Cxffeeblack — Restaurant in Memphis

I really wanted to support this business, but unfortunately, the entire experience left me more frustrated than anything else.

We walked into the coffee shop hoping to buy coffee beans, only to be told that they don’t sell them there and we had to walk about 3 minutes to a separate location to get them. A bit inconvenient, but we thought, “Let’s still grab some drinks and support them.”

Once we got in line, there was only one tiny menu at the counter—no prices listed—and everyone in line had to pass it around. It felt chaotic and rushed, especially since the ordering process was very slow and people were waiting behind us. I ended up getting a drip coffee (Ethiopian), which was actually pretty good. My partner got a frozen Americano, which was, honestly, barely drinkable.

What really caught me off guard was the price: $17 for two drinks. I wish the prices had been clear before ordering, but in that rushed and unclear setup, it didn’t feel like I had the time or space to even ask.

Then we headed over to the separate shop to buy the beans. This is where the real frustration set in. We walked in and had absolutely no idea who was working there—no signage, no greeting, just people milling around. Eventually, someone who seemed to be eating lunch with his wife offered to help us. He struggled to answer basic questions about the coffee or the prices, and clearly didn’t seem prepared to be running the register.

We picked a random bag just to be done with it and tried to pay by card, but he spent at least 7 minutes fumbling with his phone to process the payment. Eventually, I offered to just pay in cash—$50 for a $26 bag. Of course, they didn’t have any change. So we had to walk back with him to the other store just to get our cash back.

I genuinely admire the mission behind the business, but the disorganization and lack of basic customer service made the whole experience feel more like an inconvenience than a meaningful visit. I left feeling more annoyed...

If you’re truly into coffee, you stop here in you’re in Memphis. I can’t speak for the local community as a visitor, but the fact that PBS was showing up later that afternoon should tell you enough about what they do for those around them

Here’s more about why I’m over the top about this place - In my first steps walking into the shop I was immediately greeted and welcomed in. I don’t think that’s a requirement, but It brought my mood up!

Then, after mentioning what options there were for a pour over, the man behind the counter took the time to walk me through each and every selection they had, explaining in detail where it was from what notes you can expect, and his honest opinions on the roast. He didn’t have to do that, but he did without me asking.

After I got my drink, I sat down for 20 minutes and watched every single person who walked into the shop be greeted like they were best friends. And I recognized that people didn’t just come in and leave, they stayed, hung out, and had a good time. I think that’s what a local shop should be about.

If I lived here, I’d not choose a...

This incredible coffee shop has it all. When I walked in, I knew that this place was something special. From the personal photographs to the black art on the walls, this coffee shop expressed so much. It reminded me of a special bookstore in D.C. near Howard University’s campus called Sankofa. This place is a place for us. Even if you haven’t been there yet (and what are you waiting for?) once you walk in, it feels like home.

For hot coffee, I recommend Black Both Sides or Guji Mane. It is some GOOD coffee!

This time that I recently went, I had the Gold Brew. It was amazing! I don’t even like cold coffee that much. But this, was worth every penny.

I also had the Buttermilk Babes Red Velvet cookies. Those were pretty darn good, too!

I want to also shoutout Sidney, who took our order. She was perfectly helpful, patient and friendly.

Places like this mean the world to me and to the culture. I cannot...