Reviews of Alchemy Coffee and Bookstore. (Coffee Shop) in Cork (Cork).

Alchemy Coffee and Bookstore

683 Reviews

244 Comments

Coffee shop

Coffee shop

Book store

123 Barrack St, The Lough, Cork, T12 A594, Ireland

Description

Information of Alchemy Coffee and Bookstore, Coffee shop in Cork (Cork)

Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.

This place has good reviews, this means that they treat their customers well and you’ll feel great with their services, recommended 100%!

Map

Open hours of Alchemy Coffee and Bookstore

Popular times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Reviews of Alchemy Coffee and Bookstore

H. M. (.

Love this spot, great coffee and real hot chocolate (made with melted Chocolate) and their vegan caramel slice with the thick layer of choc is to die for. Also love their rice pudding mango breakfast pot. Nice to have a few vegan GF options that don’t contain oats. Yum

L. P.

Superb cup of coffee. Good range of quality eats and drinks. I loved the pork and leek roll and regret not trying the mushroom version as well.

M. L.

Great spot for coffee or tea to relax and read a book or newspaper. Very chic and hipster, the coffee is good and so are the bakes and sandwiches. Highly recommended.

D. B.

Alchemy is one of my favorite places for filter coffee. Unfortunately due to covid they're only doing espresso drinks right now (September 2021). How does that make sense? Bring back the batch coffee! Also they haven't reopened inside seating, though they have a few tables outside.

M. E. K.

I got an americano, I don't like strong coffee but I thought it was a bit too light, although they put 2 shots. I didn't have my KeepCup with me so I asked for sit-in as they have tables outside but they only provide take away cups at the moment. I may return some day but for now I'll stick to their colleagues at the Lough.

A. R.

Great spot for coffee or tea to relax and read a book or newspaper. Very chic and hipster, the coffee is excellent and so are the bakes and sandwiches. Highly recommended.

A.

Really wonderfully decorated café with a small but very good selection of food. The staff was really nice. I wish there were more options in terms of drinks for non-coffee drinkers (even though this is obviously a coffee place) such as chai, turmeric or matcha lattes.

A. M.

Really nice, unique and cosy cafe, just a short walk away from the noisy city centre. They have a selection of great coffees roasted here in Ireland by 3fe. They also have delicious pastries, cakes and sandwiches, made in-store. The cafe encourages using reusable cups for takeaway and there are a few seats inside as well as some outside (on nicer days). The staff are very friendly and willing to help you with your selection. Overall it’s a great place to relax while listening to the cafe’s chilled out music. One of my top places in Cork!

A. S.

Small and cosy place with its own identity. Friendly staff and good coffee, the selection of food was a nice surprise, both savoury and sweet. Really liked the ambience.

G. H.

A really great café! Really. *Short summary at bottom* When I made my first step into it I knew that this is going to be one of my favorite cafés in Cork. They played old school R&B and some of the songs were even in my Spotify playlist. Staff was really nice and the whole location has a nice and fitting urban style. They don't play this music always, so don't hesitate to go there if you don't like it. They have a really nice selection of handmade food. From sandwiches to croissants to mushroom rolls to cake and rum brownies. What I enjoyed the most were the different cheesecakes with a brownie base. I tried peanut butter cheesecake with brownie base and a raspberry variation. Personally preferring the peanut butter one. They don't offer the same food everyday, so it's worthwhile to go there more than once. Maybe you will find something new that (most likely) is really delicious. Jumping to the coffee, I can say that it's good. It's nothing fancy nor super expensive or rare, but just good coffee. Some friends of mine even told me how it's the best coffee (cappuccino to be exactly) they ever tried. Maybe my problem is just, that I've already tried exceptionally good coffee (from a friend of mine). But coffee is not the only beverage they offer. I, for myself, like the Earl Grey (technically just black tea). They serve bigger portions than usual, since you get a full cup and a little tea pot, filled with hot water, with it (like a second cup). I suggest you to put the tea bag from the cup immediately into the pot or you will be left with a tea pot full of hot water. You can have milk with it if you want. They also offer hot chocolate. Optionally with marshmallow and/or whipped cream on top of it. I never looked out for anything else to drink, like water or such. The Bookstore. Officially this is also a bookstore, but from my perspective it's more part of the interior style, than of the business. You can't really read a book there, since it's too loud most of the time. I never saw someone buying or looking at books either and was not really interested in them myself. TL;DR Really great handmade food and nice beverages. Not sure about bookstore part. 6/5 café ?/5 Bookstore

G. S.

Lovely staff that make some equally lovely coffee! Was easily my favourite place in Cork, you could just walk on in and grab a book to read at your own leisure. Plenty of delicious food on offer too to keep you fueled!

