Lift — Restaurant in Whittier

TL;DR - maybe a high 3.5, nice space for studying (outlets, WiFi, easy parking) that's been open for less than a year, but I wish there were more food (or at least snack) options CONTEXT: Dropped by to get some studying in on a Tuesday afternoon before meeting some old friends for dinner. Also note that I can't comment on coffee because I'm not a coffee person.

FOOD/DRINKS - from old photos it looks like they used to serve more food, but now only do sandwiches and pastries alongside coffee and tea. See menu board photo. -- SHAKEN CITRON GREEN TEA ($2.95): Brewed hot and then iced. Looks like it's about 12 oz? Pretty good, refreshing for a warm day. -- GRILLED PORTOBELLO SANDWICH ($8): It's a pre-made and packaged sandwich from Auntie's Bakery & Cafe (just up the block) that gets warmed up in a toaster oven. Decent flavor with a hearty portobello. I asked what was in it and she pulled one out of the fridge below the counter and let me read the ingredient list LOL wasn't expecting that. It wasn't particularly filling - I wish there were some side options like carrot sticks or even a bag of chips, but the only other food is their pastry selection. Seems like they could think through their food options a little better. Otherwise, just stick to coffee, tea, and pastries!! -- COFFEE CAKE ($3): Ordered this because I was still hungry after eating my sandwich. She offered to heat it up, but I'm pretty sure she forgot about it because it sat in the toaster oven for at least 15 minutes haha definitely warmed through now. The pastries also come from Auntie's.

STAFF Minimal interaction, but friendly and quick. Only one person was working the counter at a time, but I mean, it's not like it was super poppin' so there wasn't much of a wait.

SPACE/LOCATION Now on the corner of Greenleaf and Bailey for just a couple months now after moving from their old location, where they were for 6 months. Fairly large area with a variety of seating options (couch, counter, tables). There are a handful of outlets scattered along the walls. The music is a little loud for my taste, but not unbearable for studying/working. Lighting is a little strange - lots of natural light in the front, bright white light over the counter where they make drinks, but then sort of dim towards the back. The single-person restroom is brightly lit and clean. Street parking ranges from 1 to 2 hours during the day, but there's also a 3 hour parking lot nearby...

Takes way to long for coffee even at its basic. All i did was order a matcha latte with a shot of espresso I didnt even order a complex drink. I waited 14 minutes for it? They had 3 drinks ahead of me with 3 baristas working?? The food i waited over 30 minutes for 1 burrito while someone who was well before me sitting down sipping coffee was going on i believe 42 for 1 burrito also, from what i over heard from him complaining (he was a regular i assume from how the staff treated him) I requested a refund for the burrito that was 16.50 because i was tired of waiting they refunded me 10$ noticed after i left & read the recipet i cant even call them because they have no numbers listed. You have to physically drive back to get all your money back if you notice some mistake like that. That makes no sense to make when no ones in line besides me? Like girl what is you doing?? My order total with tax was 28.89. I showed her everything. How do you equate 10$ for a 16.5 burrito??? You made me drive back again to get 6$?? Either hire more workers or stop taking so many online orders? Simply put. Get. It. Together. You guys werent even busy when i arrived & picked up after me & 2 people placed an order. Your tickets werent even going off. Ridiculous i spent 40 minutes...

First the good: Their coffee is excellent. Very tasty and unique flavors, I buy several of their espresso bags at a time whenever I go. If you love coffee this is a good place to get the good good.

The place is decorated nicely. It has seating so you can do your homework there or actual work there. I didn't see any outlets though.

Now the bad: This place would be 5 stars if their customer service was better. Their male baristas so far have all had attitudes. One several different occasions and by two different male baristas so far. My girlfriend just went to Lift by herself today and told me the male barista is being rude to her which spurred my need to write this review.

Y'all need to do better. We are just trying to get some good coffee and go about our day as happy as we came in to the shop.

This isn't the case of the pandemic blues either. I have gotten bad attitudes from the male baristas since before the pandemic.

I can go to a different coffee shop that has good coffee and not have to deal with your attitude. Your bad attitude is...