Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

I felt disappointed in my experience at Sweetwaters during my last visit. I ordered an iced matcha latte and bacon, egg, and cheese croissant breakfast sandwich. The sandwich was very good and the croissant was flakey and buttery, but the matcha… was super disappointing. It tasted watered down, overly sweetened, and I couldn’t taste any matcha flavor. The color also looked off as it was more yellow than green. I don’t think it’s the best quality. If you don’t like matcha and just want a sweetened drink, it could be good, but for me it was nasty. Also it was very overpriced for the quality of drink I received. Would not recommend the matcha.

• Order type: Take out
• Price per person: $10–20

Sweetwaters has the best coffee of any of the coffee shops I have visited in Columbia, but the service varies wildly. This morning, I had some free time and was close enough to Sweetwaters that I thought it would be a good idea to get breakfast there. After ordering (I asked for the $6 sandwich + drink deal, with a bagel as my sandwich and a pumpkin pie dreamy as my drink), I sat down to wait. Soon after I ordered, the baristas called out my name for my bagel, but I did not hear anything about my drink until I stood up to leave, after which they asked me what I was waiting on and it became clear that they had forgotten to make the drink. I was already running late to class, so I told them that and left, so the drink was never made. Later today, I decided to place a mobile order for the drink (I was looking forward to it. I didn't go to Sweetwaters for a bagel; the only reason I went was for the coffee), and by the time I arrived at the coffee shop, my drink was ready on the counter. I thought about asking one of the baristas about the events this morning, but no one was behind the counter, so I left to finish my homework before my next class. If y'all are thinking of visiting Sweetwaters, I highly recommend it, but place a mobile order so that it is more likely for them to make your drink! (P.S. There was a large order that they were preparing when I came in, and I am pretty sure that the barista I placed my order with was a trainee, so it was kind of easy for my drink to get forgotten in the mix, and I am not too upset about it. I probably should have just placed a mobile pick-up order in the first place lol)

• Order type: Take out
• Price per person: $1–10
• Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk

I was in the area for work and was looking for a nice coffee shop to hang out in for a bit. I was very lucky to find this place. The cold brew and espresso were both excellent. Great Atmosphere and very clean. Definitely recommend.

The staff is friendly. Good place to study. The scones are good too.

Outstanding coffee, a tad expensive but worth it. ( also try the French donuts )

• Order type: Take out
• Meal type: Breakfast
• Price per person: $10–20
• Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
• Parking space: Difficult to find parking
• Parking options: Free street parking, Paid street parking, Paid parking garage

Entry was a litte confusing. We walked in and stood at the counter by the menuboard for several minutes. There was no signage, but there were two people working, but they never acknowledged us or offered any instruction. Then some more people walked in and lined up behind us. I noticed an ipad half way down the counter so we moved there and the line followed. One now approached. I asked if that was where we should order and and he simply said 'yes.' As I ordered, I asked about some items and he was very polite and friendly. We ordered peanut butter pie and 2 drinks. He raved over the pie, so I was excited to try it. $7.15 got me a half slice of pie, so I fgured it had better be good. It was... a lot. A chocolate pie crust with a chocolate layer and a peabut butter with chocolate chips layer, with more chocolate on top of that with a few peanut butter cups and caramel, all topped with icing. It had a slightly gritty feel like I was eating cane sugar. It tasted very sweet but not bad. I guess it was a half slice because it was so sweet. Maybe I just have a personal preference where my peanut butter pie doesn't have so many extras in it. The drinks were good. Standard fare for a coffee shop, but there were plenty of options that I would probably go back and try. On the way out, I took my garbage to throw away, bt didnlt immediately see a bin. As I was looking, the emloyees thanked me and said goodbye, though I was clearly looking for a place for my trash. I did find it. I'll probably give them a second chance and see how that goes. No more pie for me though.

• Order type: Dine in
• Meal type: Other
• Price per person: $1–10
• Group size: 1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people

Visited this local coffee spot two days in a row while on vacation. Food Drinks and Service are top tier.

• Order type: Dine in
• Price per person: $10–20
• Recommended dishes: Iced Latte with Logo Cup, Lemon Bar
• Noise level: Moderate noise
• Parking options: Free street parking

Bad service this morning. It took so long that we had to leave without our food.

Not a fan of cold coffee until yesterday! Got a shaken espresso with their trade mark brand . Not sweet just right. And the pretzel spinach feta was just the right amount

• Order type: Take out
• Meal type: Breakfast
• Price per person: $1–10

Asked for a cold brew coffee instead got a hot brewed coffee with ice. Dumped nearly full cup in trash on way out and went elsewhere.

• Order type: Take out
• Meal type: Breakfast
• Price per person: $1–10
• Group size: Suitable for all group sizes