F. L.

Honestly, this is one of the places I’d go to for a pick me up on a dreary day; you know you’re treating yourself when you go to Alchemy at the marina market . Their flat white are phenomenal, you won’t regret it! Absolutely always worth it, well done 👏 👏 👏

N. S.

Loved this place so much! Great vibe, good music, very good coffee and nice scones. Very versatile crowd of people working or studying and people quietly enjoying their coffee. Books are everywhere and you can trade or buy them :) absolutely love it!

R. D.

So far this is my favorite coffee house in Cork! Coming from Minnesota, we needed a place where we enjoyed the offerings, the atmosphere, and it was an easy stop. Alchemy hits all three, and on top of it everything is delicious! The staff is very friendly and welcoming, everything is reasonably priced, and the location is perfectly on my daily walk to/from the city centre. I can highly recommend Alchemy to anyone/everyone visiting the area.

O. N.

Alchemy is a definitely a place for coffee and snacks. They have a wide selection of sandwiches, desserts, and coffee to die for. It s just a short distance from Elizabeth Fort.

G. T.

Beautiful coffee-perfect temperature. The treats are amazing too. Brownie was something else (in a great way). Staff are lovely 😊

B.

Delicious coffee and a good selection of local ceramics (mugs, cups, etc.)

J. M.

These guys really make a effort to give you a great cup of coffee every time

B. C.

Second favorite coffee shop in all of Ireland, with an exceptional bean from El Salvador

K. O. C.

Nice little place on Barracks street. Barista was very welcoming and friendly. Coffee was lovely. Looking forward to visiting again to sit down for a coffee instead of take away next time.

B. W.

Nice coffee, pleasant staff. Lovely selection of cakes.. makes you want to go back for more. Cute and slightly out of the way so you've some peace and quiet (tho only a 4 minute walk from city centre)

T. C.

Coffee was great 3fe and had sausage rolls with relish delicious heated up load of fresh option will visit again when back in cork

D. r.

Great coffee with a range of amazing pastries and cakes. A ideal environment to relax and chill out having a vast book collection on hand. Great atmosphere perhaps the music is a little too loud though.

J. H.

Serving 3fe beans with, it's possibly my favourite coffee place in Cork city. A modest but very tasty menu. Good for brunch or lunch. They regularly change their batch brew, so if your into trying some different beans it's a cool place to check out.

C. O.

Very funky place for coffee and food. A bit on the expensive side though

A. H.

Lovely atmosphere and good pastries but there is room for improvement where food and coffee are concerned.

H. M.

Best coffee shop in Ireland! Very cozy place and I have never seen such beautiful coffee shop like this :)

S.

Lovely cafe. Really nice atmosphere. Home made cakes. Vegan cakes options. Cozy and quiet. 100% recommended. it's worth a visit. Great to meet with small group of friends, go alone to read/write or meet with a friend.

J. B.

For starters, amazing coffee, lovely bites to eat. However the atmosphere is what makes it special. The servers are all bubbly and very knowledgeable. The decor is eye-catching and includes local artists pieces for sale. Outside seating and an array of second hand book to also buy and sell make this the perfect experience. A highly recommended spot just a few minutes from the main streets of Cork.

I. B. N.

Great little place with cool, very relaxed feel. The spiced lentil and sweet potato samosa was amazing, but unfortunately, the coffee was a ‘Turkish’ for my liking (more solids than liquid!). I’m sure it was just a one off. Recommended.

M. M. P.

Really friendly staff, all baked goods made on site, and a fine cappuccino. Hope to get back to it and Cork soon.

S. F.

The real deal. Cool, local, excellent coffee and food. Coffee lovers must visit if in Cork.

S. D.

Great coffee, relaxed vibe, friendly staff, dogs welcome!

S. P.

They do my favorite coffee 3f3!

M. A.

Cappuccino and Passteries are very special especially the ones with berries.

G. K.

Enjoyed a mocha here. They were serving west cork coffee and it’s delicious!

S. S.

The coziest cafe in Cork, if not on this planet. Just the right size with perfect seating, great coffee and books, books all over available for purchase or exchange or just for the amazing atmosphere they create. Perfect place for writing a novel.

B. E.

Really good pastries and aesthetic!

S. Z.

If you are looking for a decent espresso based coffee you have found it. Excellent coffeeshop and book shop/swap in one venue. Decor is refurbished and the seats are comfy. Great windows for watching the world go by and even some outdoor tables for those rare sunny days in the real capital. Food menu is snacky rather than meals, good for a quick bite.

D. M.

Great place to relax with a coffee and bite to eat. Really great staff and relaxed surroundings.

L. P.

Beautiful place for an outdoor coffee meeting 😊

K. J.

I'm from America and helped open a third wave coffee establishment. Best coffee i have had in Ireland so far. Pour over and fresh ground coffee is available. Few seating available but good to get on the go.

S. T.

Excellent coffee. Snacks are amazing too. No real "menu" from what I saw but croissants, sausage rolls, vegetarian pastries and lots of cake options!

M. C.

Decent coffee, really lovely bookshop vibe. Nice seating area outside. Prices a wee bit steep, but food is good.

