Cafe Balagan — Restaurant in Northampton

Horrible, horrible vibes!!! Overpriced! My experience at Cafe Balagan was extremely disappointing and I would caution others to AVOID at all costs.

Let's talk about the coffee. It was so bitter and burnt that I couldn't even finish my cup. And don't even get me started on their food. I've had better microwave meals. The food tasted like it had been sitting out for hours, and the selection was abysmal.

As for the atmosphere, comfortable is the last word I would use to describe it. UGLY IS THE FIRST! It looked like it was decorated to represent a ransacked Bed Bath and Beyond. The chairs were uncomfortable, the tables were too close together, and the overall ambiance was more depressing than inviting. The chairs were rickety, the tables wobbled. Despite VERY FEW other customers, the music was EXTREMELY LOUD and some of the worst I've ever heard - what kind of business plays the Trolls sound track on repeat?? I could barely hear myself think. I noticed a family wince when they came inside and decide to abandon ship back to main st. I wish I had their foresight!!!!!!

Save yourself the time, money, and disappointment and steer clear of Cafe Balagan. There are plenty of other places in town where you can actually enjoy a decent cup of coffee and a bite to eat without feeling like you've made a...

Balagan was an oasis for me and my partner during a stressful grad school experience. The coffee is third wave, always fantastic and I am very fussy. I prefer their brewed coffee and cortado with oat milk. The atmosphere is charming and cozy like being tucked into a corner cafe in a busy European city or in the living room of your favorite author friend who has a spectacular way with plants. The music is also excellent and many songs we have plucked for our wedding playlists. We took engagement photos here; frequently brought our pup, Felix who was adored; I wrote many papers here and we felt cared for each and every time. Now we are moving out of state and Balagan and those who make it home will be greatly missed; especially, Gil (the fabulous owner), Valerie (his partner and plant and paint artist), Noah (an intuitive painter and music aficionado) and Sierra (always ready with a smile and kind word). I...

This happened about 3 months ago and I am only thinking of this now.

I came to the Cafe with some friends and we ordered and I ordered a lemonade there was about 8 of us and 3 of us were waiting 25 minutes. While we were waiting I watched multiple people order and get there orders within 2 minutes, I reminded them when my order of a lemonade was coming and they said, "Someone else got it" because 2 of us ordered the same thing (which I told them) then they ignored me. Eventually I was the last 1 waiting and I asked if they aren't gonna give me my order I would rather a refund which then they made it. Then I saw them use I think 2 lemons and gave me a drink about the size of a McDonald's small drink. It tasted like straight up lemon juice despite being marketed as Lemonade. and it was over $6. Maybe I just had a bad experience but would...