Phoenix Coffee
2287 Lee Rd, Cleveland, OH, 44118
Phoenix Coffee Menu
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Address :
2287 Lee Rd
Cleveland, OH, 44118 - Phone (216) 932-8227
- Website https://phoenixcoffee.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:00 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Good for Working : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Jon H.
Fun location and tasty espresso at a great price.
(4)Emily P.
I really enjoy this coffee shop to grab a cup of coffee (surprise!) or to do some work. The baristas are very nice and efficient. They have great coffee and an impressive selection of teas, but I think their pastry selection is so-so. Overall a nice experience!
(5)Karl N.
Used to be a five star place. The product is great, as always, but the ambiance and authentic cafe experience are gone. It's nothing but headphones and laptops now. Hardly anyone there has conversations anymore. And woe be to those who bring children inside...sorry, wannabe hipster guy, didn't know this was your office! It was once a gathering place, and a real cafe where people actually interacted with one another rather than with screens. The new sterile look with all white and minimal decor is just creepy.
(3)Shayla G.
Phoenix is pretty much the only place I get coffee anymore. I adore the new look, it's clean and comfortable. I find it a great place to work because it's bright, streamlined, and modern in a cozy sort of way. I love the baristas, and the coffee is great. There are tons of outlets, WIFI, and really yummy snacks (like the gruyere and bacon croissants). If I weren't trying to save money, I would probably be there every morning for a croissant, coffee, and work time.
(5)Abe O.
Coffee shops are a dime a dozen these days. So when it comes to rating them, there's really only two options: it's either awesome or awful. So why 4 stars you may ask? The espresso and tea were both very good, however both were served in paper cups. Granted we did arrive a bit late, but still the place wasn't closing anytime soon. As any good coffee shop owner will tell you, the drinking vessel matters. Had I been given a real espresso cup: 5-stars no doubt. Until then...
(4)Elissa W.
I think I speak for most Clevelanders when I say we're proud of our Phoenix Coffee. It's a staple, and was a go-to hangout spot throughout my high school years. Now 5 years out of high school, it's still a place I go to meet up with friends or to just sit and get some work done. The space is pretty big, but manages to still feel cozy, although it can be crowded. There's wifi and comfy seats, and outdoor seating when it's nice out. The staff is always very friendly. One of my favorite parts of the space itself is the bathrooms! The walls inside the bathrooms have giant chalkboards, with chalk for all the visitors to add whatever they want. The drinks themselves are good. As for coffee, I've only ever gotten plain coffee, but the lattes sound good and there's A LATTE different flavors. Get it? Get it? But yeah, gingerbread and other delicious sounding things. Despite being Phoenix Coffee, I've actually more often gotten tea. I really like Shane's Lucky Licorice tea- it's so sweet without even adding any sugar!
(4)Harry A.
It's my regular weekend stop for morning coffee. While I preferred the old decor n furniture it's still a great place to get a bagel or pastry and coffee. Can't tell you about the evening scene as I'm just part of the morning weekend crowd. If you like your morning coffee shop more on the quieter side then you want this place not the joint a block away
(4)Kaitlin D.
At first, I was sure I preferred the Coventry location due to some minor differences between my favorite drinks, but I then realized that, for whatever reason, the inconsistency favors this location. On top of things just tasting good, this location is more comfortable because you're not sitting on top of other customers, yet it's still cozy and welcoming (but not as warm and relaxing, so I'm not tempted to fall asleep; it's way more conducive to productivity for me nowadays). I bought a baked good from a Phoenix Coffee shop for the first time ever in here after going to the Coventry location multiple times and being turned off by their displays and product. The whole thing just feels...dirty. Anyways, if I'm going to indulge in some coffee, a scone or steamed treat, I'm likely to come here. It's not much further than the Coventry location for me and I love it!
(4)Jo T.
Aha, at last! Finally also the second Phoenix finally was poshed up, in matching style with the 'new' Coventry Road location (although at the time of writing this it is not really "new" any more): white, glitz and filled with the notorious apple laptop kids and those wanting to be mistaken for them. What is missing is..... atmosphere. Another branch of MacPhoenix. A friend called it iPhoenix... The initial idea of improving the world and how it's done, which had been enthusiastically explained and spread on plaques and newspaper article clips carefully framed in outlet-shop-frames all over the old location, is taken down and forgotten. One pound of "fair trade" coffee cost here 17$, really is that somewhat reflecting what you pay the small family farmers in Ecuador for it? I get organic+fair trade coffee same amount for half the price at Whole Foods down the road and it tastes like coffee, not like God knows what radical "infusion" was added this month. Sorry guys, I would LOVE to support the neighborhood, but this is a rip-off. As disappointing as MacPhoenix on Coventry.
(1)Kevin D.
I love to find local coffeeshops when I travel, and this is exactly the kind of place I always hope to find. Atmosphere, a bit of funkiness, lots of seating and coffee made with care. Highly recommended.
(5)Melissa K.
I couldn't have asked for a better local coffee shop! Walking distance from where I was staying for the summer, I came here practically every day to study. There's a lot of tables and chairs, the ambiance was great, and the baristas were all nice. My favorite barista was Amber. She always remembered my order (hot mocha with almond milk please!) and was very friendly to talk to. There were some evenings where groups of people made it a bit noisy; but that being said, it's a great place to meet up to either hang out or study with friends/family. Since I'm not longer in Cleveland (I left the day they started renovating), it sucks that I can't go back; but if I'm ever in the area, I'll definitely stop by :)
(4)Linda A.
Locals like but very mediocre. Friendly but don't supply low cal sweeteners or cream!
(2)John O.
When I'm working on the east side, this is my go-to coffee shop. They have outstanding brewed coffee, and they've got their espresso game down pat. Phoenix is on par with the best coffee shops in CLE, but is a bit more approachable then the rest. Put another way, the staff won't shoot you daggers if you put cream in your coffee (but you shouldn't. That's just wrong, says the coffee snob). Oh and those cookies, too. When I'm having a rough morning, I'll try to eat my stress in the form of a chocolate chip cookie. I mean, if you're gonna make a bad life decision, it might as well be delicious, right?
(5)Natalie P.
They play the best music here! Oh and the coffee and tea are good too :) Like others have mentioned, this location is bigger than the Coventry one and has a brighter vibe. I enjoy the variety in seating options (couches, bar tables, and single, double, and four person tables). The staff is friendly and the coffee and tea selections are good and plenty! The only downside is that I find the internet to be a little slow, even accessing the usual studying websites (gmail, facebook, imgur....) So while it was difficult to actually do some of the work I needed to do online, I would say this is probably the best best place to pop out a textbook and ACTUALLY read it for that reason.
(5)George S.
