Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co., West End

Iron Clad is amazing. They make most of their syrups in house, they use a high quality whole milk from a local creamery that is fantastic. The baristas are kind and willing to correct a mistake if one is made. Great coffee and wonderful staff

Usually get a chai latte with macadamia milk, really good flavor and made well. The croissants are super good too. Will happily pay the small premium for this great service and high quality items. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS!!!

Ironclad is a mixed bag--my wife and I try to support it fairly regularly for coffee or the occasional pastry, but the place sometimes struggles with issues of organization.

Things that are good:

-- The regular drip coffee is good, and will surely get you where you're going.

-- Some of the pastries can be excellent, but it's a bit of a roll of the dice. The scones in particular are delicious and extremely rich. The breakfast sandwiches are usually solid. Finding a chocolate chip scone here is a treat.

-- A lot of people seem to like the fanciful flavored espresso drinks, but I'm more of a black coffee person.

-- I really enjoy the outdoor ambience on a nice day, and the upbeat jazz music they're usually playing. The place has a very friendly vibe.

Things that are less good:

-- The pastries and sandwiches have a tendency to vary rather wildly from day to day, with items such as the biscuit being moist and tender one day, and then dense, dry and unpalatable another day.

-- The biggest issue, though, is often that the place seems understaffed, and there can be a general feeling of chaos radiating from the interior when it's a busier morning. Orders bog down. The staff will take your order, you wait 10 minutes, and then they inform you that they don't actually have any more of the items you ordered, etc. I've seen the staff take orders on multiple occasions for items that they've already sold out, only to find themselves explaining to drive-thru customers that they don't have that item anymore, leaving them pitching alternatives.

-- The drive-thru is sometimes operated, and sometimes not ... and when it's not in service, the staff doesn't seem to put out any sign saying they're not checking it. I've seen an entire line of cars waiting here, at a window that is not in service, until each of them realizes it and drives away one a at a time. It's a problem that could be solved with a simple sign instructing patrons to park and walk up to the window.

In conclusion, Ironclad has good coffee and solid pastries (most of the time), but it may be best to visit outside of peak hours. When they're good, they're great, but there are other times when it feels like you're watching a collapse in slow motion.

I didn't realize this was more like a coffee stand. I had some time to kill before my meeting, and after looking at reviews, I decided to try it out. There wasn't indoor seating. It was cute but not what I needed this time.

The menu had two unique coffee creations, but their espresso machine was down. They did not have the food I wanted. It was good, just not what I wanted.

I was in the area today for work and decided to google local coffee shops. I already knew I didn’t want DD or the others - Ironclad popped up first and man am I thankful. The service was wonderful - the only employee there was super kind and seemed to genuinely enjoy the product they were selling. The scones are huge and delicious. But the coffee wow! The presentation for my “Hygge” made me feel like a kid at a magic show lol I was not expecting it at all and literally almost inhaled it within minutes. I wish I could breathe that latte daily. This will be my go to every time I am in the area! Can you guys offer a bigger size please 😬

The best iced vanilla latte w/ oatmilk in the short pump/west end area. No other coffee places in the area really compare tbh. Yeah it’s a lil more expensive but that’s always okay when supporting a local business over a corporation!

Favorite place to grab coffee in the area. The seasonal drink options are always a delight, but their base drinks are very solid. More of a grab and go place, since the only seating is picnic tables, but has been a real delight!

Long overdue! So happy to have a local roaster on the West End. Staff is super friendly and coffee is amazing. Hoping they get some sugar-free syrups and low fat milk options soon.

Love this place! Nothing better than a locally owned coffee shop. Fantastic service, coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches! My little one may love it more than me :)
Support local!! Great people!!

Happy to see local rosted coffee on the west end. Went there first time today and got the smallest latte oat milk and it cost me $7 ($6 latte + $1 tip I was asked if wanted to give). Im sorry but that is too much for a little cup of espresso and oat milk. Even knowing the ingredients are so special. The taste was a bit different as compared to other coffee shops.