Comments prior to 2013 archived here for Boulder Coffee Co..
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2005-08-16 09:46:18 I would like to mention that this appears to be the first place on the Web to list this new shop. Wiki's Rock. —FarMcKon
2005-08-17 14:41:13 Awesome. —RyDahl
2005-08-19 03:14:16 JayceLand #341 on July 21 beat y'all. (![[WWW]](https://rocwiki.org/wiki/eggheadbeta/img/sycamore-www.png){kind=small}
http://www.jayceland.com/LunchNStuff/Archives/2005721.html) —JasonOlshefsky
2005-08-20 07:18:45 I've been here once - the espresso drinks were solid. I'll try again soon with a laptop. —RossMessing
2005-08-21 11:28:48 The wireless works well. Actually there are four different ESSID's visible. —TobinFricke
2005-10-06 05:42:04 Boulder Rocks! (ha ha) Great open mic on Wednesday nights 8 - 11! —TomKaminski
2005-10-10 14:51:12 Lets see info -wiki- umm... I saw Shawnee Boyee w/ Tara & Gregory Paul (not so 20 somethings). Thanks for allowing that freak and his minions in from the cold. It rocked! —JayPeek
2006-01-13 22:04:59 Nice place, recommended! —GirtsFolkmanis
2006-01-14 11:55:54 Try the Vanilla Dream drink. It's really good and tastes like cold liquid vanilla Tootsie Rolls. —TomKaminski
2006-04-18 11:17:46 The frozen hot chocolate is great! The atmosphere is very nice too; it's a great place to relax. —RachelBlumenthal
2006-07-28 07:22:25 This building has been hit multiple times by cars. I'd get my drinks to go! —TomMaszerowski
2007-02-21 21:25:45 Boulder is quickly becoming my favorite coffeehouse in town; relaxing, great wireless, and they change the music constantly. —SarahLeone
2007-02-22 16:29:45 Last night was my first time back to Boulder since the remodeling, and it was better than I had remembered. It was open mic night and it was absolutely packed. I didn't stick around for too long because by that point there were no seats, but I'm really happy to see that Boulder has such a large following now. I had a hot apple cider and an M+M cookie, and both were very good. I think that the alcohol is a good addition as long as the atmosphere stays pretty relaxed—I just hope it doesn't turn into more of a bar than a coffee shop. —RachelBlumenthal
2007-02-22 16:32:36 I've stopped going here since they got their liquor license - I'm too afraid that between the coffee, pastries, booze, and live music, I might never ever leave. —DanielMiner
2007-02-27 14:13:56 I love this place. Higghly recommend the South Clinton Cordon Bleu. Wifi is excellent. sometimes tough to get a seat close to a power outlet, but it's worth it. —ChristopherWahl
2007-03-26 15:07:33 Nice place, very diverse menu of items for food & drink and a pretty well stocked selection of alcohol. It can feel a bit cramped and considering it's size, doesn't seat as many as you'd think. Probably a bit over hyped. But they do have a free internet terminal! —TravisOwens
2007-03-26 15:09:33 I'm probably the only one that can't stand this place. The drinks are bad, coffee is always horrid there. Not a fan of their music choices either.—KimBee
2007-03-27 12:08:47 I lie somewhere between KimBee and the rest — I think the location is beautiful and inviting, and the addition of an actual coffee house in the coffeehouse tradition is great to our area. Their coffee, however, I find to be rather weak and bland (but it's been awhile since I've been...). This is curious, because I believe they use Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters which, at other locations seems to taste much better than what I've had here. —RochesterGuy
2007-03-27 21:13:45 I agree with KB and RG — coffee is generally not very good, which is a shame. Good environment and location though. (Boulder staff — if you're reading this, please try to make sure that coffee is served HOT without grounds in it.) Sorry to be so critical. —GrahamSaathoff
2007-03-30 08:56:19 I think you few people are completely crazy. I have been a patron of Rochester's coffee shop scene for years. My regular spot's used to be either Java's or Starry Nites. A few months ago I decided to check out Boulder and I LOVE it! I personally feel that their menu is superior to all coffee shops in this city that i have been to and that their coffee is delicious. Obviously those of you who don't like it have no experience in what a fine cup of coffee should taste like. shame on you amateurs! —RaeannWilmot
2007-03-31 10:31:53 There is a person who is a stakeholder of Boulder has been editing negative comments on this page. Many edits came from IP 74.74.155.155 which is used by Boulder Coffee. —BadFish