Ok...people that know me know I don't usually do negative reviews. If I don't like a place, I don't review it, it's that simple. However, when things change, in my personal opinion, they don't always change for the better, and I just had to say something. I was a fan of Phoenix Coffee for years; their product is good and I always enjoyed the pastries and the company... Not so much now. Why? Well, the coffee's still decent, and the pastries are still good...but what I really don't like...is the aesthetic. What am I talking about? Well, the Phoenix on Lee was a really nice, homey place with comfortable furniture, woodwork and all sorts of photos and stuff on the walls that made the place feel like someone's living room. The maroon colored walls seemed to be soothing and relaxing. I really liked it. It felt comfortable. My wife and I just went in recently...and it had changed radically. The place was now...white. Lots of white walls, a giant White Phoenix logo, both inside and out back, and not much else, along with very severe track lighting . I understand going for a remodel, but this really was, well, stark. It had an immediate effect; it felt alien and very negative to both of us. Also, when we asked the people behind the counter, they said they'd had an overall positive response. I had a hard time believing it. It was like taking someone's living room and turning it into a surgical theater. It just felt wrong. I've had this same feeling at the other location on Coventry, although that spot is not as bad. I'm still giving the place three stars, for the coffee, for the snacks, and the people are still decent, but when I go out for a relaxing cup of coffee, I'd really like it if the place didn't remind me of my dentist's office...
(3)Susan L.
4 stars for great service and great coffee, so they've got 2 of the most important parts down! It is clearly an older Phoenix than the brand spankin new one that's on Coventry, but it's much more spacious. I often feel like I'm sitting right on top of the person next to me, and like there's no personal space at Coventry, but there's a lot more room here. They also have more baked goods than at the Coventry location, although I've never had anything to eat from either location... so can't speak towards the quality. There's a parking lot behind, and there's usually street parking on the near-by neighborhood streets. ----------------------------------- Explanation of my rating system - 5*: Epitome of something, the best I've had, would LOVE to go back 4*: Great food and happy to go back regularly, but not the best of the category 3*: Food is fine. I may spontaneously decide to go there based on convenience. But no need to go back either. 2*: If you insist, I guess I'll come along. I'll find something to eat. But I wouldn't have picked it. 1*: No plans to come back. I'll try to talk companions out of going.
(4)VJ V.
This is Cleveland's own coffee chain with quality that is a notch above Starbucks, and I say that as a Starbucks regular. I can't help but savor and notice that the latte I sampled had more body, richness and thickness to it. The coffee art does not of course change the taste of anything, but it does show that they deeply care about what they do. I had tried my own hand at coffee art at home but failed multiple times -- the cup I got had what looked like a fern pattern. Mind blown.
(5)Michael L.
Phoenix is a nice, local business that gets a lot right that the big coffee chains miss. I'm glad the Lee location is getting a nice facelift and what looks to be a much better outdoor seating environment. The drinks are good and reasonable. The staff is consistently friendly. The only thing I can't stand is the pre-mixed iced tea, but the friendly staff will make one fresh for you from any tea they have. Edit: I wanted to add a comment based upon Christopher's reply. I didn't mean to imply the pre-made tea wasn't fresh or of high-quality. I just can't stand the flavor and would rather have another kind made.
(4)Sophie Z.
Love this Phoenix location. There is just so much more room than the location on Coventry (a different feel, but I love it there too). Their coffee is consistently delicious across all of their stores. The selection of teas is amazing. They have an entire menu of just teas. Mind boggling really. As a student, I really value having a good coffee shop to go to. The atmosphere in Phoenix is perfect for a snowy day study session. It's warm, there's free internet, and the coffee and snacks are really really delicious. Something special about this location is that they also have ice cream!! If you're not down to wander just across the street to Sweetie Fry, a small scoop here should keep you happy. One of my favorite things also is how clean the bathrooms are. Public bathrooms are usually nightmares. There's always someone who doesn't know how to use a bathroom. Weird, but true. Phoenix keeps theirs very clean and nice. No need to fear here!
(4)Lin H.
Went here in between classes to prepare for a final exam. It was a little chatty inside, but nothing too distracting. I ordered a black iced tea, which was just the typical. I spruced it up myself with sugar and milk. Their little station where you can add milk/sugar/whatever was a little sticky! They should wipe it down more often. Only one thing really perturbed me, which was the tipping. I don't carry cash often, so I paid with card. The lowest option was $1, which for a $3-ish drink is insane! I did not see an option to enter in my own tip. I am bummed I was forced to over tip.
(3)Yuan C.
This location is a lot better than the one on Coventry! It's more spacious and quiet, and they have a larger selection of snack bites to accompany your coffee/tea. There is a metered parking lot in the back, but if you're a poor graduate student like myself, there's ample street parking in the nearby neighborhoods! There's also a rewards program now. If you consistently use the same credit card to pay for your drinks, your 10th drink will be free! Unfortunately, it doesn't transfer between different phoenixes (ie, if you bought 9 drinks at the Coventry location, you can only claim your free 10th drink at that location).
(4)Lina D.
I would pick Phoenix over a chain coffeehouse any day, but compared other independent cafes in the area, I honestly find it just average. The espresso is perhaps a bit too darkly roasted for my taste and the cappuccino is fine but nothing special. The ambience here isn't bad, but it's pretty standard for an independent cafe with people on laptops and indie-rock playing in the background, and nothing stands out. I like that they offer free wifi, the staff is friendly, and I love to support local businesses, which is are the main reasons I come back here. But if I want a location that is unique, this is not my first choice.
(3)Kelsey S.
Phoenix is local and all around wonderful, really. They recently started carrying almond milk, and they have several gluten free baked goods as well!
(5)Matt H.
My favorite coffee shop in Cleveland. I roast my own coffee and have high standards. The coffee is roasted well and is generally pretty fresh. I just get the coffee, but my wife loves their Speedball--hot or iced. Also, the staff is always super friendly and great--not weird, snobby hipsters with monocles.
(5)Mackenzie C.
This is the best coffee shop in the area, by far the best. They've recently re-decorated and its beautiful! They've left 1995 behind. But, I really wish they would re-consider their coffee, they could really take a cue from Rising Star, over on the West side. The shots they pull are divine and smooth, but whenever I get Phoenix, it tends to taste sort of grainy and burnt, like they maybe haven't cleaned the machine properly. Again, it's the best in the area, but it could be better!
(3)Rob P.
It's been two-and-a-half years since I moved away from Cleveland. If there's one thing I miss, it's this Phoenix. Every time I'm back in town, I try to stop in here. Immediately upon walking in the door, there's a sweet delicious aroma that I swear is unique to this shop. It reminds me of the countless hours and countless dollars I spent here - all of them more than worth it. I love the French Press on-tap. It's awesome and so few other coffee shops have gotten on board with the concept. I also like to buy a bag of beans to take back home with me. As I drink it I remember those many cold winter nights I spent in Phoenix with a hot cup of coffee. Cherish this gem, Cleveland Heights. It's one of the best things you've got going.
(5)David G.
Nice cafe ambiance; passionate and knowledgeable baristas. Seating uncomfortable and not intimate.
(4)Yohini S.
