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Coffee Roasters 1
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
17 reviews for Coffee Roasters 1
I rank my coffee shops on:
1) Coffee strength and taste
2) Customer service
3) Vibe and decor
4) Pastries
Here's how Coffee Roasters 1 ranked:
1) Coffee strength and taste
Don't get the coffee! It really doesn't taste good. Their espresso is better. Today I ordered a shot of espresso with soy ($1.50). I finished my shot, which tasted good, but I'm still not buzzing like I feel like I should. :( Now I'm in a caffeine limbo where I feel pretty good and motivated, but I definitely don't feel ambitious enough to study. Boo..
2) Customer service
The lady at the counter was very nice. She didn't even get irritated when I asked for more soy in my shot and even offered to steam my shot again b/c it got cold. You don't find that kind of customer service everyday.
3) Vibe and decor
Like another reviewer mentioned, the decor is fairly bare, but I like that minimalist look. The shop is lit enough where I don't need to strain my eyes to read, but not bright enough to make the place feel like a cafeteria. The music is the only thing that's keeping this place in the 4 star range! It's very mellow, which makes it perfect for studying. Expect artists like Jack Johnson and Norah Jones with an occasional Motown hit.
4) Pastries
I didn't try the pastries here yet, but their selection is wide, ranging from your coffee shop staples of croissants and biscotti to fancier items like fruit tarts and tiramisu. Presentation is very nice. Mmmm...
Met up for coffee with my professor here over the weekend. I ordered a Mocha and it came out too sweet, due to too much syrup and too bitter, due to poor espresso shots?
...Starbucks is better...
Hey, Ya know Whacha?? I've been earns more than 13 years for a attends a Coffee Roasters 1 where it was make me a Home Cafe, I loved it, They make me soo GOOD COMFORTABLY places whacha-Ever I do WANTS 2 stays 4 as long as I can, I NEVER quits it. They're a design coffees and foods are ever a excellent meals it, They're all of so cheaper prices than the dump of the StarBucks Coffees next door, Starbucks isn't feeling likely a home stuff and too colder A/C running on for all day & nite of an 24 hours a days straight make it was too freezer it! There have lots of reading the books, used a games, Newspapers, Flyer information and Art Shows. Of course, Free Wireless Network, Bring yur own computer laps will be works it too... Yea, There have a hangouts of the outside if u need a breathing fresh the airing. They're still have the specials a entertainment DJ Musical or other Television else..If u have showing a yur own musical then bring it in and we're gladly to listens yur own musical too.
If anyone have a cars then anyone to find a park to their own parking space it. Coffee Roasters 1 isn't responsibly for anyone who parking in there, But It's YOUR CAR MUST BE LEAVE IT IN YUR OWN RISK.
Coffee Roasters 1's employers teams really AWESOME IT! They can be waiter for us when we're ordering them first then NO PROBLEMS it! Come Joins of our Coffee Roasters 1 Business! Ya will loves them too!
I love this place! So, I've been staying in Riverside at a friend's place as I've been working in the area. After work, I usually try to go to a Starbucks to get some studying done. I found this place while in a plaza for a Starbucks, and I think it's awesome!
It's very spacious, very comfortable and cute and has like this huge machine where they literally roast their coffee. I saw it working and churning today. Also, they have free Wi-Fi which is bomb. The coffee there is pretty good depending on what you get. I got the City Slicker last time, and it was really great. I got another Chai drink the other day and it was just okay. But I love their huge variety anyway. Their variety and their homey feeling really win me over Starbucks.
Also, the owners/workers have always been super friendly. They'll offer me extras and make sure that I'm totally satisfied with the drink. I went in today and the credit card machine wasn't working. I didn't have cash, so I was kind of bummed. But the owner was so nice to offer that I just pay him back the next time I come in. I REALLY appreciated that, although I didn't take it (I'm worried I'll forget to pay him back!).
If you're the owner and you're reading this though, I only have one suggestion. I think it's a totally cute place, but you should really add more decor. The walls are a little too bare and it's just white. You should paint it a warm color or something and add more decor on the walls. More antique chairs and stuff would be great too. Just a suggestion!!
Coffee Roasters definitely has better coffee than the Starbucks on every corner, but doesn't compare to another local and much better coffee joint, Coffee Depot. Coffee Roasters is located in a great little plaza that is family friendly and has other great shops to browse.
I come here for the atmosphere and utility over the quality of their coffee and inability to make a consistent beverage. Sometimes their cappuccino have spectacular foam, but it really depends on the barista. Their drinks are alright, but their lounge is absolutely perfect for the college student. They offer free Wi-Fi, have plenty of seating (couches too!), and music plays at the right I'm-not-going-to-distract-you level.
They have a great selection of pastries. My boyfriend and I are almost positive their chocolate brownie which we crave is generic and store-bought, but it's quite delicious.
