Most expensive coffee in Galway?

Fey!

Got a large takeaway coffee and a bottle of water in the little coffee shop beside Maplin today. Cost €5.30. Plus €2 for 2 apples (and not even fresh, big, juicy ones!). Had ordered before I found out the prices.

I know that several places in the city centre charge around €1.70 for a takeaway tea and €1.90 for a takeaway coffee.

Anyone come across anywhere else offering even less value for money?

mdo

We spent app. $75 euro (over $100 US dollars) for breakfast for 2 couples (brunch menu) one morning at the Ard Bia Cafe on Shop Street because we slept late and missed the free cooked to order breakfast at the Park House.... food was overpriced .. here is the menu... not used to paying $6.00 US dollars for a glass of orange juice....(in fairness to them, I thought the food was good, just overpriced by my standards and service was really poor)

Krieg

Aye their prices are stupid, bought coffee there once and thought nothing special of it, I also worked nearby for 3 months and it was the only cafe for lunch and I still didnt go there.

I think they are simply taking advantage of the fact that it is the only cafe in the area (Apart from the "G") and its likely for people to grab something after some shopping in the area.


Lynchs on shop street have been upping their prices again, 2.25 for a coffee, but its damn good coffee! Guess its the norm price now

mdo

The coffee shop next door to the Park House Hotel had great coffee, and great service.... can't remember the price.....

tristanc

Fey! wrote: »

Anyone come across anywhere else offering even less value for money?

Sure, it's called Starbucks, and I'm sure it will here soon

randylonghorn

tristanc wrote: »

Sure, it's called Starbucks, and I'm sure it will here soon

Ssssh!

<_<

>_>

That's like talking about he-who-shall-not-be-named, it just draws their attention to you!

Fey!

MDO - I work almost beside one of the Ard Bia restaurants, and haven't set foot in it since the owner treated me as if I had leprosy because I dared ask for a soft drink rather than something alcoholic; it was mango juice, tap water or nothing.

biko

Mocha Beans 2.30 for reg coffee takeaway.

JIZZLORD

but mocha beans actually roast their own coffee, so it's the freshest in the city

biko

Yeah, imo it's the best coffee around. Besides Tim Hortons in Spar (and I can get a Boston Cream donut too)

Fey!

biko wrote: »

Yeah, imo it's the best coffee around. Besides Tim Hortons in Spar (and I can get a Boston Cream donut too)

Mocha Bean and the Tim Hortons are both good. Doughnuts, on the other hand, don't come better than Boychik Doughnuts in the market on a Saturday morning. €3 for 6 (or is that €2.50).

inisboffin

mdo wrote: »

We spent app. $75 euro (over $100 US dollars) for breakfast for 2 couples (brunch menu) one morning at the Ard Bia Cafe on Shop Street because we slept late and missed the free cooked to order breakfast at the Park House.... food was overpriced .. here is the menu... not used to paying $6.00 US dollars for a glass of orange juice....(in fairness to them, I thought the food was good, just overpriced by my standards and service was really poor)

Having lived in The States for a long time mdo, I sympathize with the shock/horror that comes with breakfast price comparison between the two places. You CAN get cheaper than Ard Bia in town, but I have to say, the quality of the former is good.

They supply lunch food to Neachtains and it is really of a great standard.
Service is good there, though they do get slammed at the weekend.
I have to say though, it is hard to get a healthy lunch in a lot of places, and I always feel great after my lunch in Neachtains (no jokes about the 4 shots of 12 year old! )

In general, if you are used to 'standard breakfast service' from somewhere like a good ihop in the States, you will be disappointed (not necessarily by friendliness, but by efficiency and choice - particularly healthy options)

dafunk

I've eaten in Ard Bia quite a few times and have found the food to be great. From what I can tell they do one of the best damn breakfast frys around and it's 9.50. That's not bad. The most miserable fry up in Dublin would charge you alot more than that and there isn't a chance you'd get a coffee anywhere for less than 2.70. We're not getting as ripped off as we could be.

tristanc

inisboffin wrote: »

In general, if you are used to 'standard breakfast service' from somewhere like a good ihop in the States, you will be disappointed (not necessarily by friendliness, but by efficiency and choice - particularly healthy options)

**** Ihop. Just tell me somewhere here I can get a good Bloody Mary with my breakfast - that's all I miss about a nice weekend brunch in the states.

