I had the blended Oreo coffee and the mango tea smoothie. Both tastes very good but had some big pieces of ice.

Mostly disappointed because I arrived 20 minutes before closing and I was told the espresso machine was closed.

Couple of weeks ago I went to grab some coffee, and saw a barista dropped a coffee cup on the ground, then he picked it up, poured coffee in it and served it to another customer. He knew I saw him doing that but apparently he didn't care. Awful and disgusting! Yes I love your croissant but now I'm wondering how you made it! Never go back :( read more

A bitter roast. Makes me think maybe the beans have been exposed to a bit more oxygen than they should have? Oxygen exposure is what makes coffee develop that bitter truck stop coffee flavor. The atmosphere is sort of gritty urban decay. A nice baked goods selection. Staff is benignly indifferent. read more

walked in to a swarm of flies, coffee tastes horrible for a price point comparable to much better alternatives within a few blocks, barista was rude, bathrooms are broken and don't flush, the place is run down, do not go here read more

Coffee is amazing! I always pick locally-owned coffee over the big names right next to them like Starbucks or going to the EMU. The coffee taste great and is fairly priced. But avoid the food at ALL COST! I have tried multiple times to have their food and I can never finish it. I had a scone so stale you could not bite into it because it was rock solid. My friend got a croissant sandwich and the spinach was extremely slimy and the cheese tasted rotten. Every time I've gotten their food its been borderline hazardous its so stale. I'll stick to getting their coffee but the food is extremely off-putting. read more

I have loved this coffee spot in the past but I probably won't be back after my experience this morning. The employee seemed annoyed that we were there and that I asked if they had gluten free food options. I ordered a chai, specifically with oat milk as I am lactose intolerant, and he handed me a premixed chai that had been sitting out on the counter that definitely had milk in it and barely tasted like there was any chai in it at all. When I asked if he could make it with more chai and oat milk he pulled out a box and splashed some more on top of my drink without saying anything. My girlfriend ordered a mocha, a drink traditionally made with espresso, though this was from a premade mix of iced coffee and milk. I also could see him standing on his phone in the back and then immediately handling food without gloves or washing his hands. There was also a singular agressive spanish trap song playing on blast and on repeat for the entire time we were in there, not the 7 am morning vibes at all. I was excited to spend a nice morning with my partner at a coffee shop and the vibes were so awful we left almost immediately. I usually understand employees having an off day but this experience went too far. read more

I want to like Roma more! I really do, it's the local place with okay food and a nice staff but it's got to fix its coffee problem. It's just not good. The beans taste over roasted. Its below average coffee for the price I can get good coffee at other places for. I like a good cup of rich black coffee, or espresso and it just can't be had here. Usually I get tea when I have to go here for meetings. The food is good though, and the staff is always friendly. read more

Oh man. I really wanted to like this place. It was a fail from the get-go. Anytime I see my iced latte being made from PRE-PULLED espresso shots from a pitcher, it's just downhill from there. After sort of arguing with the barista that you can, in fact, make an iced latte with freshly pulled shots, and explaining to him HOW, I took my two iced "lattes" and left. I tried it on my walk and just about spit it out. I couldn't even bring myself to offer the other latte to my relative and threw them both in the trash. They were not just terrible, they were SO terrible, I didn't want to punish myself with another sip. Some people just shouldn't be in the coffee making business. I absolutely despise Starbucks, but I'm pretty sure that would have been a better option. I really wish Eugene had better espresso options. read more

I'm so happy that after 20 years I moved back to Eugene and found my favorite University coffee house still here; even with a big Starbucks next door! Now I can sit , enjoy a coffee, and flip off the neighbor's customers all at once. ROMA! ROMA! ... read more

I love Espresso Roma's quaint atmosphere on campus. It's like something out of a movie and sends you back in history a bit. I really enjoy the variety to their pastries and drinks, though I am not at all a coffee fan! read more

Move over Starbucks, you've got a lot of competition next door. Cheap coffee, laid back atmosphere, quick and friendly service...what more could one ask for at a coffee shop? It's a great place to study, grab a bite to eat or just catch up with friends...since it's right off of campus, it makes for a quick coffee break between classes. There's never a long wait here, unlike Starbucks next door. Oh! If you love chai, try their's...hot or cold, it's to die for! read more

This place gave me one of the best cups of coffee I can remember. Rich, full dark roast. I bought 2 pounds of the stuff. Yeah. They don't have wi-fi, and that's their biggest drawback. read more

