Begin Cafe — Restaurant in Westerville

☕️ Just wow. Must go visit this place. Westerville has needed this.

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💡 Some of my insights while visiting • I loved that they had a little area in the back that was setup for littles; it was more secluded so they could be a little noisier without disturbing others and it had toys available but was still a vibe. The couch and framed monitor on loop was awesome and I felt like I was on vacation at a coffee shop on the beach.

• They have awesome decor and the coffee options rivaled big city downtown quality shops. The drinks were unique and had an extra special twist that makes them stand out amongst other shops and helps build on their brand imo.

• Example – we had a special single-origin coferment espresso used for our cortado, served on a cool wooden/bamboo tray in Vero glasses (which I also use at home, so that’s a win! lol), with an extra soda water on the side to cleanse your palette. First class.

• Then the cold brew option we picked wasn’t just your standard—it was a carbonic-maceration processed coffee with notes of strawberry and cap crunch berry. The perfect summer cold brew unlike any I’ve ever had.

• Also, the food we tried just had that extra unique to Begin Cafe pizazzz. We had the avocado toast and PB toast—something you might expect to see at a cafe, but with a little extra specialness, check out the menu on their website to see what I mean.

• The owners were sweet and talked with us for a minute, even as they were churning through the line out the door. By the vibes you can tell they are well traveled, love kids and family and love what they do.

• Way more seating than I was expecting. Inside and out.

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⭐️ Overall: 11/10 – will come back on...

This cafe has a lot of potential. It is very cute! However my experience was below average. I came out of my way to visit this cafe as I had been eager to try it. I arrived approximately 45 minutes prior to closing which seemed like enough time, but I did question it before heading that direction.

The person who served me offered zero pleasantries. One would think a new business would be asking customers if it's their first time and sharing something about the menu or at the bare minimum be friendly and welcoming, but that was not the case.

I'm aware their menu is scaled down as they focus on service, but since the service wasn't there I was hopeful for good food. Personally I wasn't tempted by anything in their case, and it was a bit underwhelming.

I tried the ricotta toast which had potential, but the granola kinda ruined it for me. Some pistachios or similar would be a better option. I also had a strawberry matcha which was bland once the strawberry ran out, and I couldn't finish it.

By the time I received my items they were already preparing to close, and I felt rushed to finish. I've never seen all the workers leave a cafe right at the closing time, but that's what I witnessed here. So really they are closing at 1:30 with already limited hours. I guess I don't get understand putting your heart and soul into a business then being in such a rush to leave. I probably won't return unless the menu improves...

Truly beautiful space—warm, clean, colorful very inviting. The menu is super thoughtful—it ticks the boxes for every kind of coffee/tea enjoyer, and it’s executed skillfully & efficiently.

Today was day THREE of their soft open, but the folks at Begin honestly already have their systems DOWN. Despite a line out the door, the folks working were so kind & communicating well with one another & with guests coming thru. I found myself already daydreaming about spending an afternoon reading at the bar, or having a friend-date in one of the cozy window seats.

A note: YES, Begin is very beautiful and very photogenic (from the space itself to their baked goods, toasts, beverages, acai bowls with purple orchids on top)…but this is not a case of style over substance. Everything I tried was delicious & this is a clear labor of love from everyone on staff. They will absolutely be a neighborhood hub—three days in, and it already feels extremely special.

Thank you for sharing your space w/ Westerville, & cheers to your...