I wanted to like this location so bad. I've been to another stereoscope before and had a pleasant experience, but unfortunately, this time was pretty opposite of that. (Scroll to bottom portion for drink review - continue from here for entire experience lol)
Thankfully, you'll find street parking and a lot adjacent to the shop. That was pretty convenient and I'm very appreciative! Having a designated parking area for your business in LA is such a plus.
The line was out the door and starting to curve around the corner upon arrival, which I had no issues with. I was actually expecting it to be that way for a Saturday morning ~10:30. At the entrance door, you'll find a QR code to view their menu and a sign that specifies a request for only 2 queuing parties allowed inside at a time.
As I approached the counter, I was greeted by the cashier and one of the baristas. I was placing my order and asking the woman at the counter if she had a visual to show me the different size cups for my hot matcha. She seemed confused to my question. So I repeated myself. I guess she interpreted me asking for iced and gave me a little bit of attitude when explaining the ounces offered for both hot and iced drinks. Again, I specified that I'd like to see the size for a hot beverage. Then she went behind her to grab the cups. Thankfully she was paying better attention when I requested my other drink (iced). The energy from her was not the same as when I was first greeted, so it was off putting.
Anywho, I go sit down on the bench in front of the bar to watch and patiently wait for my beverages. I noticed that the two women who ordered after me received their drinks before I did. In addition to that, one of the baristas handed me the hot matcha and said the iced latte will be out shortly.
When she walked to the bar to check on the status of my second drink, I noticed her confusion as the other baristas were telling her that she actually grabbed a hot vanilla latte, not a hot matcha. They had some back and forth before she walked back over to me. She apologized and asked for me to hand the drink back. She proceed to hand it off to the customer it was intended for. I find this troubling and concerning, given that she didn't bother to check in with me or check the drink if it had been drank out of or tampered with. I've worked in food before and feel that is a safety/health risk. Thankfully, the customer requested it to be remade. That's what should've been done in the first place for that individual.
After a minute or two, my correct drinks were then given to me by a different barista. He apologized and I went about my day.
OKAY FINALLY, let's get into the actual drinks.. shall we?
medium hot half sweet matcha - 4/5
very creamy, beautiful color, nice after taste and no graininess. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would order it again. I'm interested to know if it tastes as good iced. I'd love to try their other matcha variations since they're unsweetened and ceremonial grade.
medium iced Madagascar vanilla latte - 2/5
espresso tasted burnt, latte was a bit watery. however, the Vanilla syrup is made in house and I could taste it. Wish it was stronger. I will pass on ordering this drink in the future.
I was hoping they had a pistachio croissant today. Only saw almond.
Overall, I like the menu and matcha, but did not have a good experience at this location with the staff. Hopefully your experience is a more positive one. read more