Varietale Bagels & Coffee — Restaurant in Lake View Township

This is a pretty middle of the road cafe. It's not a chain so I will try to be gentle, but my biggest issues were the lack of food options, drink quality, and it being too loud to think or hear in because of the music. I know a 3 is a hit on their rating, so allow me to explain myself a little.

There weren't any baked goods as advertised half an hour after opening like there are at other cafes in the area. A small complaint as it is a small shop that is still relatively new, but that did influence my rating.

The "hot" drink I got, a chai latte, was room temperature at best, like it had been taken out of a fridge and microwaved for thirty seconds. It tasted store bought too -- like one of those cartons of chai you get from the pantry section. A very faint flavor that was mostly semi warm milk. To make it better, I suggest letting the tea steep at least twice as long.

And finally the music. I had to read the lips of the person at the counter as it was too loud to hear. I tried to read while sipping my drink but I couldn't focus because the music was drowning out my thoughts. I understand it's most likely so the workers can hear the music over the machines, but there is a very good reason that cafe was completely devoid of customers when I was there. It's hard to enjoy a morning drink with the volume so high.

It has the makings for a good shop, don't get me wrong. I did not try the food since I'm not much for bagels and there wasn't anything else ready by the time I ordered, so I cannot speak to their quality. What I had was disappointing and left me wishing I had gone elsewhere, but I do hope that changes as it was several small issues that made it bad. Warmer drinks, quieter music, and being a little more punctual with the baked goods would have easily won this a 5 star. I do intend to go back as I may have been in on a bad day, but for now my...

Came across this lovely coffee shop today while walking the city. It is cozy and the vibes are immaculate. The music is kicking and the staff are attentive and quick with the delicious coffee. Pastries and goodies are available, and when I say goodies: I mean freaking good!

Whatever you do, you have got to try one of the Pastelitos. I had both the ham and cheese and the pizza one and they were scrumptious. They'll heat them up for you before serving and darlings: delicious.

There's some great spots to take instagram worthy photos, they sell merchandise and other coffee related items, they even have a printer you can pay to use for your needs. Convenient!

Wifi's available, bathroom was immaculate, chairs were very comfy, and prices were very reasonable. This is a great place to stop in and get work done or sit and gab.

You must stop here my dears.

Continued thoughts:

I've been coming here on and off for some time now and I have updates. The people who run this place are incredible. Hands down exactly who you want serving you amazing coffee and delicious food.

They are passionate and fiery, while also being rock solid and stable. They are precise, even tempered and hard working. They know who they are and what they're about. Everything they do makes a statement and that statement is: quality. We are very fortunate to live in a city with a coffee shop such as Varietale Bagels & Coffee.

This coffee shop is no mere coffee shop. Do not be deceived by the outward appearance. Heart and authenticity reigns in these veins.

And you, my friend, should stop in. You'll be glad when you...

I was debating if I should leave a review or not but after coming here many times and finally making the decision not to come back here I thought I’d 1) check their reviews and 2) leave my own. I am not entirely shocked other customers have experienced rudeness from the cashier - I have no idea what’s her deal but she is probably killing the place. My go-to is the 12 oz cold mocha, which is delish; my husband loves their smoked salmon croissants so we always ordered the same thing. The pastries are good too, I’ve had the chocolate croissant before. As a Latina, and local to the neighborhood I was happy to support a local Venezuelan coffee shop but due to the customer service, I decided that we are not coming back anymore. I read other comments of customers saying they felt uncomfortable and that’s been my experience too, and to read the replies back to the feedback they've received so far tells me the behavior is just "their thing".The cashier rolled her eyes at us, gave us a sassy attitude so we could get up and get our coffee, and was frustrated when we tried to decide what we wanted (no biggie here as we were either picking a croissant or bagel sandwich). I wish the place the best but also hope the cashier will work on her attitude and customer service skills...