This is kind of a perfect little cafe. The coffee is very good (not great, but certainly very good for East Coast standards), the staff are friendly, the music is good, the atmosphere just right. Really enjoy hanging around here. Plus, there are just enough dodgy-looking punks hanging around outside to keep away the kind of people who would really rather be at Starbucks (see other reviews). Keeps me coming back. read more

This is one of those places that seems intimidatingly hipster at first, and back in the day I thought it had way too much attitude, but its come a long way and the baristas are sort of jokingly exasperated in a way that's become part of the charm. Actually everyone is usually really friendly, including the customers. As for the coffee, it's Counter Culture, which nearly every self-respecting coffee shop serves here in Asheville. However, unlike some cafes, they manage to not fuck it up on the reg. Sometimes it can be a bit too strong, but better strong than weak! It's hands down my favorite place to get coffee downtown because it's consistently good. As for the atmosphere, it may not be for everyone. Expect young people screwing around with their Macbooks or Moleskines and music that is most often way too loud to be comfortable (my only complaint about the place). read more

Quaint coffee spot in downtown Asheville. Street parking directly out front on both sides of the street. I had the vanilla Cappuccino which was great. (the vanilla syrup is made in-house) I also had the everything bagel with vegetable cream cheese which I enjoyed. Everything was very fresh. They have some pastries and bagel options as well as several drink options. Cute and cozy inside and the service was great. read more

Food was nothing special, but it reasonably priced and the espresso was good. Two bagels + latte + espresso for $10. Bagels and toppings were definitely store bought (the pumpernickel was lacking a full flavor, the hummus was "Mediterranean" brand and tasted cheap and over spiced with no hints of tahini). The coffees were pretty good. Espresso was fruity. I'd come back for a casual time at a nice price, but with my expectations set properly read more

Worst customer service experience I've ever had in Asheville. The guy was rude, aggressive, and obviously on an ego trip. Will never visit again. read more

Pop in for a peppery pit stop with Izzy's Mexican Mocha -- it's a fiery blend of cayenne, chocolate, espresso, cinnamon, and milk. Perfect pick-me-up for the winter doldrums. Bonus points because the chocolate is vegan, they have multiple non-dairy milks, and if you feel like something a little stronger, there are beers here, too. I, however, say give the mocha a go. It'll leave your mouth tingling, and what's better than blood rushing to your lips and tongue and tastebuds? read more

I stopped by here thanks to positive yelp reviews and I was pretty happy with what I found. The staff is kind and knowledgeable, the coffee is better than any coffee shop in Charlotte, the art on the walls were pretty neat and has some excellent people-watching spots. They change their coffee varieties daily, which I'm a huge fan of. Next time I'm in town I'll be back! read more

Coffee. That is why this place exists. Well, and art. Both run strongly here. It's Counter Culture coffee, but that's nearly a local roaster in NC. I'm slightly flooded by Counter Culture coffee in Atlanta, so I do wish there were more shops supporting very local roasters, but that is the *only* negative I have on Izzy's. I've only been here a few times, and I always see the same friendly guy behind the counter. Seriously, he's nothing but smiles and help. The place has been completely clean. The decor is concrete and exposed piping, so dingy describes the decor and not the cleaning state. Perhaps I've just had magic timing, but I'm certainly going to keep going back to check. read more

I haven't been to this place in years, but this place was a giant staple of my angsty High School years. Welcoming of all the 'downtown kids', hip hipsters, and the run of the mill caffeine heads. Back when I was a regular I would skip 1st period at least once a month (on top of my regular weekend/ after school visits), have a bowl of fruity pebbles with my coffee, and talk Asheville non-sense to the barista and fellow coffee crew. Quintessential. This place has always had the best coffee around and gets the best fresh bagels. No bull shit coffee with a side of shut the hell up. I love you. read more

This place is pretty great. Very hipster and fits in Asheville perfectly. They have a great variety of coffee options and even serve beer! They also have a couple snacks and bagels to chose from if you're hungry. But here's the thing, don't go to Izzy's if you're looking for a clean cut, white-walled, uptight coffee shop with piano music that plays in the background. Izzy's offers a hipster atmosphere with grungy decor, graffiti, local art, and loud indie music. If that's for you, go for it! For me, it was a really great experience and I recommend trying this place out if you're comfortable with the atmosphere. Although, I must warn you that the building is quite small and cramped when they are busy. read more

