Came here for breakfast with my brother I really enjoy it very much will come back with the hubby and kids they will enjoy very much. The prices are a little high but worth it!!!! And you can also eat outside. The decor very nice.
(4)
Rakhi B.
Very disappointed. Not the Aroma experience I am used to. The barista pretty much poured milk over coffee and shoved the cup under my chin. Then I see him making out with his girlfriend !! If I were the owner I would make sure I hired staff that upheld the reputation of the place.
(1)
Sahar R.
Aroma Expresso Bar brings together two of my favorite things: good coffee and Mediterranean/middle eastern food. It's an Israeli espresso and coffee chain with hundreds of branches across the globe (Poland, Ukraine, Canada) and a couple of branches in the U.S. (Miami and NYC, some random mall in New Jersey). Randomly, it's first appearance in the DC area is within the confines of Montgomery Mall. For me it's a welcome treat, now that my beloved Sno Dream is gone. Being that I have been to several locations, I dove right into the menu at the soft opening, and even returned the next morning for some more items. Here are some of my suggestions on what to try: The Iced Limonada- It's sweet lemonade drink blended with mint leaves. I would drink this beverage in the dead of winter cause I love it sooo much. If you are from Colombia or have visited, think of the coco-limonada you can get everywhere there, exactly the same taste. Bureka Treat-pastry made of phyllo dough, stuffed with hard boiled egg, tomatoes, pickles, and tahini sauce. Halva Pastry (a rich sesame pastry) with your coffee Halumi Salad-Halumi cheese, musclun, onions, cherry tomatoes, green peas and lemon and oil dressing. The prices are reasonable, the salads are in the $8 range, a large 16 oz mocha is about $4.75, all their expresso drinks come with a cute little chocolate bar. As a side note for sandwiches, they can also make a gluten free variation, and carry gluten free cookies. As a helpful hint, this coffee bar is hard to find in the mall. It's in the Old Navy Wing directly upstairs from the Hurricane Simulator Machine (what is this thing btw) and Redskins store. So if you have not tried the amazing espresso drinks, fresh pastries, turkish coffee and haloumi salads and sandwiches, I recommend you come here on your next shopping mall visit.
(4)
Jen C.
This espresso bar has got a great European feel to it: you can get coffee at the bar, you have all the baked pastries you could ever need, you get the piece of chocolate to go with your coffee, finished in a good lookin' mug. ...But I can't say that the coffee quality/taste matches its ambiance. The drinks are mediocre--I tried both the mocha and the Aroma Coffee (the cashier's favorite; it has chocolate on the bottom, a heavily creamed coffee with whipped cream on top). The mocha was too sweet and the Aroma was too bland; both were heavy in cream, cream, cream rather than a nice abundance of coffee bean flavor. After a few sips I just felt sunken in. It's a wonderful aesthetic addition to the mall and classes it up for us, but it's underwhelming if you love a fix of non-chain coffee.
(3)
T S.
15 minute ticket times for a sandwich means I don't have time to eat my lunch and get back to work unless I shove it down my throat at traffic lights very disappointed
(1)
Norah C.
I love that Bethesda has an Aroma Cafe!! This place is famous in Israel for having the best coffee and fresh salads. It is great to have a little taste of Israel in Bethesda! I got an iced coffee and the quality was good, however they are known for their blended coffee drinks. They also have a wide variety of Middle Eastern pastries like halva, ruggalah, and bureks. If I wasn't trying to be healthy, I definitely would have ordered a slew of these. I ended up ordering the haloumi salad with came with greens, tomato, red onions (and peas even though they weren't in the description). Next time, I am going to get Shaksuka, poached eggs with tomato and garlic sauce. Salad was good but obviously not as fresh as in Israel. With your coffee you get a little bit of chocolate. Definitely coming back next time I am at the Montgomery mall!
(4)
Yu W.
Not really a big coffee person overall, but I really liked it here. Being in a mall, I was pretty skeptical at first, almost anticipating that this will be a standard mall restaurant just like any other. Needless to say, upon arrival my perception changed immediately. The overall ambiance was amazing - the color scheme + the hip furniture/wall decor almost make you forget that this is a coffee shop in the mall. Aroma has both indoor/outdoor seating, both which are nice/comfortable/good place to sit down and do work or to just have a nice cup of coffee. The service here was really good. The host took a lot of time and was very patient with my order. Being a person who doesn't usually get coffee, I didn't know what to get (I asked "I want something that tastes... like coffee?" - not really sure what I was getting at there). However, the host was still very understanding and walked me through some of the menu items/gave me his recommendations. In the end I had a large skim milk latte and a personal sized steak sandwich on multi-grain bread. The steak sandwich was actually really good. It was toasted and had red cabbage - something that was almost off putting for me at first, but actually worked really well with the steak to give me both a satisfying and yummy meal. If you're looking for something salty, savory, and filling, I would definitely recommend the steak sandwich. The latte was good too - the coffee that they use is very rich and smells super good. Additionally, with each order they give you a small chocolate square, which I thought was a really nice touch. I was just looking for a place to sit down and get work done while casually sipping on a yummy drink, and Aroma did it for me. Overall, I really like the environment here. It wasn't too busy, so it's a great place to sit down and casually chill - half the time I forget that I'm even in a mall. It is a bit pricey though - 12 dollars for my latte and sandwich, but overall really great place for a nice cup of coffee.
(4)
Rob H.
Whether it's good coffee or a delicious, authentic Green Mint tea, Aroma Espresso bar is a good place to sit and get some work done.
(3)
Naman J.
If you don't mind spending a bit more for coffee but want an excellent product in return, go to Aroma Espresso Bar. This is really high-quality coffee and the presentation is equally impressive. They have a good seating area and also serve you a piece of chocolate with your coffee. They have a vast menu with quite a few food and coffee options. I had an iced latte with almond milk, and I can say it was one of the best ones I have had so far.
(5)
Shad M.
If you're at Montgomery mall and want coffee or a quick breakfast, this is the place to go! I ordered a brewed iced coffee and two eggs over easy with multigrain toast. The coffee was pretty dope and given in this fun/cute aroma cup. Eggs were good too - perfectly done. Not a fan of the multigrain toast - will chose one of the other bread options next time. The service was great. I wasn't sure if I wanted the brewed iced coffee or the iced Americano. The lady behind the counter explained the differences to me and was super helpful. My entire order was around 9 bucks. Not too bad, but maybe slightly pricey for two eggs and a coffee - but probably pretty typical for the Bethesda/Rockville area.
(4)
Sarah M.
Everyone that knows me knows that I'm a coffee aficionado. I especially love lattes, but I'm often confined to ordering my coffee from Starbucks because other coffee shops do not serve lactose free milk. So when I stumbled upon Aroma Espresso Bar in Montgomery Mall, I was a bit skeptical. Until I found out that they had soy milk! YES! I ordered a soy milk vanilla latte and it was the thing that dreams are made of. I was with my Dad, who ordered a shot of espresso, and then proceeded to rave about how good it was! This particular shop has outdoor seating and indoor seating (with TVs). We opted for the indoor seating so we could watch the basketball game. :-) Whenever I'm in the area, I'll be back. It's hard to find fresh, good-tasting coffee like the kind they serve at Aroma Espresso Bar.
(5)
Ev H.
I stopped by Aroma this morning after reading so many great Yelp reviews regarding their soy lattes. I love lattes and was ready for the best soy latte in the world. It wasn't, it was good. I like the soy milk they use, organic pacific soy milk, but in the end the texture and flavor weren't there. The latte was flat and the coffee wasn't strong enough, it fell short of my high expectations. I also ordered an omelette sandwich on a multi grain bread with avocado. They add pickles to it, which is a nice refreshing touch. Unfortunately the omelette was a bit on the dry side. If it wasn't for the avocado (which is extra $) I don't think it would have been edible. Now, why am I being so critical? Price, this place is pricey, when something costs me a pretty penny, I expect to receive high quality food, service and drinks. I ordered two large lattes and one full omelette sandwich and it cost me $25.60 and I just don't feel that the price matches the product and service.
(3)
Jason C.
