ERO CAFÉ — Restaurant in New Haven

This is an updated review down from 3 stars after my Life was jeopardized

I went into this coffee shop (3/19) and (3/20) to pick up a matcha for my girlfriend, since she likes them—though they are overpriced. I haven’t been back for myself since my original review, where I simply stated that they needed to improve their coffee. There were no personal attacks in my review, just honest feedback.

3/20, as soon as I walked in, the "owner" called out my full name, even though I only go by “J” when I’m in the shop. It was clearly an attempt to put me on the spot about my review, despite their supposed desire to “make things better.” I didn’t engage, even though it was an unprofessional way to handle customer feedback.

Today, I went back again just to get another matcha for my girlfriend, and instead of simply taking my order, the first thing they said was, “Are you going to update your review?” I asked what the point was of calling me out yesterday—was it just to embarrass me? Instead of addressing that, they immediately became combative, talking over me, raising their voice, and telling me not to “cut them off” like I was a child.

I calmly stated that I’ve spent nearly $200 at this café, yet they’re acting as if I’m trying to harm their business. They also falsely claimed that I’ve been coming in “every day,” which is not true—I haven’t ordered anything for myself since my review because, frankly, their coffee still needs work.

Then, in an even more disturbing turn, they pulled out their phone and started recording me, claiming I was making them “feel uncomfortable”—a classic false pretense that has been weaponized against Black men time and time again. This is exactly the type of situation that has led to Black men being falsely accused, criminalized, and even killed. I was not being aggressive, not raising my voice, and not engaging in any argument—I was simply stating the facts. At that point, I decided to record as well to document the situation.

No business that treats customers this way deserves support. I will never step foot in this place again, and I will make sure everyone I know stays away too. My only intent was to get my girlfriend her overpriced matcha, but instead, I was met with hostility, unprofessionalism, and a blatant attempt to weaponize false narratives against me. Unacceptable.

Now people say I am trying to hurt a small business... How by leaving a initial 3 star review with more compliments than the one constructive comment? By returning multiple times instead of going once or twice and then leaving a 1-2 star?? By spending hundreds of dollars? By speaking my truth and giving awareness. No. They did it to themselves. My ONLY point was awareness. and stop telling me I should have went to a Black coffee shop. I should be treated with dignity ANYWHERE I go. and...

ERO Café brings a refreshing blend of Turkish influence and modern café culture to New Haven's well worn historic Wooster Square neighborhood. Housed in the ground floor of the new and otherwise bland Olive & Wooster Apartments, this thoughtfully designed space immediately catches the eye with its industrial-chic aesthetic, featuring exposed ceiling infrastructure softened by warm orange pendant lighting and abundant greenery, including thriving fiddle leaf figs.

The café's centerpiece is a striking large gear wheel art installation, which perfectly complements the industrial-meets-cozy vibe created by the mix of comfortable leather couches and metal chairs. The space is flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, making it an ideal spot for both work and relaxation.

Their menu showcases creative specialties that set them apart from typical coffee shops. The signature Cotton Candy Latte ($7 hot/$8 iced) features cotton candy-infused milk and dark espresso, topped with whipped cream and berry-flavored cotton candy, a whimsical touch that doesn't compromise on coffee quality. Their Ube Milk Tea, made with purple sweet potato and honey, offers a unique twist on traditional milk tea with dairy-free options available. The decaf Americano deserves special mention as it's expertly crafted and reasonably priced, avoiding the bitter chemical wash denatured notes that often plague decaf offerings.

The pastry selection is displayed in elegant glass domes, featuring an array of house-made treats from muffins to intricately decorated cupcakes. The beverage cooler is well-stocked with premium options including Fiji Water, Pellegrino, and Vita Coco, catering to non-coffee drinkers as well.

What truly sets ERO apart is its commitment to community. Founded by Emerald and Elien Olmos, the café sources its coffee beans through partnerships with small farmers in Africa and the Americas, demonstrating a commitment to ethical sourcing. The space regularly hosts poetry readings and community events, making it more than just a café, it's becoming a...

Ero Café has amazing food and drinks, I had a Nutella latte and a twist pastry, and both were absolutely delicious. The latte was smooth and rich, and the pastry was fresh and perfectly flaky. The café has a cozy, stylish vibe that’s great for relaxing or catching up with a friend.

But it’s important to note: Ero Café is not your typical coffee shop where you can post up for hours with your laptop. This is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, with table service provided. Seating is limited and primarily intended for patrons dining in, so tables are timed to ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy their meal. If you’re looking for a spot to hang out all day and work, this isn’t that kind of place. Come hungry, enjoy the food, and be mindful of the setup.

However, I have to point out something important: they really need more help behind the counter.

I visited on a Friday morning before lunch. There were already quite a few customers seated and more arriving. Only two people were running the entire shop, one taking orders and making drinks, and the other cooking the food and also delivering it to tables. By the time I placed my order, there was a line of about 8 people, and the wait got noticeably long for everyone.

The staff working that day were doing their absolute best, and no one was upset, we were all patient and understanding. But it’s clear that this place is busier than it’s staffed for, and it’s not fair to the employees or the customers. You can tell how easily someone could feel overwhelmed or burnt out in that situation.

Honestly, a team of at least 3 to 4 people during the morning rush would make a huge difference. One focused on food, one or two on drinks and register, and one helping with table service would create a smoother experience for everyone.

This isn’t a complaint, it’s a suggestion. The place is fantastic, and the people working were great. I just hope the owners take this into consideration because Ero Café deserves to thrive, and its staff deserves...