Alchemy Coffee Capitol Hill
| Address: | 271 Center St W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, USA |
| Phone: | +1 801-403-6157 |
| Site: | alchemycoffee.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM |
Location
Photos 24
Reviews 20
A
A person you know
From the moment I walked in to Alchemy, the barista working the counter could not have shown less compassion toward myself as a human being, let alone as customer. This being my first time there, she tolerated my questions about their specialties of the house, but only just. This was surprising, as I’d sought out Alchemy as artisans of their craft. The positive reviews intimated they were proud of the ways they may be working to set themselves apart in the industry. And though I have my beverage of choice, if I’m in an establishment who fashions a particularly good cold brew or single origin, I want to know about it from the people who possess the passion enough to make it. Despite this frigidity, I left a 25% tip, sat with headphones on and wrote my book. I had noticed sadly that they closed at 2, when I walked in at 1. Nearing close a fellow patron and I got to talking and at about 2:10 the employee let us know she just had to finalize the cash register and then she’d need to close up; we had about 5 minutes she said. We said ok, kept talking, assuming it would be clear when she was done. We began to make our way toward the door and when I looked up while gathering my belongs, I see that she is standing, silently frozen behind the counter, doing nothing but absolutely seething. The gentleman I was talking with apologised, and the barista remarked in an unforgiving tone, ‘yeah, I thought I had made it clear’. Wow. Just wow. And really? I was in shock, I was so taken aback to be spoken to like this. If this had been a person on the street, well thats uncalled for but whatever. This was a person in a service relationship dynamic to me. If this seems tritel in writing, think about the last time you were spoken to by staff at a cafe or restaurant in anything less than a deferential tone; let alone a word choice fully intended to be slicing. It’s been more than 5 years since I’ve had service so terrible I felt compelled to let others know of my experience, and the second ever time Ive ever left a negative review. It pains me to do it, but I can not believe a woman who makes her living within the hospitality industry would feel compelled to talk down to the patrons of her establishment rather than communicate, at all, let alone politely. Honestly, it seemed almost as if she was getting off on her annoyance with us. It was 2:15 on my clock by the time I arrived outside. I have no doubt this is a source of frustration for the workers in the industry, so I don’t mean to sound like a whiner. It can be confusing; if a restaurant closes at 10 they will have patrons finishing their meals well past 10:30 sometimes (As was the case; I still had half of a cup of coffee I had to toss back when she told me I had 5 minutes). Weve all been kicked out of a cafe/restaurant; there is a way it is done with tact and then there is a senseless, experience-ruining way I experienced today. We, understand that you have lives and maybe even important places to go. But we do not need to be condescended to in your treatment of us or communication. The coffee was just ok.
PA
Paul Campbell
I go to this coffee shop nearly every day. Ivan, Kelly and the weekend crew are all really personable and make great coffee. Get Ivan to make you "Naughty Chai" (a chai latte with espresso) its seriously delicious. Kelly handles making all of their flavor infused syrups by hand, and City Cakes is in charge of their incredible pastries. While my pocketbook is definitely suffering, I cant remember what it was like before Alchemy came into the neighborhood. Definitely check them out.
AM
Amber Harrison
A-mazing!! Travelling through I looked up best coffee in town and this place popped up -rightfully so!! The guy that made my coffee was very nice and suggested their specialty a Vienna or something like that and it was possibly one of the best coffees Ive had. Very recommended! Plus they have a dog hitch outside and an adorable little patio. Sold.
SP
Spencer Smith
Alchemy Coffee is one of the best coffees I have ever had. I live about an hour away but anytime I am near here I am sure to stop and get a Naughty Chai. The staff is also awesome, Super friendly and nice. They also have amazing lemon blueberry scones!
EL
Elisha Braithwaite
Alchemy has quickly become my go to coffee shop. The location is great and the atmosphere is so quiet and relaxing. Everyone talks so softly, its beautiful spending a morning there. Their coffee and pastries are wonderful as well.
CA
Catherine Fullarton
Excellent service, excellent drinks and food, and a perfect setting to meet up with a friend or settle in to get some work done. The perfect neighbourhood coffee spot, and well worth being a destination in its own right!
JA
Jack Winward
Where the locals go. From the day AlchEmy opened shop in The Marmalade, Ivan has shown a genuine interest in us as patrons. Plus if any barista can attain the god shot, its Ivan. Climb the hill for this classy treat.
BR
brian schreck
Popped in before hitting the mountain and Ivan was totally cool. Small shop hooked up to a trendy little restaurant and feels intimate. They use real hand made caramel and flavoring. Definitely going back
ER
Erica Trittschuh Armitage
Tucked away so that we almost missed it, but really cute coffee spot up near the capitol. Short walk from Eagle Gate. Quiet atmosphere with a friendly barista. Several tables inside and a few outside.
SA
Sara Howe
Scored the Groupon. Enjoyed abundant parking, excellent service, delicious baked goods and well made coffee. Hours are: 6:30 am- 2:00 pm. Would have come earlier if Id known. Friendly, chill crowd.
NE
NeRD joCk
Thisnplace is so quiet and cozy that it really amazing pace to be. The dirty chai is ky absilute favorite in this city of coffee lovers. If you havent tried it do yourself a favor and try it today.
MA
Makenna Guiver
Amazing! Very quiet, cozy atmosphere. I loved the look of the building inside and out. Very friendly and helpful staff! Ill be going here much more often. I saw a cute dog here ^_^
SA
Sarah Gabbert
Charming little place with great coffee. This was my first visit but I will definitely be back. It is small, so theres a chance you may not find a spot to sit.
DA
Danielle Dull
Cozy little place. Loved the Dirty Chai I had. Quaint building but parking is a little difficult on the narrow street. Great calming atmosphere.
MA
Marley Sage Gable
Best deal on cold brew growlers in the city. The service is prompt and, though small, the menu has everything youd expect from a coffee house.
KI
Kirk Simons
Great little coffee shop, quick wifi and amazing coffee selection. Barista knows his stuff too. If I lived in Salt Lake Id be here everyday.
BR
Bryan Beecroft
this charming little spot is the bastion of hope and sanity for my day. the best pour-over/drip coffee around, and the crew is unparalleled!
CR
Crystal Fraughton
The coffee is standard. The service and pastries can leave something to be desired. Note, I didnt go when the attached restaurant is open.
KE
Keith Turner
It has a real nice atmosphere and friendly staff. It is a nice place to hang out with coffee and a friend on a Sat or Sun morning.
MA
Matthew Kiel
I love to start my cycling day here with a pre-made scone and coffee. I only wish they were open later so I could repeat after!
