iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%68+43.2Reliability 28%69+19.5Replies to reviews 8%100+8.2Momentum penalty83−1.7Experts Score= 69Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.69SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#22 of 31 ice cream shopsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 30%
4.7★★★★★1,097 Google reviews · 24 photos
88%five-star reviews
4.64★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Alpha Coffee highly for its scenic mountain views, friendly staff, and quality coffee and pastries. However, recurring criticisms include long wait times due to understaffing and inconsistent drink preparation, particularly regarding flavor strength. Some customers also note high prices for food items and a loud interior environment caused by echoing concrete floors and sliding furniture.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 1,097 reviews (88% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 1,097 Google reviews (868 with written comments, 145 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 95% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 24, 2026.
Service: Ice Cream Shop serving Holladay, Utah.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other ice cream shops
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: replies to reviews and momentum; weakest: satisfaction.
This companyIce Cream Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Alpha Coffee - Big Cottonwood Canyon: 68/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.B
68
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Alpha Coffee - Big Cottonwood Canyon: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.B
69
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Alpha Coffee - Big Cottonwood Canyon: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
83
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Alpha Coffee - Big Cottonwood Canyon: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 59.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
1,097 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars96288%
4 stars545%
3 stars333%
2 stars182%
1 star303%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 868 written reviews
93%praise
Praise50093%
Complaints377%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude27852%
Quality & results7113%
Would recommend6813%
Speed & response5410%
Price & value407%
Honesty & trust183%
Communication81%
What customers talk about
We read 868 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Really good coffee, and the atmosphere is very nice and chill.”
“She was also wearing headphones which is exrremely unprofessional.”
“Stopped in with my daughters and had a great experience.”
“Terrible service and mediocre coffee:(( Had high hopes because my friends said it was so good.”
“Highly recommend checking them out if you’re in the area!”
“Whether you’re popping in for a quick drink or grabbing a bite (the food is seriously delicious), it’s clear they care about quality and community.”
“Seeing another review where the owner accuses the reviewer of lying about how long their wait time was, I can absolutely confirm this place is extremely slow.”
“Coming from California, I was super happy with their reasonable prices.”
“An ordinary over priced coffee shop, food is pre-made and dry as hell”
“Carl and Lori have built something truly special here: not just a coffee shop, but a genuine community gathering place.”
“Accusing me of lying about when I got my coffee, telling me I got my coffee earlier than I did.”
“Julie was very helpful and answered all of my questions!”
People customers mention
Viking25 reviews
Aztec17 reviews
Heights11 reviews
Lake11 reviews
Halle9 reviews
Chloe9 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
SScottLocal Guide · 444 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 days ago★★★★★
Alpha Coffee is fantastic! Wonderful selection of drinks and delicious food. The ambience is beautiful and the functionality of this coffee shop runs like a well oiled machine. The service was friendly and prompt. Highly recommend visiting here.
AAndrew8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★
Took over 35min for a cold brew and cappuccino. Unless you have nothing but time on your hands, go somewhere else
JJeoffrey6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Really good coffee, and the atmosphere is very nice and chill. The patio outside has a nice view as well.
Our barista, Aliyah, was so welcoming and kind. Although there was quite a large line, she was really patient and sweet. Will return 100%
MMichelleLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Beautiful mountain views, friendly service, and delicious coffee and tea! We love alpha coffee :)
GGood6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Coffee is amazing and great staff! Lots of coffee shops have started posting AI everywhere. It’s refreshing to see real, human made posters at Alpha. I love supporting humans who support humans 🫶🏽
SSkibumbum2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
Can’t speak for the food, but the coffee was delicious! Great atmosphere and mountain views
Alpha Coffee is fantastic! Wonderful selection of drinks and delicious food. The ambience is beautiful and the functionality of this coffee shop runs like a well oiled machine. The service was friendly and prompt. Highly recommend visiting here.
Response from the owner · 19 hours ago
Hello Scott, thank you for the extraordinary review! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the food, coffee, & service. We'll see you soon!
A
Andrew King8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andrew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Took over 35min for a cold brew and cappuccino. Unless you have nothing but time on your hands, go somewhere else
Order type: Take out
Meal type: Other
Price per person: $10–20
Response from the owner · 19 hours ago
Hello Andrew, thank you for your feedback. We are working on hiring more people to join our amazing team. Thank you for your patience and we hope to welcome you back at Alpha sometime!
J
Jeoffrey Dufresne6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jeoffrey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Really good coffee, and the atmosphere is very nice and chill. The patio outside has a nice view as well.
Our barista, Aliyah, was so welcoming and kind. Although there was quite a large line, she was really patient and sweet. Will return 100%
Response from the owner · 19 hours ago
Hello Jeoffrey, thank you for the kind review! Our team is truly the best and I will forward the compliment! We hope too see you back at Alpha soon for another chill day.
M
Michelle KimballLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Beautiful mountain views, friendly service, and delicious coffee and tea! We love alpha coffee :)
Response from the owner · 19 hours ago
Hello Michelle, thank you for the 5 star review! We are happy that you enjoy the views, service, & drinks! We hope to see you back soon!
W
Wilhelmina EdmundsLocal Guide · 6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Wilhelmina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Coffee is amazing and great staff! Lots of coffee shops have started posting AI everywhere. It’s refreshing to see real, human made posters at Alpha. I love supporting humans who support humans 🫶🏽
Response from the owner · 19 hours ago
Hello, thank you for the amazing review & your ongoing support! We hope to see you back at Alpha soon!
심
심바3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews 심바 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Can’t speak for the food, but the coffee was delicious! Great atmosphere and mountain views
Order type: Take out
Meal type: Other
Price per person: $1–10
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Hello Skibumbum, thank you for the awesome review! Our food is also delicious, you should try it out sometime! We are happy you enjoyed the coffee, atmosphere, & mountain views! We hope to see you back at Alpha soon!
A
Annalise Roche6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Annalise has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I love alpha and the people who work there are great, but they seem to be chronically under staffed. Every time I go in there, any time of day, they are so backed up. They also don’t seem to have a prioritization method so you will wait 15 mins for a black cold brew while they make 10 lattes. Glad they are doing so well, but you cannot go there in any type of hurry.
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Hello Elena, thank you for your honest feedback and we really appreciate your kind words about our team. We’re very fortunate to have such amazing people working here.
That said, we recognize that our wait times have been longer than they should be, and that’s frustrating—especially when you’re grabbing a simple coffee and in a hurry. We’re actively working on staffing and workflow to improve both speed and consistency.
We’re grateful for your continued support and patience while we work through this. We absolutely want Alpha to be a place where you can count on getting great coffee without having to plan for a long wait.