ErnieBert

Cafe Blu on Shop Street (beside Garavan's auld man's pub) has a yummy coffee for €1.70. It brought to your table and is served in a real cup. Tasty sambos too.

Also Starbucks are going into the old Sisley shop at the entrance to Edward Square. The owner has appled for PP for a 2 storey coffee house.

You read it here first.

JIZZLORD

maybe not, what with mocha beans being around the corner. or is that their plan.

as long as mocha beans is still about i'll be happy. in enjoy going in for fresh bags of their sumatran coffee. it's so good. much better than their house blend.

Fenster

Some of those prices are savages, and I'm eaten at high-end restaurants. O.o

mdo

dafunk wrote: »

I've eaten in Ard Bia quite a few times and have found the food to be great. From what I can tell they do one of the best damn breakfast frys around and it's 9.50. That's not bad.

Breakfast was good... Fry was great and the Blueberry pancakes too!...I'm not knocking the quality, just the poor service... not crowded either.... I asked for a coffee refill, never got it. Once the waiter (who acted like a manager or owner) brought our food, he sat down at a table with a waitress who was having breakfast and they talked the whole time we had breakfast. No opportunities for more coffee or juice. After a considerable wait, I had to get up to get someone to take our money. I still left a good tip.....I'm used to having an expensive breakfast when in Los Angeles or at upscale hotels... but used to good service when I pay premium prices. At $75 euro (15 euro tip) , I expected more...

leninbenjamin

mdo wrote: »

At $75 euro (15 euro tip) , I expected more...

you really shouldn't have left the tip then. that just encourages them (or is it discourages... meh... )

15eruo is a massive tip for Ireland really, especially considering it's only breakfast.

cornbb

mdo wrote: »

Breakfast was good... Fry was great and the Blueberry pancakes too!...I'm not knocking the quality, just the poor service... not crowded either.... I asked for a coffee refill, never got it. Once the waiter (who acted like a manager or owner) brought our food, he sat down at a table with a waitress who was having breakfast and they talked the whole time we had breakfast. No opportunities for more coffee or juice. After a considerable wait, I had to get up to get someone to take our money. I still left a good tip.....I'm used to having an expensive breakfast when in Los Angeles or at upscale hotels... but used to good service when I pay premium prices. At $75 euro (15 euro tip) , I expected more...

When service sucks in this country its generally because the waiters/waitresses don't expect the 10-20% tip which is virtually mandatory in the US. People are generally only expected to tip in restaurants, not in hotels, cafes or pubs, and even then the staff aren't relying on it as a huge part of their income.

Its not an excuse for crappy service though, with a €75 bill for breakfast I'd expect decent service. Coffee refills generally aren't free however. But €6 for a glass of OJ is appalling.

mdo

cornbb wrote: »

Its not an excuse for crappy service though, with a €75 bill for breakfast I'd expect decent service. Coffee refills generally aren't free however. But €6 for a glass of OJ is appalling.

I agree on the OJ.... I've had breakfast in Berverly Hills, California and paid less for orange juice.......Paying for the coffee refill wasn't an issue.... we had good food, poor service... that can happen almost anywhere, anytime....

This was our first vacation to Ireland.. Glad we picked Galway, had the time of my life...met the nicest people I've ever met, and wouldn't let poor service at one cafe spoil a dream vacation....

inisboffin

Yeah, a couple of posters made a good point about the tip (and I lived in the US for so long, I still do it anyway).
A good friend used to frequent a breakfast place on the West Coast of the US, I ate there sometimes with her and got great service and loved it. We always tipped well. One person we knew was notorious for being a bit stingy with the change, and he would leave maybe 10-15 percent on a good day. I have to say, I had breakfast with him, and our service from the SAME waitress that usually helped my (other) friend, practically ignored us and the food was late.

