... it's a match made in heaven. Don't even get me started on the perfect balance of flavors and textures. You NEED to try it!

The baristas are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, and it shows in every drink they make.

What really impressed me, though, was the sense of community at Ascend. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the regulars are like family. It's clear that this coffee shop is a hub for the local community, and I felt grateful to be a part of it for a morning.

Overall, I highly recommend Ascend Coffee to anyone looking for a exceptional cup of coffee, a delicious pastry, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Pros:

Expertly crafted coffee drinks Modern and inviting atmosphere Friendly and knowledgeable staff Sense of community BEST HAM AND CHEESE CROISSANT EVER

Cons:

None! Just be mindful of the strong espresso if you're not used to it.

Tip:

Order one shot of espresso if you're new to dark roast, and don't forget to try the ham and cheese croissant - your taste buds...

We should have been more mindful of the time, but we had higher expectations for this place. I specifically asked about drinks being served in mason jars, and the cashier informed us that anything cold would come in one. When my friend ordered a hot drink, the cashier clarified it wouldn’t come in a mason jar, which she understood and didn’t mind. However, when my drink arrived in a plastic cup instead of the mason jar I was expecting, I was disappointed. When I brought this up, the response I got was, “We’re closing in 30 minutes, so we’re using to-go cups to limit dishes.” While I understand that, it would have been helpful to know this when ordering, not as an afterthought. Plus, washing a cup seems like a small effort compared to the overall experience.

If I wanted to-go I first and foremost would not have asked about a mason jar , and I would have ask for my things to-go. And there are others customers dining in and they all have DISHES so saving time wouldn’t have much change in it

The atmosphere was relaxed, but I did notice a high volume of flies buzzing around, which wasn’t ideal. My friend was eat her muffin and they were in her face. It was so bad I even manged a picture of the net hovering for my...