I was absolutely shocked to discover this place. Most of my coffee purchases in the mall are from Starbucks. Rarely do I ever visit other chains or mom and pops stores. By no means am I a picky coffee critic as much as I am a food critic. And I feel that I do not possess the knowledge/experience with coffee to discriminate minute differences. That being said, I do know that Starbucks coffee doesn't rank very high for quality and that there is an astronomical difference between that and the coffee that is served at Aroma Espresso Bar. For those who are wondering the disparity in review ratings for Aroma, the differences largely stem from whether you try the cappuccino/latte and...everything else. The differentiator here is the froth in the cappuccino/latte. It is absolutely wonderful. I've tried the froth from lattes made from $3K Delonghi latte machines and it doesn't even come close. The froth does not "clump" and is smooth as silk. I have yet to find any coffee shop in the Maryland area (not DC) that produces coffee this good. The setup here is great as well. It's very modern, spacious, clean, and well-maintained. Little did I know I would be spending over 30 minutes sipping coffee in a mall....but it happened (which may not be the best way to do business for a coffee shop inside a mall but whatever). If you are in Montgomery Mall and are in need of coffee (specifically latte), I strongly suggest you head here instead of heading to the Nordstrom coffee shop or Starbucks. You won't regret it.
(5)
Kevin D.
Aroma@Montgomery Mall is a delicious treat. A small cafe feel serving fresh pastries, salads & sandwiches. I've tried the chocolate croissant-delicious. Worth another visit.
(4)
Caiti S.
A cute little coffee and lunch spot, tucked away in a random hallway of the Montgomery Mall, comes to us by way of Israel. There are booths and tables galore, and some of the booths have outlets (only one though!) for electronics. The digital menu above the register rapidly changes, so the cashier handed me a paper menu. (Am I old?!?!?!) I had a delightful latte and egg&cheese croissant. The latte was served with a small piece of chocolate, which pretty much won me over. I stayed there for a couple hours, working on my laptop with a friend, and although it got busy, the noise level was never distracting. This really is a nice alternative to Starbucks for those that would like to chill in a coffee shop.
(4)
Jane A.
This place is rather convenient because it has a range of options: sandwiches, salads, and all sorts of coffee drinks and a pretty good lemonade. BUT. The staff is terrible, the girl at the counter looked super exhausted and unhappy to be there and when I asked to take the rest of my meal to go there was some attitude. If you're around and hungry stop by California Pizza Kitchen instead. Unless you must have eggs, then try your luck here.
(3)
Vishal S.
This is one of the better places to sit and enjoy a coffee drink and some food too. Drinks are perfectly made and come with a small chocolate square to nibble on! They have a good selection of coffee drinks, lunch and snack items to choose from. The place is quite hip for you to hang around with your coffee.
(4)
Bruce G.
I usually want to visit a place more than once before rating it, and it seems that I charitably rated this place at 4 stars last time even though the Earl Grey tea I had wasn't as flavorful as I'd like. After today's visit, I feel more confident that 4 stars is appropriate; I had a more flavorful cup of tea this time, and a nice (although small) pastry. My wife accompanied me this time, and she had two types of coffee drink (iced coffee, and later on Turkish coffee) as well as having some food from the "breakfast all day" menu and a pastry (coincidentally, the same pastry I had today). Her comments were all positive, especially on the Turkish coffee, and this is being factored into my rating as well. The prices are rather high, one reason for not giving it 5 stars: I think my pastry was rather smaller than what I might get at Starbucks and yet more costly, and I know the tea cost more, though it's hard to compare sizes because the cups are so different in shape. My wife also remarked that the prices were on the high side.
(4)
Mackenzie K.
Aroma is a lovely coffee shop in the Westfield Montgomery Mall, right near Blaze/ Cheesecake Factory. They have a digital menu above the registers that are easy to read and there are lots of tables/ booths to sit. The men on staff seem to be fast and kind. The women I've had wait on me though, I guess have a issue with something because they always have a I don't want to be here attitude. The coffee I've had has been very good, but at a steep price, $7 for a latte is a little much, but maybe the mini choose bar they give you with each will help you forget about the price!
(4)
Jenn L.
Hm, what is up with the long line and wait? Let me tell you why! OH MY! This place serves up some mad lattes. As a person who enjoys drinking coffee, I cannot get enough of their soy hazelnut latte! So smooth and delicious! Do you like hazelnut? Order this drink and you can thank me later. They also sell cute tumblr and mugs in front. Perfect for gifting or personal use at home or the office. If you're shopping at the Montgomery mall, stop by this small coffee shop next to Nordies (Nordstrom). If I lived in MD, I would frequent this coffee shop.
(5)
Shawn H.
I don't frequently edit my reviews, but this is a "special situation" that needs and edit! I was hungry and got miffed on a visit where a food service rep was oblivious to me, the only customer walking in, as she commanded the attention of every dude working in the place (there are no women). I left and returned since I didn't want to go ALL THE WAY over to Nordstrom Ebar... so my "review" was more of a rant. Who cares about any of that, right? So, the place is more than "okay" and for a mall? It's excellent. In fact, it's just excellent. Sure, the people working could be a little more on point, but to be fair, the sales rep chic storming in was pretty commanding (and pretty), so that's kind of how things work. I'm an old fat guy. I don't think they even noticed I was there. Whatever. All food and coffee I've had here have been VERY good and other than the one trip that spurred my rant/review, the service has been just fine. This is a HUGE departure and GIANT step up from the Caribou Coffee that used to be located in the center of the mall. I'm at the mall more than once a week. This has been and will continue to be a favorite stop!
(5)
Salvador C.
The croissants are good but the manager lady is rude and obnoxious, obviously not trained to address customers. She served me an old, cold bagel and rolled her eyes back when I asked it to be changed.
(1)
Shuk C.
Finally a good coffee place at a mall! I was returning something at the mall and being a coffee addict, I saw Aroma Espresso Bar and it immediate caught my interest. It was a relatively warm day in the winter so I ordered an ice latte and whoa! I was very impress! I like my coffee on the dark roast side and despite all the milk in the latte, I can still taste the strong espresso and the latte was really rich and smooth. It was a very good ice latte. They also gave me a milk chocolate bar to go with my coffee as well. My afternoon coffee craving was satisfied.
(4)
Mark N.
Loved it you guys have to try their ice coffee and the burecas with the tomato and tehini it's a well worth breakfast.
(5)
Priscilla Y.
Cute setup. Great idea. Terrible location. It's located in the wing of the mall where all the crappy stores are. Apparently, this has been opened since the beginning of the year and this is the first time I've noticed this place. Kind of pricey for hot chocolate. About $4. At Starbucks, which by the way just opened up next to Macy's on the upper level, you can get a grande for that price! They put pieces of chocolate in a mug and pour hot milk over it aaaaannnd you stir it yourself. It's alright. I can't say this is the best hot chocolate I've had. Their Sachlav sounds interesting though (Sweet, milk-based pudding with coconut, pistachio and cinnamon). The pastries here are about half the size of other bakeries for about the same price. So if you've got extra dough, go ahead and try it out. I also had the egg and cheese croissant. It looked like a really sad, flat sandwich. :( Mediocre and a little too greasy. At least they had Tabasco sauce to make it a little better. Oh yeah, they give you a piece of chocolate with your order! Not great quality chocolate, but still sweet.
(3)
Dee B.
A good place for a leisurely pick-me-up in the mall, Aroma is a welcome addition to the crazy Montgomery shopping scene. However, I was a bit disappointed in my mocha - although the overall taste was very good, it lacked much of a coffee/espresso taste at all. The menu does sound tempting, and they do offer various gluten-free options, so I will probably return.
(3)
Caroline N.
I like the atmosphere of this place a LOT.... Although it's INSIDE the mall, it doesn't feel like it. It's got enough square footage to stand on it's own. The area is actually nice and quiet (end of the hall way, towards an exit point to the outside parking lot). I'm a sucker for "modern & contemporary" coffee shops! Love the interior design and the branding they've accomplished (props to them!!) Everything's nice and color coordinated, and they have their logo on their cups, napkins, small chocolates hand-outs... mmm NICE! Coffee wasn't anything amazing, but my friend and I finished both of our drinks (so NOT bad, just "regular") If I lived in the area, I'd probably come again with my laptop. I did see a bunch of people on their laptops doing work-like stuff. Their prices are a wee bit high, but if you're planning to stay there for awhile, no problem paying a $1 extra for awesome ambiance.
(5)
Parul M.
Great customer service. Yummy food. I came here with a couple girlfriends and was pleasantly surprised on how nice it was. They personalize each order with your name so you know when your food is ready. They're also very quick with service. I would have to say that their coffee station is very legit. My girlfriend bought a frozen drink and OMG so much better than Starbucks. I will definitely be back! -big sandwich portions: Like huge. -salads: fresh, crisp. -coffee: amazing.
(5)
Wesley Y.
