Craft Coffee Revolution

Gizem Uzun

5.0

The shop will escape you away from the busy foot traffic of Eastwood. If you know where Something Fishy is, just follow the road going behind it. You’ll definitely see the newly opened Craft. I am very familiar with Craft since they have a branch near our school in New Manila.The store is compact yet it maximizes floor area very well. Smaller on the outside, bigger on the inside. The counter is just beside the door and distant from the tables. Above it is a small area serving as the second level of the store. Tables are just the right size for a small meal and a cup of coffee. The full glass windows adds more natural light and illusion of space. Good job to their store designer!I just want to chill so I just had a cup of hot chocolate and chicken empanada. I love their hot chocolate, it was not too sweet. Their ashtray has used coffee ground in it to absorb the smell.It was a nice experience chilling here specially at the al fresco area though they have limited seats. They have super friendly staff that smiles a lot as well.

Ivanna Djakaria

2.0

Don't get me wrong, I love Craft Coffee. I frequent their store in Katipunan and I was soo excited that they opened a new branch which is so near me. However, my experience here was just substandard. Went around 2pm for a quick pick-me-upper/late lunch and since the place was full, opted to dine at the second floor (loft). I waited..and waited..and waited..until I couldnt wait any longer, I just had to go down and follow up my order. Turns out theyve totally forgotten it -- even giving me this clueless look on their faces. Okay. I get it, theyre still on soft opening. But here's another catch. Upon browsing their menu, I was trying to look for my usual order (brazil yellow bourbon or columbia exelso) but it wasnt specified in the menu -- it only showed the process of brewing. The staff was offering me iced mocha when I wanted my fresh brew. After I mentioned Brazil Yellow Bourbon, thats when the lady said "Ahhh, yung brewed".. Ugh. I think the master barista was serving one table at the time and the lady at the counter looked oblivious of what's happening.I too was filled with horror as I was hungry and was thinking of ordering some pasta even before I entered this place. I was disappointed to see that they only offer select pastries (limited to empanadas and pies) and some cake. I think this branch is designed to be just a coffee place, and not really a restaurant. Even as Im a regular in Craft (loyola), its the first time Ive tried their chicken empanada and beef pie. I tell you, skip it. The empanada tasted funny, the pie was second rate.Points go to the modern interior and at least the staff said their apologies after the coffee/order mishap. My love for craft will always be present, and Im willing to give this branch another try.