Impero Coffee Roasters
849 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43215
Impero Coffee Roasters Menu
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Address :
849 N High St
Columbus, OH, 43215 - Phone (614) 294-2489
- Website https://www.imperocoffee.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Good for Working : Yes
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Jonathan B.
I've stopped in here a several times now. In terms of straight up coffee quality, this is an essential destination on any Columbus coffee map. But I should be up front here: Impero is for customers who value coffee quality above everything else. That's what the owners pay the most attention to, and it shows. The space has a slight waiting room vibe. The furniture is mediocre, and the baristas are often spacey and/or (endearingly) grumpy. But the coffee. My god, the coffee is good. I've had their delicious espresso (light, balanced caramel and chocolate goodness), and a couple different single-origin pour overs. If you are a casual chain coffee shop fan, the regular cup of joe here might just change your opinion of how good coffee can taste. And if you're already an nth wave coffee fan, there are plenty of offerings to satisfy your picky palate (Ethiopian Yrgicheffe comes to mind). Oh, there is a simple menu with light breakfast fare and decent sandwiches. The chicken herb pesto on sourdough is quite tasty. I will be back to Impero the next time I'm craving a cup. Probably tomorrow.
(4)Thea S.
Chose this place after not finding a seat at another coffee spot nearby. I ordered a caramel macchiato and the barista was quick to inform me that a traditional macchiato and the "Starbucks macchiato" are two different drinks (My fierce Starbucks loyalty has given me the faux confidence of a coffee connoisseur...) and suggested that I go with a caramel latte instead. I was thankful for the advice! Nice coffee, espresso and tea menu. Small menu of sandwiches and wraps. Plenty of seating, nice place to work solo or meet with friends! Check it out!
(4)Sheri F.
"Yeah. We know you want something specific. But trust me, we are snobs here. And you are obviously not worthy of our coffee." Guess what? I am not impressed with their approach. I LIKE foam in my iced latte. Stop spinning your pretentious vinyl and try it out. You actually might like it-- and make another $5.
(1)Amy W.
This was stop 3 of 4 on coffee quest. (The t shirt is really cool and very soft!). The drink I chose was a Cortado, made with whole milk, a pinch of raw sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. It was presented with foam art. The barista here (Mike, I believe) truly stands out as a nice and cool guy who loves his job. They have four sizes of coffee, which the largest being represented by the infinity symbol--for $3.50 you can drink all you want as long as you are there. The seating area is smaller than the other three shops I visited, but ample enough. They spin vinyl on a commercial phonograph by Califone. (Good choice, it will stand up to the heavy use.). Nice vibe here set by the barista. Friendly clientele as well. The "Cheers" of Short North coffee.
(4)Jerid P.
I haven't visited Impero in almost a year, but I never had anything positive to say about their espresso to begin with. In my opinion they're just another roaster with under-developed flavor profiles trying to pass off something artisanal as superior. But this review is about the terrible propensity of their baristas to be arrogant, I'll-informed snobs. They actually fly them to Seattle now to spread their smarminess and attitude. I'm not kidding. So for whatever shop owner or manager reads this, your baristas are abroad representing your shop very, very accurately.
(1)Ashley C.
I have visited here once and had a great experience. The interior was neat and clean. The barista was very friendly and worked fast. I was surprised they only had one person working on a Saturday but he did a great job. We did have to wait a few minutes though. I didn't mind since we were not in a hurry. The menu selection was pretty good. There were some cool daily specials. I am not much of a coffee drinker but we decided to stop by and get an iced mocha. It tasted great. I don't really have any complaints. I probably won't be frequently visiting since I don't drink coffee all that much. I would not mind coming back though.
(4)Erik B.
Okay here's the deal: If you're looking for the most high-end coffee in Columbus, or the hippest spot to Instagram, or the place your friends will be jealous that you "checked in" at, this isn't it. What Impero is, however, is the best spot in the Short North to grab a cup of excellent coffee or tea, eat a surprisingly good sandwich, and hang out or get some work done. This is where it really excels. I've been in too many coffee shops that pump their music way too loud; Impero has a single record player playing a well-curated selection of LP's at a modest background volume. Some shops are too pretentious for drip coffee, meaning a $4 pourover is the only option; Impero has really great pourover if you want it, but they also have delicious house-roasted drip coffee for $2 (with 25-cent refills). And finally, gone are the days of fake smiles from baristas, or worse, bougie attitudes scoffing at your choices; Impero's staff is chill, friendly, and patient. If 'Cheers' was a coffee shop, this would be it.
(4)Kathleen P.
My new favorite drink is the cubano. It's similar to a latte, but w less milk and a touch of sugar. Impero makes their just a little differently and adds a pinch of salt. Trust me when I say it brings out all the flavors perfectly.
(5)Sab S.
Cute shop, open late... Unfortunately I had a pumpkin scone with an Americana and it made me sick to my stomach!! Within an hour I was stuck in the bathroom :-( will not return I think the scone was bad :-(
(2)Kent M.
And yet another close by latte stop in the 3 blocks I am walking. Another really cute digs with more food options than others near. I shall return.
(4)Valissa W.
This is my favorite coffee shop in the great state of Ohio. I used to make special trips to this cafe whenever I came through town, but when I got a contracting job in an office three doors down from here, that's when this marriage was solidified. I was such a regular during that time that it seemed strange any days I did not go to Impero. Now, living on the other side of the globe, it's pretty rare I get to revisit my fav caffeine hole, but on my recent trip home I was happy to see they're still kicking. They roast all their own coffee beans so everything's fresh and delicious. I've quickly become addicted to their americanos -- perhaps because of the high quality, home-roasted beans, or perhaps because a medium one of these babies packs FOUR shots of espresso.There's high-speed wifi, outlets, and good lighting -- great for the workaholic. Impero recently expanded their space, adding a second room of couches to the cafe. Available food is from Pattycake (pretentious GF bakery I do not support) and Lavash (amazing Mediterranean cafe you should totally check out). Impero is a Columbus staple, and a great coffee shop to while away the hours with a great cup of coffee. Pro Tip: For the social media whores out there, every 8th check-in on Foursquare gets you a free coffee.
(4)Hannah S.
Love this spot for camping out for a few hours to get work done. Location is so convenient in the heart of Short North. Good drinks and food. Wish they kept things a little tidier. Tables are always dirty and the floors need to be swept which kind of turns me off.
(4)Ying W.
Finally made it to Impero Coffee this weekend and it definitely did not disappoint! Tried the recommended Goldie Hawn and it was delish! They use Snowville milk but wished they had more than just whole milk. Also, it was really crowded that there was no seating. Other than that, highly recommend for those who enjoy a cup of good coffee.