Came here with a friend and she ordered a soy latte before 5 other customers, but ended up getting served after all of them. Good thing we weren't in a rush or anything but their system is weird. Most places make things in order this place probably saw that we were asian and bumped us back a few spots. Gotta serve the rich white folks first. Definitely very pricey coffee shop but I guess their worth the wait. The chocolate they give you with the drink is delicious
(3)
Diane T.
The review by Doan was spot on, first impressions are everything. Cashier made me feel like she was doing me a favor and had no personality. Aroma, if you are going to survive in this location, you will need a smiling face greeting people not a sour puss.
(3)
Vincent V.
Don't be mistaken by the location being attached to a mall. The same great food, coffee and decor of the others! Aroma offers a great lunch and snack menu with lots of healthy options as well as the treats we try to stay away from. Their coffee and espresso is a step above Starbucks and others and all drinks come with a chocolate treat. Good seating, friendly staff and reliable internet and plugs in the booths. Highly recommend if you are in the area!
(5)
Deddy F.
This place has great unique food and very very good coffee. I work in the mall and used to go to Starbucks two times a day, until I discovered this place. They use Italian coffee that puts Starbucks to shame! The food menu is like a small restaurant, Panera style serving, fast and good. The portions are much larger then Panera and the quality is the same or higher. It looks like a national brand but I've never seen another one like it in this area (I live in Rockville). They also have free WiFi which is a big plus for me, when I'm on my lunch breaks I bring my tablet and blog...
(5)
Sophia W.
I love the coffee here. I usually get mocha latte and I like to break the chocolate they gave you into pieces and put it into the coffee. It tastes so good. I also had to get chocolate almond croissant when I am here. The chocolate just melt in your mouth. Itis so heavenly. Today, I tried their California sandwich. I love it. I am usually the type of person to go boring old grilled chicken sandwich but today I feel adventurous. The sound of fried egg and avocado seems very amusing to me. I am glad I tried it. It was really good. You get your food within 5-10mins and cashiers are very nice. I wish it is closer my house.
(5)
Timothy H.
What is one to do in a mall if you do not wish to shop? Drink coffee! And if you don't want starbucks, why not... the Starbucks of Israel! Apparently Aroma is the biggest coffee chain in Israel and has only recently come to America. The space is large, but really looks like a mall cafe. The coffee also tastes like a mall latte. It may not be Starbucks, but it's pretty close. That's not all bad, but compared to little boutique shops, it's not all good either, especially for the price. They have sandwiches and stuff too, but they also look like mall food. So, not surprisingly, even a highly rated mall coffee shop reminds you more of mall than coffee. It's ok, but not anything you'll remember later.
(3)
Elaine F.
I actually *want* to go to Montgomery Mall now just to come to Aroma. It's in a tucked back corner away from most of the stores so it's always quiet. The only coffee drink I've gotten here is the Turkish coffee because I can never find it anywhere else. It's so good that there's no reason for me to not get it. I would also highly recommend the Classic California Chicken Sandwich. It's full of tasty things and ginormous -- my husband and I split one and were totally satisfied. They also have USB plugs at the booths which is useful if you need to charge your phone. And a tip: The digital menu above the bar changes so if you take a long time to decide what you want, like me, ask for a paper menu.
(4)
Jheesoo A.
It is a great cafe to go to when you want to work on something on your computer while having a cup of irresistible coffee!
(5)
Stefan S.
I was amazed to find out that this espresso bar (no less in a mall) can offer exactly same quality of coffee, cappuccino, macchiato etc. as well as croissants as in a regular bar in Italy. It is very hard to find something like that around here where the cafe-leisure is in its infancy. They actually know what they are selling! Because of me being a south-European I have very high standards for coffee/brioche which cannot be meet by the popular coffee shops. However, I can recommend this bar to people with my background - you will not be disappointed :-)
(5)
Jennifer K.
Service is okay. People were nice enough but did not stand out. Food is mediocre and overpriced. Decor reminds me of Virgin Air 's kiosks. Only saving grace is the plugs and USB connects at every table. Will not come back. Unbookmarked.
(2)
Erica F.
Like how cute is this place!? What a great atmosphere! Food was great( egg & cheese on crosiant) and so was my drink( orange+carrot+apple juice)! So tasty and so filling. Plus a great staff! A little expensive for early breakfast/brunch but maybe if I go for lunch it'll seem more reasonable.
(4)
Candy M.
If you're European or you wanna have an perfect espresso this is the place!!!Thank you for your service!!!
(5)
David S.
Aroma has some good coffee! Maybe a little strong for my taste, but it still does the job. They had so many more options to choose from but I was in a hurry, so just some regular coffee and a nice Apple strudel. After a lot of cream and sugar the coffee met my standards, and the apple strudel was pretty good too. I have to say I would have given them 5 stars but when I asked the cashier what he recommended he handed me a menu. Come on man...
(4)
Meggie C.
I tried this new little place in Montgomery Mall after seeing alot of pictures from my friends. I have to say, it is quite good. I love their tuna sandwicha and coffee drinks. The place is pretty cute with comfy booths and tables. Will deffinitley go again. There lemonade is also good, made with real lemons I believe.
(4)
Crystal M.
Coffee:) Aroma !!!! This is excellent coffee. Surprisingly I'm starting to love just as much as Starbucks?!!? Could this be happening, maybe. Fresh coffee, bold flavors, many different choices. Hot chocolate is awesome probably the best iv ever had. They melt chocolate at the bottom and the marshmallows are a yummy Gooey goodness:) just try & see what you think.
(4)
Darius M.
Nice. Clean. Efficient. Best option in the area for a proper espresso drink. They have lunch food as well.
(4)
Sarah C.
4 syllables...... li-mo-na-na mmmmm~ sounds sexy plus uber refreshing *placed on forehead* Awesome Anakin (my hairstylist and all-around great guy) mentioned to try aroma espresso bar and I'm so glad I remembered today. After a workout I wanted an uber refreshing cooling nommy happy drink so limonana was perfect since I heart mint leaves. 'Tis lemonade with mint leaves in a slushie or icee form at 16 ounces totaling $4.51 (also available in 20 oz). Phew, good thing I typed this instead of saying it cuz I'd be outta breath o_o BTW the young cute gal at the register was cool since I must've seemed all outta sorts since I couldn't give her the right amount in cash (trying to get rid of coins and was mentally drained from the gym lol). This location would be fun to chat with friends while having noms and watching either of the large flat screens. Indoor seating has bar stools and table options while the outdoor section has umbrella tables. I'll try their caffeine products next but goodness the limonana was invigorating. This spot is a bit hidden if you're not familiar with Montgomery Mall but they're located in the lower level at entrance 4 or look for yogi castle.
(4)
Evan H.
Aroma espresso bar is a very nice addition to Montgomery Mall (maybe actually makes you want to go there) and the area. My mom has been telling me about this place for a while, and I didn't even realize there were a few locations in NYC. The place began in Israel and has since come to the states. While Aroma doesn't sell any pork products, the food is not kosher. Aroma is an espresso/coffee bar that also sells sandwiches, salads and breakfast -- things like eggs and french toast. The salads mostly come in 1 size, but a few comes in a regular or a large one, meant to be shared. The sandwiches all come in a half or whole. I've tried the Turkey BLT, omelet sandwich, garbonzo bean salad with chicken, aromoa special salad with tuna (not your typical smelly canned tuna that only your cat will eat) and the quinoa salad with avocado (not slices, but more of a guacamole spread). Everything I have tried has been good, but the garbanzo bean salad and the omelet sandwich are my favorites. The salads are reasonably priced, and you get more food if you eat in. The sandwiches are a little bit expensive, especially if you get a half, but the quality is quite good and it's made fresh. The coffee here is good, though I've only tried the iced coffee and taken a 1/2 pound of the cappuccino roast (to make my own iced coffee). While good, the coffee is not as dark and strong as I like it. Maybe the espresso drinks are stronger, but I prefer quartermaine just down the street (though food options there are non-existent). Overall, I think that the various vegetarian and vegan options at aroma make it a really nice place to sit and enjoy a coffee and a salad/sandwich. It should remain popular at the mall, as there aren't really many good quick food options (since the eatery sucks). **There is now a new entrance near the Macy's Homestore/Sears that takes you right into the mall where Aroma is located. Parking here is often crowded, but it keeps you from needing to walk through the mall. This is ideal.
(4)
Megan H.
