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Useless Bay Coffee Company
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Mexican Sandwiches, Coffee & Tea, Mexican [Edit]
121 2nd StLangley, WA 98260
(360) 221-4515
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Useless Bay Coffee Company
Review Highlights
"A MUST SEE (and eat-drink) if you are on Whidbey Island."
(in 3 reviews)
"...the lovely buildings, the beautiful garden, and the outdoor..."
(in 4 reviews)
"i had the ham and salami panini, which was great."
(in 2 reviews)
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Dana G.
Everett, WA
10/23/2011
Perfect start to a fall Sunday morning ... one of the best damned cups of coffee I've had. Happily, UBCC does not follow the near-ubiquitous burnt-bean trend. Tasty seasonal pumpkin - cranberry scone & ginger cookie on the side hit the spot with me & my sweetie too.
Hip, kitch, cute to boot with a good vibe. A definite repeat when we return to Langley. Good enough for us to stop twice already in the same day! -
Review from angela k.
Littlerock, CA
2/1/2012
We took the ferry from Mulkilteo to visit. We were craving for some coffee as we were driving around for hours just sightseeing (visiting from ca).
The place is very cute from the outside and inside. Too bad it was really cold because the outside seating area was super cute! We ordered Soy Lattes and americanos but man they were very strong. Everyone was very friendly and it was a relaxing atmosphere.
However, i'm not sure if I would come here again for their coffees if I ever visit this Island again... -
Review from Cara S.
Auburn, WA
9/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am not a big coffee drinker. I stay away due to most places make their coffee so strong and I can only do a mild brew. I have to say that I was able to drink my entire cup of coffee with no issues. It was mild but still amazing!! I bought a few bags for home. I just finished them and I am trying to order more from them online~
Yes it is that amazing!!! LOVE THIS PLACE!! A must GO! -
Review from Steve V.
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had looked up places to visit while on Whidbey Island and this place came up as one of the best in Langley.
I ordered an iced americano. When one popped up on the bar, I thought it was mine, but was wrong. Apparently there was a bunch of people before me; it took at least 10 minutes just to get my drink...and I didn't even order anything fancy. A little too slow for me. Napkins/milk and cup covers were in different parts of the store, so I found myself walking back and forth...not super efficient.
Service was ok, but nothing exceptional. Not super friendly.
I couldn't connect to the internet, if there was any, but I didn't ask for help.
Great outdoor seating area, although it would be nice if you could exit from the patio. It is closed off so you have to go back into the store to leave. -
Review from Thy R.
4/8/2011
We were in Langley @ 9am and we were looking for a coffee shop. Then we found this.
Here are my observations:
1. The people @ the counter are not friendly.
2. Very good coffee.
3. Breakfast muffins are fluffy and savory.
It can be 4 stars but I'm not really a "fan". -
Review from Chris F.
Seattle, WA
7/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Simply perfect coffee. I bought a bag of beans while on vacation and I knew that it was going to be good. The alluringcolor of the roasted beans and their oily shimmer piled high in the grinder hoppers at the counter almost made me swoon. The acid balance, roast, and grind were perfect. So perfect, I'm going out on a limb here to say this is the best I've ever had.....this coming from a coffee snob from Seattle no less. Well done folks.
We had just eaten and that was the mistake of the day. The sandwiches in the glass case were piled high with fun combinations with yummy looking breads! The patron in front of me in line mentioned to me how he takes drives from Everett occasionally just to have lunch here.
I will be back. In fact, I'm going to call you folks this week to see where I can buy that fabulous grind here in the city.
VERY WELL DONE folks!! -
Review from Katie S.
Seattle, WA
4/18/2011
I ONLY HAD THE COFFEE!!!
Specifically, 2% latte, doppio.
They are slow and they don't have 20 oz to go cups, but this was some delicious, smooth, dare I say creamy? Coffee.
Nice looking place, too.
Way better espresso than most places on the Island, IMHO. Especially that horrible place that looks like it'd be good, but isn't, that is next to the grocery store in Freeland. You know, that big newish complex. That little place looks really cute and happening, but their coffee is ass. I mean ass flavoured.
I know you think you're desperate for a coffee, but you will be disappointed.
Not if you get coffee at the place I'm reviewing.
They could use a nutmeg-grater though, how hard would that be? It would be cool too. Not too poseur, just nice.