(4)David S.
Great honey latte, the Goldie Hawn, can be made with soy, almond, or regular milk and the large has 4 shots. Great and friendly staff. Street parking is cheap. Plenty of seating. Also, the vegan tofu peanut wrap is absolutely amazing and a great lunch option. Too bad that it is only served for lunch, because it is amazing.
(5)Levi R.
As good as it gets! Coffee selection is one of the best in the nation! From Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Kochere to Fair Trade Organic coffee like Ethiopian Sidamo Oromia. There are also rumors of the best coffee you can get from the last harvest coming to Impero! I'm so excited about this shop finally getting all the pieces to the puzzle together, and addressing any faults in the past years! You can also order your coffee online now and have it delivered for FREE! On a recurring monthly order with a Coffee Club! They even do coffee equipment service now! Check it out for yourself ImperoCoffee.com Full service coffee shop, and top notch to say the least! Thanks for hanging in there, and creating a top tier coffee experience!
(5)Tabytha A.
I had an amazing hot chocolate here (made with Snowville Creamery milk, so a win before I even tasted it), great location and atmosphere; I'll definitely be back!
(5)Michael B.
Impero has a friendly, knowledgeable staff and the shop itself feels welcoming. Good coffee. I like to curl up on one of the couches and read a book
(5)Lea P.
I liked coming here, liked my sencha iced tea. I went on a weekday afternoon, when the traffic was sort of medium, with only one person working behind the counter. Impero seems to receive mixed reviews where service is concerned, but for me it was solid: the worker was friendly and helpful. He even opened the door for me on my way in. I could see myself coming here with the laptop on a regular basis. I was not as satisfied with the food I ordered as I was the rest of the experience. I got the tofu peanut wrap. The tofu and peanuts were both fine, but there were beets in the mix, too, that were kind of overwhelming, and the avocado was under-ripe. Trying to bite through a firm avocado is always disappointing. Nonetheless, i don't want to judge too harshly on a single menu item. They also listed soup ("Always vegan") that I'll probably try out next time and a couple of other interesting-looking options. But in the end, it's a coffee place with food, not a food place with coffee, so if worst comes to worse, I'll just settle for the hot-n-steamy.
(4)Stacy B.
Top notch traditional machiatto and they serve restretto if you dare! Love a barista who is excited to make the real deal! Go and try.
(5)Annie K.
Great shop. Love stopping here on the weekends for a consistently terrific cup of coffee. They're really into what they do, and they do it well. I'm in the Short North, so they're convenient to me, and they're dog friendly so we love coming by when we're out for an early morning walk. Great staff, and seriously good coffee. Highly recommend stopping in.
(5)Lauren S.
This is my favorite place to get coffee. Period. Baristas are patience and friendly. I always get their cafe au lait and it's perfect everytime. Love that there is an almond milk option.
(5)Matt W.
The coffee is solid, but I feel bad for the barista I talked to this morning. I tried to order a sausage and egg sandwhich, and when he asked what bread I wanted it on, I tried Croissant (still baking), sourdough (actually only for sandwiches) and multi-grain (hadn't been delivered yet) before he finally had something I wanted (jalapeno cheddar bagel). I think I was the very first customer of the day and I totally discombobulated him.
(3)Kent K.
Meh... The place itself is kinda cool, but the baristas were some of the most rude unfriendly baristas I've encountered. My cappuccino was just like the baristas, bitter and lacked art (far too much foam). One of them even went so far as to vaguely make fun of it. Yes, decaf soy isn't very pure, but I don't do dairy and I limit my caffeine. And I was planning to go to Mission Coffee shortly after for some much better coffee. If you're in the area, definitely go around the corner to Mission.
(2)Jessica K.
Columbus Coffee Tour, edition 1, included Impero. I'd never been, but some of my friends had and thought the more-established shop would be a good inclusion. The space seems very Cup-of-Joe-ish to me, and quite cramped, as already described. We got one espresso to taste (we were a little wired already) and I really liked it- it was a darker roast and well brewed (and a super long pull, I'm not sure if that's standard or an accident). They have a menu of classic, simple coffee drinks but also offer flavored stuff and a pumpkin menu and all sorts of non-coffee stuff. They also have a few quirky things- we watched someone drink a weird thing in a shot glass and I asked them what it was, and they told me it was a 'John Wayne', a layered shot of flavor, espresso and cream, to which I responded, 'sort of like a tiny, quick-drinking flavored latte?'. The dude behind the bar chimed in with a, 'no, absolutely nothing at all like a latte' and a visible, pronounced scoff. Psh. So a friend ordered one to try- she actually loved it... I'd suggest a round of these next time we're out and about in the area, just for fun. But... it is exactly like a tiny flavored latte, if you don't count the temperature differences. Dude continued to throw eye-rolls and sarcastic smirks at everyone with a question or comment and won the award for most annoying staff member of the day, but his coffee was good so I guess you can write it up to ambiance.
(4)Aaron S.
Just paid $2.75 + tip for a lukewarm, weak pour over. Coffee was room temperature, and resembled earl grey tea in color. Service is consistently and exceptionally slow. It's difficult to imagine baristas showing greater disdain for their clientele.
(2)Rachel H.
I haven't had a good experience at Impero. I've been here several times, and the service has always been sub par. It seems like they are understaffed or don't communicate well. Side note- they advertise using Snowville milk (big sign hanging on the wall), but they are clearly not when I see them making my drink order. Not a fan.
(2)Drew B.
Man, I can't believe the bad reviews some people have left. I LOVE this coffee house. Very pretty interior very open and sunny with a cozy lounge area. Delicious food always made with good detail and the coffee is Awesome! Whoever says it tastes like mud is probably used to drinking the hot water at McDonalds in the morning. This coffee is grounded and brewed fresh right in front of me and tastes great, you just need to find the blend you like (I prefer Guatemala). The baristas are always knowledgeable and laid back chill type and so far I've never noticed a bad vibe from them. Sure, they don't have that huge fake smile and yell "WELCOME TO STARBUCKS" when you walk in but I never appreciated false enthusiasm at those places. These guys are more legit and relaxed not fake and awkward. Music playing is always nice and the wifi is hassle free. Oh and I definitely recommend the vegetarian sandwich it's egg tomato spinach and pesto tastes fantastic on your favorite bagel. So kudos, Impero Coffee Roasters for being my favorite coffee house on High St and probably all of Columbus!
(5)Stephanie T.
Not only was my coffee bangin' (Chemex, Ethiopian) - service was super helpful & not at all condescending when it came to the dozens of questions the sister with me had about brew methods. Compared to other coffee places using the same method, the most detail was put into each step here in the Chemex process.