2007-03-31 13:59:44 bad fish - the person already apologised and didn't know that you couldn't edit comments. its over. get over it. anyway, what do you want to do about it, ban that IP address from Roc Wiki. Its a public computer and who knows how many people go on roc wiki from that terminal. it could be used by hundreds of different people each week. —TrevBlannon
2007-04-01 16:00:37 My first trip to Boulder was today (a Sunday afternoon). I had a coffee and the Cuban Alexander panini, and both were delicious. Staff was friendly. I'm sure I'll be back again. —StevenDibelius
2007-04-27 15:07:14 I love the idea of a combination coffee shop and bar and Boulder has pulled it off pretty well (albeit the drink selection is limited). I also enjoy the decor - its funky without being too out there. However, the live music is always MUCH too loud. My friends and I would spend alot more time here if we weren't always being driven out by the music. —EllenKelsey
2007-05-02 19:10:01 finally! a coffee house in the true tradition. great atmosphere, delicious coffee and food. A++. —RedDress
2007-05-04 23:37:45 Tried again recently as it's one of the closest coffeehouses to my home. Coffee is unfortunately still weak. In the spirit of constructive criticism, coffee should be able to hold it's color when milk or cream is added. Boulder's coffee turns beige when only very little is added, signifying that it is simply being brewed at an incorrect strength. I can't express how much I wish this was better, as their ambiance is quite nice and I'd really like to visit more often. —RochesterGuy
2007-06-15 03:05:17 Stopped in for the first time tonight. Had a decent frozen coffee, but loved the awesome atmosphere, great music, and outdoor fire pit! My bf ordered a "fresh squeezed" lemonade and they weren't kidding — the staff squeezed the lemons and mixed the drink from scratch right there in front of us! Nice touches all around and I'll definitely return. —MattDeTurck
2007-11-14 13:35:53 Went a bunch of times when it first opened and always hung out in the comfy seating area in the back. During the remodeling I pretty much stayed away. Since the expansion I’ve been going regularly on weekend afternoons and really love the place. The Wifi is a nice addition, but I usually go to chat with friends. I haven’t been for live music yet but am looking forward to checking it out as well. —ZedOmega
2007-12-29 19:25:54 Andrew thought the tall windows, cozy atmoshpere, and nice looking girls a nice change from other coffee houses. He also mentioned the space and abundance of it. Marisa had a communication problem with one of the staff but handled it smartly. I really liked the firepit in the back, a fine idea in the winter time (especially when whiskey is involved). —IanLinenfelser
2008-02-24 13:01:29 One thing that needs to be said is that the wi-fi here is spotty...it seems to be underpowered for the number of users on it. Wicked slow even for just browsing pages. —LarsPeterson
2008-04-01 22:06:58 Last week I was having a shitty day at work and stopped into Boulder to treat myself to something decadent. Barista Gina created for me the most delicious caramel latte I've ever had. Add to that the fact that Boulder has supplied a space for many displaced A/V Space shows (and plays solid music most of the time during the day) and has also given certain *ahem* hipster Gibbs Street establishments a run for their money, and I just swoon. The DIY spirit is alive and well in Rochester. Boulder has my business, always. —RochesterRed
2008-04-28 23:53:21 Nice decor and laidback, lounge feel. The barista with the curly hair is VERY good. Sandwiches are solid, as are the sweet treats. But their espresso is consistently good. —SmitaRao
2008-06-05 23:18:59 Like many, i visit Boulder and see friends and acquaintances. Though i find the loud music annoying at times, tonight i found it especially so. A friend and i found ourselves shouting over the music at each other. Upon asking to have the volume turned down in one corner, a barista said it wasn't possible, and further, Boulder had a “policy” to keep the volume up—evenings after sundown. This seems inconsistent and even uninviting for a coffeehouse, a natural place for conversation. Is mediocre music turned up loud suppose to make Boulder cool or fashionable? —JohnLam
2008-06-10 17:03:16 In response to JohnLam, I'd like to point out that Boulder is really a music venue. Their tag line has always been "Rock the Wedge." Music is their modus operandi. Its not a typical coffee shop in many aspects ... especially having alcohol and live bands (i think every night?). Even though I may not like some of the music they are playing, I think its great that they are really breaking the mold of a typical coffee shop. I only had a problem with the volume once when i was sitting right next to the speaker! But they have plenty of quiet places to sit so I obviously sat away from the speakers. —RudyGalshmire
