Retrograde Coffee Roasters

Most people give a bad review because of a bad experience. I’m not here to do that. Retrograde, overall, just isn’t really worth going to over any other coffee shop, even in Sebastopol. A large mocha , which isn’t 20 oz like the majority of competing coffee establishments, is about 8 bucks after tax, plus more with tipping obligations. Their merch overall is INSANELY priced, with an 8 ounce thermos being 35 dollars. All that being said, I do like the coffee; it is of decent quality even if wildly overpriced, so I only go maybe once every month or two when I feel I can afford it. The rewards program uses Cash App. Nothing wrong with that…. Except if you don’t use the stars you get with your purchases, they expire. It’s 10 stars for 5 dollars off. Averaging ~10 bucks for coffee, that’s 50 bucks for 5 dollars off…. IF you go often enough to even use the rewards you’re working towards. Now, I know the owner tends to respond by stating that they pay more than the fair trade amount for their coffee and supplies. Cool, you’re supporting other local businesses. On the other hand, you’re just passing that cost to the consumer. Do with that info what you will. On to the atmosphere: Probably the main reason this place is worth being. It’s the only place in Sebastopol I can think of where I actually do want to sit with my laptop and do my schoolwork that isn’t home, but I just can’t afford to be there as often as I’d like. The service leaves much to be desired, but I don’t really blame them. Everywhere I go these days people seem checked out, stressed out, and overall just not caring. I work a public facing job too, and I get it. I don’t want to interact people any more than you do.

We are doing a roadtrip down from Seattle along the Pacific Coast, and we have been trying local coffee shops along the way. I consistently get a mocha each time, as that is my favorite drink. We also had their pumpkin spiced latte, and both drinks have been the best by far on this trip. The breakfast sandwiches we had, one regular and one gluten free, were tasty and delightful. You can tell they care about each ingredient they use. We wish we could have this in our area to become our go-to spot!

Friendly staff with a vibrant atmosphere. I got a flat white, which they call a Milky Way due to the coffee blend of the same name. The drink was well made, for my taste it was too mild and milk forward. I can taste the coffee but it was buried by the milk.

Retrograde is always a must! I've had some of the best mornings and best lattes out front of this shop. Service is fast and accurate, and boy, is the staff friendly!!!! There are many options for everyone. Retrograde is truly inclusive and greets all their customers with a smile. The food is just as impressive as their coffee. You can taste the love and quality in everything they do. No detail goes unnoticed. Don't skip it! Side note: you can purchase 5lb bags of their beans on their website. Shipping is fast and affordable.

Stopped by Retrograde Coffee Roasters for a quick cappuccino, and it was perfect—just the way I was looking for. The café has plenty of seating, making it a great spot to relax or get some work done. The service was quick, and I appreciated that the restrooms, located behind the shop, were well-maintained. Overall, a solid coffee stop, and I’d definitely come again!