03/21/09

Great if you don't have to be anywhere on time

by ZaftigArtist

I love the Caffe Ibis coffee. The beverages (when prepared by select employees) are well-made and delicious, as are the cranberry bran muffins. The service is diversely inconsistent, depending on who's working and what time of the day it is. They are always understaffed or underequipped to handle the morning rush they've had for years and have not done anything to improve the service or wait time during this time period. On average, it takes a MINIMUM of 15-20 minutes to wait in line, order and get your beverage. Because of the wait time and inconsistencies at the Garden, I only stop occasionally on Saturdays or if I haven't purchased Caffe Ibis beans elsewhere. Try the Garden if you're out leisurely in the morning with nowhere else to be soon. Get your drink to go.

• Pros: bran muffins, lattes, Caffe Ibis beans, wi-fi
• Cons: slick ambience, slow service, distracted employees

12/28/08

Too much 'tude

by ProudProgressive

To be clear from the outset - I love coffeehouses. When I travel, I actually ask around and go out of my way to find good ones. So this review is a little hard on me, since it's about a hometown coffe joint. The coffee and food at Coffee Garden are not the problem. Both are exceptional. I take issue with the help behind the counter. With a couple of exceptions, these folks are indifferent to downright rude sometimes. I cannot figure out whether it's because the place is too small to accomodate the crowd some days, or they are short staffed, or just full of themselves for some odd reason ("I worked at a coffe shop" isn't usually the determining factor on your resume for your next dream job) but there is no doubt they sour many customers. I've seen them treat those who pay their salaries with haughtiness and sometimes barely veiled contempt. I overheard one of them respond to a query about whether a tortellini dish they sell could be warmed up with "well there is a reason it's in the cool counter". If I were the one being spoken to like that, somebody would have gotten the day off - maybe for good. So I appeal to Coffee Garden...have a come to Jesus meeting with your staff, and read them the riot act about customer service. Believe it or not, all those folks who crowd the place now may certainly not be returning if they get enough of the 'tude. Save it for when you own a business, create great art or music, or contribute something to humanity because in the meantime, it's nothing but snark. And snark....sucks.

• Pros: Good coffee and food, free wifi
• Cons: Terrible staff attitude toward customers

12/12/08

coffee made for the little guy! amazing coffee! funny staff!....too many moochers in the lobby?

by theotherguy101

I have to say i love this place! i took only a couple of times of coming in for the barista to remember my drink, what size and exactly how i like it! that's pretty impressive considering the line of customers to the door each morning! well worth the wait which isn't usually too long, but then again if you're in a hurry, go to a fast food place! i like the attention given to my coffee, when i bring in my own cup they always warm it up with hot water before adding coffee or tea and they give me a discount! always want to know specifically how i like it. always fresh ground esspresso, again impressive considering the volume of drinks they manage. the baristas are fun, it gives the real essence of a local shop. it feels genuine to have someone react to your personality and seeing theirs and knowing they like to see you come in, as opposed to the robotic corporate drone slave. a real human experience like visiting an old friend. try it! be personable with them have a good attitude and they treat you like family! on the opposite end i've seen surly customers from time to time being told where to go! it made me proud to see someone not taking nonsense from a self righteous individual. i work in customer service myself and it's always humiliating to be treated like a slave. and having to smile and nod and letting people think it's ok to treat others that way. on top of that it's comforting to know the baristas know what they are doing. the downside to this place is the lack of focus on the lobby. every time i come in and hope to just have a hot latte to stay it's always a race to the tables with the lap top people who are sitting there all day. there is a lot of unchecked loitering, sometimes there are even people standing in the hallway using the wi-fi. for shame! it's local! go to the library! so maybe stand up for the customers too? but who's really to blame on that one....

• Pros: best coffee, real people.
• Cons: other people

11/19/08

If you don't mind feeling like a non-valued customer, the Coffee Garden will do.

by JavaSLC

I really want to like the Coffee Garden but there's a number of things working against it. To begin with, the staff behind the counter are almost always too busy to look you, the customer, in the eye and greet you. All they're interested in is taking your order - at their leisure - then getting back to talking amongst themselves about whatever it was before you walked up to the counter.

