Locals Collective NYC — Restaurant in New York

I’ve lived in this area for over 10 years. I’ve seen the evolution of Beach 67th and the people that have moved into this particular area. I have nothing against it. I’ve gone to the coffee shop a few times already, and I never really feel welcomed there. On top of that, every time I order my drink, it just gets worse. The first time I went there, I got two chai teas. Mine was great, but the second one tasted like water. I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt because it was really busy there that particular Saturday. The next weekend, I decided to go again. It wasn't as good as the first one, and both drinks mostly tasted like milk. I walked home and fixed it myself. I really only go in there on Saturdays after I finish setting up our table at the farmers market under the train at Beach 60th. Last Saturday, I went again, and I asked the girl if she could make the chai stronger because last weekend my drink tasted like milk. She didn't seem too pleased that I said that. She made the drink and told me all the chai was at the bottom of the cup. I was somewhat in a rush to pick up some other things, so I didn't try the chai while I was in the cafe, but I wish I would have. Yes, she might have put more chai in there, but it was not sweet AT ALL. I have given Locals Collective many chances and I am NOT AT ALL SATISFIED. The only thing that it has going for it is that it looks nice in there. Try Rockaway Roasters on Beach 92nd St and Rockaway Beach Blvd if you're looking for a great cafe or even Rockaway Beach Bakery, just not here.

This is just a side note for anyone that may be wondering. Yes, I am the only person of a darker complexion when I am visiting Locals Collective. Most of the customers don't seem to be of my own demographic, and neither does...

Dang—y’all really gonna serve so much single-use-plastic, when you’re just a block away from the beach??

I am glad you have for-here options (which I happily asked for) but it seems none of your other patrons know to ask for them. I’m appalled by the amount of trash being created!

We all know by now that over 90% of plastics (which are made from fossil fuels) do NOT get recycled. So how can you help your customers do better?

I see you have a sign about no plastic straws, which is great, but doesn’t mean much when you’re selling this much coffee wrapped in plastic.

Maybe you can ask customers if they’re having their drink to stay? And encourage a real mug?

It’s such a shame to be a beachside cafe that’s contributing to hurting the ocean. Thanks for considering greener options.

And if you’re a customer reading this: you can ask for a reusable...

There were multiple house flies in the establishment. The employees ae not tracking where the flies go but I can guarantee they were attracted to surfaces where food is prepared. My $10 croissant sandwich was constructed from a croissant placed on a naked food prep surface versus a piece of clean foil until the end just before handing it to me. The employees would grab containers of honey to make overnight oats that were handled by another employee running the POS terminal who didn't have gloves on and I saw interacting with a K-9 just before grabbing the same honey container. All during the preparation of my food. Yikes! Cross contamination nightmare in action. It ruined the whole vibe. Glad it was not an UberEats order...