Coastal Coffee Roasters, Inc. — Restaurant in Summerville

• NEVER GO BACK *

*I previously wrote a detailed review on Yelp about my unpleasant experience with this place, but it mysteriously disappeared! All I'm doing is giving my honest experience and review, but evidently someone doesn't want my blunt opinions to be heard.

I come from Seattle, and inevitably I'm a coffee snob. My first and only visit to Coastal Coffee Roasters will also be my LAST. My experience with this place was as unpleasant as it could possibly be, due to employees' (un)professional attitudes and lack of training, as well as their lackluster coffee.

I recently visited a friend in Charleston and we went to this place on a weekday evening. When we walked in, the cafe was deathly quiet -- except for a few laptop warriors scattered around.

Unfortunately, we didn't see or meet any of the "friendly" and "welcoming" employees that other Yelpers raved about. We had to deal with the only employee around, who was standing idly behind the counter.

I asked the employee at the counter a handful of questions about their coffee beans. At first, he was happy to perform the "perfunctory courtesy" of answering customers' questions. But a couple of questions later, he started to appear impatient and disdainful, as if we had just disturbed his afternoon nap and he wanted to kick us out of there ASAP so he could go back to his sweet dreamville.

We cut the conversation short and ordered some coffee. We meant to have some cakes as well, but the pastries at the counter looked days old.

It took the employee 15+ minutes to get us the coffee, and he was just as disgruntled when he served us coffee as if we still owed him an apology. To me, that was not just a lack of professional skills.

Where did the well-known Lowcountry hospitality go?

My friend and I both felt we were treated in a CONDESCENDING and completely UNSCRUPULOUS manner throughout the visit.

Moreover, we didn't enjoy the coffee, either. The Sexy Seven (only 6 types of beans in the blend, according to that employee) was so dark and burnt that it tasted like dirt. Their single-origin Nicaraguan El Porvenir light roast was way too mellow and bland -- such an ironic contrast to their super dark Sexy Seven -- and it lacked the rich body and bold character we were expecting. Neither coffee was worth the price, by the way.

We walked out of there as soon as we could, with a promise to ourselves to NEVER COME BACK.

Despite the terrible experience, after all, I'm glad we tried this place. The notably distinct contrast to my standard coffee experience will make me appreciate Seattle's coffee...

Maybe I just caught them on a bad day? I arrived on a Saturday about 30 minutes before closing. I placed an order for two Cafe Mocha's, telling the barista that this was my first visit to Coastal. He didn't seem to care about that, nor did he seem at all enthusiastic to fulfill my order. He saw (I hope?) where I was standing, patiently waiting for my order, but instead of telling me, "Here you go," or pointing out to me where I could pick it up, he placed my coffee at the other end of the bar, behind the equipment where I couldn't see it. Didn't say a word to me about it. The coffee was fine but not worth the price I paid ($13.00 with a generous tip). It's worth it to pay a bit extra to support a small, local business, but I expect something in return. Better or competitive product, and better, more personal service. And though it's not the owner's fault, there was a creepy vibe in the place, kind of like the local clubhouse that isn't welcoming of newcomers. I got some "looks" from the clientele that made me feel like I didn't belong there.

My biggest issue with Coastal, though, is that it isn't open at a time that's convenient to me. It closes at 1400 during the week, which doesn't work when I get to work most mornings at 0530. You're only open on Saturdays until 1700 and closed on Sundays. Yeah, I know, times are changing, but you still need to service your customers.

I am, however, willing to be fair and give them another chance. First impressions are powerful but not always accurate. I really hope my next visit will have better news. If not, well, there are...

From the minute I walked into Coastal Coffee Roasters in Summerville for the first time I was completely taken with the place. In the booming and competitive world of coffee and coffee houses, Coastal Coffee Roasters comes out on top for me, on both a personal and professional level. As both a consumer and an artist, I find it's the perfect mixture of professionalism and warmth in a relaxed, creative and enjoyable atmosphere. As far as the staff goes, I have never felt anything less than welcomed and accommodated by any of them and for someone to say otherwise is needlessly spreading negativity. Not only have they been welcoming, but the staff has also taken a personal interest in who I am and made me feel not like a number in line but as a welcome addition to the Coastal family. You can tell they really care about the people who walk through the door. I can't think of anything more professional or wonderful than that. And the coffee? Don't get me started on that Brazilian Pour-over. It is hands down the best coffee in the area, brewed with the most tender care and the best beans I have ever had. As a coffee connoisseur, that is saying something. You even have a hearty selection of craft beer to choose from if you're not in the coffee mood on any given day. Which, why wouldn't you be?

There is no place I would rather spend my off time. I hang out, I get things done, I enjoy the staff and the coffee. There are some days where I spend more time in the Coffee Shop than I do in my own home. I would encourage you to...