Five Lakes Coffee — Restaurant in Kalamazoo Charter Township

This was the worst coffee I’d ever had. I ordered a latte with light flavoring (I like just a hint of sweetness). When I got the drink I was thrown. It was the color of sand (ie VERY light tan). I didn’t think too much of it until I took a sip when I got to my car. It tasted like milk and vanilla and if I really focused, maybe a hint of espresso. I went back in and asked if they’d put the shots in it (maybe they thought I meant I’d wanted half the amount of shots, not flavoring). They said they’d made it correctly so I asked if I could buy another shot to put in it. The guy was super nice and offered to put another one in since I wasn’t happy with my drink. I then saw him go in back and grab a Rubbermaid pitcher and POUR A SHOT OUT OF IT. So apparently they don’t make their espresso fresh. He said a lot of people were thrown by their espresso “because it wasn’t bitter like other places”. No, I was thrown because the shot of espresso you just poured was more translucent than my morning coffee. I could literally see through it.

So the people are nice enough but by gods the coffee...

Stopped into Five Lakes Coffee after seeing really good reviews online. The place itself is really nice - spacious, lots of tables, definitely the kind of spot that works well for catching up with a friend or getting a little work done.

I ordered their popular vanilla caramel latte, but when it came out, it was surprisingly room temperature even though it was labeled as “hot.”

When I brought it up, the response I got was just “OK, I’ll remake it for you.” Sounded like it was my fault that I was complaining.

First of all, this should not have happened to begin with. I mean the drink was not even warm, it was room temperature. Then I kind of expected a warmer acknowledgment, something like “Sorry about that, let me fix it for you.” Little details like that make a big difference in service, especially at boutique-style coffee shops. The lady did apologize after she delivered the second drink. So I have to give credit for that.

The atmosphere is great, and I hope they tighten up on the service side a bit. it could really elevate...

Second Edit: I haven’t had an incorrect drink in probably 5 weeks. I think a lot of the inconsistencies were coming from a new business with new untrained staff. I’m really glad they got the kinks work out!

Edit: I went through the drive through and was again given an incorrect drink. They are really good at making hot water milk, but no tea. I called again and spoke to the most apathetic person. This person was rude and disrespectful. They could not have cared less. If they don’t care, I don’t care to frequent their establishment.

My drink was made incorrectly yesterday and I called them. The person I spoke with was so kind! Not only did they fix my drink they also gave me a free drink. I was so impressed by how quickly and willing they were to fix a mistake. All the staff I’ve interacted with have been so pleasant! I think I have a new favorite...