PLANTATION Coffee Roastery

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	784 Laurel St, San Carlos, CA 94070, USA
Phone:	+1 650-592-3710
Rating:	4
Working:	4:30AM–9PM 4:30AM–9PM 4:30AM–9PM 4:30AM–9PM 4:30AM–9PM 4:30AM–9PM 4:30AM–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 19

Andrew Ness

My friend and I were looking forward to Mary Anns ice cream as part of our usual San Carlos evening - dinner at the wonderful Chinese restaurant (King Chuan) followed by a walk and then ice cream at Cowabunga Creamery. I guess well lose weight now as we wont be going back to Cowabunga. We walked in and two kids, maybe 10-12 were ordering ice creams. After the employee had scooped one bowl, one of the boys thought to ask to make sure their gift card still had enough money on it. The employee asked the owner about it and the owner said one free scoop. The kid said it was supposed to have a few dollars on it, but the owner kept saying free scoop. The employee explained to the owner that the card had a cash value, but the owner didnt say anything more. I spoke up saying it was a prepaid gift card, thinking the owner just didnt understand. But then the owner told me he doesnt accept the gift cards since he took over from the old owner and doesnt have a machine to read them, so he just trades them for one free scoop. The boys said that was all they had and asked what they should do, given that one serving of ice cream was already scooped. The owner didnt say anything and the boys ran out of the store, embarrassed and afraid. Our hearts ached and my friend suggested she pay for the boys ice cream, but they were already down the block. The employee then asked what he should do with the ice cream and the owner told him to put it back in the ice cream serving tubs! My friend and I left. Not only was that a health violation, but we lost our appetite witnessing the owner being mean to those boys. We will not be going back. Its one thing to explain to an adult that even though you bought the business, kept the name, logo, and reputation, you dont want to honor outstanding gift cards, but to treat little kids like that? Thats just wrong. It cost him two ice creams tonight and plenty more in the future.

Johnny Wang

A disclaimer before we start off: I am, by no means, an expert when it comes to coffee. If were talking about straight up black coffee, I definitely have my opinions about it, but when it comes to anything thats not straight dark caffeine, I tend to not notice much in the way of differences. So, that said, my friend and I swung by after lunch down the street at Cuisinett, with myself ordering a soy latte (damn that lactose intolerance!). And, hey, it was a good, solid latte. While the froth was not as nice as a cafe I used to frequent in Seattle, Ive been told getting soy milk to froth up nicely is actually fairly difficult to accomplish. ***Accessibility Info*** Venue - The venue is a little on the smaller side, and the two-top tables are not ideal for scooting under, but all around, the place is fairly accessible. Bathroom - Didnt check them out, so no comment.

A Private User

Im more of a yogurt person than an ice cream person, but Cowabunga Creamery is a fantastic local ice cream place. Theres a small but varied selection of flavors made from great high quality ingredients. Those ingredients carry through to the taste with their creaminess and bright flavors. They also have a few soy flavors, sherbert flavors and yogurt for those who avoid ice cream. What really sets Cowabunga apart is the mom & pop atmosphere and great surf decor. Its bright and cheerful so if you want to enjoy ice cream without walking down the street youll have a pleasant environment surrounding you.

Jim Schrempp

I have coffee and a muffin almost every day at The Plantation. They roast their own coffee and it has a delicious, full body. I sometimes return in the evening for an ice cream. Inside has nice tables to sip at, and in front youll find two comfortable Adirondack chairs painted a cheery bright orange. If youre in town, dont buy corporate coffee, buy from this local entrepreneur.

Joshua Jamias

Its funny to eat ice cream from a creamery that doesnt make its own ice cream. I had the goofy foot and mango ice cream in a banana split (not on the menu but the worker made it for me upon request). The mango ice cream flavor was great but I did get some ice (frozen water) in one of my bites. The employee was nice, but the owner seemed a little distant.

Katherine Sun

I stopped in one morning for some coffee. I read online that its owned by a couple; the husband is passionate about coffee and roasts his own beans (you can see the roasting machine in the shop). It was nice to see a sense of community here -- when I stopped in on a weekday morning, there was a crowd of elderly folks chatting and reading.

Lexie Munevar

My favorite mom and pops coffee shop. Now shared with Cowabunga Creamery its a little more cozy than before, but the quality keeps me coming back. I love their breakfast bagels and die for their coffee. They roast their own beans! How much more authentic can you get than that? Throughout the years they have also remained affordable.

Mihir Meghani

It was a busy evening, as you would expect in spring. The service was good. The sole staff person provided us with a list of ingredients to verify whether certain flavors had egg. The ice cream was good. We got the smallest one. My wife had the affogato. I had the goofy foot which was good.

Michael Kaplan

A true neighborhood coffee shop. One of the few cafes that still roasts their own beans. Opens 5 am everyday, except Sunday, when they open at 6:00. Great coffee and food priced very reasonable. Try it Youll like out.

Max Harper

Pretty good! Extremely friendly service. I had drip coffee which was very strong and a dark roast...good, but not exceptional. Very middle-of-the-road almond croissant. I enjoyed sitting in their small cafe.

Mark Burket

This is a wonderful home town coffee shop with freshly roasted coffee. Sue the owner, truly cares about her customers and you see it by everyone who come in. Its simply the best little slice of San Carlos.

Blake Jacquot

They roast coffee every Saturday. Buy a cup to drink in store or a pound to take home. Free wifi. Kid friendly with toys provided. Not a Starbucks ambiance. More functional like a small town coffee shop.

Lia Martinez

The owners of this coffee shop are wonderful. They go out of their way to make customers from the neighborhood feel welcome. Family friendly atmosphere, good coffee, and yummy breakfast bagels.

Rich Godwin

Great coffee roasted on premise. Plantation has terrific local character and charm. Family owned and operated that is dedicated to high quality coffee, food and service. Go.

Minecrafting Machamp

Terrible service, they have a place for Ice cream there, the guy put it on a cone, which was obvious was gonna fall, when i asked him for a cup he said i cant get it >:(

Kinjal Parmar

The place now has a board for COWABUNGA. They have amazing ice cream. Whenever we go to San Carlos, this is a must stop. My favorite is the coconut.

Bill Poplawski

What can you say it sells yummy ice cream! Just wish they had Butter Brickle on a regular basis so I dinged them 1 star. Maybe I am being too harsh.

Lance Peak

Came in near the end of the day and bought an espresso. They gave me a pastry on the house. Coffee was good, pastry was great. I would recommend.

Surabhi Vijay

They;re also called Cowabunga Creamery!! Good ice-cream. Half-hearted service. 2 tasting flavors per person. Great coffee almond fudge!