Retro Eighth Coffee & Acai — Restaurant in Manitowoc

Stopped in today because my partner and I were in need of a caffeine infusion before heading out to the lake walk. My partner, a Manitowoc native who hasn't been to the area since 2011, suggested this location as it "looks like an old car shop," which he thought was a cool location for a coffee shop to be. As we approached the building we were both uncertain where to park but found ample street parking nearby. Upon entering, I became aware of the aesthetic, a design that I commented reminded me of the video game fallout; the owner said it was drawn from the 50s and 60s space age. My partner and I had MORE-than-pleasant conversation with Aubry (the aforementioned owner) about a wide range of subjects. My gift of gab kept us from ordering our drinks in a timely manner but produced a conversation which bore a new creation: an espresso infused San Pellegrino which had the appearance of a beer. The flavor was light and crisp, akin to a gentle slap upon your taste buds. Aubry was concerned that I wouldn't be pleased with the concoction (presumably because I often times am quite amenable to most situations), and encouraged my partner to alert her to any mistruths I may have expressed. However, Aubry (as I'm sure you're reading this), I assure you that it was most well received.

The atmosphere, service, quality of product, attention to detail, interactions with other customers (oh yeah, some of the regulars gave us recommendations for dinner), ample natural lighting, and overall EXCELLENT vibes has me wistfully waiting to fill out my 20 star punch card.

Aubry, thank you for being involved in capitalism with an altruistic and loving mentality. You are what more of our business leaders in our torrid world bent on greed need. Your spirit shines through your establishment and is reflected by those who frequent your shop.

My only wish is that I had captured...

Lovely place and great people, however, we came for the latte on the first picture and the frenchie w/ ham but what we got looked a lot different, the option of serving on a real cup should not be advertised on the first picture or you should really have the cup available for whoever would like to have a nice looking expresso instead of a cheap and plain cardboard cup...

The flavor and the atmosphere are there tho. Just a constructive critic if you can correct that detail. Thank you!

Regarding your reply..., and for the record, we did ask for a ceramic cup, we even showed the picture posted in your site to the person taking our order and she said: that's an "old picture"..., So, we "simply" asked for one real/ceramic cup like the one in the picture and that was the answer we received.

The number one reason we decided to try your coffee shop was because we saw that beautiful picture and we would have loved to have our lattes that way, I guess at this point you would have to talk to your personnel about that particular issue, so, if someone asks for their coffee on a ceramic cup they would get that option.

Regarding the frenchie ham melt..., it just looked different to us, perhaps a bit burnt but I'll let you judge it yourself. a After the awkward feeling of asking for a real cup and being told that it was not an option we felt like bringing the sandwich matter would have just created a problem.

Not sure how to take your response..., there is clearly misinformation between you and your staff if they don't give the ceramic cup option by simply asking like you stated

About the 2 stars, that was my honest assessment, we were not impressed. Not trying to be rude or anything but I feel like you could have just offered to provide a different and/or improved experience/ product next...

Aubry and her crew are so welcoming. I stop by once every few weeks or maybe once a week. I love the avocado toast, the acai bowls, and the energy bites. As someone with a dairy allergy I also really appreciate so many dairy alternative options for the coffee drinks and smoothies! The vibes are always great. I love the music they play, the decor, and the big open windows that let in so much natural light. It's also a really versatile space with high top seating, tables, comfy couches, and outdoor picnic bench seating that flows seamlessly from the inside when it's nice enough to open the garage doors. Her business is a safe space and is a great place to relax, meet with friends or colleagues or family, and enjoy good food and drinks. They also have events including live music. I have not had the opportunity to attend, but just the offering alone is good to see. Years ago I really enjoyed going to an old coffee shop in the area that would bring in music artists to perform, and while some bars have live music events I think Retro 8th might be the only coffee shop in the area that does...