I am a big cappuccino fan so i went in to try out a cup of cappuccino. The cashier and staff were really friendly and got my cappuccino out quickly. It just did not live up to hype unfortunately. But I really did like the ambience and the free wifi. I had to work and make some calls for work and i was able to get them done. I got hungry after a while so i ordered the open face veggie sandwich. It took them a while, i had to go back and remind them. I made a mistake of mentioning the wrong sandwich name and it took a while for them to realize it and get it for me. It was okay! Overall it is a decent place to grab coffee and stay long. For Tuesday morning there was a ton of people even at 9.30am (After morning rush). Do check it out - you may love it ? :)
(3)Mansi S.
The staff is always friendly. The coffee is delicious and there is also a good tea selection. The iced yerba mate tea is one of my favorites for studying. There are plenty of tables with ample seating, as well as some couches and armchairs. What makes this coffee shop special is the weekly community gatherings like knitting clubs, spanish clubs, tutoring groups. It's easy to sit here for hours working on schoolwork or just hanging out.
(5)Hydie N.
Gotta love the free wifi!! No need any login, completely free! Seating is spacious and comfy here with many sofas and tables and outlets for those that insist on bringing their laptops for long periods of time. I like that they're got a huge variety of coffees and teas that are responsibly traded. Too bad they only have typical pastries and nothing more substantial like sandwiches. Large clean bathrooms are a plus too, as the caffeine kicks in to the kidneys lol. The servers are friendly and doesn't give you slack when you're only ordering a small beverage. Relaxing environment to chill.
(5)Jennifer R.
Great coffee, cute space, free wifi and very friendly staff! I will be a regular here!
(4)Kate A.
Love it! Would love it more if my drinks were hotter...every time I get a drink I want it to be hotter...maybe if they preheated the cups? Or just invest in a microwave so that I can be in control of the temperature at which I consume my beverage. Everyone here is very friendly though and I am a big fan. Edit: Shortly after I posted my review, one of the Phoenix managers sent me a lovely email thanking me for my review and asking what drinks I usually order. This concern for customers is why we all keep going to Phoenix. Well, that, and the delicious drinks, and the free wi-fi, and the copious outlets, and the atmosphere, and... : )
(4)Amanda L.
What happened to this place? It got a remodel...it's not fun and quirky anymore. :(. Got a hot chocolate and it had a ton of foam on top like a latte...(?)
(3)Annelies S.
Love this place. It has a great vibe and great coffee. My favorite drink is the dirty chai. All the baristas are lovely.
(5)Wallace G.
This place makes a great cup of pour over coffee. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, especially with the recent facelift. Love this coffee shop!
(5)S. H.
So I was searching my yelp reviews to add a photo to my Phoenix Cafe review, when I realized I have never reviewed my favorite coffee shop on Yelp! Not sure, how that happened, but here are my thoughts: The Phoenix is really more like a community center. People from all walks congregate here- its awesome. I have seen students, knitting groups, old friends, new friends, young and old here. The coffee is excellent. They also have a fresh selection of breakfast treats and ice cream. The staff is always nice. They have an odd assortment of tables and chairs- but all are perfect for enjoying your coffee, computer, book and/or conversation. Cleveland Heights would not be the same without the Phoenix!
(5)Erin S.
Great breakfast catering choice! We moved here in July 2013 and I was looking for a great coffee house to replace my beloved haunt in Chicago. Phoenix coffee totally fit the bill. Wonderful coffee (some of the best I've ever had), friendly baristas, community atmosphere. Fantastic. As I staunchly believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible, I asked if they would be willing to cater a church event for my family. I was worried about the pricing because we had a small budget for the event but they came in with the lowest price beating out two other local cafés as well as a large chain. I worked with Molly on pricing and selection. She was super friendly, got back to me quickly and put together a great package for about 40 people. Everything went off without a hitch and we got tons of compliments on the food and coffee. If you are unfamiliar with Phoenix's food, they are a bakery so the selection is primarily muffins, cookies, scones, bagels, etc. They do not carry savories, egg dishes, breakfast meats and the like. I really recommend them over any other business if you are looking for bakery catering. You will save money and get a superior product!
(5)Cara L.
Another awesome Phoenix location. Do they have magnets for the coolest folks ever and hire them? Because I've never, ever had bad service at any Phoenix in my life. In fact, I think the only one I haven't been to is on Mayfield (I think...) Not only are their baristas incredibly helpful, they're also extremely knowledgeable and just all around cool people. They'll make lots of small talk with you if that's your jive, and if you're a grab-it-go type, they'll stay out of your hair. The coffee and tea is delicious across the board and very consistent from location to location. The shortened version? They know they're beans. Beyond that, they locally source all their goodies and display their info proudly. Talk about helping your fellow man! We need more businesses like this in CLE! And let's not even get me started on their eco-conscious ways, which I adore. I'm not sure what kinds of live entertainment or events they have here, but just knowing what they do at there other spots makes me believe it's probably similar here. Just remember to bring quarters for the meters, folks. Those Cleveland Heights cops think writing parking tickets are more important than patrolling the streets. Lots of seating, chill vibe, great bevs, tasty beans, awesome baristas and more. Rock on, Phoenix. P.S. I stopped in here with my best friend/hair stylist with a shower cap on my head in the middle of the afternoon. The staff only laughed a little, but mostly thought it was awesome. Ha. I have no shame.
(4)SW J.
The atmosphere is good. Overall quiet. Not much chatter and the temperate is fairly warm. So overall if you need a place to chill or study this shop could suite your fancy well. However, if you're interested in a good tasting drink... This may not be the place for you. Baristas are subpar and the quality of their products are too. Giving specific instructions doesn't help. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte that honestly taste like sweet shit. Granted I've never, nor do I intend to ever try feces but.... It has no overall flavor. It appeared as if the barista threw hot milk and pumpkin spice in a cup. My friend ordered a lightly toasted bagel and received a burnt roll. Wow! If it weren't for the space itself this review would be 2 stars, hands down.
(3)Justin L.
I Travel Far and wide For good coffee And Ohio could hardly do better.
(4)Andrew V.
This is a great coffee shop for those who enjoy good coffee without all the flash and a bit of hipster. I initially passed by Pheonix Coffee a few times before I stopped in to grab a drink. It doesn't look all that appealing from the outside, or for that matter on the inside, but don't let looks fool you because it serves some of the best coffee in Cleveland. If you have a good cup of joe you can taste the difference. I drink regular black coffee, unsweetened ice coffee, and an occasional latte. All were delicious and not bitter or burnt here. I also like how they actually mixed brown sugar and pumpkin spice by hand into my latte, that is rarely seen even at most boutique coffee shops. I've also had some latte art as well, Its clear that they actually care about what goes into their coffee. That being said don't come here expecting the line to move like Starbucks! The prices at Phoenix are not too bad, similar to Starbucks or other mainstream coffee shops. I think the biggest downside was that it is the type of place where people come and "camp out" to study or read. There are not too many places to sit, especially in winter when everyone sits indoors. If I'm not in a rush or out already, this is where I go to get my coffee. Nice addition to the Cedar/Lee Square.
(4)Tim F.
I LOVE Phoenix. I just wish there were more of them, at least one near where I live. Seriously, the BEST coffee in the area. I'm typically a latte drinker, and not only does my latte from Phoenix always taste great, it is beautiful.
(5)Carl P.
