Apocalypse Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Melbourne

I’ve been going here for my local coffee for years now, but I have a hard time justifying continuing my regular business here due to the horrible customer service I’ve been receiving at the order counter lately. The young lady who takes the orders at the register on most days now is so rude and unfriendly it’s just unbelievable. Zero social skills or respect for customers. My partner and other friends/family members have also noticed the same problem when ordering as well. Everyone feels bad energy after walking away from the counter.

This is what it’s like ordering here lately from the customer’s perspective: When I walk up to the counter she does NOT greet me with a hello, what can I get for you, or anything at all. Just rude blank stare. Trust me— I’m not expecting a huge smile or a super bubbly greeting, I’m just expecting basic human acknowledgment here. I get nothing. So as the customer, I have to awkwardly be the one to initiate the greeting to HER after I approach the counter, and she doesn’t even return the hello to me. There’s just a stare and an awkward silence again. So then, I feel like all I can do is just start saying my order to her. She puts the order in the iPad silently and then reads out my total, flips the screen around and rudely says “there’s going to be a question on the screen.” I choose the tip amount on the screen and then she flips it back around and she stares blankly at me. There’s NO “thank you” or “that’ll be right up for you” to the customer. NOTHING AT ALL. JUST A BLANK STARE in her end. So, I, as the customer, once again, have to wrap up the interaction by telling HER “thank you… have a great day…” to which she DOES NOT RESPOND. The employee should be the one to thank the customer and pleasantly end the interaction, not the other way around. Feeling uncomfortable and unappreciated, I slowly back away from the counter confused and feeling like my business was an inconvenience and I am unwanted here. Such an incredibly bizarre experience every time. I’m so done with this behavior and her bad vibes.

Other than that…. the coffee is great, the breakfast bagels are great (especially the plant-based one), and the back kitchen employees who cook + bring out the food are doing a great job and very kind. Just hope the front counter staff can start to be held to a higher...

Apocalypse Coffee is a prime example of why supporting local coffee shops over chains is THE move. Starbucks could NEVEEEER.

That being said, my review.

I had the bagel with lox. The smoked salmon was FRESH, brought to the perfect temperature (so your mouth doesn't freeze while eating). The cream cheese was delicious. Perfect texture/consistency. Nice saltiness to it. Bagels had the best crunchy exterior and soft innards. Tomatoes were perfectly ripe and didn't have any of that gross rotten taste that comes with old tomato. The capers really give the lox the ultimate "Damn, that's good" factor.

For drink, Mutant Matcha. The matcha was so soothing. Perfect blend of earthy and milky goodness. My ONLY suggestion is to properly blend the matcha powder slowly in smaller amounts in traditional fashion to avoid it 'settling' at the bottom of the cup. It will incorporate better when whisked bit by bit.

Workers seemed relaxed and friendly. I love a spot where the workers' vibes are chill instead of stressed and pulling their hair out.

Establishment is VERY clean. Including the bathrooms. I mean, the place is incredibly charming.

I love the funny decor and the stage with the theatre's costumes. Seeing the massive coffee machine in the back room was very inviting and makes you feel good about supporting their process.

I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Skip the Starbucks. Come...

Apocalypse Coffee Roasters is an expansive coffee haven that goes beyond just serving excellent coffee. The place offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options, along with fresh pastries, making it a perfect spot for any time of the day. One of the highlights of this coffee shop is their monthly drink specials, which keep the menu exciting and ever-changing.

During my visit, I tried the June special, the Tsunami, which featured delightful tiramisu and dulce de leche flavors. The combination was absolutely delicious and left a lasting impression. Along with the Tsunami, I also enjoyed a brookie, which was served warm and tasted heavenly. The quality of the food and drinks is matched by their affordability, making it a great value for what you get.

The ambiance of Apocalypse Coffee Roasters is enhanced by the presence of miniature shops inside. Local vendors sell a variety of items, including clothing and jewelry, adding a unique shopping experience to your coffee visit. This blend of local artistry and a vibrant coffee culture makes the place stand out.

Overall, Apocalypse Coffee Roasters offers more than just coffee; it provides a complete experience with great food, unique monthly drinks, and local shopping. I would definitely recommend visiting if you're looking for a place that offers delicious beverages, tasty treats, and a touch of...