317 Coffee & Cafe — Restaurant in Little Rock

I have visited 317 on several occasions; however, my last two visits have really been disappointing. I was looking forward to stopping in this morning to get a matcha latte and a parfait before heading into the office. I even left earlier than normal so I'd have time before my meeting. I arrived just before 8 AM and the atmosphere and vibes were light but full of customer activity. As I headed to the register there was already a gentleman being served before me. No problem. I stood waiting in line which gave me a chance to look at the menu and mentally changed my order from the parfait to a breakfast bowl instead since I knew I was going to have a busy day. As I waited a few minutes went by as the gentleman and the cashier were just engaging in conversation. They seemed to be catching up. They talked about church and how her brother worked at Nexus coffee downtown. Wonderful. A few more moments went by and I noticed that no one had greeted me, they were still chit-chatting and it was now 8:05 AM. My excitement for my matcha and breakfast bowl was now met with disappointment as it appeared that neither my existence or business mattered. At 8:06 AM I just turned around and headed towards the exit. As I was leaving another young lady near the pick-up window told me to 'Have a nice day!' :/ I was really disappointed. The visit prior to this the cashier wanted to go back and forth with me because I requested cold foam on my hot coffee. She even went as far as to say, "We really don't want to add cold foam to coffee because it will look weird." I replied, "It's my coffee and I'm going to drink it. It will be fine" She begrudgingly took a long time to make my coffee as I waited. When she handed me the coffee in a covered to go cup I thought to myself, 'no one can even see the coffee! So, why does it matter what it looks like?'

I was hesitant to make this review and even called this business to talk to a manager after I got to my office; however, no response when I called. I was looking forward to spending a day working at this place as I truly liked the vibe and atmosphere but I don't think I'll return. As I type this I am sure the young lady at the cash register is still in conversation with...

The first time I went to 317 Cafe on Shackelford Road in Little Rock, I felt the way I do when I slip into my car after a stressful day and set the radio to smooth jazz. It's that kind of a place. There are standard chair-and-table units interspersed among cushiony sofas and high-stool bar sections. The interior appears open and airy and is split from the lower entrance floor onto a slight upstairs area where the coffee bar is located.

On the day I went, seated customers were working on their computers and/or interacting with each other while appearing relaxed and comfortable. The staff was pleasant and helpful. Unlike some of the barista-type places most of us are familiar with, this is a calm, non-frenetic place to be.

The menu is modest yet well-presented and delicious – and it is delivered promptly to your table. They serve breakfast and lunch items, mostly sandwiches, croissants, and giant shortbread cookies. Along with a variety of teas or fountain and bottled drinks, they have a large selection of coffees that staff members like Emily will make to order.

But what really sets 317 Cafe apart is its uncommon business model. Aside from being a cafe, it is closed on Sundays because it provides worship services in a non-denominational setting with live music to enhance the experience. Plus it offers a 150-person-capacity performance area that can be rented by the general public for special events. Bobby, the Operations Guy, will be glad to explain it to you if you ask.

Although I live 40 minutes away, I look forward to visiting 317 Cafe again soon. So I can just relax with my fluffy, buttery croissant and decaf latte in a soothing environment.

Just like listening to...

3:17 Coffee Cafe and Music = Great place; warm, inviting atmosphere; and great people! You know a place loves coffee when all of their espresso drinks are only one size (doing coffee the right way)! They just opened this past Friday (6 Dec 2024) just south of the intersection of Shackelford and West Markham, on the west side of Little Rock, Arkansas. (They are directly across the street from community bakery).

And you know a place loves people when they have such an extremely generous business model supporting many local charities including homeless shelters, food banks, and adoption ministries! (We seriously need more places that support these organizations to help out our fellow Mankind in our local communities)!

They don't keep tips themselves and all tips go to the charities and ministries they support!

They're in the process of expanding their food offerings and they get most of their pastries from a local bakery (I didn't catch which one). They didn't have any live music at the moment when I stopped by, but I'm excited to see them again soon!

Come...