1418 Coffee - Historic Downtown Plano, TX — Restaurant in Plano

My spouse and I trekked up from Dallas to visit 1418 Coffee/ the downtown Plano area. I called before coming in to ask about gluten free options, and Nolan told me they have gluten free bread available (and are working on more GF/V treats!). A few moments later, he called back to let me know they were out of GF bread at the moment—I really appreciated the intentionality of a) double checking and b) calling back! Above and beyond, especially because they were busy when we walked in—more on that later. I got a sandwich with no bread (functionally a little charcuterie plate) and an iced lavender haze, and my spouse got a cortado and a cinnamon roll. The drinks were top notch. You could taste the espresso notes in the latte, and the syrups balanced nicely rather than fighting for attention. The cortado was, of course, where the quality of the espresso really shone. I heard that they cycle through different espresso roasts, so we'll have to come back and try more. I mentioned they were busy, and that seems to be the norm. I can understand why. We were sitting at the bar, the only available seats when we came in, and a few things stood out to us. One, there were lots of regulars coming in whom the baristas knew/ recognized, which is always a good vibe. Two, the staff seemed to have a really good rapport! They had great awareness of each other's space, interacted pleasantly, and communicated in a way that seemed unstressed despite the steady flow of orders. If we lived closer, this would be our "home base" coffee shop. As it is, I see us visiting semi-regularly...

Easily my favorite coffee shop in all of DFW and it's not even close. The seating is perfect. I have no idea why there isn't comfortable seating at almost all other shops. In my opinion, the art of coffee is one of community and comfort/joy. This place fosters that kind of environment exceptionally well. The baristas and bakers are all very kind and conversational, while having clear expertise in their craft. The menu is designed very well and the seasonal/custom drinks never miss.

My only complaint I've had is the seating capacity. In the few years I've been going, I've noticed you kinda have to time it right/wait around to get any open seat. I was willing to just accept that under the understanding that everyone also loves this place as much as I do. But recently, they've opened expanded seating out the back and into another building. The outdoor back seating is definitely too hot for summer here, and there's no airflow for wind. Any other time of the year, it's perfect.

Super glad they've addressed the seating issue without compromising comfort. I love places like Lemma, but using solid wood boxes for "seats" just doesn't work for me. The thought that they make them uncomfortable to encourage leaving and making room for more customers doesn't sit right in my mind, even if that's not their intention.

1418 makes you feel welcome in a "Stay as long as you like, grandson. Make youself at home"...

I would give them 3.5 stars. 99% of the time I show up they are packed and I can’t do any homework there let alone if I am meeting someone. They need to expand to a larger space as they have the best vibe in town, just over crowded. Their restroom access has been extremely limited lately- one bathroom down one was occupied for an hour and a half and there was 12 people waiting in line for the singular bathroom. The fact is they have way outgrown their space and I don’t feel like I should even waste my time attempting to visit anymore as there is never space. Their food is great, their scones are a little drier than other scones or maybe a little stale and I was there very early that day. Their espresso drinks are wonderful, their drip coffee was not very good overly acidic their creamer that sits out was curdling never getting that again.

Edit: I saw your response very unprofessional and rude. You have not taken responsibility and are not showing customer service is a priority to you. I never asked for anything or made trouble for you but I will no longer be coming to your establishment as I do not deserve to be...