Square One Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Lancaster

When we moved back to Lancaster 5 years ago, we decided we would make SQ1 our Regular Coffee Spot. We like the people, we like the coffee & the community conversations that happen there. It's incredibly unpretentious, & even if it gets crowded, it'll get decrowds soon enough that you can get your cup a few minutes later. The best thing about SquareOne is the coffee. Purchased & locally roasted by conscientious owners, it is consistently fresh & delicious--& I don't use those words generically. It's really good. And better-priced than local competitor Passenger, which is good but nearly unaffordable. It seems like staff at SquareOne have turned over often, leading to uneven barista-ing. Their espresso skills are generally top-notch, but I paid for a latte a couple days ago that I really couldn't drink. I think the baristas may not have heard me very completely, because they made the drink with the wrong kind of milk. It didn't hurt me, but of course when when money & time are limited & I go out for a coffee, it hope it'll be a good experience. SquareOne's other challenging area is its food menu. Which is not great. Sometimes their baked goods linger in the case, but even wrapped, can look unappealing...Sandwiches lean toward very bready & must be (apparently) slowly & painstakingly prepared by staff in the kitchen, one at a time. This is not a quick process, & does not result in awesomeness. I try just to think of SquareOne as The Coffee Place, & leave food to other outlets. Seating is good both inside, where there are plenty of 2- & 3-seat tables, & outside, where there are tables for 3 & 4. Two (very) tiny restrooms are available at the very back of the...

Honestly, I hate to leave a poor review, but I feel like my experience was so poor, that it's a crimes not to share.. My sisters and I traveled in from Pittsburgh for a weekend in Lancaster. Found this cute coffee shop with great reviews. I ordered a large Caramel Macchiatto and while it was delicious, it was lukewarm. I mean, I could have gulped it down, it was not warm at all. Went back up (even though awkward and place was crowded) and told the girl it was not hot. A kind gentleman remade it (I think) and while the Temperature was now good, it was just a plain latte, no flavor. It was not the drink I ordered.

I am in my car at this point and I'm like, I have to go back in, I paid $7 for this coffee ,so I should get what I ordered. When I get back in and I do the apologizing saying "you must hate me", the girl asked if she could just throw some caramel in. I said that's fine because at this point I'm embarrassed and just want to leave.

All this to say, mistakes happen and there's much grace for that. But not once did someone apologize for making my drink incorrectly, either time! The whole time I'm dogging myself for being an inconvenience, is just not good customer service. Lasty, I spent $13 for a coffee and croissant, with a tip, and I walked out without the drink I ordered. Again, mistakes happen..but a little kindness and humility to make it right, ...

Tough one. Have to say 4 stars.

The cup of coffee was fantastic. All things being equal, I'm going to be up front and say that if/when I come back to Lancaster, I will go to Passenger Coffee again over Square One. Few reasons for this.

First is the cost. The single pour-over at Square One cost as much as a pour-over, an espresso, and a tea for my wife at Passenger. I think it was 50 cents less here so this is a very real thing. This coffee was more expensive than anything I have ever bought in NYC or SF, by a long shot.

The service was passably nice but not much. Felt like I was a nuisance to their day coming in and paying $11.50 for a cup of coffee. I was asked if I was staying there or wanted it to go. I said stay and they promptly gave it to me in a to-go cup. So I left. Contrast this to Passenger where all 3 days I went there I spoke to 3 different people, all of which were fabulously friendly.

All that said, this coffee was good, damn good. There is no denying that which is why I have to give it a 4-star rating. Super flavorful cup of Costa Rican which was rich & tasty. I cannot fault them for the cup, as it...