2008-06-11 11:28:18 Laid back eclectic lounge. The food was sub-par, but I didnt expect much. The "crunchy" people at the counter didnt seem to be in this universe when I ordered, so I just blame them. Lyjha Wilton, the owner, is a champion for the South Wedge neighborhood and I applaud him for all he has done for the neighborhood, so I will continue to frequent his establishments. I think his "South Wedge Colony" is more my style. I have to try it there soon. —MrRochester
2008-06-11 12:42:22 Rudy- If "Boulder is really a music venue", then why wouldn't they rename it Boulder Music Company? The name of their business indicates that they focus on coffee, their level and style of service as well as their atmosphere seems to say otherwise. Just my two cents. —KimBee
2008-07-02 17:51:00 I don't think a place like Bug Jar needs to change their name to be considered a music venue ... right? —RudyGalshmire
2008-07-06 22:16:04 Nice place, great atmosphere, but if you're over 40, you'll feel like you're a million years old. You may even feel that way if you're over 32. Spot Coffee downtown has a nicer age mix. So does The Mez. —MaxCalvada
2008-07-16 17:52:05 I was at the coffeehouse today when an accident occurred. It's kind of scary when you see a car coming towards you while sitting at a table. Something out of the movies I think. It was pretty crazy. I think the only thing that made people do is think twice about sitting next to the front doorway again. —AnthonyMorelle
2008-07-17 17:34:46 Wi-Fi now requires a password, and didn't work for me, though it wasn't critical and I didn't try too hard. —RottenChester
2008-07-17 20:24:03 I totally didn't know Boulder was hit again yesterday. I just went there this afternoon and had my usual cypress grill and arctic mocha. They're both very good, in case you're wondering. —JoannaLicata
2009-02-09 08:51:16 Service at the Genesee Street location is soooo slowwww. —CoolCan
2009-05-04 17:06:18 I love Boulder in the Wedge. The one at Brook's Landing is improving too. The Market location, however, is a disaster. I've now been there two times in the Spring of 2009 for Saturday breakfast. The first time we waited forever for some really poorly made espresso drinks (no discernible difference between a latte and an cappuccino). I figured I'd give it another shot a few weeks later, but things were even worse. At least half of the staff working at this location have no idea how to work an espresso machine. During the second visit we also waited >30 minutes for some poorly prepared eggs (eggs overeasy were greasy and overcooked). Somebody please let me know if you have a positive experience there because I won't be going back until they get their act together. —MaryAnneSchnarkles
2009-07-10 23:59:53 (comment on Brooks Landing location) Boulder Coffee is a mixed bag. The location is excellent and serves as a valuable community space. The interior design is amateurish and at times nonsensical. The second floor is cozy, but the bottom one is dark and drafty. Both have a nice view, but the windows trap condensation in the winter (again, poor interior design). The couches are comfortable and some of the tables are very functional, others are wobbly and poorly lit. The hot drinks are about average (for Rochester). The sandwiches are good, but the portions are at times laughable (pay $7 and get piece of cheese and ham between two slices of supermarket sponge bread along with approximately two sliced leaves of salad and a tablespoon of dressing). —Giffen
2010-01-08 08:03:32 this message is for jill this her cuz fred. im back in town hope we can get together give me a call sometime so we can catch up 5852849190 —fredericklenhard
2010-02-28 14:38:56 We visisted Boulder's location at Clinton & Alexander last night, can't believe we've gone so long without checking it out! A very cool location, loved the retro decor and art, and the drinks we got were very tasty. We will be back! —daverea
2010-02-28 21:01:15 The South Wedge location is so much quieter after the expansion. The coffee drinks aren't great but it is a nice place to spend a lazy afternoon. —OneLove
2010-08-28 12:58:30 Live in Boston, kid starting at UR. Been to 2 Boulder locations several times. The coffee is very, very good, the equal of Peet's. My wife tells me they make good lattes and they serve Balsam Bagels, which are better than any bagels we have in Boston. Nice ambience. We could never have such large places like this in Boston because rents are so much higher. They would have to upscale the decor, lose the funk, and charge more. —jomiku
