Reviews of Customs Cafe (Coffee Shop)

T L C

Excellent food and friendly service. I like the international choices offered here. I would highly recommend this place and I plan to come back soon.

Melissa McLemore

Yummy food. Nice atmosphere. Not so loud as some casual places can be. Great friendly service!

Jasmine Sutton

So delicious! Definitely a gem within Hoover! If you love global cuisines and new experiences try this place! If you love delicious desserts, try this place!

doc lamb

This is a very good place to eat with all the different foods to try.Worth the visit!Very friendly and social atmosphere!

Andrew Machtolff

Delicious and quick as always! Love this place!

Maureen Fitzgerald

Great Cuban dish. Great personalities. We will return.

Greg Spruell

A neat way to experience a different cultures food each day. Very good and enjoyable staff.

Julia Kellogg

Nice place

Casey L

10/10 would definitely recommend! If I'm in the Birmingham area, I will go out of my way to eat here. The food is amazing, the coffee is to die for, and the staff is so nice no matter the circumstances. That's hard to find anywhere else.

Ronda Blair

Always friendly! Great food-& the changing menu is welcome

Oh My Gosh

All of the words you've heard tossed around in those cooking shows can easily be used to describe the food you'll discover at Customs Cafe. An amazing opportunity for one to expand their palate.

Lance Tarrant

This is a very unique restaurant in that they feature cuisine from around the world. They feature a different country each and every month so you always have something new to try. They also do a great job of catering. I had them cater for a business lunch and presentation I had scheduled. I was really happy with the quality of the food and the service. I would highly recommend Customs Cafe!

Ken Coe

The food was delicious, and they offer a variety of dishes, each of which highlights a specific country. (I had Swedish meatballs over dill pasta, which was very delicious). I believe that the dishes offered change on some regular basis, in order to allow coverage of more countries over time. While we were therr, we learned that they had offered special nights that may focus on a specific country (France, for example) combined with a wine tasting. This seemed like it might be an irregular event, so you may have to ask if/when another might be scheduled.

anum muzaffar

really nasty and overpriced chocolate caramel latte

Debra Beadles

Great place to try new things!

Dreamcatcher ENT

I've traveled all over the world and tasted tons of authentic foods. They have a great "concept", but serving flavorless out-of-the-box mashed potatoes was the thing that made me want to NEVER visit this place ever again. Get the concept perfected and then I'd say you have a winner. Canned & microwaved food will not cut it.

John Griffiths

Great,varied country (world)cuisine.

Jack McDaniel

This was my first time to this cafe. I had the lunch Turkey sandwich and Tomato soup. The flavors are great and fresh. The cheese rounds are delicious. The place is quite and comfortable on this cold Saturday. I had a good time. Merry Christmas to the owner and thank you for the conversation.

Michael Czarzasty

Good food from all around the world. Teresa the server/customer service representative was amazing who made you feel like family and was super sweet. Definitely recommend this place!

Matt Zylstra

Nice people. Good food. The bears and cabbage was unique and tasty.

Hopson Nance

Great food, great service, definitely going back

Brice Jackson

I've eaten there many many times! Never disappointed. Love the chicken salad and half salad the best! Love the monthly special menus too!

Amy S

Amazing shop with wonderful food & helpful staff. I visit anytime I am in town. :)

Peter Northcott

Delicious

Andrew Farrow

This place is a fantastic restaurant. In fact they recently earned the Shelby County Small Business of the year award, and I can completely see why. It is a fantastic place to eat, the staff are always friendly and kind, and they go over the month's specials that they have every time I have been there, and will happily answer any questions that you have about the menu. I would highly recommend checking this place out, and checking their monthly specials.

Ryan Ivey

Awesome atmosphere, friendly staff, great food.

Julie Bland

Potato salad is so delicious. I don’t think I’ve had anything that I dislike. I order from Waitr on a regular basis and I never get the same thing because I’m always excited to try something new. Super pumped that you guys are in Hoover and we’re happy to have you!

Brian Burkett

Cool coffee/bakery shop with a public library built in!

Huel Young

Very good

Karen Roberts

A changing menu....Friendly staff.

Julie Nelson

If you are interested in taking a little vacation without leaving the city, go here for a veritable round the world food experience. Customs Cafe's menu feaures international options, some of which change weekly. I happened upon Customs when it was Cajun week, but I opted for an Italian turkey panini. I was not disappointed. The owner is an elegant, hospitable woman who greeted me with a genuine smile. She encouraged me to take a try throwing a paper plane through a circle. If I succeeded, I'd get a free piece of cake. I sadly didn't get my cake but I will be back to try again!

