The Coffee By Hand

This green tea milk flake thingy is sooooo good. I didn’t get anything else but this dessert alone should get 5 stars.

This is probably the lowest quality shaved ice I’ve had. As my first time here by a suggestion I came here and ordered their top shaved ice which I thought would be all natural as in flavoring ice. The mango dessert was powdered and wasn’t nice and smooth though the portion was a good size. The only thing my stomach could take was the fresh mangos on top of the dessert. I recommend to go next door to snowflake. u

The two most notable things about this place are the atmosphere and the service.
Both were not only extremely good, but have a mutualistic relationship with one another that only promotes the business as a whole. They workers there seem to genuinely care about your experience there, and the atmosphere give you a place for everybody — it has rooms where it is relatively more intimate, and there are also tables and booths for people wanting to have a casual café experience.
I tried the Strawberry Smoothie and the Ice Cream, and both were above my expectations. The ice cream was pretty solid (which I liked) and the Smoothie was extremely good.
Would come back here again if you’re around the Duluth area!

They get 5 stars from service alone. Very kind, polite, cute (and very energetic) Korean girl served me. They needed to make more boba and it would take a little longer, so they gave me a free dessert just for the slight inconvenience. The drink itself, coconut boba, was delicious too!

Where do I even start with this place…
First to the dude working morning shift on a sunday at the register. Take a vacation. Seriously you are rude and have no customer service skills. You have the nerve to into bump my bf and not say excuse me nor the ability to even wait till we are out of the way for you to move whatever you were trying to move? Second I ordered a waffle sandwich that was cold. I waited 20 mins for a cold sandwich? Foreal? If i knew i was going to wait 20 mins for a cold sandwich i wouldnt have even ordered. Not even mid way through the waffle just mushes and makes the whole experience worse. Dont get the sandwich, and dont tip for the crap service. I will not be returning coffee by hand. And recommend everyone to go to sweet hut instead. Plus its cheaper and isnt run by a snobby teenager.

Went here to see how their pour-​overs are. $ 4.77 for a one-​size is just slightly more than I was expecting, given no reputation for the bean or roast quality. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I watched the barista put the paper filter in, not wet it like you’re supposed to, grind the Costa Rica beans (who knows how long ago they were roasted?) and fill it up, and then use the Hario kettle to pour the water (which I didn’t see if he set the temperature for) straight down the middle of the grind. What. After the bloom settled, he covered the grind circularly. Fine.
The Coffee By Hand may be inappropriately named.
Either way, coffee was a little astringent but not terrible. Close call. I give the coffee itself a 3.5÷5.

Cute logo nice people but not very impressed with the coffee or the pastries. I was here when it first opened and thought it might just be the new place problems that come when opening for the first time, but unfortunately I was wrong.
While I hate to write a negative review I gave this place three chances and felt about the same the each time around. Friendly people with a not so great product. Coffee cake and cream cake tasted just okay. Seating is pretty solid with different areas to work from and lots of areas for bigger for groups. So, while it looks pretty cute inside it is not as nice as Mozart up the road and the coffee failed three times for me. Go up the road to Orange coffee, Mozart, Vincent’s, Windmill all of which truly trump this place. So if you actually want to drink quality coffee consider one of these. With so many cool coffee shops around I am sorry but cannot see a reason for why I would return here again after the three fails.

It’s a cool place to hang out with friends over some coffee and baked goods, and maybe that’s about it. Studying/​reading is hard to do here because the place isn’t well lit [at night]; the only areas that have ample lighting are the booths, but they are almost always occupied. Because I was sitting in the ‘open’ area, I had to up the brightness on my laptop to read anything clearly.
The place itself looks cool, and groups can hang out comfortably. In general, I like this place; it’s just not the best place for getting work done.

I came to Coffee By hand, really seeking, well, coffee. I visited right around noon, and it was pretty sparse in terms of customers. That’s kinda why I was wondering why it took so long for someone to take my order. I stood waiting at the register for a solid 5 minutes before someone came over to take my order, and almost left just before they finally noticed me. To their credit, customer service was friendly when they got there.
In addition to the basic coffee I ordered, I got one pistachio macaroon ($ 2), which was tasty, but similar to others I had. The coffee was decently strong, but nothing i’d make a special trip for.
Located next to Sweet Hut, there’s a ton of parking and a ton of exits onto Pleasant Hill. I can imagine this being a packed and popular spot when the sun goes down, from the décor and music that was playing in the background. I’m certain that my star count would increase if I got something more substantial than what I did, but for now, it was just an okay experience for me.