The service here is really friendly. And even though I can say the same for Dewey's which is more convenient for my commute to work, the coffee is MUCH better here at the Lee Rd Phoenix.
(4)SW J.
The atmosphere is good. Overall quiet. Not much chatter and the temperate is fairly warm. So overall if you need a place to chill or study this shop could suite your fancy well. However, if you're interested in a good tasting drink... This may not be the place for you. Baristas are subpar and the quality of their products are too. Giving specific instructions doesn't help. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte that honestly taste like sweet shit. Granted I've never, nor do I intend to ever try feces but.... It has no overall flavor. It appeared as if the barista threw hot milk and pumpkin spice in a cup. My friend ordered a lightly toasted bagel and received a burnt roll. Wow! If it weren't for the space itself this review would be 2 stars, hands down.
(3)George S.
Ok...people that know me know I don't usually do negative reviews. If I don't like a place, I don't review it, it's that simple. However, when things change, in my personal opinion, they don't always change for the better, and I just had to say something. I was a fan of Phoenix Coffee for years; their product is good and I always enjoyed the pastries and the company... Not so much now. Why? Well, the coffee's still decent, and the pastries are still good...but what I really don't like...is the aesthetic. What am I talking about? Well, the Phoenix on Lee was a really nice, homey place with comfortable furniture, woodwork and all sorts of photos and stuff on the walls that made the place feel like someone's living room. The maroon colored walls seemed to be soothing and relaxing. I really liked it. It felt comfortable. My wife and I just went in recently...and it had changed radically. The place was now...white. Lots of white walls, a giant White Phoenix logo, both inside and out back, and not much else, along with very severe track lighting . I understand going for a remodel, but this really was, well, stark. It had an immediate effect; it felt alien and very negative to both of us. Also, when we asked the people behind the counter, they said they'd had an overall positive response. I had a hard time believing it. It was like taking someone's living room and turning it into a surgical theater. It just felt wrong. I've had this same feeling at the other location on Coventry, although that spot is not as bad. I'm still giving the place three stars, for the coffee, for the snacks, and the people are still decent, but when I go out for a relaxing cup of coffee, I'd really like it if the place didn't remind me of my dentist's office...
(3)Susan L.
4 stars for great service and great coffee, so they've got 2 of the most important parts down! It is clearly an older Phoenix than the brand spankin new one that's on Coventry, but it's much more spacious. I often feel like I'm sitting right on top of the person next to me, and like there's no personal space at Coventry, but there's a lot more room here. They also have more baked goods than at the Coventry location, although I've never had anything to eat from either location... so can't speak towards the quality. There's a parking lot behind, and there's usually street parking on the near-by neighborhood streets. ----------------------------------- Explanation of my rating system - 5*: Epitome of something, the best I've had, would LOVE to go back 4*: Great food and happy to go back regularly, but not the best of the category 3*: Food is fine. I may spontaneously decide to go there based on convenience. But no need to go back either. 2*: If you insist, I guess I'll come along. I'll find something to eat. But I wouldn't have picked it. 1*: No plans to come back. I'll try to talk companions out of going.
(4)VJ V.
This is Cleveland's own coffee chain with quality that is a notch above Starbucks, and I say that as a Starbucks regular. I can't help but savor and notice that the latte I sampled had more body, richness and thickness to it. The coffee art does not of course change the taste of anything, but it does show that they deeply care about what they do. I had tried my own hand at coffee art at home but failed multiple times -- the cup I got had what looked like a fern pattern. Mind blown.
(5)Michael L.
Phoenix is a nice, local business that gets a lot right that the big coffee chains miss. I'm glad the Lee location is getting a nice facelift and what looks to be a much better outdoor seating environment. The drinks are good and reasonable. The staff is consistently friendly. The only thing I can't stand is the pre-mixed iced tea, but the friendly staff will make one fresh for you from any tea they have. Edit: I wanted to add a comment based upon Christopher's reply. I didn't mean to imply the pre-made tea wasn't fresh or of high-quality. I just can't stand the flavor and would rather have another kind made.
(4)Lin H.
Went here in between classes to prepare for a final exam. It was a little chatty inside, but nothing too distracting. I ordered a black iced tea, which was just the typical. I spruced it up myself with sugar and milk. Their little station where you can add milk/sugar/whatever was a little sticky! They should wipe it down more often. Only one thing really perturbed me, which was the tipping. I don't carry cash often, so I paid with card. The lowest option was $1, which for a $3-ish drink is insane! I did not see an option to enter in my own tip. I am bummed I was forced to over tip.
(3)Yuan C.
This location is a lot better than the one on Coventry! It's more spacious and quiet, and they have a larger selection of snack bites to accompany your coffee/tea. There is a metered parking lot in the back, but if you're a poor graduate student like myself, there's ample street parking in the nearby neighborhoods! There's also a rewards program now. If you consistently use the same credit card to pay for your drinks, your 10th drink will be free! Unfortunately, it doesn't transfer between different phoenixes (ie, if you bought 9 drinks at the Coventry location, you can only claim your free 10th drink at that location).
(4)Shayla G.
Phoenix is pretty much the only place I get coffee anymore. I adore the new look, it's clean and comfortable. I find it a great place to work because it's bright, streamlined, and modern in a cozy sort of way. I love the baristas, and the coffee is great. There are tons of outlets, WIFI, and really yummy snacks (like the gruyere and bacon croissants). If I weren't trying to save money, I would probably be there every morning for a croissant, coffee, and work time.
(5)Abe O.
Coffee shops are a dime a dozen these days. So when it comes to rating them, there's really only two options: it's either awesome or awful. So why 4 stars you may ask? The espresso and tea were both very good, however both were served in paper cups. Granted we did arrive a bit late, but still the place wasn't closing anytime soon. As any good coffee shop owner will tell you, the drinking vessel matters. Had I been given a real espresso cup: 5-stars no doubt. Until then...
(4)John O.
When I'm working on the east side, this is my go-to coffee shop. They have outstanding brewed coffee, and they've got their espresso game down pat. Phoenix is on par with the best coffee shops in CLE, but is a bit more approachable then the rest. Put another way, the staff won't shoot you daggers if you put cream in your coffee (but you shouldn't. That's just wrong, says the coffee snob). Oh and those cookies, too. When I'm having a rough morning, I'll try to eat my stress in the form of a chocolate chip cookie. I mean, if you're gonna make a bad life decision, it might as well be delicious, right?
(5)Karl N.
Used to be a five star place. The product is great, as always, but the ambiance and authentic cafe experience are gone. It's nothing but headphones and laptops now. Hardly anyone there has conversations anymore. And woe be to those who bring children inside...sorry, wannabe hipster guy, didn't know this was your office! It was once a gathering place, and a real cafe where people actually interacted with one another rather than with screens. The new sterile look with all white and minimal decor is just creepy.
(3)Elissa W.
