Tspoons Cafe and Treats
125 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
Crema's Take
“Tspoons is a cozy Iowa City spot where chai lattes and matcha drinks reign supreme, drawing loyal regulars who keep coming back for the specialty beverages and homemade pastries. While service can be inconsistent, the cafe shines brightest when staffed by genuinely warm people who create a welcoming atmosphere perfect for studying or catching up with friends over their standout carrot bisque and carefully crafted drinks.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Tspoons was my go-to place for chai lattes during my freshman year, and I decided to return after not being on campus for a while. I ordered twice within the week, and it was a chai latte both times. The first time, it was made really well and had that same delicious, spice-filled taste I am used to. However, whoever was the barista this day seemed a bit frazzled when I asked for a milk alternative (maybe they only had regular milk?). The second time, I also ordered a chai but this time the employee was super sweet, but the chai wasn't hot, and I think a third of the 20oz cup was foam. A bit disappointing, but still tasted fine all things considered. I think it all depends on who is working, which doesn't make me want to return too often. Also, the atmosphere would be perfect for a study spot, but it seems a bit more suffocating than I remember.
I've had good experiences at this location in the past, but a recent experience stood out. After waiting as the only customer placing an order for at least a minute at the counter, I asked what brew today's coffee was, and the barista said it was something like house brew, she thought. I ordered a coffee and said yes to cream. As I waited, I noticed the barista was microwaving something. I was the only customer being served, but I wasn't sure if she was microwaving my drink or something else. When she finally called my order, I grabbed it and went on my way. While walking through the mall toward my destination, I noticed the cup wasn't warm to the touch. I took a sip and the coffee was cold (the attempt to rewarm the drink with the microwave had failed). It was also very creamy. When I popped the lid later, the coffee was practically white with so much cream.
I really enjoyed the coffee and the place earlier, but my recent two experiences are very disappointing. I feel like the people who work there aint happy at all and make a face everytime i ask for something. I even asked if you are doing ok because i genuinely thought he is very upset or something. But it's just weird. I hope they work happily. And coffee I got are not even hot, honestly i feel weird to ask them twice because of their sad and annoyed face.
Today I decided to try a new coffee shop out. I was looking for a simple cold brew with ice and caramel syrup. I was slightly disappointed to see how light the cold brew was, it almost looked like tea. I feel like it was diluted with water. Flavor wise it’s a bit too sweet for my liking and I can barely taste the coffee. I specifically asked for just a bit of syrup. I hate leaving reviews like this because I want small businesses to thrive but maybe if they see this they can either 1) let their customers know that their cold brew is an very light roast or 2) choose a better roast for the cold brew that has a bit more flavor. I paid over 4.50 with tip for this… the only reason why I am not giving a lower rating is because the barista was super sweet which I think saved this experience. I hope to try them out again and maybe get a different drink?
Best staff and great service. Amazing food. My new fav is the Carrot Bisque so amazing perfectly seasoned they have the best coffee and matcha in town. She is so sweet and personable makes me feel safe. The safe are so sweet are the food is always on point. Yeah other offer shoppes are fun but I promise you have never experienced a café like Teaspoons. Thank me later!!
Crema Reviews
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