Nothing too inventive, but the coffee is like crack. Great chai, too. The staff has enough charm and personality to make up for the sometimes-questionable service, and the atmophere beats the crap out of any coffee shop I've ever been to in the country. This is a place to call home. Beware, though. If you live in Eugene and have any friends at all, this place is terrible for getting anything done (studying, etc.). Stay there for more than an hour, and you are almost guaranteed to run into someone you know or get roped into one of the many discussions going on at any time-- especially if you're sitting on the patio. The place can get somewhat filthy at times because it's generally quite busy. The pastries and other food are nothing special, but they're good and reasonably priced. And there's almost always cool art hanging up here. Honestly, I'm suprised this place hasn't run the nearby Starbuck's out of business! If we had a Stumptown in Eugene, I probably wouldn't have fallen head over heels in love with Roma, but we don't and I did. And it's all personality and love. I remember this place with more fondness than pretty much any establishment in any town I've ever lived in. When I think about moving back to Portland in a year, this place is one of a handful of things that make me really consider returning to Eugene instead. read more

I like to grab a hot tea and a table here to study in the mornings. Service is quick, and after only 2 or 3 visits, they already knew my order. The place is no frills, some of the chairs are worn and the tables are rickety, and the bathroom is sketchy, but the drinks are large and made quickly. I had a rather disappointing chocolate chip cookie one time (not much flavor or sweetness, chocolate was tasteless which makes me think it was made with artificial chocolate morsels) but the next visit, I got a blackberry oatmeal muffin and it was outstanding! Like, make me get teary and say a silent prayer, outstanding. For that, the quick service, good prices, and hardworking staff, it's gotta be 5 stars from me. read more

I have friends who started going to college a year ahead of me. I have them to thank when it comes to how I became acquainted with this place. As you can see by the rating I gave, I love this coffee shop. I love everything about it. The service, the coffee, the pastries, the atmosphere, everything! My friends and I have a continuing tradition of going there every Friday afternoon once we get done with classes. We meet at the EMU and walk over. We've been doing this for probably 2 years maybe a year and half. Even when I was working at Lane Community College in their cafe. I had to have my Roma fix, and my coworkers knew it, considering how excited I would get come closing time. The baristas are really sweet, they provide the best costumer service. No lie, it takes a lot to win me over in this area. They have memorized my order (a cream cheese scone and a cafe creme brulee). It's gotten to a point where I'll be waiting in line to place my order, one of the guys will see me, smile and recite my order to me to make sure they have it right, or they'll have someone run to the back to grab the required flavoring. There was also a time when I was there getting my usual fix, I had just ordered the last cream cheese scone. As I was paying, a fresh batch came out. I wasn't going to say anything about switching for a fresh scone, but right there, the manager (or owner, I've never asked) grabbed one of the fresh scones and replaced the one from the old batch. That gesture made my morning. (Don't understand everyone harping against their scones, if they aren't fresh, just put them in the microwave for a 30 seconds, wont kill ya). There are times where I just need a warm and inviting place to sit to read or study before or after a class. If I've already had my morning coffee, I'll order a chocolate chai (yummy, the right amount of spice to balance the sweetness of the chocolate). Sit back, read and enjoy the classical music they have playing in the background. They also have a beautiful outside seating. It is reminiscent of Sophie Hatter's garden in Howl's Moving Castle. The pricing is good, the service is awesome, and it is my go to place for coffee. Where people have Dutch Bros. (to sweet for my taste) and Starbucks (the coffee tastes burned and their breads taste like battery acid), I have Espresso Roma. read more

I don't come here often enough. The coffee is wonderful - good and strong, and something for everyone. Good tea selection. The Mexican hot chocolate didn't blow me away, but you can't have it all. Large, open and inviting space with interesting artwork, opera playing in the background, and a tray of steaming hot blackberry shortbread coming straight out of the oven. They have an incredible offering of baked goods made in house. I haven't tried their sandwiches but they looked tasty, too. I always like the folks behind the counter, too. And you would go next door to Starbucks because...?? read more

