Just traveling through on family vacation headed to Yosemite National Park. My wife, planned a stop here not realizing that Inklings was named after the famed literary giants! We are huge Lewis and Tolkien fans. In fact we are reading "Mere Christianity" on the trip! Anyway, enough of that! Here's what you really need to know--GREAT atmosphere! GREAT coffee! GREAT sandwiches! Definitely the jewel of the city! Family on our vacation are from Washington, Oregon and Texas, so you have fans across the country! Please bring an Inklings to Texas! This is a must stop! You won't be disappointed! read more

Coffee shop located in the heart of Downtown Pleasanton. I'm not sure this place took over another business at some point because the space is really large. It also has an old-timey study or library or at least a literary vibe to this place. There's multiple rooms, including a stage in the back room. I think they have events here. Service is friendly and they have classic drinks as well as some festive ones. I was here on St. Patrick's Day so I got something festive even though it was overly sugary lol. I ordered the Lucky Charms White Mocha. It was tasty, but definitely a drink I wouldn't be able to order on the regular. I was able to set up my computer and one of the side rooms and get some work done. This place seems to be a very popular place for studying and doing some work. Just a great place in a great area. They have a large lot and there's also plenty of street parking in the area, especially during the day. read more

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9 years is a LONG RUN Not being a Peeties or $tarbees, especially for come & go on Main Street, right? Prices are competitive, where can you get a Drip Coffee for under 4?$? Thoughts a d tastes even under new mgmt tastes and flavors have changed over the years, Alot of regulars a d still use Devout Beans roasted from Niles Canyon, brought whole beans years back, both locations. Don't have any updated photos but these hundred including 11x vids do the trick for what a. Experience is like. Now, they make in-house sandwiches vs. Yrs back around the block to a Cafe that made them that is long gone now. Very good quality here keeping prices down in comparisons. I enjoy the Pumpkin Chai Latte HOT has more flavour less sweetness but, seasonal. Long pulls are a gave here as well as xtra dry Capps. Surroundings is like a end of era library with huge room to the east of the cafe. Tables outside are limited but are really good on weathering bright a d other days. It's not just about its home-town yesterday years bank vault feel and atmosphere, but the service a d coffee! Espressos are popped! Back again this fall for infamous drinks as well as a stop fir Holiday nog drinks. Summer drinks aren't bad either, I prefer hot like their Bourbon Vanilla Tea. Look at the photos in detail and peruse. read more

I've bookmarked this place for a while! Really loved the interior of the cafe, especially the vault. However, service-wise, it's lacking the same warmth that the place provided. Also, the special menu items didn't have their prices listed, but since the regular menu items were very reasonably priced, I thought the special menu probably was just slightly higher. I ordered a Cookie Butter Latte and a cappuccino, paid in cash with a $20, tipped $2 and had $3 and some coins left. Didn't really think about it until we've left - Cappuccino was $4.25, meaning that the Cookie Butter Latte was a $10 drink. Apologies but personally, it didn't taste like a $10 drink. Probably won't go all the way there again. read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

I stopped by Inklings over the weekend before heading to the farmers market just around the corner. I was glad I arrived early, right as the market opened, because the first time I tried visiting there was a line out the door. For starters, this place is popular! By 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday, it was rushed with runners, farmers market shoppers, cyclists, families, and locals grabbing their morning coffee. I really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere. It has the feel of a moody library or study with a smaller room tucked away in the corner with a few tables for working. I probably wouldn't choose a busy Saturday morning for that purpose since seating was limited, but I could see it being a great weekday workspace. The service was friendly and welcoming. I kept it simple with a cappuccino, which I believe is served as an 8-ounce drink. My boyfriend ordered one of their specialty lattes, the Banana Bread Latte, if I remember correctly and it was frothy and delicious. It looks like they rotate seasonal drink offerings, which gives plenty of reasons to come back and try something new. read more

If you're looking for a great place to get a cappuccino a tasty roast blend coffee with some yummy pastry choices with a cool downtown vibe this is the place! Lots of parking, very friendly, attentive staff, and barista's, with both indoor and outdoor seating! read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - How a delicious latte served with care! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Inklings has always been peak cozy library vibe (minus the silence :P). You've got the armchairs, the nooks, floor to ceiling bookcases (!!!), the soft glow from the windows. I love how much more merch they have that customers can actually fangirl over (I myself have a mug with their pretty lantern logo), the outdoor seating area under the shade, and even the extended space for larger groups/quieter studying that's a hallway away from the main area. Can you tell I come here a lot? I have always had excellent service here, even when lines get long during the afternoons. They have a happy hour deal Mon-Thurs 2-4pm for $2 coffee or tea. I love that they also offer a Cafe Sospeso ($4.25) that you can tack onto your order to gift a hot drink for someone who needs it. I don't have a go-to order since I usually try their seasonal options, and there is always one to your taste. I have gotten flavored drinks before that would have benefitted from a stir first since the add-ons often sink to the bottom (just a general PSA). It's my favorite spot downtown to meet someone or unwind solo! read more

