Compass Coffee

Technically, I'd probably give 4.5 stars if I could because their staff is super friendly which goes a long way in my book. The coffee and baked goods are good, but just not quite great. Will frequent often, as it is convenient. Could have longer evening hours. We don't all stop drinking coffee before dinner 😄

This is one of my favorite coffee shops in Ballston, which is saying something because there are about 93948537 coffee shops in one square mile. Compass is one of the newer locations, and they've worked hard to earn my support. They keep their space immaculately clean and have a really lovely ambiance inside. Even during the pandemic, I have felt safe going in and ordering. Coffee always tastes great and is priced similarly to all the other nearby coffee shops. Great place to meet friends or take clients! I can't wait to be back here when it's safe to be inside again!

Although I am not returning to buy coffee here, I wish to state that Compass coffee was a great part of my daily ritual. I loved to grab cappuccino and pastries at the end of my puppy dog walk. My trips to the coffee shop cost in average $18, which is a luxury that I can splurge for the pure pleasure of having a good start of my day and gift others. Although it seems to be a nice place to stay and enjoy, I would grab and go and sometimes I would walk in with my puppy. I always thought it was amazing to have such a welcoming coffee shop that offered bowls of dog cookies. One more reason to to continue supporting the business. But it was a misconception of mine.

Until a week ago when, what I assume would be the shop manager, told me to keep out if it is a non service dog and, that I shouldn’t be worried as they would yell loud enough so o could hear from the sidewalk. I was struck with confusion as I had seen people walking in dogs several times and, I was shocked for the tone she used.

Later I figured out that the dog cookies were obviously for the service dogs! Even though door signs are absent, but I guess that’s what she meant. I am sure that is the way she addresses customers that walk-in their non service dogs.

Compass served me well for several months and the folks working there are very nice. The tall bearded fellow is very skilled in manipulating the micro foam for artsy cappuccinos, it is a nibble that made coffee experience more enticing.

Union Kitchen is now my next best. It is a hidden treasure for signature coffees and their rules are clearly stated on the door. Bowls of water are outside and, the hooks on the wall indicates exactly what is expected. They also sell compass coffee there.

It is not just coffee, but a great morning experience that gives a great spin start of the day. Enjoy it! Regardless where you get yours.

This growing brand's location is amazing, right off the Ballston Metro! The coffee was wonderful and the staff was so amazing and friendly. The coffee was beautiful and everything I hoped it would be! It's one of those coffee shops that feels like home the moment you walk in!

If you want a simpler experience then a Starbucks with good quality coffee and interesting flavors this a strong choice. Feels like a neighborhood coffee shop even though it’s a chain.

Why you should go:
BALANCE! Fast, reliable, simple straightforward menu without a lot of “analysis.” The ambiance is pleasant and you get good quality coffee without feeling like you’re being shuffled through an assembly line.

Why you wouldn’t go:
If you want a 100 options for your coffee or if you just want your coffee within 30 seconds go elsewhere.

Superb coffee, treats, and staff! Fun and simple menu in large print on the wall. Lovely shop layout, too, with walls of coffee and accessories for purchase. One thing was after 10 or so, it became very crowded and social distancing was hard. I'm sure it wasn't to capacity, but it felt very stressful to stand by for my to go order.

This is a lovely coffeeshop with two spacious high standing bar areas to work at. Although the smell of coffee as well as the potential mold from the hundreds of coffee bean canisters renders half of the front of the store as an area that I would not recommend sitting or standing for extended periods of time with proliferation of candida fungus. The loud music also makes it difficult to concentrate and catch up with friends.

Delicious coffee and options for not-overly sweet lattes, etc. Highly recommend the holiday roast if visiting during November/December. Convenient location and plenty of space to spread out if you're looking for a place to enjoy your drink.

Really good coffee and tea drinks but expensive

I loved their coffee. Staff is very friendly. Asked for recommendations and staff was able to recommend based on what I asked for. It looked like a great hangout place with all the windows.