Whenever I'm at a coffee shop, I tend to steer towards mochas and macchiatos, but I've heard praises about the Aroma Coffee and, well, after the cashier said it was her favorite thing on the menu, hands down, naturally, I had to give it a shot. The best part of the Aroma Coffee is the praline concoction they put at the bottom of the cup. WAIT - no, the best part is actually the whipped cream they scoop on top. ....... HOLD UP - totally forgot to mention the little chocolate they give you to enjoy with your beverage. Clearly, I love everything about this coffee and I'm speaking from an addict's point of view. A bit difficult to find (steer towards the Old Navy wing and head down the path next to Yogicastle), but once you get there, you'll find a store that is clean, modern, has plenty of seating, and furnished with multiple flat screens displaying the menu and other TV programming. Big, red, shiny espresso machines rest behind the bar, ready to pull shot after shot of dark, caffeine-concentrated liquid. I blame Aroma for igniting this insane espresso addiction I've grown into these past few weeks and for spoiling me with their sweet mixture of espresso and steaming hot milk. How am I supposed to make it through the workweek surviving on crappy K-cups now!?
(4)
Ksushen K.
Today I visited aroma coffee again. I like coming back here. I like their hot chocolate and aroma coffee. I love that they put chocolate on the bottom of the aroma coffee, that's my favorite thing there;) also I would like to mention that the staff is very friendly and nice every time I visit.
(5)
Cynthia L.
Starbucks, Panera & Vie De France combined into one place, what's not to love about that? Best things about Aroma? Goood hot chocolate; you absolutely Must ask for marshmallows and must stir!...uber flaky and hot pastries are another plus. I think I scalded my mouth on several occasions because I couldn't stop the drool from falling. I've tried an assortment of their breakfast pastries and had an egg salad sandwich for lunch - portion was tasty but wayy to big for me, must ask them to make me half the size next time. I've never seen this place quiet, weeknight, weekdays or weekends. Free wi-fi, long hours, quick and friendly staff and a super crisp/clean environment make for a great stop here. Would def recommend a visit here!
(5)
Amani A.
This place is awful!!! I rarely give one star, but I find it necessary to do so in this case. The customer service was extremely lacking in all aspects. The people that work here are plan rude. In addition the espresso shots are burned by the time they pour the shots in to make their cappuccinos it was expired and I can clearly taste it... Stay away, the prices are also ridiculous in comparison to other places
(1)
judith a.
This is my favorite cafe anywhere in DC or MD. The coffee and chocolate are delicious. The soups are great and abundant. The service is friendly: they all know my name. One is treated well to good, inexpensive and delicious food while enjoying a patio on the sun or 3 big screen tv's inside. Spotless!
(5)
Dining S.
What a find! This is NOT your average food court offering. On my first visit, there were so many things I wanted to try that I had trouble deciding. What blew me away was the number of healthy and delicious choices in salads and soups. I had the veg. Split pea. 9/10 Garbanzo bean salad 7/10 Goat cheese arugula salad 6/10 (who puts granola on a salad like this?) Double macchiato 10/10 Cafe Americano 9/10 Loved the little chocolate treat with coffee. Service encounters with four of the staff were all friendly and seemed to enjoy working there. I actually look forward to visiting again, and I rarely visit malls of any kind. I like the way it is tucked away from everything else. The outdoor patio adds to the experience.
(5)
Grace D.
AMAZING espresso. Unsweetened espresso drinks somehow taste sweet, like toffee. But if you like sweetened drinks, I recommend the "Aroma coffee." Food is also good. Very fresh.
(5)
Richard M.
Great cup of coffee. Better than Starbucks? I'd say yes. My ding is that the place is a little expensive and the location is a pain in the xxx on a busy shopping day. Went with the family for late lunch and it was really good but spent more than I thought I should have. If this place was in a better location, where you could get in and out easier, it would crush.... Here are the prices (you tell me) aroma.us/full_menu.php
(4)
Jeffrey K.
Amazing! It's about time we got one of Israel's best cafes. Love their salads and their signature hot chocolate.
(5)
Lou B.
Not only is my aroma coffee always on point, but the guy that runs the place is as nice as they come. He sat and talked with us for a while and even remembered us the next few time we stopped in.
(5)
Jeff S.
I was very excited to discover this wonderful spot. I was looking for the you know name coffee shop in the mall. This was far from what I expected to find. The tables, seating and overall ambience got me inside. The coffee was fabulous.
(5)
Benji C.
This review reflects the horrible customer service, not the drink. My latte was actually very good, which deserved a 4 or 5 star review, but the chick's sh*tty attitude deserved a 0. Do you people NOT screen applicants before sticking them up at the register? No greeting, no thank you, no interest whatsoever. She had the personality of a sponge. Seriously, I am a very easy to please person and generally don't care about a minor attitude, but when you act like I'm inconveniencing you by ordering a drink, then serve me the wrong thing, and then tell me I ordered something different you do not belong in customer service. A bitchy personality is not gonna fly in this location, I don't care how good your product is. Unreal.
(2)
Chris F.
If you've ever traveled and sampled what a REAL coffee house has to offer this is as good as it gets! Coffee is genuinely strong and served in porcelain cups the way it should be. Starbucks pales in comparison. Aroma is top notch. I wish there were more locations.
(5)
Abe F.
Great coffee, great bread, BUT considering the relatively high prices, I expect better ingredients, cleaner tables, and more polite employees. Coffee shops and cafes like this tend to skimp on paying their employees, and it shows. Many employees here, even at the management level, are simply rude (several of them are very nice, though). I visited an Aroma in New York City once and the tables were also filthy. To compete with the Starbucks standard, Aroma is going to have to adjust many elements. Even though I give it two stars, I will still be a customer every so often. Simply put, there is not yet an exceptional coffee/cafe chain in the United States, and just because Aroma has many attractive features does not earn it a 3+ star rating. There is some progress to be made in the coffee business.
(2)
Mike H.
Great coffee. Way better than other Montgomery Mall choices like Caribou, Sbux and Corner Bakery. Tasty food made to order
(4)
Michael K.
Very good sandwich's! The bread on the sandwich's is the noticeable difference; big slices and they're supper fluffy. My only problem with this place is that the prices are a bit steep, at around $10 a sandwich...
(4)
Jenny S.
The coffee is good- better than Starbucks- and the staff is really nice. My love for this place is that they serve Gluten Free bread. There is a severe lack of sandwiches in my life and this little place is a godsend especially in a mall. I'm usually a huge pain in group settings when it comes to eating because places just don't have GF options yet- this place is great!
(5)
Jackie N.
Aroma, how I love thee, let me name the ways: Amazing (huge) salads and sandwiches - ingredients are super fresh and compliment each other well. Power breakfast plate - Its like all my favorite things in one order! For $12 you get an omelet, salad, 2 types of cheese, olives, drink, bread and tahini! Yum!! Borekas! Especially the stuffed borekas are incredible and life changing - go with the potato not the cheese The ice coffee is amazing, as is the mint lemonana and the normal coffee/lattes are also great! Also the service is always very good and servers are fast and friendly. The actual restaurant is modern and clean.
(5)
gwen g.
I'm giving 5 stars to this place just based on the espresso alone. I haven't found anywhere that does a really good espresso in the States. I lived in Italy for two years and I just never expected to find a place that really knew how to do a good espresso shot because nobody really drinks it here... but this place does. I got a double shot of espresso and sat down in the cafe to get a little work done. The atmosphere is great, nice natural light coming in from outside and the espresso was really fantastic. Smooth and subtle flavor and just the right temp. I have yet to try anything else, but the pastries look good as do the sandwiches. If you're a coffee/espresso person, I'd say check this place out.
(5)
Al M.
Its a good place for a coffee and sandwiches. fhey are all fresh. I had the pastries few times they seemed like they were from few days ago.
(3)
Becky S.
Food isn't bad, but it's way overpriced.
(2)
Stefanie S.
I've been to a bunch of Aroma locations in New York and Israel, and wanted to see how the new Maryland location stacked up. The sandwich I ordered was so yummy (halloumi cheese with lettuce, pickles, and tomato) and so was the fresh mint tea. The barista was even patient with me as I practiced my (pretty rudimentary) Hebrew. I'll be back soon to try the espresso drinks and the salads.
(5)
A K.
We ordered an Aroma Coffee, latte, salmon sandwich and Bureka Treat. The salmon sandwich was excellent and the Bureka Treat was pretty good. The Aroma Coffee is nice and sweet. The latte was ok, definitely better than the chains, but we've had better elsewhere (i.e. Dolcezza). Nevertheless, they are a refreshing change from the usual chains in the area. The little chocolate they give you with your coffee is a nice touch as well and delicious.
(4)
Kate L.
