Disappointing. I much prefer writing glowing reviews and raving about the food or experience, but this one had to happen. I came here for the second time since living in Macon, because my girlfriend really wanted a Matcha or Chai beverage, and I will always choose local over Starbucks. BIG MISTAKE. It's out of the way but seemed like a good idea at the time. We arrived at 3:25p on Saturday, and the area was a ghost town. I figured this was due to everyone getting ready for the Georgia football game, and figured it was our lucky time to go in and grab a coffee. Upon entering, a young woman was sweeping, and was the only one in the building. She didn't greet us, or smile, but I dismissed this. We awkwardly looked around and I asked if she was open. She replied yes. I asked when they closed, and she said 4pm. I said ok, and looked at my gf and was like, "we're almost those people", laughing...but we're not. We try to be self-aware. We figured, we will order our coffee, it's THIRTY-FIVE MINUTES BEFORE CLOSE, during the middle of the day, and then we will hit the road, no big deal. We then proceeded to stand at the counter while the young lady continued doing whatever she wanted for the next few minutes, all without a single look, smile, nod, greeting, or even caring that we were there. You could literally feel the venom coming off her, as if we were the most unlikeable people in here. Without conjecture, I would just say...she didn't like us, or our positive spirit very much. I continued to ignore the situation, remaining positive, and we were finally allowed to order our dirty chai. By the time the young lady asked me what I wanted, in the most uninterested fashion ever, the look of annoyance and misery on her face made me want to just leave. Being an avid coffee drinker, it pained me to just say, "No thanks, I think I'm all set." I didn't get a coffee. I still can't believe I even left her at tip at all, and I think it was still 20%. I can confidently say, with pride, that I don't think I will ever come back here again. I have a Nespresso machine, and a drip machine, and a French press. So why would I? Just like I said then, "I think...
Read moreI was so looking forward to trying ZBeans -- came by the week before it opened and couldn't wait. My first visit, however, left a bit to be desired. I enjoyed the decor, the vibe, and the iced coffee. The cinnamon roll was pretty standard and unimpressive, but okay. The smoothie was good, but not what my son was expecting (apparently other places sweeten the smoothie, but this one was just strawberries/bananas/ice). The biggest problem was in taking ownership of the concept -- maybe a server issue, maybe one for the whole business. First, I read the giant sign that said "Step 1: Choose a farmer" and asked the barista to tell me more about that. He said "I don't even know if we're brewing both now" and said they "pretty much taste the same" with very subtly different notes. Okay, so you're telling me the whole concept of the big signage behind you (with "step 1, step 2...") is meaningless. Got it. Ordered an iced coffee. Next, I asked when breakfast was served. "All day". Asked "Starting when?" "When we open" Asked, "And when is that?" Turns out he didn't know, because he hadn't ever worked the morning shift. Didn't offer to find out. Said it was on the door outside. Finally I noticed the huge sandwich-board-style sign I was standing right next to -- which was all about cheesecake. I pointed it out to my son -- "Oh, they have cheesecake, want some of that?" Asked the barista, "I see you have cheesecake...." (though I saw none in the pastry case, which may just mean they keep it elsewhere). "Oh, yeah, I guess we do sometimes...but I think they might be out...." Didn't seem to want to check. Overall seemed totally unconcerned and dis-interested in making a sale or creating a clientele. Bottom line: you either need to change the signage to reflect what's actually going on or get your people on board. I'll be back and happy to change my rating if I have a...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of visiting Z Beans Coffee Shop located at Mercer Village, and I must say, it's a cozy haven for coffee lovers seeking a relaxing and productive atmosphere.
As soon as I stepped inside, I was captivated by the charming interior of Z Beans Coffee Shop. The ambiance was warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for a delightful coffee experience. What stood out to me was the ample seating area where a group of around eight people could comfortably gather and engage in conversation. It's an ideal spot for friends or colleagues to catch up or collaborate in a cozy environment.
I opted for a decaffeinated iced Americano during my visit. While the taste was okay, I found it to be refreshing and satisfying, especially on a warm day. The coffee had a balanced flavor profile, and the decaffeinated option allowed me to enjoy a caffeine-free beverage without compromising on taste.
I highly recommend Z Beans Coffee Shop if you're looking for a place to spend quality time while studying or working. The ambiance and comfortable seating make it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful environment to focus and be productive. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff further enhance the overall experience, ensuring that your time at the cafe is enjoyable and conducive to getting things done.
In summary, Z Beans Coffee Shop at Mercer Village offers a charming and cozy space for coffee enthusiasts. With its inviting interior and ample seating area for group conversations, it creates a welcoming atmosphere for friends or colleagues to gather. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot to study or a comfortable place to work, this coffee shop provides the ideal setting. Stop by, relax, and enjoy your favorite brew while savoring the serene...
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