the dude with the food t shirts is great also best grilled cheese ever, great manager and the Sunday staff is always lovely

While this shop is designed beautifully, the coffee is pretty okay but the service was pretty poor. I ordered a soy latte and the soy apparently "wasn't on the ticket". So when I asked to have it remade I got nothing but attitude from the barista. If I would have made the mistake of not telling them I would have offered to pay for a new drink. That's on me. But I didn't. The person behind the counter was too distracted and forgot. We were nothing but polite and didn't deserve to be treated like an inconvenience. read more

Cute coffee shop! Stopped in for a quick drink after a filling lunch up the street. I wanted to purchase some dark roast to take home, so with my purchase my drip coffee was free. It was tasty! My sister did experience an attitude from one of the baristas when she asked her to repeat her question about the drink she ordered being hot or cold. I've read in other reviews that other folks have experienced the same attitude here. Other than that, this is a great alternative to Starbucks in Amherst center and worth checking out. read more

I love this little place! I had coffee here when I dropped off my Son to Amherst College a couple of years ago and I loved their coffee very much then, when we come back for graduation this year I know exactly where I was going to have my coffee. In California I mainly get my coffee at Peet's and since that area does have any Peets I found it very challenging to find a good cup of coffee for me, surprisingly I found an amazing coffee shop in this little town. I recommend them if you're a coffee snob ! Atmosphere are great Coffee are amazing Pastries are well made and fresh They meet my expectations I Will pass by again next time I am in town read more

Had a Chai here with my wife and I. First, although I ordered with oat milk they serve me regular cows milk. Luckily I catch it when they are making the second drink and stop my wife before she drinks hers. So I wait and get the correct drinks (have to remind barista the first drink isn't correct either). I don't even get an inkling of the word "sorry". No sign of concern there. Then to top it off these have to be the worst Chai's we ever had. Super bitter. Never coming back here again. read more

Wow!!! I loved Amherst Coffee before but the new upgrade but now wow!!! First awesome list of alcoholic beverages including bourbon, whiskey and scotch. What I love is that they are all reasonably priced. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable. Great seating around the bar and great atmosphere. read more

Is a cute coffee shop in downtown Amherst. I easily found parking across the street ($1/hr). The coffee is very good and for a Saturday late morning it is not as busy as I would expect (granted school is out for the summer). There seems to be a lot of seating available and the internet is fast and free. The only con I see is that it is a bit dark in here which could make reading a lot more difficult. I would certainly recommend if you need some coffee in Amherst. read more

Amherst Coffee - Cute coffee shop/ bar. Coffee is good. Internet is free and fast. Only con: a wee bit dark inside. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

I really value good coffee and espresso, and Amherst Coffee is the best in the region.They also have excellent croissants.

The recent redesign of Amherst Coffee has me very impressed. One side of the bar offers coffee and has high-top tables where you can zone out and get some work done, while the other side of the bar has booths and warm lighting and primarily functions as a whiskey/cocktail bar. Very unique! While this establishment has always been an important part of Amherst downtown, post-redesign it adds a lot of new character to the area. This is a great place to get work done - they play good, low-key music and it doesn't get excessively loud despite the bar side of the place. However, they shut down the WiFi after 7pm, and the Town of Amherst WiFi you can still use is not very reliable and drops very often. read more

Bad coffee and lack luster service. Decided to stop in while traveling through the area. If you like good coffee probably not the place to go read more

Fantastic cafe! I've never had a bad drink here and with the remodel there's plenty of seats to relax, do homework and bring a date. Plus a cup of coffee when you buy a bag is pretty sweet! read more

Is this place for real? It should feature as an episode on Portlandia. Do not go here if you want to talk to friends and colleagues at a table. Every space is occupied by one person and their laptop and journal. Would rather get a coffee at Cumberland Farms. Understaffed and no sense of urgency with orders. Mediocre beverages; average service, terrible atmosphere. read more

Ordered a coffee and scone. First timer here at Amherst Coffee. I was quite impressed with the interior. You do need to pay for parking since it is downtown. Their coffee is very tasty and flavorful. The apricot scone was also delicious. Only downside of their drinks is that they are very small. A large size coffee is only a 12oz. The cup is pretty small. The medium is only 8oz. Otherwise not bad place for good coffee read more

