Rad Coffee - Upland — Restaurant in Upland

Rad Coffee is a punk rock-themed coffee shop with a creative and edgy vibe, located in the heart of downtown Upland. Established in 2015 by husband-and-wife duo Rusty and Jade Valore, the brand is known for its strong cold brew, over-the-top blended creations, and seasonal drink specials. Punk rock decor: The interior is decorated with punk-rock concert flyers, stickers, band photos, and skateboard decks, creating a unique and unconventional atmosphere. Merchandise: The shop sells a wide array of branded merchandise, including coffee beans, mugs, t-shirts, and other accessories featuring designs by indie artists. Limited seating: The Upland location is noted for being a small shop with limited seating, but it has outdoor seating available. Menu highlights Rad Coffee is known for its inventive and often themed drink menu, which regularly changes to include seasonal specials. Specialty lattes and chillers: They offer a variety of uniquely named drinks inspired by horror icons and pop culture, such as the Frankenstein Matcha and various cereal-themed "Cereal Chillers". Strong cold brew: The shop was founded on its high-quality cold brew, which remains a staple. Vegan-friendly: Most specialty drinks can be made vegan upon request. Food options: They occasionally have a limited selection of baked goods, such as cookies or donuts. Reputation and customer experience Rad Coffee generally receives very positive reviews for its coffee, creativity, and atmosphere, though some negative feedback exists. Positive feedback: Customers frequently praise the delicious and visually impressive drinks, the friendly service, and the cool, edgy vibe. Negative feedback: Some less positive reviews have mentioned inconsistent coffee quality, specifically regarding bitterness or being watered down. Other complaints have centered on slow service during busy times and isolated incidents of poor customer service. Service animal concerns: Past reviews from 2017 raised serious issues regarding staff interactions with a service animal and its owner. Location Rad Coffee is located in downtown Upland at 232 N 2nd Ave. It is one of several locations for the brand across Southern California. Service and coffee consistency Inconsistent quality: Several customers have experienced poor-tasting coffee, sometimes described as watery or overly sweet. One reviewer noted that their coffee had been "so bad" on multiple recent visits after years of being a loyal customer. Slow or poor service: During busy times, some reviewers have reported long waits, with some claiming blended drinks were served before their simple cold brew, despite ordering first. A few customers have described the staff as unfriendly, annoyed, or "uninspiring". Recent barista turnover: Several long-time regulars have noted a decline in both the quality of drinks and the friendliness of the staff after some favorite baristas left. Health and safety concerns Recent health department shutdown: In February 2025, the Upland location was temporarily shut down by the health department due to a cockroach infestation. Though it has since reopened after a reinspection, this raised alarm among customers, and some have chosen to stop visiting. Pest issues: Multiple sources confirmed the health code violation and long-term vermin problems at the downtown Upland location, citing old buildings in the area as a contributing factor. Employee-related issues Poor management and toxic work environment: Many current and former employees have left scathing reviews on job sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, alleging narcissistic and sloppy management, high employee turnover, and rampant favoritism. Owners mistreat employees: Past and recent reviews claim the owners are disorganized and treat employees poorly, with one review alleging the owners retaliated against staff after a bad Yelp review was posted. Disrespect toward privacy: Some employees have claimed their privacy was not respected and that management used "spies" to monitor their...

I normally don’t write a lot of reviews but I just had to say something. Me and my friends came around 6ish. One of my friends was recommending we come here to try it out. I’ve been wanting to try it since it was my first time. We got there and she ordered her drink first then I ordered mine afterwards. I got the cookies and scream with no coffee. She got the Dracula. The lady who helped us at the register seemed very bothered and not happy. My other friend just ordered an ice cup and just tossed it over the counter without saying anything. As we were waiting a group of people came in afterwards. So a bit of a rush. My friend got her drink first and it was actually pretty good so I got excited to try mine. When they called out the cookies and scream I was getting up to go grab it. This lady that came in after us with a family grabbed it and gave it to a little girl I’m assuming she was with her and gave me the biggest death stare. I felt bad and thought oh that little girl probably ordered the same thing as me. But then I noticed everyone else got their drinks and I was still waiting for mine. We ordered way before everyone else. We ended up telling them at the bar that little girl ended up getting my drink. they told us they put out my drink but didn’t call out my name. They kind of just let it happen. They saw us come in before this group did. They were nice enough to remake it for me. I never like to cause trouble but I was even more disappointed with the remake because they ended up putting coffee in it when I asked them to please not to. I didn’t want to come back in again and cause more trouble and was over it from waiting. Maybe I caught them on a bad day not too sure if I’ll return again. Was just really bummed with the...

Rad Coffee, nestled in the heart of Downtown Upland, has undoubtedly earned its reputation as a hip and vibrant spot. As you step into the vicinity, the bustling streets and the variety of cool shops around add to the overall charm of the area.

Now, I must admit, the lines at Rad Coffee can be quite long, especially during peak hours. Patience is key here, but trust me, the wait is kind of worth it. However, it's essential to mention that the limited seating can be a bit of a drawback, making it a challenge to find a cozy spot to enjoy your coffee or chat with friends.

When it comes to their coffee flavors, I have to be honest - some can be overwhelming. While they certainly cater to adventurous taste buds, it might not be everyone's cup of tea (or coffee, in this case). But fear not, if you prefer something more classic and straightforward, they still have some great options for you.

One area where I believe Rad Coffee could improve is their Iced Coffee. It lacks the smoothness and refreshing taste I expect from a good iced brew. However, if hot beverages are your thing, their Hot Chocolate is simply divine. My grandma, a devout fan, can attest to its rich, creamy, and comforting flavor, making it a perfect treat on chilly days.

Despite the minor setbacks, Rad Coffee remains a popular spot for its edgy vibes and creative concoctions. If you're in the mood for a quirky coffee experience and are willing to embrace bold flavors, this is the place to be. And for those seeking a delightful Hot Chocolate fix, you won't be disappointed. Just be prepared for the bustling crowd and limited seating as you savor the unique charm of Rad Coffee in...