(5)Chad E.
For my money, this is the best proper espresso in Columbus. Most places just make muddy coffee. This is the way it's supposed to be
(5)Zack R.
I just got a breakfast sandwich to go. Egg and cheese with sausage on a jalepeno cheddar bagel. At $5 I was expecting more than a microwaved sandwich, but I guess they're not really a full service kitchen. Sandwich was pretty good, but the sausage quality was so-so. Also, I would have enjoyed more than one jalepeno slice on the bagel. Service was very nice though, and the place seems pretty cool.
(4)Andrew B.
Solid espresso, good baristas.
(4)Holly B.
Disclaimer: I had to take a deep breath before I wrote this review as thinking about this coffee shop makes my blood pressure skyrocket. Impero is a crappy establishment masked in delicious coffee, simplistic design and Harry Potter books gracing the magazine rack. I want so badly for this place to be good but time after time, they have fallen short. As of last weekend, I will officially be adding them to the list of Short North local businesses I will forever boycott due to atrocious customer service. I went there on a blustery Saturday morning and was greeted with the typical aloof employees. They can barely mutter a "how are you" or make eye contact but yet when a regular walks through the door, they perk right up - making their indifference with me that much more insulting and personal. I had my order ready, didn't dilly dally at the register and was smiling the entire time. But nope, not good enough for the employees at Impero. The sad part is that this business made me asking myself WHY I wasn't good enough to treated with friendly service - little backwards eh? The coffee I had was on par (they never miss a beat there) but the food situation was just odd. I received my egg sandwich right away. My fellow diner had ordered a plain, toasted bagel and soup. We waited..and waited..and waited. My friend went to inquire about the food status and was assured it would be out soon. The soup finally came out with the context that it had taken awhile to heat - except it was ice cold. So yeah. Awkward. The bagel never came out. We were so fed up with the service at this point that we just left. Any establish that can't give me half a smile and pull off putting a bagel in the toaster is not worth spending a penny on. There are so many great local businesses the Short North is blessed with, and I'm done wasting my time at a place that doesn't appreciate their customers. I realize full well this review will make little difference to the loyal Imperoists but I hope someone venturing from out of town will stumble across this review and think twice before stopping in.
(1)Chris G.
Really impressed with their espresso. Liked at least as much if not more than anywhere else I've tried in town. Barista was very friendly, atmosphere is great. Location is super hip.
(5)Jack N.
Their Coffee is overpriced but great. The customer service at Impero is hopelessly awful. Really f***ing awful. Every time I walk in here the employees treat me like I'm wasting their time. I'm a young guy, I'm used to a coffee shop employee, someone-pissed-in-my-cheerios, attitude but if you don't even make eye contact or say something human you don't get a tip. Do you know how many coffee shops there are in this city? Plenty better, I'll take my money elsewhere. And another thing, $19 for a bag of coffee beans is criminal. There's no way to justify it. I've bought beans, I've roasted my own beans, I've sold coffee before- there's no way its worth that. I can get more Tanzanian Peaberry at a different shop.
(1)Lucky G.
Superb coffee. Delicious roast. One of the best in Columbus. I always order a Cortado, and it is sheer perfection. The staff is very knowledgable and shared some interesting history with me regarding the origins of my drink. I always enjoy my experience at Impero and would highly recommend it. They are currently expanding into the space next door which bodes well for this gem in the Short North. If you are looking for excellent coffee, look no further.
(5)Gwen W.
No coffee for me. I get their chai tea. It's Oregon, I believe. It's good. The feeling and atmosphere here? Well, it's a small coffee house. It can't sit too large of a customer base. It does have plenty of tables spaced - as many as they can, before I start feeling cramped. They've got an open-counter space for ordering. Coffee, espresso, teas, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, protein drinks. Every time I've stopped in here, there's maybe been three or four other people working, while sipping on coffee and eating their munchies. Thus, the few times I've been in, I find it rather hard to sit and work - my mind wonders, or I hurry and get done, not focusing on detail. Don't get me wrong, I love working in coffee houses, but I like to be surrounded by other busy bodies. This place is too sparse for me.
(2)Joel C.
My girlfriend stopped by here with her best friend to get a coffee for our neighborhood friends who were participating in the Columbus Day parade. They were treated to condescending talk from a barista because they did not know what 'wet or dry' coffee was...he assumed they only drank at Starbucks before coming there. Everyone may have a bad day but apparently other friends of ours upon mentioning this recalled a male barista also speaking to them rudely because of their lack of coffee terminology. Rather than explaining to them after they asked he went about making the coffee with no comment. I spoke to a female barista and hope that management will be reaching out to me. I spend most days talking to store managers for my company for these kinds of things and hope they are open to improvement. We will give the place one more chance after I have talked to management.
(1)Nicholas S.
This place is a lot better now that that seating has expanded. I was in at about 9 on a Sunday morning, and got a great seat, a damn fine Wahana pour over, and a delicious everything bagel. Parking is usually available on west first, although it can be tough in the evenings. The ambiance is really nice, and there are great people who make your drinks. The internet is a bit sluggish, and I found it difficult to get some of my work done, but if you are just going to unplug and have a conversation or read, it is a solid spot.
(4)Josh Q.
I get, at least, two cups of coffee a day at Impero. Their drinks and beans are priced exceptionally well and the staff is knowledgeable. They used to do Lavash (which was great) but have more recently started to do an in-house menu which I think is way better and allows them to be a little more versatile. I also think a bagel sandwich is a way better compliment to a cup of coffee than shwarma. There is a pretty solid host of regulars so grabbing a place to work or hang out can be tough, but you could also look at that as an indication that there are 20 people that like the place enough to spend their time and money there every day.
(5)Ha H.
Coffee is good. I like the local feel. Lots of hipsters, so there is always some good people watching :) However, the line needs to get more efficient. They take too much time to get things done, and the line can build up. It once took me 10 mins to get my drip coffee, that's just too long. OWNER/s- please try to do some competitor analysis- go to a starbucks and try and understand how & why they are more efficient; at the very least, they have perfected their line efficiency. Another suggestion- try to stay open a little longer during the week.
(3)Madith B.
Great tea selection. Fantastic service. Great food options. Love the butternut and Thai pumpkin soups. Also the three cheese grilled cheese where you can pick your cheeses and the GLBT which is a BLT with Gorgonzola and spicy mayo. Yum.
(5)Mindy W.
