- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Revue Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
620 E Olive AveFresno, CA 93728
(559) 499-1844
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Late Night, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Revue Cafe
Review Highlights
"Cafe Revue is a little coffeehouse in the Tower District."
(in 4 reviews)
"...drink selection and this is a really cool place to hang out."
(in 3 reviews)
"The expanded area is very nice."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
33 reviews in English
-
Review from Corinna R.
Fresno, CA
1/8/2012
Its a great place to meet for coffee. (they got booths!) Or for browsing the net. The prices are good and unlike the Starbucks down the street, these girls know what they're doing! Ok, the prices aren't good.. they are great and its a local business with a really friendly staff. Really..you can't ask for more.
But wait theres more...On the weekends they tend to have a free. Yes free, show of a local artist in the back. And they also host Jazz Hop here also. This place is a gem!
I highly recommend this place for coffee. or just hanging. -
Review from Abbey T.
Oakland, CA
6/30/2011
While sitting on the patio enjoying the nice Fresno evening and coffee with friends, a street person asked my group for a cigarette. He was provided one and then went on his way. The barista working at the counter took the time to come outside onto the patio, and yell at us "If I CATCH you giving a cigarette to someone who hasn't purchased something, you're going to be asked to leave AND NEVER COME BACK!" We were completely shocked that she spoke to us in such a rude, confrontational manner.
After reading the other reviews, I'm not surprised we were treated this way. Apparently, this is is how The Revue treats their customers (charging for an outlet, really??). We will not be back, and they don't even have to ask us!! -
Review from Devon B.
Fresno, CA
11/20/2011
I have always had good coffee/espresso drinks here. Have yet to try their food though. It seems like a good place to sit and have coffee.
-
Review from Harout B.
Glendale, CA
4/20/2011
This place is great. Nice to find a coffee shop that is different from the cookie-cutter starbucks. A regular cup of coffee is 25 cents more but you are sitting in a nice environment. You can walk along Olive and come back for your refill of regular coffee and sit down and read a book. The little patio with the olive tree was great. great place to smoke a cigar and has a cup of coffee.
Less River Parks in the world and more places like Revue and Tower District. I will definitly go back and take people who have not been.
On a side note, the baristas were a bit "cold" but that didnt really kill the mood of the cafe or the time i spent there. Some reviewers seem to be a bit sensitive i think (poor babies). Never had lunch there but will soon and let you know how it goes. -
Review from Greg G.
Fresno, CA
3/23/2011
I still prefer Starbucks. Their coffee is horrible, I can't believe I even decided to get anything here. People make mistakes, and I forgot to ask for SoyMilk instead since I cannot drink regular milk, so after getting my drink and took a sip. I gasped and asked my friends, "Is this like Starbucks? Can I return a drink and get it re-made?" They all shook their head no.
The worker was rude, I can't believe I deal with these people.
And the fact that they charge .50 cents for using a credit card is ridiculous, my parents have owned and still own very successful businesses around town and these businesses are only charged 2%-3% for the total of the purchase price when a card is charged. This is just another quick way for these small mediocre businesses to gain Revenue.
Come to think of it, this place should change it's name from Revue to Revenue. -
Review from Lindy P.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2010
An object lesson in how not to run a coffee shop. The location, the set-up--perfect. The coffee--tolerable. But none of this can overcome the incredibly off-putting service. I've been slightly annoyed by the slowness and the attitude of the daytime staff here before but today's events have turned me off this place completely.
Just when I arrived I got a couple texts, so I took a moment to respond, meaning that my bag was sitting at the table next to me, and I sat down for a few minutes before I ordered. No more than 5 minutes later, I noticed the older woman behind the bar glaring at me. I looked at her inquiringly, and she said (her voice full of suspicion) "Are you planning on ordering something?"
"Yes," I said, still managing to smile. "In just a moment."
"And are you saving a place for someone? Is that why your bag is sitting there and you're taking up two tables?" (The place was empty except for one other guy--10 of 12 tables were open.)
I said, "Uh, no... it was just a convenient spot for the moment. If the place fills up, I'll certainly move my bag."
I finished my text then and went up to order, at which point she walked away from the counter and into the back where she proceeded to clean something, making a point of making me wait. I waited. And after she filled my order, I said, "You know, that's a really poor way to treat someone." She snorted and slapped the pen down for me to sign my credit card slip. Then I asked her kindly for her manager's contact information. She sneered and replied, "I'm not allowed to give that out. You can just leave a note with me." Uh-huh.
