Reviews Fair Grinds Coffee House

Zomato
Kait
+4.5
Great Place...For The Most Part. With so many generic Starbucks-like places out there, I get tired of the seeing the same thing everywhere I go. It's over-produced and boring. As a writer who often gets my best work done in coffee shops I like to be inspired by my surroundings.

That being said, FairGrinds is a great place for inspiration. I love the worn bluish walls, the funky fans rotating above. I love the colorful wooden chairs that won't break my bum when I'm nearing my third chapter and second pot of tea. I love the art on the walls and the diverse group of people funneling in and out.

I also appreciate the technical things like the plethora of plugs in the place, the multitudes of flyers for local events, and local magazines.

As for the drinks I am a tea lover, and the iced green citron is GREAT (it tastes like fruity pebbles or fruit loops) and they offer free refills. My favorite hot tea is the Green Jasmine Pearl and for around two bucks you can get a whole pot, which blows my mind.

I haven't tried much of the food but it always looks and smells wonderful. Plus, even though I am rather carnivorous, vegan baked goods entice me. I once had a strawberry peach muffin and just about died, it was so good and fresh and moist. Today I stopped by and had one of their roasted red pepper/sausage quiches for breakfast. It was great but full of fat...it could definitely have fed two... but I ate it all ;]

Now for the bad. The people behind the counter aren't always so nice. At first I figured that since my hair isn't a unique color and I don't have any visible tattoos or piercings and I like to wear lace, that they just didn't like my type. Then I saw some other reviewers talking about their rudeness and just assumed these people just enjoyed having bad attitudes. After coming here for two years I have come to realize that, while rude, the ladies that work here have their days. Like once the barista gave me chalk for my little cousin to play with outside and she even smiled while she did it. Then another time I spent 2.29 and gave the woman 2.30 and she didn't give me my penny back. I didn't need that penny but it made me furious that she decided that for me. Money is money, learn how to do business. That, friends, is how you don't get a tip.