I haven't written a middle of the road review in a long time. I just felt so-so here, and I wanted to love it! I will admit I ordered the completely wrong thing for my tastes the first time I went there...the Cubano. Very, very strong, and the sugar and creamer did nothing to cut it. I also got a breakfast sandwich, the Vegetarian, which was delicious...until I got to the second half and noticed that the whites of the egg weren't cooked through. I can't stomach that, and had to throw it away. The sandwich itself was on a bagel, with egg, muenster, pesto and tomato. I haven't had enough time to get over the gross out from that to venture having the sandwich again, I keep thinking about the snotty looking egg every time I comtemplate breakfast there. /sigh. I did go back again and that time got a plain pour-over. I wasn't feeling the beans selected for me by the counter person. It was a very fruity coffee, and unbelievably strong. I'll keep persevering, as I think half the issue is my inability to describe what I like in a coffee. The atmosphere is cramped, but clean and modern.
(3)Troy S.
I like this place. I wish I would have spent some more time here to get a better feel for the place but I had a 9 AM conference to get too. I stopped in on brisk Friday Morning for some coffee and to check some E-mail. They had a Guatemalan medium roast brewing for me. The coffee was strong, hot, and brewed perfectly. I was impressed with the coffee even if it wasn't my usual dark roast. I prefer the richness and strength of my dark roast but this one was brewed strong enough to compensate. I do wish they would have two types brewed but I also understand the economics of brewing only one. I hate the fact that some places have to throw out coffee all the time because they are trying to meet the needs of each individual taste. Medium coffee is $2 and if you want it in a mug it is an extra $.25. I wish I would have checked the refill policy. The atmosphere is more modern but yet relaxing. The place was dead when i walked in but 10 minutes later had a line waiting for their drink. They also have a lot of options for the person who wants more than a coffee. Their specialties are decent price and there is plenty of places to sit and chat. Nice place which I will visit again. The Barista was also very friendly and displayed knowledge about coffee. Only Negatives: Pay for parking, some tables are very close together.
(4)Michael U.
Solid coffee - nicely balanced and mellow with good high notes of chocolate, but a bit earthy on the finish. Great price at $1.75 for a medium and much better than Stauff's, IMO. Nice location with a much less contrived and lame interior than when it was "Cuppy's" Competent Baristas - they aren't going to rewrite your mental notebook on bean sourcing and quality like the folks at Intelligentsia or Blue Bottle - but they also don't come off as condescending hipsters like the folks at Intelligentsia or Blue Bottle. Nice sourcing on the baked goods selection - why make your own half-assed pastries when you can use Simple Sweets and Pattycake? I like it - they should be open on Sundays, though.
(4)Marie S.
The coffee is very good. The chai is more spicy than sweet. Baristas are always friendly & helpful. I normally don't have a hard time finding a seat, but I tend to visit in off hours.
(4)Jeanne L.
The coffee was tasty, and the interior was pretty. There are tables and sofas, with a good internet connection to boot. My only gripe is that the baristas are not particularly friendly; they look like they are only there to get paid. Will be returning, though not my favorite spot.
(4)Jaime L.
The vegetarian sandwich is so good especially on a croissant
(4)David W.
The people that own this place have a great mission, and the coffee is amazing. Service could be a bit faster buy hey - it's refreshing to see someone take their time and put out a great, consistent product every time. The latte I had was outstanding.
(4)Allie L.
I love walking into a coffee shop and seeing REAL coffee near the top of the menu board. I was excited to see they offered chemex, V60 pour over, and vac pot! I ordered a cup of coffee brewed with the V60 and the barista was so excited! Loved the enthusiasm. It was pretty busy but we snagged a table for two. If you're coming to Impero to grab a cup to go OR to work/study/read quietly, this is the place for you. I was chatting with a friend and we often felt like it was too quite and felt awkward for talking too loudly. I will be back!
(4)Tabi P.
My boyfriend and I decided to spend our Saturday morning getting some exercise and walking to Impero to try their coffee. I had read somewhere that they were the new coffee roasters in town and I was excited that, perhaps, there might be a place closer to my home than Brioso (downtown) to get a really good coffee/coffee drink. When we arrived, there were two-three people in front of us in line. We proceeded to what appeared to be the end of the line near the dessert case. Our plan was to walk further down and try le Chocoholique, however, after waiting five or so minutes to order, I was tempted to try the baklava with our coffee. I surveyed the prices on the menu board and decided at four dollars and some change, that I would "splurge" and get the "large" cappuccino. My beau chose the macchiato (also large). I chose the cappuccino and to drink our coffee in the shop to see their presentation and to experience the mood of this new place of business. When we finally ordered, the female "barista" showed us the size of the ceramic cups for our drinks (the large) but did not seem to indicate whether we would think that was small or large - just that we might not be aware they were that size. Personally, I considered staying quite a while, and would have taken a larger coffee, but could see that they were offering a "traditional" size coffee selection and thought I'd try it before forming opinions. I said "for here" while ordering our food, and asked them to give us a piece of baklava to split while waiting for our drinks. The baklava was two dollars and maybe an inch and one half square. It was like most of the baklava I've tried before, not great, not bad. It was handed to me on a small plate and I searched for silverware and/or napkins and found five cocktail napkins next to the individual sugar/sweetener packets (in plastic restaurant wholesaler caddies) - no silverware. The walls were covered in photographs from a local photographer, mostly of young "hipster" looking 20-somethings with flannel shirts and trendy glasses. A church hymnal was placed on the coffee table with the pages bent to create a fan-effect as it lay open - that was probably my favorite piece of "artwork." We sat down, ate the baklava slowly and I heard my double cappuccino called out from the counter. When I went to retrieve it I was confused at the paper to-go cup sitting next to the barista station. I mentioned to the male barista that my drink was for-here and was very sad that I would not get to survey the "foam art" as he took the lid off in preparation to pour it in to a ceramic cup. I tried to stop him and asked if he could just place my boyfriend's coffee in a to-go cup as well and he proceded to pour mine into the ceramic cup, then back into the paper cup and put the other drink into a paper cup. I was frustrated by our initial impression of Impero Roasters because I saw little to no information about what makes them special, where their coffee comes from or what they value. When my drink was given to me in a half-full to-go cup, lukewarm, I was offered no apologies, no offering suggestions/solutions to me, and the staff didn't seem phased. I had the impression from the reviews that I had heard that this was going to be a new local business that I could support in its youth, recommend to others and have a sense of pride in my neighborhood. I had expectations of friendly and educational customer service regarding what a cup of coffee at Impero is about; the service, the presentation and the product itself left a lot to be desired. I cannot say that I will not return to Impero in the future, but I will not be paying for it if I do. I would suggest (on the menu) that Impero inform customers where their coffee is roasted, and that they serve "traditional" size coffee drinks and offer smaller size to-go cups and/or larger "double" size drinks to fill the cups they have. Whether we are Americans in that we expect everything to be "supersized" or not, serving food or drink on plate/cup that is too large leaves anyone feeling that the proverbial cup is "half empty." A little more thought into green practices and sustainability of the business might include using single sugar/creamer/sweetener containers at the sidebar rather than paper packets as well as choosing the dishware to complement the portion sizes and final presentation of the menu items.
