Worked here and it was the most horrible experience of my life. The owner is rude to not only staff but to customers including children and always has an attitude
Lucas ortiz
This establishment is one of an esteemed presence in all manners of the word! The menu is simple, yet quite clever and diverse in terms of flavor. There are options of traditional coffee and customizable alternative drinks that are not only locally sourced, but crafted with fine technique for such affordable prices compared to bigger coffee chains! The baristas serve customers with upmost care and exude such approachable informality, even under hours of extreme build-up. On top of the delicious food and beverages, the work on display from local artisans is unbelievably impressive, down to the elegant detail. Even if you were to simply drink your coffee and snack on a pastry for a brief recess from your day, you’d be surprised at what piece or décor would catch your attention! And if all else fails to take your fancy, they also have punch cards for a 10th free medium drink with a happy hour between 1-2 p.m and 6-8 p.m on weekdays! How enticing is that? I’ve come here often since we moved to the city, and I’ve had more than just a good cup of coffee each time; I’ve had a good experience each time. (P.S, I highly recommend experimenting with the syrup flavors in your drink if you feel adventurous, strawberry lavender is a surprisingly delightful combination!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Italian Soda
Michelle D.
Great spot for coffee in Arcadia! Tucked away in a strip mall but don't let it deter you. TONS is sugar free flavor, good espresso, and a nice spot to get some work done. Staff is friendly and the shop is always clean and comfy. Prices are also better than Starbucks et al. Black Cat has been here well over ten years now because they are doing it well. Give them a try!
Christian
I don’t live here but if I did this would be my local. Friendly staff and great drinks. A comfortable place to sit. Why would folks go to Starbucks over a great local Java joint like Black Cat. And, yes, they have decaf (because some places don’t!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristina J.
Love the atmosphere, great drinks and the best chai! Great customer service that will make your drink just like you want it. Highly recommend as a study place as well
Carly S.
Unfortunately, the girl working must have been in a bad mood. Have worked in a coffee shop so I know how an experience should be. I ordered but then realized my friend asked for a little sweetener so I asked the girl to add a little vanilla and she was super rude about it. I offered to pay and she said well it makes no sense now. At the end I gave her a dollar to pay for the tiny bit of sweetener added and she didn't say bye or have a good day or thank you or anything. Important to leave your own issues at home as everyone has things going on in their lives.
Holly S
Easy people to talk to. Invent any order you want. Comfortable place to sit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nerissa M.
I have directly messaged the owner of this establishment about the food handling violations, but Tanya decided to block me instead of giving me a proper explanation as to why food is left outside of the refrigerator and then given to paying customers to eat. I have told her how disgusting it is to leave food out of the refrigerator with bugs on it, and how horrible it is to serve spoiled food to customers. I have also told her how I personally have been served spoiled, and even uncooked food. I was blocked. I've seen some of Tanya's responses to reviews on here saying things like, well if you would've just come up to us and asked us we would've given you what you wanted. But this is nothing but a lie. The owner is one of the most ill-mannered racist person I have EVER met, and it looks like this is starting to rub off on the employees. How are people going to feel safe coming up to you and your employees when all you do is act aggressive and unmannerly towards them?!! Not to mention, if you cant answer someone's genuine concerns online like the spoiled food issue, what makes us think you would answer us in person? Even if you would, its clear it wouldn't be a genuine or polite answer. If you cannot answer someone about how horribly you are "running" your business, you shouldn't be running one in the first place. I have also heard this exact same thing happening with other people, they messaged the owner directly about the food being spoiled and bug ridden from all the bugs that have landed on it, and her response is blocking anyone who has an issue with the horrible way she is "running" this place. I'm very surprised this place hasn't been shut down yet, but its only a matter of time before it does. On top of all of this, it very clear and obvious that Tanya is paying people to leave 5 star reviews, considering the fact I've seen more than one written on the exact same day by the exact same people. My guess is she is bribing them with free food (most likely spoiled and bug ridden) or her drinks which are equally as bad if not worse. Here's a tip : if you are going to pay or bribe people to leave 5 stars for you, at least make it LESS OBVIOUS. This is such a sad and pathetic way to try and save this disaster of a place. Lastly I would like to write here about how god awful Tanya and her employees are. Every time I have been here, I have been talked back to or given very dirty and disgusting looks by the employees. Instead of giving you a proper answer to something when asking a question, its always some smart a$$ rhetorical questioning with these people, and passive aggressiveness. I have also been told that the bathrooms are only for employees, which is strange considering the fact I've seen other paying customers allowed access into the restrooms, but not myself. I get the feeling these people are immensely racist and wont let me use the bathroom because of their own messed up ideologies. I've also heard employees refer to anyone who isn't white presenting as "your people" when ordering specific items such as salsa, and using this term degradingly.