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Always a great time when I come to Inklings, the delicious flavor or a shmoozy coffee place, but the warm welcome I've come to know from the folks here. Also, I love bringing people here for the first time. I adore that there are always seasonal specials, but also the tried and true coffee traditional brews read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Such a cute place to stay or to get take away. Very nice staff. Seasonal options too! read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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I ordered their Lucky Charms White Mocha and was told it tastes like cereal milk, but when I tasted it, there was a strong taste of almond. It did not taste like lucky charms or cereal milk at all! I didn't taste the white mocha either. I was very confused and asked the barista if there was a mistake on my order or if it's supposed to taste like almond. She said it is supposed to taste like almond and how she doesn't like it either. She then offered to make me a new drink instead, which I appreciated a lot. So I opted for a lavender latte instead, that was my second choice since I love floral drinks. The lavender latte was good! It had a strong lavender flavor, which is what I like. Other than the drinks, I love the vibes of this place! There's so much seating and tables and different rooms to do work in. There's a lot food seating outdoors too. If I lived around here, I'd come here everyday to do my work. read more

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Extra star to Inklings for the ambience. The coffee shop itself is so cute. It reminds me of the coffee shops on tv in the 90's. There's tons of built in bookshelves with cute trinkets all around. There's multiple rooms you can choose from to gather with your friends, study, or work. They played really good music as well. Do keep in mind their lattes are on the pricier side. And unfortunately, I waited longer than expected for my order. I ordered a seasonal drink - cookie butter latte. They sat a biscoff cookie on top of the lid, which I thought was... interesting. But everyone is nice and it's in a convenient location. read more

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I was excited to try something new, but the drink was very disappointing. It didn't taste like coffee at all and was the color of chai, so I even asked if it actually had the two espresso shots--it was confirmed that it did. Since I wasn't satisfied, I politely asked if I could order something else, but instead of offering to remake the drink, I was told I'd have to pay for a new one (so I did). Unfortunately, that customer service experience lost me as a customer. I also wouldn't recommend the sandwiches--they're all pre-made, including the eggs, so nothing tasted fresh. read more

Peet's Coffee or Inklings? I go to Peet's when there isn't a local coffee shop to support or like. So I went to try Inklings! Apparently I've been here before and don't remember. I try the americanos black to see how I like their beans first usually! But I wanted to try their cold brew today because I needed extra caffeine for the drive back home. The cold brew was more acidic than I would like, that is usually the problem for me, but it was smooth and not bitter. My friend always gets iced coffee with milk and she liked it. There are two other rooms off to the side for seating which I love. This place is huge! It reminds me of a coffee shop in my area called Fourscore. I would come back to try their Americanos next. Staff was also very nice and lots of merchandise to buy. read more

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Inklings is such a cute little cafe! I am obsessed with the interior and the old academia vibes it gives off. i love their coffees and pastries everything I've tried has been a 10/10. the service is also great all the workers I've encountered have been friendly and helpful. good vibes all around :) a definite must visit! read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Iced americano and savory scone - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

I always have a lovely experience here. Plentiful seating both indoor and outdoor, house made syrups, light music in the background--really nice vibe overall. Defo a go-to spot to meet with friends. Got the earl grey latte and really enjoyed it! Was actually perfect because I was originally debating between a London fog and a latte. Could really taste both the tea and coffee. Can't wait to see what new syrups pop up on their menu the next time I pop in read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Earl grey latte - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Service was great even line was long. Plenty of room to sit at. Latte and cappuccino tasted good. Plenty of parking spots. read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

This was my first time coming here and I had a lovely experience! This place is a cute, inviting and welcoming cafe. The staff are really nice and friendly, I didn't order any food here but definitely looking forward to coming back and trying something out! Kombucha berry 10/10. AND if you're a fantasy lover ( lord of the rings, Narnia etc you'll love the ambiance even more ) read more