Izzy's Coffee Den - Studying and coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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I liked it. I've been a few times and I still like it. The people that hang out there, while hipster/hippie-ish are still nice, the coffee's still good. Glad to see they're still serving Counter Culture. The macchiato I had could have used latte art and the americano my friend had should have had the shots pulled on top of the water but hey, it still tasted great. The service was fine, the guy seemed relieved at my familiarity with Counter Culture's products to explain to my friend who wanted to buy whole bean retail stuffs. Would go back, mainly because they're the easiest racket to find in town. read more

Izzy's Coffee Den - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

This place is the perfect example of snooty Asheville mediocrity. If you want subpar flat acidic espresso with tasteless probably skim milk foam served up with a completely up themselves attitude, this is your spot. read more

Kind of wander in on this coffee spot before most people had opened shop around it. Very glad we did! The 'everything' bagel with veggie cc hit the spot and the Cafe au Latte was lucious-especially the creative leaf touch. Small but cosy and no outside area but then it seemed to be more of a locals place-fine with us! read more

Izzy's Coffee Den - The extra effort made by our Coffee Maestro! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

In town for the half marathon, found this place while on the hunt this morning for coffee and tea. Bingo, a five star place. Cool vibe, industrial, perfect dry cap, good hot tea and friendly! read more

Izzy's Coffee Den - A little morning coffee action with cool music and a tasty bagel! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Delicious brewed coffee at a discount if you stay and cheap refills. I had an amazing light roast Ethiopian with citrus notes. Lovely music, relaxed seating, local dive. read more

Great coffee, plus gluten-free carrot bread was delicious. Cardamom rose latte was good, Orange clove latte was great. La Marzocco made espresso, mmm! read more

Proof that there is life in Asheville! Izzy's has a refreshingly low profile atmosphere with high quality coffee. Don't get dressed up but do have a good time! read more

Izzy's Coffee Den has been my favorite since I first moved here over a decade ago. It's the epitomic Asheville coffee experience. Always on-point, strong coffee. City Bakery bagels with an option of adding their own in-house made cream cheese blends like salmon or jalapeño or... They also offer in-house made cookies, scones and some pre-packaged goodies as well. Always local art on the walls, semi-loud to loud eccentric music playing, and baristas that take their job and coffee craft seriously. Here's the thing: the line can be or get long quickly - especially during the touristy months. Have patience, they're moving as fast as they can. Don't huff and puff and loudly sigh. I've seen many non-locals act this way. It's rude. Trust that they're going to equally give you the same friendly and professional service just like the people in front of and behind you. read more

Izzy's definitely has a good drip coffee, and a gritty enough vibe for a morning bagel and a crossword. It might be a little too gritty for a daily visit, in my opinion, and the coffee wasn't transcendent enough to really rock my boat (particularly since it's right next door to a tea house, which sings my song much more readily), but I appreciate the simple, basic menu (really, what else do you need on a coffee bar menu than a selection of drip, some basic espresso creations, and a bagel or two?). Husband's latte with an extra shot was extra sweet so I imagine barista added an extra shot of vanilla rather than an extra shot of espresso. read more

Really nice staff, solid wifi, good coffee! Only tip would be to reupholster the chairs in the back, and get some of the poop/fart statements off the bathroom walls. A little to funky even for a hippie like me. Lol, but I'd still go back. read more

My first time going to Izzy's was overall a nice experience. The interior is small but not too crowded and decorated with interesting 2D art. The staff was friendly and coffee was good (I ordered a Cortado.) The music selection was good but the pastry/ bakes good selection was lacking. Would go again but only for coffee. read more

Cool place to hang out. Decided on the Karma latte, it taste pretty good. The atmosphere is grunge which is perfect. Worth trying.

I stopped in on a brisk morning (10° F out!!) and was welcomed by Willy Nelson on the radio (+++++) and a warm room. The mocha latte was both beautiful and tasty. The house-made wild blueberry scone had more blueberries than flour (delicious!) and the vegan carrot-apple-banana bread was dense and flavourful. Lots of happy regulars coming and going. I'll be back. read more

Ok I'm not trying to be a Karen for this but the food was great and I loved the coffee but it was the barista that day. So I have a visit with my mom once a week since I'm in foster care and they have to be supervised. It's a place where you need to wear masks and I'm fine with that everyone is. It's a small place so my social worker couldn't sit with me and my mom so she sits by herself. While me and my mom are eating the barista comes over to her and is like you need to order something or get out. She came over to me and my mom and was like hey I'm going to my car to get my wallet will y'all be ok here. Then all of a sudden the barista comes over is like no don't do that don't try to get rid of my customers. She simply replied with I'm with them and I'm just telling them something. All of a sudden he starts to scream at her!!!! He just goes on and on until me and my mom wee like you know what we can just leave since it's a problem and he's just like I didn't want you here anyways. Sorry this was long I just thought I would leave a review for this :/ read more

