After my three year old son and I were harassed and threatened by the owner I thought I should share the email conversation as to warn customers of this business. Here is my email to the business the day after the incident: I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention an incident that occurred at the Black Cat Coffee Shop on Sunday, November 12, at approximately 3:10 PM. I have been a regular customer at your establishment, having enjoyed the Black Cat Bomb numerous times, and I have never encountered any issues until this recent visit. On that particular day, I entered the coffee shop with my three-year-old son, as I have done many times before. We approached the counter to place our usual order. While standing there, my son innocently reached to look at the tip jar, and to my surprise, the employee on duty snatched the jar away in what I can only describe as a very violent manner. I calmly pointed out that my child was just curious, not understanding the situation, and suggested that such a reaction was an overreach for a small child who didn't know any better. To my dismay, the employee responded with a concerning comment, saying, "Do you want to see me freak out?" This statement, which I interpreted as a threat, deeply alarmed me, especially considering my three-year-old son's presence. I want to emphasize that I felt threatened by her words, and this is not the kind of experience I expect or tolerate as a customer. Despite my efforts to de-escalate the situation, I found the employee's behavior unsettling. I expressed my disappointment in the quality of customer service provided, and in response, she forcefully ripped my card from the point-of-sale system, instructing me to leave the premises. While I understand a business's right to refuse service, I believe it is important to address and rectify situations where a threat is made against a customer, particularly when accompanied by aggressive actions. I am sharing this incident with you because I believe it is crucial to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons. I appreciate your attention to this matter and kindly request that you look into the incident to ensure that such interactions do not occur in the future. It is my hope that this can be addressed promptly and that Black Cat Coffee Shop continues to be a place where customers can enjoy your offerings in a friendly and respectful atmosphere. Thank you for your time and understanding. I look forward to a resolution to this matter. And here is the owners response: I can add a lot of adjectives to really elaborate this email like you have but I don’t feel that’s necessary. It seems that we have formed opinions about each other so this may be one of those agree to disagree situations. In your email, you were implying I thought your child initiated the problem in the situation. The problem was when your child reached for the jar, you as the parent did nothing. I did act fast in that moment because it doesn’t take long for accidents to occur. What would have happened if he pulled that jar off the counter? You took this opportunity to insult me. When I said “do you want me to freak out” it was a sassy response instead of insulting you back. Did I overreact? Yes, I can see that I did. However my staff and I do not come to work for us to be insulted or stolen from. Thank you for the support you’ve given us so far but perhaps a different coffee shop is better fit for you. Pure green and D’Lite both sell a smoothie similar to your order. Please be observant of the overreacting owner who cares not for kids or customers.
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Business is business, as they say. Notice to Artists and Makers who aspire to feature their work on these walls: you will pay a $100 non-refundable fee under the table (handshake deal) for the allowance to feature your work on this shops’ walls. The owner reserves the right to rescind this allowance without as much as a 2-3 week notice, and don’t be surprised if it is sprung on you on your next visit in person rather than done through a call, text, or social media request to talk beforehand. Be prepared for it to possibly take place in front of your family, too. “I need you to take your work down within a few weeks. I took a deposit from a new artist today and it will be in the space you occupy. Goodbye.” Why? Don’t ask. The rationale will not be provided even if requested. Perhaps it is because the prospect of collecting $100 from a new maker is desired, even if it means cycling out tenured makers/artists without discussing it beforehand. This even means cycling out uncommon media like woodwork; this medium generated a lot of interest from visitors in a years’ time. Consider $100 out of pocket to hold a place on a wall a good bit of money just for you to be given the boot unexpectedly. Advice: Don’t forget the term handshake deal. Get any terms in writing, signed and dated by both you and the owner. And be sure to consider other options before resting on Black Cat. If you do commit to featuring at Black Cat, make it a 50% refundable deposit to prevent a total loss when you get the boot. Business is business, as they say. 2 stars because the coffee redeems the experience.

Black cat coffee house is the shiznet. Always a warm friendly welcome when you arrive, if you are seeking suggestions for something new to try a quick conversation with the barista will provide you with a divine drink. Their baked items are also very yummy and I would suggest snapping them up. There's a decent amount of seating without being too crowded and different types of chairs to allows all rumps to be sat. A lovely chill place to have a catch up with a friend or to just enjoy your time in the cafe. Absolutely come in and try something new!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Vegetarian options
Ask and you'll be told, generally it is marked. Mostly baked goods. Not sure about vegan.
Parking
Large parking lot. Shared with several other businesses. If you're coming in during the morning, it might be hard to park close to entrance.
Wheelchair accessibility
Yes, but limited. Early morning will have you park further away due to traffic from the other shops.