2011-03-20 10:35:45 i'm not a huge fan, because i'm not a huge fan of incredibly artsy/moderately pricey coffee places. there are definite pluses to this place though - they exhibit a lot of local art on the walls, and i do really like the huge outdoor seating section. (also from Boston area) —Cali
2011-04-16 17:59:08 I enjoy the backdoor patio at the southwedge location The staff is generally nice, but the service can be very slow and the drink quality inconsistent. If you just need a place to study, I'd recommend it, but the internet is spotty and usually way to slow for me to even do a general search. I like it, but not that much. The location near the UofR they could not answer any of my questions and the service was quite slow - it seems like a different coffee shop altogether. —janefitzgerald3
2011-08-08 13:57:55 I love what they've done with the new Park Ave location. It has that great funky vibe the old Spin Caffe lacked. —EileenF
2011-11-21 15:10:23 This review is for the new location on Park Ave, and was originally posted on Yelp"
I'm really just a bit disappointed by this place. The old Spinn place at the same location at least had a 'modern' look to it, it's just that the place had become filthy, and nobody there even seemed to try anymore. Now, Boulder has come in, and remodled the place. This may be the ONLY place I know of where a window was added, yet the place is actually darker than it was before!
First off-if you like cold, dark stone, you'll love this place. The dull, dark stone cladding on the walls seems to suck not only the light, but also the life out of this space. I really can't imagine how anybody thought this would look good-it doesn't! Add to that the haphazard stage lights added on the ceiling, and the odd re-use of bit of the old decor that really don't match, and you get a place that's guarateed to win no prizes for decor. And the ugly 'art pieces', well, they'd all look better at the bottom of a dumpster.
Secondly-the staff. It looks like they hired most of the alt-rock freaks form the Spot, when they closed down for remodling. Most of these guys mean well, but they just can't seem to get their @$$es in gear and get service done in anything resembling a timely manner.
Thirdly-the LOUD music playing: I thought that coffee shops were supposed to have soft music playing, rather than playing it through tinny ceiling speakers at eardrum-harming volume. The day I was there, they were playing some 'thrid world' jam by some group featuring a solo on a....thumb piano. Can you imagine the agony of having to listen to THAT for 5 full minutes? Judging by the number of people who got up and left during this annoying music choice, I doubt anybody did!
OK, the coffee is generally good. I tried a wrap once, and felt that Colies made a better wrap for about 50 cents less.
2011-12-05 19:46:10 Had dinner tonight at the Genesee St location and it was disappointing. Got the tuna melt and it was very low quality. Tuna had many bones in it I had to pick out. Cheese was not melted and tuna was squishing out sides before I even tried to eat it. It was not well put together. I would not get it again. —goldengirl217
2012-05-08 13:34:35 Just a note on the Park Ave. location: Since the side door is locked in the mornings (barista tells me that they always lock it until afternoon), this location is NOT handicapped-accessible in the morning. —Alex-C
2012-05-13 18:21:00 I've talked to friends of mine who have worked as baristas at various Boulder locations and they've all told me that the company treats its employees extremely poorly. One friend was belittled about their weight problems by one of their superiors. One got fired with no reason given, and replaced by an old friend of someone in management. I once saw a barista get shouted at by a higherup in front of customers. Schedules for baristas are not consistent; they get their schedules for a given week a few days before that week takes effect and the schedules tend to vary fairly dramatically. This has the effect of making it hard for baristas to have other major commitments besides the job, and makes it very difficult for them to look for second part-time jobs or for other work. Additionally, I heard that baristas get their hours cut or changed severely without warning as punishment. All of this has left a pretty sour taste in my mouth, and I tend to avoid going to their stores now. —JakeSanders
2012-05-19 13:00:15 My name is Peter and I am the Store Manager at the Park Avenue location of Boulder Coffee Co.
I would like to clarify a few things after reading some recent reviews here on Roc wiki. I would not normally get involved, as I believe that anyone should have the right to freely critique as they see fit, and that constructive criticism can be quite useful. However, some of the things stated here are simply erroneous and could not, in good conscience, stand uncorrected.