Amherst Coffee - Large coffee the size of my hand. Wish they had a bigger size for my americano. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

Brewed coffee is not good. Get an americano if you must. Baked goods could be better. I like the fennel/cheese croissant, but the almond croissant is really disappointing. Consistently too dry, and the filling is clearly added after baking. Why? Pre: renovation: 2 gender neutral bathrooms and the back bathroom has a changing table. And the new renovation hurts my eyes. The modern choice of flooring really clashes with the antique bar/woodwork, imo. read more

Came here to get some work done. Ordered a chai, it was decent but nothing to rave about. The prices seem a bit steep for what you are getting. Had to sit at the large table because everything else was taken (small place) accommodates probably around 30 customers. Did not see outlets for laptops, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any, I just did not see them. The reason I am giving Amherst coffee a 3 star is because I went there to study (so I am basing my rating off ability to study here) and because this establishment was listed as a "study spot" on yelp and I don't agree. The chairs were uncomfortable, the chai, just ok, but my largest complaint is that the lighting is terrible and low. I had to leave once the sun set because I couldn't read my documents. read more

When a service staff goes ahead and makes your drink in a paper cup and you have specifically asked for a ceramic cup you just have to accept that they don't care about service. This is Amherst Coffee staff. "Oh [giggle] I'm sorry." Doesn't cut it in a cafe where you are pared down to the most simple menu on the planet. To Amherst Coffee management: please don't let knuckleheads behind the bar. read more

The drink is great! I also love their croissant! I have tried several different pastry and all of them are delicious. The place usually get crowded around noon to the mid afternoon, so be prepared if you are planning to work there. read more

Three Phrases: 1. Snobby Service. 2. Tasty drinks. 3. Expensive prices. An addition: They play overly loud jazz music, have poor acoustics (the sound ricochets off the walls), and the seating is uncomfortable. Why do coffee servers, in a place that has great drinks, have to act like they're better than everyone else? Wouldn't that make everyone happier than most? Enough said. read more

Things to like about it: The long table is a cool and comfortable place to sit. The chai and lattes are quite tasty. Great people-watching location at the main intersection in Amherst. Things that bug: The wireless isn't free. Drinks are expensive. You could come in every day and there would be no glimmer of recognition in the eyes of the staff, no friendly hello or how-do. An insider told me that employees are counseled to maintain their distance, stay aloof. Seems awfully pretentious in a small farm and college town. It's the reason I stopped going there regularly. The place gets overly steamy inside. The jazz grates after a while. I stop in every now and then when my boyfriend wants coffee. We never stay, we never sit, and we just never get over the snootiness of the staff. read more

Been going here for years, but lately it's going downhill. Staff is great. But the space is filthy. Look at the floor and the counter panels where you'll find a lot of dirt and stains. Owner needs to hire a cleaning crew to clean the floors and bathrooms regularly after bar hours. Several of us have moved down the street for morning lattes. read more

I usually try to rate places solely on the quality of food/drink, but honestly, I hold a grudge against this place because I find it irritatingly snooty. The coffee is good, but not incredible, which is what I expect from the prices. I once had a piece of the banana chocolate bread, which was really soft and yummy, and the only reason I'm giving this place 3 stars. Each time I walk in, I fear that I'm going to lose an eyeball from all the pointing pinky fingers. But seriously. read more

I am honestly perplexed by the previous reviews of "snobby service" and claims that it is expensive. You will not be greeted by a Walmart "team member" when you enter. But the staff here has been nothing but professional, friendly and well informed. They even smile at me and make pleasant conversation! Insane! As for prices, drinks may be a few cents (yes, cents) more than other places such as Roa's, Black Sheep or whatever other coffee place opens up and closes in the next few months. But the quality of the product is far superior and I'd say that's worth a few extra cents. It is the best coffee I've ever had. Hands down. The iced tea is also excellent. (I do not have a direct price comparison, but I will try to follow up on it). Aesthetically, Amherst Coffee has a very distinct atmosphere. Everything is well thought out, it has an identity. While other places in town look like high school cafeterias decorated by college kids that just hit up the traveling poster/tapestry sale, Amherst Coffee succeeds in following through with a vision of a place to sit comfortably and enjoy your beverage. There are orchids, appropriate lighting, and jazz (which suits the situation and is preferable over an ipod on shuffle that switches between Cat Power, Black Eyed Peas and Minor Threat*.) This place is about beverages and the beverages are great. The service is good, the people are nice and you can always stumble into a conversation with a stranger. But there is always the chance you might overhear a really pretentious conversation, but that's just fucking Amherst. (I haven't used their wine and whiskey bar so this review does not cover that.) *disclaimer: I love Minor Threat and Cat Power, but not the Black Eyed Peas. read more

