Cozy Coffee Lounge — Restaurant in South Salt Lake

Owner made it very clear it’s not a place you can choose to sit down or spend time without immediately buying something. Made me and my spouse feel very unwelcome. Will not be coming back.

Edit: Since the owner decided to reply, I figured this post needed to be edited. I walked to this coffee shop and thought the exterior was fine. Once I went in, there was no one at the counter, and no obvious signs saying “You must pay for something before you breathe in our lounge!” The chairs are not very comfortable, the tables are very short, and the space very much screams “I got all this decor off of amazon.”

I was sitting with my spouse and had not yet ordered but was going to once I had my phone plugged in and I was set up. I had not been there for more than ten minutes before the owner walked up to us and pressured us to buy something. I was already planning to do so and told him as much. He continued to pressure me. I decided it was better to leave than let someone like that have my money. I fully intended to buy something in this shop and made it very clear that was the intention, but because I didn’t buy it as soon as I walked in the door, the owner himself decided to make both me and my spouse uncomfortable.

I am well aware of businesses needing to sell product. I was not intending to loiter in the space and the only obvious thing that said “you must pay for something first” was the bathroom, which was sleazy anyway. The way the owner acted was frankly very rude, especially because I told him explicitly that I intended to buy later. I didn’t need him breathing down my neck and no other coffee shop I have ever been to has treated me in this way. I don’t recommend this place and will not be returning - I suggest you try someplace like Greenhouse Coffee or Coffee Break...

I visited the Cozy Café today with my mom to meet a guest from out of town for exactly one hour. We ordered drinks, the staff was initially very friendly, and the drinks were great. Later, my friend and her family also came to meet with the same gentleman. They ordered drinks and snacks, and I placed another order for drinks and food to go.

Unfortunately, my experience changed drastically at this point. The same gentleman who had been pleasant earlier suddenly became rude and dismissive. I was shocked at how I was being treated, especially after leaving 25% in tips alone. The entire atmosphere shifted 100%.

I was told it’s not acceptable to sit and visit for a couple of hours unless you pay extra for a table—even though the café was not busy. At least five tables and several couches sat empty the entire time we were there. Our group had clearly planned to visit from 12–2 pm, and during that time we all placed multiple orders. That’s two different sets of paying customers within those two hours. Still, I was rudely interrupted and repeatedly reminded that the café closes at 2, despite making it clear we were leaving at that time.

It’s disappointing that such a cool place with great drinks could be ruined by one employee’s behavior, especially in front of 6+ people. Sadly, we won’t be returning.

For clarity: this review is solely my opinion based on my experience. The gentleman we met with had nothing to do with choosing the café or arranging the visit. I also feel uneasy that the employee asked for his personal information—something that now seems like it may not have been done with...

I hesitate to drag this place too hard. Like a date with a returned missionary, it wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t what I was looking for. This is a place to bring a romantic companion and stare lovingly into their eyes, and not a great study spot. I found myself chugging my coffee so I could leave sooner. I felt like I was crashing everyone’s dates after ten minutes and made a hasty exit, watering the flowers that grow in sidewalk crevices with the rest of my coffee.

The interior is very small. The music is on the loud side for a small space with an echo. I could still hear it with my own music turned up. Then it occurred to me that if their music wasn’t loud, I’d be able to hear everyone’s romantical conversations. I’d keep the music cranked if I worked there, too.

I wanted to love the atmosphere, with the plants, fireplace, and window nook, but all the Valentine’s decorations sealed it for me: Cozy Coffee Lounge is not my jam.

By the way, did you know about the pagan precursor to Valentine’s Day, the Roman Festival of Lupercalia? Apparently this involved goat and dog sacrifices, whipping women with animal hides, and a matchmaking lottery....