I may be one of the contrary opinions about how great this place is. Don't get me wrong, I go here whenever I'm downtown.
It's not quite a coffee shop, not quite a tea House, and not quite a chocolate bar. It's somewhere in between all three, so they have limited options in each area which add up to plenty of options overall, if that makes sense. It used to be that they were effectively all three, and they had an extensive menu and you could ask for custom things without any issue. Now they have two chocolate drinks when they used to have probably a dozen about 5 years ago. Tea is very similar in that it's been greatly reduced over time.
The portions are very small for the money, we're talking 10 ounces for $6 for a hot chocolate, and the same price for 12 oz of tea.
They offer some baked goods from 9th Street bakery at this location, and they are often sold out by late morning. There is usually a line so you have to , which isn't bad but it definitely is something to account for if you are meeting someone or me to get somewhere after stopping by.
As for the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship, it's top tier. At least from what I can tell. People enjoy working there, you're very friendly and helpful, and I appreciate any business that treats its staff well.
Overall, anytime I go I do have a slight dissatisfaction and I don't know exactly why. As you can see, I can't really place it because it's a good company and they serve good products. My thinking is that it is a bit overpriced for what they offer, their seating is a bit limited, and the overall pairing down of their menu over time has bugged me a little bit.
Ryan Wilmington
Aug 4, 2023
3
From the cold brew to a chai latte, everything I've had here tastes very watery. However, the espresso is fine and the quaint and cozy atmosphere is lovely.
So: Get a cappuccino and sit with friends, but if you prefer a nice iced drink to go, there are better cafes.
Michelle Fearon
Jul 31, 2023
5
I had a wonderful cold brew coffee and blueberry muffin that I enjoyed outside - both were delicious! They have a cute patio area with quite a bit of seating for small or larger groups surrounded by a beautiful pollinator garden. Perfect ambiance for a morning coffee and would be a great place to work. Not a lot of seating inside but maybe 5 small tables. Service was kind and fast!
Marcus Troyer
Jun 27, 2023
5
Our go to coffee shop in the area. Their cappuccino is fantastic. Traditional size and the latte art is always on point. Espresso is perfect to compliment the milk. Baristas are very well trained. Outdoor seating is really nice. Has a great coffee shop vibe. Wife gets drip coffee and loves it.
Anindita Barman
Jun 4, 2023
4
I enjoyed a hot Amuleto here but my husband did not so much enjoy his cold Al Mokha. Ambience is casual, rustic and warm and location is great.
Nik Blach
May 14, 2023
5
The staff genuinely loves coffee and puts a lot of effort into their drinks.
The menu is a bit unique with flavors you may not find normally.
Brenda M
Mar 11, 2023
5
Fun location in Durham. Garage doors were closed when we visited as it was very windy and cold. You get a lot of sunlight. Fast service, you go to the counter and wait for your order. Pastries are given to you as soon you order. We noticed a toaster after we ate our pastries but you can use it. Decent space for indoor seating plenty outdoor seating. Great flavor of all our drinks.
Shivangi Choudhary
Feb 11, 2023
5
I just love Durham and everything about Durham and that includes Cocoa Cinnamon where the baristas are incredibly kind and the drink flavors are incredibly unique (even though I always just get a standard coffee, but it’s nice to have options). Highly recommend and even made friends with a fellow patron where we discussed that although we’re Chapel Hill natives, the Durham coffee shops are better.