Thought I'd give this place a try but never got the chance. Apparently, as per their moderately horrifying brunette employee, the owners didn't pay their bills so the power was cut off while I was waiting for my coffee. While the blonde gal was kind and seemed very competent and thoughtful (as though she actually considers servicing the customer as part of her job), she was largely overshadowed by the brunette who made it very VERY clear, repeatedly, that she "just works there" (though that's debatable at best) and "isn't in charge of how they pay their bills." She and I were able to come to a clear agreement that I'll continue to opt for one of the other hundred coffee shops within the mile radius. Hope the owners work out their bill situation and reconsider whether having that incompetent, rude woman "just work" for them is really worth 'just paying' her.

I'm not a fan of coffee, don't really like the taste, but my wife absolutely LOVES coffee. It's a bummer because we can't really enjoy coffee shops together. I've tried teas and other drinks at other shops, but haven't really been impressed. Then my wife found Black Cat. I saw the Black Cat Bomb on their menu, it does have coffee, but it also has peanut butter, whey protein and banana. What the heck I'll try it. Dude, it's delicious! We go there all the time now! My wife gets her real coffee fix, and I get basically a delicious peanut butter smoothie. Win win! We pretty much have a line item in our budget for Black Cat now! The owner and her employees are always so nice and sweet and do a great job! And they have a great little place to just relax and hang out, and cool art on the walls to look at. Go try them out!!

I went around noon on a weekday and had the whole place to myself. There were many cushioned seats available. The staff were friendly. Although they said they haven't done latte art in a while, one said she would try to make the bear for me. She did absolutely amazing, especially for a latte with almond milk instead of dairy! It turned out super cute and tasted great to match. I highly recommend checking this place out but they may not always be able to do latte art. They have some specialty coffee mixes that would be nice to try anyway
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Edit: Updating this review because its been a few years now that I've gone here and its still so very very good. The drinks are always amazing, and the people just stay the best! Its slightly hidden away but it is a place you must go to! I have been here so many times and it's just great! The customer service is top notch, the few times I did have to wait I was still greeted and everyone was so pleasant. The coffee is yummy too.. Have had the BCat Bomb - this peanut butter blending thing that is so good. and the Atomic Lotis Blossom - has Red Bull in it. Enough said right?! A really hidden gem - have told several people about this place and will keep doing so.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Quaint & Charming little Coffee shop. I got an mocha and a breakfast sandwich with eggs cheese and turkey bacon. Everything was delicious, the mocha was dark rich and subtle. Not overly sweet or bitter, just right. The breakfast sandwich had perfectly crisp and thick slices of turkey bacon and everything fresh and in good proportions. Lovely seating, dim lighting, a homey feel, and with lots of great pieces of art and photography. I’ll certainly be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

This place was super cute and the best coffee I’ve had in Phoenix so far!! The staff were nice and professional and made our items super fast (granted we were the only ones ordering at the time). I had the coffee drink and my husband had an Italian soda which were both so good and the pbhb was so tasty! I definitely recommend this place!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Italian Soda, A Croissant
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian options
Different milk alternatives

Small coffee shop with an incredible artistic vibe. Undeniably comfortable seating with plenty of outlets. Staff are always friendly, helpful, and encourage you to experiment with beverages or try customer favorites. The food is always incredible and the service is always a 10 out of 10. It has never been busy when I went, but be aware of school hours since kids tend to hang out in the area or inside, however, they are rarely disruptive.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: No
Curbside pickup: No

Legit my favorite spot in Arcadia! The coffee is delicious, the baristas and owner are friendly and walking in there feels like the coffee shop version of Cheers, where everyone knows your name haha. I often spend my day cracking on work there and admittedly spend far more than I ever mean to cause the drinks are low key addictive. Also they're one of the few coffee shops that will add a scoop of protein. I'm a gym rat so most other shops I need to add my own if I want the macros.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Their drinks and their pastries are absolutely amazing. My favorite drink always is an ice chai which I love. It's not watered down and it has a perfect flavor. The employees are always very nice and welcoming which is really appreciated cuz not everyone's a morning person lol definitely recommend great customer service!!!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Zucchini Bread, Pie

Tried the coffee here for the first time today and loved it. I had the honey lavender latte and it was a great blend of actual honey (tasted amazing) and the floral lavender. A touch on the sweet side, but that's what I'd expect from such a latte. My partner got the chocolate dirty chai and loved it, too. The cat iconography is lots of fun, too. Haven't tried the food, but if you're looking for a nice coffee or tea, this is a great option.