This is the place I go everyday for my coffee, very high quality and inexpensive love the taste of the cappuccino and their pastries are worth to try
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Massiel G.
Came here for breakfast with my brother I really enjoy it very much will come back with the hubby and kids they will enjoy very much. The prices are a little high but worth it!!!! And you can also eat outside. The decor very nice.
(4)Rakhi B.
Very disappointed. Not the Aroma experience I am used to. The barista pretty much poured milk over coffee and shoved the cup under my chin. Then I see him making out with his girlfriend !! If I were the owner I would make sure I hired staff that upheld the reputation of the place.
(1)Sahar R.
Aroma Expresso Bar brings together two of my favorite things: good coffee and Mediterranean/middle eastern food. It's an Israeli espresso and coffee chain with hundreds of branches across the globe (Poland, Ukraine, Canada) and a couple of branches in the U.S. (Miami and NYC, some random mall in New Jersey). Randomly, it's first appearance in the DC area is within the confines of Montgomery Mall. For me it's a welcome treat, now that my beloved Sno Dream is gone. Being that I have been to several locations, I dove right into the menu at the soft opening, and even returned the next morning for some more items. Here are some of my suggestions on what to try: The Iced Limonada- It's sweet lemonade drink blended with mint leaves. I would drink this beverage in the dead of winter cause I love it sooo much. If you are from Colombia or have visited, think of the coco-limonada you can get everywhere there, exactly the same taste. Bureka Treat-pastry made of phyllo dough, stuffed with hard boiled egg, tomatoes, pickles, and tahini sauce. Halva Pastry (a rich sesame pastry) with your coffee Halumi Salad-Halumi cheese, musclun, onions, cherry tomatoes, green peas and lemon and oil dressing. The prices are reasonable, the salads are in the $8 range, a large 16 oz mocha is about $4.75, all their expresso drinks come with a cute little chocolate bar. As a side note for sandwiches, they can also make a gluten free variation, and carry gluten free cookies. As a helpful hint, this coffee bar is hard to find in the mall. It's in the Old Navy Wing directly upstairs from the Hurricane Simulator Machine (what is this thing btw) and Redskins store. So if you have not tried the amazing espresso drinks, fresh pastries, turkish coffee and haloumi salads and sandwiches, I recommend you come here on your next shopping mall visit.
(4)Jen C.
This espresso bar has got a great European feel to it: you can get coffee at the bar, you have all the baked pastries you could ever need, you get the piece of chocolate to go with your coffee, finished in a good lookin' mug. ...But I can't say that the coffee quality/taste matches its ambiance. The drinks are mediocre--I tried both the mocha and the Aroma Coffee (the cashier's favorite; it has chocolate on the bottom, a heavily creamed coffee with whipped cream on top). The mocha was too sweet and the Aroma was too bland; both were heavy in cream, cream, cream rather than a nice abundance of coffee bean flavor. After a few sips I just felt sunken in. It's a wonderful aesthetic addition to the mall and classes it up for us, but it's underwhelming if you love a fix of non-chain coffee.
(3)T S.
15 minute ticket times for a sandwich means I don't have time to eat my lunch and get back to work unless I shove it down my throat at traffic lights very disappointed
(1)Norah C.
I love that Bethesda has an Aroma Cafe!! This place is famous in Israel for having the best coffee and fresh salads. It is great to have a little taste of Israel in Bethesda! I got an iced coffee and the quality was good, however they are known for their blended coffee drinks. They also have a wide variety of Middle Eastern pastries like halva, ruggalah, and bureks. If I wasn't trying to be healthy, I definitely would have ordered a slew of these. I ended up ordering the haloumi salad with came with greens, tomato, red onions (and peas even though they weren't in the description). Next time, I am going to get Shaksuka, poached eggs with tomato and garlic sauce. Salad was good but obviously not as fresh as in Israel. With your coffee you get a little bit of chocolate. Definitely coming back next time I am at the Montgomery mall!
(4)Yu W.
Not really a big coffee person overall, but I really liked it here. Being in a mall, I was pretty skeptical at first, almost anticipating that this will be a standard mall restaurant just like any other. Needless to say, upon arrival my perception changed immediately. The overall ambiance was amazing - the color scheme + the hip furniture/wall decor almost make you forget that this is a coffee shop in the mall. Aroma has both indoor/outdoor seating, both which are nice/comfortable/good place to sit down and do work or to just have a nice cup of coffee. The service here was really good. The host took a lot of time and was very patient with my order. Being a person who doesn't usually get coffee, I didn't know what to get (I asked "I want something that tastes... like coffee?" - not really sure what I was getting at there). However, the host was still very understanding and walked me through some of the menu items/gave me his recommendations. In the end I had a large skim milk latte and a personal sized steak sandwich on multi-grain bread. The steak sandwich was actually really good. It was toasted and had red cabbage - something that was almost off putting for me at first, but actually worked really well with the steak to give me both a satisfying and yummy meal. If you're looking for something salty, savory, and filling, I would definitely recommend the steak sandwich. The latte was good too - the coffee that they use is very rich and smells super good. Additionally, with each order they give you a small chocolate square, which I thought was a really nice touch. I was just looking for a place to sit down and get work done while casually sipping on a yummy drink, and Aroma did it for me. Overall, I really like the environment here. It wasn't too busy, so it's a great place to sit down and casually chill - half the time I forget that I'm even in a mall. It is a bit pricey though - 12 dollars for my latte and sandwich, but overall really great place for a nice cup of coffee.
(4)Rob H.
Whether it's good coffee or a delicious, authentic Green Mint tea, Aroma Espresso bar is a good place to sit and get some work done.
(3)Naman J.
If you don't mind spending a bit more for coffee but want an excellent product in return, go to Aroma Espresso Bar. This is really high-quality coffee and the presentation is equally impressive. They have a good seating area and also serve you a piece of chocolate with your coffee. They have a vast menu with quite a few food and coffee options. I had an iced latte with almond milk, and I can say it was one of the best ones I have had so far.
(5)Shad M.
If you're at Montgomery mall and want coffee or a quick breakfast, this is the place to go! I ordered a brewed iced coffee and two eggs over easy with multigrain toast. The coffee was pretty dope and given in this fun/cute aroma cup. Eggs were good too - perfectly done. Not a fan of the multigrain toast - will chose one of the other bread options next time. The service was great. I wasn't sure if I wanted the brewed iced coffee or the iced Americano. The lady behind the counter explained the differences to me and was super helpful. My entire order was around 9 bucks. Not too bad, but maybe slightly pricey for two eggs and a coffee - but probably pretty typical for the Bethesda/Rockville area.
(4)Sarah M.
Everyone that knows me knows that I'm a coffee aficionado. I especially love lattes, but I'm often confined to ordering my coffee from Starbucks because other coffee shops do not serve lactose free milk. So when I stumbled upon Aroma Espresso Bar in Montgomery Mall, I was a bit skeptical. Until I found out that they had soy milk! YES! I ordered a soy milk vanilla latte and it was the thing that dreams are made of. I was with my Dad, who ordered a shot of espresso, and then proceeded to rave about how good it was! This particular shop has outdoor seating and indoor seating (with TVs). We opted for the indoor seating so we could watch the basketball game. :-) Whenever I'm in the area, I'll be back. It's hard to find fresh, good-tasting coffee like the kind they serve at Aroma Espresso Bar.
(5)Ev H.
I stopped by Aroma this morning after reading so many great Yelp reviews regarding their soy lattes. I love lattes and was ready for the best soy latte in the world. It wasn't, it was good. I like the soy milk they use, organic pacific soy milk, but in the end the texture and flavor weren't there. The latte was flat and the coffee wasn't strong enough, it fell short of my high expectations. I also ordered an omelette sandwich on a multi grain bread with avocado. They add pickles to it, which is a nice refreshing touch. Unfortunately the omelette was a bit on the dry side. If it wasn't for the avocado (which is extra $) I don't think it would have been edible. Now, why am I being so critical? Price, this place is pricey, when something costs me a pretty penny, I expect to receive high quality food, service and drinks. I ordered two large lattes and one full omelette sandwich and it cost me $25.60 and I just don't feel that the price matches the product and service.
(3)Jason C.