Nicole

Fantastic lunch! We will definitely be back!! Cucumber sandwiches and incredible key lime pie!

Linked2 Social

Different cuisine every month so let me just say what are some of my favorites. Get these when ever available: German Beer Cheese Soup, Cuban Pork Sliders, & in July the Cincinnati Cheese Coney. Also, the selection is limited, but they always carry must try beers.

Caitlin Larson

Slow service. Food was ok, just your standard fare. Coffee was from a machine, not freshly brewed at all which was dissappointing.

Dj Jones

The food and service was great.

Mike Joachim

As good a Cuban sandwich as the last one I got in Hialeah Gardens! Great atmosphere, reasonable prices.

Robert Evans

My wife and I were invited here to meet some friends. We were both so impressed by the friendly service and excellent food. The owner even came over and spoke with us. I would highly recommend a visit to this secret jewel!

rebecca smith

One of my favorite spots! The food is good, coffee is ok (I am a coffee snob,) the staff is always very friendly and the plaza has an amazing atmosphere.

Courtney Glass

The kindest staff around and amazing food/coffee! Craig is a wonderful chef! Must try!

Gottfried Kibelka

You are welcome here. You will be greeted and treated like an old friend and menu options are quickly amended to fit your palate. I ordered a cup of soup and a half pimiento sandwich and received a vegetarian chili (Baja soup) that was earthy, rich, a little on the salty side and right up my taste buds. The pimiento came on thick sliced, fresh and fluffy wheat with a nice layer of crumbly, mild, and slightly tart cheese. I have to admit that this southern staple is still confusing to me. Is it a cheese salad or a cheese spread? A very welcomed surprise were two marvelous short cheese cookies that sat inconspicuous next to my cup of soup.

Lawrence J Guagliardo

Very good food

Pamela Howard

If I’m doing a review then it must be good! I’ve eaten here twice, and both times have been great. In conjunction with their regular menu, they have a monthly special menu of dishes from around the world. Each month a different country. Great food, great service, great atmosphere.

Terry Ferguson

It was our first visit. We enjoyed the food and atmosphere. We will be back.

Masked Pretender

The Swedish meatballs are delicious. The service was very good. The staff are warm and welcoming.

Corbin Camp

Always great food and service. Nice change up from your typical food.

Nick Casiday

Great customer service and food! I've been back several times and like the rotating cuisine specials. Their regular menu has several items that are noteworthy, especially the paninis and beer cheese soup. Family friendly too. I have three small children so eating out can be difficult sometimes so that is important to me.

Steven Fontenot

French cusine for June. Great all around, the tart was fantastic!

Jarrod Evans

Definitely recommend if you haven't visited. Very, very good little spot. Great service to accompany the tasty food:)

Satya Grandhi

Expensive food. Not too many vegetarian choices.

Naomi Riley

Beat place ever! Decorations was wonderful

Jean Johnson

Some of the best chicken salad I’ve ever had! (Hint: It has cranberries and pecans and on a fresh croissant) Very friendly service, too. Highly recommended. Looking forward to returning for some of their international fare - this month, Italian!

danbrown

Customs Cafe talks out of both sides of their mouth regarding tip amounts. Their touchscreen payment system, using Square, allows you to add a tip to the bill ... but that tip is calculated using the GRAND TOTAL, while the "suggested tip" on the bottom of their receipt is based upon the SUBTOTAL (i.e., pre-tax) amount. So, they're showing you one thing ... and doing another. AND, the printed receipt doesn't show any tip that you've added. Lastly, I called the restaurant, and they state that they "can't change how Square calculates tips" ... but they also stated that the REFUSE to change what's printed on the hardcopy receipt. SO, my take is: "DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH THE MARGINALLY HONEST!"

Clarisse Jackson

Their cakes are to die for!

Jimi S

The food is always fresh made to order and delicious! The staff is wonderful and I have never had a bad experience here. Keep up the good work.

Abby Robinson

GREAT food and friendly service.

Joel sapp

Awesome food

Tanya Constantine

My first time eating here, I had a grilled cheese and beer cheese soup and a salad. Delicious!

Molly Rowden

Best place around! :)

Michelle Jones

Always a great experience. The monthly themed entrees are delightful.

Amy Greer Cruce

What a gem!!! Love the monthly cultural menus...a great idea. Staff was wonderful, and the food was delicious. Can't wait to go back ;-)

Betty Rayburn

I like the different country they do each month and serve foods from that country, along with regular menu.

