Bonsai Coffee & Bar

Came in on a friday morning to grab a quick drink. The place was packed with students and people working on their laptops. There was a line when I got there, it moved at a fairly okay pace. I was in and out of here in 20 minutes (parking meter was set to 24 minutes). I read a sign that there is parking in the structure, but I didn’t know beforehand. I ordered an Earl Grey Matcha Latte and did half sweet. I’ve heard many people talk about their matcha and how the love it. I was so surprised because my drink really lacked flavor. I did order half sweet which the sweetness was okay, I just couldn’t really taste any of the matcha flavor. Overall the customer service was great, there is ample sitting if you want to work there. I think I would go back to try their other drinks, hopefully it was just off the day I went. I also saw they have some breakfast food items, so I would go back to try those too!

Busy cafe, a student magnet. Hoodies and laptops everywhere. Fortunate to snag a table when we arrived, not everyone did. It was a weekday afternoon. I found it too busy. My partner liked the young vibe. Good matcha. WiFi - You ask the barista for a code. It appears on the tablet. Works for two hours, then you ask for another. Kinda clunky. FYI to use someone else’s code, you need to use their email too. Whoever logs in first with the code, use their email. Parking - there is free garage parking nearby. Some spots are marked for Bonsai, others for different establishments. Some are marked for Bonsai AND/OR other shops. Signs are color coded (I think red = Bonsai.) Not a ton of spots are reserved for the coffee shop—check on levels one and two (underground).

Bonsai was recommended to me but I was a bit disappointed overall. To start, metered parking can be difficult to find due to the busy area. The place itself is nice but a bit too busy for me. There was no place to sit so I stood outside and ate. As for the food, I ordered the bacon breakfast sandwich and regular drip coffee. I should have gone with the breakfast burrito instead. Coffee was ok. Overall, it was not worth the price I paid. Also, when I asked a couple of questions about the menu, the person taking my order was not helpful. Not sure if I would return again.

Reached there around 2pm on MLK day to a really long queue, but I didn’t mind. Got a cream top matcha and the Pork and Shrimp Dumplings to go — the matcha was one of the best I’ve drank (even beating some touristy outlets in Japan), would definitely return for it :) The dumplings were not bad, but I’m not sure if I would spend $10 USD on it.

If you’re a real matcha enthusiast, you need to try Bonsai because they are not messing around. I love the variety of matcha and flavors that they offer. There’s some fun ones too like pandan and coconut. I also tried my first hojicha latte here and loved it. It’s like matcha’s more mellow little sister. Their cream top is good because it’s not overpowering or too sweet. It is rich and thick and custard-y. UGH. Insanely good. The atmosphere is bright and upbeat, a little busy if you’re trying to do work (for me personally). But a great place to stop with a friend or on your way from A to B.