(2)Walker H.
My companions loved the hot chocolate and iced chai. I had the Nicaraguan in a V60 pour over. It was quite good, not too light, not too dark for my tastes. The staff was incredibly friendly, fast, and efficient.
(4)Basil A.
What a train wreck. I ordered a decaf cappuccino. They don't have decaf. That's weird, but OK. So I get a caffeinated. What I was given was neither a cappuccino nor anything else I can fathom. It was in a teeny tiny paper cup (almost Dixie cup size but not quite). OK, no problem. Overpriced, but they have Short North rent to pay. I get it. The problem was what was inside the cup. It was only half full. If I had ordered an espresso or a ristretto or something I could understand the half empty cup. I ordered a cappuccino. There was possibly a quarter of an inch of foam, but I think that is being generous. It could have easily fit into a tiny espresso cup. It wasn't a cappuccino by any definition. It wasn't a latte. It wasn't an espresso. What WAS it? Then I took a drink. That was the single most bitter espresso in the entire North American continent. I don't know. Terrible. On the bright side, they have Snowville milk (of course I paid an extra dollar for what probably amounted to a teaspoon of it) and Pattycake Bakery cookies. It's a cute shop but not for espresso aficionados.
(1)Billi M.
Very friendly service. Everyone was smiling, and very helpful. 4 stars because the first morning I visited they had no ice, and all I wanted was an ice cold Green tea. On my second visit there was ice, and great service for our large group. Very friendly service. Everyone was smiling, and very helpful. 4 stars because the first morning I visited they had no ice, and all I wanted was an ice cold Green tea. On my second visit there was ice, and great service for our large group.
(4)Evalyn C.
I've been to Impero a handful of times over the last few months and the one thing that's truly consistent is its inconsistency. One day you go in and it's filled with a yuppier crowd, the next broke college students and starving artist types, the next hipsters and soccer moms. What's the deal? It's not just the people that vary from visit to visit, it's the drinks you get too. I've had espresso drinks that were perfect and espresso drinks that tasted bitter or too milky. I've had iced teas that were cool and refreshing and iced teas that tasted like stale coffee grounds - and I hate to think how that happened. But, one of the things that keeps me coming back? They really do have great whole bean coffee. My mom bought some the first time we stopped in and it was fantastic. I haven't had a cup prepared at home with their whole beans that hasn't been tasty and delicious.
(3)Jess G.
As a grad student and caffeine addict, I spend a lot of my time scoping out coffee shops. I definitely feel like there are more inviting places in the area to get coffee that are also good quality and reasonably priced than Impero. There's very little seating in Impero, and the people hanging out there mostly seemed to be friends with the baristas, constantly wandering in and out. The baristas...well, let's just say they weren't the most friendly people I've ever met. My soy latte was good, but it wasn't standout. I've had a lot of good lattes and I don't think there's anything special about Impero's that would make me choose this place over Cup o' Joe or other coffee joints in the area. One of Impero's perks is that they do serve Lavash appetizers and foods.
(2)Sarah H.
knocking off a star because I finally tried the espresso, and it was not up to snuff. I've pulled comparable shots at home on my found-in-the-trash repaired-at-home starbucks-brand espresso machine. but! they know how to steam milk. and they carry pattycake cookies. and their normal coffee is still good. so they get to keep four of their stars. I noticed when I was here on a Sunday afternoon that it was really busy. my previous visits were weekdays and it was pretty deserted. because of the crowds, the single employee was not enough to get through customers at a reasonable pace. I would say Impero needs to figure their shit out - they have great potential, but really need to work on some their execution. I overheard that they recently held an educational class on coffee for their employees, so hopefully their espresso improves.
(4)Gretchen G.
I love this place!!! I have searched the whole city for the best latte and environment. I found both at Impero! Not only do you get the best coffee beverage in the city, but you served by the city's best latte artists. They have a great selection of pastries and small meals too.
(5)Kirsten H.
Yay for coffee houses with decent food that are walking distance from my abode! The free wifi and relaxed atmosphere often mean that all of the limited seating here is taken, but at other times you've got your choice of the many varieties of real estate (tall tables, regular tables, chairs, couches, etc). The food here is definitely worth a mention - they have a varied menu that accommodates all varieties of dietary preference. The soups and Fatayer are highly recommended and I have enjoyed many delicious scones when I felt like satisfying the sweet tooth. Their coffee is decently priced and highly drinkable. The staff are all pleasant - but not in that glued-on smile kind of way - they act like real people who happen to be friendly. It tends to be relatively quiet here even when it's busy which is good news if you want to study or have an actual conversation with a friend. For those who must drive here, parking is limited to what you can find on the street. There's a bit of outdoor seating when weather permits, but it's no real patio. Overall, though, it's a real winner and a welcome addition to the Short North which is still hurting from the loss of the Coffee Table (IMHO) which was a fixture at the corner of Buttles and High for years...
(4)Megan R.
If there was a way to do zero stars, I would - Holly's previous review is dead on. Dreadful service by completely overwhelmed staff - seriously, you don't want coffee that bad. Go next door to Whit's and have ice cream instead!
(1)Christina C.
Oh, oh, Impero: From the moment I stepped in your doors I felt relaxed. You don't feel like other coffee shops. You're different. Maybe it's the modern decor? The cool tones, straight lines or hip locale? Maybe it's your clientele? Talkative city-slickers that wave and say hello. You're prices are lovely too. I didn't even blink an eye when I paid $1.60 for a cup of green tea. Your spunky barista even offered to keep track of the time my tea needed to steep. That was a first! I wanted to waste the day away sprawled out on your corner couches, but opted for the plush high top chairs instead, in interest of being productive... next time though. Productivity is overrated, anyway. Regardless of where I end up IN your four walls, I will be back to soak in your inviting, welcoming persona, cheap drinks, delightful clientele and free parking on the side street very, very, very soon.
(4)Bryan V.
Impero is by far my favorite coffee spot in town, and not just because its so close to my apartment. The lattes are amazing. Knowing how to steam milk properly goes a long way and the baristas at Impero know their stuff. They are always friendly and I like chatting with them while I wait for my drink. The only reason I'm knocking a star off is that occasionally I've had to wait through pretty long lines because they only had one person working. If everyone ahead of you orders lattes be prepared to wait a little while. That being said however I am always immediately made happy once I have a sip of my drink.