Nicole B.
Super cool place. It's located in a strip mall setup in the same plaza as Safeway. Great coffee and tea options with lots of different flavors and syrups, many available as sugar free. The staff are very friendly. It's cozy inside, with local art featured on the walls for sale too. Would definitely recommend and hope to try a pastry next time.
Aa R.
I ordered a cappuccino with whole milk, I find this gives you a real taste of the coffee. The beans were decent, not too acidic, but they did taste a touch burned. The milk was a mess though, when it sounds like a Jacuzzi bubbling it's never a good sign. The decor was comfortable but quite dark, I guess it goes with the name....all in all I'd give it 3.5.
This place was super cute and the best coffee I’ve had in Phoenix so far!! The staff were nice and professional and made our items super fast (granted we were the only ones ordering at the time). I had the coffee drink and my husband had an Italian soda which were both so good and the pbhb was so tasty! I definitely recommend this place!Vegetarian options: Different milk alternatives
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Italian Soda, A Croissant
Ryuka Inu
Legit my favorite spot in Arcadia!The coffee is delicious, the baristas and owner are friendly and walking in there feels like the coffee shop version of Cheers, where everyone knows your name haha.I often spend my day cracking on work there and admittedly spend far more than I ever mean to cause the drinks are low key addictive.Also they're one of the few coffee shops that will add a scoop of protein. I'm a gym rat so most other shops I need to add my own if I want the macros.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Finn O.
The owner Tanya is a very friendly lady and always makes sure that your drink is the best that it can be! When I order it always comes out in a timely manner, and its delicious! Everyone is super friendly and I love the atomosphere there!
Big Horse
A friendly smile greeted us, answered our questions, and served up an amazing drink. Can't ask for anything more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
tony Bellinaso
After my three year old son and I were harassed and threatened by the owner I thought I should share the email conversation as to warn customers of this business.Here is my email to the business the day after the incident:I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention an incident that occurred at the Black Cat Coffee Shop on Sunday, November 12, at approximately 3:10 PM. I have been a regular customer at your establishment, having enjoyed the Black Cat Bomb numerous times, and I have never encountered any issues until this recent visit.On that particular day, I entered the coffee shop with my three-year-old son, as I have done many times before. We approached the counter to place our usual order. While standing there, my son innocently reached to look at the tip jar, and to my surprise, the employee on duty snatched the jar away in what I can only describe as a very violent manner. I calmly pointed out that my child was just curious, not understanding the situation, and suggested that such a reaction was an overreach for a small child who didn't know any better.To my dismay, the employee responded with a concerning comment, saying, "Do you want to see me freak out?" This statement, which I interpreted as a threat, deeply alarmed me, especially considering my three-year-old son's presence. I want to emphasize that I felt threatened by her words, and this is not the kind of experience I expect or tolerate as a customer.Despite my efforts to de-escalate the situation, I found the employee's behavior unsettling. I expressed my disappointment in the quality of customer service provided, and in response, she forcefully ripped my card from the point-of-sale system, instructing me to leave the premises.While I understand a business's right to refuse service, I believe it is important to address and rectify situations where a threat is made against a customer, particularly when accompanied by aggressive actions. I am sharing this incident with you because I believe it is crucial to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.I appreciate your attention to this matter and kindly request that you look into the incident to ensure that such interactions do not occur in the future. It is my hope that this can be addressed promptly and that Black Cat Coffee Shop continues to be a place where customers can enjoy your offerings in a friendly and respectful atmosphere.Thank you for your time and understanding. I look forward to a resolution to this matter.And here is the owners response:I can add a lot of adjectives to really elaborate this email like you have but I don’t feel that’s necessary. It seems that we have formed opinions about each other so this may be one of those agree to disagree situations. In your email, you were implying I thought your child initiated the problem in the situation. The problem was when your child reached for the jar, you as the parent did nothing. I did act fast in that moment because it doesn’t take long for accidents to occur. What would have happened if he pulled that jar off the counter?You took this opportunity to insult me. When I said “do you want me to freak out” it was a sassy response instead of insulting you back. Did I overreact? Yes, I can see that I did. However my staff and I do not come to work for us to be insulted or stolen from.Thank you for the support you’ve given us so far but perhaps a different coffee shop is better fit for you. Pure green and D’Lite both sell a smoothie similar to your order.Please be observant of the overreacting owner who cares not for kids or customers.
