Ceremony College Hill — Restaurant in Providence

I live in the neighborhood and frequent Ceremony more times than I probably should (if you’re asking my bank account lol) but it never disappoints. Not only is the menu so thoughtful, the drinks so warming, and the snacks so versatile and delicious… but the staff are INCREDIBLE. They are all so thoughtful, knowledgeable about the menu, and incredibly patient! I’m an industry professional as well and to see the way they endure heavy and bustling influxes of students (the Brook Street location is practically on Brown University’s campus) while upholding the calm and genuine culture of the cafe is remarkable! They all work so well together and have made every experience of mine a delight! They even lay the love on my puppy, who often accompanies me to grab a matcha to go while we are on a walk, with a pup cup here and there. I recently learned THE STAFF HAVE APPLIED FOR UNIONIZATION WITH LOCAL 328 (the same Union that serves Seven Stars employees) and I couldn’t be more thrilled for them, proud of them, and supportive of this venture! I know what it’s like for your livelihood to depend on the generosity of others in a tip supplemented pay model… it’s insecure and stressful much of the time. Industry laborers deserve to have economic security just as much as anyone else! I’m hopeful they’ll receive good news soon. If you’re able to support them and their efforts in any way over the coming couple days, please do. Love you CEREMONY BROOK STREET TEAM! —...

Overall: 4.5/5 [take out]

We were lucky to find free metered parking right across from Ceremony since it was a Sunday. Ceremony has large glass windows, allowing you to see all the happenings inside. They offer a range of Asian-inspired drinks and food options, from egg sandos to hojicha lattes. Beyond being a coffee bar, they also feature a ceremony room and a bar that serves both mocktails and cocktails! Although it was crowded, it felt like organized chaos.

Iced Strawberry Matcha ($6.50) + Oat Milk ($0.50) + Honey ($0.75): This was really good. The strawberry puree wasn't overly sweet, and it does require a bit of scraping off the cup's sides in order to mix it in. The drink itself was well-balanced with a smooth texture, and the perfect level of sweetness, even with the added honey.

Iced Caramel Pear Latte with Espresso ($6.25) + Oat Milk ($0.50): I'd never seen a drink like this, so I had to try it. The espresso flavor came through without being overpowering or bitter and was complemented by subtle hints of caramel and pear. The cashier mentioned it was on the sweeter side, but I found the sweetness just right. The flavors also worked surprisingly well together :)

I definitely recommend checking out this cute coffee shop. After we got our drinks, we enjoyed a stroll through Brown University and then headed to...

Coffee is great and menu always provides something new to try.

But some of the people...at least one person makes it not worth it. The bar has a sign that says no laptops. Specifically, "no laptops." I get it. That's fine. I like to read on my iPad and was doing just that. Until an employee comes out and takes one of the small signs that says "no laptops at bar" and puts its directly in front of me as if I didn't see it and as if I was using a laptop. He made a comment to the effect of, "we ask that people don't use laptops at the bar, phones are okay." Again, I'm reading on an iPad (pretty much a big iPhone).

He walks away. Then he walks back by and I simply say to him, "if you specifically don't want people using tablets as well, it'd be nice if that sign said 'no laptops and tablets' so someone knows and doesn't need to be called out for doing something they believe is okay." It was his eye roll and dismissive attitude and him just sighing and walking away that earned this 1-star review. Just be a nice human and show an ounce of consideration to your customers. It's too bad, because I don't mind paying $8 for a latte (including a 20% tip) and when I do come here I usually spend $25-$35 between a few coffees and a snack. But I'll spend my money at Starbucks instead, where they're much friendlier...