Why do Pioneer Valley folks hate the Fabulous so? It's 'bougie", too-cool, etc. Oh please, get over it. What is here that's so threatening to you? Not enough kale on the menu? Not enough beards on the staff? Given the range of mediocre food and drink establishments that flourish in the Pioneer Valley, we are lucky to have a place that is so consistent in delivering world class goods and service. Yes, it's expensive. It's the best. There are two criticisms I could begin to get behind - the first is that the incessant Jazz playlist could use a little switching up. Check out some newer Jazz, like Susie Ibarra or Claudia Quintet. Play the Sea and Cake, Sade, folk, indie rock. Hell, play Bitches Brew. Change it up a little bit, please. And, while I don't expect to really be fed here, I'd love to see bar snacks involve a few affordable options. What you have is delicious, but $3 for olives and $6 for a few slices of cheese is a bit nuts (and I don't mean $3 for a few almonds). Find something easy that you can keep cheap and add it to the menu. I'd also love to see the bartenders get a little more classic cocktail training. It's a shame to have so much good booze and not have a serious foundation in mixology behind it. All that said, it's really hard to complain about a place that brings the 100% awesome at least 95% of the time. Amherst Coffee is simply excellent at what they do, and I'm glad they are doing it. All the haters can suck down mediocre-sauce in their sweatpants at a million other establishments. read more

Many good experiences and one horrible, horrible one make me give Amherst Coffee only 3 stars. Aside from the one horrible, horrible visit, here's the short and sweet: Excellent espresso, likely the best in Amherst. The price reflects the quality (seriously, this is a splurge unless all you buy for breakfast is coffee...). They offer some small bites (croissants, buns, cookies, etc.) which are alright, but also overpriced. And regarding the service, cashiers are not exactly snooty, but not friendly either. Sort of machine-like, which isn't a terrible thing when you're groggy and in need of caffeine. The atmosphere varies, though not much of a concern for me since I usually go there to study. And speaking of studying, they turn down the lights WAY low around 5-6pm. Depending on the light, you may have to move somewhere else just to see your own paper. Now for the horrible horrible experience. I went to Amherst Coffee once with my Mom after seeing a show and we ordered a croissant. It was clearly labeled "Plain Croissant," and was overpriced. So we sit down, sip some coffee, and bite into the croissant---huh? What's that inside there...? Some sort of deli meat? Um... ham?? Wow, it's been years since I've eaten ham since I'm a freaking vegetarian! At the end of our time there, we went to the seemingly oblivious cashier and politely explained to her about my dietary restrictions and the mistake she had made. What response did I receive? "Oh." Nope, not even a "sorry" or "thanks for telling us"... just "Oh." Bottom line, just go for the coffee and bring something to read or do. I'm not going to risk any of the pastries ever again, though. read more

A haiku: Macbooks everywhere. the best latte in ever. Oh, how I love thee. I love you from afar, Amherst Coffee, and I'll surely be back for more deliciousness. read more

This is where you go if you want your coffee to be not only a drink, but a cultural event. The staff seem a little - not pretentious - but in their own world. The same can be said of the MacBook and PhilosophyBook toting patrons. The frequent playing of new-age jazz over the speakers does not help to quell the reputation of this place being hoity-toity. Side Note: I've also always wondered how people can read such dense books with such loud music in the background. All that being said, the drinks are damn-good. The lattes are foamy yet rich and savory. And the staff is fast - I always have enough time afterward to sit in my car with my delicious beverage, chastising myself for spending half-an-hour's pay on a cup of coffee. If there's no parking outside there's always the parking "For CVS Customers Only" behind the drug store, which is down the street. read more