Worked here and it was the most horrible experience of my life. The owner is rude to not only staff but to customers including children and always has an attitude
This establishment is one of an esteemed presence in all manners of the word! The menu is simple, yet quite clever and diverse in terms of flavor. There are options of traditional coffee and customizable alternative drinks that are not only locally sourced, but crafted with fine technique for such affordable prices compared to bigger coffee chains! The baristas serve customers with upmost care and exude such approachable informality, even under hours of extreme build-up. On top of the delicious food and beverages, the work on display from local artisans is unbelievably impressive, down to the elegant detail. Even if you were to simply drink your coffee and snack on a pastry for a brief recess from your day, you’d be surprised at what piece or décor would catch your attention! And if all else fails to take your fancy, they also have punch cards for a 10th free medium drink with a happy hour between 1-2 p.m and 6-8 p.m on weekdays! How enticing is that? I’ve come here often since we moved to the city, and I’ve had more than just a good cup of coffee each time; I’ve had a good experience each time. (P.S, I highly recommend experimenting with the syrup flavors in your drink if you feel adventurous, strawberry lavender is a surprisingly delightful combination!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Italian Soda
Great spot for coffee in Arcadia! Tucked away in a strip mall but don't let it deter you. TONS is sugar free flavor, good espresso, and a nice spot to get some work done. Staff is friendly and the shop is always clean and comfy. Prices are also better than Starbucks et al. Black Cat has been here well over ten years now because they are doing it well. Give them a try!
I don’t live here but if I did this would be my local. Friendly staff and great drinks. A comfortable place to sit. Why would folks go to Starbucks over a great local Java joint like Black Cat. And, yes, they have decaf (because some places don’t!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love the atmosphere, great drinks and the best chai! Great customer service that will make your drink just like you want it. Highly recommend as a study place as well
Unfortunately, the girl working must have been in a bad mood. Have worked in a coffee shop so I know how an experience should be. I ordered but then realized my friend asked for a little sweetener so I asked the girl to add a little vanilla and she was super rude about it. I offered to pay and she said well it makes no sense now. At the end I gave her a dollar to pay for the tiny bit of sweetener added and she didn't say bye or have a good day or thank you or anything. Important to leave your own issues at home as everyone has things going on in their lives.
Easy people to talk to. Invent any order you want. Comfortable place to sit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have directly messaged the owner of this establishment about the food handling violations, but Tanya decided to block me instead of giving me a proper explanation as to why food is left outside of the refrigerator and then given to paying customers to eat. I have told her how disgusting it is to leave food out of the refrigerator with bugs on it, and how horrible it is to serve spoiled food to customers. I have also told her how I personally have been served spoiled, and even uncooked food. I was blocked. I've seen some of Tanya's responses to reviews on here saying things like, well if you would've just come up to us and asked us we would've given you what you wanted. But this is nothing but a lie. The owner is one of the most ill-mannered racist person I have EVER met, and it looks like this is starting to rub off on the employees. How are people going to feel safe coming up to you and your employees when all you do is act aggressive and unmannerly towards them?!! Not to mention, if you cant answer someone's genuine concerns online like the spoiled food issue, what makes us think you would answer us in person? Even if you would, its clear it wouldn't be a genuine or polite answer. If you cannot answer someone about how horribly you are "running" your business, you shouldn't be running one in the first place. I have also heard this exact same thing happening with other people, they messaged the owner directly about the food being spoiled and bug ridden from all the bugs that have landed on it, and her response is blocking anyone who has an issue with the horrible way she is "running" this place. I'm very surprised this place hasn't been shut down yet, but its only a matter of time before it does. On top of all of this, it very clear and obvious that Tanya is paying people to leave 5 star reviews, considering the fact I've seen more than one written on the exact same day by the exact same people. My guess is she is bribing them with free food (most likely spoiled and bug ridden) or her drinks which are equally as bad if not worse. Here's a tip : if you are going to pay or bribe people to leave 5 stars for you, at least make it LESS OBVIOUS. This is such a sad and pathetic way to try and save this disaster of a place. Lastly I would like to write here about how god awful Tanya and her employees are. Every time I have been here, I have been talked back to or given very dirty and disgusting looks by the employees. Instead of giving you a proper answer to something when asking a question, its always some smart a$$ rhetorical questioning with these people, and passive aggressiveness. I have also been told that the bathrooms are only for employees, which is strange considering the fact I've seen other paying customers allowed access into the restrooms, but not myself. I get the feeling these people are immensely racist and wont let me use the bathroom because of their own messed up ideologies. I've also heard employees refer to anyone who isn't white presenting as "your people" when ordering specific items such as salsa, and using this term degradingly.
