Variety Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in New York

I recently visited this coffee shop and had the worst customer experience imaginable. I ordered a cappuccino, only to receive it cold. When I politely informed the barista a young man 20-30’s I believe his name was something to the effect of Weiss but I could be mistaken, he rudely insisted, "No, it's not," three times without even bothering to check. The attitude with the other customers at the store did not remotely compare to the treatment I was receiving from the second I stepped foot into the coffee shop. I am not Caucasian and although I’m not saying this is exactly the reason I can’t help but think there was some form of racial profiling of prejudice going on. Instead of addressing the issue, he told me that if I wanted my drink remade, I’d have to pay for it again—something I've never encountered at any other coffee shop.

Deciding to let it go, I sat quietly to drink my cold coffee. Out of nowhere, the barista approached me, announced that he was the store manager, and shockingly told me that if I was unsatisfied, I had to leave. He even threatened to ban me from this entire chain of coffee shops.

I later called the head manager, Sara, who was initially responsive and seemed understanding. However, when she spoke to the barista, she completely twisted the narrative, claiming I was being loud. I assured her that I was calm throughout and urged her to review the security footage, which would clearly show my demeanor. Disappointingly, Sara chose to side with the store manager's false account.

The unprofessionalism and lack of customer care at this location are astounding. I won’t be returning to any branch of this chain, and I highly advise others to reconsider before stepping foot...

EDIT: I read some other reviews and it seems like this music is just the vibe of this place. Thanks, I won’t be back.

While I was there today, there was loud crashing noise-drumming playing loudly through the shop. I thought it would be one song but it was definitely a specific artist or album. Being a musician myself, I can honestly say it was the most un-rhythmic, senseless, screeching, crashing, banging, ear-splitting, DISTRACTING, drumming you would ever hear. I was with some friends catching up and we could nearly hear ourselves and keep on track in our conversation. The couple next to us remarked that the music was very mismatched for a coffeeshop. I looked around and saw a lot of annoyed faces and furrowed eyebrows as folks tried to focus on their studying or reading amid the crashes of the drumming. Eventually my group left and a few others did too. The coffeeshop itself was spacious and had great drinks but the music was not appropriate. Managers/owners please check up on...

This is, embarrassingly, maybe the first café review I’ve written where I wasn’t on a date. Just me. My iced coffee. And my new approach to love: a roster. I’m done with the flash in the pan. Long live the slow burn. And having backups.

Which brings me to Variety, which is one of a handful of coffee spots in this city that isn’t riding on vibes alone. The beans are seasonal. The roast is daily. The baristas look like they’re not actively planning to quit. You can taste it. In the brightness of the espresso. In the steady, no-bullshit counter service. In the fact that I left with caffeine and clarity.

Listen, I stan New York and I’ll always cape for her. But our coffee scene lags embarrassingly behind other capitals. Variety doesn’t. And that alone is enough to make me come back again and again, with or without a prospective...