Have been here before with ok experience. Such a scene that it takes over the coffee experience. But that is beside the point of today's post. Wanted to give cartel another chance after being featured in the AZ Republic. Cartel stated that they were excited about their new beer offerings and we were excited to give them a shot. They wanted to be a place for the neighbourhood to hang out. What a bunch of bull!
Enter in the place at about 8:30 pm on a Saturday night. It's pretty dead and the beer bar was a wasteland. Sat and waited. And waited. And waited. Did I mention that it was a wastlenad. Finally the boy at the counter ( after having a five minute discussion about green drinks) poured a beer for someone. He forcefully attempted to avoid making eye contact with us. We asked him if this is where we order beer, he said "You Caaan", in the most put out sarcastic way. He then went back to pouring 4 beers down the drain because he couldn't figure out how to pour a beer that wasn't all head.
His overly pretentious attitude, and obvious attempt to ignore us made us believe we were not welcome. Maybe we don't fit their desired demographic. We thought that all people were welcomed . We were wrong. In fact, two gentleman that came in after us and just wanted a beer, left without being acknowledged.
This is extremely disappointing. Tempe has the unique opportunity to have amazing independent establishments that welcome the diversity that make Tempe a place for everyone. Cartel Coffee does not hold the spirit of that. There are many other coffee and beer places that will greet you with a smile, serve you a beverage, and be kind. This is not one of them.
Four Peaks, Spokes on Southern, eXtreme Bean, and Gold Bar are places that embrace Tempe and the diversity it has to offer. Please let these places have your business!