Pups & Cups Cafe — Restaurant in Pullman

Title: Quinn at Pups & Cups Coffee – Fake ROAR, Fake Ally, Full of Hot Air

I usually don’t write reviews this long, but this experience was such a ridiculous display of fake “allyship” and wannabe toughness that it deserves the full story.

Quinn, the owner of Pups & Cups Coffee, claims he supports WSU ROAR and people with autism. That’s a bold and noble claim… if you actually live it. But what I experienced was the exact opposite. I came in calm, respectful, and ready to have an actual adult conversation. I wasn’t loud, I wasn’t causing trouble — I was simply trying to talk to the man face-to-face.

Instead of showing even a shred of the understanding or compassion he claims to represent, Quinn instantly switched into faux-tough-guy mode. No listening, no dialogue, no empathy — just attitude and posturing like he’s some sort of campus enforcer. He immediately went to “trespass” threats, as if running a small coffee shop gives you the moral high ground to shut down conversations you don’t want to have.

Here’s the thing: true support for autism and programs like WSU ROAR isn’t about wearing the merch or posting feel-good photos on social media. It’s about how you treat people in real life when the cameras aren’t rolling. And in real life, Quinn failed that test hard.

He tried to play both victim and tough guy at the same time — which is not only hypocritical but also incredibly unprofessional. Throwing people out instead of talking to them isn’t “leadership” or “boundaries.” It’s avoidance. It’s weakness. And when you slap a cause like autism support on your brand, it becomes exploitation when you don’t live up to it.

I’ve been around real Cougs, real WSU ROAR supporters, and real allies to the autistic community. They don’t act like this. They don’t hide behind trespass threats. They don’t pretend to be your friend in public then treat you like an inconvenience in private.

The coffee? Average at best. Nothing you can’t get at ten other shops nearby. The atmosphere? Fake smiles for some, cold shoulder for others. The leadership? Let’s just say I’ve seen tighter operations run out of high school concession stands.

Bottom line: If you value genuine community, actual compassion, and integrity, you won’t find it here. And if you’re thinking of supporting this business because of its supposed ties to WSU ROAR and autism, just know that what’s advertised and what’s delivered are two very different things.

Quinn — if you’re reading this — here’s some real talk: Respect isn’t given because of a title, a shirt, or a cause you claim to represent. It’s earned through how you treat people when no one else is watching. And on that front, you’ve got a lot...

Rare do I write reviews but this place was so exceptional I felt it was only fair to return the amazing service, food, and drinks. My experience started with an uber driver not picking up my drink even after trying to be stopped after the Baristat noticed he failed to pick up the drink that was clearly on the ticket and table. I called and asked (since I could not get a refund on uber considering it was a "promo" item) if he could refrigerate the drink so I could pick up later. He instead offered to remake not 1, but 2 drinks if I came in, going above and beyond to help me out. The sandwich and baked goods were excellent (not often do you see good gluten-free baked goods anywhere), but when I got the drinks were exceptional (Something I rarely see in any coffee shop, anywhere, despite many speciality places charging crazy prices for artisan coffee that comes no where near to the bare minimum standard you would expect). Raised in a household with very high coffee standards (WA coffee snobs) the latte (pumpkin spice) was made to the upmost highest degree from a Barista who clearly cared about and possessed knowledge for making the perfect cup. From exceptionally sourced coffee beans to the way it was brewed/made to perfection. It was hot but not scolding, the coffee was flavorful but not bitter (shot pulled/timed perfectly), the pumpkin flavor was delicious and also not too sweet, and the service and was extremely fast for a solo person handling many orders. He even remembered that I liked oat milk from hours ago. Plus they're were alot of amazing and friendly dogs in people which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Pups n Cups is the epitome of the golden standard all cafes should look up to.

I could not...

I'm not normally one to write out reviews of places, but this place was great. While I didn't sit in, if I had the time this would be a place that I would love to sit and eat and I will be bringing my friends when they come to visit. I loved the interior and the decorations.

The man at the register was kind and while I didn't interact much because I was a quick in and out takeout order, I did see him interacting with the people in front of me and he was nothing less than welcoming. I visited today around 4PM if that helps him get some recognition for being kind and welcoming.

I got the chicken bacon labneh and was at first a little hesitant of the price compared to the photos, but I am glad I took the chance on it because it was soooo good. It's a little thin, but something I will absolutely pay the asking price for when I visit again.

I also got an iced mocha, something I'm pretty particular about and while it was a little more bitter than what I usually go for with my mochas, it is my favorite one that I've found in Pullman and only a dollar or so more than where I usually buy for the same size and far cheaper at 6 dollars than what I've seen a lot of other places charge.

I would have added some photos, but I ended up eating my sandwich pretty quickly because it was that good.

The only downside is the parking that the city of Pullman has, which isn't the businesses fault at all. Luckily I was able to find a spot right out front, but it is something to be aware of if you want to visit, that you may need to leave a little early to find parking. There are some free lots and a paid parking garage...