Cafe Bassam
| Address: | 3088 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA |
| Phone: | +1 619-557-0173 |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 8:30AM–12AM 8:30AM–12AM 8:30AM–12AM 8:30AM–12AM 8:30AM–12AM 8:30AM–12AM 8:30AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
A
A Private User
My opinion on this coffee shop has completely changed tonight based on the way my boyfriend and I were treated by the nasty, money hungry, racist owner. We came in to drink some tea and study, we sat in one of the tables, which we later realized had been placed right in front of the piano, which would later have individuals singing in front of. There was no designation as to the fact that there would be people singing or that customers who were looking to study would have to sit elsewhere. I ordered my tea and we opened our books to study, the owner then came and told us that we had to move because it didnt look right that we were studying when there were people singing. Then 5 minutes later, he came to my boyfriend who was sitting with me and told him that he had to leave and he couldnt sit there for free and that he had to order something! Even though I had ALREADY ORDERED something and was currently drinking it!! My boyfriend said " My girlfriend is drinking tea, I dont want anything yet." We were so offended! We were completely humiliated and embarrassed in front of the entire coffee shop, for doing nothing absolutely nothing wrong! We got up immediately and went to the counter to pay for my tea, and I told the owner that I couldnt believe his behavior as I was a paying customer, he then said "Well, you are taking up an extra space here and its very expensive to have you take up a seat!" I then gave him a few extra dollars to make up for the $3 that he needed so badly. I have NEVER been treated in such a horrible way in a restaurant where I am PAYING customer! I dont know if the owner is racist or if he is so desperate for money, but we were the only people there who were of darker complexion. I would really like to think that it isnt because we are of a different ethnicity but I cant understand why someone would be so incredibily rude to us, when in fact there were several other people sitting in the coffee shop who hadnt ordered anything. However he came up to us specifically to tell us to leave.
KE
Kevan Langley
I like the atmosphere and the employees are good. However, it has become evident to me that the "owner" here does not care about making the customers feel welcome and he certainly does not treat his/her employees well. One time I was sipping coffee and the "owner" was yelling at one of the employees because she dropped a glass behind the counter. Two other times I have been asked by an employee not to do something as little as add another table so that myself and others could sit together because "the owner does not like it." This is not how to run a business. If the customers pay for coffee they expect to be able to sit next to each other. Like I said, the employees are great but the management is far from great. No "owner" should yell at their employees for allowing the customers to put together two small tables so that we can sit with each other. Im not going to come here very often because of this but I would like to have a word with the owner if he or she is ever here.
AN
Antonino Zizzo
I was rushing for a lunch and was pleasantly surprised when I walked in here, just wish I couldve enjoyed it by actually sitting down. Very rustic cafe with antiques all around, totally juxtaposed to the large condo complex its in. Outside big windows are all the cool buildings and greenery around Bankers Hill. Perfect place to sip some wine on an afternoon. I ordered a chicken pesto sandwich which is hard to mess up but it was really good because they put it on rye, and put some melon on the side which was a nice touch. Service was very good, a little slow but I always appreciate that because it means theyre putting time into your lunch/drink. More mature patrons which was nice to see as well--people actually conversing with each other instead of hiding behind fruit logos, nice European feel.
KA
Kate Thurn
The coffee and food is delicious. There are some amazing coffee options and the atmosphere is so cute and cozy! Perfect place to do some work or visit with friends. Its a bummer that I refuse to go there anymore because the service is the worst service Ive ever dealt with. The girls that work there are so so so freaking rude. Absolutely no customer service not even a "hi what can I get for you" you just get a blank stare. And when saying thank you for them brining my coffee out, the response is "sure" with a rude tone. I couldnt believe my eyes when I saw how these girls acted. Ive worked in food service for a long time and this is the worst Ive seen. Makes me wonder if theres a certain type of person or a secret social club thats only allowed to visit there because I felt so excluded.
JO
Joy Boe
Hands down favorite coffee shop in San Diego. One of the few places where you can feel like you are in Europe. I love spending Saturdays inside their unique interior, which holds a piano, books piled to the ceilings, a glass case of crystals and gems, and grandpa tchotchkes like old wood sailboats, bottles and cigars. My favorite treat is their iced Vietnamese coffees, which are served in stemless glassware and topped with a lovely garnish. They are sweet, but still bitter enough to taste like coffee which I really enjoy. Ive also enjoyed their cheese platters and baked goods. This is a favorite destination to bring out of town guests and/or a date for a romantic night cap.
JO
Jorgeanne Cabuhat
Cafe bassam has a nice atmosphere and matching service to go with. Its part coffee shop and also antique store motif. Lots of options to cater to anyones taste buds from coffee, tea, and smoothies. They have such an extensive tea selection for your choosing as well it makes it difficult to decide on just one. Plus they serve food. Prices are fair and the portions are pretty decent. And if you want more of a low key place to talk and or hang out with friends cafe bassam is perfect with lots of seating, later hours, and chill atmosphere.
TY
Tyler Anneliese Moselle
Theres nothing quite like enjoying the antique-packed experience of getting lunch at Cafe Bassam. I like to work from here and use the great wifi and nice little nooks to find my "zone" to write. The tables are a bit small if you order one of their gargantuan sandwiches AND a coffee while working from a laptop, but I promise its worth it. The tea selection is vast: one could very easily fall prey to losing hours just experiencing each smell of all of the glass jars of teas on display.
ZE
Zed star
Its like having a cappuccino in a time warp.Seriously,my wife and I have been here a number of times and the cappuccinos are always very unique and very good.Of course the lovely antique pieces and bric-a-brac enhance the enjoyment factor.We tried the new spice cookies today.They are full of spice and scrumptious.If you want humdrum go somewhere else but if you want to be on the set of an Agatha Christie movie ..then come here.
EA
Earl Apprill
10 on scale of 5.... Met Mr Bassam yesterday... what a remarkable man & gracious! His demeanor sets the stage for employees making BEST PROPERLY MADE CAPPUCCINO & ESPRESSO DRINKS WE HAVE EVER HAD. NANCY & I founded Cappuccino Country in Branson, MO and sold to travel 75% of the year... we how the business.... his food is remarkable & scones cannot be beat... made with WHOLE WHEAT, anise, cloves, nutmeg & yogurt....