I think I speak for most Clevelanders when I say we're proud of our Phoenix Coffee. It's a staple, and was a go-to hangout spot throughout my high school years. Now 5 years out of high school, it's still a place I go to meet up with friends or to just sit and get some work done. The space is pretty big, but manages to still feel cozy, although it can be crowded. There's wifi and comfy seats, and outdoor seating when it's nice out. The staff is always very friendly. One of my favorite parts of the space itself is the bathrooms! The walls inside the bathrooms have giant chalkboards, with chalk for all the visitors to add whatever they want. The drinks themselves are good. As for coffee, I've only ever gotten plain coffee, but the lattes sound good and there's A LATTE different flavors. Get it? Get it? But yeah, gingerbread and other delicious sounding things. Despite being Phoenix Coffee, I've actually more often gotten tea. I really like Shane's Lucky Licorice tea- it's so sweet without even adding any sugar!
(4)Harry A.
It's my regular weekend stop for morning coffee. While I preferred the old decor n furniture it's still a great place to get a bagel or pastry and coffee. Can't tell you about the evening scene as I'm just part of the morning weekend crowd. If you like your morning coffee shop more on the quieter side then you want this place not the joint a block away
(4)Natalie P.
They play the best music here! Oh and the coffee and tea are good too :) Like others have mentioned, this location is bigger than the Coventry one and has a brighter vibe. I enjoy the variety in seating options (couches, bar tables, and single, double, and four person tables). The staff is friendly and the coffee and tea selections are good and plenty! The only downside is that I find the internet to be a little slow, even accessing the usual studying websites (gmail, facebook, imgur....) So while it was difficult to actually do some of the work I needed to do online, I would say this is probably the best best place to pop out a textbook and ACTUALLY read it for that reason.
(5)Joseph M.
Can't say enough about Phoenix. The company is conscientious and cares about its staff. Consequently, the staff care about the coffee and the people who purchase the coffee. One on one interactions are encouraged and the baristas do everything they can to make you feel at home. In terms of the actual product, they are the only place to go in Cleveland if you are the least bit snobby about tea or coffee.
(5)Michael S.
Good coffee, free internet, isn't a national chain. What more do you really need?? If you gripe about this place your probably a jerk.
(5)Vishal P.
My favorite coffeeshop in Cleveland..... not always ideal for studying (lots of talking), but it feels like part of the community (full of regulars, folks just chatting over their regular cup of coffee) Baristas are always friendly, and they care about coffee. Their sandwiches, muffins, and cookies are very good, as well. (The Lee Rd. location actually put the Starbucks down the street out of business!)
(5)Connie L.
So we start with 3 stars... Good: Still has free wireless, very good grilled sandwiches, homey atmosphere, and decent coffee (but I gotta ask, why no fair trade option?). Baristas are nice, too. Plus 1.5 stars. Bad: I don't go here much, though, because the paninis and all manner of greasy goodness get grilled up right there in the same room where customers sit, and without a decent cooking industrial fan that grease permeates the air, my clothes and skin. After a couple hours I usually go straight home into the shower. Minus 1.5 stars. I have friends who think I'm crazy for this aversion, but the smell is real: I can immediately tell when I'm standing within five feet of someone who's recently been at Phoenix. Final score: 3 stars.
(3)Alex Z.
In spite of the fact that I lived a hop, skip, and a jump away from it for a year, I did not frequent it regularly. Compared to the other Phoenix's, it is sterile, like a Starbucks but less fast-paced and slightly less snobby. It doesn't have much activity or interesting events going on; it tends to be fairly quiet and dull. On the plus side, this place has a good selection of tea (compared even with other Phoenix's--explain that?), and has pretty decent baked goods. The staff is always nice too. Also, I want to note that this place opens very early, and closes rather early too; it seems to be oriented towards the early crowd, which I like since I am often a very early riser, but which I dislike since I sometimes stay up very late too.
(3)Patrick B.
Phoenix Coffee is a great indie coffee shop with several locations in Greater Cleveland. This location is right in the Cedar/Lee area of Cleveland Heights. There's a great selection of coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and more. I went in on a hot Sunday afternoon and had an iced toddy with a slice of carrot cake. The coffee is excellent! It's nice and strong and full of flavor. The carrot cake was great too. There's a decent amount of seating, with tables scattered throughout, as well as a sitting area and a couple of small tables by the window. Overall, if you're looking for a good cup of coffee in Cleveland Heights, or Cleveland or Lakewood for that matter, stop in at Phoenix Coffee. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Kevin N.
It's a coffeehouse, not much to say there. Plenty of tables, both low and bar-style. It also has some pretty darn good panini sandwiches. The three-cheese and the dijon chicken sandwiches are superbly satisfying! The plus: it has free wireless internet access.
(4)James C.
Nice friendly place with lots of beverage choices and delicious sides.
(4)Scott G.
Purveyors of Cleveland's finest coffee. Now offering a wide range of sandwiches and salads, as well as ice cream. Free wireless Internet and friendly, helpful baristas. If you're a Clevelander who takes coffee seriously, this is the place for you. Nice little patio in the back (and a few tables out front on busier Lee Road) for when the weather's warm.
(5)Kimberly K.
Let it be known: I am a coffee whore. wait- let me rephrase. I am a coffee junkee. ...hmm. somehow i've already callled myself a junkee and a whore. this is not going well. i love me some good coffee. but i am not one to constantly sing the praises of a national chain that we shall call...um...barstucks. nope. i need more out of my cup o' joe. the best cup of coffee i ever had was out on the west coast, and since drinking it i've had a hard time finding a right mixture of strongly brewed coffee with enough flavor to give it a kick of sweetness. all this being said.. WHY HAVE I NEVER HAD PHOENIX COFFEE UNTIL NOW??? apparently i was too busy being a junkee to realize there was some good java right in the land of cleves. i've only had one phoenix coffee experience thus far, which was early morning at this lee road spot. but i really like the atmosphere and the coffee was gooood. milky way. sweet but still strong enough to make ya happy and caffienated. and it's not over-burnt roasted liquid passed off by a maiden of the sea. or whatever she is on that mug. i'm actually pissed at myself i haven't experienced phoenix before. but i'll be back. oh yes, i'll be back.....
(5)Ben G.
There are three kinds of coffee shops in Cleveland, as far as I can tell after living here for 5 years: Starbucks, Arabica, and Phoenix. Phoenix are the only ones I consider worth going to. They roast their own beans downtown, so this a great place to buy beans to make at home. You can get 10-12oz of the "roast of the week" for $7. This is quite competitive with other "gourmet" beans, and these are guaranteed fresh. The Lee road location has a nice neighborhood feel. The baristas are very nice. Sometimes its get a little noisy, so if you're doing homework you may want to bring headphones. Free Internet. Food is very good; try a grilled sandwich. Coffee is good, but espresso quality can vary wildly depending on the barista.
(4)Andrew V.
