The Garfield Eatery & Coffee

Awesome little coffee shop, great prices for the amt you get… The ONLY thing I can complain about is, they are closed on Mondays! The day I want my morning coffee the most and they aren’t open :-/

This is the sort of place you come to stay and be prepared to wait. The atmosphere is nice and cozy and the staff is so friendly. The coffee was also excellent. I got the lavender latte and an Americano to go. Coffee was excellent and I enjoyed my lime cookie. I wasn’t prepared for only half my order then to be told I had to wait for my Americano so he could wait on other people. It wasn’t a big deal but it’s 4 stars b/​c I know Many wouldn’t want to wait and would probably be lower if I could bring myself to do it. I didn’t suffer In my waiting. So it’s ok.

Well I decided to give them another shot since under new management. I spent $ 17 on breakfast for my son and I in which I could’ve made better myself. The quality was that of diner food and I couldn’t even drink the coffee it was so bad!
They didn’t mention that there are no servers, you order at the counter and its brought to you. So you have to get your own silverware, napkins, condiments, etc. yourself. And take your dirty dishes to the side stand.
We tried the biscuits and gravy which was lacking in flavor, scrambled eggs, toast (comes plain so you need to get butter or jam from the counter), and breakfast potatoes. Nothing really stood out or made me eager to come back. The décor is nice and you can choose where you sit, but besides the ambiance I didn’t see much appeal.

My fiancé went to this restaurant looking for a good cup of coffee and food. The atmosphere aesthetically is nice and the idea of a nonprofit is wonderful. However the coffee was not good. We ordered two lattes. They were incredibly hot, well above the appropriate temperature for a latte. We didn’t taste an espresso drink, but rather a cup of coffee with steamed milk on top. Upon leaving I asked for the lattes to be replaced with regular coffees to go. They questioned why and I politely responded that they were too hot (after being there fifteen minutes), he offered to put them in to go cups. I told him, politely again, that we didn’t care for them. I believe this offended him and his co worker due to them interrogating us on exactly what we didn’t like about it. «Was it the coffee» «was it the milk» …frankly it was both. They steamed the milk to a temperature where there was no froth and make any chance of it being thick and rich disappear and the shot of espresso was not tamped hard enough. I know all this because I am a Barista myself at an establishment where serving good coffee and excellent customer service are key, this company has neither unfortunately. And lastly when we were given our coffees to go we were rudely told «careful, these may be hot».

This is by far one of my favorite places. The atmosphere and ambience is good. The Wi-​Fi is never slow. And the drinks are favorable. It’s also very much a mom-​and-​pop kind of place if you don’t want to see your money go to a chain. The only reason it didn’t get five stars is because I would like to see the hours increase to early evening.

I kept seeing this café pop up on my Unilocal options as an advertisement, so I finally made my way over to try it out. Don’t go Monday, they’re closed.
Spacious seating with distinct areas. There is the upper floor, which has sofas and tables, the area by the door, allowing for passerby viewing, and a bar to chatter with the employees.
They offer soups and sandwiches along with teas and coffees. The cookies are incredible, especially the ginger cookies.
I also tried the lavender latte iced, but I didn’t taste much of the lavender.
Overall, an okay experience, but there is definitely room for improvement. The quality could have been better, as well as the service. With so many new coffee places opening, you need to set yourself apart somehow. Maybe focusing on quality, unique flavors, and local artists.

I went here with my mom a couple of weekends ago. It was a hit! I had two savory scones from the display and she chose something sweet. My scones were still warm. The coffee is served in big mugs and refills are FREE. There’s also a breakfast and lunch menu. You order up front and they bring it to your table. I have my eye on the biscuits and gravy for next time. The atmosphere is laid back and the staff didn’t rush my mom at the counter. Five stars!

The Garfield Eatery and Coffee is a solid choice because it can be whatever you want. If you want an actual breakfast or lunch they have a good range of choices from sandwiches to pancakes. If you want to study and have a latte then they are a great option with lots of plugs along the wall with bench seating. They also sell different local art pieces. There is plenty of space and a variety of seating. If you want to read they have a variety of books and are next to a book store. Grab a coffee and a magazine and sit on a couch, a bench, or at a hightop table.
The price is reasonable enough. Service is slower (it’s laid back and friendly). The coffee is on par with other places in Indy but nothing special. Parking in the back is available but tight. If you live in the area I would check this place out. Garfield Park is only a short distance away for a walk in the garden and conservatory after a coffee date.