First of all, the schedule for all 5 of the Boulder locations are posted in all the stores, on the same day (Wednesday, of the week preceding the schedule) and you are welcome to ask anyone that works there, because this is absolute FACT. There are 30+ employees at Boulder Coffee Company, and to think that the schedule is planned around punishing specific employees for this or that is self-indulgent and patently false.
Secondly, anyone who is no longer employed by Boulder is as a result of their inability to perform the job and they were informed of these reasons explicitly. Our management team works in uniform compliance with ethical labor practices. It's important to remember that anyone fired from a job will likely feel a little raw about it, and that's hardly a fair and unbiased source for information on how the company is operated. I'd also like to point out that we have NUMEROUS employees who have been with the company for several years and whether old or new, the majority love their jobs. Go ask them.
Lastly, the side entrance of the Park Avenue location has an auto-locking door with a sign on it BEGGING customers not to slam it shut, as this results in locking people out. The barista's cannot spend every moment of every day making sure customers have followed the very polite request of not slamming the door shut. For the record, it's an auto-locking door, and we DO check it as often as possible. Our store is most certainly handicapped accessible. If you'd like to discuss any of the topics I've broached here you are more than welcome to e-mail me or pop in the store and say hello.
Cheers! :) —Peter
2012-05-21 09:33:18 Peter: Last month, i happened by your Park Ave. store in the morning, after doing business at another local business. As it was POURING rain at the time, and since I was (oddly) approaching your business from the rear, I thought that I should enter through the side door, and save myself from getting completely soaked. I tried the door, and it was bolted shut. As I gave up, the UPS man arrived, and tried the same door as well.
I went around to the front (as did the UPS guy), and he asked the barista on duty about the door. "We always keep it locked in the morning" was his answer.Sounds pretty much like he meant that it was kept BOLTED shut. So, I can assume that was the way HE usually operated, and I can assume that he didn't care about restricting access to those with mobility impairments.
I hope you've changed this. I have a friend in a chair who will be checking your place out some morning in the near future...... —Alex-C
2012-05-21 21:49:39 Just to update my previous post: I stopped by your Park Ave. location today just to check out your "auto-locking door" setup. It is a simple self-latching doorlatch, the type where you can go out but not back in. In order to keep it unlatched, your people place a rag in the door jamb, and a 2"x3" note scribbled on paper. Seriously. The entire handicapped-accessibility of this location is revolving around whether or not the dish towel in the jamb at the floor is still propping the door slightly open and whether somebody actually reads this curling and faded note! Also, there is NO outside opening button or latch. If you are in a wheelchair, you have to stop it on an incline, bend 3' forward, push the door open with a stick, and hold it open as you navigate through the door by turning 90° to the right. It doesn't even latch in the opened position! Even a person on crutches would have trouble doing this, having to body-check the door while navigating around a bend and over the threshold.
This is in no way 'wheelchair accessible'. It is at best, MARGINALLY handicapped accessible, and is really only accessible by wheelchair with outside assitance. And, of course, if your $1 dish rag is missing, anybody who is handicapped is S.O.L.! I would suggest that this location be declared "marginally handicapped accessible". In reality, it is 'barely handicapped accessible'. Pretending otherwise is insulting to those who are physically challenged. Stop blowing smoke at us. If you can't see the value in making your location accessible, at least be honest about it NOT being accessible. —Alex-C
2012-05-29 13:12:23 Peter-you once again changed the accessibility of your Park Ave. location to an untrue "yes", when it's not. —Alex-C
2012-12-02 12:12:21 Boulder. I am a loyal customer, been coming for years, but at this point, having grown like you have, you really need to hire one more person for each shift. Today was the third time in a week i walked out because the line was too long. It was park ave today. Last week i was in the alexander st location at about 4pm. There was one person working, the pkllce was packed and after waiting on the line for 10 minutes and watching 2 other customers walk out, i left when the group of 3 in front of me each ordered espresso drinks. These drinks take time to make. All i want usually is one simple cup of regular coffee. —abnormalcy
2012-12-02 12:56:56 Abnormalcy, I agree 100%. I love Boulder, but there have been times when I've gone there to order food, and in the end decided not to because the poor single person behind the counter looked so overworked. —EileenF
