Krankies

Category:	New American Restaurant
Address:	211 3rd St E, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
Phone:	+1 336-722-3016
Site:	krankiescoffee.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 8AM–3PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

A Private User

I am a coffee connoisseur, and hence, I cannot stand the mediocrity of Starbucks. Krankies Coffee, on the other hand, is by far the best place to get an espresso-based drink (cappuccino, latte, americano, etc) not just in Winston-Salem, but in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Whereas Starbucks is consistently mediocre to horrible across their stores, privately owned coffee shops are hit or miss (mostly miss). Not so here in Krankies Coffee. Their espresso always has the best crema bar none; if you dont know what crema is, perhaps you should not be reading this review. I am not sure about the studying atmosphere here - I do not go to coffee shops ti study, but if you are interested in the best espresso-based drink you have ever tried, it is worth a 40-mile trip just to get one in Krankies. One suggestion - request that they froth milk to a lower temperature - about 135 F, and you will be able to taste the velvety taste of espresso that you have never tasted before. The only other alternative to Krankies in the Triad is Green Bean in Greensboro, which is a solid second behind Krankies Coffee. Later Update: The quality of espresso based drinks depends on the barista as much as it does on other components (such as the beans, the roast, the grind, the espresso machine, the tamping pressure, the temperature of the water, the duration of the shot, and the quality and temperature of the milk). Unfortunately, the newer baristas at Krankies have not mastered their trade. Otherwise, how would you explain that Eric makes the best espresso based drinks you will ever taste in your life, whereas the girls who work there make the most atrocious espresso (much worse than Starbucks makes). All other constants being the same, the only variable is the mastery of the barista. I appeal to the owners of Krankies - make Eric the manager and get him to train other baristas. I can be the judge of their espresso if you would like me to. Several times in the past few months, I have made a 25-mile trip to Krankies just to turn around and go back because of who was manning (or rather womanning) the espresso machine. I had purchased and thrown out a few drinks made by those girls, and now I refuse to buy espresso here if Eric is not the one who is making it.

Tamika Wells

Is there a zero button? My first time there. Im new to W-S. Id LOVE to walk up the street to support small business locally but it was made clear that Im not welcomed there. No menus posted to look at while you wait. One coffee menu to share with those in line. The cashier was rude. She acted like I should know where everything is and their way of doing things. I even sympathetically asked if she was having a good day. Then, because its not posted, when I asked for whipped cream, she looked at me like I had 3 heads, rolled her neck, and said its $1. I asked for caramel flavor in my Americano, she said thats $1. I asked for sugar and stirrers, she pointed behind me somewhere. I stayed calm and was polite until my sandwich came to our table but I didnt have my coffee. I go back to the coffee area and ask for a lid because its hot and filled to the brim. I forgot what else I asked the coffee guy for but while serving other customers, she yells over to me, ITS A DOLLAR! I politely told her she needs to be more nice because were hosting a corporate womens gathering here today. I spoke to the manager of Krankies and he defended her. I explained that as a new person used to other establishments like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, they need personnel who will nicely explain how things are done at his cafe. Not act like we should already know. Just like if you have guests over at your house. Do you want them rummaging through your bedroom looking for the bathroom or are you going to show your guests where to go? He said same difference. They have hundreds of customers each day. I said at this point, youve succeeded the name. Youve DEFINITELY made me cranky at Krankies, can I have my money back? Our ladies group met for coffee yesterday at our building. Guess what, we have 3 more coffee events and its NOT at Krankies!

A Private User

Urban perfection...though you can barely call W-S urban. Twice when I was broke Id go here just to meet a friend and breath in the unbelievable, strong aromas of the beans roasting. Unlike any other espresso dive Ive ever been to in the U.S. Theyve gone out of their way to supple tons of AC outlets everywhere within easy reach, such that in crowded hours you still have no problem finding extra juice for your laptop, from any chair. The music scenes here are good, too, and they try to book a decent variety of artists. And speaking of art, theres a gallery for visual art with rotating exhibits adjacent. A large house. Nothing else in the central Piedmont comes close.

Jen Yerkes

Krankies is a gem in Winston. One of the citys best places even for non-coffee people. The food is amazing and very creative. Specials are great, anything from interesting biscuits or sandwiches, Italian dishes, Asian greats like bahn mi, lasagna, and even tacos!!! They have great cocktails, home made sodas, local beers... oh and craft coffee roasting in the back! Take some time off on a Friday and do the Coffee Cupping, its a great education on the world of coffee. One of the best sandwiches Ive ever had in my life comes from here - the grilled cheese. Sounds innocent and normal but they fry that cheese before putting it in that bread with that slaw!!!

Heidi

I never quite know what to say about Krankies. Its a local legend and has a huge following of loyal supporters. Im always annoyed that parking is such a nightmare. The industrial aesthetic is not my cup of tea, and Im never comfortable there. Even as an artist myself, Krankies feels way too cool for me to be there. Not that one should judge a place based on ones own hangups. :) I wouldnt describe the employees as friendly, but they do know what theyre doing. The beverages and foods are excellent. I prefer to go to other local coffee shops, particularly since many of them serve Krankies excellent coffee, but this is obviously a great fit for many people.

Aaron Garrison

I enjoyed my visits to Krankies Coffee. I "discovered" the adorable little coffee-trailer, parked along a quiet stretch of Reynolda, while visiting Village Juices neighboring vendor. The espresso I got was fresh and strong, and served to me by a couple of friendly young ladies, and quite reasonably priced. I was pleased, and I returned the next day for a similarly positive experience, both of which I took a certain pleasure in. So, my gratitude goes out to those involved in Krankies Coffee. I have benefited from your service.

Cameron Alverson

They recently introduced a full kitchen and a food menu. Everything Ive had on the menu has been delicious and reasonably priced for the quality. For example, I had a meatloaf with the choice of two sides (I chose mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas) for $8. And it was some of the best Ive ever had. The drinks all seem to use the highest quality ingredients. And the atmosphere is a classic coffee shop atmosphere. Its bigger than I expected it to be, though, and theres a small stage where they sometimes have live music.