After reading on Scoutmob that they have a «$ 20,000 machine that transforms straight milk from liquid to delicate, soft petals of snowy, sweet delight — without the aid of sugar or other sweetening additives», I was very eager to check this place out.
I ordered the Mango Snocream Flake. It’s $ 7.99 for a medium, which I thought was actually pretty large. More than enough for sharing between two people, maybe even three or four. The «snocream» came dusted with a mango flavored powder, drizzled with condensed milk, and topped with fruit. There’s more on the bottom, underneath the «snocream», so you actually get more than just what you see on top. It was really yummy, with the perfect amount of sweetness. Highly recommended!
I guess Sweet Hut keeps the crowd away, because it wasn’t busy at all for a Saturday night. Or maybe that was just because it was also Halloween? Pretty cozy inside, and the décor is really nice. Lots of plants around, there’s even a tree going through one of the main tables. They have a few more private side «rooms,» which are actually reserved for parties of 3 or more on Saturdays & Sundays. They had 90s/​00s hits playing the whole time we were there, and I was loving it! The seats we found by the front window were really comfy, we actually ended up staying for a couple hours.
Ended up ordering an Espresso Con Panna ($ 1.89) before we left. I honestly know next to nothing about coffee, but I thought this was really good! Initially bitter, followed by a yummy roasty flavor. Mmm.

When I saw a new coffee shop in Duluth, especially in this newly resurrected plaza next to the Great Wall Supermarket lot, I got very excited.
Walking in and you’re immediately greeted by the most unique and unexpected atmosphere. The venue is beautiful: while slightly dim, there are private rooms (limited use on weekends, must reach the minimum number of people listed on each room), and more secluded tables. It’s a great place for intimate hang outs and bonding time, for sure.
I used my Scoutmob 50% off coupon, so I bought for my friends an iced Korean coffee and a hot coffee, while I got the last chocolate croissant and a latte.
I saved my croissant for later but I went ahead and took a few sips of my latte. It was very foamy and seemed to lack much depth to it, which was pretty disappointing. I heated up my croissant at home: it was definitely not a dry croissant. If anything, it was very buttery, borderline overly greasy… Not impressed.
So TLDR? I’d say take advantage of the Scoutmob while it lasts, but the coffee is a little pricy without the coupon:
5 for atmosphere and interior
3 for chocolate croissant
3 for latte
So if you don’t care for what you’re eating or drinking but for the actual atmosphere of the café, I’d say go right ahead, because I could spend all day lounging inside. Just don’t expect me to keep ordering their lattes all day long…

This seems a little counterintuitive, but I went to Coffee By Hand specifically to try out their shaved ice. I couldn’t find it on the menu at first, but it’s labeled as «Snocream Flake» and I was thrown off because there is a Five Grain flavor (so I guess you can be healthy? haha). We got the green tea one and well, it seemed normal. Nothing wow about it. It’s still a milk-​based shaved ice, but it’s made «green tea» flavored because it’s got matcha powder dusted all over it on top of some red beans and mochi. A medium-​size is still good enough to feed a family of 4. I like how that it wasn’t drowning in condensed milk or too overly sweet, but it just felt kind of «normal» to say the least.
Service is ok (I usually don’t expect much), and there’s lots of space including the small rooms which is cool because then it’s a little more private. I’m not sure how loud it gets here, but I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to get shaved ice here. I’d probably return for a coffee if I were in the area, but I think it’s going to be a little difficult to compete since Sweet Hut is in the same shopping center. Coffee By Hand might be a better choice for people more serious about coffee and want a quieter, less populated space.

I know they have a lil of everything like boba tea coffee cake pastry …
But im only here for their cakes. Cheese cake, sweet potato cake, blueberry cake…
Omg they are all soooo tasty.
These 5 stars are dedicated to their awesome cakeeee. I would not go anywhere else for cake from now on.
I kinda understand why some give very negative reviews for this place. But i really think this place is not Sweethut. Its specialty is not boba tea so i wouldnot have high expectation for things that are not their speciality. Come and try their shaved ice and cake :). you wont be disappointed.