No matter what anyone says the coffee here is far superior to neighboring Starbucks. Being an Italian coffee place the roast is a bit darker and bolder. The food here is great and priced appropriately (unlike Starbucks). Their everything bagel sandwiches with spinach, cheese, tomato and avocado are my personal favorite, and their croissants are good too. There are plenty of places to sit, it's usually fairly quiet, so you can actually get some work done without distraction. The window cubby seats are a great place to hide and get some reading and writing done. Seating on the back patio during the summer is a plus too. The staff is also very friendly and service is quick. Definitely choose this over Starbucks, you won't be disappointed. Trust me, Starbucks will not miss you. Also, for those that say the coffee here tastes burned...and you think the bitter liquid that they serve at Starbucks is better? There is something wrong with you. read more

I would like to love the place, I really would. Customer service is great, coffee is decent, and the pastries/food are fast and tasty. Unfortunately the place has a tendency to charge you twice for your food. This happened to me a while back, so I stopped going for the longest time. I went back today and gave them another chance and once again, they charged me twice for a coffee and a croissant (which was supposed to be a bagel but they got my order wrong). I definitely won't be back seeming as though they like to cheat customers out of their money. read more

I just love that this place gives the next-door Starbuckers a run for their money. Unlike most folks, I'm not a *huge* fan of Roma's drinks and treats--pretty standard fare. Nothing to complain about; nothing to give up your first born for. Large, warm space, lots of good study area, super nice baristas, awesome back patio/porch area. They also exhibit local artists' work, which is awesome. You will inevitably see at least 5 people you know there and you will always see someone in the most fucked up outfit you've ever seen in your life. I once saw a girl in one of those burgendy push-up-bra & tie-in-the-back things, black miniskirt & lime green hole-y tights. Rad. 2 suggestsions: wireless internet & comfier chairs. Even without those things though, I'll keep supporting Roma's eventual overthrow of the Evil Coffee Emporium. In conclusion, go. read more

I don't ever come here for the food but the coffee is absolutely amazing- especially their espressos. Get a medium or a large, you won't regret it or feel jittery. Smooth, rich and robust. An absolute treat for grabbing in between classes. Can't wait to sit in the back patio once public dining is permissible again! Rustic and homey. read more

I know I risk running afoul of the PC Coffee crew by posting this review, but here's the deal--the coffee ain't that great. It's often burnt, been held too long, or generally has an off flavor. The espresso drinks are even worse. I'm sticking to the big corporate coffee interest--at least in this town. (Why can't we get Stumptown coffee down here?) A standard assortment of croissants and other pastries rounds out the menu. So why go here? The service is good. There's quite a social scene here--lots of peeps you know or think you know gather around tables in the windowed front, the intimate back room, or the lovely back patio. The atmosphere alone is worth a few stars. If you manage to sneak your own coffee in---Woo! read more

The coffee is strong and cheap. Two things a college student is looking for on campus. I drink my coffee black so this is one of the better brews in town for that, dark roast lots of flavor. The crowd is 90% UO as are most spots in this run of places on 13th. The place is large with lots of table and some cool art on the walls. Roma is funky enough to have the right coffee shop vibe but is always clean and well lit for studying or hanging out. Mostly Latino staff keeps the place running smooth and there are house made baked goods in the deli case. read more

Strrrrrong coffee! This spot serves its purpose i suppose. Fair prices, some ok scones and muffins, friendly heads workin. A lotta other reviewers compare the Roma to Starbucks. What is Starbucks? Is that the same thing as Facebook? I never heard of it. SBUX $55/share, FB $28/share...short em both!? read more

Mm, coffee. That's the first thing that could only possibly go through my mind as I walk through the door. This place is so fabulous and is so cheap and the pastries are huge. I am a huge fan of their soy chai (being lactose sometimes has it's limitations...but anyways) and their scones are "mm mm" good. Not only are those two things good, but their coffees are not for the weak at heart and is ACTUALLY coffee, not just sugar. My friend, Sarah, recommends their raspberry scones, where as if you are not a fan raspberries, I recommend their blueberry scone that can only be described as a little piece of pastry heaven. For those of you that are not interested in pastries and rather are looking for something that is a little more savory, I also recommend their turkey, cheese, avocado, tomato...something else croissant. (The full name slips my mind) The atmosphere is actually quite coffee shoppish and the place is actually bigger than it seems. There are so many nooks and crannies and there is something new on each wall. The walls are covered with artwork and it's just a homey place. The baristas are extremely pleasant and always are able to make your order fit what you want from them. The owners are sometimes in there and always talk to the customers and are enjoyable to talk to. This is one of the best little coffee shops on campus and it's super cheap. They open early and are open late. The only reason I gave it four stars, instead of five is because of the chair and table conditions. I know they get enough traffic, so why not replace some chairs? But other than that, great place! (: Happy Eating. read more

