Union Coffee Club — Restaurant in Oroville

This is a great coffee shop held back by a few key decisions. First, it's now only open from 8 to 2 most days, which unfortunately puts it squarely in line with everything else in Oroville: it's just not open when you need it to be. If you're a commuter looking to grab a cup of their excellent coffee, you're now out of luck (my wife now can't get her morning coffee anymore on days she goes to the office, so what was a wonderful location is now completely useless to her). The coffee is a little on the pricey side compared to other offerings in the area as well, costing about an extra 50¢ or so even just for a simple black cup of joe. I'd happily pay a premium for a good local spot to hang out and work that doesn't force me to drive to Chico, but with the adjusted hours that's become less attractive, especially given the superiority of food at spots like Daycamp. Perhaps worst of all, UCC doesn't have central AC, instead using 4 post-mounted units in the middle of the place. This would probably be good enough if they had a couple fans to move the air around, but there isn't a single fan to be found. Even a couple of floor fans would make a world of difference for comfort.

I hope the hours can be expanded and some of these small kinks worked out, as UCC is one of the best additions we've had to downtown Oroville in a long time, and one that seems poised to increase downtown foot traffic and be great for the neighborhood in general. Staff is courteous and savvy, mostly comprised of experienced baristas who've worked at other shops in the area, and it's a fine place to spend a morning or afternoon, with a better cup of coffee than you're likely to find nearby. We just need them to open by 7 at least, especially if they're going to close...

I understand that this is a brand new shop, so I'm going to give it a few more visits before I consider this review final, but here are my initial thoughts.

The atmosphere is very modern (plenty of group seating and some uncomfortable single seating.) It felt very commercial-cafe and less "hometown." It also had a very strong Stoble (chico) vibe. I wouldn't be surprised if they turn the shop next door into office space.

The coffee was fine. Tasty, pricy, and with odd flavor choices (spiced/Mexican cocoa but not regular chocolate?). A 16 ounce iced mocha cost me $6.85. Mine was a mobile order so I didn't interact with the staff (they gave no acknowledgement) and my drink was sitting on the counter without a lid and sloshed down the side. The serving counter is right next to a group table (that was very full) and the narrow stairs to the top seating area. There were two trash bins in this same area but no where else.

This place feels fine if you want to get some group work done, but feels more like an office cafe than a coffee cafe. The music was loud (having a conversation was a bit tough without raising our voices), so if you plan on studying bring headphones. It is very easy to walk to, though, and there is plenty of parking in the parking lot...

Coffee was good when they opened but they now seem understaffed and have very short operating hours. Drinks are no longer on the same level and wait times are longer. Food is mediocre and does not match the drink theme of unique and Asian-inspired recipes. Cobb salad is not something I would want with a black sesame latte. My avocado toast was not toasted and my friend’s breakfast sandwich was served on a flattened grocery store croissant - nothing like the pictures online. Interior design took inspiration from Chico’s Stoble but here is poorly executed and disconnected, giving the cafe a sterile vibe. Music was boring. The worst part was that instead of smelling like coffee, the cafe smelled like old onions and felt well over 85 degrees inside. I wanted to give Union Coffee Club a chance when they first opened but they have nothing that makes me want to return. They advertise great coffee roasters and ingredients but lack the ability...