Five Watt Coffee, Lyndale — Restaurant in Minneapolis

Updated: 11.13.19 (Tl;dr Thank you Caleb! You were the one interaction that made a good impression on me and I appreciated your authenticity.)

I do not usually write reviews for anything, but a friend explained to me that owners of small businesses appreciate thoughtful feedback when customers are unhappy. I composed the below review. After posting, I walked away feeling kind of uncomfortable about it. Then I second guessed my submission because I forgot to point out that one employee out of the 4-5 that were behind the counter that day was kind to me and genuine in their interaction.

Caleb has replied to my initial review and I wanted to take the time to tell you that I really appreciated your kindness in that situation. Your gregariousness and kindness to your fellow co-workers was palpable and I felt sincere authenticity from our short interaction. So thank you for reaching out. Thank you for taking the time to respond, and thank you for being a kind person during my transaction at Five Watt Lyndale. Hope to come in again to check out that cool Live music setup y'all have! (Original Post) I am submitting a tentative 2 stars—you get one more chance. I was very enthusiastic about this location. It’s beautiful. Had never been to this particular location. The person behind the counter did not make eye contact with me. Asked, something indiscernible—maybe something like “help you?” Tried to make small talk about how lovely this new space was. There was no line behind me. There were no customers but me being served. Interaction was terse. I ordered a coffee with a shot of espresso. “Out of coffee” the person exclaims. I have already paid for my coffee and given a 20% tip. “Can we just make you an Americano?” I agreed because, well, I guess I need to be more assertive—but I did not pay for an americano. I was not offered an apology. I walked away feeling very unwelcome in this space. Coffee is good. It’s buttery and smooth, chocolate notes. It’s excellent but I can get great coffee elsewhere where the culture matches the experience of the product and I feel welcomed and valued...

I’ve been coming to this coffee shop for six years at least two or three times a week. I probably spend $1000 a year here - And until now I was happy to do that.

It’s always been a little more expensive than Starbucks, but the staff has always been super cool and the coffee has always been is really good.

However, today I bought a six dollar cold press and I was handed what looked like a very light brown cup of water.

I asked if perhaps they had poured it from a cold press that wasn’t done brewing and the barista guy told me it was definitely cold brew in a tone that implied that I’m an idiot and I don’t know the difference between coffee and light brown coffee ground water.

I took him out his word and took a few sips of the water. It only vaguely tasted like coffee.

I told him he could have the coffee back because it wasn’t coffee yet.

He rolled his eyes at me and offered no refund - just shrugged his shoulders and said “OK.”

I’ve never going to this place again. The markup on coffee is so high. I’m happy to pay it if it’s convenient and it’s good and the people serving it are at worst neutral.

Today’s coffee was awful (it wasn't coffee), I spent six dollars for nothing which is not convenient. And the people were very rude.

In case management cares at all about this, this was at 12:49 On Saturday August 2. There was a young man and a young woman working. The young man was the one that treated...

Just wanted a quick coffee while out driving for work, so I stopped in this place. Service was fast yes, but not very friendly people. Ask the guy how his day was, no response. Then I asked what flavors they had and he just pointed me to a list instead of just telling me. Then he walked away before I even finished paying. Yes I understand they have orders to make and they want to be efficient, but customer service should still be a factor. It was 6 dollars for a bare bones coffee with a few pumps of flavoring. Not to mention it was about the same size of a Starbucks medium. Then when I was leaving I asked another guy if I could get a lid for my coffee, to which he just pointed to a sign that said “lids by the back door”. Didn’t use a single word. I also feel like this gentleman gave me a few looks while I was ordering. I guess friendliness isn’t a strong suit for the two that were working the day I went. I hope this was just a one of experience, but it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Atmosphere was...