People are motivated by tips sometimes, and it is true that we should reward good service. I got into the habit of tipping 15 percent minimum over in the US, and 20 if the service was good but it doesn't seem to have the same function here. And sounds like your waiter was on a break!~ Probably 8-10 percent would have sufficed in your case mdo (good food, slow service)

Glad you had fun though, and enjoyed Galway

Fey!

On tipping, does anyone here tip if there is a) a service charge or b) bad service. And if service is particularly bad, would anyone here refuse to pay the service charge? Finally, do all restaurants give the service charge to their staff?

dafunk

The service in there is hit or miss it seems. I've had fantastic service on a number of occasions and crap service once or twice. The last time I was there the service was atrocious so I left a 1 euro tip. I think an insulting tip lets them know that the service was bad, more so even than no tip at all. You're mad to tip 15 euro if the service was bad!!

mdo

dafunk wrote: »

You're mad to tip 15 euro if the service was bad!!

Not mad.. made a mistake....don't think that 15 euro will cause a bankruptcy....will not make the same one twice... very unlikely that I'll eat there when I return..

I was in Bazaar last night and they charged me 2euro for a cup of tea. I asked the bartender at the time if they accepted laser card, he said yes, and when I asked if he accepted it for tea, he immediately said, no. It was a friends 21st and I didn't have any cash on me (wasn't out to drink), and just wanted some tea while I waited.

As for Ard Bia. I checked them out once, for valentines day. Looked at their menu and instantly decided against it. Ended up in Martines aka Quay Street Wine Bar, on Quay Street. Delicious. I whole-heartidly recommend it to anyone.

inisboffin

Fey! wrote: »

On tipping, does anyone here tip if there is a) a service charge or b) bad service. And if service is particularly bad, would anyone here refuse to pay the service charge? Finally, do all restaurants give the service charge to their staff?

I still have the tipping thing ingrained from living in the States, also my folks (who are Irish) have always been tippers for some reason (and they were never loaded), so I sort of grew up with it. I think I would still tip if the food was ****e but the service was good, I would tip less than normal if reversed.
If it was somewhere I went a lot that were having a bad night, likely still tip but lower. If they p*ssed me off enough I would leave nothing.

Not sure about service charge, I honestly think that depends on the place who gets it. I would only tip above that for exceptional service (rowdy bunch/lots of running for the waiters/extra stuff given etc)

Was at a mild-mannered hen at the G recently, we had lounge food, staff were lovely. We asked about tipping on the credit receipt, and the Waitress said better in cash, so not sure if that was about tax or how they divided it up - either way she deserved a big tip for her service.

galwaybabe

3.10 for a takeaway mocha in Arabica beside Joyce's in Knocknacarra

inisboffin

Jaysus! Hope it was big enough to swim in!

gurramok

When i've gone to Galway city on my flying visits, i've always dropped into Trisha's cafe near the docks end for grub, think it's on Abbeygate st.

Not overpriced and its great homemade stuff for brekkie which i've always been full afterwards!

Krieg

Sorry to go off-topic but..
Am I the only one who thinks Mocha Beans coffee is ****?
Id compare it to hot water being filtered through cat litter with rats milk and those mugs! they remind me of an inverted breast.

The idea of paying 3.10 for that kinda of coffee is beyond my realm of belief

Playboy

I can understand why people tip in the States as its a big part of the culture and generally the wages are very low in service jobs.

However in Ireland tipping is more than ridiculous. Why are customers expected to pay extra for people just to do their jobs? Their job should be done well and done with a smile on their face just like everyone else is expected to do their job. I mean what the hell are things coming to when you have to pay someone to fckin smile when they serve you?

And having lived and traveled a bit in the US and europe I can tell you that the service standards in Galway and most of Ireland are really poor in comparison to most other countries. A waiter/waitress in Ireland would have to go above and beyond what their job entails in order to get a tip .. I dont pay people to do their job .. thats the resturants responsibility.

