Cha Cha Matcha (FLATIRON) — Restaurant in New York

I had a really disappointing experience at this Cha Cha Matcha location. I ordered a Matcha Latte, and while waiting, a blonde barista called out “Valerie”, which is nowhere near my actual name, Melody. She repeated it again a few minutes later, and since no one claimed it, I eventually stood up to check. When I did, she said “yeah that’s your drink”, but with attitude, as if I was the problem. I was honestly just standing there thinking… what just happened?

To make matters worse, the matcha itself was terrible. It tasted like raw powder, clearly not mixed properly, and had an unpleasant, chalky flavor. It was one of the most expensive matchas I’ve ever bought, and easily the worst. As a Japanese person, I know what real matcha is supposed to taste like, and this wasn’t even close.

I even left a tip when ordering, so I expected at least decent service, but was met with attitude and got a poorly made drink. Really...

This is an absolutely amazing concept up until the minute you try to switch or omit something you are allergic to. The no substitution "as-is" yet freshly prepared drinks are super healthy with added bonuses including ashwaganda, turmeric, bee pollen, and collegen to name a few.

The lack of accommodations for allergies when there was no one else on line but myself was really depressing. Strawberry Matcha was nit what I wanted, but the closest and good even with the environmentally correct plant based straws that have a learning curve to use without cracking.

Bathrooms were clean and saved water. Soap was earth friendly, and it was a restroom for all.

Overall, awesome idea, focused but not really friendly employees, lots of outlets for those stopping in to get some work done, but with such a health focus, I would have loved to have seen some sensitivity to...

Cha Cha Matcha Flatiron feels less like a business and more like a photo op that forgot to pay its bills.

The company placed a huge custom packaging order with GivrPack, a small business that did everything right. The order was delivered—on time, to spec. Cha Cha Matcha responded by going completely silent. No payment. No explanation. Just deleted comments and corporate cowardice.

It’s not just unethical—it’s amateur. You can’t build a respectable brand on unpaid invoices and pastel paint. And if your company can shell out for another Manhattan lease but won’t pay a small vendor? That’s not edgy—that’s pathetic.

The Flatiron location might be cute, but behind the design is a company propped up by exploitation and empty branding. There’s nothing authentic here—just another hollow chain hoping nobody notices what’s...