I've said enough. -
Review from Corey S.
La Conner, WA
6/17/2011
I come here three or four times a year. Not a lot by any means but they have good food and good coffee. However I have noticed a drastic decline in customer service on my last couple of visits. Hopefully it's a temporary problem.
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Review from Linda L.
Issaquah, WA
9/11/2010
Overall: Seriously, what's with the quantity and not quality?
After my disappointment at Sweet Mona, I was looking for something that was delicious. On walking in, we saw a huge display cabinet of the biggest pastries I've ever seen. The cinnamon rolls were the size of my head and so were the cookies!
I can't say much about the décor - I find it a little kitschy. The speed of service was incredibly slow! J went to order, whilst I waited for the restroom for at least 5 minutes. When I got back - he still hadn't ordered and he was at the front of the line! I then went to sit outside. It was a good 5-10 minutes before he appeared with "goodies".
The muffins were ok in flavor, but were ULTRA-dry... I nearly choked on it! The coffee was ok - it certainly was nothing to write home about! This place was an overall disappointment. -
Review from Swandi M.
Seattle, WA
4/9/2011
I got in there during the rush hour .. bummer .. saw a line formed to place the order and then people standing in the pick up session (which is just next to the cashier) for their food. The line (both lines) were moving bit by bit (at least not stalled), so I gave it a try. Lots of seating in the coffee shop (which is a plus, you don't need to wait for a table). Pastries are pretty good too, I've a gingerbread scone. They warmed it up for me and delivered to my table (pretty nice). Coffee is pretty ok. Pretty noisy. All in all, not very impressive but not bad at all. It will be nice area to take a break or grab some quite bite before heading to ferry. Not suitable if you are aiming to find a quiet island coffee shop to read.
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Review from Deana J.
Seattle, WA
11/2/2011
I was in search of a quick lunch and was sadly disappointed to find out that I couldn't get a sandwich without all of the veggies that they had already put on them. Doesn't make sense to not make sandwiches to order because the extra veggies just got thrown away. If I'd wanted a premade sandwich I could've gone to 7-Eleven. Food was OK (nothing to brag about), but the attitude was like, "So what if you don't want veggies?", and who needs that kind of attitude? I don't get it when this is a SERVICE industry and service is so lacking -- guess I should've just had the coffee because they have rave reviews for that.
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Review from Mrs C.
Arlington, VA
8/11/2010
I've been here twice and was disappointed both times. Last time I went here I ordered a small soy latte and it was so bad that I couldn't even drink half of it. I like a lot of other coffee houses but my experience here was awful.
If only there was a Stumptown on the island. -
Review from Tamara M.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/8/2011
Would have been a five star, coffee and food were excellent. Had to wait, granted it was a Sunday morning, yet my coffee made it out and food followed intermittently, people I were with received theirs, then I had the same and it took an additional 10 minutes for my food. They had to wait on me to finish. Great music by a young string quartet in the courtyard.
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Review from Erik A.
Oak Harbor, WA
5/29/2010
Breaking up with a place that you enjoy hurts, it hurts even more when the first signs of love towards that establishment are felt. However after the treatment i received today by a Woman who works there i feel like there is little other choice.
Pros: great coffee, great food, great place to take both in at.
Cons: they will straight kick your ass out on the street after closing, without any heads up or warning at time of purchase. They close at 4:30 pm...
Here is what happened:
My partner and i were out spending the day driving around the island, we make it a habit of going to this coffee place quite often, pretty much because we love(d) it. It should be noted that we live in Oak Harbor, so it is quite an expense in time and fuel to make our way down the island in order to visit. We show up to find the place quite crowded, and because in the rational world coffee places simply do not close at 4:30 we did not even think to consider the possibility that this place was about to close down.
I wait and place my order, and they ask if this is for here or to-go. I tell them that i plan to dine in, they have no problems with this.
I no sooner than spend 10 min sitting down with my meal then a Woman walks up and says something to the effect of "i hate to rush you, but we are closed"
whoa...
I just spent almost fourteen bucks on two coffees and a sandwich and you are kicking me out????
Please note: the place was still crowded, there were still many people eating, there was not any overt signs that they were "turning the lights out" and we were well past our welcome (especially since they sold us our god damn food not ten minutes prior...).