Friendly service from both of the ladies working inside, and the quickest I've gotten in and out of a coffee shop in a long time. Delicious iced coffee and iced americano with deep flavors and a crisp, non-acidic aftertaste. Clean place with a quiet and relaxed ambiance. Somewhat old school and down-to-earth coffee shop feel. I'd like to come back to try breakfast or a dessert and do a little work on my laptop (free wifi).

I’m new in the area and I found this little coffee place. The whole vibe is really nice. Cool art on the walls, comfy chairs and nice baristas. If you feel to order something out of the ordinary I suggest to go with the Black Cat Bomb, delicious fresh smoothie that helps you to go with your day ☕️
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Black Cat Bomb

My go to coffee house. For the last 4 plus years I have been a regular and trust me I've tried all of the places in my local area, black cats my favorite. Comfortable, reliable, consistent, the staff goes out of their way to share a smile a story and they always put their best product forward. Shaken French toast iced latte!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Passed this place today so I stopped in to try their coffee. They don’t drip decaf so I got two small Americanos, one iced one hot. They were both disgusting. Hot one smelled and tasted like seafood, very off-putting. Cold one tasted like the machine it was brewed in and its flavor was lingering. Staff was nice, interior was very comfortable, but I’m not going to come back.

Fantastic! In this coffee shop, the atmosphere and the vibe are really calming. As he managed to provide me with incredible latte art, the barista is very masterful. It was definitely an excellent service that I would definitely suggest to all my peers. A truly perfect place to relax and enjoy a sip of delicious coffee. It's always worth it! Thanks a lot, guys!

Walked in very excited to try this place. The girl didn’t even greet us as we walked in or even as we walked up to make our purchase. We had waited 10 minutes as she talked the ear off of the customer before us. Racial discrimination at it’s finest! Sadly, cannot give 0 stars!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

The coffee and the smoothies are horrible! I won't recommend this place to anybody go somewhere else where you will pay the same or less for a good quality and delicious drink and better service and clean and modern atmosphere .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$30–50

There are several good reasons to revisit this place and great coffee is only one of them. It is small place but with a friendly atmosphere. Everything about this place is the opposite of industrial looking national coffee shop chains.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Great coffee and vibes! Def a place you can kick back with a book to relax or laptop to get some work done. The BCAT drink is great, excited to try the others, I’ll be back for sure!
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Black Cat Bomb

Black Cat reminds me of coffee shops in Seattle. It’s cozy inside, the drinks are good, and the staff are welcoming. It’s also one of the only spots open later which I appreciate it. I love every London Fog I drink there!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I've learned from this experience to only go to coffee shops with roasters. The coffee was nothing special. Maybe it was just the drink I ordered?? On the other hand, nice little shop to sit and talk.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$10–20

Nice little coffee shop. I had a medium hot chai latte, which was good, though with the $1 tip it was $6 and some change. I guess those are the prices these days.
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

There's a great spot to have a coffee meeting. They have the doors open out to the parking lot with a nice breeze flowing through. The coffee was really good an art on the walls was amazing. I didn't have anything to eat this time maybe I will next time.

Very cute place, staff was so nice and accommodating. Delicious sugar free peanut butter latte.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes

Black cat is an amazingly underrated local coffee shop, their blended coffees are so good, I recommend getting either the plain blended coffee with whip and chocolate sauce or their black cat bomb, one of their specialty blended drinks

A friendly smile greeted us, answered our questions, and served up an amazing drink. Can't ask for anything more.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Me and my partner visit here all the time, since moving down from WA we wanted to find a chill place that had Redbull Italian sodas, and we finally found them! The service is great and everyone is very nice and helpful.

Small intimate setting, fresh coffee, house specialty blends. Been here once and enjoyed the vibe so much I brought a friend and they confirmed it's a small town feel. Hole in the wall shop worth the stop

Always super nice to be there after school and before school The ladies are always so lovely :)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I never really write reviews but I got a strawberry chocolate blended coffee with almondmilk and it was insanely good! The barista was extremely nice too :) a must try coffee spot

Great coffee and tea options. Staff is helpful and friendly. Cozy, inviting atmosphere is perfect for unwinding and enjoying a great beverage of your choosing...

It was our first time and Tanya (I hope that's how you spell it) was amazing! Very friendly! The coffee was delicious as well!10/10 definitely will recommend

Amazing coffee and service! Delicious, unique drinks. I tried the s'mores latte and the tiramisu blended drink - highly recommend both.

Easy people to talk to. Invent any order you want. Comfortable place to sit.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love the vibe and the focus on local artists. But the coffee is the star she made it exactly as I would have wanted it.

Friendly and helpful staff! I've tried several different drinks and loved every one. Great atmosphere, too.

Great customer service… great coffee!! Love that they sell local artists artwork