I come here often. The space is inviting, and I feel equally comfortable working or getting a drink with a friend. The menu is simple, which is neither over nor underwhelming. Everything I have tried has been outstanding. I'm particularly fond of the fennel and feta croissant and their cortados. (In the evening they make a good Sazerac) I haven't had the same trouble as other reviewers finding a table, and I enjoy sitting in an environment that is full of many people working and sharing a drink. In my opinion, there is a nice hum to the space that helps me work productively, and they usually play unobtrusive music - jazz or something non-lyrical. (Occasionally, they also have live shows - I have only been to one, but it was incredible.) My only complaint is that power outlets are in rather short supply. In short: they offer everything I need and nothing I don't. Highly recommended. read more

Whenever I come here, I always feel like I'm missing something. In my experience, the bartenders and baristas have been super cold to customers; they do not greet you, and often criticize if you are unaware of something they may or may not carry. For example, my friend asked for a recommendation (on beer) and the bartender responded "I don't know, well they are all different" in a very condescending tone. While I love the layout in terms of being a well lit and calm workspace, I feel very uncomfortable ordering ANYTHING from here, whether it be a brew or a coffee. The staff need to be more welcoming, in my opinion. That being said, once you do get that coffee, it's extremely delicious. read more

I like this place because it's both social and work friendly. The drink list is superb. I've yet to taste the coffee but I hear that it's phenomenal. read more

Amherst Coffee - My bourbon tottie! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

I'm so glad this place opened. The coffee is way better than Rao's and I don't have to elbow around young people pretending to be homeless artists. read more

Some go to coffee houses to sit and lounge around. I understand this passion. I love working at a coffee shop. But, this coffee shop isn't about the lounging. It's about the coffee, more specifically a espresso shot.... On a busy rainy Sunday I wondered to Amherst Coffee with a girl that I was visiting. "I've been here before." I said with a strange sense of familiarity. I had visited Amherst before, but I did not remember it, nor did I walk away with the knowledge that I now have generated. I wasn't expecting what I was about to run into, but, I knew I needed to go. As I walked in and looked at the espresso machine, I knew I was about to get a shot that would knock my socks off. I looked up at the board, under the words "espresso" it said, "triple ristretto." I have heard of a quad ristretto, but not a triple. This intensified my curiosity. The small ceramic glass was handed to me. I could see the thickness of this shot and my mouth watered with anticipation. It was filled to the brim but it was still thick the way the Italians would have liked it to be poured. I smelled the sweet smell of carefully roasted coffee, blended to perfection. I knew that careful care and consideration went into this shot of coffee; from the blend of beans, delicate grinder and espresso machine, to the barista who was pouring my shot, I knew it would be heaven. With the first sip, I could taste the complexity of the coffee. At first my mouth filled with a fruity dessert flavor like caramelized peaches. Then it finished with a maple syrup after taste. "What an appropriate flavor for this part of the country," I thought to myself... Go to this coffee shop go for the love of coffee or whiskey. Engulf yourself in the care and craft of coffee. If you go for this purpose, I can guarantee you, you will be more then pleased with what you find. Don't go if you don't get coffee. This is not about frapachinos or crap coffee, it's about the art form of coffee. H read more

Right in the middle of downtown Amherst. Great place to take a break, have your coffee, read your book/smart phone and reenergize. Friendly staff. I had the Americano and it was great! read more

Hot coffee- no cream, no sugar. Great taste. Great water:bean ratio & temperature. It's watery enough to where the coffee isn't bitter, and still concentrated enough to taste the flavourful beans, and no burnt taste! Thoroughly enjoying my morning. read more

So I get the rants and raves about the atmosphere. Sure, it's in Amherst. Sure, there's a crowd that might feel a bit new-age-hippie. But let's face it, it's a coffee shop. And why do you go to a coffee shop? To drink coffee. At least that's my reason. Oh, and if a place is cool enough (a la Amherst Coffee), maybe you can have a delicious--and fabulously priced--glass of wine. Or a bit of whiskey. Perhaps tea is more your thing? Or a divine goat-cheese-with-honeycomb plate of heaven? Please, don't blame AC for the clientele. Just get yourself the most delicious cappuccino this side of the Atlantic. You'll be glad you did. Disclaimer: they lost a star when the wifi started costing money. Just use the Amherst public wifi. It's a little slower, but at least it's free. read more

