Aroma Espresso Bar

First, the place is pandemonium. The line to order crosses with the line to pick up and finding a table is like finding parking in NY. Second, the employees are nice but ‘scattered’. They’re either trying to get the orders out so quick they’re not thorough or it’s a breakdown in organization. We got our order in three parts. Third, the food looks sooo good but did not deliver on taste. I really wanted to like Aroma by appearance, it has all the right components but just didn’t measure up! I feel I need to try it again, it’s not that busy for no reason!

Not sure what all the service complaints are. I have gone to this place and found the employees are fine. they work behind the counter, so there is no waiter service. I found the counter people accomodating. The problem is some of the god damm pushy customers. Lots of upper west side elitist baby carriage moms, who feel entitled and bust chops. the outdoor roof space is great in the summer.

Coffee: pretty good, not great, not best in the neighborhood, but quite good. Food: I only order the grilled chicken sandwich, which is always very good, though I don't like the squishy bread it comes on. A good interior of a sandwich deserves a sturdy, tasty roll or baguette. Service: People seem to be complaining a lot about this. I think the problem is that staff does not seem to like working here. Management seems very rude and overbearing. It leads to a tense atmosphere for everyone. I think that's what people are sensing when they write about bored or uninterested staff. With the way management acts, you could probably put anyone at the register and they'd act beat down and unfriendly. It's a shame, b/c this place has a lot going for it. A great outdoor space, wi-fi, pretty good coffee and good food. But the manager, who is always friendly to customers, does not seem to treat his workers very well.

Delicious food and coffee to die for. The value, when compared to Starbucks is excellent, considering SB food is of poor pre-packaged quality and the coffee is unpalatable at most. . . Love the outdoor space at Aroma UT in the summer. Wifi is a bonus too. The main server can be rude and impatient. That is my only complaint.

I ordered a large cappuccino and an almond croissant which totaled $8.10. I gave the guy a twenty dollar bill. He held up the bill and asked "Do you want me to take it out of this?" WTF? What was he asking? Why was he asking? He just told me the total, and I handed him cash and still he asked if I wanted to pay with the money I just handed him. Was he thinking that maybe I wanted to leave an $11.90 tip and he should just keep the twenty? I never figured out his intent. Anyway, the cap and croissant were great, but the who place is wall-to-wall with pretty boys and handsome girls all typing away on their netbooks or Apples, spread out, each taking may more space than they were entitled to, each nursing a long-finished cup (small) of coffee. Anyway, the above peeves aside, it is a nice place.

Don't pay any attention to reports of poor service. There is no wait staff--orders are taken at register and your name is called when drink/food is ready. The coffee is fantastic, and the bread is phenomenal. The best addition to the neighborhood in years!

this place has so much potential. great space (especially the outdoor area!! so hard to find in nyc) and good coffee, but the service . . . the workers look like their bored/want to die. the poor service definitely takes something away from a place that could be so charming!! regardless, i will be back since i can get a nice cup of coffee and wifi alfresco.