Buzz Barrett

Excellent and delicious....bb

Kim Ferguson

BEST COFFEE SHOP in the area! Never miss a chance to stop at Coffeeology! Excellent coffee, food and great service. We always enjoy the friendly and helpful staff.

Bill Tiemann

This is a wonderful little owner operated restaurant with a unique business plan. Each month they feature a cuisine from a different country. Food is very good and the atmosphere is cozy. Good experience.

Clara Whetstine

Amazing place!!! Stopped through on our way down to FL for vacation. Friendliest staff and amazing cuisine are just two things we loved about this experience! Pictured are the NY club and grilled panini. Absolutely delicious!

Pamela Love

Travel abroad - no passport required! A delightful selection of gourmet dishes from across the globe, international music, and the friendliest staff in town combine to make this a place we return to time and time again.

Clay Grisetti

Great French food at reasonable price.

Steven Bell

This is a must try!!!!!!!!!! Ingnore the negagtive reviews. One is complaining about how square handles the tips, that has nothing to do with the food or service. They have an awesome concept of changing the menu each month to mix it up. Everything I tried was better than I could have imagined. You cannot deny the fact that the food is beyond great but you cannot always guarantee that the way they prepare the food is going to be the way your German mom cooked German food for you growing up. Simply put, you cant make everyone happy, even when you do something 100 percent right. Theres always somebody that has to find a way to be negative no matter what you do. I am amazed that they can do what they do changing it up like they do each month. I mean how do you expect an Italian restaraunt somewhere to stop cooking Italian this month, cook German cuisine next month before, changing to French the next and be able to knock it out of the park everytime. Some how these people have figured out how to make it work, period. Show me another place that can do what they are doing. Most cant be consistant with having good food with a simple menu. I will continue to frequent this establishment for years to come.

Shannon Vaughn

I wanted to love this place. I always get pumped about finding out about new restaurants, and the idea of global cuisine is right up my alley. Unfortunately, whoever makes the food might want to eat that particular cuisine before they attempt to make it to make sure they prepare something that at least resembles the real thing. I had the Cuban pork. First of all, it wasn't fresh. The edges of the pork were hard and dry. Secondly, the pork was overly sweet. Cuban pork is supposed to be citrusy, which they got right, but not sweet. This was almost like candied sweet and sour pork. Not good. Then, they serve the pork with black beans and potato salad, a huge flour tortilla and sour cream. This is totally NOT authentic. I lived in Tampa for 8 years and have eaten Cuban more times than I can count. I have never even seen a flour tortilla at a Cuban restaurant, nor sour cream. Cuban bread, black beans, and yellow rice would have been much more "authentic." The potato salad was super mayonnaise-based and tangy. Not my favorite thing, but I admit potato salad is one of those items where you typically like it one way, and this was not the way I like it (with mayo and mustard). If this is your kind of potato salad, you might like it. The beans tasted out of a can. They were too toothy and seemed to be spiced with just salt and black pepper. I ordered a side salad and paid $3 for a tiny bowl of iceberg, a miniscule pink tomato, bagged croutons, and literally a squeeze pouch of Ken's dressing. Sorry, folks. I'm shocked at all the four star reviews. It kind of reminds me of how people around here think Habaneros is "good Mexican food." If you like that kind of food, you might like this. But if you're assuming you're getting authentic global cuisine, my experience was anything but. $15 spent and a bad aftertaste was all I got.

Virginia Walker

From personal experience I know people come in daily asking for condiments and supplies to help them enjoy foods and beverages they DID NOT purchase at Coffeeology. Often they don't even ask, just outright steal the things they can reach for themselves (sweeteners, napkins, etc...)These things cost money to provide and as smart business people, the owners don't feel obligated to provide them to non-customers and I agree! This is a privately owned business, NOT a public works like the library and I think these freeloaders (like Ashley Gillespie) are somehow confused and feel entitled. Bullying a business with a poor review because they won't allow you to abuse them just shows how petty and stingy you, yourself, are....not a reflection on them as you hope.

justin hoekstra

Must try. Great food.

Michael Aughtman

First visit. This place has THE BEST gourmet potato salad I have ever eaten anywhere. The turkey reuben, quiche, and other items were very pleasing also. A very peaceful place to enjoy a meal, Customs Cafe is certainly a cut above your average cafe, as they pay fine attention to quality and detail. They also rotate half their menu monthly so there are new items to try. We will be back!