I got the tiramisu latte this time and I really enjoyed it. The coffee is a bit on the pricier side, so I likely wouldn't come here just to pick up coffee to go. I would, however, come back for coffee if I had work to get done at the same time. They have plenty of tables and multiple rooms. I enjoy the lighting in the two front rooms a bit more than the brighter lighting in the back room, but appreciate the amount of seating available. It does tend to get crowded on the weekends (I've never been on a weekday), but there were tables available even if they may not have been in my preferred area. I've come in the past and gotten their cold brew. It was way too acidic and bitter for my taste, but I very much am glad I gave it another chance. Overall a cute cafe that I would not be opposed to coming to again, especially if I have work to do. read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Tiramisu Latte - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

What a great addition to Pleasanton! This place is fantastic. Good coffee and great space to just slow down and enjoy coffee. Their bourbon latte lives in my mind rent free. So delicious read more

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The ambiance is nice and the cafe has a dark academia vibe. The strawberry matcha was nice, but the actual matcha itself was extremely clumpy read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Strawberry matcha - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Cute place! The croissants here are the fluffiest and the coffee here is good. The service was great. Cute little coffee shop to catch up with friends :) read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Situated in the heart of downtown Pleasanton, this is my new favorite cafe!!! Especially for studying. I went here twice in one week and will become a regular here. The drinks are great, the food is good, and the service?? Spectacular! A current season special that I really enjoyed was the spiced cider. The ham and cheese croissant melted in my mouth with a perfect buttery crisp on the outside. Everyone was so kind, friendly, and helpful. The aesthetic is perfect! Love the cozy library/cafe vibes. They are prominent within the local community as shown by their commitment and involvement with local vendors, organizations, and events. There are so many tables and seats available, multiple rooms to choose from with varying atmospheres. I love the big back room with the large tables, bright lights, and outlets. They actually host events there but I haven't attended any yet. High speed WIFI?! Wow. (I was surprised at how many cafes I've been to that don't have working WIFI...) There are also lots of tables and chairs outside as well. Restrooms are clean. Large free parking lot available for Inklings customers. The only regret you will have coming here is that you will want to keep coming back!! read more

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stumbled upon Inklings Coffee & Tea randomly. after a quick yelp search for coffee in the area, and high ratings, we knew we needed to give this spot a try! DRINKS we order one of the spring menu items, the banana bread latte and a regular bevy, nitro cold brew with some vanilla! their syrups are the real frickin deal! no banana laffy taffy flavoring up in here. i felt like i was drinking banana bread in liquid form *insert drool emoji*. the nitro was fabulous and the vanilla was a great touch to an already yummy classic! FOOD we ordered the sun dried tomato pesto sandwich and the steak and egg sandwich! the pesto sandwich had a fantastic flavor with the pesto. it wasn't overwhelming with flavor and paired well with the turkey sausage, eggs, and arugula! the steak and egg sandwich was great too! would've loved more flavor from the garlic aioli but the chimichurri and caramelized onions were the perfect addition to the steak and eggs.. yum! SERVICE everyone was super friendly! from ordering, to delivering our food -- very kind staff! PARKING there is a huge (free) lot adjacent to the coffee shop, as well as (free) street parking. AMBIANCE it is decorated SO cute inside. the decor is a book lovers DREAM. there's a full library of old books displayed on one of the walls. book posters and prints all throughout the coffee shop. LOVED it. looking forward to my next visit when i'm in town again! read more

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Came here to get my fall/winter latte fix. We came on a Saturday and the line was long but was moving quickly. After about 10 minutes it was our turn. The person at the front was helpful in choosing between 2 lattes, we ended up going with the gingerbread latte and the gluten free pumpkin cupcake. It was a bit of a wait to get our drink given how busy they were so we sat down in their bigger room. After about 15 minutes, our name was called. At first glance, the presentation of the drink was very pretty and well done. The drink itself didn't have much flavor and tasted like warm milk with some spice. I do agree with the other reviews that over time the flavor and quality has changed (I have been coming here for the last 8 years). In any case, we were a bit disappointed. The cupcake though was absolutely delicious! The pumpkin flavors shone through and the texture was moist. We would definitely come back for those! read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Holiday menu 2025 - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

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Staff and Service: - Order at the register and they ask if you want to wait for your order or have it delivered to your table - The cashier working when I went was very nice and helpful Miscellaneous: - Lots of parking available via a parking lot specifically for Inklings - This cafe is quite large - there is outdoor seating, indoor seating near the register, and then another lounge to the side - I chose to work outside as the music inside was pretty loud. Outside was nice (would have loved some fans out there, but that's just me being picky), but randomly got quite loud as music started playing loudly - Password-protected wifi available I ordered an ice matcha latte with a pump of vanilla for a bit of sweetness. This was tasty. For anyone needing food, they have bakery treats, breakfast, and lunch available to order read more

