Wife and I were excited that a new coffee place opened up nearby. We gave it a couple tries, but we don't plan on returning. The first time, the service was very bad. We weren't greeted by staff even though there were 3 people behind the counter. The person who helped us didn't explain their menu or ask if we had any questions. She seemed like she would rather not be there. Not welcoming or comfortable for first-time patrons.
We ended up ordering two iced drinks that were served without straws. The iced cappuccino tasted like it had no coffee at all, and the glass it was served in was difficult to drink from without a straw. Filled to the brim with milk and ice. When we were done with our drinks it was unclear where to place our cups. It took several minutes standing awkwardly at the counter before I finally got someone's attention. They seemed annoyed that I had to ask, and they pointed to a corner where an unlabeled bussing cart was located.
We shrugged off this first experience as a fluke and decided to give it another shot. That was a mistake on our part. We went back this morning and, again, were not greeted even though there were multiple people behind the counter. The person taking orders was deep in conversation with an older gentleman who had no intention of ending the conversation any time soon. The cashier continued to "yes, and" this man instead of giving any indication that people were standing in line behind him. She didn't even make eye contact with us. There was another person behind the counter who briefly observed this and decided to walk away instead of asking if she could help us. Frustrated after waiting for around 5 minutes, we turned around and left to grab a coffee somewhere else.
Overall the coffee was bad and the customer service was non-existent. The atmosphere was nice and very trendy, but that does not make up for everything else. Definitely the type of place that seems better on Instagram than...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreOffbeat Cafe is a plant lover's paradise and a hidden gem. Step inside and you're greeted by a lush, green oasisāa stunning collection of indoor plants fills every nook and cranny, making the space feel incredibly vibrant and alive. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the eclectic, interesting music playing softly in the background, a welcome change from the typical coffee shop playlists.
āThe layout is fantastic, with multiple rooms that provide plenty of space and a different vibe in each one. Lots of people studying, a great place to concentrate and focus. The building itself is a beautiful example of thoughtful reuse, and you can sense its history. It's a great local spot that has been transformed into something unique.
āGetting here is a breeze, especially if you're on two wheels. Located right off a great bike lane, it's easily accessible via Salem's extensive bike network. While there's plenty of surface parking available, which is typical for the area, the bike-friendly access is a huge plus. A truly inspiring...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreSalem has been patiently waiting for a place like Offbeat coffee and it's finally here. The decor and atmosphere are amazing, Brock and the rest of the staff are super friendly and provide great customer service, and the coffee is wonderful. They have a small assortment of yummy pastries and desserts from Manna Bakery and Sewell Sweets, and you can order delicious sandwiches from the food truck, Presto Sando and have them brought to you in the coffee shop. From the outside it doesn't look very big, but it stretches way back so there's lots of seating options to accommodate large or small groups. It definitely gets crowded on the weekends, but it's still definitely worth the visit anytime...
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