Caffebene

This place is great– not sure what the complaining is about. Yummy food, decent prices, quick service.

New place in Jackson Heights. This is a good place to get your coffee and satisfy your sweet tooth. The staff is helpful as well. I believe they are a bit on the pricey side and are one of many locations. I’d prefer more of a mom & pops store as it’s trendy but it’ll do.

The staff is so nice and helpful! This spot has such a cozy/​chill vibe. I would recommend the geen tea latte and all flavor macaroons. Definitely a great addition to Jackson Heights.

Love that they have Sipp Organic Soda! So Yummy.

Caffebene, welcome to the neighborhood. We’ve needed you here for a long time.
Today was my first visit. I can understand both the positive and the negative reviews. Before going into what I observed today, let me say that I will be returning and hope to make your café a regular spot.
Strangeness
1. The line
The line goes exactly opposite the way it would logically progress. Hence, coming into the shop the new customer finds herself at the pickup rather than the order. To get the ordering line, she must walk through tables. Even after doing that, there is no guarantee that her order will be taken. She may find herself standing behind someone who is waiting for an order. Why they are waiting for an order at the line end is a result of the strangeness. I heard «are you in line» and «no just waiting» and «excuse me’s» in just the few minutes it took me to get to the cash register. And it was not crowded.
2. The cash register
Before I could order the person said, «We only take cash right now. Is that okay!» Uh, yes, of course. I was surprised at the aggressiveness of the statement. Trying to make light of things I responded, «Sure, I can pay cash. Will you give me a cash-​only discount?» This was greeted with anything but good cheer. Perhaps the english-​speaking person doesn’t understand humor? Or my humor? Or just hated their job. I don’t know.
The problem must have been larger than credit cards, because a few minutes later, a customer walked up to my table and asked me if I had gotten a receipt. (I had.) Evidently by that point the cash register was completely kaput.
3. The bathroom
From where I was sitting my table faced directly at the bathroom door. Which is fine as this is a small NYC café. I add this detail only to explain how I observed bathroom confusion with people walking into other people doing their business, etc. Multiple times. Couldn’t they get one of those sliding locks which puts a big RED SIGN that says OCCUPIED when it locks?
Worse, at one point a woman with a child needed to get her little one into the bathroom. As parents we all understand this. After waiting patiently for at least five minutes, she knocked. Without any flushing, washing, paper towel noise, etc, the door was unceremoniously opened and an employee sauntered out without a word of apology or anything. His attitude was terrible. Was he just goofing off in there? If he needs a few minutes off, he should go somewhere else. Or at least be courteous. Luckily the little girl was able to get into the bathroom on time.
Goodness
1. The tea tasted really good! As tea drinkers in the US know, this is not usually the case. It was a bag. And it wasn’t cheap. But it was hot. And tasty. A good cup of tea. Thank you caffe bene.
2. Tables. When I went there were plenty of seats available. The tables were sturdy and functional. The seat was comfortable.
3. Quiet. Thank you thank you for not blasting us with noise like that other chain coffee shop! There was something going, but it was easy to ignore and at what used to be considered a polite volume.
4. Wifi. It worked.
Possible improvements
It would be nice to be offered a plate. The food I received was in a cellophane bag. It would have been neater to have something sturdy. But I didn’t ask, so perhaps this would have been easily rectified.

I was so excited when i heard that they’re going to open a korean chain in my neighborhood. And then they finally open. First the lights were white? Its too halal truck?! Second it was too disorganized they dont know what theyre doing.
I went on line, When i finally get to the register I ask them if they serve the shaved ice. The cashier said yes we do so I ordered the red bean shaved ice and paid with a card, went though and now the waiting game started. I was just standing in the corner holding my receipt waiting them to call my order 5 mins after i follow up my order and they said «yes its coming» ok. Then i noticed a lady sitting, shes there before i walked in to the store and i didnt know shes waiting for her stuff too. I felt bad for her coz shes waiting more than me. Anyway back to me, 15mins after nothing i got nothing so I waited near the register and look at the kitchen and I saw a female staff looking at the recipe «i guess she didnt know whats in it» good start for you but really? Ive been waiting for 15 mins now. And now i saw her walking around seems like shes trying to find something. And I overheard that shes looking for a can opener!!! So im waiting for nothing, nobody told us whats going on… And the female at the back got the nerve to give us attitude telling us its not her job to let us know that my stuff is not coming anytime soon! Fine I got so pissed its 20mins after I just want a refund… But the indian manager walked out the store and no one on the staff can do a card refund so I have to wait again for him to come back??? Horrible 35mins waiting for nothing… Thats my first and last on this store never again.

I love Caffebene drinks much more than most of the regular drinks I get at Dunkin Donuts/​Starbucks. The price is considerably lower and the espresso drinks aren’t as bitter. However, their non-​coffee menu items are overpriced.
I’ve been to the Caffebene in Astoria/​Steinway and the one in Sunnyside, so I was excited when the Jackson Heights location finally opened. It’s pretty spacious (compared to the Steinway one), and plenty of seats on the floor and along the windows. This location does get pretty busy, but they don’t rush you, plus, the window counter seats are pretty comfy.
I stopped by this location around the time they first opened up, and it was clear that the staff was pretty overwhelmed. They ran out of a couple of things I wanted to order, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt and returned a few days later. Things seem to be running more smoothly now. I’m definitely going to be a regular & fill up my Loyalty Card!