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Steak and eggs sandwich was phenomenal. Steak was tender and the sandwich had the right proportions of meat, cheese, and chimichurri. I had high hopes for their cookie butter latte as it seemed to be one of their specials. However, the drink itself left something to be desired. While the latte had a good level of sweetness, the drink was not rich and the milk was not frothed. All in all, I'd absolutely come again for their sandwiches and to try another drink on their menu. read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Steak and eggs sandwich and cookie butter latte - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

First things first, they are located right next to a church and I came on a Sunday and I almost missed the front door and walked straight into the church. But needless to say, they had great music playing outside. Ok now, I went here because the ratings looked good and they said the coffee was strong. And they didn't disappoint. The coffees were strong and I loved it. It was exactly what I needed that morning. I ordered online because they say the line is always long. And it definitely was when I walked in. It did take a little long for me to get my drinks but I was so amazed by all the decor that waiting wasn't that huge of an issue. But for ordering all iced coffees and cold brews, I did wish it went a bit faster since those are on tap and already brewed. The baristas were kind and as soon as they noticed me waiting, my drinks were made almost immediately after. Good service and great products definitely warrant a return to this place. read more

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I ordered an iced cookies and cream latte. It was mid and I definitely wish the cookie crumbs were larger because it kept feeling like something is stuck in my throat or a choke hazard. The espresso was strong and I liked it though. Overall I would try a different drink especially if I'm spending over $8 on it. read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Cookies and cream latte - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

I came to buy a gift card for my friend. The staff was helpful and friendly. There's additional seating in the back with a stage, and you can tell it's unofficially a quiet space, everyone there was quietly working on their laptops or phones. Everything was fine until a couple of women walked in with an extra large dog and were having a loud conversation. It was clearly not a service animal. I don't want a dog near me while I'm enjoying my coffee, and this felt like people taking advantage of the rules. I don't understand why they couldn't just go outside with their dog. Because of that, we decided to get up and leave. read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Gift card - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

Not my first time at Inklings, and I always enjoy coming back. The cappuccino was pretty good this visit. I love the LOTR-inspired decor--such a fun touch and it really adds to the atmosphere. It does get busy, though. Even with plenty of seating, finding a table can still be tricky when the place is packed. Overall, a solid spot in Pleasanton for coffee and cozy fandom vibes. read more

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Located downtown Main St, is Inklings Coffee and Tea. When you enter this old brick building, you're greeted and you notice it looks like a converted nightclub. Dark and modern. I ordered the S'mores Mocha, legit. Creamy, chocolatey, sweetness, with graham cracker coming through the finish. Silky texture covers the mouth. Bomb! *Overall, good, but does take some time to get your coffee* read more

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A very neat cafe located in downtown Pleasanton! They have their own dedicated parking lot, which is very convenient. The inside is very spacious and there are multiple rooms with different vibe, quiet ish study room, discussion/chat room. Their spring menu was creative. I got the iced berry bloom latte, but I couldn't really taste the blackberry flavor that much (??). It's a nice place for studying or getting work done. read more

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The Mrs. and I stopped by Inklings on one of our days off for some midday coffee. We were pleasantly surprised to see the August offerings: two serial themed lattes! Although I usually order a pour over, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try one of them. So we got one of each! Good thing there were two of us. To be honest, they don't really taste that much like the cereal, but maybe more like the cereal flavor infused milk left over at the bottom of the cereal once you finish consuming it? but nonetheless both were quite delicious. Obviously, they look good in pictures. A nice enjoyable afternoon at Inklings again. Also a note, apparently they have two new sandwiches: a steak sandwich and an "adult" three-grilled cheese . What's so not adult about a regular grilled cheese? read more

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While in town for work, I came across this charming, exquisite coffee shop. It's located in beautiful Old Town Pleasanton. The inside is so quaint and cozy. It's so spacious, big enough to do group projects. I loved the extra room past the serving section, it's extra private. The staff was amazing, they made me feel like one of their usuals, even-though my order was not easy or simple (big thanks ladies). The iced expresso, caramel bourbon and cold foam were smooth, velvety, creamy, and rich in flavor. I'm looking forward to coming back before I leave town. read more