AC was my spot for years when I was an undergrad at UMass, and when I would visit my girlfriend at Mt. Holyoke after graduating. I've studied there, gone on dates there, worked from there - spent literally weeks of my life in that small room over the past 6-7 years. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob who's lived in both Boston and NYC I still consider Amherst Coffee to be one of my favorite coffee shops, and I've found them to be pretty consistent in their other coffee shops (Greenfield Coffee and Northampton Coffee). I can't think of a better latte in the Pioneer Valley. That being said, they don't vary much from their standard menu of drinks and pastries, so if you're expecting Stumptown in Amherst it's not quite at that level. Food menu is very, very basic - just a few pastries and snacks. In terms of ambiance, AC is fantastic. I find it much more cozy than Rao's, although it's significantly smaller and students and faculty are always battling for the few spots with the outlets. Lighting in the evening is great for drinks but terrible for studying, so go home once it gets dark! Also - huge plus is the Whiskey Bar. Great little bar with lots of options and seating, and the bartenders are very friendly! read more

We picked it because it is local. Coffee tasted burnt. Light fixtures have a lot of dust hanging from them. Friendly enough counter help.

Awesome Vibe. Coffee, Wine, Whiskey, Cocktails, Draft Beer and a short food menu. What more does an intellectual in a quaint NE college town need? Highly recommended day or night. read more

Deep in my heart I recognize that coffee is a luxury, even if sometimes it feels like a quotidian event (or even a necessity). And I'm glad that there is the rare place in the Valley like AmCo which reminds me to savor and appreciate this small luxury. But how do they do this?-- they do this by setting fairly high standards for quality, atmosphere, and presentation. (Sometimes this produces an appearance of indifference, but I'm getting too old to take it personally at all). Now, I can understand how someone who's used to getting their 'sericeable' sub-$2, work-a-day caffe americano from a news stand in Seattle or Portland might be a bit frustrated to now pay $2.50 (can't recall the $ exactly), but there's not another espresso around here that can match that at Amherst Coffee-- and none that is acceptably palatable will save you even 50¢. Though I sometimes feel like I'm the poorest little chap/ brat in the cafe, I'm not going to complain: like my life's other small luxuries, I can afford it and appreciate it better if I keep it as an indulgence rather than turn it into a daily entitlement. That being said, there are periods when I am there every day, often sipping a $2 cup of ethically sourced drip (light or dark roast) that in category is also among the best in the Valley. (Getting a cup at Raos down the street is generally inferior, costs the same, and by afternoon is overrun with noisy high school kids who buy nothing and camp out on tables to gossip about their recreational habits and play music aloud on their laptops. No thanks.) One area where I do wish they'd improve is in their live music offerings. Though the performances they host are well "curated" and enjoyable, the space is the most intimate and energized venue for live music in town, and I think it could become perhaps the premier venue if they made that a priority. Instead of a weekly or bi-monthly schedule, their evening shows are infrequent and unpredictable. The acoustics in the space are a bit punchy, which makes it good for brassy and projective music, particularly when it's filled with people. Thus, shows like Bela's Bartok (marching Balkan punk-folk revival), and spirited jazz do especially well here. Don't miss an opportunity to catch live music here, so the next time you're in for your tasty espresso fix, it's worth asking your barista when the next live show will be. It will likely change your perception of Amherst. read more

I ordered a shot of espresso, the person at the register took my order and walked away, two full minutes later another person came out from the back, looked at me, pulled my shot and walked away without saying anything. Seriously? The shot was OK, considering they use Barrington Coffee which is great, it should have been better. Best whiskey selection in the area. I do not feel welcome when I'm in here, I prefer places that appreciate customers and not make it feel like I'm bothering them. Go at night for a cocktail you won't be disappointed but there are better coffee shops in town. read more

Elegant old brick King hell scotch and bourbon tastes Black clad Eurotrash. read more