My friend and I who were raised in Jackson Heights were really excited to hear that a Korean café was opening up in Jackson Heights. That meant we didn’t have to trek to Flushing for our café fix.
But I dislike this new location.
— It’s disorganized and chaotic behind the counter.
— They always run out of a certain drink or just don’t have it in stock. If they do have it, it was poorly made.
— Selection of baked goods here is disappointing. Standard cakes, couple of cookies and muffins. If you go to the Flushing locations, they sell plenty of Korean pastries and actually know how to make the specialty drinks such as matcha latte or bubble tea.
— I can tell this particular location is aware that Jackson Heights isn’t populated with Asians like Flushing is; but still it would’ve been nice to see them produce the same goods as the other locations.

When CoffeeBene opened up in my neighborhood I was so excited because they always serve good quality coffee. However, when I went to the Jackson Height location, I noticed that the place was small and crowded. When I tried their coffe, I was so disappointed because it was bitter and watery.

The coffee here is above average. Service however — perhaps a growing pain issue? The quality of service is problematic. On my first visit upon ordering and handing over my credit card, the girl behind the counter boldly told we — «We do not accept AMEX». This is problem number 1. When 5 of my colleagues and I go out for a working lunch, and we’re required to use our AMEX corporate cards for all expenses — this just caused Caffebene to lose 6 customers. Not accepting American Express is unacceptable. I should mention that I’ve visited this coffee shop now, 4 times — and every time since that first time I am told, «we will have the ability to take AMEX in the future». Until that time, my wife and I are done with Caffebene — Starbucks is a block away, Espresso 77 (37^th Ave/​77^th St) is amazing, and another couple blocks down — and they all merrily take my AMEX.
Second customer service issue — I’m ok with service taking an extra 60 seconds if the associate doesn’t rush the order and make a mess. I realize the feel they might be doing the customer a favor by loading the frozen coffee to the top of the brim — but when they add the lid, it causes an overflow, runs down the side and because I don’t want to end up with dripping frozen coffee on my clothes, tie, or allover the interior of my car, I have to ask for it to be fixed.
Third customer service issue — people who order drinks with dairy alternate is likely for a reason, potentially a health reason. When I tell the person taking my order «NO WHIPPED CREAM» — I shouldn’t have to stand there and monitor the person preparing my order. Twice now, I received whipped cream when I specifically asked NOT to have it. Upon informing the girl of the incorrect order, she clearly looked annoyed — — it’s not my problem that she didn’t communicate better with the person taking the order. And for some reason she thought it was ok to «spoon it out» with a spoon that she had been using on other drinks, while still leaving globs of whipped cream in my coffee.
I haven’t been there for about two weeks, so hopefully the AMEX issue has been solved. Additionally, they need a better system put into place in order to maintain the integrity of the customer’s order. Simply put, they need to exponentially improve efficiency. Once I see the AMEX sticker on the door, I’ll go back — but for now, my wife and I, and our circle of friends will remain loyal to Starbucks or Espresso 77.
On a positive note — the desserts are delicious!

I’m so conflicted by this Caffe Bene location. I’ve tried a few in the city and I’ve realized each location varies quite a bit (could be good and could be bad) but this one is the first one I’ve seen that mixes fluorescent white lights and soft vintage bulbs… it’s like they’re having an identity crisis.
They sell fancy coffee drinks from a fancy espresso machine but their bakery items looked like the prepackaged ones you can get at deli’s/bodega’s. Like I said, identity crisis.
The general fare is the same — misugaru latte, espresso drinks, etc, but this location has some interesting sandwiches other’s don’t have! Alas, if only their «specialty» mediterranean tasted as good as it sounds. Staff seems new and it shows, but hopefully with time they’ll improve.
Another thing that really bugged me was the pricing. I’ve gone to Caffe Bene’s in the city that sold their dipped waffles for around $ 4.50 — at this location they sell it for $ 4.99…shouldn’t costs be lower in Queens since overhead is lower as well? I’m kind of confused by how they determined their prices and frankly feel a little bit cheated.

The service people were very nice. I had a Café Americano — it was decent but nothing to write home about. They didn’t have cinnamon, cocoa powder, or nutmeg which I usually sprinkle in my coffee after adding milk and sugar.
As far as the ambiance goes, they have beautiful, vintage light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. But for some reason, they also keep the fluorescent ceiling lights on full blast drowning out any charm of the vintage bulbs. The lighting is about cozy as a high school cafeteria. Not a smart move on the decorator’s part.