Unfortunately, Coffee Roasters often does not close according to their posted hours. There are times where I show up ten minutes before their posting closing time of 10pm and they've already closed up shop.
Overall, Coffee Roasters is definitely a nice place to study or hang out with a group of friends on a cool evening. If you want great coffee, please do yourself a favor and go elsewhere!
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My boyfriend and I come here to study all the time - our favorite place! I've been struggling to find equally nice study locales in San Diego where I live... sigh, no success yet.
Anyways, why I love Coffee Roasters:
AMBIANCE: Pleasant! Quiet music (Frank Sinatra is playing at the moment; heard some Tegan and Sara and Josh Groban the other day). I love that this place isn't crowded with loud people having dates or get-togethers - lots of students studying or people having quiet conversations over a cup of coffee. There's even a projector if you want to practice a presentation. Free wi-fi and lots of tables seal the deal for me!
DRINKS: Nice variety. I'm not really a coffee connoisseur, so take my words with a grain of salt, but I think the drinks are just fine here. I usually favor the mint mocha (with soy) or apple cider, while my boyfriend likes the blended caramel latte. There are lots of pastries and desserts (like tiramisu, brownies, and lemon bars), but I haven't had any yet.
THE STAFF: Super nice and friendly! We know the owner - very cool guy. Everyone who works here is a pleasure to encounter.
Nice place, nice people, very chill... you should definitely stop by!
Coffee and espresso drinks are not great. The daily brew is really flat and flavorless.
The tables are wobbly. I've spilled lots of watery coffee due to uneven surfaces.
It's all about $0.50 overpriced.
But it has free wi-fi, is relatively quiet, has friendly employees, and is otherwise conducive for study/work.
I *rely* on coffee and wi-fi to get my work done and Roasters provides both. That said, the coffee is mediocre (cappuccinos often have the airy bubbly foam that's just no good and the espresso can be flavorless on occasion). It depends on the barista. One of the selling points is the 11pm closing time M-Sa though I've often times been working here when they decide to close early for no apparent reason. After a summer of research and work abroad I returned today to find out that they no longer allow outside food in the establishment -- understandable. Unless, however, they fail to provide sufficient food and decent pastries for customers! I used to love that Roasters allowed *us* (the UCR Anthro Dept' often frequents this space, 6 or 7 at a time) to bring a sandwich, leftovers, or a burrito inside. I would avoid their pastries at all costs -- dry, stale, and overly sweet.
Now, after all that, Roasters is still solid. They roast their own coffee here, it works, and I've spent many hours working with fellow anthropologists under the good lighting and pleasant ceiling fans. I *do* like the iced tea too! They'll shake up a freshly brewed lemon grass tea with ice and it's the perfect summer treat!
If I were to write this review a year or two ago, it would have easily been 5 stars. The coffee and teas always used to be great (in my opinion, far superior to Starbucks). However, I believe that they have recently changed ownership - and, in doing so, the quality of the coffee has suffered (the teas are still excellent). The coffee is just OK and the espresso based drinks are just decent. Also, I have found coffee/espresso grounds at the bottom of my cup far too many times. It makes the last few drinks unbearable.
The people aren't as friendly either. That is not to say that they are rude by any means - they are nice enough. But, there is no longer that "small coffee shop" kind of vibe that puts a smile on your face. They don't seem to take as much time to get to know their patrons. Certainly not a reason to not go there, but it does make it less welcoming.
That said, they still have a good variety of drinks, which is nice - coffees, teas, Italian sodas, and smoothies. They have also added a greater variety of pastries, which is nice.
I also LOVE that that they provide free wi-fi to all of their customers (which you can also access outside) - honestly, this is the only reason that I still go. It is a definite advantage over Starbucks, which is just across the way. Just make sure that you choose the time that you go to Coffee Roasters wisely becuase it does tend to fill up, especially the tables that are close to wall sockets.
Is it rude to write a review while in the business you're reviewing? Hmm, I will have to check my back issues of Peggy Post's column.
Coffee Roasters has recently completed a major makeover which is good because I refused to come here before that. For locals, this is probably sacrilegious, but I thought it was dark and overpriced.
The new and improved "Roasters" is much brighter with nice furnishings (although not terribly comfortable). There is also a rather nice outdoor patio area. The problem is that it is always too sunny to use a laptop out there.
Free wifi is a major draw for this place and I have to say that they make my NF SF Vanilla Latte to perfection, no Splenda required. I think they're coffee is a little expensive, but it is good which is more than can be said for Starbucks.
Since I live in LA, I really appreciate the fact that the Canyon Crest Plaza (where Coffee Roasters is located) has FREE and unlimited parking. This is a huge plus.
All in all, I'm not glowing about it, but it is an excellent place to work if you're in the area.
