This coffee far out weighs Starbucks ...the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is Awsome

I come here very frequently, and want to start my review by saying that I do love this place. However, because I love the shop I feel I should point out some health concerns-- especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within easy earshot of customers, I have heard employees admit to being sick with fevers and still coming to work. Sadly this is probably due to not being able to afford to miss work. I also witnessed a female employee (who has introduced herself to other customers by the name Hosanna) not change her gloves after handling money, her cell phone, and her hair. She therefore used dirty gloves to directly touch food and prepare drinks. This happened at least a couple of times in one short visit of mine, so I assume it happens all the time. Perhaps a review of health code standards would be helpful. A couple of other health code violations (speaking as someone who has worked in the food service industry): -There seems to be a manager-type person who works at the shop, who I have witnessed bouncing between office roles and working behind the counter making drinks. When he works behind the counter, he does not wear a hat or cover his head. (I have also witnessed this manager actively sit by and watch employees struggle through an overwhelming rush and not get up to help them assist customers.) -The pastry case is completely open behind the bar. There is a sneeze guard separating the customers from the pastries, but not the employees. Therefore the pastries are left open and uncovered all day long, which is really not sanitary at all. They really ought to have at least a cloche on the food. The sandwiches are wrapped and their brownies are covered, so that's good, but the rest of their pastries (which I must add are very tasty!) are uncovered day in and day out. -The blender pitchers are permanently fogged up, which I know from experience means they're old and worn out. That means that even when employees wash them carefully (which I have witnessed many times), they still look kind of gross/dirty. Doesn't stop me from ordering a delicious frio (like a frappacino) but still... rather concerning. My only other two complaints: -there is one young male employee with long hair who I have seen on multiple occasions wear a head scarf with a graphic print of a grinning skull that is honestly pretty scary. I know this sounds minor, and I'm not trying to be a kill joy here, but it just seems unprofessional and kind of disturbs me. It just ruins the vibe of the whole place and I honestly wish he wouldn't wear it anymore. -It's always pretty chilly inside, at least when I stay for longer than about a half hour. While this would be a welcome respite in the summer months, I would love for the AC to be toned down a little bit in the wintertime. You don't necessarily need to crank up the heat, but just trying to maintain a little more of a cozy environment would be nice. A positive note: I know of two "secret menu" creations from two employees (Marie and Andrew) that are really delicious and should be added to the menu! Order a caramel apple chai (steamed apple juice, caramel sauce, and chai powder) or Marie's peppermint chocolate whipped cream! Both heavenly. So overall, the service is always pleasant and the food and coffee is all great. I only mention these health concerns out of care for this business. read more

We LOVE this coffee shop. They have awesome coffee that is roasted in house so it is fresh. The coffee is smooth, not overly bitter and easy to drink. You can buy whole bean coffee to take home. They have great pastries including gluten free options, and a variety of non-dairy milks for your coffee including soy, almond, and coconut milk. If you don't like coffee they also have great smoothies and tea. I would go every day if I could. read more

My husband and I have been very blessed by this sweet little coffee house with warmth and charm! We discovered it on our 3 year wedding anniversary outing, and have since made several special trips from Travelers Rest to visit them! The staff all seem friendly and kind, and the coffee is out of this world! I've rotated between pour overs and their beige latte...both amazing! And speaking of amazing, they make a chocolate espresso cupcake that is TO DIE FOR! Experiences this pleasant are few and far in between! read more

Great coffee and atmosphere! Stop in here for your morning breakfast/coffee/snack! Will not disappoint you! They have a drive thru window if you're in a rush and on the go. read more

Pretty nice Coffeehouse.The Coffee is great. I ate an Bacon Muffin,it was so delicious. I can recommend the coffeehouse :-) read more

Loved this cafe! I had the beige latte - It was superb! DH had the matcha tea, which he said was 'matcha good' ! The tomato basil scone was fresh, light and tasty - a grown up approach to pizza for breakfast! we split a raspberry scone that was tender and light, with fresh berries and topped with just a drizzle of sweetness. Yummy! read more

Not a coffee drinker, so when my family goes, I usually get the chai tea frio (cold drink) - so delicious. The scones are great and they have a kind of pizza roll that is amazing. Their biscuits are very different from fast food biscuits - these are very dense, but not bad tasting. They have some gluten-free oatmeal bakes that you would never guess they are gluten-free (I like the mixed berry one best). I was not very impressed with the green smoothie, it tasted ok, but it seemed more like a dessert than a health drink - not sure if there was a lot of kale in it. Great place to relax take your time eating/drinking. Not sure if pets are allowed inside, but they have several tables outside that are great to bring your dog. The one complaint I have is when you order anything, they only have a microwave to warm it up (and it doesn't ever heat all the way through). I don't like microwaves and would prefer they had some kind of conventional oven to heat up food. read more

Good coffee. Excellent pastries - raspberry scone was probably the best scone I've ever eaten. Cheese souffle was also delicious. Comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. I wish this place was closer to where I lived. I would go there all the time. Certainly worth a stop if you need some coffee and/or a snack on the road between Charlotte and Asheville! read more

I went this morning with a group of girlfriends for a get together and this place could not have been more perfect! The staff was very kind and accommodating. They went out of their way to make our event perfect for us. The pastries and coffee were outstanding. Would recommend to anyone! read more

I had the most amazing cappuccino filled cupcake for Valentines Day. This local secret amazes me each time I visit. Great staff , coffee and a hidden gem read more

Great place just to hang out and have coffee with friends or hold a one-on-one business meeting. Great coffee with fast and friendly service. read more

Probably the best coffee I've ever had. Delicious in store, and just as good made at home from their beans. This is not a breakfast spot unless you can make do with a pastry or scone; it's a coffee shop, and a damn good one. read more

love open road!! my favorite coffee shop. i love how everything is organic, they really put work into their coffee, smoothies, tea and treats. really wish they had more of baked oats though because those are my favorite :( but nevertheless open road is very great. awesome atmosphere as well :) read more

Great coffeehouse that uses locally sourced ingredients, with a super convenient drive thru option, friendly staff, and very good coffee. One of my favorite local spots. read more

Fantastic place for gourmet coffee, tea, baked goods. Place looks cool, everything tastes great.

After visiting Asheville for a nice three day weekend, we were headed back home and got off at this exit to see if there was anything good to eat. We couldn't find anything so we were looking for a parking lot to turn around in. Lucky for us we picked a perfect parking lot-- Openroad Coffee! I honestly didn't notice it or realize it was a coffee shop until my husband pointed it out. I love trying out new coffee shops and supporting local businesses instead of always going to Starbucks so we decided to go in. Holy moley, so glad we did! The inside has an awesome environment. Looked like the perfect place to meet up with a friend or get some studying done. The friendly barista was very helpful and answered all of our questions. There were so many drink options! Also, all of their syrups are made in-house and made with agave. I decided to go with an iced coffee with their "beige bliss" syrup (it was a combination of flavors) along with some added cream. I must've said 3 or 4 times how that was the best coffee I have probably ever had (and that's saying a lot!) Super impressed! read more

Great little coffee/pastry shop at the base of the mountains. The lattes are some of the best I've had and their savory scones are very good (as are the sweet ones). Atmosphere is very chill. Check it out! read more