I’ve revisited The Garf a few times since my last review. My experiences have greatly increased.
I brought in six people Sunday for lunch. I was a little nervous, as food has been slow based on past reviews.
Quickly the nervousness was knocked away when our food was out within 10 minutes! Everyone enjoyed their meals.
Highly recommend the Reuben. The home made corned beef is killer!
Keep on improving Garf!

I decide to try out this little gem after reading some of the Unilocal reviews. Overall I enjoyed my little excursion. This seems to be a good local hangout for the community and would be a great place to sit and study or work. The have ample outlets along the wall to keep all of your electronics charged and a good selection of drinks to keep you hydrated.
My friend and I met for lunch. I ordered the tenderloin and it held up to Indiana standards of being pretty much twice the size of the bun. We also shared a strawberry and nutella crêpe that was delish.
Service was a little slow. You order at the bar and take a number to wait for your food. The crepes came out fairly quickly, but the rest of our food came out almost a half hour later and they weren’t busy.
I am sure that I will venture over to visit again, maybe one of the days that I am itching to work from somewhere other than home.

Parking is in the back.
Quick note before considering my review, there were 3 groups already seated and «waited on» but not served. So my experience was not busy, no lines just me at the counter. Now to continue.
I wanted to give it a higher rating I really did. I’d give it 1 star if I could. Especially after reading all the other great reviews on here. I was so excited to come in but now I just want to leave.
I’m thinking the barista at the front is new. She made two drinks before me and their food came out first before I got a simple latte. She was on her phone too. A little unnecessary. I’m thinking if you’re a regular you’re thought of first. Even a group of three people before me has probably been waiting for more than half an hour and they left with only ²⁄₃ of an order.
Let’s consider the pros though. Latte choices, amazing. The food smells delicious. Baked goods, I was hoping for more than a granola cookie but that’s ok. Whatever I’m flexible.
The ambience saves this place but that shouldn’t be an excuse. Local art is for sale in the front and along the walls. Cool, that’s hard to come by now. Trust me, I know this personally. It’s very comfortable where I’m sitting and there’s book options here too.
Noise level, cement floor causes me to hear everyone in the middle of the room. I thought it’d be quieter than this but it’s just a giant echo. I left
My review open while here to completely evaluate: I moved to the window and a thousand times better.
Not thrilled at all like I wanted to be. A turn of events changed things though. All she had to do was ask for help from the back. 30 minute wait is ridiculous. Most would have left but this latte is worth it and I wanted to give it a try.

We stopped in for breakfast on a Saturday. This place is very charming. You order and pay at the counter then go find a fun seat in the mismatched chairs. I had a delightful lavender latte while we waited for food. Our food came out pretty quickly and was very tasty. Nothing over the top or gourmet, just good solid breakfast. I’ll certainly be back for another beautiful latte.

I hate to do it, but had to take away one star, maybe even more… the wait for food is really ridiculous at times. Granted we had a big party, but on the other hand we had reservations, they knew we were coming, maybe get somebody extra in the kitchen for that? Just a thought. The breakfast dishes were good, but not to die for.
On the up side, the folks at the counter taking your orders and fixing your drinks are fabulous. Barista Philip absolutely rocked it. The quality of the fancy schmancy lavender honey creation I had was simply fabulous and came with a beautiful design. I let others taste it and they all went back to purchase their own cups. Ally did a great job behind the counter. Both Philip and Ally are so cute and nice, you just want to wrap them up and take them home with you, but I think that costs extra. Awesome tea selection. The desserts are also phenomenal. Great local artist on the walls and for sale, so go buy some.
To sum it up: Ambience and vibes here are great, nice place to hang out. Come in here for your coffee/​tea and baked goods fix and to support some of your local artists, you won’t regret it. But if you’re going to dine here, make sure you have lots and lots of time.

What a mess. We waited 40 minutes for sandwiches (at a dirty table) and asked about when they would be ready. Server replied «it’s going to be awhile». We had to go to the counter to ask for our drinks… Twice. I agree with other reviewers that there is a real lack of urgency on behalf of the staff.
We requested a refund, which we were given, and left hungry. Will never go back.
Garfield Park is a great place for a walk… I hope this neighborhood brings at least one other option for thirsty and hungry park-​goers soon.

