Eightthirty Coffee Roasters

‘Eight Thirty’ is easy to miss when you’re driving along Karangahape Road, unless you know the exact location — the easiest landmark is the Mobil petrol station which is in the same block! Weekdays are usually bedlam, with people queuing (sometimes out the door) and/​or waiting patiently around the communal table for their fix. Service can be a bit hit-​and-​miss. Your coffee can arrive swiftly or may take 10 – 15 mins depending on demand. This is based on my experience/​s. The baristas know what they’re doing and execute well. No food sold, only coffee. There are some tables outside to sit & watch the world go by. I like this understated café.

I’m in a bit of a pickle over this one…
On one hand, I adore Eighthirty coffee. I am a reformed addict who doesn’t even drink the stuff anymore but every time I go to Eighthirty, I just can’t resist. It’s consistently on the money and deliciously nutty.
On the other hand, although the staff are lovely, I find the service a bit too laissez faire. For example, today I was running late to meet a friend and when I arrived, she had already ordered. Her coffee took at least another 15mins to arrive and mine still wasn’t there after another 20mins. I went inside to inquire and they said they had accidentally lost the docket. Totally fine, mistakes happen, but then after that it still took a good 10mins. Surely, if your docket get’s lost you get pushed to the front of the cue?
I get the feeling that ‘takeout coffee’ takes precedence over ‘have here’ coffee at Eighthirty, which is a tad frustrating. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t stop me from coming here on the reg (there coffee is too good not to), I will just be ordering takeout from now on.

Eighthirty is awesome. They reside in a simple, yet seriously stylish abode at the far end of Karangahape Road. Inside is a coffee machine, a few tables and chairs, and New York style exposed brick.
They roast their own beans and are well known in ‘coffee circles’ as being really good. They also deliver their beans around the CBD on their eclectic bike. Such a good idea, because there’s nothing worse than going to make your morning coffee and realising you only have enough for half a shot.
They often have the famous ‘Caker’ treats in store, which are always such a delight. I also fell in love with their furniture, especially the incredibly skinny table in the middle of the café.
The staff are always super friendly and obviously know a whole lot about coffee.
If you’re in the area, you must stop in. Your coffee addiction will thankyou for it.