Super cool place. It's located in a strip mall setup in the same plaza as Safeway. Great coffee and tea options with lots of different flavors and syrups, many available as sugar free. The staff are very friendly. It's cozy inside, with local art featured on the walls for sale too. Would definitely recommend and hope to try a pastry next time.
I ordered a cappuccino with whole milk, I find this gives you a real taste of the coffee. The beans were decent, not too acidic, but they did taste a touch burned. The milk was a mess though, when it sounds like a Jacuzzi bubbling it's never a good sign. The decor was comfortable but quite dark, I guess it goes with the name....all in all I'd give it 3.5.
Restaurantji Recommends
This place was super cute and the best coffee I’ve had in Phoenix so far!! The staff were nice and professional and made our items super fast (granted we were the only ones ordering at the time). I had the coffee drink and my husband had an Italian soda which were both so good and the pbhb was so tasty! I definitely recommend this place!Vegetarian options: Different milk alternatives
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Italian Soda, A Croissant
Legit my favorite spot in Arcadia!The coffee is delicious, the baristas and owner are friendly and walking in there feels like the coffee shop version of Cheers, where everyone knows your name haha.I often spend my day cracking on work there and admittedly spend far more than I ever mean to cause the drinks are low key addictive.Also they're one of the few coffee shops that will add a scoop of protein. I'm a gym rat so most other shops I need to add my own if I want the macros.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The owner Tanya is a very friendly lady and always makes sure that your drink is the best that it can be! When I order it always comes out in a timely manner, and its delicious! Everyone is super friendly and I love the atomosphere there!
A friendly smile greeted us, answered our questions, and served up an amazing drink. Can't ask for anything more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
After my three year old son and I were harassed and threatened by the owner I thought I should share the email conversation as to warn customers of this business.Here is my email to the business the day after the incident:I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention an incident that occurred at the Black Cat Coffee Shop on Sunday, November 12, at approximately 3:10 PM. I have been a regular customer at your establishment, having enjoyed the Black Cat Bomb numerous times, and I have never encountered any issues until this recent visit.On that particular day, I entered the coffee shop with my three-year-old son, as I have done many times before. We approached the counter to place our usual order. While standing there, my son innocently reached to look at the tip jar, and to my surprise, the employee on duty snatched the jar away in what I can only describe as a very violent manner. I calmly pointed out that my child was just curious, not understanding the situation, and suggested that such a reaction was an overreach for a small child who didn't know any better.To my dismay, the employee responded with a concerning comment, saying, "Do you want to see me freak out?" This statement, which I interpreted as a threat, deeply alarmed me, especially considering my three-year-old son's presence. I want to emphasize that I felt threatened by her words, and this is not the kind of experience I expect or tolerate as a customer.Despite my efforts to de-escalate the situation, I found the employee's behavior unsettling. I expressed my disappointment in the quality of customer service provided, and in response, she forcefully ripped my card from the point-of-sale system, instructing me to leave the premises.While I understand a business's right to refuse service, I believe it is important to address and rectify situations where a threat is made against a customer, particularly when accompanied by aggressive actions. I am sharing this incident with you because I believe it is crucial to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.I appreciate your attention to this matter and kindly request that you look into the incident to ensure that such interactions do not occur in the future. It is my hope that this can be addressed promptly and that Black Cat Coffee Shop continues to be a place where customers can enjoy your offerings in a friendly and respectful atmosphere.Thank you for your time and understanding. I look forward to a resolution to this matter.And here is the owners response:I can add a lot of adjectives to really elaborate this email like you have but I don’t feel that’s necessary. It seems that we have formed opinions about each other so this may be one of those agree to disagree situations. In your email, you were implying I thought your child initiated the problem in the situation. The problem was when your child reached for the jar, you as the parent did nothing. I did act fast in that moment because it doesn’t take long for accidents to occur. What would have happened if he pulled that jar off the counter?You took this opportunity to insult me. When I said “do you want me to freak out” it was a sassy response instead of insulting you back. Did I overreact? Yes, I can see that I did. However my staff and I do not come to work for us to be insulted or stolen from.Thank you for the support you’ve given us so far but perhaps a different coffee shop is better fit for you. Pure green and D’Lite both sell a smoothie similar to your order.Please be observant of the overreacting owner who cares not for kids or customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1