Early Bird Coffee — Restaurant in San Antonio

The very first time I went to this coffee shop I ordered oat milk in my drink, and asked about nondairy foam. The person checking me out, advised me that he would be able to make it for me. I was still wary so I asked "are you sure?" and about the specific products; he assured me by showing me the products he'd use (I believe it was Oat Planet or Dream) and he'll make it from scratch for me. He let me know he's also the manager, so of course he can make it for me. I get my drink, it was great. The next two times I went I still double checked on the nondairy foam and both times it still checked out. I went several more times, no problems. The most recent time when I said my order and "non-dairy" foam, this cashier (that I've never seen before) said "we've never done that." I asked if she was sure because other workers have assured me that it's been done for my drinks before. She said she was sure but didn't even ask anyone else to confirm. I went ahead and got my drink without foam and asked the actual barista (who I've also never seen before) about it, she said the same thing. I asked to speak to the manager, who was conveniently out of town for the next two weeks at the time, so I speak with the acting manager who has made my drink plenty of times before. He says the same thing. I told him I feel extremely violated, consuming something I didn't consent to, and that goes against my spiritual beliefs, which I would expect the same level of consideration as someone who doesn't consume things for religious reasons. I also mentioned that if I had a milk allergy, that could've been a harmful situation, he just said "oh I didn't think of that.", which is quite concerning to me. He said his customer service niceties, though, I didn't get the feeling that he was actually concerned about the situation. He also claimed that he would speak to management and look into curating a non-dairy cold foam, which I would love to be updated on. I thanked him for listening to my complaint and that was it. There was also no acknowledgement of the fact that the employees aren't all on the same page or that they knowingly served me dairy against my wishes.

Also I have noticed fruit flies/gnats in the food display cases which is served to customers!

I would have had no issue with there not being a dairy free option. Though, I would not have patronaged this business after finding that out. The foam also takes the drink from $8 to $11, which makes this feel like a money grab. It's not OK to be dishonest to customers about what...

What a wonderful coffee spot at Huebner Oaks. I’ve been here several times and their coffee is always spot on. Their cappuccino and latte are smooth and delicious - some of the best I’ve had outside of Italy (and that’s saying something). Their pastries are always delicious - and I always cheat when I come in because they are delicious and irresistible. In addition to the traditional fruit danishes and croissants, they have some inventive pastries: their tomato basil danish is delicious. The natural sweetness and the slight tartness of the roasted tomatoes paired with cream cheese and basil just make this savory pastry simply irresistible. Their spicy kolaches are also top notch and they sell out FAST! Their latest is everything bagel seasoning danish, and I think I like it even more than the tomato basil danish. Imagine an everything bagel and a buttery croissant had a baby - with a little spread of cream cheese in the middle. Simply divine! Keep up the good work! I wish they were open past 2 PM, but I guess I will just count my blessings that there’s this wonderful coffee place for me to enjoy and get work done :). The BEST part about this place, though, is the service. Everyone is so friendly and the owners are just the sweetest people. I simply can’t say enough great things about this place. While some of the local coffee places have gotten a little “too corporate” for me, places like Eary Bird will always have my support because they are local, the people are nice, AND their coffee and food are simply OUTSTANDING!!!

Edited 12/23/23: I was here this morning and had their Lox Danish. I was debating among that and the tomato basil danish and spicy kolache, and the owner said the lox danish is on another level and recommended it highly. I am glad I listened to his suggestion since the pastry is simply spectacular. The salmon is cured well, and the danish is well made, as always. So flaky and delicious! It’s like their everything bagel danish but also with lox on it, and it wasn’t fishy at all! There’s something to be said about their savory pastries. I can’t wait to try more of their pastries (I guess I will just have to work out more to work...

There is a reason Early Bird Coffee has a great reputation in the community! I used to be a frequent coffee drinker, but I have chilled out on the caffeine and will only have some sporadically.

I was in a particular mood for coffee and I wanted to seize the opportunity to show love and support to a locally owned small business. I turned to Yelp to search for a hidden gem and I was not lead astray!

We arrived this morning at 10:30 AM and I was surprised and delighted to see that Early Bird Coffee has taken over the old Huebner Oaks Starbucks location! You know they have to be thriving for that to happen.

At first, I was confused because there was a long line out side and there appeared to be tables setting up outside. As it turned out, there was a pop up bakery setting up shop outside and they MUST be really good because that line ended in the parking lot.

We went inside and the ambiance was what your would expect from modern day coffee shops. You have the occasional social media opportunities, the typical Ikea type aesthetic.

When we made it to the counter the business owner greeted us and could tell that it was our first time and I was a little overwhelmed because my initial latte order with vanilla syrup might have been a safe option. He asked my daughter and I how we like our coffee (sweet/not so sweet) and then he asked if we were allergic to dairy, which we both are not. He gives us a sample of this vanilla horchata and whoa. Game changer! We both changed our orders to the latte with vanilla horchata.

Skip the chains and treat yourself to something different where your business is valued and you are supporting your community directly!

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