This is a great coffee shop for those who enjoy good coffee without all the flash and a bit of hipster. I initially passed by Pheonix Coffee a few times before I stopped in to grab a drink. It doesn't look all that appealing from the outside, or for that matter on the inside, but don't let looks fool you because it serves some of the best coffee in Cleveland. If you have a good cup of joe you can taste the difference. I drink regular black coffee, unsweetened ice coffee, and an occasional latte. All were delicious and not bitter or burnt here. I also like how they actually mixed brown sugar and pumpkin spice by hand into my latte, that is rarely seen even at most boutique coffee shops. I've also had some latte art as well, Its clear that they actually care about what goes into their coffee. That being said don't come here expecting the line to move like Starbucks! The prices at Phoenix are not too bad, similar to Starbucks or other mainstream coffee shops. I think the biggest downside was that it is the type of place where people come and "camp out" to study or read. There are not too many places to sit, especially in winter when everyone sits indoors. If I'm not in a rush or out already, this is where I go to get my coffee. Nice addition to the Cedar/Lee Square.
(4)Sophie Z.
Love this Phoenix location. There is just so much more room than the location on Coventry (a different feel, but I love it there too). Their coffee is consistently delicious across all of their stores. The selection of teas is amazing. They have an entire menu of just teas. Mind boggling really. As a student, I really value having a good coffee shop to go to. The atmosphere in Phoenix is perfect for a snowy day study session. It's warm, there's free internet, and the coffee and snacks are really really delicious. Something special about this location is that they also have ice cream!! If you're not down to wander just across the street to Sweetie Fry, a small scoop here should keep you happy. One of my favorite things also is how clean the bathrooms are. Public bathrooms are usually nightmares. There's always someone who doesn't know how to use a bathroom. Weird, but true. Phoenix keeps theirs very clean and nice. No need to fear here!
(4)Lina D.
I would pick Phoenix over a chain coffeehouse any day, but compared other independent cafes in the area, I honestly find it just average. The espresso is perhaps a bit too darkly roasted for my taste and the cappuccino is fine but nothing special. The ambience here isn't bad, but it's pretty standard for an independent cafe with people on laptops and indie-rock playing in the background, and nothing stands out. I like that they offer free wifi, the staff is friendly, and I love to support local businesses, which is are the main reasons I come back here. But if I want a location that is unique, this is not my first choice.
(3)Kelsey S.
Phoenix is local and all around wonderful, really. They recently started carrying almond milk, and they have several gluten free baked goods as well!
(5)Kaitlin D.
At first, I was sure I preferred the Coventry location due to some minor differences between my favorite drinks, but I then realized that, for whatever reason, the inconsistency favors this location. On top of things just tasting good, this location is more comfortable because you're not sitting on top of other customers, yet it's still cozy and welcoming (but not as warm and relaxing, so I'm not tempted to fall asleep; it's way more conducive to productivity for me nowadays). I bought a baked good from a Phoenix Coffee shop for the first time ever in here after going to the Coventry location multiple times and being turned off by their displays and product. The whole thing just feels...dirty. Anyways, if I'm going to indulge in some coffee, a scone or steamed treat, I'm likely to come here. It's not much further than the Coventry location for me and I love it!
(4)Jo T.
Aha, at last! Finally also the second Phoenix finally was poshed up, in matching style with the 'new' Coventry Road location (although at the time of writing this it is not really "new" any more): white, glitz and filled with the notorious apple laptop kids and those wanting to be mistaken for them. What is missing is..... atmosphere. Another branch of MacPhoenix. A friend called it iPhoenix... The initial idea of improving the world and how it's done, which had been enthusiastically explained and spread on plaques and newspaper article clips carefully framed in outlet-shop-frames all over the old location, is taken down and forgotten. One pound of "fair trade" coffee cost here 17$, really is that somewhat reflecting what you pay the small family farmers in Ecuador for it? I get organic+fair trade coffee same amount for half the price at Whole Foods down the road and it tastes like coffee, not like God knows what radical "infusion" was added this month. Sorry guys, I would LOVE to support the neighborhood, but this is a rip-off. As disappointing as MacPhoenix on Coventry.
(1)Kevin D.
I love to find local coffeeshops when I travel, and this is exactly the kind of place I always hope to find. Atmosphere, a bit of funkiness, lots of seating and coffee made with care. Highly recommended.
(5)Melissa K.
I couldn't have asked for a better local coffee shop! Walking distance from where I was staying for the summer, I came here practically every day to study. There's a lot of tables and chairs, the ambiance was great, and the baristas were all nice. My favorite barista was Amber. She always remembered my order (hot mocha with almond milk please!) and was very friendly to talk to. There were some evenings where groups of people made it a bit noisy; but that being said, it's a great place to meet up to either hang out or study with friends/family. Since I'm not longer in Cleveland (I left the day they started renovating), it sucks that I can't go back; but if I'm ever in the area, I'll definitely stop by :)
(4)Linda A.
Locals like but very mediocre. Friendly but don't supply low cal sweeteners or cream!
(2)Matt H.
My favorite coffee shop in Cleveland. I roast my own coffee and have high standards. The coffee is roasted well and is generally pretty fresh. I just get the coffee, but my wife loves their Speedball--hot or iced. Also, the staff is always super friendly and great--not weird, snobby hipsters with monocles.
(5)Mackenzie C.
This is the best coffee shop in the area, by far the best. They've recently re-decorated and its beautiful! They've left 1995 behind. But, I really wish they would re-consider their coffee, they could really take a cue from Rising Star, over on the West side. The shots they pull are divine and smooth, but whenever I get Phoenix, it tends to taste sort of grainy and burnt, like they maybe haven't cleaned the machine properly. Again, it's the best in the area, but it could be better!
(3)Rob P.
It's been two-and-a-half years since I moved away from Cleveland. If there's one thing I miss, it's this Phoenix. Every time I'm back in town, I try to stop in here. Immediately upon walking in the door, there's a sweet delicious aroma that I swear is unique to this shop. It reminds me of the countless hours and countless dollars I spent here - all of them more than worth it. I love the French Press on-tap. It's awesome and so few other coffee shops have gotten on board with the concept. I also like to buy a bag of beans to take back home with me. As I drink it I remember those many cold winter nights I spent in Phoenix with a hot cup of coffee. Cherish this gem, Cleveland Heights. It's one of the best things you've got going.
(5)David G.
Nice cafe ambiance; passionate and knowledgeable baristas. Seating uncomfortable and not intimate.
(4)Wallace G.
This place makes a great cup of pour over coffee. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, especially with the recent facelift. Love this coffee shop!
(5)Yohini S.
I am a big cappuccino fan so i went in to try out a cup of cappuccino. The cashier and staff were really friendly and got my cappuccino out quickly. It just did not live up to hype unfortunately. But I really did like the ambience and the free wifi. I had to work and make some calls for work and i was able to get them done. I got hungry after a while so i ordered the open face veggie sandwich. It took them a while, i had to go back and remind them. I made a mistake of mentioning the wrong sandwich name and it took a while for them to realize it and get it for me. It was okay! Overall it is a decent place to grab coffee and stay long. For Tuesday morning there was a ton of people even at 9.30am (After morning rush). Do check it out - you may love it ? :)
(3)Mansi S.
The staff is always friendly. The coffee is delicious and there is also a good tea selection. The iced yerba mate tea is one of my favorites for studying. There are plenty of tables with ample seating, as well as some couches and armchairs. What makes this coffee shop special is the weekly community gatherings like knitting clubs, spanish clubs, tutoring groups. It's easy to sit here for hours working on schoolwork or just hanging out.