Zoe Duncan

The owner of this place is very very sweet, although the food and atmosphere are lacking a little. This is supposed to be a "foods of the world" restaurant, but isn't much over what you would expect at a elementary school cultural festival where the food was made in the cafeteria. Although there are plenty of fun ways to win discounts (bringing your business card, shooting a paper plane through a hoop, etc), this place is more geared towards children than it is as a normal cafe. Don't get me wrong, the food isn't bad... It's just not good either. I was really rooting for this place when I tried it, but it didn't really meet my expectations. It's fairly quiet, but the background music is good and the owner will treat you like family.

John Smith

The three cheese sandwich is to die for, Mrs. Kaitlyn was a superb waitress and the cashier was very sweet. The music and environment was clean and crisp. I decided to order a rum and coke so the drinks were small yet somehow hit the spot. I enjoyed the atmosphere within the restaurant and will be coming again very soon.

N Palmer

Coffeeology was my home away from home while in nursing school. Craig and his staff made me feel like family and have always been kind and accommodating! I get my birthday cake there every year and they recently made my wedding cakes! Their lunches are wonderful and monthly international menus are fantastic! I highly recommend you try this hidden gem!

TCM

They're in a lonely stretch between Hobby Lobby and Dale's Southern Grill on the other side of the highway from Five Guys Hamburgers.and used to be Coffeeology inside the Hoover Library, same great food, but a much better 'traveling' experience with tons of parking next to the Perfect Note (Old Piccadilly’s cafeteria).

Bruce Zoldak

One of the best places in Alabama !! Staff is wonderful as well. This is definitely my choice of places to visit while i am in Birmingham

Matt Hall

Really impressed by food! Had slice steak & gravy over mashed potatoes. Best potatoes I've ever had. They were rich & creamy & steak & gravy were perfect. My wife had Cuban pulled pork & it was terrific. We will definitely be back again!

Sarah Timothy

Swedish meatballs were great

J T

We were very excited to try this restaurant after reading about it online. In addition to the set menu they feature a different international cuisine each month. Walking in the first thing you see is a huge standee of the menu. We were also greeted by a cashier/waiter who explained to us how the menu worked, their combos, etc. I felt this was a little unnecessary and complicated. We would have liked it much better if they just had menus we could look through at the register and maybe a chalk board with the monthly rotating menu. Once we ordered we got complimentary baked pretzels. They were very good and served with a spicy mustard. We both ordered a cup of the cheese soup and felt the 8oz portion was generous. It was served hot with house made cheese wafers. The soup was excellent and the cashier said it is very popular. The potato pancakes were crispy, well seasoned and delicious, perfect for dipping in the provided sour cream. Or turkey ruben was really a highlight. The turkey tasted moist and fresh and the kraut was perfect with just the right amount of dressing. It was pressed perfectly giving the bread the perfect amount of crunch. Sadly they were out of the strudel so we didn't opt for any dessert. Despite its peculiar menu setup, we'll definitely eat here again. We're looking forward to seeing what what pops up on rotation in the coming months. 1/14/19 Made another trip to the cafe today for beer cheese soup and a Cuban sandwich. Excellent trip, definitely plan on coming again soon. 6/3/19 Best French Onion Soup I have had in quite some time. Thanks as always for great food and service!

Aquanita McClaney

The food and the staff are THE BEST!!! A cup of iced coffee and a delicious lunch (several times a week) from Customs Cafe is all I need while i'm working from my mobile office and need a place to go to get things done! Love the monthly cuisine changes from around the world in addition to their standard menu items. There are numerous restaurants/cafes to which one could go, but this is by far a place that is not to be missed! Hurry to get there...you won't be disappointed. Wait, did I forget to mention those addictive cheese wafers...YUM!!!! Addendum**** 5/23/16 Came for lunch today. Tried something new. The Baked Potato Salad is AH-MAY-ZING!!! Now I'm a true Southern Girl and an admitted potato salad snob. THIS was pretty doggone good!!!

Julia Peart

I always enjoy the service and the food. I like trying different things on the menu. Each month they feature a different country's cuisine. They also host trivia and game nights and occasionally support different causes too. Thanks for a great place to eat.

Celeste Gable

A NEW restaurant every month !!!

Ashley Morrow Colonna

So fantastic! Craig and his crew are friendly and they have an awesome menu. Can't wait to go back!

Prince Home Builders Inc. Prince

Different types of foods

Diane Edwards

It's nice if you like German food that's what they were serving understand she change each week different country