Velvet Robot Coffee Lab — Restaurant in Rockford Township

Power down, robot.

While driving to Wisconsin, I needed some caffeine and was quickly approaching Rockford. I decided to see if there were any cool local coffeehouses to drop in and get my usual americano and Velvet Robot won me over with the unique name. Knowing nothing else about the place, I set GPS and took a detour for caffeine.

I headed in and went straight to the counter. The barista was chilling out on a couch and watching a movie since no one else was in there. We made some odd small talk while I ordered my usual americano. That’s when things got weird. He asked if I wanted steamed milk in mine despite me ordering it just black. He seemed confused as I was telling him that they are usually just water and espresso shots. As he was putting my drink together, I noticed he used the handwashing faucet to add the water to my drink. I thought that was really really odd and if not a bit unsettling. Surely they have an actual tap for adding water to drinks?

After my drink was made, I went on the hunt for the bathroom. The building that houses Velvet Robot is massive. It almost feels like a mall or a convention center. It was seriously a 1.5-2 minute walk to the bathroom and along the way, it was wide open spaces filled with a church and some offices. As for Velvet Robot itself, it honestly feels like the kind of coffeehouse I would’ve designed in my early teens. It had cool aesthetics, there was a small arcade corner, stickers adorned the coffee counter, and skateboards with sick art along the walls. I really dug the feel and vibe of the interior.

Sadly, when I got to my car and started sipping on my americano, I knew this robot fizzled out. The americano tasted like it was made with drip coffee instead of espresso. Which is weird since I saw the barista make my drink. On top of that, having to explain to the barista what and how to make an americano was a head-scratcher for me. So, while I loved the aesthetics and vibe of Velvet Robot, the disappointment in ordering and taste of my drink has me leaving one of the lowest scores I’ve ever given to a coffeehouse. Definitely a 5/5 for vibe but 1/5 for coffee and ordering.

Maybe if the future allows me to revisit Velvet Robot again, I would gladly give it another shot (no pun intended). But, I don’t see myself trying it again until I’ve had a few of the other places in...

Hey Justin I frequent the Alpine location daily. I am writing this email to praise Sam, Abi and Olivia for their exceptional skills. Sam, Abi and Olivia have excellent technical skills such as accurately dosing and grinding coffee, mastering different brewing methods, and producing consistent and delicious expresso shots. The velvet robot team demonstrates attention to detail. As exceptional baristas they pay close attention to every aspect of the coffee-making process. They focus on quality over quantity and I very much appreciate them taking their time to make sure my coffee is exceptional which is why I come to the alpine location and don’t drive to a Starbucks drive thru which would be more convenient if time were a factor in my decision making process. Another quality I’d like to highlight about Sam and Abi and Olivia’s skills is consistency. Consistency is crucial in the coffee industry an outstanding barista delivers the same high-quality coffee and service consistently, ensuring that customers have a great experience every time they visit. Lastly I’d like to touch on the velvet robots exceptional customer service they are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Sam, Olivia and Abi take time to understand my preferences and make recommendations tailored to my taste. I choose to visit the velvet robot daily because Sam is willing to engage in conversations about coffee, educating me and sharing his passion for coffee making. I can truly say the robot brightens my day when I’m having a bad one I wouldn’t start my day any other way. Thanks for the years of exceptional service you have a loyal customer here for life.

Best of wishes always

Sincerely,...

i came here just on a whim while i was in the strip. as a non-coffee drinker, i loved this place. do they have decaf options? no. however i got a breakfast bagel and frappe-ish drink (kind of a milkshake? came from the kids menu) and they were both great. the place is decorated super nice and the overall atmosphere made me feel super welcome. the staff were really nice too! if you need somewhere to work or study, the shop itself, as well as the building its connected to, are the perfect places for you. will definitely be coming back with folks that actually drink coffee lol.

edit: found out through their instagram that they use AI to advertise. really disappointing to see as an artist, looking at their restaurant as a really creative place. changed my review.

edit: yikes, AND you guys support mcdonalds? talk about a double whammy. the unprofessionalism is frightening, no wonder reviews are getting worse. im sorry for bringing up the fact that youd rather use lazy technology than support artists. i wouldnt have accepted your commission anyways? im too busy with decent clients. have the day...