I'm sitting here right now in the lovely back patio area at Roma. I spent many of my college days reading, studying and hanging out at this place. I love love love their lemon chai (iced or hot). It's fantastic visiting again and I feel like I've been transported back to 2006! Nothing has changed and I like it that way. For those of you complaining about the lack of wifi... Get over it! There are reasons they don't have it. Don't go there to surf the web, go there to play chess, relax or chat with a friend. Además, puedes hablar en español con las personas que están trabajando :) read more

I almost always choose Roma for coffee on campus, which is saying something since there are approximately seven thousand places to purchase coffee at UO. The coffee, espresso drinks, and croissants are all great, and besides, I like getting that self-satisfied feeling that comes from bypassing the evil corporate Starbucks next door. Roma loses some points because their scones and cookies suck -- seriously, I had a chocolate-chip scone there that tasted like sawdust, or, at least, what I would imagine sawdust to taste like. Also, although they have outdoor seating (a good thing, clearly, especially on those special Eugene sunny days), it is usually thoroughly poisoned by cigarette smoke. read more

If you like an extra bold roast, look no further. Roma serves the best. Unsurprisingly, their espresso is top notch too. As for Roma's eats, well, they serve standard coffee shop fare, including: fantastic croissants, croissant sandwiches, cream puffs, and turnovers; decent muffins; and, in the end, only their scones prove to be a disappointment. In regards to Roma's ambiance, both the owners and their general staff are friendly, and their service is timely. Of course, given that Roma resides a block away from the University of Oregon, and just up the street from Starbucks, the cafe's clientele consists mostly of hipsters, artists, oddballs, lefties, anti-corporate localists, university professors and students. My kind of scene, in other words. read more

Good for: Grabbing a strong-ass cup of coffee and a quick snack to-go before class starts. Roma has tons of hot, cold, iced or blended beverages consisting of coffee, tea, fruit or soymilk. Seriously, there's something for every thirsty soul. Except alcoholics, but Rennie's is just around the corner. They have a large assortment of sweet and savory pastries, muffins, scones, bagels and simple sandwiches, and lots more. Not the best I've had, by any means, but quick counter service and very reasonable prices have contributed to a loyal following. Two cash register lines (one for debit transactions) make the service fly. This casual coffee house has some interesting artwork on the walls, is never empty and the vibe is comfortable and relaxed. Sit at a table inside and watch the co-eds come and go, or tuck away in a corner of the sprawling outside patio located out back. read more

The genius thing about being located right next to a Starbucks and only a block away from a university campus is that there is never a shortage of "Damn the corporate hegemony!" people and indie/hippie kids who just took up smoking yesterday that will still frequent your establishment just because it's not SBUX even though your coffee is really not good at all. That said, Roma has a certain something. They've got poorly hung student art in their spacious seating area and a large, enclosed back veranda where you can gesture wildly about socialism and that new-to-you David Hume text you just read for class and thus changed your major for the 9th time. The atmosphere is definitely one of studying and students, but it is also one of friendly staff and a moderately-priced (if not dauntingly jumbled) menu which includes a variety of pastries (most of which are just fine as the reduced-price day old [except the almond scone, it's like a rock after a few days away from the oven]). I think that away from a campus Roma might not fare so well, but it's exactly what you need when the Allman Bros cafés around the Univ. aren't sparking your fancy and you need to get away for a quick break. A perfect low-key meeting place and coffee break spot. Also they put their coffee in glass mugs and that weirds me out, but I'm not holding it against them. read more

It is the atmosphere I am rating, not the coffee. This joint has been the unofficial meet-up spot for many area poets, artistes, politicos, and scholars for quite some time now, and I have a lot of memories here. The deck usually hosts some interesting conversations, rousing card games, and decent entertainment...but I noticed this time around that it was also looking pretty busted. The boards are uneven, a bunch of the chairs are pretty shoddy (one of them pinched my ass!) and the patio was scattered with dirty dishes, soggy newspapers, and cigarette butts everywhere. Not that I feel the workers are doing a bad job - on the contrary, it is the patrons I blame for the mess and chaos. Which is cool. I just feel, I don't know, blase about it. read more