So that's that. Lame. And I agree with Mark B. about the nickel-and-diming that goes on here, too. Silly. Oh, and I just read Cierra B.'s review--could this curmudgeon be the owner! *bleh* -
Review from Jeremiah L.
Fresno, CA
6/14/2011
Woah! We got some sad sallies in these internets. This is hands-down the best coffee shop in town -- and believe me, I've been to all (most) of them. If you want a barista that will compliment your chihuahua tucked away in a Coach bag while you order your tall and a half chai-soy-frapalapa-latte-extra-hotcold with 16 pumps of bull sh** -- then go to Starbucks. If you want a place with a wonderful community environment, good coffee, delicious food, stellar ambiance, free wifi, and an enormous backroom perfect for studying, daydreaming, and a host of other activities -- go to Cafe Revue.
The baristas are a bunch of sweethearts as well. The owner, rightfully so, doesn't sit and micromanage her employees all day which adds to the allure of the place. Her employees stick around, and that's testament to a good boss.
Cafe Revue offers a wide variety of drinks and food, all at reasonable prices. If you want to sit along the street and take in the flavor of the Tower District, there is ample covered patio space as well as a nice seating area on the side of the cafe. The inside is split into three sections. The front room contains lots of seating and a bar where you can cozy up with a book (Don't have one? No worries, just pick one up from the nicely stocked book shelf in the center) or strike up a conversation with one of the regulars. The midsection of the cafe contains six private booths with power outlets where you can study, read or cordially break-up with your girlfriend without worrying about her causing a scene -- it's super serene in there and she won't dare rain on that parade. The back room is huge, like so huge that it has it's own separate bathroom. During the day it is a quiet study spot where you can find all kinds of beautiful people doing seemingly productive things. During the night it turns into an entertainment venue where you can feast your eyes on musicians, poets, films and other delectable performances. And the best part is, the only requirement for admission is a small purchase from the cafe. That's right! They never charge a cover price. This is because the owner wants the cafe to be a community gathering spot, so she sacrifices the profits for her vision. Sounds like a pretty awesome businesswoman to me!
In the time it took you to read this review, you could have driven there. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out. -
Review from Stanley K.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2010 7 Check-ins Here
trying to find an alternate to my coffee experience in Fresno has been very difficult, for now, I will stick to Starbucks. I would love to have Peet's or Tully's here in Fresno, but doubt that would ever happen.
this place is a coffee drinkers nightmare. horrible slow service, awful coffee, and a bunch of weird people hanging outside. Not for a great place for meeting friends, that's for sure. -
Review from Cierra B.
Fresno, CA
5/28/2010
There is absolutely no reason why the Revue couldn't be the best coffeehouse in the valley. It has everything going for it:
-absolutely perfect location
-gorgeous decoration
-intimate booths and a stage in the back for shows
So what would make this place have only 2 stars? Unfortunately, it also has:
-The rudest owner ever. After first encountering her, I wondered how she kept her job. Apparently, she owns the place. Every other employee is very kind and thoughtful, but the owner who works in the mornings on weekdays seems to be actively discouraging business.
-Their coffee is from Costco. Which is pretty ridiculous considering how much they are charging. Really. Costco.
-They are constantly scolding their customers with little notes around the cafe. Every table, booth, and other hard surface sports a handwritten, taped note reminding that "Seating is for customers only, Wi-Fi is for customers only, and outlet use for laptops is $0.50. We will ask you to leave if you are caught." Really? Abuse of Wifi and outlets sucks, but guess what? It's the cost of doing business. Scolding paying customers just seems petty.
But good news for the Tower District! Word on the street is that Cafe Corazon is re-opening just a block away, so there will soon be a local alternative for Starbucks and the Revue. -
Review from Jen N.
San Francisco, CA
8/3/2011
The pastries could possibly be from Costco, but they have a good drink selection and this is a really cool place to hang out. Open tables in the front next to a book exchange shelf and more intimate, boothy tables toward the back with power outlets and wifi. You could chill here with some friends or write your thesis! Gotta love a good cafe.
-
Review from Mark B.
Fresno, CA
Updated - 5/31/2010
$0.50 for use of the electrical outlets to plug in my laptop?! Are you kidding me?! Please leave if I get "caught" without paying?!?!!? Really?