Located in the same plaza as the Great Wall Chinese supermarket, The Coffee By Hand is one of the many Korean cafes in the Duluth area. I came here with a few friends after having lunch across the street at Honey Pig, hoping to get some patbingsu. We ordered both the mango and green tea (with red bean and mochi) flavors, both of which were refreshingly delicious. The texture of the ice is more like fluffy snow than shaved ice, which made it all the more enjoyable. Both included condensed milk, and the green tea one also had a bit of some sort of nut powder on the mochi, which was actually really interesting (and still delicious)! They also have a variety of delicious cakes and pastries available, as well as the usual beverage options that are offered at most Korean bakeries (bubble tea, coffee, tea, etc).
The interior is extremely spacious, and there are even a few more secluded areas of the café, making it a great meeting spot. You can really never have too many cute Korean bakeries. :)

Spring 2015 seems to be the year for new cafes popping up in the Duluth area (OTP.) In the past 2 months, I’ve been to 2 different cafes that have opened up in May. My friend Sari S. and I had just caught up over Korean food over at Jang Su Jang and she had recommended we check out this adorable coffee shop afterwards. It’s definitely «cutesy» to say the least. We both liked the fact that there were private rooms off to the right of the café that is sectioned off from the main area.
Their menu offers everything from hot and iced coffee drinks to smoothies. I gave their iced green tea latte a try. It was exactly what I expected. My drink was milk based which is not what I typically order but it satisfied my need for something ice cold and flavorful. It’s not a sweet drink so if you’re looking for something sweeter, they have plenty of other menu options.
The café has plenty of comfy chairs and they offer free wifi. The staff during our first visit was a team of young Asian-​Americans that were super friendly and courteous. This is pretty common at most Korean owned cafes in the Duluth area. I thought it was cute that they wore company polos. The café is located in the same shopping center as Snowflake Tea House and the restaurant, Thai Pad & Coco Sweets. I look forward to introducing other friends who live or work in the Gwinnett area to this café in the near future.

I’ve been here a couple of times. The Korean iced coffee was delish along with the mocha frappé (either in white or dark chocolate). Yes, the frappé does have a hint of caffeine in it. There were also a few pastries, baked goods, and cakes for sale as well.
There were plenty of seating styles available from regular tables to high ones along with single armchairs in the open to more private booths. The customer service level was pretty good. You will get the more cheerful employees from time to time.
Parking was plentiful since this complex is on the growing side. The Coffee by Hand is in the complex right behind the Chevron gas station and IHOP.

This new dessert and coffee spot is located in the shopping plaza across from Toys R Us, next to couple of other new eateries like 89 hotpot, Snowflake, and yet to be opened Sweet Hut. Despite all these competition, my friends and I favor this spot.
Inside is spacious with many seatings for small and large groups. Service is good and staff is friendly. Best of all, they provide free wifi and offer various sweets and delicious coffee. So far the green tea bingsoo (closest thing to seoul bing-​ish bingsoo), iced americano, and the watermelon slushy are my favorites. Overall, great place to gather with your friends and family and chit chat and enjoy some sweets.

So I’ve only been once, I’ll probably update my review if it’s anything less than what I claim it to be when I go again, but this is my favorite Korean café in Duluth.
There’s a whole lot of seating and it’s a place that I would love to get work done or study at. The open space doesn’t make you feel claustrophobic and they have so many delicious treats for you to choose from.
I had their dark mocha iced. It’s sweet, but incredibly refreshing.
They also offer shaved ice which I’d love to try!

The interior is great! I would say they have the best atmosphere out of all café!!!
However, the the shaved ice is not as good as Suno.
First, you can’t really pick and choose what topping or sauce you like… you have to follow what’s already being set! My wife is pregnant and all she wants is ice and condensed milk and boba, so glad the server was nice enough to let us get it this time.
We were so shocked when we saw what we eventually got. The boba is so little and hard. Kinda disappointed.
Also, I like my flavored shaved ice like flavored ice and shaved it instead of no flavor ice and put powders on it.
We haven’t had a chance to try the drinks yet which will update later on.
It’s a good place to chill or just hanging out with friends. It’s a bit pricy as well.

A strong contender for best coffee and cakes in Duluth.
It is a newly opened coffee shop nearby Great Wall Supermarket. Nice décor, classic Korean coffee shop. What stands out is their brand new fancy espresso machines, and a huge baking oven.
Cream cakes and cheesecakes are made fresh daily. Good looking, and good tasting. Coffee is okay. The barista still needs some work. I really like my green tea cake. Cappuccino, hmm, I’ve had better ones. That’s one star down for sure.
The price is almost the same as Starbucks, maybe several cents more.