Thoughts on how it could have been handled better:
1) explain to us at time of purchase that you were planning on closing in a few min and that if at all possible we order it to-go.
2) stop accepting customers at closing time
3) let a couple of people enjoy the short amount of time they have to spend together in your lovely coffee shop, even if it means they are there 30 min past closing.
At no point was it made known to us that we were eating on borrowed time, until of course the point where we were pretty much told that our asses needed to be out the door, most ricky-tick.
There are plenty of places out there to explore, it was fun while it lasted UBCC but i think we should start seeing other people.
On a side note, the Man with the bald head and silver glasses is a kind and polite person who i wish the very best. -
Review from Phil S.
Seattle, WA
1/29/2008 5 photos
My sweet wife and I took a weekend trip to Langley on Whidbey Island to hang out with her two friends from college. While the small Victorian town has some of the best food I've had anywhere, Useless Bay Coffee Company served me hands-down the best latte ever! Yes, that's right, I said EVER! My wife, who usually gets stressed out when I, Mr. Picky, tries a new coffee place, She was pleasantly relieved when after tasting my latte, I turned around and raised my eyebrows, gave her that "Damn, that's tasty!" look, and rushed over to give her a sip. Long story short, I had two lattes and took two bags of freshly ground beans with me. The baristas (mostly guys) were fast, efficient, extremely nice, and kept the place clean though it was busy at the time. I didn't try the food there but based on Laura S' review, I'll try that next time.
To sum up, if you are ever on Whidbey Island, anywhere on the island, and picky about your latte, you simply MUST try Useless Bay Coffee Company. I highly recommend it.Listed in: When I need stuff
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Review from Kyle M.
Snohomish, WA
7/21/2011
Great coffee! I would suggest you notice the closing time on the sign as you walk in. I know, since me and my partner come here all the time, we should know, but we flat missed it! We had to drink our coffee in 10 minutes! Oh well, maybe I'm just a sniveller...great coffee!
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Review from amy m.
8/15/2009
Really great coffee here. The food is good too. There is also a server with a british (?) accent who genuinely seemed to care whether I was satisfied with my coffee and sandwich. And I definitely was. However--in my past two trips, rollover on my order was roughly 20-25 minutes. Specifically, for one coffee and one sandwich (barely warmed). On one occasion I ordered 5 bagels to go--that took 36 minutes from the time I asked for the bagels until they were in my hand. I am not expecting corporate coffee house turnaround time--but I have been served entire meals in the time it took to get a coffee at this place.
I'm not totally sure what is going on during the lag time. My brother vowed he was never returning after the bagel trip--but I haven't committed to that drastic decision yet. Yet. -
Review from Aaron H.
Seattle, WA
7/16/2011
Great people with great coffee. Just follow the full aroma of the daily roasted coffee beans to a delicious cup of coffee. Mochas, lattes and food was wonderful.
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Review from Arianne R.
Bellingham, WA
5/29/2010
This one star thing-- it hurts me to do this to a place that I've loved for awhile now. Funny how one terrible experience can do that.
The history: I've been driving 40 minutes each way, several times a week to Useless Bay Coffee for awhile now-- their coffee is really that amazing. Their sandwiches are beyond amazing. Even their service (up until today) has been great.
Today: I happily head in, order lunch and an Americano and settle in with my partner for (what I thought would be) awhile. Within 10 minutes (lunch was still in front of us) an employee approaches us with "We're closed now". Huh.
Now, I would be completely fine with this if we were told at the counter when we ordered that all orders were to be to go as they were closing shortly-- I honestly don't think that this would have been too much to ask. I would have grabbed a coffee and gotten out of their hair, and probably elected to have lunch somewhere where I could actually enjoy it. They would have gone home on time, sans annoyed customer, and all would have been right in the world. Instead, we were rudely kicked out just minutes after sitting down. I realize that my opinion over one bitchy remark and a wasted lunch doesn't matter a lot in the history of this place, but it should. I'm not going back, and definitely wont be recommending it to anyone anytime soon.
Sorry Useless Bay. I'm just not that into you any more.
ps. Just noticed my name in another review-- something to do with being slightly unreasonable in my review of this place.