What's next? Charging me for individual napkins, or by squares of toilet paper? Charging by the gram how much sugar is used? Extra charges if you sit near a light bulb to read or near the A/C register to cool down? I know! How about an extra $0.50 if I don't bring in my own cup, or want a clean one?
The owner of this place would be wise to learn the English saying "Penny wise and pound foolish". Asinine charges like this are alienating the customer base, and now that I hear that Cafe Corazon is opening in Tower, I can't wait to see if they know how to make espresso.
I don't think the owner of Revue wants to succeed.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
11/15/2009
I feel the same about their lattes; still very inconsistent, ranges from bitter to great. Damn it!… Read more »
-
-
Review from Garrett K.
Fresno-High, CA
7/9/2009 1 Check-in Here
I don't know why I keep bothering to drive all the way here for coffee, maybe it's because I like the Tower so mush and want it to succeed; but Revue to me is like a bad relationship that you just can't get out of because there is a small silver lining that keeps you coming back for more. After this last experience on Sunday, I know that I won't be coming back for more, WE'RE DONE!
I discovered Revue in December and raved about the relaxed "Tower" environment and great coffee drinks. But over time my experiences and the coffee quality have declined. The "hot" drinks are never hot enough, merely lukewarm. There is always a wait since only one person works as the cashier, cook and barista so wait times can be LONG! There are way too many damn flies in the building and this is because the doors are left open which lets in the flies and all that delicious cigarette smoke from all the hipsters lounging on the front step. Nothing like a cup of coffee with some smoke!
My final poor experience occurred this past Sunday when the wait was so long for a freaking latte that I got up and left without an apology. I ordered my caramel latte and got a seat along the wall with the cushions. After about 5 minutes I noticed that the guy kept taking orders and not making drinks; then he began serving drinks to other people that ordered after me. I finally heard the steamer frothing some milk and when he came from behind the counter I got a tad excited. But he only approached to ask me what I had ordered again. Fed up, I asked for a refund which was given to me without an apology, and walked right out the door. I don't plan to ever come back, so now it's time to find a new, small, indie coffee shop. -
Review from Breezy D.
Mountain View, CA
3/24/2010
One star for decorations, atmosphere and outdoor seating.
Two stars for offering eclectic entertainment and expanding into the back of the neighboring store.
Minus one star for Barista 1.
Minus one star for Barista 2.
Coffee was okay, though not very strong (I had the hazelnut, which generally I enjoy). I was told though, that a large ONLY came in a to-go cup, even though there were mugs roughly equal in size to the Styrofoam cup.
That was fine, though I was planning on staying there for awhile (brought my biology reading) and generally enjoy a real mug when I'm sitting at a table.
The real negative here is the staff. They were so loud and distracting-- I kept feeling like a grinch, but I wanted to tell them to shut their pie holes. One of the ladies (I use that term loosely) working the register was making! loud! exclamations! every! second! It was as if she was trying to suck all of the attention in the room to her. This was successful, I suppose, but to me it screamed: My manager and supervisors are gone! Whee!! We can act however we want!
But I would go back again, because there was a good general ambiance and a diverse customer base.
Next time I will demand a to-stay mug, though! -
Review from Lindsay R.
Fresno, CA
3/27/2010
I like Revue, it is a beautiful space. Especially the expanded area.
Customer Service is occasionally lacking, but I guess that is the necessary ambiance sometimes for Emo coffee houses where angry teenagers in cats eye glasses and che guevara black turtlenecks smoke clove cigarettes and write in their journals about how no one understands why they cut themselves and hating all the Bourgeois materialism around them.
Cappucinos and Mochas are good.Listed in: Restaurants
-
Review from Ashley Alvera B.
Madera, CA
7/16/2009
When Revue first opened up, I was it's biggest fan (Sans Java Cafe) and honestly I REALLY REALLY want to like it. I am doing it a favor by giving it two stars, it maybe deserves only one but it has a special place in my heart.
I agree with the other reviewer it's like a bad relationship...we are done now.
The coffee is sub-par and has a loooong wait time only to arrive lukewarm if it's hot and watery if it's cold. The staff is BY FAR the rudest I've every experienced. I know aloofness was cool in the 90's coffee craze, but it is not good for today's consumer. Now that Teazers opened across the street I usually go there. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, laid back, and just....cool.