Mrs OBumble

Playboy wrote: »

I can understand why people tip in the States as its a big part of the culture and generally the wages are very low in service jobs.

In the US, minimum wage is about $US4/hour, and lots of people are on it.

In Ireland, minimum wage is 8.65 euro/hour, and not so many people are on it. And even if they are ... it's not hard to see why tips aren't so important here when you remember the exchange rate.

I'll tip here if the food or service is fabulous. Have done so just once since last July, here in Galway at the Indian place in the stone building near Spanish Arch.

stevecrow74

there are only two places i'll tip the waiter/waitress, Mustard and Milano's, the service is impeccable.. and the food is good too.. so is the coffee..

as for best coffee around town.. until recently i would have said somewhere else, but upon finding Sam Baileys on Eglington street.. seriously nice coffee, dunno what price of coffe was cos i got food with it(which was mediocre), but the coffee.. oh man. good stuff :) and they do refills :D:D:D:D

Asbad wrote:

Am I the only one who thinks Mocha Beans coffee is ****?

i agree totally... water through a sweaty sock is more appealing

JIZZLORD

Asbad wrote: »

Sorry to go off-topic but..
Am I the only one who thinks Mocha Beans coffee is ****?
Id compare it to hot water being filtered through cat litter with rats milk and those mugs! they remind me of an inverted breast.

The idea of paying 3.10 for that kinda of coffee is beyond my realm of belief

i think mocha beans have excellent coffee, though i mainly buy stuff from them for use at home. you should never estimate the difference between stuff roasted in the last week to a can of illy that was roasted a few months ago. the only time i buy cups of coffee is usually when im in college and at 2.10 for a latte in the coffee place in the canteen i can hardly complain

mdo

JustMary wrote: »

In the US, minimum wage is about $US4/hour, and lots of people are on it.

In Ireland, minimum wage is 8.65 euro/hour, and not so many people are on it. And even if they are ... it's not hard to see why tips aren't so important here when you remember the exchange rate.

In the US, the minimum wage in $5.85-8.00 US dollars... for food service workers it is only $2.50 US + tips..I think I over tip for serveral reasons.....the fact my daughter worked part-time as a waitress for spending money while in college and I know that many students here depend on the tips to get by while in school... there are many food service workers who deserve tips for great service yet they are cheated by some customers that are too cheap to tip...

JIZZLORD

i'd generally follow the steve buscemi logic from resevoir dogs when it comes to tipping over here but i'd understand 100% why tipping in the states would be so worthwhile.
as i dont eat out often due to student poverty i dont get the chance, but the last time i ate in a restraunt i was with 10 other guys 3 days before christmas so we left about 80 euro as a tip, as we were awkward and their service was excellent

galwaybabe

galwaybabe wrote: »

3.10 for a takeaway mocha in Arabica beside Joyce's in Knocknacarra

The only consolation was that it was fairly traded

We went into this sushi bar in New York. There was about 10 of us. The bill came to about 700$ and because we had to pay a certain amount of it as a tip, they walked away with 100$+ from us. It's not like the service was any good, mind.

I rarely drink coffee anymore, hate the taste of the stuff, but Javas used to do this amazing mint mocha, and their prices also used to be very reasonable.

christianloubou

Well,I think the logic of tipping applies regardless of culture or staff wages levels....if the service is good....tip!
On the coffee front............I used to like Mocha Beans Americano, but I checked out Sam Baileys and I think theres is actually better. Vey nice staff too, worth tipping!!

ErnieBert

Did anyone mention Butler's Chocolate Cafe on Shop Street (beside Body Shop) . An Americano is €2.50 plus you get a "free" sweet. Coffee is pretty damn good but the place is understaffed especially at peak times.

Buzz Buzz

inisboffin wrote: »

Was at a mild-mannered hen at the G recently, we had lounge food, staff were lovely. We asked about tipping on the credit receipt, and the Waitress said better in cash, so not sure if that was about tax or how they divided it up - either way she deserved a big tip for her service.

