The Cast and Grind

Hipster vibe, food from scratch, awesome coffee, and Unilocaler Buju D. Should get a life and a clue. Don’t bring food from one restaurant into another, dufus. You don’t need to be of «European descent» to know this very basic rule of etiquette.

In Rochester for the holidays — went in for a coffee, although the food looked pretty good. The setup for ordering was a bit odd; I think the intent is to have it be really laid back — which I imagine I would find it to be on repeat visits, but the first time through the door I felt a little bit uncertain of how I should go about ordering my coffee.
Coffee was good; the vibe was quite relaxed. Seemed like everyone in there knew each other, lots of locals popping in and out. As someone else noted, acoustically it’s a bit on the loud side — not really problematic, but don’t expect super quiet.
Will go back again next time I’m in town; if I lived here I think I’d frequent 2−3x/week.

Great food! Not your usual selection. Just what is needed for downtown. Unique, inviting atmosphere. Lively conversation. Ever evolving menu makes for a new experience every time. Do yourself a favor and get down there!

One of the best BLT’s I have ever had — tons of coffee choices — chef/​owner is very creative — good vibe and atmosphere —

I rather enjoyed this place, and cannot share in the same sentiment of the previous reviewer. I find it poor etiquette to bring outside drink or food into an establishment. On the rare occasions that I have done such (coffee into a brewery), I have never had a problem with them telling me that outside food or drinks aren’t allowed. I suspect that if I argued with them, I too would not have such a friendly response from the staff. We all should be respecting the business’ right to set their own rules and regulations.
Now then, about this business:
4 stars simply because they served the latte in a glass, so it was hot to touch. It really should be served in a mug unless it’s an iced drink.
The grits in the skillet were pretty tasty. They needed to be a little bit softer, but the flavor was there. I asked for less cheese, so I’m sure if it were done how it’s supposed to be with extra cheese, it would have been extra yummy.
They have wifi, and a room in the back for gaming. It was a pleasant surprise because I did not notice it at first. There is a piano and a computer back there too.
The place is a bit loud due to acoustics. Not a deal breaker to visit though, just keep it in mind.
The food is cooked in a skillet because there is no hood to catch smoke. So, it keeps the environment clean. Also, the owner doesn’t use an a/​c, but fans and opens the door. It was not hot in there to me. I actually liked not being frozen out by an unnatural source.

Walked in a few weeks after they first opened. I like to support local business and I loves me some coffee!
There was a teenager behind the counter that didn’t say anything, she looked nervous. A man behind the counter asked me what I wanted. I said a soy milk latte. He says I have almond milk and don’t have soy milk because of GMOs. I said I like almond milk but not in my coffee. He proceeds to say to me that soy milk causes cancer and how bad it is for you and again about GMOs, and he’ll never carry soy milk. I walked out not buying anything, thinking sheesh all I wanted was a coffee, not to be shouted at and insulted, made to feel like my cash didn’t matter. Dunkin is down the street, I could have easily done drive through and had a passable latte.
It’s a shame.

Unfortunately for my fellow Unilocal enthusiasts, I am only limited to 5000 characters when making a review on Unilocal.My original response (over 12 000 characters) to this lame justification made by The Cast & Grind, can be viewed on Facebook.
Lots of lines there for some of our newbies to dissect and «read between the lines». Have at it! you are so welcomed.
I am not going to lie to anyone in order to save face. I have nothing to gain or lose here. Hence, zero affiliation with the owner, staff or customers involved in my review. My Unilocal account has been in place for a long time, I cant say that for some people who simply opened up an account in order to defend. Baseless.
My reviews, in the past, are mostly positive, but most importantly, they are HONEST and UNBIASED. If you can, take a look at the comments I have received from complete strangers, who have responded to my reviews in the past. Also note that the ethnicity of these people are very diverse.
Once again, debunking the claims being made here by The Cast & Grind and its affiliates.
I will defend the truth until the very end.

New to the buisness, they offer great coffe, reasonable prices. Place had a great energy, owner is passionate, and nice. Great place to lounge and play a board game in a historic downtown building that used to be a theater. I would recomend strongly for anyone who wants to meet with friend’s, enjoy the day, enjoy a coffee. Lots of great home made food and local donuts! Lets support downtown buisnesses.
P. S. read a negative review, I would read in between the lines on that.