Kinfolx — Restaurant in Oakland

I'd like to start with the positive before I get into my most recent, distasteful experience because I don't believe one experience should outweigh how great this place is!

-Ample seating with a variety of comfort (plush chairs, table tops, intimate tables with supportive seating, plush sofa etc) -Very spacious -Delicious pastries from Starter bakery -They offer 1 size if you're ordering a latte which takes the headache away from having to decide. -The ambiance is modern, inviting, with a dash of warmth, & showcases some really nice art. -When the wifi is working, it's pretty strong which is rare.

Now onto my very uncomfortable experience. -I had just finished ordering my drinks, still at the register the playlist is on point, I'm grooving to Masego "Navajo", the song changes I let out an "Aww" & the barista with the blonde curly hair looks at me and said in a very dry tone, "Sorry, I don't like it." & walked away. I was so thrown off by response because... what? In a customer facing role, that's how you chose to interact? If there are going to be songs that don't align with your taste, then curate a playlist that does instead of making the customer feel super uncomfortable & killing their joy. -My lavender latte was made with the wrong milk, served in a to-go cup when I said I'd like to have it for here & it was way too sweet compared to the last time. Because of that prior interaction, I chose to not say anything which later I regretted because those drinks are $6 & I didn't get what I paid for. -The other thing that bothered me was having my named yelled for my pastries & being told that my drinks weren't ready yet. Normally at a cafe where a customer also purchases pastries, you'd time it so the espresso drink & pastry come out at the same time. With as many people that were behind the counter socializing, this could be an area of opportunity to improve the customer experience.

I was hesitant writing this review because I really love everything about this cafe, but, good customer service is pivotal for a new business like this to thrive & the only way it can improve, is with...

I've been here a lot in the last few months - I like the vibe, I like the crowd that hangs out, and the curated art. The coffee - most of the time - is fine. Cappuccinos are pretty good. The folks behind the counter are generally business-only, not a whole lot of chatter or conversation - which is fine.

The person making the drinks - whoever is on duty - is never particularly friendly, but I've always chalked it up to them being busy...

I had a lousy experience lately, and I've tried to reach out to them, but have gotten no response thru any of the channels I've used.

I went in on Oakland Pride Sunday. It was pretty chill inside. I decided to order an iced drink - which I don't normally do - because it was so hot out. When I used my card, the message came up on the register that I was not earning a point that day (not sure why? customers get points with every coffee purchase).

I got an iced Americano that ended up having no taste. I mean, it was coffee-colored, but had no coffee taste. When I complained to my husband & daughter (waiting outside), they insisted I go back in & get it fixed.

I told my story to the person at the register, who said I could purchase another shot (I thought maybe they'd comp me since I was unhappy with my drink, but no). So I handed back my drink & paid for a shot. Again, the register told me "no points" ?!?

Got the drink back and - again - NO taste. I'm not sure what was wrong, but I guess I won't be purchasing iced drinks in future. I want to support small, independent businesses, so I'll go back & just stick with the cappuccino.

I wanted to reach out to them & ask about the points thing - and tell them about the drink - but never got a reply. As a small business owner myself, I think replying to customer messages is really important, so I'm disappointed that no one cared enough to reply :-(

Definitely go if you're in the neighborhood! You should still support this local business, but maybe stay away from...

So, this is my third time coming to Kinfolx. The service provided on my third time (as well as the second) was NOT pleasant whatsoever. The young lady at the counter, a slim brown-skinned young lady with larger, thin-framed glasses and wearing a bandana, had a spirit that was not welcoming. It was off-putting to say the least...as if she didn't want me there. She also reminded me three times that they were closing at 6pm. Mind you, I walked in at 4:55pm. The first time when she mentioned they were closing, I said okay thank you for letting me know. Why say it again 2 more times...and with an attitude? Then, it took me nearly 25 minutes for me to receive my matcha tea although it was far from busy in the shop. There were people who came in after me and received their orders within 5ish minutes. I will no longer be coming to Kinfolx. As much as I would like to support and spend my hard earned money toward my local Black-owned businesses, the service at Kinfolx several times in a row was nothing to write home about; especially this most recent time (2/14/25). And I really hate saying that. Please, do...