Cocoa Cinnamon - West Geer

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	420 W Geer St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
Site:	cocoacinnamon.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7:30AM–10PM 7:30AM–10PM 7:30AM–10PM 7:30AM–10PM 7:30AM–10:30PM 8AM–10:30PM 8AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Michelle Hu

I came here yesterday for the first time with my girlfriend and it was a regrettable experience. The staff was not friendly at all. I did not get a single smile from them. I came here especially because of the great reviews I read... What a disappointment. The service was really slow. It took us 10 minutes to get 2 cups of coffee. There were 3 people working there and 2 people in front of us in line. The employees looked annoyed. I came here not only for the coffee but the atmosphere. The atmosphere set by this place was not one that I would come to again. I was very polite but the employees were not. They did not care about the delivery of a product that would be appealing and enjoyable. Instead, I got a cup of coffee that tasted like dirt and I would not doubt it if there was some dirt in there. I say this because the store was dusty and the bathrooms were gross. I do not think that is a good combination to have because coffee makes you want to use the bathroom... The place was really awkward. Everyone was being quiet. I do not think they had the music loud enough where people would be comfortable talking. I am a shy person so this did not work well for me. We sat outside because the couches inside were filthy. It looked like they got them from a yard sale. I would never come here again. Normally I do not leave bad reviews for stores but I had to make an exception for this place because of how mislead I was.

Ryan Farmer

I write this after giving the place a healthy handful of tries. The coffee is decent but the service is pretty much a mix of hipster condescension and fast-food youre a number. Probably wont be returning as the problem seems pretty systemic. As an example, on my last visit I was lightly tapping my credit card on the counter while ordering and was asked rather rudely "Are you ok???". When it became apparent what the cashier was referencing I, aside from being surprised he could even hear that over the din of the background noise (I couldnt), asked if that bothered him, to which he replied in an annoyed and short tone, "Uh yea, a little". Too much coffee perhaps? Im going to be in your frame of reference for about 30 seconds, is that really too much to handle? I can understand being annoyed from various sounds, but having worked similar jobs in the past the reality is that you put your personal irritations aside for a paying customer. Either way, the other times Ive been in there Ive been treated like a number. I understand its busy sometimes but twice when Ive been in there and been literally the only patron the cashiers and baristas give off a robotic vibe as though they are working at McDonalds. Then again, I understand management is looking to expand so perhaps the corporate feel is the one they are going for? In any case, Ill avoid it unless there is no where else to go.

Logan Isaac

The prices outweigh the ambiance, but overall I would recommend trying it. The portions are small, but that technically is following a trend in coffee toward a European standard, caused in part by poor coffee yields worldwide, but that doesnt explain the high cost. The drinks are all very creative and delicious, however, and theyve succeeded in creating a very warm environment inside and out, though it can feel very cramped inside. Its always very busy, which is great for extroverts, not so much for everyone else. When I go, I get their Dr Durham (a specialty of theirs) and sit outside to chat or work. I never stay too long since outlets are hard to find and sometimes I have trouble staying on their wifi, but I do enjoy my time there. Not a place for fast, high volume coffee but certainly worth a visit if youve never been.

Elisabeth Tyroler

I was eavesdropping on the Duke students one table over (oops) and they were complaining about about how "manufactured" the scene at Cocoa Cinnamon. Initially I rolled my eyes, thinking she was just turned off by the hipster contingent, but then I got to thinking. I love going to Cocoa Cinnamon because I love giving their business practices my dollars. They pay a living wage and they hire with intentionality, they thoughtfully source their products, their menu is exquisite, and they contribute to the community in amazing ways. So, yeah, it is actually manufactured, but in the best of ways.

Beth Mandel

The coziest place to get a coffee in Durham. And what coffee! It may take a little while to get your drink, but its because Leon and Areli have a finely honed process which is applied to every cup. And you can taste that in the quality of the beverages. Great sweet options as well, if youre looking for a little splurge to go with your coffee, including several delicious chocolate bar options like sea salt and hint of red pepper. Outdoor tables are beautifully crafted, and the patio is dog friendly (always a plus!). Great hangout spot in north downtown/DIY. Make it a regular stop.

Marnie Settle

Listed on Buzzfeed as one of the "Top 24 coffee joints to try before you die." As a coffee lover, I am scratching my head trying to figure out how this place even made this list. Coffee menu was short and nothing special or unique. Basically a hipster hang out in the warehouse district in downtown Durham. Interior was decorated with cheap and worn furniture. Nothing cozy about the place at all. Really not a spot to "enjoy" a cup of coffee. The most entertaining part of my experience was watching 4 different employees attempt to repair the old door knob on the only restroom.

James Hedges

This coffee shop has a very young and "downtown" feel. Both times Ive been so far, I sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather. The coffee and tea were very tasty, but it didnt stand out to me as a "must experience" establishment. The line on both visits was long, expect to wait 10-20 minutes from entering the door to sipping your drink. They have a paper menu, and unless youre an expert, it may be hard to know what you would want to order. Both times, I just asked the cashier for a recommendation and I liked their choice. Best part of the experience was the friendly service.

Shannon Montefiori

Best coffee shop Ive ever been to in my life. Everything I tried was delicious. The menu is eclectic, offering things that I dont feel like you will find anywhere else. I dont know if they have a wizard in the back making the drinks or what, but even the texture of the drink comes out amazing--you just want to slowly sip it. Plus they add awesome ingredients like ginger and lemongrasses and I just feel like their drinks are actually good for me too. Please go there and try it, it is delicious!!! (Kubla Khan and Acculturation=awesome). Cant go wrong.

Jazz Scales

Hipster joint....coffee not great, service terrible must be my skin color.....smh taking my hard earned cash to McDonalds for coffee. I Will get better service there. Also notice all the great reviewers are of a lighter persuasion...lets get real, are we STILL this ignorant. Yea Im black....Im human just like you. Give me the same service you would give to a white businessman. Does his job somehow make him better than me? Smh, when Im running this planet, things WILL change. Mark my words....

Natalie Ross

Cocoa Cinnamon is a gem in the heart of Durham. I came on a busy Sunday while there was a food truck serving brunch outside, and I was remarkably able to get a spot to sit. I enjoyed a delicious green tea and sat outside admiring the container gardens installed by Bountiful Backyards. The staff was very friendly, the tea was great, and the atmosphere was a perfect blend of downtown coolness and living-room laid-backness. I will be frequenting this spot as long as I live in the area!