Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

Best place in downtown to have a coffee or tea and chill. Cool vibe with a modern decoration. There’s also plenty of space to work and stools by the windows with an awesome view of the lake. Nice comfort food and pastries; a bit pricey, but delicious.

I was having a rough week. Decided to go for a walk and stop into Fairgrounds for the first time. Loved the atmosphere and the spacious interior. Chatted with two very friendly baristas while they made my coffee. Ordered the Counter Culture, and it honestly wasn't half bad (this coming from a guy who doesn't really drink coffee), with just the right amount of creamer. That visit to Fairgrounds really brightened my day! Definitely coming back!!!!

Rounding up to 4 from what I would rated as a 3.5. I live a block away so it was due time to check this place out. Fairgrounds replaced Durbar, an ornately furnished Indian restaurant which closed a couple years ago to the disappointment of my family. While it was sad to see Durbar go, I was happy that at least another food establishment acquired the space.

Location is definitely the selling point for Fairgrounds, especially if you are taking a walk through Juneau Park across the street. The ample windows provide a great view of the lake, which elevates the ambiance. Plenty of seating space and not too crowded during prime lunchtime hours.

I ordered lunch which included a sandwich, dessert and tea for a total of ~$20, which is definitely on the pricier side. Comparable items would have been about 25% cheaper at other locations. For a $10 sandwich I would have expected a fairly generous size but I was disappointed to find out it was not. The items were fresh and certainly edible but the sandwich tasted a little off. Overall despite the convenience of Fairground's close proximity for me, the premium prices won't be justifying regular visits.

Really liked all the food, and the coffee was fantastic, but the seating at the bar tops is extremely uncomfortable. I had to leave after 45 minutes because I couldn't sit any longer, but all the outlets were taken in the rest of the place. It's unfortunate because this is primarily where people with laptops will sit as there are the most outlets. Simply adding some sort of seatback to the stool or a foot rest would help tremendously.

Nice looking shop, but staff could provide a better experience. Was disturbed several times to put up chairs 30 minutes early (could do that after the cafe closes) and about where things were plugged in. Need more outlets. Don't think I'll come back.

Very chill spot for meeting people to chat, doing some work in a social environment, or just grabbing a bite to eat or cup (or two) of your favorite go-juice. That chili moca coffee is the best.

This place is great and I’ve started coming often. Only reason I can’t give 5 stars is because their online ordering baffles me.

For delivery, I understand why you’d have a $15 minimum. That makes sense. But to order online for pickup? I don’t get for the life of me why you need a minimum of $15 just to place an order and then you go pick it up yourself.

Just doesn’t make sense when we’re essentially doing the same thing as ordering in person. I feel like if you changed that policy you’d probably get more online orders.

I really REALLY want to like this place. It's right in my neighborhood, and I've been 4 times since it opened. I love the aesthetic and the staff is so friendly. The coffee options are great too. What is holding me back from 5 stars: 1) the hot food is just not good and overpriced. I've tried two breakfast sandwiches and the avocado toast. The avocado toast was $9 and had barely a swipe of what looked like poor quality store bought guacamole on it. The bread was soggy and not good quality either. The breakfast sandwich featured a not at all toasted english muffin with an overdone egg and more of the terrible store bought guac (for which I was charged a premium). The baked goods are from Stonecreek (and so those are outstanding!). 2) The spot also misses on a few basics when it comes to pricing. For example, they charge more for a 16 ounce vs 12 ounce americano when it is the same amount of coffee. Really, you are charging me $.30 for 3 ounces of water? 3) There are not power outlets at the tables, so if you are looking for a "working" coffee shop, this is not your best option. I hope that the hot food menu improves over time and some pricing is adjusted. This spot is a good option to check out—just eat and charge your laptop before you come.

Great addition to the Yankee Hill neighborhood. Nice selection of drinks and food, especially breakfast.

One thing to bear in mind however. If you come here to do some work, better make sure your devices are charged up. They have only one socket and it is not conveniently located.

But don't let that stop you from coming in, just be be aware of it.

Very cute atmosphere, very friendly staff. I explained I had never been there and she was patient and kind and steered me in the right direction :) the Carmel cold brew is delicious!