(4)Bryan T.
After numerous attempts to like this place, I am completely sure that today was my last visit. It is really unfortunate, because it has potential and they have great things on there menu. But the problem is, they NEVER have the ingredients for what's on their menu. I work in the short north with 25 other co-workers who have all had really bad customer service, or not able to order something on the menu. It's a real let down. The staff is rude or flighty and there is hardly anything avail. on the menu. I've been trying to like this place for almost 6 months now and It's just not happening. With all the cafe's in the neighborhood, you'd think they'd have it together to get more business. I'm bummed.
(1)Nate L.
Q: What's better than sitting on your duff watching TV on a Saturday evening? A: Watching people in the Short North. Q: What goes with watching people in the Short North? A: An evening cup of coffee. OK, OK, maybe that's just my gig but there's a lot of character in that area. I suppose it takes a certain personality to appreciate it all. I don't drink cappuccino or idea coffee or espresso for that matter. So, I cannot attest to the quality of those products but the cup of house I did have was perfect. The seating outside was full, but I found a public area across the way. It worked out perfectly. The only problem I had was its temperature. I assume with all of the appliances running, there would be a significant amount of heat generated but it was still hot in there. It was actually hotter in there, than outside. Someone, please, open a window!
(4)Nicholas H.
Impero has struck me as one of the best coffee shops I've ever been to. I have visited several times and have never been disappointed. I have always found the baristas charming. I enjoy their cappuccinos, as they are actually as dry as they should be, and I also enjoy their espresso straight. I tried my first con panna here, and it was magic. If you haven't had a con panna, it's espresso with a dash of whip that slowly melts into the shot. Delicious. The place gets crazy on gallery hop night, obviously. But during the week, it's usually moderately chill. Table space is limited and can fill up easily. They have a great sofa and chair in the corner, perfect for leisure reading. Actually, once I was disappointed that they served me my espresso con panna in a to-go cup vs. a ceramic, but that's pretty picky of me, and arguably my own fault.
(5)Aaron B.
This is a decent cafe on High Street in the Short North that has good beans (and hence good espresso), but isn't particularly cafe-like. I mean the vibe here is rather stale and there isn't much in terms of baked goods or ambiance or other things that you might from a cafe. Also (and this is a big hit against it for me) it closes early: 8pm on weekdays. That's not insanely early, but it's a bit too early for a cafe. Personally, I think 10pm is the earliest a cafe should close (and midnight is a good time to close), but but maybe this neighborhood can't support it. Although the tea place up the street is open till 10pm so... I'd come here again for work with wifi and a nice tasty $2 americano, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here.
(3)Heather G.
Dragging from an early wake up call I decided it was time to venture out of the office and find a coffee shop to refuel. I couldn't have found a better place than Impero. Great beverages, fair prices, yummy snacks and a perfect work environment will have me coming back soon. The staff was refreshingly friendly to everyone. The warm pita bread and hummus made a great snack. Iced tea was just what I needed on a hot summer day. I loved the relaxed atmosphere that created a perfect place to escape to and work for a few hours. Basically, Impero has all the qualities I want in a coffee shop.
(4)Kate S.
I've been here 3 very random times during my Columbus experience so far. Until a little research here on yelp, I never knew the name. I only remembered it as the "super friendly, amazing coffee, chill vibe, random bathroom that doesn't lock" coffee shop on High Street. And because of it being a "super friendly, amazing coffee, chill vibe" coffee shop, i give it 5 stars. The baristas were always helpful and cheery. The last time I was in there, I got an iced americano. The barista asked if I have had their iced coffee. I replied, "no, most iced coffees (cough cough starbucks cough cough) taste sour and off to me" The barista then gave a hearty sample of their iced coffee to try while he made me my iced americano. It was one of the best iced coffees I have ever had. Damn, now I have a craving for an iced coffee. In short, the coffee is great, the patrons and staff seem friendly enough, and as much as I do enjoy the convenient non-iced-coffee items from Starbucks, I enjoy patronizing local coffee shops even more.
(5)Lisa S.
Talk about your extreme makeover! It's like Ricki Lake took the trashy teenager that was Cuppy's Coffee and transformed the space into the beautiful debutant that is now Impero. Gone are the leopard print lamps and trashy eyeliner! Now we have white clean walls, dark leather sofas, and classy frosted window doors. Now Impero needs to find their own style while taking away what they've learned from their magical makeover. May I suggest some rotating gallery space on the walls? Alright, looks aside, what about the substance? My latte was amazing! I took a long sip, turned to my friend and said, "Now that's good". Ordering in gets you a big beautiful white mug full of your favorite latte with a beautiful example of latte art staring you straight in the face. The taste is smooth and not bitter at all. Impero's price points are reasonable, and like Melanie B. said, pick up an SBB card and get your drink upgraded! Impero has small plates and baklava provided by the equally delicious Lavash Cafe. Hummus with warmed pita, stuffed grape leaves, and salads make Impero a lunch spot, not just a coffee spot. The atmosphere was a little sterile, but I stayed for 2 hours without feeling like I was intruding. I noticed a few folks working out of Impero on their laptops. I've got to give Impero mad props for their music selection as well. Definitely conducive to staying all day!
(4)Melanie B.
To be clear: My three-star review has much to do with customer service/atmosphere, which was definitely three stars. The coffee at Impero, as the previous reviewers have stated, is excellent. However, there are other places to get excellent coffee and not feel like you are intruding (on what? I'm not sure...). I stopped in to Impero tonight on the way to Phia because I got my Small Business Beanstock discount card in the mail (omg! Sign up! Google it, central Ohioans, it's FREE!) and this is one of the participating local businesses. I was all super psyched because I love coffee - I (excitedly) explained this to the barista, who seemed unimpressed. Not mean or anything, just... unimpressed. Apparently I had interrupted his convo with a friend/patron. Oh noz. :P I asked about the SBB card, and he explained it to me - it's a good deal, whatever you order gets one up-ed in size fo' free. So I ordered a small Americano and got a medium for the same price! Yeah! And it was definitely a well made cup of coffee, fine people of Columbus. I recommend the coffee whole heartedly. I had some questions about beans (looking for a non-gross decaf... not for me, don't worry!), but our man wasn't super into having a convo with me about this, so I didn't end up purchasing what could have been a $15/lb bag of coffee from him. The decor and affect are really nice in here, though one thing I noticed was that it was all men in the coffee shop. Now yes, I KNOW this is the Short North (although wow I just made a blanket generalization), I get it, I get it, but like the Boystown location Caribou Coffee in Chicago which is a gay guy pick-up spot (which is totally cool with me - except that women are looked at with Death Gaze, as though we're ruining what's going on), I felt like Impero risked losing me as a patron simply because I am a lady. Everyone else was chatty and pleasant to each other, but as I said, the barista made me feel a little like I was intruding. Now, this may not be true, I may just be traumatized by previous similar experiences, but I'm just saying this is how it felt to me tonight. I do, however, recommend this coffee shop, and because the coffee is so excellent, and because they're part of the SBB, I'd like to go back in the very near future, preferably in the daytime, to update you on the aforementioned situation.
