Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Upper Arlington — Restaurant in Upper Arlington

These people are AMAZING.

I had somewhat had a bit of a runaround trying to procure two types of teas that they had been out of stock of, the Wednesday I went first. The guy there, after complimenting the purse that I hand made (which was awesome, I loved him for that! 😊☺️) explained to me that they get their shipments on Mon, Weds, Fri, and so if probably be wisest to call back in the following Monday, that they'd probably be back in stock by then.

So I called back Monday and the guy (coincidentally the same person) remembered me, and gave me the unfortunate news that they hadn't yet been restocked 😥, but that he was near positive that by that Wednesday these two types of teas should be available. I was busy that Wednesday, so called on Thursday I believe. The (different) guy I spoke with explained that the PRE-PACKAGED stuff still wasn't in stock, but that they actually had all of their teas available for bulk purchase at any time, and that he could measure some out in a separate bag, and that that's always a possibility for anything they have/carry.

So he measured some out for me...

Then came the best part: He had picked up on me mentioning that I was just beginning to explore teas, and therefore he talked with me for like 5 minutes or so, TEACHING me about how the one tea (Earl Grey Lavender) should be steeped at a higher temperature for a longer time, meanwhile the green tea (Jasmine Dragon Pearl) could be stepped not only for a lot shorter, but needed to be fine way cooler. He even went on to explain that some tea can be steeped twice, and that in traditional Chinese ceremonies or practices, that some folks discard the first steep batch, and prefer the second. I hadn't known ANY of this, but it REALLY helped me make sense of a lot of things, and to feel WAY more comfortable and confident in how to do things right at home. He also encouraged me to experiment with my own flavor preferences of how much of each tea to use, for my flavor preferences. I very much liked this empowerment of "just because other people generally make their teas this way doesn't mean you have to follow the prescriptive rules. Try other things out and see what you like!" (mainly regarding amounts used, and whether I liked twice-steeped teas)

I asked him whether he could write/pen those steep times and temperature recommendations into the bags for me, which I very much appreciated, so I would forget one I got home and a few days had gone by.

He also told me that he gave me a bit extra of each for free, "for my hassle/runaround," which was SUPER nice and unexpected, because I hadn't even once made a fuss or complained or been anything that would indicate that I could have been frustrated about it. That is to say, that added "touch" of the "trying to make it right" made me fall even more in love with the people than I already was.

So, from beginning to end, everyone was extremely courteous and respectful, and didn't just "do," but helped educate, to help me feel more confident, and they're just basically all around fantastic in my book, from what I experienced. This all to say that I will DEFINITELY be returning there, and I would encourage others to support a Columbus-based business...

This is becoming one of my favorite neighborhood coffee shops. I am not 100% sure why I love it yet. First of all, I love local coffee shops (but can't quite hate on Starbucks either). And a local chain is cool because it means a local coffee shop is doing well. The baristas can sometimes lack warmth, but they aren't completely aweful. The patrons on the other hand offer any warmth the baristas lack. There is a mixture of professionals of all ages doing work or enjoying their off time to young student types. At any rate, I have found the clientele friendly which I appreciate. The coffee shop can get quite busy, but not overwhelming so.

What I do know I love so far is that thet offer not only a few signature drinks year round, but they offer some seasonal signature drinks as well. I don't like when local coffee shops are completely unimaginative when they lack the restrictions of a corporate bureaucracy. I also like that they accomodate adjustments to their drinks. My pet peeve is coffee shops which oversweeten their drinks and asking they adjust their recipe is either tedious or impossible, and one still receives an undrinkably too sweet concoction. Frustrating. (Again, why I can't hate on Starbucks because they have a fairly good accommodation notation system down). But the baristas have been patient with my questions and accommodations, and successfully prepared drinks for me. :)

I haven't tried their food yet, but it does appear rather basic unlike my other favorite Fox in the Snow. I will still give it a shot eventually though.

Lastly, the fake fire place and plush armchairs give it a rich setting. I just wish the fire was real especially being a recent transplant from Miami. Looks like I will be drinking a lot of coffee...

Had to revise this review after coming here for several months, probably 20+ times.

I keep trying to love this place but every time I’m disappointed. Parking is a catastrophe, today I ordered a drink, couldn’t park for several minutes and decided to just give up and drive away.

I’m truly befuddled why roast dates are not included on their coffee. EVERY roaster that produces quality coffee that I’ve had does this. It’s crucial information for making coffee at home. It feels like they are more interested in being able to keep stock on the shelf for long periods of time than making sure every customer takes home quality coffee.

The craft espresso has its good days but the house espresso is rarely dialed in. Cappuccinos are drowned in milk, when I’ve asked them to go east on the milk so I can actually taste the espresso, it isn’t very good.

I understand I’m pickier on all this stuff than the average customer. The atmosphere is great, the staff is friendly, the quality...