I was absolutely shocked to discover this place. Most of my coffee purchases in the mall are from Starbucks. Rarely do I ever visit other chains or mom and pops stores. By no means am I a picky coffee critic as much as I am a food critic. And I feel that I do not possess the knowledge/experience with coffee to discriminate minute differences. That being said, I do know that Starbucks coffee doesn't rank very high for quality and that there is an astronomical difference between that and the coffee that is served at Aroma Espresso Bar. For those who are wondering the disparity in review ratings for Aroma, the differences largely stem from whether you try the cappuccino/latte and...everything else. The differentiator here is the froth in the cappuccino/latte. It is absolutely wonderful. I've tried the froth from lattes made from $3K Delonghi latte machines and it doesn't even come close. The froth does not "clump" and is smooth as silk. I have yet to find any coffee shop in the Maryland area (not DC) that produces coffee this good. The setup here is great as well. It's very modern, spacious, clean, and well-maintained. Little did I know I would be spending over 30 minutes sipping coffee in a mall....but it happened (which may not be the best way to do business for a coffee shop inside a mall but whatever). If you are in Montgomery Mall and are in need of coffee (specifically latte), I strongly suggest you head here instead of heading to the Nordstrom coffee shop or Starbucks. You won't regret it.
(5)Kevin D.
Aroma@Montgomery Mall is a delicious treat. A small cafe feel serving fresh pastries, salads & sandwiches. I've tried the chocolate croissant-delicious. Worth another visit.
(4)Caiti S.
A cute little coffee and lunch spot, tucked away in a random hallway of the Montgomery Mall, comes to us by way of Israel. There are booths and tables galore, and some of the booths have outlets (only one though!) for electronics. The digital menu above the register rapidly changes, so the cashier handed me a paper menu. (Am I old?!?!?!) I had a delightful latte and egg&cheese croissant. The latte was served with a small piece of chocolate, which pretty much won me over. I stayed there for a couple hours, working on my laptop with a friend, and although it got busy, the noise level was never distracting. This really is a nice alternative to Starbucks for those that would like to chill in a coffee shop.
(4)Jane A.
This place is rather convenient because it has a range of options: sandwiches, salads, and all sorts of coffee drinks and a pretty good lemonade. BUT. The staff is terrible, the girl at the counter looked super exhausted and unhappy to be there and when I asked to take the rest of my meal to go there was some attitude. If you're around and hungry stop by California Pizza Kitchen instead. Unless you must have eggs, then try your luck here.
(3)Vishal S.
This is one of the better places to sit and enjoy a coffee drink and some food too. Drinks are perfectly made and come with a small chocolate square to nibble on! They have a good selection of coffee drinks, lunch and snack items to choose from. The place is quite hip for you to hang around with your coffee.
(4)Bruce G.
I usually want to visit a place more than once before rating it, and it seems that I charitably rated this place at 4 stars last time even though the Earl Grey tea I had wasn't as flavorful as I'd like. After today's visit, I feel more confident that 4 stars is appropriate; I had a more flavorful cup of tea this time, and a nice (although small) pastry. My wife accompanied me this time, and she had two types of coffee drink (iced coffee, and later on Turkish coffee) as well as having some food from the "breakfast all day" menu and a pastry (coincidentally, the same pastry I had today). Her comments were all positive, especially on the Turkish coffee, and this is being factored into my rating as well. The prices are rather high, one reason for not giving it 5 stars: I think my pastry was rather smaller than what I might get at Starbucks and yet more costly, and I know the tea cost more, though it's hard to compare sizes because the cups are so different in shape. My wife also remarked that the prices were on the high side.
(4)Mackenzie K.
Aroma is a lovely coffee shop in the Westfield Montgomery Mall, right near Blaze/ Cheesecake Factory. They have a digital menu above the registers that are easy to read and there are lots of tables/ booths to sit. The men on staff seem to be fast and kind. The women I've had wait on me though, I guess have a issue with something because they always have a I don't want to be here attitude. The coffee I've had has been very good, but at a steep price, $7 for a latte is a little much, but maybe the mini choose bar they give you with each will help you forget about the price!
(4)Jenn L.
Hm, what is up with the long line and wait? Let me tell you why! OH MY! This place serves up some mad lattes. As a person who enjoys drinking coffee, I cannot get enough of their soy hazelnut latte! So smooth and delicious! Do you like hazelnut? Order this drink and you can thank me later. They also sell cute tumblr and mugs in front. Perfect for gifting or personal use at home or the office. If you're shopping at the Montgomery mall, stop by this small coffee shop next to Nordies (Nordstrom). If I lived in MD, I would frequent this coffee shop.
(5)Shawn H.
I don't frequently edit my reviews, but this is a "special situation" that needs and edit! I was hungry and got miffed on a visit where a food service rep was oblivious to me, the only customer walking in, as she commanded the attention of every dude working in the place (there are no women). I left and returned since I didn't want to go ALL THE WAY over to Nordstrom Ebar... so my "review" was more of a rant. Who cares about any of that, right? So, the place is more than "okay" and for a mall? It's excellent. In fact, it's just excellent. Sure, the people working could be a little more on point, but to be fair, the sales rep chic storming in was pretty commanding (and pretty), so that's kind of how things work. I'm an old fat guy. I don't think they even noticed I was there. Whatever. All food and coffee I've had here have been VERY good and other than the one trip that spurred my rant/review, the service has been just fine. This is a HUGE departure and GIANT step up from the Caribou Coffee that used to be located in the center of the mall. I'm at the mall more than once a week. This has been and will continue to be a favorite stop!
(5)Salvador C.
The croissants are good but the manager lady is rude and obnoxious, obviously not trained to address customers. She served me an old, cold bagel and rolled her eyes back when I asked it to be changed.
(1)Shuk C.
Finally a good coffee place at a mall! I was returning something at the mall and being a coffee addict, I saw Aroma Espresso Bar and it immediate caught my interest. It was a relatively warm day in the winter so I ordered an ice latte and whoa! I was very impress! I like my coffee on the dark roast side and despite all the milk in the latte, I can still taste the strong espresso and the latte was really rich and smooth. It was a very good ice latte. They also gave me a milk chocolate bar to go with my coffee as well. My afternoon coffee craving was satisfied.
(4)Mark N.
Loved it you guys have to try their ice coffee and the burecas with the tomato and tehini it's a well worth breakfast.
(5)Priscilla Y.
Cute setup. Great idea. Terrible location. It's located in the wing of the mall where all the crappy stores are. Apparently, this has been opened since the beginning of the year and this is the first time I've noticed this place. Kind of pricey for hot chocolate. About $4. At Starbucks, which by the way just opened up next to Macy's on the upper level, you can get a grande for that price! They put pieces of chocolate in a mug and pour hot milk over it aaaaannnd you stir it yourself. It's alright. I can't say this is the best hot chocolate I've had. Their Sachlav sounds interesting though (Sweet, milk-based pudding with coconut, pistachio and cinnamon). The pastries here are about half the size of other bakeries for about the same price. So if you've got extra dough, go ahead and try it out. I also had the egg and cheese croissant. It looked like a really sad, flat sandwich. :( Mediocre and a little too greasy. At least they had Tabasco sauce to make it a little better. Oh yeah, they give you a piece of chocolate with your order! Not great quality chocolate, but still sweet.
(3)Dee B.
A good place for a leisurely pick-me-up in the mall, Aroma is a welcome addition to the crazy Montgomery shopping scene. However, I was a bit disappointed in my mocha - although the overall taste was very good, it lacked much of a coffee/espresso taste at all. The menu does sound tempting, and they do offer various gluten-free options, so I will probably return.
(3)Caroline N.
I like the atmosphere of this place a LOT.... Although it's INSIDE the mall, it doesn't feel like it. It's got enough square footage to stand on it's own. The area is actually nice and quiet (end of the hall way, towards an exit point to the outside parking lot). I'm a sucker for "modern & contemporary" coffee shops! Love the interior design and the branding they've accomplished (props to them!!) Everything's nice and color coordinated, and they have their logo on their cups, napkins, small chocolates hand-outs... mmm NICE! Coffee wasn't anything amazing, but my friend and I finished both of our drinks (so NOT bad, just "regular") If I lived in the area, I'd probably come again with my laptop. I did see a bunch of people on their laptops doing work-like stuff. Their prices are a wee bit high, but if you're planning to stay there for awhile, no problem paying a $1 extra for awesome ambiance.
(5)Parul M.
Great customer service. Yummy food. I came here with a couple girlfriends and was pleasantly surprised on how nice it was. They personalize each order with your name so you know when your food is ready. They're also very quick with service. I would have to say that their coffee station is very legit. My girlfriend bought a frozen drink and OMG so much better than Starbucks. I will definitely be back! -big sandwich portions: Like huge. -salads: fresh, crisp. -coffee: amazing.
(5)Wesley Y.