Used to work in the states as a waiter, I would as people to do the same, if you get the tip in cash it goes straight in your pocket and so obviously not declared for tax..


And I agree with the above, Butlers is great!!

lampsie

Bit off topic this, but...

Meself and the wifey moved to Galway in June of last year, and since the move the one place we consistantly go is the G for a Saturday mornin coffee. For €7.50 you get pot of coffee for two, a few small treats and (warmed!) milk. You also get consistantly top service. I usually tip 20% ish, because even at a tenner its worth it.

Just my 0.02...

Fey!

lampsie wrote: »

Bit off topic this, but...

Meself and the wifey moved to Galway in June of last year, and since the move the one place we consistantly go is the G for a Saturday mornin coffee. For €7.50 you get pot of coffee for two, a few small treats and (warmed!) milk. You also get consistantly top service. I usually tip 20% ish, because even at a tenner its worth it.

Just my 0.02...

Considering that some people on here have mentioned €3.10 for take away coffee, that sounds OK seeing as you get "treats" (suppose it depends on the treats!!!).

_Whimsical_

lampsie wrote: »

Bit off topic this, but...

... G for a Saturday mornin coffee. For €7.50 you get pot of coffee for two, a few small treats and (warmed!) milk. You also get consistantly top service.

Just my 0.02...

What are these treats you speak of ?:)
For that price I might put on my swish clothes someday soon and go to the G .

JohnCleary

Tea/Coffee at my workplace is a whopping €0.00 Machines on each floor to make your own, and there's a selection of tea/coffee - it's great

Pitty I don't drink the stuff

The food is also free, and pretty healthy too (Chips only on a Friday, fry-up's only on a Monday) .... I make the most of this and usually ask for a doggy-bag to take home*

*Not really

ErnieBert

JohnCleary wrote: »

Tea/Coffee at my workplace is a whopping €0.00 Machines on each floor to make your own, and there's a selection of tea/coffee - it's great

Pitty I don't drink the stuff

The food is also free, and pretty healthy too (Chips only on a Friday, fry-up's only on a Monday) .... I make the most of this and usually ask for a doggy-bag to take home*

*Not really

Where do you work?
And are there any jobs going?

JohnCleary

ErnieBert wrote: »

Where do you work?
And are there any jobs going?

A large software company East of the city

Don't know if there are any jobs - took me 3 interviews to get in there :eek: As a consulation (sp?) there are no assh0les in there, even the team leaders/execs/bosses are sound... its un-natural. They're defo putting something in the food

_Whimsical_

I'm tempted to ask what the security is like in JohnCleary's workplace. A taxi man told me recently that he had been taking all his coffee and lunch breaks in NUIG canteen for years now because of the government subsidised grub, coffees and the half price newspaper in the shop there! The food wasn't great when I was there but the coffee was lovely. JohnClearys workplace sounds like it could be just the place to drop into for these purposes too

JIZZLORD

chilly wrote: »

I'm tempted to ask what the security is like in JohnCleary's workplace. A taxi man told me recently that he had been taking all his coffee and lunch breaks in NUIG canteen for years now because of the government subsidised grub, coffees and the half price newspaper in the shop there! The food wasn't great when I was there but the coffee was lovely. JohnClearys workplace sounds like it could be just the place to drop into for these purposes too

broadsheets are a euro, tabloids are less. a good latte is 2.10, you could be fed on not great, but still palatable food for 6 or 7 euros at most. i see a lot of school kids from the bish pop in for the grub too.

JIZZLORD

JIZZLORD wrote: »

broadsheets are a euro, tabloids are less. a good latte is 2.10, you could be fed on not great, but still palatable food for 6 or 7 euros at most. i see a lot of school kids from the bish pop in for the grub too.

Thats still pretty expensive for food. In GMIT you can get a dinner for 4euro20. Plus they've opened a new Barbarista in the main campus. Large tea is 1euro45. Regular Hot Chocolate (declisious!) is like 2euro20.