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Inkling is located in downtown Pleasanton with a huge parking lot designated for their patrons. It's a good size coffee shop with lots of seatings. They have tables to the left and right of the barista counter, which were all taken. While waiting for my coffee I realized there was a small room towards the back where there were more tables with books on the shelves. They also have tables outside. I came at 930am on a Sunday and it was quite packed with constant ppl coming in the whole time I was there. I ordered the spiced fig latte off of their seasonal coffee menu and a goat cheese pretzel. I was happy with my latte which had a hint of fig and a perfect balance of sweetness and milk ratio. The pretzel was okay, nothing special or worth getting again. Definitely would come back. read more

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I came here on a Saturday morning because I felt like I wanted to explore Pleasanton's coffee culture. As soon as I walked in there was a good energy from the staff and patrons. The decor was beautiful. I love the whole book study speak easy vibe. I absolutely loved the books and the manual typewriter. Service was fast and since I was alone I decided to dine in and soak in the atmosphere. I ordered a cookie and cream latte and a morning bun. As I sat down I picked up a book and started reading and a few moments later my order arrived. The coffee itself left a bit to be desired. It felt a bit too heavy on milk. The cookie crumble and whip on top did help with the flavor profile but I just wish there was a stronger hint of coffee. The morning bun was exceptional. Warm, flakey, sugary and pretty messy in a good way. The staff was kind and efficient. I didn't feel rushed even though they were all really busy. I did witness one of the staff on their way to drop off an order and the pastry bag they were holding fell to the ground. This happened in a hallway where no one else saw and I'm pretty sure they didn't know I saw it. They turned around and threw it away and went to get a replacement. This gave me great confidence in the staff here. It's what you do when no one is looking is what matters in the food industry. I also love the pay it forward system they have. I will come back to try their other offerings when I get a chance. read more

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Located in downtown Pleasanton. The café always seems busy, especially with college grads and office meetup crowds, but the coffee quality hasn't been consistent. Baristas appear to change frequently and feel undertrained at times - unfortunately, the cappuccino doesn't quite meet the bar. With better training and a focus on consistency, this place could be much stronger, especially given how popular it already is. read more

I haven't been to that many coffee shops in norcal, but this cafe was recommended to me by my friend since she likes their seasonal drinks. When we went to the cafe, there was plenty of parking :) There is also an abundant amount of seating, from outside to inside. When we entered the cafe, it was a nice and cozy atmosphere. My friend ordered the Toasted Honey Coconut Latte and I got the S'morres Latte. First of all, very creative drinks! I really enjoyed both of them a lot and would go back to get again :) I only took a picture of mine, but the presentation with the marshmallow also gave it another point. For service, the main cashier was very placid and monotone. It also took a bit of time to get our orders, but I think that's just because there were only 2 people working the drinks. I'd go again! I'd like to see their other seasonal drinks as well. read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Summer seasonal: S'morres Latte - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

I have to say, the space is cute but the service is five stars all the way! The shift lead, Kayla, was incredibly helpful as I navigated indecision on the menu and then took my overly complicated matcha order and gave some tips to make it even better-- I came for the cute vibes and I'll be back for the outstanding customer service! read more

Inklings Coffee & Tea - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pleasanton, California

I really wanted to like Inklings Coffee & Tea because the interior is beautiful and the staff are friendly and work really hard. This review is more about the chai I had and not so much about the staff or establishment. On a Saturday afternoon, Inklings was bustling with a long line. Given the people lining up, I was excited to give this place a try. The interior is fun and they have all sorts of merchandise and other little goodies and treats. I'm a sucker for pumpkin spice and all things fall so I was excited to see their special seasonal autumn menu. I ordered an iced chai latte with pumpkin spice cold foam. There was a long line to get your drink, and in total I ended up waiting 30 minutes for my drink. I didn't mind the wait since I was eagerly excited for the drink itself. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by what I received. The chai they use here is pre-mixed/boxed, which is fine other than that I couldn't really taste chai in my drink. It wasn't very strong or aromatic. What made me more disappointed was the pumpkin spice cold foam. I saw them whip it up with their house made pumpkin spice syrup. I saw them pour quite a bit of syrup so I anticipated this cold foam to have a strong flavor. They didn't sprinkle the top with cinnamon, but I decided it was okay as long as the cold foam carried the spice. My first sip, I only tasted pure cream. I asked for some cinnamon and that helped a tad, but my drink tasted like milk/dairy with the lightest pumpkin aftertaste. It did not feel worth the 30 minutes and sadly, not worth returning for the chai. The matcha and coffee looked better, so maybe that'll be a redeeming factor. But the chai is a no go. The staff are really friendly and sweet here and you can tell they work really hard. I'd consider returning to try something different perhaps on a day less crowded and busy. read more