Came here with a friend and she ordered a soy latte before 5 other customers, but ended up getting served after all of them. Good thing we weren't in a rush or anything but their system is weird. Most places make things in order this place probably saw that we were asian and bumped us back a few spots. Gotta serve the rich white folks first. Definitely very pricey coffee shop but I guess their worth the wait. The chocolate they give you with the drink is delicious
(3)Diane T.
The review by Doan was spot on, first impressions are everything. Cashier made me feel like she was doing me a favor and had no personality. Aroma, if you are going to survive in this location, you will need a smiling face greeting people not a sour puss.
(3)Vincent V.
Don't be mistaken by the location being attached to a mall. The same great food, coffee and decor of the others! Aroma offers a great lunch and snack menu with lots of healthy options as well as the treats we try to stay away from. Their coffee and espresso is a step above Starbucks and others and all drinks come with a chocolate treat. Good seating, friendly staff and reliable internet and plugs in the booths. Highly recommend if you are in the area!
(5)Deddy F.
This place has great unique food and very very good coffee. I work in the mall and used to go to Starbucks two times a day, until I discovered this place. They use Italian coffee that puts Starbucks to shame! The food menu is like a small restaurant, Panera style serving, fast and good. The portions are much larger then Panera and the quality is the same or higher. It looks like a national brand but I've never seen another one like it in this area (I live in Rockville). They also have free WiFi which is a big plus for me, when I'm on my lunch breaks I bring my tablet and blog...
(5)Sophia W.
I love the coffee here. I usually get mocha latte and I like to break the chocolate they gave you into pieces and put it into the coffee. It tastes so good. I also had to get chocolate almond croissant when I am here. The chocolate just melt in your mouth. Itis so heavenly. Today, I tried their California sandwich. I love it. I am usually the type of person to go boring old grilled chicken sandwich but today I feel adventurous. The sound of fried egg and avocado seems very amusing to me. I am glad I tried it. It was really good. You get your food within 5-10mins and cashiers are very nice. I wish it is closer my house.
(5)Timothy H.
What is one to do in a mall if you do not wish to shop? Drink coffee! And if you don't want starbucks, why not... the Starbucks of Israel! Apparently Aroma is the biggest coffee chain in Israel and has only recently come to America. The space is large, but really looks like a mall cafe. The coffee also tastes like a mall latte. It may not be Starbucks, but it's pretty close. That's not all bad, but compared to little boutique shops, it's not all good either, especially for the price. They have sandwiches and stuff too, but they also look like mall food. So, not surprisingly, even a highly rated mall coffee shop reminds you more of mall than coffee. It's ok, but not anything you'll remember later.
(3)Elaine F.
I actually *want* to go to Montgomery Mall now just to come to Aroma. It's in a tucked back corner away from most of the stores so it's always quiet. The only coffee drink I've gotten here is the Turkish coffee because I can never find it anywhere else. It's so good that there's no reason for me to not get it. I would also highly recommend the Classic California Chicken Sandwich. It's full of tasty things and ginormous -- my husband and I split one and were totally satisfied. They also have USB plugs at the booths which is useful if you need to charge your phone. And a tip: The digital menu above the bar changes so if you take a long time to decide what you want, like me, ask for a paper menu.
(4)Jheesoo A.
It is a great cafe to go to when you want to work on something on your computer while having a cup of irresistible coffee!
(5)Stefan S.
I was amazed to find out that this espresso bar (no less in a mall) can offer exactly same quality of coffee, cappuccino, macchiato etc. as well as croissants as in a regular bar in Italy. It is very hard to find something like that around here where the cafe-leisure is in its infancy. They actually know what they are selling! Because of me being a south-European I have very high standards for coffee/brioche which cannot be meet by the popular coffee shops. However, I can recommend this bar to people with my background - you will not be disappointed :-)
(5)Jennifer K.
Service is okay. People were nice enough but did not stand out. Food is mediocre and overpriced. Decor reminds me of Virgin Air 's kiosks. Only saving grace is the plugs and USB connects at every table. Will not come back. Unbookmarked.
(2)Erica F.
Like how cute is this place!? What a great atmosphere! Food was great( egg & cheese on crosiant) and so was my drink( orange+carrot+apple juice)! So tasty and so filling. Plus a great staff! A little expensive for early breakfast/brunch but maybe if I go for lunch it'll seem more reasonable.
(4)Candy M.
If you're European or you wanna have an perfect espresso this is the place!!!Thank you for your service!!!
(5)David S.
Aroma has some good coffee! Maybe a little strong for my taste, but it still does the job. They had so many more options to choose from but I was in a hurry, so just some regular coffee and a nice Apple strudel. After a lot of cream and sugar the coffee met my standards, and the apple strudel was pretty good too. I have to say I would have given them 5 stars but when I asked the cashier what he recommended he handed me a menu. Come on man...
(4)Meggie C.
I tried this new little place in Montgomery Mall after seeing alot of pictures from my friends. I have to say, it is quite good. I love their tuna sandwicha and coffee drinks. The place is pretty cute with comfy booths and tables. Will deffinitley go again. There lemonade is also good, made with real lemons I believe.
(4)Crystal M.
Coffee:) Aroma !!!! This is excellent coffee. Surprisingly I'm starting to love just as much as Starbucks?!!? Could this be happening, maybe. Fresh coffee, bold flavors, many different choices. Hot chocolate is awesome probably the best iv ever had. They melt chocolate at the bottom and the marshmallows are a yummy Gooey goodness:) just try & see what you think.
(4)Darius M.
Nice. Clean. Efficient. Best option in the area for a proper espresso drink. They have lunch food as well.
(4)Sarah C.
4 syllables...... li-mo-na-na mmmmm~ sounds sexy plus uber refreshing *placed on forehead* Awesome Anakin (my hairstylist and all-around great guy) mentioned to try aroma espresso bar and I'm so glad I remembered today. After a workout I wanted an uber refreshing cooling nommy happy drink so limonana was perfect since I heart mint leaves. 'Tis lemonade with mint leaves in a slushie or icee form at 16 ounces totaling $4.51 (also available in 20 oz). Phew, good thing I typed this instead of saying it cuz I'd be outta breath o_o BTW the young cute gal at the register was cool since I must've seemed all outta sorts since I couldn't give her the right amount in cash (trying to get rid of coins and was mentally drained from the gym lol). This location would be fun to chat with friends while having noms and watching either of the large flat screens. Indoor seating has bar stools and table options while the outdoor section has umbrella tables. I'll try their caffeine products next but goodness the limonana was invigorating. This spot is a bit hidden if you're not familiar with Montgomery Mall but they're located in the lower level at entrance 4 or look for yogi castle.
(4)Evan H.
Aroma espresso bar is a very nice addition to Montgomery Mall (maybe actually makes you want to go there) and the area. My mom has been telling me about this place for a while, and I didn't even realize there were a few locations in NYC. The place began in Israel and has since come to the states. While Aroma doesn't sell any pork products, the food is not kosher. Aroma is an espresso/coffee bar that also sells sandwiches, salads and breakfast -- things like eggs and french toast. The salads mostly come in 1 size, but a few comes in a regular or a large one, meant to be shared. The sandwiches all come in a half or whole. I've tried the Turkey BLT, omelet sandwich, garbonzo bean salad with chicken, aromoa special salad with tuna (not your typical smelly canned tuna that only your cat will eat) and the quinoa salad with avocado (not slices, but more of a guacamole spread). Everything I have tried has been good, but the garbanzo bean salad and the omelet sandwich are my favorites. The salads are reasonably priced, and you get more food if you eat in. The sandwiches are a little bit expensive, especially if you get a half, but the quality is quite good and it's made fresh. The coffee here is good, though I've only tried the iced coffee and taken a 1/2 pound of the cappuccino roast (to make my own iced coffee). While good, the coffee is not as dark and strong as I like it. Maybe the espresso drinks are stronger, but I prefer quartermaine just down the street (though food options there are non-existent). Overall, I think that the various vegetarian and vegan options at aroma make it a really nice place to sit and enjoy a coffee and a salad/sandwich. It should remain popular at the mall, as there aren't really many good quick food options (since the eatery sucks). **There is now a new entrance near the Macy's Homestore/Sears that takes you right into the mall where Aroma is located. Parking here is often crowded, but it keeps you from needing to walk through the mall. This is ideal.
(4)Megan H.