(3)Eric W.
A coffee shop that doesn't open until 9am on weekends? This city continues to confuse me. When they are open, the staff is friendly, but the espresso drinks are on the weak/creamy side. If that suits your taste then this is your spot.
(3)Cheryl H.
Cute, cozy and located in the heart of the Short North, Impero is a great local coffee shop. They have a pretty fair selection of foodstuffs - from hummus and soups to decadent desserts. Furnished with two couches and a handful of tables, it's a nice place for a meeting or to chill out and read a book. Their lattes are DELICIOUS, and they make them beautifully. Aaaand echoing Lisa and Mel - get an SBB card if you don't have one already ( thesbb.com ) and whatever you order will get up-sized for free!
(4)Nick S.
I stopped in Impero today to get an Americano after a heavy lunch and before a long drive. The Americano was good. It wasn't great, but it was completely decent. I've had better shots from a few other places in town, but not many. The shot wasn't bitter, but the body was a little weak and the flavor was, overall, underwhelming. To me, good espresso should be sweet -- almost cloying even -- and this just didn't deliver. If the flavor had been really complex, I'd have gotten over the lack of sweetness but it wasn't. That said, there are some compelling reasons I would go back to Impero. The shot was basically good and they offer a variety of brewing methods. They have both a V60 and vacuum pots -- both of which I'm curious about. I don't know that I'd go out of my way to go back to Impero (my heart still belongs to Luck Bros) but, next time I want coffee in the Short North I'd be happy to give Impero another shot.
(4)Bart D.
Coffee - Some of the best in Columbus. Staff - Friendly. Competent. Efficient. Environment - Very similar to that of a coffee shop. Based on those factors I very much want to award Impero 5 stars. Unfortunately there are some downsides. Hours - Lame. A real coffee shop stays open 24/7 so the pseudo intellectuals (like me!) have somewhere to go after the bars close or after their lousy 2nd/3rd shift jobs are over so they can play chess, make lame passes at the baristas, and wax philosophic about how the world has wronged them. I guess when you type it all out like that it becomes more obvious why a business might choose not to cater to that demographic but we live in a city that used to house Insomnia and Idiot Boy; we know what a coffee shop is supposed to look like and we will not settle! Clientele - Ultra Lame. You're going to a place where they roast their own beans. They use the highest quality ingredients in conjunction with state of the art equipment operated by highly trained professionals. The result is one of the best cups of coffee I've ever tasted. And *you* have them dump half a gallon of milk and sugar syrup in it. Sacrilege. Why can't you admit that you just don't like coffee? Why don't you take a couple snickers bars, use the microwave and melt them down to a liquid and drink that? You'll save yourself 3 dollars and everyone in line behind you, people who actually like the taste of coffee, 15 minutes. Maybe they should just set up an honor system where there's an air pot full of coffee and you come in, self serve, and leave your money in the jar. It would save you the trouble of waiting in line behind 8 people who don't know that what they really want is a slice of cake not a cup of coffee. So yeah, that should be minus 2 stars but since the staff is so good to me and they've never served me a bad cup of coffee I still want to give them 5. It's a conundrum.
(4)Larry M.
Impero is a close walk for me, and is a great place to get a cup of good coffee, sit down on the leather couches, and relax. Every time I've been there the baristas are polite and helpful. To me this place is pretty much the anti-Starbucks, and I mean that in a good way.
(4)Brandi F.
I was only in town for the weekend, and my friend insisted that I try Impero and their latte - which says a lot. Yummy! The register was an iPad, which I've never seen done before. The barista was cute and welcoming. There seemed to be plenty of seats for people that want to chill and sip their drinks. If I lived in Columbus, I would go back several times to try their different espressos. The menu looked like a coffee lover's dream!
(4)Daisy B.
Impero is a sophisticated coffee shop. My partner and I regularly go here for espresso and it is among the best in the city: strong and smooth. Impero also offers milk by local dairy Snowville Creamery, which can make your coffee even more delicious. The baristas are super-friendly, and don't mind AT ALL if you are picky about your order. Once, when I ordered really specific drinks for my entire office, the young man behind the counter said, "Don't worry. We wouldn't work here if we weren't particular about our coffee." Because their product is so good, Impero is the kind of place that could be snobbish and elite, but it absolutely isn't. I really love giving places like this my money.
(5)Joey H.
Impero serves a great cup of coffee, and the baristas that run the place are all very talented and skillful. The overall quality of the coffee, espresso, and mediterranean cuisine-options are exceptional for a cafe'. Independent businesses in general have a heightened passion for people, quality, and service and often see the importance of community, arts, and improvement of local economy. Impero Coffee continually reminds me why independent business and coffee houses are worth supporting. However, last I ventured into Impero, there was no art on the walls? Hopefully they're in transition, and reaching out to CCAD, or other local artists to enhance the vibe and community experience of their cafe'? I'll keep you posted.
(4)Geoffrey G.
Very cute little coffee shop! A clean, airy, bright, nice space to chill and do some work (not a TON of tables, but just enough). The baristas are very friendly, and the espresso is drawn nicely! I'd give it a 6.5? They do pour-overs, chemex, french press, and a variety of espresso drinks with care.
(4)Rob P.
To me, a coffee shop needs to be two things: a place to get a great cup of coffee and a place you can actually spend time. Impero gets the first part of the equation right, but unfortunately misses on the second... The cafe is plain, with white walls. There area few tables and couches, but the space is rather limited. If you're grabbing a coffee to go, this might be your place. Otherwise, it's a bit of a letdown.
(3)Owen H.
Got the coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Decided to eat in so that I could get a refillable mug (which cost more than a regular coffee). Drank the whole cup of coffee while waiting for the peanut butter, nutella, honey, and banana sandwich (which was rather tasty). "Darth Vader Dark Roast" coffee tasted like mud. On the refill I decided to try the fresh light roast. Same terrible dirt water taste. Almost as bad as the office's coffee from Kroger. Not impressed at all. Staff was also aloof and overwhelmed and kind of annoyed that I asked for a refill on my refillable mug. So annoyed that I was charged for some reason. I will not be going back. Coffee might be a science, but it's not that much of a science.