(5)Chris T.
Great coffee, great baristas. Quieter than the Phoenix on Coventry. More seating. Dogs allowed if they are quiet and friendly. Joe Foley approved.
(5)Maemie C.
I think the art of "barista art" has yet to be appreciated by many people.....if you can have the time to sit down and enjoy your coffee, your barista will razzle and dazzle you with their skills. What they can do on top of an expresso is fascinating!!! On top of that the coffee is pretty tasty and always fresh. The only reason why I didnt give it 5 stars is that I think they lack a good selection of pastries and snacks.
(4)Hydie N.
Gotta love the free wifi!! No need any login, completely free! Seating is spacious and comfy here with many sofas and tables and outlets for those that insist on bringing their laptops for long periods of time. I like that they're got a huge variety of coffees and teas that are responsibly traded. Too bad they only have typical pastries and nothing more substantial like sandwiches. Large clean bathrooms are a plus too, as the caffeine kicks in to the kidneys lol. The servers are friendly and doesn't give you slack when you're only ordering a small beverage. Relaxing environment to chill.
(5)Jennifer R.
Great coffee, cute space, free wifi and very friendly staff! I will be a regular here!
(4)Kate A.
Love it! Would love it more if my drinks were hotter...every time I get a drink I want it to be hotter...maybe if they preheated the cups? Or just invest in a microwave so that I can be in control of the temperature at which I consume my beverage. Everyone here is very friendly though and I am a big fan. Edit: Shortly after I posted my review, one of the Phoenix managers sent me a lovely email thanking me for my review and asking what drinks I usually order. This concern for customers is why we all keep going to Phoenix. Well, that, and the delicious drinks, and the free wi-fi, and the copious outlets, and the atmosphere, and... : )
(4)Amanda L.
What happened to this place? It got a remodel...it's not fun and quirky anymore. :(. Got a hot chocolate and it had a ton of foam on top like a latte...(?)
(3)Annelies S.
Love this place. It has a great vibe and great coffee. My favorite drink is the dirty chai. All the baristas are lovely.
(5)S. H.
So I was searching my yelp reviews to add a photo to my Phoenix Cafe review, when I realized I have never reviewed my favorite coffee shop on Yelp! Not sure, how that happened, but here are my thoughts: The Phoenix is really more like a community center. People from all walks congregate here- its awesome. I have seen students, knitting groups, old friends, new friends, young and old here. The coffee is excellent. They also have a fresh selection of breakfast treats and ice cream. The staff is always nice. They have an odd assortment of tables and chairs- but all are perfect for enjoying your coffee, computer, book and/or conversation. Cleveland Heights would not be the same without the Phoenix!
(5)Erin S.
Great breakfast catering choice! We moved here in July 2013 and I was looking for a great coffee house to replace my beloved haunt in Chicago. Phoenix coffee totally fit the bill. Wonderful coffee (some of the best I've ever had), friendly baristas, community atmosphere. Fantastic. As I staunchly believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible, I asked if they would be willing to cater a church event for my family. I was worried about the pricing because we had a small budget for the event but they came in with the lowest price beating out two other local cafés as well as a large chain. I worked with Molly on pricing and selection. She was super friendly, got back to me quickly and put together a great package for about 40 people. Everything went off without a hitch and we got tons of compliments on the food and coffee. If you are unfamiliar with Phoenix's food, they are a bakery so the selection is primarily muffins, cookies, scones, bagels, etc. They do not carry savories, egg dishes, breakfast meats and the like. I really recommend them over any other business if you are looking for bakery catering. You will save money and get a superior product!
(5)Cara L.
Another awesome Phoenix location. Do they have magnets for the coolest folks ever and hire them? Because I've never, ever had bad service at any Phoenix in my life. In fact, I think the only one I haven't been to is on Mayfield (I think...) Not only are their baristas incredibly helpful, they're also extremely knowledgeable and just all around cool people. They'll make lots of small talk with you if that's your jive, and if you're a grab-it-go type, they'll stay out of your hair. The coffee and tea is delicious across the board and very consistent from location to location. The shortened version? They know they're beans. Beyond that, they locally source all their goodies and display their info proudly. Talk about helping your fellow man! We need more businesses like this in CLE! And let's not even get me started on their eco-conscious ways, which I adore. I'm not sure what kinds of live entertainment or events they have here, but just knowing what they do at there other spots makes me believe it's probably similar here. Just remember to bring quarters for the meters, folks. Those Cleveland Heights cops think writing parking tickets are more important than patrolling the streets. Lots of seating, chill vibe, great bevs, tasty beans, awesome baristas and more. Rock on, Phoenix. P.S. I stopped in here with my best friend/hair stylist with a shower cap on my head in the middle of the afternoon. The staff only laughed a little, but mostly thought it was awesome. Ha. I have no shame.
(4)Tim F.
I LOVE Phoenix. I just wish there were more of them, at least one near where I live. Seriously, the BEST coffee in the area. I'm typically a latte drinker, and not only does my latte from Phoenix always taste great, it is beautiful.
(5)Andrea Z.
What's not to like? Local, fair trade coffee with some great roasts. All blends we've ever had have been great. Nice place to chill, use the WiFi and while away a perfectly good afternoon or chat with friends. Always a good smattering of people in here - from professionals to high schoolers from down the street. I like that they don't have the music super loud too as some coffee shops do. Just enough. Plenty of outlets for your compy (with power strips to maximize available spots!). Reminds me of the chill coffee shops in Madison, WI when I was in college. Also, they recycle their styrofoam cups! Badass! Definitely skip the Starbucks and head to the Phoenix nearest you.
(4)Sara F.
The baristas are so nice! Their Internet is reliable. Awesome tea selection. My only complaint is there are not many outlets.
(4)Dina M.
Some people don't know this about me, but I eagerly await the day I can move to Cleveland. Today, while my friend was at work, I spent the day working at the Phoenix and it has been a great start to my Clevecation (vacay in Cleveland, duh). Ok, so wonderful things about the Phoenix: 1. Great coffee. My caramel latte was absolutely perfect. Perfect balance of bitter and sweet that a good coffee sweet drink needs. I had a tea earlier, which was also lovely. 2. Staff are friendly and helpful. The busboy even refilled my hot water when he came by. 3. Awesome snacks. This is a hit or miss in coffeeshops. I prefer the savory to the sweet, so I was delighted to see that they had a decent bagel selection (I'm not a bagel snob as I am not from the pretentious hell-hole that is New York City. I simply look for a decent selection). For my lunch, I had a wonderful toasted lox flatbread type thing that the barista referred to as a "fish biscuit." 4. Music. Usually I prefer to listen to Iron & Wine or She & Him (coffeeshop work = bands made of two names) while I type away at the cafe, but Phoenix had an excellent music stream of Leonard Cohen, Animals, and so on playing. Minus: 1. Cleveland is cold. I was sitting by the door and it got drafty. The End. Also, it's all cheap! Holy shit, Cleveland is so cheap! Everything is like 1/3 the price of the equivalent item in DC.
