I want to like Black Dog, and I genuinely did for a while. I genuinely enjoy the atmosphere, baristas, and coffee. My complaint is that multiple times friends and I have over heard her trash talking Lucky Goat and it’s owner to her friends and employees because of his building a new location that might hurt her business. Yes, you do not have to like them moving in closer. Yes, I get and appreciate you are seeking to rebrand as more organic that other options in a growing market. No, it is not appropriate or professional to insult other people behind their backs in front of a customer. I want to support you, but how you act when you don’t think people are watching says more than that your new drink is organic. I’m sure you will see this and write something scathing back, that seems to be the pattern with these reviews and like I said previously, character.
K P.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Orlando, FL
Wanted to go somewhere to get work done on a Sunday afternoon and wanted to try somewhere new & a local small business so I packed up my stuff and headed there. One employee was nice, the other was not. I ordered peach iced tea and the hummus and naan platter. It was okay, 3 stars worthy. Not something I would dream about or go back to buy again. Now, the important part. I wanted the wifi password so I could start my work while I snacked on my hummus and the employee that wasn’t as nice quickly told me and walked away. It wasn’t working so when I went to approach him again he said it was down and will be up in the next 30 seconds. 20 minutes later I’m sitting here staring at my screensaver twiddling my thumbs with still no wifi. I had stuff to do, so I packed up my stuff and left to go to Starbucks. Bleh. How can a coffee shop have no wifi? I wasn’t the only one leaving, too. I almost wonder if they do it on purpose so people can’t squat at their tables for too long.
Daniel P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Tallahassee, FL
7pm visit, and I wasn’t in the mood for a quad lavender mocha — so opted for a large«surprise me» hot chai which hit the spot. Friendly barista briefed me a bit on this«New» Black Dog. New to me, I’ve just been to lazy to make my way over here until now. I’m a big fan of THE Black Dog Café and have enjoyed it for years. When this one opened up, I wasn’t all too enthused about it. After all, there’s only one Black Dog, right? No. There are two. I didn’t think it possible, but for all the obvious differences with this location — one still picks up on the common identity evident in both. Beer/wine(although I didn’t see much wine, so that part of the license is in absentia) flows here, as does Lucky Goat’s cold brew. Lighting is notably different — I recall it brighter but forget if it’s due to lighter walls or different lighting altogether. I’ll definitely come back during the day to sit down and conduct my standard«séance» to commune with the establishment — but this brief stop on my way to pick up young ‘uns from the rock climbing class on Monday nights was just what I needed. One thing is for sure. With Cascades Park expanding to fully flank The Art Park’s southern border — Black Dog(and every one of these establishments) better get ready to scale their businesses, because I forecast a serious business boom here. Just hope that adequate parking is part over the growth.
Tom B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tallahassee, FL
I don’t ever review things on Unilocal but the service at Black Dog was so exceptional that it warrants it. The gentleman working was so friendly and super knowledgeable about coffee. All I wanted was a latte but he almost made me reconsider with all the great options that he was giving me. Also, it’s a little too cold but they have a display case filled with what looks like homemade Popsicles. When it warms up a little in Tallahassee(so like two weeks.) I am absolutely going to try some. Also, that latte that I ordered. It was freaking fantastic. Do yourself a favor and go to Black Dog.
Mafe B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Tallahassee, FL
It’s as charming as its sister café on Lake Ella, a tad more eclectic which fits in with the Railroad Square vibe. I do miss the lake view though. It’s the perfect weather to sit outside now and I have a spectacular view of the sun going down. There’s also a lot to do on Railroad Square so that’s a plus! I’m not a coffee person so I always get my go to cup of tea– Earl grey with a shot of steamed almond milk(London fog). They truly deliver with good quality tea leaves, not those puny, sad-looking tea bags that are laden with chemicals! I asked for a shot of steamed almond milk and instead of a dollop, I was given a heaping, generous portion– as thick as the London fog! They have a small wine selection, a handful of sweet and savory snacks and pastries. My favorite is the handmade pies, the lentil curry, spot on! The guava pastry is not as good though. I asked for it to be warmed up and it still came out cold! Not sure why since I had to wait for 10 minutes. Perhaps the need to check their toaster oven? Maybe next time? Regardless, I’ll be back here because it’s a good place to hang out. Sometimes I even come here to work. They have wifi you know!
Tim K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Tallahassee, FL
This new café of Black Dog has become a favorite hangout spot, serving its own coffee as well as Lucky Goat’s famous cold brew. For the non coffee drinkers, they even serve homemade popsicles, perfect for a warm summer day here in Florida. Most of all, it has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, perfect both for studying and enjoying a nice conversation out on its large porch. I’ll keep coming back if Black Dog on the Square will keep having me!
Matthew C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Jacksonville, FL
An excellent addition to Railroad Square. Black Dog keeps us coming back with positive vibes and tasty delights. Here they’ve expanded their menu to beer and wine options. Contrary to the Lake Ella location, the wifi was up and running on the weekend. Service was wonderful and we felt right at home. The spacious patio will be a real treat once the weather cools off. Black Dog on the Square, genuinely, is a local’s abode.
Rachel P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Crawfordville, FL
I’ve been excited to see the new Black Dog location at Railroad Square since the idea was just a twinkle in owner Carla Reid’s eye. Black Dog Café at Lake Ella has been one of my fave Tallahassee coffee spots since it opened. During my doctoral student days at nearby Florida State, my doctoral adviser and I would meet there weekly. I often brought my books and grading to soak up the water view and watch the ducks. On a Sunday excursion with a friend to The Other Side to peruse the vintage offerings, we stopped in at the new Black Dog. The building’s lovely blue hue and the lush containers planted with greenery on the front and back patios welcomed us. Inside, cool air conditioning provided respite from the blistering July heat. A cold case with gourmet popsicles and domed glass cake stands offering an array of baked treats tempted us. My friend and I opted for iced lattes. As we waited for our drinks, I recognized friends at several tables and immediately felt at home — Black Dog on the Square was already on the rotation for my coffee house loving friends! While there are other places to get a cup of Joe on this side of town, this addition to Railroad Square will bring me across the tracks more frequently.
Rick P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tallahassee, FL
An amazing new place in Railroad Square. Great coffee(with absolutely no styrofoam in sight, ahem), local beer on tap, and fantastic popsicles that they make themselves. There is lots of indoor seating, a patio out back and a nice deck in front. Lots of character, and a great place to hang.