(1)Steven P.
I can't disagree much with the previous reviews. The coffee here is some of the best in Columbus. Only Luck Bros. in Grandview beats them, and I've heard Cafe Brioso is good too, but I haven't been there yet. They offer French presses and other special brewing methods if you're feeling fancy. It all comes down to the beans, though. I'm not clear on the connection, but these people are associated with Crema Cafe in Grove City. That's where the roasting happens. The food is good - Mediterranean stuff from Lavash, reasonably priced. The aesthetics are much improved over Cuppy's, and honestly it's fine for what I usually do, which is stop in for a short time. Nicer lighting, some comfortable couches, and different size tables for different size groups. I'll be interested to see if they have small tables set out on the sidewalk in warmer months. Check it.
(4)Hannah D.
Good coffee and if you're not a coffee drinker I recommend the blended chai. I like coming here often to work. They have some high and low top tables and a corner with couches. Plenty of outlets and free internet. It's usually fairly quiet and a good place to meet someone. I would say friendly staff and people here. My only complaint would be problems with the Wi-Fi connection a few times. I've been there more than once when the internet went out and they were having issues.
(4)David T.
Today I sampled Vac pot @imperocoffee. This sophisticated brew's taste was floral(hints of cherries & berries) with a rich smooth aftertaste. I highly recommend this kind of brew if you are into something that takes your coffee experience to the next level. It is worth the extra bucks. This little coffee shop offers a wonderful selection of coffee/espresso options. I love the fact that there is passion in this coffee shop. I can honestly say my favorite thing to get there is a John Wayne! It is an espresso shot with cream and syrup that is layered in a tall shot glass. It is a flavor/temperature delight. The usual is made with vanilla, however they are willing to change the flavor to other options.
(5)Kiarash Z.
My family wandered into Impero after the scent of fresh coffee lured us off the street. My mother wanted an Americano. It was hot and perfectly brewed. My sister ordered a toddy. She received one of the best she'd ever had. I asked for a Cubano, and it woke me right up. Our barista exchanged tales with us and was a charmer. And a fellow patron explained Angry Birds to me and gave me the wi-fi password. Other than the smell of what seemed to be cat urine and a short supply of seating, I absolutely enjoyed Impero.
(3)Amy S.
I love coffee. I worked as a barista whilst getting my Masters degree and I've fallen in love with what an artform coffee is. I had never been in Impero before this Friday when CK and I weren't quite ready to go home but there isn't much else open in the Short North at 9pm on a non-Gallery-hop night. I noticed that Impero's door was open and in we went. The Barista on staff was amazing! She was just what I want in a barista. Knowledable and talkative, she knew exactly what I wanted from my usually difficult order (and even offered to remake it if it wasn't exactly right) and gave some off-the-menu suggestions for the next time we came in. We were the only ones there but after we went and sat outside on the street-side patio, people started to trickle in. It seemed like the barista knew many of them and its nice to see that type of community in a coffee shop. The coffee was strong but not bitter and the milk was steamed perfectly. They also have a limited food selection with items from Lavash featured. I will definitely be back and this is a great place to stop by if you're in the Short North during an evening when most of the other shops are closed.
(4)Keith M.
Taking the place of Cuppy's Coffee, Impero goes above and beyond what its predecessor offered with much better coffee, espresso, food, desserts, music, and an improved ambiance. It's also local to boot. Yet another bonus is the fact that the food and desserts they carry come from Lavash Cafe in Clintonville. If you've been to Lavash and live in the area that means you don't have to drive, bike, or bus all the way up there. Among those options offered are some vegan items. Back to the coffee: it's good without any half and half (I usually prefer at least a little) and while I'm no expert I like the espresso. The only aspect that kept me from giving it 5 stars is the ambiance; it's in a retail space of an expensive condo building. Even though it's a small space it doesn't feel crowded when full, which is a plus, but it lacks a great coffee shop/house feel. I think the blank walls are the main culprit. Impero is another coffee shop that recently popped up in the Short North and with the quality products they offer I hope they'll stick around.
(4)Lyndsey M.
I am so glad I held off on my review of Impero. As they've been open and established themselves in the neighborhood, they've gotten better and better. They became even more awesome when they added Snowville Creamery milk (whole only) to the menu. I had a latte made with Snowville milk...oh my goodness. So creamy and wonderful. My usual iced coffee is great, too! I am so glad to have such a great coffee place in the neighborhood.
(4)Drew P.
When traveling, it is hard to always find the comforts you expect at home. I found Impero to be great and I'll be back. I got an iced Americano and it had a pleasant balance of characteristics. A smooth full flavor that was easy going down, with a slight sharpness and then a flat after taste. Just the fact that I could taste all that in an iced Americano is awesome.
(4)David F.
Excellent coffee of all types. Chill environment. Good seating (just not much of it). Friendly people. Accepts credit/debit. Just as high quality as any NYC high end coffee shop I've been to.
(5)Maggie H.
Coffee was really good, but the service left a little to be desired. We had to wait at the counter for a few minutes before we were acknowledged. No apologies. The barista was a little pompous and not very friendly when taking our order. The coffee was worth 4 stars, the service not so much.
(3)Andrew T.
This spot is great. good coffee, chill music, chill people working... a nice variety of teas.. the pumpkin rolls are bomb, good sandwiches and other baked goods too. Kinda just a laid back cafe that's good to get work done in. Seems to be holding things down here in the Short North.
(5)Sanmit B.
decent coffee at reasonable prices, wholly unhelpful "barista", pitched as a bagel place but selection limited & unappealing = there are better places to go
(2)Heather W.
Oh Impero. It took me a while to stop in, but that might have been my passive aggressive nature. For several months, I heard folks rave about it and if there's one thing I really hate, it's doing what I'm told. I stopped in for the first time last weekend, after most of the hype had died down of course, and experienced what might be the most heaven like coffee experience I've ever had. The atmosphere is laid back and inviting, the staff is super friendly without being pretentious, but most importantly, the coffee is everything it's rumored to be. The prices are comparable to Starbucks, but the experience and final product are one of a kind.
(5)Steven H.
I'm a big fan of Impero and frequent the place every few days. Their coffee is really great -- robust, flavorful, not too acidic like Starbucks...I've tried several different variations and have never been disappointed. I also love the Lavash food served here (the lentil soup, veggie food...all great). The service is kind and this is a local business as opposed to a chain like the former tenant Cuppy's Coffee. Check it out!
(5)