Sophie's Cafe — Restaurant in Sterling

Well the girl said hi then just left me standing there feeling like a fool. She kept doing what she was doing. Then another girl walked out, put moblie orders on their hanging area and walked back through the doors. I was still ignored. After 2-3 mins of just standing in quietness, it feels like an eternity. I finally asked if they only take mobile orders. She responded no. I said well I have been just standing here waiting. I never got asked if I needed help me or if I had questions or if I was ready. I said acknowledgement is a big thing to me. I was in customer service for years. The girl says "I said hi." I said "I know then you kept doing your own thing." She said "I'm working on a mobile order." She asked if I needed help and I said yes please. She then says I can help you after I finish the mobile order. There are at least 3 that I can see. I wanted to know the price of the muffins and there is no price to be found. I had to wait for her to finish the one mobile order so she could type in the price. Why isn't there prices already for the bakery items??? Everything else food wise seemed to have a price, but the counter items. So, I feel like if I didn't speak up I was going to just have to wait because I'm not important enough. Mobile orders came first.

I already had a bad experience at Rock falls Sofie's Cafe and came here. Well my first experience at Sterling, was a month ago was in the afternoon and the girls greeted me and took my order right away. The service was nice, friendly, and quick. This time I felt like I was at Rock Falls. When I brought up the lack of customer service to a few people one including my sister they said yeah that's them my sister agreed it wasn't that good but it's good food. I am the type I don't care how good food is. If I can't get acknowledged, communication, respect as a customer, then screw your place. I only came out to get coffee from every place around to do my own comparison of taste, price, and service. Because the lack of good service makes my food and drink not taste that good. It puts me in a bad mood when I get bad customer service. I never treated people like that at any customer service job I had. Bar, restaurant, or retail. I lifeguard and greet as many people I can that walk into the pool. Maybe I'll stick to 7 brew. They seem to have the best prices and wonderful service. Muffin isn't too bad. I would think about trying the loaded pots. Now I know that it's a 50% change of crappy service they just won't get tipped.

The coffee was one of the top liked by me out of 6 places. Not the best, but top 3.

Edit to one year later. Now nothing on the coffee board has a price. The girl at the register amd the guy who made my coffee were very nice. Unfortunately the guy was by himself making tons of orders so 4 people ahead of me it took me 10 mins to get my coffee. Maybe have more staff around lunch??? And I found out how much my 12oz small coffee was. $5.75. I understand this is a small business, but so is Roger That Coffee, Flip Side, Air Play, and Rockstar Donuts. That isn't including the bigger places. Nowadays, cost and size is everything. I might try the food out sometime, but if your coffee is over priced, I'm thinking the food is as well... good luck...

SUCH A CUTE AND LOVELY PLACE WITH A FAMILY VIBE. MADE ME FEEL LIKE BEING HOME.

This review is based solely on my own experience and personal opinion.

I went to Sophie's Cafe on a cold Monday evening, 1/13/21, and it was my very first time here. Sterling is a small town in Illinois and while driving there you do not really have high expectations, but then you get there and it's a vibrant city with many surprises and one of them is SOPHIE'S CAFE. Yes, a very nice surprise indeed, with a unique style and attention to details.

FOOD/BEVERAGES: They offer a big selection of food and beverage, especially coffee based drinks. I had a Muffin and a Cappuccino. My Muffin was very nice, great flavor and fresh ingredients. My Cappuccino was absolutely well made.... right Coffee/milk balance that is not easy to achieve. I enjoyed both my Muffin and my Cappuccino alot. They Offer a great selection of coffee product for sale, roasted coffee beans, ground coffee and other locally sourced products.

STAFF: all the staff were young girls and one young boy. they were all super nice and friendly. They would talk to you with a big smile on their face and a great attitude. They were helpful and have sense of humor.

CLEANLINESS: The place was very clean and neat, and the restrooms were very clean too. Table and chairs were cleaned right after each guest. great policy.

PLACE: cute little place with a family vibe and a sense of home.... weird feeling, maybe it's the fireplace?!?! I love the way they arranged tables and chairs, and I do love the way it is decorated. a oddly pleasant mix of designs and styles who made me feel like I was sitting in my own living room, surrounded by friends. just an amazing feeling. Plenty of tables and chairs to reunite with your friends and family and a few more comfy spots with armchairs and sofas. The Bar area, where they make/prepare your order is a little island of modernism in a sea of old-like style. Something I had never seen before, sooooo unique and interesting.

SLOT MACHINE ROOM: They do have a slot machine room but I did not get in there as I do not support gambling. So, I wont review that specific section of Sophie's Café.

LOCATION: conveniently located right next to stores and the only Wal-Mart in town. You can do your grocery and then go and get some deserved relax.

PRICES: not expensive.

CONCLUSIONS: I liked it alot and I will definitely go back while...

I recently snagged a bag of the Highlander Grogg beans from Sophie's. Since hearing of a new cafe opening I've been patiently waiting to see what was going to be offered. I opened the bag and was immediately slapped in the face with an evenly balanced aroma of butterscotch, liquor and caramel. As the bag sat for a moment the notes began to intertwine and create a pleasant scent that lit up my kitchen. Again, this was just from opening the bag. The beans are excellent quality, ground perfectly to my preferred coarseness. As the pot began brewing my house filled with the scent and became an aromatic heaven. At the first sip it was obvious it needed no additives other than maybe your preferred sweetener. The flavor is rich and creamy, without overpowering the coffee flavor. My next pot will be made with french press and I assume it will be even better.

TL;DR excellent quality, rich creamy flavor. No milk or creamers needed. Notes of caramel, liquor and...