Anyway, I love this place, just not the people who run it...with exception to the nice little guy with curly brown hair - he's sweet. It's family friendly but also a great place to study. I'll come back until it closes...though I hope it never does!
Mar 18, 2012
Zomato
Flanlover
+4.5
Great coffee but the lady employees are quite rude. Makes me want to not visit this establishment
Feb 24, 2012
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Rayna Nielsen
+4.5
Not the best coffee I've ever had but the snacks are tasty and the atmosphere is relaxed. A nice place to unwind.
May 12, 2011
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Urbanspoon Gimp
+4.5
My favorite coffee shop. The atmosphere is great. In fact, most of my reviews are written from Fair Grinds. Maybe you'll see me in there one day.
Oct 08, 2010
Zomato
Leans
+4.5
Wonderful. Best Coffee House in New Orleans.
Feb 17, 2010
Zomato
Jennifer
+4.5
Lotsa character. Family-friendly coffee/muffin destination. Nice narrow outdoor seating - lovely decor.
Jan 06, 2010
5
James Lai
+5
The Cafe is really cute, and the employee we interacted with was really interesting! We ordered a cold brew and an organic tea and it was pretty good! A lot of pastries to choose from, and a lot to select for organic tea too! The indoor area can be a bit cold (it was also because I was sort of sitting at the area where the aircon blew), but there is an outdoor area and it also looks super nice!
4
num1lsufan
+4
Lovely little, lively neighborhood coffee place on Esplanade... Parking sucks, but it's Nola so I expect that. I stopped in for a well-brewed and inexpensive iced tea. The outdoor space is wonderful and the indoor seating looked very comfy. On this gorgeous Saturday afternoon the space was pretty full but seating could still be had. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd be here all the time.
5
Teresita Hammond
+5
Nice quaint spot to grab some delicious coffee and just relax! Enjoyed my time before visiting the cremetry. Everyone was friendly and upbeat!
5
Adam J
+5
Absolutely love this place! My friend and I were traveling from out of state and found it on google. The coffee is excellent, all the staff is friendly and helpful, and the feel of the whole place is very comfortable. Especially loved the roof patio where we could catch some rays. We made it a point to return here during all 4 days of our stay in New Orleans!
4
Eugenie St. Pierre
+4
This coffee shop is wonderful. I always visit when I’m in town. It’s in my old neighborhood and I have always loved it. It’s really old school but at the same time they always have new options, like now they have vegan and gluten free pastries. It’s in an old house and that fits because it feels like home. It’s a warm environment and comfortable atmosphere, and the coffee is pretty good. Good job ya’ll.
4
April Hamm (Michaela Parker)
+4
Cozy and charming on a quiet street with indoor and outdoor seating. Popular with the college crowd, hipsters, and professionals alike. On my first visit I met a friend for a casual business meeting. It was great because we sat outside and - in addition to the nice weather - we both had a chance to see a couple friends pass by. I only gave 4 stars because the sandwiches/snacks were not well stocked. I noticed that several people who appeared to be regulars - including my friend - didn't get their preferred sandwich/snack because it wasn't available. I was also disappointed not to be able to try the gluten free brownie I heard was amazing! Overall, however, I had a great experience. I love Fair Grinds mission and commitment to fair trade - not to mention their excessively reasonable prices! My large specialty tea was $1.50! My friend's coffee was $2.50!! If you're a coffee/tea drinker and like to hang out in coffee shops and cafes you know what im talking about! Fair Grinds is not convenient to where I live or work, but it'll definitely be on my radar for meetings and meet ups!
5
Alyssa Grey
+5
A very cool local coffee place. It isn't very big, but when you are looking for a good espresso, this is the place to come. They have the typical too-cool-for-you barista vibe, but the flavor and price are reasonable. There may not be room to sit and enjoy a cup, but it's definitely good to go.
4
Y H
+4
I've been coming here for years. I've seen the same group of regulars meeting here daily, enjoying average-to-a-little-above-average coffee and not-very-great sweet/savory selection in a sweet, modest, clean, slightly-but-not-too-funky space in a lovely neighborhood. It's a strange combination for me: nothing about this place is great: but it all ads up to something greater and more special than its parts.
5
Abraham Thacker
+5
Coffee and staff are great - the clientele, not so much. For some reason this coffee shop attracts wannabe philosophers who converse at the top of their lungs about topics of which they have no real grasp. That said, the coffee is phenomenal and the WiFi is super fast.
5
Riesa Lewis
+5
Funky, adorable coffeehouse. It is a bit off the beaten path but worth a visit if you are trying to experience the city. Appears to be a popular hangout for the locals. We ordered the cold brew and were not disappointed. The second time I came, I tried the lavender honey syrup and I am still craving it. Guess I'm going to have to visit NOLA again soon. Or move there?
5
Danielle Uding
+5
Great place to study. It has a relaxed atmosphere in an enchanting neighborhood. The coffee, tea, and juice is always amazing. They also sell fresh fruit to snack on which is wonderful for the health conscious. If you feel like indulging they also have great pastries. They also have community yoga sessions, and occasionally have live music.
5
Wade Marshall
+5
I've been coming here for the better part of my entire life. I have to say that it's one of my favorite spots to sit and drink coffee in the city. Is there better coffee in the city? Perhaps. But you won't really find a place like this. I really love this place, one of the best to grab a coffee and sit outside and enjoy.
5
Clover Murphy
+5
Fair Grinds always has good coffee. Their Morning Glory bars are awesome too. They offer vegetarian and vegan items that you can choose from too. There is indoor, balcony and covered outdoor seating There are things for children to play with outside and they sell random books for $2.00 in the shop. They also have free wifi.
4
Danielle J. Mathis
+4
The buttermilk drop here was amazing. I was not expecting that but I was very happy and surprised south the outcome. Rooftop seating needs work it was very hot, but we are in New Orleans so what do u expect... the inside was cooler but musty from the hipsters lol... anyway i would definitely go back
4
David Bell
+4
Great little spot on Ponce de Leon in Mid-City with a hip coffeehouse decore and feel. Delicious breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Coffee menu is basic so knowing how you like your coffee is good. No specialty drinks from what I could see. They could use some ambient music inside. All around a great spot to grab your Cup of Joe.
5
Anna Schnitzler
+5
Love this coffee shop. Interesting historic fairgrounds building and excellent fair trade coffee. The French press for two is great for a morning coffee date. Also the buttermilk drops are heavenly.
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