I also agree with the previous commenter about the attitude they have toward their nearby competitor. I'm not the least bit surprised to hear of snide behavior like this coming from the CG. Here's the thing: if I can get a BETTER-made drink and perhaps a friendly greeting, well guess what? THAT'S where I'm going to go!

As for the drinks? They're ok. The mocha I had was too sweet. I would prefer it if they were served at a hotter temperature without having to ask for it. And be careful trying to walk out the door with a drink in your hand as the seats and tables are too close together and you will likely spill your coffee if you aren't paying close attention to where you're walking.

About the only nice thing I have to say is that the drink I was served was given the latte art treatment in the shape of a nicely poured rosetta. That was a nice touch.

To summarize, if you have to have a drink and there's no place else nearby, the Coffee Garden will suffice.

• Pros: Nice location in the city, independent.
• Cons: Indifference to customer, crowded floor.

04/15/08

No Outside beverages allowed... duhhh.

by cawwffeee

I assume the coffee cup in mention was from the Starbucks across the street. Never mind the manager, I'm surprised the clients didn't beat you up. You should know better than that.... tisk tisk....

02/23/08

Hot-headed manager: tactless and unprofessional

by dg0922

I was asked to leave the premises the other day, after the manager ? with a pointed and unprofessional tone ? singled me out and criticized me in front of several customers. I have previously gone to this establishment because of ambiance, but will no longer support it because of the gross generalization the management implied in their accusation. I had spent around $15 dollars on chai, muffins, and banana pudding and was minding my own business. When I needed to use the restroom, I found they were closed due to some water-damage issue. I had no choice but to go across the street. Because I was using another businesses facilities, I felt it right to purchase a product from them. I brought the cup back to the Coffee Garden and within minutes, was confronted by the management. With an accusing tone he stood in front of my table and said, "You either need to throw that cup away or leave the premises." I was shocked. Stunned. Couldn't believe his tone. I began to explain that I had just purchased a good deal of product and needed to use the restrooms. Heatedly, he pointed out the competition of the establishment across the road and was guilting his way to his point. When I asked what he expected his customers to do regarding the shut down bathroom, he said he couldn't deal with it. When I explained that I had spent plenty of money (for my "coffee visit"), the lack of use of restroom and that his over-the-top unprofessional manner was completely rude, he said it didn't matter and that I still could either leave or dump the cup.

I left.

Being a small business owner myself, I was floored in the manner he spoke and treated me, a often-frequenter of his establishment. I do not support an establishment that can't show decency or respect for their customers.

Maybe he was having a bad day. Maybe the work day was long. But regardless of those facts, a business owner/manager has the weight of treating their clients well if they hope to succeed.

01/18/08

Best frothed soy milk and sticky buns!

by hillbillyinslc

I found Coffee Garden in 2003. Thank Goddess! They are the only ones in town whom can steam soy milk!

and then they decided to sell my products! Now you can have my delicious bakery treats in the swankiest coffee shop in town. Thanks Alan and Deter! Chocolate kisses!

• Pros: friendly customer service
• Cons: most people are on their laptops, not very friendly

03/12/07

definitly worth the occasional line.

by r3volts

To me Coffee Garden is legendary. As a young boy my dad would take me out right at noon for a chai and a muffin. Along with playing catch in the backyard this sunday tradition is one i will never forget. still to this day some of the older staff remember my order and even my name.

coffee garden outdoes itself in so many ways.

worth the trip wherever you live.

11/03/06

best coffee shop in town

by petershirley

This is a great place and Alan (the owner) makes the best espresso drinks in Utah. The coffee is just decent so order Americano if you want coffee. A great place. Note it has moved accross the street to 890 E 900 S or therabouts.

• Pros: Espresso drinks, ambiance
• Cons: Sometimes too crowded

08/14/06

If you can't be in Seattle, be at the Coffee Garden.

by jaynine81

Great coffee. Yummy food. Decadent desserts. Fun people-watching. Beautiful baristas. You'll be reluctant to leave.

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: No comfy chairs