In the past month I've visited GSR on two occasions in an attempt to buy whole beans.
On the first visit, I arrived around 10:30/11am, and there was 1 person in line in front of me. When I inquired about decaf beans, I was told they had them roasted and ready in the back, but that they would need at least 20 minutes to be able to provide them. They claimed it was because they were busy, however at this point there was no one in line and they had one drink they were working at the bar. So i left.
On my second visit, I arrived at 9am on a Saturday, they had 4 bags of beans on their display, but not the espresso blend that they carry on their site. I asked if they had their espresso blend (1850) which they carry, and he nonchalantly looked at the 4 bags on the shelf and muttered, "well they can all be used for espresso". That is not what i was asking. I could tell I was already taking too much of his important time, so I made it quick. "so this is all the beans you have available right now?", he said "yes only that on the shelf". Again nobody in line, and there were 3 baristas behind the counter. He did not want to discuss options, recommendations or anything else. Just wanted to go back to steaming milk.
What I am believing is that GSR does not want to sell beans as much as it wants to sell basic bagels and lattes. I get it, i'm sure profit levels are much higher on basic food you mark up.
Won't be visiting again, as I don't support their business culture. They clearly don't value their bean sales. They did not interact between baristas or with customers in any way that would make me want to consider this a place to spend...
ย ย ย Read moreHands down the best coffee shop in OC!! Iโve been coming here consistently for the past 4 years and I havenโt found anywhere that comes close. The workers are some of the nicest people youโll meet. You can tell they enjoy each otherโs company which makes the atmosphere light and enjoyable to be around. Kate, the manager is awesome and really goes the extra mile to take care of the shop and its customers. The environment is like no other shop you will ever go to. The architecture is beautiful and sets the tone for any work you need to get done whether work or school. Last but not least the coffee! Definitely the most consistent and delicious cup of coffee you will ever get. They donโt have 7 different sizes for each drinkโฆ๐ I love it. The name of the drink defines the size which is how it should be! I am a coffee connoisseur, more like an espresso connoisseur. I love anything from espresso shots to cortados/Gibraltarโs to lattes, Golden State makes them all taste amazing. Any coffee shop can make 1 good cup of coffee, but to do that consistently for every single cup is another level of professionalism that Golden State has mastered. So thankful for this place and the coffee support theyโve given me over the years:) I just wish they had a rewards program. Other than that the place...
ย ย ย Read moreThis location is AMAZING for a place to study, read, or get work done remotely. Itโs quiet, spacious and has a great vibe. Now for the more negative stuff...I didnโt try any coffee so I cannot speak on that, but I ordered one earl grey tea and it was very good. It was a pretty small amount for the price to be honest. The only think I was really confilcted about and sort of didnโt like was the avocado toast. Positive note, they use real avocados! Fresh! Yay! So, I have braces and the bread they used was pretty hard and a little over toasted. The stuff on top was delish except I couldnโt bite into the bread and it ended up being a bit of a mess. So I got a knife and fork and tried that lol it was also pretty expensive for one small piece of bread and avo (it was like the size of my small little iPhone. Other than that, this place was awesome and Iโm definitely visiting again to try the coffee during a...
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