TLDR
Trendy coffee chain w/ unique matcha flavors & aesthetic appeal, but criticized for design & comfort.
Instagram Posts References
The video displays the storefront and interior of Blank Street, then focuses on a 'Lemon loaf matcha' drink. The caption explicitly praises it as the author's 'favourite matcha', indicating a highly positive and preferred beverage.
A stop for a 'quick matcha break,' where the group enjoyed refreshing matcha lattes.
Blank Street Coffee offered a solid matcha experience, receiving an 8 out of 10 rating. This indicates a good, enjoyable drink, though perhaps not the absolute best.
Blank Street is featured as a very popular and trendy coffee shop, especially among Gen Z, known for its aesthetic appeal. The reviewer visited specifically to try their new fall flavors, opting for the Carrot Cake Matcha. While the reviewer found Blank Street's matcha generally too sweet for their personal preference and wished for a stronger matcha flavor in the drink, their 'sweet tooth side' enjoyed the unique combination of honey, carrot, cinnamon, and vanilla icing. The cafe is recommended for individuals new to matcha or those who prefer a less bitter taste.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Blank Street Coffee, a new NYC coffee chain, finding its aggressively nondescript design and uncomfortable seating uninviting. Despite decent coffee, the overall experience leaves much to be desired.
Details
Blank Street Coffee is a rapidly expanding NYC chain that has garnered mixed reviews. While some appreciate its trendy aesthetic and unique flavor combinations like the Carrot Cake Matcha [1], others criticize its "aggressively nondescript" design, uncomfortable seating, and lack of amenities [2]. The coffee quality itself is debated, with some finding it average and others enjoying specific offerings like the banana bread matcha [3].
Food Overview
The food and drink offerings at Blank Street receive mixed reviews. While some customers enjoy unique seasonal flavors like the Carrot Cake Matcha [1] or find the banana bread matcha very good [2], others describe the coffee as 'mid' or average [3], [4]. The Speed Dial blend coffee has been noted for an unpleasant aroma and acidic bite [5]. Pastries, such as the almond croissant, are described as flaky and buttery initially but can become chewier [5]. The cold brew is considered an acceptable energy source, and the cappuccino is inoffensive [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The Banana Bread Matcha and Carrot Cake Matcha have been highlighted as unique and enjoyable drink options, with one user declaring the Lemon Loaf Matcha their 'favourite matcha' [1], [2], [3]."
Customer Sentiment
Customer feedback is largely negative, with many commenters advising to avoid Blank Street due to perceived average coffee quality, a lack of adherence to original business ideas, and allegations of union busting [1], [2], [3]. Some find the brand's marketing grating, and the ownership is described as soulless and reflected in automated machines [4], [5].
Caveats
Several comments suggest avoiding Blank Street due to its business practices, including alleged union busting and VC/PE ownership, which some feel is reflected in a 'soulless' and automated experience. The aesthetic is described as 'aggressively nondescript' with uncomfortable seating and a lack of essential amenities like bathrooms [1], [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BLANK STREET
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Are The Ultimate Matcha Spots Around Summit
"This user advised to avoid Blank Street, stating it was 'ass'."
NegativeFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"This user finds Blank Street Coffee's marketing voice grating and less inviting than other coffee shops."
NegativeFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"Blank Street Coffee's lean operation with one barista and a couple of machines is seen as functional, in contrast to Luckin Coffee's more complicated system."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"This user lists Blank Street Coffee as a spot they dislike."
NegativeFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"This user lists Blank Street Coffee as a spot they dislike."
NegativeFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"This user lists Blank Street Coffee as a 'nemesis spot'."
NegativeFrom post: Whats Your Nyc Food Pet Peeve
"Blank St Coffee is identified as a business owned by venture capital and private equity, suggesting it might be part of a trend of such establishments."
NeutralFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Questions the presence of employees at Blank Street Coffee due to automation."
NeutralFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Expresses extreme dissatisfaction with Blank Street Coffee."
NegativeFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Comments on Blank Street Coffee's soulless nature, noting its name is fitting."
NegativeFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Corrects the spelling of 'Blank Street Coffee'."
NeutralFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Expresses surprise that the widespread VC backing of Blank Street Coffee is not more widely known."
NeutralFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Critiques Blank Street Coffee, stating its soulless ownership is reflected in automated machines and lack of baristas."
NegativeFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Expresses a strong desire to avoid Blank Street Coffee shops, suggesting a negative sentiment towards them."
NegativeFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Lists Blank Street as a VC-backed establishment."
NeutralFrom post: Vc And Private Equity Owned Spots
"Mentions Blank Street Coffee as a notable VC/PE-backed spot."
NeutralFrom post: Banana Bread Lattes In Nyc
"This comment is a suggestion for Blank Street."
NeutralFrom post: Banana Bread Lattes In Nyc
"Blank Street is suggested for their banana bread matcha, which the commenter found to be very good. They are unsure if a banana bread latte is also available."
PositiveFrom post: Banana Bread Lattes In Nyc
"This comment is a brief suggestion for Blank Street."
NeutralFrom post: Hudson Squaresoho Coffee Recs
"Blank Street was mentioned with a humorous tone, potentially implying a mixed or negative sentiment."
Neutral