One other problem I had with Review is after a few years cleanliness went down. I do not want to see creepy crawlies around my food, thank you. I know it's the Tower but they need to set some standards. So sad, really...I miss cafe culture.Listed in: Fresno
-
Review from B G.
Sacramento, CA
1/26/2007
Yes, Virginia, there is a place not called "Starbucks" to get coffee in Fresno.
Cafe Revue is a little coffeehouse in the Tower District. They offer a wide variety of hot and cold caffeinated drinks in a very cool atmosphere. Their beverages have kept me from dozing off on long and boring trips up and down 99!
Their sandwiches and pastries look pretty good, too.
FYI...they also have WiFi --- yippee! -
Review from Wesley S.
3/30/2009
Hands down the best coffee shop in Fresno, why go to Starbucks when you can go here? (And there is a Starbuck right across the street, and people are always there for some reason!)
Great atmosphere, employees are super nice as well! You can rest assured there will always be some rather interesting people in there, so if you like to people watch it is a great place to go.
Myself I like sitting on their little patio and doing homework, of course soon it will be summer and that probably wont be a good idea at that point! (Unless I want to die from sun stroke) -
Review from Monica M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2008
Strange is my life, going through a Starbucks drive thru after leaving Fresno and thinking that the first time I sip my frappucchino it will taste like Revue's delicious, orgasmic blended mocha. Disappointment every time. I will buy their breakfast wrap non-sense, in hopes it will taste like one of their delectable sandwhiches, but I am tricked yet again!
The only thing I DIDN'T like about Revue is the pretentiousness that surrounded it, in the form of kids my age making a big to-do about the problems of the world and doing something about it by...talking about it every day in front of the coffee house. Revue is a very "scene"-based establishment where if you aren't some sort of pseudo-bohemian, you are a sore thumb. -
Review from Katy G.
Fresno, CA
2/8/2011
The Revue has so much potential. It has the atmosphere and ambience going for it, which is part of what keeps people coming back. It's really too bad that their coffee is so terrible, unless it's masked with syrups and cream. Either way, the smell of cheap, stale coffee that looms over the place is still nauseating. But it's got open wifi and a ton of seating, so it gets 3 stars.
-
Review from Joel S.
Bishop, CA
12/23/2010
I asked for a shot of espresso with some milk foam, it was so bad I had to turn it in for a house coffee. I never do that, I know I'm a coffee snob but I felt bad. When I got the house coffee it was horrible. I don't know how this place doesn't get more complaints about their coffee. They been in business for quite a number of years.
-
Review from Michelle G.
Seattle, WA
1/1/2008
The Revue was part of a huge coming-of-age realization for me. When I was discovering coffee as a teen in the mid-late 90's, I was convinced that the Starbucks by my house in Clovis was the be-all, end-all cool place to drink coffee.
Then a few other Starbuckses started opening around town, and ! began realizing that they were all the same! Those funky blown-glass lamps and Earth-toned wall-hangings were all part of a creepy mass-produced and well-orchestrated marketing scheme. It was like a fast food restaurant without the bright colors.
THEN one night my mother took me to The Revue and I realized that I had arrived. My first sip of that first peppermint mocha prompted an epiphany. My world opened and my psyche was forever changed at that exact moment. Not only was Starbucks lame, their coffee was not that good! Plus, The Revue actually had CHARM and their staff were nice and not forced to wear stupid uniforms.
The Revue became a staple for my friends and I throughout high school, warranting many cross-town trips. When I attended a semester at FCC, a walk to The Revue and a delicious sandwich and coffee became my daily lunchtime ritual. (OK, sometimes I'd cheat and get a sandwich at Piemonte's instead.)
Then I moved away and began patronizing other good independent coffee shops. I still remember The Revue and sometimes visit it on trips home, and I still regret every dollar I ever spent at Starbucks ... -
Review from Michael L.
Berkeley, CA
11/26/2010
The coffee is mediocre, the service varies, and the food is limited. But this place is one of the few places in Fresno where you can have coffee, read a book, and always strike up a conversation with someone. It's a third space in a city with very few of them.
-
Review from Ian R.
Fresno, CA
1/7/2009
Great local coffee shop in Tower. Friendly employees, good coffee, and the kind-of atmosphere you'd most likely only see in a bigger city. Free Wi-fi as well.
