George Howell Coffee

Unfortunately, I’ve loved this place until my encounter this morning. I’ve told many people about how great George Howell’s coffee is and how welcoming they are.

I placed an order in person and was happily greeted by the cashier. My experience went sour as soon as I heard what I thought was my drink order. (I am hard of hearing in one ear and did not have my aid in)… I mistakenly grabbed the wrong drink and was rudely spoken to by the barista who made it. “That is not your drink, I said *insert drink order*” and proceeded to grab the drink away.

I take full responsibility for grabbing the wrong drink. However, it was not intentional, nor was I going to play the “victim” of being hard of hearing… though I do believe this is a lesson learned. You truly do not know what people have going on in their lives and should be a bit more gentle.

Ordered a hot decaf, they offered to drip a fresh pot for me. Never received that offer anywhere else in my life. Even though it wasn’t very good, I was very appreciative of the gesture. I also ordered a decaf cold brew, which was, on the other hand, absolutely magnificent. It was possibly the best I’ve had anywhere. This place is worth trying if you’re in the area.

Friendly staff, reasonable prices, high quality products.

The coffee is good, the customer service is appalling. Zero accountability. I used to be a big fan and now I'm going to avoid the brand completely.

Never order if you don't live in the USA. They're the only roaster without transparent shipping charges. All their competitors have shipping upon check out.

Was really looking forward to visiting this renouned roaster/importer's coffee shop. Very disappointing. Best help from the cashier was to read the taste notes on the bags. They no longer offer a cup with a bag of beans. The brewed coffee was so sour and acidic I returned it. The barista offered an americano in exchange. It was so watered down it was hard to find the flavors. The espresso shot probably had channeling. These baristas need better training. They are destroying otherwise excellent coffee beans. The beans produced an excellent cup at home.

Great coffee, good baristas and you get a free coffee or espresso when you buy beans. Will definitely be our go to for the area!

Overpriced is being kind and lemon poppy muffin is overcooked dry and tasteless . Coffee nice but nothing special. Still a hole in the wall after two years of pandemic. Love the $75+ offering of coffee beans. Are you kidding?

This place has baristas that actually know how to make espresso drinks. The lattes are ready to drink right away, unlike most places where their baristas scold the heck out of their milk when frothing it. The price is a little expensive, but it’s worth it, amazing coffee. It makes me really sad to see Starbucks and Nero coffee open right around the corner, I hope people will continue to support a local, small business. I mean their coffee is better then any of those guys anyways. I always swing by to grab a coffee when I’m in Newtonville!

really kind staff, super quick service, and amazing coffee!

George Howell coffee roasts some of my favorite coffees. I frequently buy beans for home use. I can't really comment on the quality of everything on the menu, but I found that they pull their espresso on the harsher side, the coffee cake is great, and the staff seems to know what they are doing with cappuccinos. I haven't had one there I'm a while, but I remember it being pretty good.

If you are going here to buy coffee for home, you won't be disappointed with the selection and variety. I have had great experience with the Nicaraguan coffees here.