Black Dog Cafe — Restaurant in Tallahassee

Dear Black Dog Cafe Team,

I am writing to convey my deepest appreciation and admiration for the remarkable haven you've created at Black Dog Cafe. My years of patronage have only deepened my affection for this establishment, a sentiment that grows with each visit.

The artistry of the cafe begins with its exterior - a testament to the love and thoughtfulness poured into every detail. The patio, a beautifully crafted space, not only offers easy access, especially commendable for its consideration of individuals with disabilities, but also presents a serene view of Lake Ella, enhancing the overall experience.

Stepping inside Black Dog Cafe, one is immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of vibrant energy and comforting warmth. The welcoming vibe, a collective aura emanated by both the staff and fellow patrons, creates an environment where every individual feels at home. The inclusion of a dedicated kids' area is a thoughtful touch, offering a space for young minds to engage and learn, a feature that, as a father, I particularly cherish.

Your culinary offerings are equally impressive, from delectable food to exquisite beverages. The display of stunning local art and the support extended to other small businesses through your pin board are commendable, showcasing a genuine commitment to community and creativity.

The heart of Black Dog Cafe, however, lies unequivocally in its staff. Each member exudes authenticity, kindness, and exceptional skill in their craft. The women who work here are not only hardworking and efficient, managing bustling crowds with ease, but they also radiate a calming energy that defines the essence of your cafe. Their dedication is a significant part of what makes Black Dog Cafe the extraordinary place it is.

To the owner, I extend a personal note of gratitude. Your devotion to fostering the success of young women, including my two daughters, fills me with respect and admiration. Your support for other small businesses reflects the generosity of your spirit. Meeting you was an honor, and I am inspired by your commitment to both the cafe and the broader Tallahassee community.

Black Dog Cafe is more than just a coffee shop to me and my daughters; it's a trove of cherished memories and a place we look forward to visiting time and again. In my eyes, it stands unparalleled as the greatest coffee shop in the world.

Thank you immensely for all that you do and for giving Tallahassee a true gem in Black Dog Cafe. I wish you continued success and look forward to making many more memories within your welcoming walls.

With sincerest gratitude and admiration,

Ethan -...

I was really excited to come here. My friend who lives here recommended it highly, and when I went in I read the sign about their history and ownership, and was glad to hear all of that, and to be supporting a local business. The young man working the register was friendly. After I paid for my coffee I was informed that they do not offer wifi to customers on weekends..... full stop. What Black Mirror episode did I walk into?

I travel all over the country and Everyone has wifi in coffee shops. This is universal since like the early 2000s when paid internet cafes got phased out in favor of free public wifi at most businesses. Most restaurants and bars even offer wifi. All truck stops and cafes have it. This is a trendy cafe in an affluent shopping area, and is the only cafe in its vicinity... so this is just gonzo bananas surreal.

Okay, not the end of the world... Already paid for coffee, and no offer of a refund and not going to come off as rude and ask for one. My friend dropped me off and will not return for over an hour, and I am on foot. I ask for other local recommendations for wifi places. This is where things get weird. The second employee (owner?), an older woman, working starts getting rude with me, and offering vague directions to other places miles away. After explaining my situation, she becomes more agitated and say the Publix (a grocery store) across the street has a wifi cafe. I ask her where that is and she points and says across the street. Real helpful, thanks bro. I don't want to waste any more time or money in their useless establishment, so I politely leave (to which she flippantly says "Good Luck!"), and use the bathroom on the way out.

After taking a sip of my coffee, the absurdity of this situation really sinks in. The coffee is not good at all! I ordered a large drip coffee with a shot of espresso in it (a red eye as I know it). It was awful and stale-burnt tasting. Better than most gas station coffee and some New Orleans cafes, but worse than any other cafe coffee I have encountered in a long time. So, I throw away my $3-4 of bad coffee in the trash on the way out and leave, walking across an intersection to the Publix.

Publix does not have a cafe. They do have a little under-ventilated rest area with tables, and the store offers free wifi. So, at least I got to check my work emails and write this review.

If you are visiting on a weekend and need wifi, do not come here. If you expect the employees to be helpful in aiding you to find an alternative wifi cafe, do...

I had the WORST experience here on Wednesday March 12th 2025 around 12:45 PM (specifying so the owner can know who was on the clock because I did not get the workers name). My friend and I arrived at the establishment and sat outside in the garden area to do some work on our computers and were just setting our stuff down. I walked into the establishment to ask for the Wifi password and I got it and walked back outside to finish setting up my computer and laying out my supplies. When I went up to ask for the Wifi I had forgotten my phone and wallet at the table so I had no way to buy something that first time i walked up. A minute after I get back to my table a older male employee comes up to me and says VERBATIM to my friend & I in the most unhinged, condescending, & rude voice "you both are trespassing on private property and have not made a purchase, you need to leave immediately". that is absolutely no way to approach potential customers in your establishment?! It would have been much more appropriate to say "Hi y'all thanks for coming to black dog, we only allow paying customers to use the tables here, but if you would like to come up and buy something I would be more than happy to serve you, if not I will kindly have to ask you to leave" (making note of this so hopefully the employees can learn how to treat potential customers in the future). I could not believe the way my friend and I were approached especially since we were not even there for more than 5 minutes to be able to purchase something?! After the employee made this uncalled for comment to us, he stood there and WATCHED us pack up our stuff and threatened to escort us off the property. I was trying to leave and he would not stop heckling and harassing my friend that we are trespassing, which in itself is insane terminology because we were prospective customers just trying to settle in. and in no way did we look like we were loitering in the area, just two young adults with our laptops. I used to LOVE black dog and I was absolutely planning on making a purchase once I settled in but trust me after this experience I will NEVER step foot back onto this establishment and I will make sure to tell all of my friends how unfriendly of an environment it is. I hope the owner makes note of this review and holds this employee accountable because this amount of disrespect will drive future customers away. Absolutely unacceptable and intolerable behavior from the staff...