I am loyal. I'm an awesome customer, and about 97.6% of the time I overlook things that might have others throwing a fit. I get it-- I've spent enough time in the service industry to realize that it was the last place that I wanted to be, and I've put up with customers who were unpleasant-- to say the very least. I feel that oftentimes this makes me a bit more sympathetic to the odd server or restaurant employee who may not be having the best day.
However, in business (as in life) there's something called accountability. I didn't do anything to warrant being snipped at, and I feel that it was extremely off-putting. For it not to be acknowledged at all tells me that this is either business as usual, or that the staff are stressed out and unhappy. Maybe a little of each, as I've noted some common threads in previous reviews. In any case, I prefer to spend my money in a place that makes me feel good about it. Especially if I'm going out of my way to support it. -
Review from David F.
Clinton, WA
2/11/2011
I live on the south end of Whidbey and have started coming here for breakfast, it's good and reasonably priced. I usually get a coffee and breakfast panini sandwich.
Usually its all quite good. Once, when ordering it took way too long, as if the young woman behind the counter had just turned on the grill and then waited to put my sandwich on. (It seems to me the grill should have been on way before the place opened.) Other times have been quick however, so I consider it a quirk. I like to go early, before it gets crowded, and also it can be quite noisy in there.
I just tired their BBQ for dinner which is why I've downgraded my review. I was interested to try this since I'd heard good things about it. I got a chicken mole BBQ, which was good, but the pieces were pitifully small. Also the cole slaw was over-spiced with cumin, which was not to my liking. I took a few bites of the beans and these didn't taste all that good either. So good, but small main, with sides that don't taste so good. -
Review from Colton M.
Oak Harbor, WA
6/6/2010
Erik and Arianne, while perfection might be something many strive for in life, it's something you can't expect to sustain itself 100% of the time.
I too have been coming here from the north half of the island and despite the wait time on some of my visits, (something about being on 'island time' comes to mind), I absolutely love this place. Brilliantly roasted coffee (I've yet to come by a watered down batch) and to-die-for panini's that can appeal to herbivores and carnivores alike. Not to mention, who doesn't mind a few drops or more... faaar more... of some irish liquor in their coffee in the morning?
I fear that regardless of where you purchase your coffee next, if you go there enough, you'll be quick to lose interest... to just not be into them anymore after a less than satisfying experience.
I'd just like to point out that sometimes the best part of a rough break-up is the reconciliation that comes afterwards.
Cheers. -
Review from Kelsey F.
Bothell, WA
2/25/2008
I love Langley, though I'm sad to say that I generally only get up there once a year. (Last weekend of February for the Murder Mystery.) That said, this is my favorite spot on the island. My family will frequent many of the same shops and restaurants there in this cute little town, but our devotion to them is nothing compared to our devotion to this coffee place.
They're busy and they don't go nearly as fast as Starbucks, but then you won't find the same attention to detail and dedication to the craft at a Starbucks. I've never tried any of their food, but have heard good things (and their pastries LOOK good). But their coffee is fabulous.
And they make decorative swirls and hearts in the foam, which is a small reminder that the staff is putting that little extra effort into your beverage.
Inside seating is...cozy...but they're opening an addition this late spring/summer, so look for that. They've added more seating outdoors since last year as well, and when the weather's nice there really is no better place to be.
Go. Seriously, you guys, go and support this place, they're fabulous. -
Review from Lauren S.
Seattle, WA
5/10/2011
Wander into Langley, Washington and wander into a little slice of heaven. Start the day with a cup of joe at the best coffee house on the west coast, Useless Bay Coffee. Follow it up with a bountiful breakfast at Braeburn. Crash at Inn at Langley and wake up to the waves. Blow a glass bowl Callahan's Firehouse and don't forget an amazing meal at Prima. Done and done.
http://www.lalatravels... -
Review from gordon h.
Seattle, WA
6/2/2011
Outstanding coffee (bagged and brewed) plus great bbq at dinner time. If in langley this is a must. Hip staff too.
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Review from Laura S.
Langley, WA
6/26/2007
A touch of class in Langley, which is fun to visit too. Since owner Des Rock opened the doors this place has been packed - and for good reason. The coffee, which is roasted on the premises is excellent, the barista's are well trained, the Italian cups are a wonderful finishing touch.