Everyone I know loves this place, but every time I go, whatever I have tastes burnt. I've tried various drinks, but each time I get the same results. As far as I can tell, the only reasons to go is for the decent atmosphere and to give a big "damn the man" shout out to the corporate coffee place next door. read more

Love this place. Human, quick, and they were patient with old people who had to reorganize their wallets back from front to back and put all their one dollar bills with the President facing the same way before stepping a foot from the register. Good coffee, easy attitude. read more

I find myself at Espresso Roma now and then at the invitation of friends or students, and every time my experience is exactly the same: Lots of place to sit, including a nice outdoor area in the back, a big selection of pastries, and the usual selection of espresso drinks that you find at any coffee shop nowadays. While the pastries are okay, not great, I feel like they all taste the same. And while I know I'm far from a coffee expert, drinking only espresso drinks, I just don't like the coffee here as much as I do Starbucks or Nespresso coffee. I'm glad they're locally owned (I think), and I wish I could be all like "Oh yeah, I LOVE this local place, Starbucks is so corporate and their coffee is burnt", because that's what all my smart hipster friends say, I have to admit that every time I'm at Espresso Roma, I'm secretly wishing I was at Starbucks. read more

If you were brought up on Starbucks, then Starbucks is what you'll prefer, and this isn't Starbucks. I was brought up in Berkeley's cafe culture in the early 1980s, before Starbucks had escaped the confines of Puget Sound, and the cafes I remember from those glory days were very much like Espresso Roma. Individuality, eccentricity, room for personal skill and embellishment in making your coffee, and an overall comfortable funky vibe make this the anti-Starbucks. And the back patio is wonderful, even when it's cold. read more

Great place to study! There are lots of tables and generally a quieter crowd. However do not order the soy chai tea latte. It tastes like sweeted soymilk with barely a hint of chai. For $3.25, I should have gone to Starbucks and gotten a flavorful rich chai tea latte with coconut milk. read more

This review is from like 1997-99. I used to study here when I was in college. The espresso drinks were always nice and hot and yummy. The pastries were great too. I was fired from here actually. I had a gnarly stalkerish crush on one of my teachers ( a grad student, so that's why I didn't say professor) and I noticed that he always came there too. So naturally I got a job there so I could interact with him when he paid for his shit and made his double americano. Of course whenever he came up to the register I turned bright red and couldn't talk but whatever. So yeah I closed at night on some weekends and was supposed to mop. Usually I didn't do that because my friends would always be banging at the door urging me to hurry the fuck up so we could party. So the place must be pretty awesome if they fired me and I am still giving them 5 stars no? I wonder if the guy we nicknamed "El Lobo" still works there... read more

This place would be off the charts in terms of stars if it weren't for their 20th century lack of wifi. Modernize! The other Espresso Romas that are part of the chain (I've visited most of them while traveling about) have it... why not Eugene? Anyways, EVERYTHING else about this place is amazsome (amazing + awesome). Outdoor sitting/smoking porch. Very pleasant during a warm-ish rainstorm with a clove or bidi. read more

This place is crap. Pure crap. Yes I would choose the Starbucks next door. No I am not a regular Starbucks drinker. I hate the stuff. Yes the duck stop is way better than both. Roma consistently burns their coffee. Like badly. Moreover, they seem like the snobby coffee shop that would be perfect for a portlandia mockery. These guys don't know coffee. They prey off of the money of students. Of all of the crappy campus coffee joints, this one is the worst. read more

The first thing a coffee hound will notice about Espresso Roma's coffee: high octane! If you have a heart conditon or a low tolerance for caffeine, stay away from the coffee, especially if you plan on sleeping in the next 4 hours. As far as atmosphere, it is by far the best place to go if conversation is your main concern, and the worst place to go if you have a mid-term to study for. Not being in college myself, I like to go there to draw, read, or just hang out. The giant Japanese maple that dominates the patio area and the red brick with which it is tiled make it unique. They banned smoking a couple years back, for better or for worse. Non-smokers are probably very happy about it, smokers probably no longer go out of their way to visit this place. LOL. Oddly enough I quit smoking around the time they stopped allowing it, so the change didn't really affect me much. The food is acceptable and affordable, and they have a large variety of pastries, croissant sandwiches, and other tasties. The baristas are friendly, the drinks are good and well-caffenated, and their hours are long. I recommend Roma as a place to socialize. If you wanna study, find a quiet corner in the Knight Library. LOL. read more