Cute little coffee shop tucked away in Asheville. Very quiet atmosphere and the service was excellent. Coffee was perfect as well! Very good spot! read more

Love it! Best brew in Asheville!! I'd give it 5, but the food had that "dirty coffee shop" feel. But, who goes to a coffee den for food anyway? read more

Sadly enough, I really dislike this place. It is sad because I live 2 blocks away, so potentially I could have been there daily. It's hours are bad- I need a coffee shop that opens BEOFRE most people have to be a work (at least 7:30 am!). Plus the coffee is expensive and not that great. read more

Excellent atmosphere and vibe. The coffee was great too, not too sweet even with the syrups. The stickers are only a dollar! Get s cute, if not creepy, canvas bag. Always a must if visiting Asheville. Would recommend read more

So excited when I walked by this local cozy coffee joint. It's been a week since I've had a legit espresso so was definitely happy when I walked in and smelled some great roasts. Great prices too and super friendly service! Ordered the Karma (double shot, milk, chocolate, and caramel) for $4 for a 16 oz. super happy!! read more

This is a cool no frills little coffee shop with solid espresso, some cool artwork, and a fantastic play list. Every song playing while I was here was one I'm a big fan of. Worth a stop. read more

I guess this place is a local institution? I dunno, must be, because the barista was a little sullen. Obviously wasn't worried about what I thought. You see, I'm a barista myself. When I go to another coffee shop, I want to get what's good, experience the place. And while I get a little short with the occasional asshole, I never act as if pouring a simple cup of coffee is a chore. Sorry I bothered you with my money. I tipped out of solidarity, but jeez. Anyways. Meh service, meh coffee, meh environment. Meh. If you're looking for coffee in Asheville, hit up Battlecat. read more

Story time: the first time I went into Izzy's I tried ordering a drink(mind you I don't drink coffee, so I don't know the names of the drinks) so I told the guy at the counter I would like a cold coffee with a lot of creamer that doesn't really taste like coffe, but I don't know what it would be called. He proceeded to tell me he can't help me and I need to go somewhere else. I replied by saying "umm okay, I've never had this problem anywhere else but okay and I left. The next day I came in again and got a drink for my girlfriend and left a tip and everything was fine. Today I went in, ordered my girlfriends drink, said thank you and when it came time for the tip, I didn't leave him a tip because he was incredibly rude to me every time I had been there. He handed me my drink, smiled and when he saw I didn't leave a tip he told me to " get out of his shop and don't come back" he told me I was a piece of shit and an asshole and that I have been a dick every time I had come in there and he better never see me in there again. Now I have no problem tipping people, in fact I think most of them deserve more than they are getting. But if you are going to be disrespectful to me and treat me like I am less of a person when all I am doing is trying to buy coffee then you don't deserve it. You also don't get to treat customers that way just because you didn't get a tip. Offer good service and then I will gladly tip you an appropriate amount. This man has been nothing but rude to me every time I have come in and now has banned me from coming in because he didn't get a tip when he treated me like I was an idiot for not knowing the names of the coffee I would like. This man is a little on the heavier side, has a beard, brown hair and glasses. If you go to this shop I recommend you know what you want because if not he's going to treat you like you are less of a person than he is because of it. Overall it was a horrible experience and I don't recommend anyone giving them your business. Stay safe out there everyone. Much love read more

Today was a one star day for Izzy's. Came in to order a coffee and because I was on a timely phone call the owner would not serve me... when I got off the phone to order I asked him if he was okay and he replied "I'm trying to teach you respect" then proceeded to tell me he wasn't going to serve me. Either it was the owner or an employee with no respect for the owner but the bottom line is I AM or would have been a customer. Not only did you lose my money but you also garnered this review. The owner might want to stop and think about how they act... or they may just find a coffee shop with better coffee opened up next door someday with a staff who actually "Gets it". Today was a bad day for Izzy's but they still serve decent coffee when they aren't kicking potential customers out. Karma 101 read more