Why give your money to Starbucks when you have a place like this? Seriously folks, put your money in local joints like this -- they deserve it. -
Review from Jeffrey B.
Fresno, CA
8/2/2011
the coffee is alright, but i love the ambience and atmosphere in here, one of my favorite places to study, cheers to Wifi and booths!!
-
Review from Steven C.
Fresno, CA
Updated - 8/3/2008 1 photo
I want to give this place five stars now just because they have incredibly awesome employees who are ridiculously fast and patient. I stopped by and ordered a vanilla soy milk like always, and although my friends were having trouble making up their minds, the cashier was really helpful with recommending drinks. She was also working alone, and was really fast and kept the place running smoothly. Plus, all of my friends liked their drinks. Please consider this when visiting this place and leave a tip if you can; the waiters usually deserve it.
I have also been stopping by this place more often, and I notice that there is usually only one barista on the clock. What's up with that, Revue?
I also must add that their blended drinks are quite nice.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/23/2008
I am not a big fan of coffee, so I usually order a cup of soy milk or something similar. The staff… Read more »
-
-
Review from Rob L.
Bay Area
6/22/2009
GOOD NON-CHAIN COFFEE IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
I like to support this coffee shop because it is not a chain.
Thai Latte
I tried the Thai Latte and I was very happy with the spicy flavors. It tasted just like a warm frothy Thai tea.
There is always an eclectic mix of people frequenting this place and I like that they never rush you to leave. -
Review from Sheila C.
San Jose, CA
3/6/2010
gotta love the revue. Coffe and tea spot with good fare as well. I really like the ambience of the place, I also like the open mic night they have and the occasional accoustic sets they host. Definitely stop in on your trek in the tower.
Listed in: To the Tower!!!!
-
Review from S B.
Sacramento, CA
6/11/2007
Good coffee, great people, and a cool atmosphere. Refreshing escape from all of the chain coffee shops in the area. Free wifi, too.
-
Review from David J.
Fresno, CA
The expanded area is very nice. Perfect setting for small-ish events and generally quieter than the front with some natural light filtering in and comfortable tables and booths. Wifi reception is good throughout.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/18/2009
Best damn Americanos in Fresno bar one (my homemade Americanos of course). Service can be forgetful… Read more »
-
-
Review from Janet S.
3/24/2010
This review for the Revue is simply for their expanded music/performance venue in the back. Went to listen to Bullard HS's A Combo and had no idea that they had expanded their space into the former store directly south of them. What a great space! Red velvet curtains separate the space from the cafe in front; a few rows of vintage wooden theater seats along w/ cabaret type seating along the perimeter. I felt like I was in NYC!
-
Review from Jennifer E.
Alameda, CA
7/3/2009
This is a great place to people watch and listen to cute hipster girls talk about their college classes. The coffee is good and the internet is free. I'd rather pay 50 cents for a fly swatter than an electrical outlet. I spent more time protecting my microwaved, low fat, egg white, turkey sauasge breakfast sandwich than eating it.
-
Review from IncogNeato Z.
Fresno-High, CA
7/11/2009
When they first opened in the Tower, post Java Cafe, I was all about the Revue, but that was so long ago I couldn't tell you when that was. At least they are an independent coffee shop and not some cookie cutter corporate coffee shop. I guess its still a cool place to meet up for a cup of regular coffee, but with that said, there have been some major turn-offs about the Revue that will remain black marks against them in my book. Like the time it was cold outside and I had a craving for a hot cup of chai. But to my shock, horror, amazement, as I watched them in the back, behind the counter, they fucking poured me a chai from one of those pre-packaged liquid chai containers, the same ones you can get at the grocery store, and they charged me several dollars for it! If I wanted THAT, I could have gone to the store, bought the same exact pre-packaged chai mix (which i have done many times) then gone home and done it myself, and for less than they charge at the Revue! Come on guys! Once Teazer opened up across the street, even though its more expensive than a cup of coffee, I became more of a tea drinker, even though for years and years I was all about coffee & cafes, especially in the Tower.
-
Review from Virlie B.
Portland, OR
Updated - 9/7/2010 6 Check-ins Here
i love their coffee, waay better than starbucks, the place is very artistic, don't forget to check out the booths in the back. it's very cute. but yeah, consistency, is an issue.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/11/2010
the place has a good ambiance, for hanging out, with friends, drawing something, or reading, or… Read more »
-
