Sensuous Bean of Columbus Ave — Restaurant in New York

Tiny cute shop, some baristas are super nice. Have come to this place a lot in the past year but two things are I think just too much:

Highly inconsistent in-shop coffee flavours. I think the taste depends on the person making it, and sometimes it’s really good, and sometimes it’s the most watery soapy weird coffee I’ve ever had. It’s a complete shot in the dark whenever I order that the coffee will be good or horrible (too sweet, too watery, too soapy, too artificial). Some coffees have actually been inedible for me

I buy pastries sometimes and today, my muffin was moldy. I think: ok, it happens, I should let them know so they can check on the other muffins. When I told the barista: “so sorry, but I think my muffin is moldy so you may want to check the others”, she was apologetic and asked to see the muffin. She immediately crumbled it in her hand and squished most of the mold and says bluntly “there’s nothing here. Muffins are just green sometimes” and I say yes, but you can see the spores a bit. Luckily I took this photo before she destroyed the muffin so I show her, but after looking for a second, she says “no, definitely not mold. You can have another muffin if you want though!” And I apologize and say I’m okay. She made me feel crazy and I’m not sure if she checked on the other muffins, because I left ASAP. Felt so uncomfortable. Been coming in multiple times a month for the past year and I think this may be...

I didn't want to do this but the sensuous bean is forcing my hand. My dad had been buying SB for years. Even had it delivered to him when he moved away from nyc. Their coffee is great and their tea as well. So I committed to getting my caffeine kicks from them. However, you can't consistently be inconsistent in your opening hours as a retail front. I've visited at the hours posted and the store has been closed on 8 or 9 separate occasions. There is nothing more important to a new Yorker than their morning joe and when hours are constantly shifting from 8am to 830am to 930am and then not committing to those times it sends me into a frenzy!!! And then to be rude to boot! Is it that difficult when you see someone patiently waiting outside to open during your posted hours to not open the door and explain to them why you are late? Or ask what I need? Surely pouring a pound of coffee isn't too daunting. When I was supporting throughout the pandemic, i would have appreciated some kindness. Nope, still grumpy and annoyed. I'll be taking my business elsewhere...

Finally walked in after passing it a few times over the past two years and saving it in my "To Go" on Maps. The very nice lady working there advised me beautifully on which roast to pick for my morning coffee that I brew in my moka pot. She recommended the Tip of the Andes, which corresponds exactly to my taste as I described it to her, and which also turned out exactly as she had described it! It's tasty yet mellow, no acidity, and it's honestly been so much easier on my stomach than others roasts. I was worried it would be too mellow, turns out it's exactly what I needed. Hopefully I can order my new go-to online, since I actually live...