I'd like to share two recent back to back unpleasant experiences with West Asheville coffee shop, Izzy's. Not to denigrate Izzy's business conduct in the mind of the consumer, but to draw a larger conclusion concerning our lack of community. Yesterday, I went jogging, as I do most mornings of the week and passed by Izzy's on my way down to the river arts district. On my way back up I experienced a common runner's nausea, an incident resulting from low carbs or a sugar crash. I walked slowly and sickly until I reached the first local business I could, Izzy's. I asked a young blonde girl if I could please get a bagel, anything, and I would gladly return home and come back to pay her since I lived so close by. I explained to her my weakness and dire need of sugars or bread. She asked the other employee if she knew me as a regular, the employee didn't, and so the blonde girl said that she "just couldn't put herself in that situation". A bagel costs around 2 dollars. I was a bit confused; I was drenched in sweat, with a sweat band on. My story certainly seemed to fit the bill and I pondered who would go through such a concocted elaborate scheme to steal one bagel from a coffee house. A stammered out of there and it took quite some time to get back to my house with such low energy. When I got back home, I shrugged the whole thing off. The very next day, it was only around 10:00 a.m. but the heat was already 80 degrees, I again fell into a situation of needing provisions, water, and badly. I went in and grabbed one of their hard plastic re-usable cups and poured some water out of their free tap water dispenser. I downed half a cup and returned to jogging down into the river arts district. When I came back by Izzy's it had already been about half an hour and I sorely needed another pull of water in this July heat. When I came in this time , the same young blonde girl popped her head around the corner to ask if I was going to buy something. I shook my head yes. When I went to the counter I decided to appease her loitering paranoia and buy some bread, but it was too costly, I only had a buck on me. She then suggested a coke or emergen-C. The idea was repulsive to someone who could only think of cold water, so I told her I'd purchase something next time. She then chided me by telling me that I couldn't just come in and get free water from her whenever I wanted, that she had rent to pay. She then pulled out a great line of defense for her business by picking up on the fact that this time I got water I had mistakenly used her expensive to- go plastic cup which she claimed cost her 20 cents apiece. Now I knew she was the owner, not just by the rent comment but also by the exaggerated cost comment, so I tried to explain that I lived in West Asheville, and that I come to Izzy's occasionally as a customer, and that it was sweltering outside. She would have none of it. She accused me of not having "class" enough to buy something, said I was banned from her store, and cocked her head to the side with a big grin and said in what I can only assume to be her best sorority caricature impression saying "Bye-bye" repeatedly while flapping her hand as if waiving to a baby. This all happened within the span of 2 minutes. No room for us to communicate, no time for humane negotiation, no time to even talk about the fact that I knew how much travel cups costs in bulk. I thought that there would be levels of separation distinguishing them from the overtly impersonal and profit driven capitalistic ventures of chain stores. I thought wrong. Finally, my little bubble of community and cool laid back businesses finally burst. And for the better I'm sure. Because now I can finally reach into my bag of idealism and yank out that little fantasy version of ma' and pa' stores operating from a different credo than the dominant cynicism governing most franchises. I work at a downtown restaurant that goes out of their way to give the mail man and the food delivery guy a bottle of water on a hot summer's day. This restaurant has "class", (although I would never word it that way). Perhaps what the owner of Izzy's was trying to say and I will say here is Ethics. read more

I somehow go here every so often and am always disappointed in the service. I kind of think it's their 'thing' to have some rude young people behind the counter. The atmosphere can be fun and interesting depending on your mood. The drinks are always good, no complaints there. read more

Not a bad shop, but not a great one either. Not really appealing to me in terms of a spot to sit and chill as it's sort of loud, and the chick at the counter was kind of rude, but they're slinging Counter Culture so a good cup is pretty much ensured. No option for a hand pour which I thought was pretty lame, but my cup was surprisingly good for something that was pumped out of a carafe. read more

Wonderful coffee, atmosphere, and staff. I am never dissapointed after visiting Izzy's!

There are two very sexy guys who work here. Some skinny dude with black hair who im pretty sure is named izzy and a guy who looks like gene from bob's burgers. They get 5 stars each! The coffee and bagels are also good. read more

My favorite coffee shop in AVL. I've been going there once or twice a week for close to three years. The staff is always kind (and quick), and the coffee is some of the best anywhere in town. Get it to go, or hang out and read a book or gape at the cool art on the walls. (Speaking of which, they seem to consistently find interesting contributors. If I had the budget I feel like I could buy something from each new display.) There's an expertly balanced mix of scenesters, 9 - 5 worker bees (myself included), hyper outdoorsy types, families, and friendly eccentrics. Don't let the death metal at 8:30 am scare you away--this is a safe space. I'll miss this place if I ever leave downtown. read more

Izzy's really came through when we needed it. It was the closest coffee shop near our residence for the week and they provided free wifi for all our internet needs. It was hard to get a table, but that was probably a result of the locals staying loyal to their favorite cafe. The iced coffee was really delicious and refills were only 50cents. Needless to say, Izzy's fueled a highly caffeinated interneting session in a chill coffee shop atmosphere. read more