I'm happy with the coffee I get at Crema. My cortado always tastes great and tends to have some impressive foam art. And the staff is usually fun and friendly.
So why isn't Crema my first choice when I go out for coffee in The Junction? One reason: The Stroller Patrol!
I can make coffee at home. Espressos too. If I'm going our for a coffee, I want to take a seat, read a paper, catch up on the internet, people watch out the window, chat with my partner or whoever else I take, and most importantly, relax. That's tough to do when getting from the front door to the bar usually involves running a gauntlet of prams. Don't get me wrong. I'm a fan of gauntlet-running. If someone wants to make a Takeshi's Castle themed restaurant I'd be the first in line. But that's not the vibe I'm looking for in a coffee house.
Good on Crema for doing such a good business. I love that they've been able to expand across the city. Too bad this particular location just doesn't feel like where I want to be. Thankfully, there are other places to get coffee in The Junction that are more my speed.