Essence Coffee & Tea

This is one of the strangest coffee shops I’ve ever frequented. It is located inside of an office building, and let’s just say the people that frequent the building aren’t the friendliest of folk.
The service was terrible, both the man and woman working saw me standing there waiting (we made eye contact), and chose to just ignore me until the man said «Well I guess I’ll help her.» Uhh. Thanks? Butthole.
I ordered a mocha, and not only did it take for freaking EVER (at least 5 mins… that’s not a long time, but in coffee shop time that’s excessive), but it tasted off. I believe my words were, «Oh, yeah, that’s gross.» I can’t quite pin down what the deal was with it, maybe the cream was old or the chocolate syrup was old? Either way I drank the whole thing so the $ 6 wasn’t wasted.
The trinkets and things everywhere were another issue. I was afraid to move around for fear of breaking anything and pissing the employees off. There were signs saying «You break it you buy it…» and «Do not touch». Uh, okay, that ish is ugly anyway, but how am I supposed to prepare my coffee if your cheap (but expensive) crap is laying everywhere?

Coffee was ok, big problem with the service and atmosphere. They have rude signs posted all over the shop. «It’s my shop not yours, if you don’t like it there is the door. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.» They also have trinkets all over the tables and counters with signs saying «don’t touch, if you brake it you BUY it for FULL PRICE» this is just a small sample, there were around 20 different signs like these. The shop is inside a nice office building, they also have signs about the shop not being a free public hangout, and not using their straws or knapkins or other coffee supplies if you don’t but coffee there. I can’t imagine this is a major issue inside the office building. Service was slow and staff were not very friendly. I’d rather walk across the street to starbucks!

coffee is okay. service is unbelievably bad. the man and woman that work here are slow, even if there is no line it takes them 10 mins to make ONE DRINK. they never have anything prepped so if they run out of whip cream for example… it will an extra 15 mins for your drink while they make more. I am constantly frustrated with the lack of service I am getting. I love supporting local shops but I would rather walk an extra half hour to a starbucks to avoid this coffee shop. on top of that, their prices are extremely high.

Great, strong iced Americano. Base price (8 oz) is for one shot, but 12 oz is strong and only $ 2.25. They have gluten-​free snacks. This place is in a corporate-​y style building and is wide-​open to the hallways, with only one table within but multiple comfy chairs in the wide hallway as well as lots of natural light from skylights. Free wi-​fi though outlets aren’t at every seat.

I had bookmarked this place based on the glowing reviews, but I was a little disappointed.
I want to make it clear to the next coffee-​shop studier that this is an adorable coffeehouse inside an office building. There are few tables, and I would feel uncomfortable occupying one to work on a laptop. There is plenty of seating down the hallway, but the tables are drink-​height, not homework-​height.
On the other hand. if I worked in this building, this would be my JAM. I see why you all love it.

This is one of my very favorite coffee shops! The quality of ALL of their products is top notch and the service is outstanding. I am so thankful to have this wonderful coffee shop in my building! I love Essence!
I would recommend this shop to anyone and everyone. I noticed the ONE poor review for this shop and had to laugh at the ridiculousness of emailing your order to a coffee shop staffed by two HARDWORKING people… WOW.

As far as quality coffee goes, you won’t find a place better than Essence. Highest quality coffee, puts Starbucks to absolute shame. Not to mention the addition of food items, great location and a local business to boot. Enjoy this place. I promise you will.

Oprah said you aren’t supposed to love ‘things’. I agree. I’m just not sure where to categorize my love for the aromatic, perfectly steeped, flavorful & invigorating cup of loose leaf tea I enjoyed this afternoon at Essence Coffee & Tea.
I admitted, «I’m pretty picky», while perusing the teas listed. The woman behind the counter suggested something off the menu while simultaneously searching the glass containers. Then, she opened her selection and offered me a whiff of… EXTRAVAGANZA (really, that’s the name of the tea she selected).
1 whiff,
1 smile,
1 nod,
& one $ 2 bill later, I was making myself comfortable in the sitting area just outside their entryway, accepting the TOS for usage of the free wi-​fi, and awaiting my tea.
Within minutes, the lunch rush came, and the dynamic duo staffing Essence served about 15 patrons quickly and effortlessly.
Once there was standing room, I stepped back inside, and was kindly acknowledged with a smile. I approached the counter, and she stated she had taken the liberty of steeping a 2^nd cup of tea for me. She felt the first cup was too dark; and refused to serve it. (This is a woman after my own heart!) She even kept the first cup to show me the differences in color.
AMAZING — the tea.
OUTSTANDING — the service.
I accredit «the woman behind the counter’s» knowledge and passion for loose leaf tea. She is, was, and (I suppose) will always be skillful and sweet.

Great woman who works here. The teas are very fresh and she takes her time. I truly like coming here!

They have the best coffee in town. Also try their white mocha, it’s delicious without being too sweet.

Best chai tea latte of my life.