But wait there's more. The food is fabulous. Des is a master at creating unique and tasty sandwich and pannini combinations from quality ingredients that keep you coming back for more (2011 - Tacos are now available too). The soups are great, and there are many other tasty looking goodies available in the case if you've got a sweet tooth.
It's a pleasure to sit outside in the herb garden on sunny days (which now unfortunately due to some stupid alcohol restrictions is way too caged in, but still a good place to sit), and the cheerfully colored, back-room expansion offers additional seating inside for the winter months. -
Review from Tiffany S.
Seattle, WA
3/14/2009
I only bought beans so I can't qualify a 5-star but service was friendly and coffee was well-priced. One of the baristas is very philanthropic, and I thought it was great that they promoted that by displaying a newspaper article about him.
I would frequent UBCC if I lived on Whidbey. No doubt! -
Review from Lucy S.
Edmonds, WA
9/18/2010
Yes, you have to wait on a busy sunny summer weekend, but it is so worth it. Delicious coffee, foam art, beautiful building, exotic garden, live folksy music, and steps away from quaint shops in one of the most beloved island towns in puget sound.
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Review from Candice B.
Bellingham, WA
6/14/2009
This coffeehouse and coffee bean roaster is beautiful inside and out. Comfortable, clean, classy, roomy indoor seating. Outdoor seating is also a pleasure with beautifully crafted metal seating and umbrellas, outdoor amphitheater, edible and lush gardens.
Follow the path around to the back of the coffeehouse and you'll find a lovely little garden there as well. There is often live music inside or out. Also very kid-friendly place (I have two little ones).
I come back again and again for the atmosphere, latte art, and incredible paninis. It is all quite addictive. The prices are similar to other coffeehouses in town. If you visit often enough, like me, the baristas will make a good effort to call you by name. A MUST SEE (and eat-drink) if you are on Whidbey Island. -
Review from Jen K.
3/3/2008
Stopped by several times during our week long stay in Langley and it was wonderful. Fantastic lattes and very friendly baristas. Great place to kick back and enjoy the island life. Completely charming in every way imaginable, just like the rest of Langley.
Listed in: You and your little dog too!
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Review from Sheila J.
Clinton, WA
4/26/2010
I can't drink coffee, but I hear it's divine! The reason I am rating it is because their sandwiches are DELICIOUS!!! The atmosphere is relaxing, eclectic and fun it is a great place to stop if your on Whidbey!
They serve tea and hot chocolate for us non-coffee drinkers...don't get me wrong, I love coffee and theirs smell delicious just can't drink it. When the weather is warm sitting outside in the beautiful gardens is a plus too. -
Review from William l.
Bellevue, WA
7/25/2009
Love it for the lovely buildings, the beautiful garden, and the outdoor tables/structures. Perhaps my favorite outdoor cafe of all time. Good coffee although I haven't really focus on it to offer a review. Service is a bit slow, but hey you are on "island time."
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Review from Kevin S.
Medford, NJ
5/12/2010 1 photo
Excellent coffee and panini sandwiches for lunch. Also great location with outdoor seating. Beautifully landscaped. Cool place to hang out. Outdoor BBQ coming this summer.
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Review from Lori E.
Olympia, WA
8/1/2010
Good coffee
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Review from F K.
11/27/2009
good stuff here! came here with the folks for lunch, since they LOVE this place. i had the ham and salami panini, which was great. it had all the right toppings, and just the right amout of kick! also tried a little bit of the tortellini minestrone soup, which was really good.
i didn't try the coffee, but my dad loves it, so i'll have to give it a try next time. instead, i had some tea which was a bit lacking in flavor, but maybe that's how it was supposed to be... not sure.
for as busy as they were, the service seemed reasonably fast for the three of us to get our food. all the prices were good, especially for what you get! definitely worth a stop here for breakfast or lunch. -
Review from Martha L.
San Jose, CA
11/28/2009
WOW! I am a California city girl used to amazing food and coffee houses and when I saw this place I was blown away. Such amazing attention to detail to make this a very comfy yet aesthetic eating, drinking and socializing experience. We went there for breakfast and had some Panini's that were heavenly! We had a big bowl of the mushroom soup on the side! FLAVORFUL!! And the coffee was so special in a sweet little cup and was the most flavorful Breve I have had in a looong time! This place makes me want to hang out there all day and socialize, eat, drink and be very merry! A must if you are on the island!