I can’t believe I have something like this right in my own neighborhood! Just about everything is scratch made. Good service that isn’t intrusive if you want to just sit and chill. Great atmosphere and food! I can bring a book or look at the ones they have, or buy one right next door at Indy’s oldest used book store. Or after I eat, I can walk off whatever I had by crossing the street and wandering Garfield Park’s sunken garden or Conservatory.
The Garf’s location is hard to beat. So much better than a strip mall or near a mall.
I also love that every time I go in, there are going to be different baked goods and specials. Not just one but several! The menu is good and filled with excellent favorites, but coming in to discover Nich is making empanadas or a Japanese soup, or Beverly is making Hummingbird cake or cowboy cookies or cheddar-​onion scones? Or lemon bars? It is about as far as you can get from the uniform, prepackaged experiences elsewhere. This is Indy’s foodie scene at its grass roots.
Add to this baristas who make great drinks and can talk with you about Kant, Fibonacci numbers or your sick aunt, and you have a winner.

I realized that I hadn’t updated my review since the new ownership! I did end up going back to the Garfield once the new owners took over. I am happy to say that changes have been made that improved the service and food greatly. I love all the new special lattes (especially loved that lavender one!) and the new twist on the menu. The service has always been good and the food is tasty. I know that the new owners are trying to make the Garfield a staple and I appreciate that. One of my earlier complaints was the pricing and what felt like trickery regarding some things. I can say that I have never experienced that since going to the new Garfield Eatery. I will be coming back For more sunny day breakfasts :)

This is a cozy little café that has games and books and comfy couches for lounging around… basically the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday morning. I got their lavender latte, and my boyfriend got the cherry latte. I was really hoping for butterscotch, but they were out. However, the gut at the counter convinced me that the lavender latte was really good, and it did not disappoint! My boyfriend loved his drink as well. I also got their reuben sandwich with chips. The corned beef and chips are made in-​house, which is nice. I thought the fat content of the corned beef was perfect. I hate really lean or really fatty corned beef so I was impressed. The chips were very crispy and well-​seasoned. This is a little strange but I loved the pickle. It was a soft, mild pickle, and I thought it was delicious. My boyfriend got the turkey melt and cole slaw, and both were very yummy. Overall, it’s a cozy place with great food and drinks. I can’t wait to try their butterscotch latte.

Absolutely no complaints about this wonderful establishment!
Though a little less than prompt with service at times, it’s evident that each food and brew order is made with love and attention. You can see the owner regularly chatting with locals and visiting in the dining area. The inside is comfortable and cozy, and as an artist, I not only love the inclusion of local artist’s work on the walls, but really appreciate the good variety of mediums and styles as well.
I’ve not had anything bad to eat here — enjoying breakfast burritos and sandwiches a number of times. They were very patient with the multiple edits my boyfriend and I made to our dishes and you can never go wrong with a restaurant like that! On the coffee side of things, I really appreciate the availability of heavy cream and SF syrup flavors.
All of this aside, Garfield Eatery captures the essence of this southeast side community, and I hope it sticks around long enough to bring other businesses like it to the area!

All is well!
Coffee and food is pretty good.

I’m not one you’d usually find boppin’ south of Fountain Square, so when I had to pick a spot for lunch in that neighborhood, I was glad I stumbled upon The Garfield.
Located just across the street from the south end of Garfield Park, this eatery has plenty of space, light, and artwork to create a welcoming, comfortable coffee shop. I was thrilled to see the Liberation Roasting sign and felt right at home with my cup of Ethiopia Aricha. Had I only gone the coffee route, I would give this place four stars.
…but then I looked at the lunch menu.
It’s nothing special — just your typical club sandwiches. I wish there had been a signature sandwich or more twists to those offered. My friend who ordered the rueben had a pretty sad-​looking sandwich that I didn’t wish I had ordered. Not caring for my options, I inquired about the soup of the day and chose to go with the cream of carrot. Sadly, it was bland, tasting like a bowl of thick orange cream with a hint of cheese. Luckily, I paired it with a garden salad that had a homemade vinaigrette, which saved my lunch. (Side note: why are you using mayo when you could be putting your housemade dressings on your sandwiches?)
In short — as a coffee shop, The Garfield gets four stars, and you should pop in for your caffeine fix. As a café, they get two stars, so plan your lunch date elsewhere.