Back in the days when I used to live in the vicinity, and Coffee Roasters was just a short walk away, I would buy my coffee by the pound here. They have a good variety of different coffee from various countries to take home. Btw, the Brazilian coffee is really good (which happens to be one of my favorite blends).
The cafe itself is a nice and quiet place to settle down and read, study, etc. It is definitely a change from the hustle and bustle of the near-by Starbucks.
An average review for an average coffee shop.
The facade appears to be quaint; rustic wood, velvet drapes and metals, etcetera. When you go in however, the place is always packed and the temperature hotter than outside. Typically coffee joints have a regulated temperature that contrasts the outside weather... go figure.
The coffee isn't something to write home about. If I did write home, I'd have to recommend the coffee at Jammin' Bread -excellent, must do.
The coffee here at Coffee Roasters, is just, okay, maybe even blah. Even the Cappuccino was so stingy and small, I felt as though I should be drinking in a Barbie house. As for the drip coffee, it is contained in self service carafes which is a real bummer...I see that at Carl's Jr. and wouldn't expect that at a coffee shop. Even though it's not expresso, I still would like to have fresh drip coffee and not day long carafe.
Some places have drip behind the counter which is a plus because its more manageable that way. That's how Starbucks does it. They must be doing something right.
Overall I come here for the free internet service, but when I want real coffee, I head over to Jammin Bread, or Starbucks.
I guess that's what happens when you are used to good coffee houses in San Francisco and Seattle, and it's not something that one easily gets over.
This place has great potential, it just needs an inspiring kick in the rear.
Components of a good coffee joint:
1) Hot fresh coffee made on regular intervals.
a) good coffee beans of course, make a good cup of coffee.
2) Ambience and environment
a) coffee houses are an escape, and should be relaxing and not pretentious or hotter or colder than the weather outside
3) Service service service
a) no excuse for nasty employees or racially preferential treatment. Who wants to enjoy coffee after a snarling cashier, or sneering indifference?
Three things, and you will make for a great Coffee house.
I know I'm probably alone on this one, but I liked this place better before they remodled a few years back. It was funky and cramped in that cool way that coffee houses should be. They used to have live music on a regular basis too (usually a folk singer strumming away).
Now, it's more open and airy, quite pleasent, I guess, but not the same vibe. Still, my favorite place in the neighborhood to read or study. The staff is friendly, and the clientel tends to be UCR students and profs.
They have a roaster on site (one of the few in Riverside), and you can smell it all over Canyon Crest when they're roasting beans. The house coffee, lattes, iced drinks, etc are good. The espresso shots (my drink) are only so-so... no crema, and often the wrong temperature.
The outside seating, under a wisteria-covered pergola, is very nice in good weather. Free wifi, if you know the password! (which the barrista will happily give you).
As one of those locals that was a bit taken a back by the new more uncomfortable furnishings of the "NEW" Roasters. I have to admit i left for a while, But after a few weeks of jitter inducing coffee from Sbuks I'm back.
Ok so I only sit in the big leather chairs by the window (takes me back), or outside on the patio, the truth is, the coffee at Roasters is just better!!! They roast their own coffee and while i'm not a coffee enthusiast, i know a good cup when i have it.
You can actually drink the regular coffee at Roasters.
Now with a new-New direction and all new staff the flavored drinks are tasty and priced a bit closer to Sbucks.
Roasters has a much wider selection of fresh loose teas.
Roasters has more Sugar Free sweeteners vs Sbuks where you can choose vanilla or hazelnut... Roasters has Chocolate, Caramel, Vanilla, hazelnut, almond, and more. Try the Sugar Free Snickers for a wonderful treat with out all the sugar!!
On top of that the Outdoor patio seating and FREE internet just makes Roasters the place to go for coffee, work, and to visit with the locals.
New decor, New staff, More flavors and FREE internet. Way to go Roasters.
while I think there could be more variety in the food selections at Coffee Roasters, I give much praise for the variety of drinks on the menu as well as the refrigerator case of drinks. And thank goodness for WiFi! As much as I appreciate Back to the Grind (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) for the more edgy spirit and a big-city coffeehouse feel, on the really hot days, the air conditioned Coffee Roasters and non-corporate spirit are a good chillin/working environment.
Being that I am new to Riverside, and that I live right across from Coffee Roasters it was the logical choice for coffee / Internet access. The regular coffee is no where near as good as Starbucks, but the ambiance is great. They have plenty of tables / sofas and the staff is friendly, as there are a lot of regulars. It is perfect for studying / writing, and relaxing. If yall know of any other local coffee shops please let me know!
I went to school in Long Beach, where there were cute and quirky coffeeshops galore. Alas, there's not many in Riverside that can compete, especially now that Starbucks has invaded every possible space in that UCR area. Roasters is a decent place when trying to avoid Starbucks. The best thing is when they have live music there.