(5)Rob C.
Four stars for the coffee and tea, two stars for the location. This Phoenix Coffee location in not in the normal Phoenix shop in terms of layout. The long, narrow design provides relatively little natural light from the only windows in the front of the store and there are way too many tables without electrical outlets. The back patio looks like it could be fun in the summer but, from what I could tell in the depths of January, does not provide much in terms of a view. Suggest going to the Phoenix in Coventry if you're going to be studying or hanging out for awhile- Nice large windows for ambient light and the majority of tables are near power outlets.
(3)Deb S.
A locally owned neighborhood coffee shop & gathering place with comfy seating, good food, friendly folks and fabulous coffee. Can't ask for more.
(5)Lacy S.
Big fan of Phoenix Coffee on Lee Rd. I can take my computer, my headphones, AND my dog, and stay for hours without feeling like I am being rushed out or pressured to buy more coffee. Great, knowledgeable staff are always welcoming with big smiles. My coffee drink of choice is usually a sugar-free vanilla latte, add cinnamon, however they have been consistently terrible here. So I have lately chosen the regular house blend of the day, which is satisfying and served in a huge mug that I want to take home with me! I just can't understand why the vanilla latte is so bad... Hmpf. But free wi-fi definitely makes up for it...
(4)Brian K.
Exactly what you're looking for in a coffee shop. Baristas have a good sense of humor and service, everything is reasonably priced, and there is free wi-fi with plenty of outlets.
(5)Reid G.
Really excellent service. No snobby baristas here. Amazing chai latte. It's homemade - smooth, spicy, and wholesome. Atmosphere is okay, not my favorite, but I love what they're doing with the local vibe and live music on certain nights. Food selection is standard coffee shop fair, but gelato offering is a great treat.
(4)Carl B.
A good feeling Phoenix. If you read/study at coffee shops you know what I mean. They have to have good enough lighting, good enough music, and good enough coffee. The Lee road Phoenix has all three in spades. The dark roast coffee is always sublime, the atmosphere is perfect, and the music is like sitting around with Bob Boilen. The seating is kinda limited for tables (as are all Phoenix locations come to think of it..) but you will survive. This one has the most of any other ones. Just a good place to do some work and veg out.
(4)Kurt K.
In my opinion this place is everything a coffee shop is supposed to be. It's a great place to find a table and get a little work in on your next great short story or novel. Delightfully Bohemian with a great baristas that always seem to know just what you need as well as have something new to introduce you to. If nothing else, just stop in for a pastry and coffee and watch the eclectic mix of people.
(4)P W.
Phoenix is my favorite coffee place in Cleveland. This particular location's interior seems somewhat plain or generic. It reminds me a lot of the Arabica by W 117th. It doesn't have the same warm atmosphere of the Phoenix on E 9th or Coventry. There is a lot of seating and if I lived in the neighborhood, I would still come here for coffee. The coffee is always consistently good. I just don't know how comfortable I would be sitting there and drinking coffee.
(4)Kate N.
I have yet to have a decently made coffee drink at this store. Knowing they roast their own beans, and knowing their activity in all things related to coffee, I am quite disappointed. The espresso has been bitter, watery - their lattes and cappuccinos not made with the proper espresso/coffee ratios - the barista seems to listen to your order, yet you do not get what you asked for - what is so difficult about a cap with 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foam? And the hoo haw about latte art? Where is it in the cup? The roasted beans are not dated in their containers, and frankly - this store is a huge disappointment.
(1)Joseph F.
If you're in the Cedar\Fairmount or Cedar\Lee areas, this place is a solid alternative to Starbucks. For one thing, the Internet is free. This is a gigantic deal-breaker when my wife and I decide where we're going to study. Although people give us enough Starbucks gift cards to fund the coffee drinking habits of a heavily populated nation for a year, we oftentimes don't go to Starbucks to study simply because we don't want to shell out money for Internet or gamble that there will be an open wireless signal. Secondly, the coffee and food are good. Their regular coffee is quite potent for a caffeine junkie like myself...I usually order espresso drinks at other coffee bars, but Phoenix's regular roast does the trick for me. I ordered a large regular coffee and I couldn't even drink the whole thing over the span of 4.5 hours because it was so strong! Now that's what I call good coffee! Also, their prices are quite reasonable, especially for an independent place. My only complaints about the place are that you gotta pay for parking in the lot behind it during the day and that people tend to graze in the seating area. Seriously, we got here yesterday at 12:30-12:45 on a weekday and had to wait around for a seat! There were like no seats available in the whole place...if Phoenix continues to grow in popularity, they gotta figure out how to add more seating. We have been there at other times when we couldn't even find a seat at all and had to go elsewhere.
(4)Lisa H.
ahhh... the best coffee EVER. the coffee blends are the best and I love how they try to use fair trade coffee and try to be environmentally conscious- their cups and lids are biodegradable. it has a certain indie atmosphere- yet warm and comforting- someplace that you can curl up in a big comfy chair with a nice hot mocha and read on a cold winter's day/night. i am in love with their Toddy's (hyped up espresso- without the extreme bitterness of espresso yum!). Their mochas, superball (mocha with extra espresso), and stuporball (mocha with even more espresso than the superball) are delicious. When throughly mixed- they taste like chocolate milk. I love their fast wifi too- i can get so much work done there! The pricing is a little high- but so much better than any Starbucks!. Plus, if you bring in your own cup- they knock .10 off the purchase price and add .10 if get it in a biodegradable cup (they're more expensive).
(5)Al B.
This is a coffee house in the classic sense of the word. Tasty free trade coffee, wireless internet and relaxed atmosphere.
(4)Miguelito M.
This is my neighborhood café and I'm mostly pleased with it. Little things that annoy me are the archaic power strips but that is minor. The barristas are typically very friendly and helpful. The food selection has dipped slightly downward due to the deletion of their full menu. There are usually pretty interesting people (also hipsters *sigh*) and the poetry night is a must see.
(4)Andy S.
Solid coffee joint. I can't really comment on other Phoenix locations as I've never been to them, but if this was the only one I ever went to, I'd be happy. There is...something...that keeps it from a perfect rating, but I'll be darned if I can say what it is. Get a mug of whatever they have going, a breakfast panini, and the Plain Dealer...you are in good shape. I never understood the whole "bring my laptop so other people can see me use my laptop" thing, but hey, whatever works for you. Thats all I do at home so I'm glad to be away from it for a while. Diff'rent strokes. The coffee is great, the food is fresh, and they aren't total jerks...this puts them ahead of 96% of all coffee shops. Yea, free parking is rough, but like any place in the Heights, you need to park by the yellow meters. Gets the change out of my pocket if nothing else. If you are in the 'hood, be sure to stop by.
(4)Jennifer S.
I don't drink coffee, but I love Phoenix. The atmosphere is welcoming, the baristas and friendly and helpful, and the selection of teas is huge and awesome. I meet friends at Phoenix all the time - it's a great place for a meeting with a friend or a group. Best cafe around!
(5)