Whenever I'm at a coffee shop, I tend to steer towards mochas and macchiatos, but I've heard praises about the Aroma Coffee and, well, after the cashier said it was her favorite thing on the menu, hands down, naturally, I had to give it a shot. The best part of the Aroma Coffee is the praline concoction they put at the bottom of the cup. WAIT - no, the best part is actually the whipped cream they scoop on top. ....... HOLD UP - totally forgot to mention the little chocolate they give you to enjoy with your beverage. Clearly, I love everything about this coffee and I'm speaking from an addict's point of view. A bit difficult to find (steer towards the Old Navy wing and head down the path next to Yogicastle), but once you get there, you'll find a store that is clean, modern, has plenty of seating, and furnished with multiple flat screens displaying the menu and other TV programming. Big, red, shiny espresso machines rest behind the bar, ready to pull shot after shot of dark, caffeine-concentrated liquid. I blame Aroma for igniting this insane espresso addiction I've grown into these past few weeks and for spoiling me with their sweet mixture of espresso and steaming hot milk. How am I supposed to make it through the workweek surviving on crappy K-cups now!?
(4)Ksushen K.
Today I visited aroma coffee again. I like coming back here. I like their hot chocolate and aroma coffee. I love that they put chocolate on the bottom of the aroma coffee, that's my favorite thing there;) also I would like to mention that the staff is very friendly and nice every time I visit.
(5)Cynthia L.
Starbucks, Panera & Vie De France combined into one place, what's not to love about that? Best things about Aroma? Goood hot chocolate; you absolutely Must ask for marshmallows and must stir!...uber flaky and hot pastries are another plus. I think I scalded my mouth on several occasions because I couldn't stop the drool from falling. I've tried an assortment of their breakfast pastries and had an egg salad sandwich for lunch - portion was tasty but wayy to big for me, must ask them to make me half the size next time. I've never seen this place quiet, weeknight, weekdays or weekends. Free wi-fi, long hours, quick and friendly staff and a super crisp/clean environment make for a great stop here. Would def recommend a visit here!
(5)Amani A.
This place is awful!!! I rarely give one star, but I find it necessary to do so in this case. The customer service was extremely lacking in all aspects. The people that work here are plan rude. In addition the espresso shots are burned by the time they pour the shots in to make their cappuccinos it was expired and I can clearly taste it... Stay away, the prices are also ridiculous in comparison to other places
(1)judith a.
This is my favorite cafe anywhere in DC or MD. The coffee and chocolate are delicious. The soups are great and abundant. The service is friendly: they all know my name. One is treated well to good, inexpensive and delicious food while enjoying a patio on the sun or 3 big screen tv's inside. Spotless!
(5)Dining S.
What a find! This is NOT your average food court offering. On my first visit, there were so many things I wanted to try that I had trouble deciding. What blew me away was the number of healthy and delicious choices in salads and soups. I had the veg. Split pea. 9/10 Garbanzo bean salad 7/10 Goat cheese arugula salad 6/10 (who puts granola on a salad like this?) Double macchiato 10/10 Cafe Americano 9/10 Loved the little chocolate treat with coffee. Service encounters with four of the staff were all friendly and seemed to enjoy working there. I actually look forward to visiting again, and I rarely visit malls of any kind. I like the way it is tucked away from everything else. The outdoor patio adds to the experience.
(5)Grace D.
AMAZING espresso. Unsweetened espresso drinks somehow taste sweet, like toffee. But if you like sweetened drinks, I recommend the "Aroma coffee." Food is also good. Very fresh.
(5)Richard M.
Great cup of coffee. Better than Starbucks? I'd say yes. My ding is that the place is a little expensive and the location is a pain in the xxx on a busy shopping day. Went with the family for late lunch and it was really good but spent more than I thought I should have. If this place was in a better location, where you could get in and out easier, it would crush.... Here are the prices (you tell me) aroma.us/full_menu.php
(4)Jeffrey K.
Amazing! It's about time we got one of Israel's best cafes. Love their salads and their signature hot chocolate.
(5)Lou B.
Not only is my aroma coffee always on point, but the guy that runs the place is as nice as they come. He sat and talked with us for a while and even remembered us the next few time we stopped in.
(5)Jeff S.
I was very excited to discover this wonderful spot. I was looking for the you know name coffee shop in the mall. This was far from what I expected to find. The tables, seating and overall ambience got me inside. The coffee was fabulous.
(5)Benji C.
This review reflects the horrible customer service, not the drink. My latte was actually very good, which deserved a 4 or 5 star review, but the chick's sh*tty attitude deserved a 0. Do you people NOT screen applicants before sticking them up at the register? No greeting, no thank you, no interest whatsoever. She had the personality of a sponge. Seriously, I am a very easy to please person and generally don't care about a minor attitude, but when you act like I'm inconveniencing you by ordering a drink, then serve me the wrong thing, and then tell me I ordered something different you do not belong in customer service. A bitchy personality is not gonna fly in this location, I don't care how good your product is. Unreal.
(2)Chris F.
If you've ever traveled and sampled what a REAL coffee house has to offer this is as good as it gets! Coffee is genuinely strong and served in porcelain cups the way it should be. Starbucks pales in comparison. Aroma is top notch. I wish there were more locations.
(5)Abe F.
Great coffee, great bread, BUT considering the relatively high prices, I expect better ingredients, cleaner tables, and more polite employees. Coffee shops and cafes like this tend to skimp on paying their employees, and it shows. Many employees here, even at the management level, are simply rude (several of them are very nice, though). I visited an Aroma in New York City once and the tables were also filthy. To compete with the Starbucks standard, Aroma is going to have to adjust many elements. Even though I give it two stars, I will still be a customer every so often. Simply put, there is not yet an exceptional coffee/cafe chain in the United States, and just because Aroma has many attractive features does not earn it a 3+ star rating. There is some progress to be made in the coffee business.
(2)Mike H.
Great coffee. Way better than other Montgomery Mall choices like Caribou, Sbux and Corner Bakery. Tasty food made to order
(4)Michael K.
Very good sandwich's! The bread on the sandwich's is the noticeable difference; big slices and they're supper fluffy. My only problem with this place is that the prices are a bit steep, at around $10 a sandwich...
(4)Jenny S.
The coffee is good- better than Starbucks- and the staff is really nice. My love for this place is that they serve Gluten Free bread. There is a severe lack of sandwiches in my life and this little place is a godsend especially in a mall. I'm usually a huge pain in group settings when it comes to eating because places just don't have GF options yet- this place is great!
(5)Jackie N.
Aroma, how I love thee, let me name the ways: Amazing (huge) salads and sandwiches - ingredients are super fresh and compliment each other well. Power breakfast plate - Its like all my favorite things in one order! For $12 you get an omelet, salad, 2 types of cheese, olives, drink, bread and tahini! Yum!! Borekas! Especially the stuffed borekas are incredible and life changing - go with the potato not the cheese The ice coffee is amazing, as is the mint lemonana and the normal coffee/lattes are also great! Also the service is always very good and servers are fast and friendly. The actual restaurant is modern and clean.
(5)gwen g.
I'm giving 5 stars to this place just based on the espresso alone. I haven't found anywhere that does a really good espresso in the States. I lived in Italy for two years and I just never expected to find a place that really knew how to do a good espresso shot because nobody really drinks it here... but this place does. I got a double shot of espresso and sat down in the cafe to get a little work done. The atmosphere is great, nice natural light coming in from outside and the espresso was really fantastic. Smooth and subtle flavor and just the right temp. I have yet to try anything else, but the pastries look good as do the sandwiches. If you're a coffee/espresso person, I'd say check this place out.
(5)Al M.
Its a good place for a coffee and sandwiches. fhey are all fresh. I had the pastries few times they seemed like they were from few days ago.
(3)Becky S.
Food isn't bad, but it's way overpriced.
(2)Stefanie S.
I've been to a bunch of Aroma locations in New York and Israel, and wanted to see how the new Maryland location stacked up. The sandwich I ordered was so yummy (halloumi cheese with lettuce, pickles, and tomato) and so was the fresh mint tea. The barista was even patient with me as I practiced my (pretty rudimentary) Hebrew. I'll be back soon to try the espresso drinks and the salads.
(5)A K.
We ordered an Aroma Coffee, latte, salmon sandwich and Bureka Treat. The salmon sandwich was excellent and the Bureka Treat was pretty good. The Aroma Coffee is nice and sweet. The latte was ok, definitely better than the chains, but we've had better elsewhere (i.e. Dolcezza). Nevertheless, they are a refreshing change from the usual chains in the area. The little chocolate they give you with your coffee is a nice touch as well and delicious.
(4)Kate L.
This is the place I go everyday for my coffee, very high quality and inexpensive love the taste of the cappuccino and their pastries are worth to try
(5)