Redhawk Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

Update: All I know is that this location is swelteringly hot on every hot day since August when the school year began. I admittedly don't know precisely what the situation is but I have worked in a cafe before and can infer: I know that no workers that "have control over the thermostat" are going to opt to work in such conditions. There are unfortunately small businesses in which the owners play the "we're all family here" as an excuse to cut corners on matters regarding material well-being of workers. I know the type and I feel no sentimentality toward them.

I'd like to think an establishment held up by talented and hard working folks as yours might be otherwise, but I have a hard time seeing how. Please enlighten me.

Original review: Good coffee and a friendly, professional staff who are all top-notch baristas! But I get the impression that the owners are incredibly stingy. This is obviously a successful enterprise so why does this place often go months without working heat and air conditioning? It's uncomfortable for clients, but moreover for these poor workers. Would otherwise be 5...

Update: gave them another try two months later; still getting VERY under-extracted espresso. Will not return.

I experienced consistently under-extracted espresso from the baristas here. At first I thought it was a fluke, and staff were friendly and kind enough to re-make the drink. It was somewhat better the second time, but still under-extracted (i.e. very sour, blonde, and lacking complexity).

Milk foaming is inconsistent (see large air bubbles in photo), but that's nothing compared to the extraction issues.

Roast quality of the beans is generally above average; beans are relatively light roast. They don't offer soy milk, only almond and oat, which is a bummer.

The atmosphere is pretty cozy, with a good deal of natural light, but there's limited seating.

I cannot recommend this coffeeshop until they do more careful barista training/supervision regarding espresso extraction. I suspect they are not using good portafilter distribution technique, but it could also be a too-coarse grind or very...

I've lived in PGH for about 2 years and I would say this is the quintessential Pittsburgh cafe. I go here often even though it's super out of the way because the coffee (both drip and espresso) is the best in the city and the employees/owners are very friendly. Excellent and quality techniques, every drink tastes incredible. One important thing is it's also remarkably consistent. Of the many dozens of drinks I've ordered here I can't really recall a time the drink wasn't up to their own high standard. This is not something I would say about many other cafes in Pittsburgh (although there are many good coffee shops I find that they are hit or miss). If you come here you're practically guaranteed a great drink.

Only negative quality is it's a bit small. To be fair, any third wave coffee shop in Pittsburgh tends to be packed so it's not really unique in...