Aside from some growing pains as they just … well… opened, I have big plans for this place. I have been at this place in and out for the 3 days working on a paper for grad school, and have not felt rushed at all. I welcome that tremendously. The staff are friendly, there is ample space to work (as well as ample outlets to plug in!) and my kids love the macarons :) I have had several sandwiches already (sad, but. well… working!) and the spicy chicken was tasty, and the egg, turkey and cheese was perfectly fine.
Also, love the teas, coffee (glad to have almond milk!) and variety of beverages in the fridge. If we can throw some Greek yogurt in there, I would be a happy lady :)
I just read a few reviews and I was here the first few days it opened… you can see improvements in efficiency and customer service. Everyone here is learning at the same time, and are doing just fine.

Woohoo! I’m so excited to have another café in the neighborhood!
We came here for breakfast and we had the ham & egg sandwich, spicy chicken sandwich and the Found cucumber drink. We had never had this before, but it was quite tasty and hit the spot.
The space is so nice and bright and it seems like you can always find a seat (unlike Starbucks). The bubble tea is too expensive at $ 5, but we look forward to trying other things here.

This place needs some work based on the sandwiches my husband and I had today.
I had the Mediterranean vegetarian one. What a mess. First of all, who puts a vegetarian sandwich on a white bread hero? And the inside was just a mush of avocado, feta, tomato and hummus that was glopped onto one small section of the hero.
My husband had the spicy chicken. He was not impressed and it was very messy.
I hope they get better because we were really excited to have another café in the neighborhood. I’ll have to try the waffles and more breakfast type food next time, maybe they are better at that.

Great place with various menu options and really cute seating and décor! Lovely place

Jackson Heights definitely needed another café and Caffebene fits the bill.
I will say that their drip coffee is not the greatest. It’s more like a very good version of deli coffee. When the taste of your coffee is the most important thing, Espresso 77 may be a better bet.
On the other hand, here you get a bright, open space, and a tremendous selection of sweets and pastries, hot sandwiches, even a large selection of juices and my two favorite brands of potato chips. Plus, the owners (I think they are a couple) are very friendly, patient and welcoming. Despite a long line and some dithering customers, my tasty and inexpensive tuna melt on a croissant was delivered to my table 5 minutes after ordering.
There appears to be a great mix of customers already – students caffeinating while studying, families sharing waffles, people on laptops, people on lunch breaks.

Jesus! These reviews are harsh. As for me I’m sitting here enjoying my teriyaki chicken sandwich (pretty good!) and water and it’s been a pretty good experience. Granted there was hardly a line but I still waited 10 minutes for my sandwich which is okay by me. Didn’t have any coffee so can’t comment on that. It’s a new establishment and they’re working the kinks out… Give them a break! I liked my experience and will return to try the waffles when they are available.

A significant work in progress. My neighbor texted me «Your Caffe Bene is finally open! I don’t get what the big deal is…»
On a Saturday, the line wrapped around the place, so I walked right back out and to Espresso 77. Today, at around 10:45AM, I figured, why not. The lines had died down a little bit.
It was one of the most unorganized experiences I’ve ever witnessed. I’ve worked in retail, even opening up a new store, so the extra star is one out of sympathy. There were approximately 5 – 6 staff on duty and it was a hot mess of trying to figure out who ordered waffles, a lot manhandling the ‘bacon bits,’ figuring out how to use the fancy cash register screens, and general running around. One person, whom I assume was the manager, tried her best to help others out and answer questions, but it was very apparent how overwhelming things were.
The décor is also strange. Most Caffe Bene’s I’ve been to are calm and spacious. For some reason, there was an excess of seating here, with awkward and thick wicker-​backed chairs. Very cafeteria-​esque than café.
I waited for almost 15 minutes to buy a drink from the refrigerator and an iced coffee. As I ordered my iced coffee, the young man turned around and asked «we don’t have any iced coffee, do we?» How is that acceptable? His superior insisted, «Yes! I made some this morning.» One of his colleagues rather efficiently swooped in and made said iced coffee for me. I was very patient, again out of sympathy, but noticed one or two people who just left while waiting on line.
By the time my iced coffee was passed on to me, I wondered when, if ever, I’ve seen iced coffee look that translucent. They were out of half and half in the milk and straw station, but I didn’t even want to bother bringing it up. By the time I walked out and had a sip, I tossed the whole thing in the trash.
I’ll wait around for them to sort themselves out, but the frenzied, I’m-not-sure-if-I’ve-ever-been-trained presentation, on top of pretty bad iced coffee has me holding my breath. Hopefully I’ll write a nicer review in the near future.

One star is generous for the terrible experience at Caffebene in Jackson Heights.
It opened today, and it is understandable that the staff need time to get into the swing of things.
But no repeat business for me.
Many, many people were having the same experience of huge waiting times for coffee, receiving the wrong food, receiving cold food, and generally chaos.
I ordered a decaf. cappuccino, and was given a regular coffee. Then I was told, they don’t have decaf. And another person told me they do. Eventually got what I think is decaf. and cold.and not a cappuccino.
Some ordered food in bags were lined up with no one to give them to customers, again resulting in cold food.
The first experience of a new business always has an impact. I’m going to stick to my little local coffee shop of 77^th.
Disappointing.