P. J. D.

Very friendly and excellent teas, coffee and cakes that don't break the bank. Customers very chatty.

E. D.

The best coffee in cork, and the lentil samosas are gorgeous. Lovely vibe in there as well, super friendly staff that actually want to be there makes it a really warm and friendly place to be. A+ tunes as well.

I. Z.

Friendly staff, amazingly warm and cosy decorated space. Quite artisticly decorated as well. Great coffee and the best chocolate brownie. You can also find some salty pastries there. My favorite coffee shop in Cork.

T. G.

Play chess mid morning in your slippers with a fellow cobbler, while sipping a painfully well crafted coffee through your mustache. Glorious spot.

K. L.

It is one of the best coffee places in Cork. The coffee, the atmosphere, the locale, it all comes perfectly together. It has an essence of a secret vintage coffee place in Harry Potter.

k. z.

amazing coffee and many vegan cake options!

S. C.

These guys take their coffee seriously. If you are in the market for a strong cup of specialty coffee with quirky presentation in a homely environment, don't be put off by Alchemy's fringe location. Judging purely on coffee, as a black coffee lover it is easily one of my favourite cups in Cork.

B. A.

The alchemy is always a great idea for a cuppa, coffee or quick lunch while you enjoy a book. They have vegans options and the moccha is one of the best in Cork! If you can, try the spinach, gotta cheese and caramelized onion pastry, so tasty!

D. M.

Great coffee and food. Cool atmosphere. Top 5 sausage roll and samosa we've ever had.

R. F.

Only been here a couple of times but it has a very homely & comfortable feel to it. Energetic & buzzing the first time. Coffee & cake were good. Will have to try some more to be sure.

j.

Im not a conniseur of coffee but this coffee shop is extremely good. Can sit or take out. Nice atmosphere. Nice staff. I would definitely reccomend.

S. M. H.

Really lovely place and staff. Well behaved dogs are welcome inside and they offer them a bowl of water. Nice coffee and food, I'll come back!

J. S.

Very cosy and nice cafe. The coffee is amazing and the stuff very friendly! The place got an unique atmosphere because of all the books, which are for sale for a fair price.

R. C.

Great 3fe coffee expertly made. Chemex was spot on. Decent free WiFi and plenty of seats to setup and do some work for an hour or so

D. O.

Coffee was really tasty brown was off the hook...staff couldn't have been nicer

P. E.

Coffee shop with excellent coffee and pastries and good vibe. Both times we went here the music they had playing was different than usual and cool.

C. T.

Great coffee and very friendly staff.

O. H.

Exactly what you need to ease into a day of exploring Cork's centre. Alchemy is something special and will remind you of your favourite home-town cafe and leave you wandering out onto the streets with a full belly and that warm ethical coffee glow going on. The food is local and ethical and very, very tasty. Go for the toasted Foccacia. Few know more about coffee than these guys and I fully enjoyed the Aeropress demo and taste. The place is decorated with Salvaged furniture and full of books. It's the kind of place that a few hours disappear into a happy haze.

H. M.

Excellent coffee and even more excellent staff. Nice, relaxing atmosphere with maybe one to few seats

S. R.

This is small but cosy, with tasty range of sandwiches and treats. Veg, and Vegan and Gluten free choices are excellent. So is the coffee

G.

The coffee and the environment there are great. Maybe one of the best coffee in town. They also host several art exhibition all over the year.

R. O.

Great coffee, nice pastries but expect a chill vibe meaning slow(ish) service. Nice place to hang out

M. S.

Beautiful coffee and lovely service. Great spot to chill in the sun with a coffee

K. F.

Tasty coffee and sausage rolls. Try the black pudding roll 👍

D. C.

Best cofee great time thanks go in there dont miss it thanks

S.

One of the best coffee shops in Cork. Staff in there a very friendly and helpful. Place is done up lovely. And the pastry...... Yum

M. M.

Best cafe I’ve been to in cork, staff were very friendly. I would recommend anyone that loves coffee to visit Alchemy.

D. O. L.

Fabulous coffe in a hip & chic invironment

D. S.

Great place to relax, work and read. Small tables, so not very good for groups. They have vegan pastries and delicious teas.

k. T.

Cute little place, good selection of pastries and atmosphere is great. Only downside is that it's small, not much seating space but great overall.

C. W.

Loved the Samosa ❤ atmosphere was very nice. Service good, coffee good, prices reasonable. Thanks so much 😀

l. k.

Well worth the trip up barrack street..close to the city. Very atmospheric great healthy tasty food.. nice friendly staff..very good coffee.

R.

Lovely coffee, sausage rolls and staff. Looking forward to visiting hear post covid.

K.

Really cool place, top atmosphere. Great for a bit of reading or just meeting a few buddies. Prob best coffee in cork too.

M. K.

Great shop with cool atmosphere. Loved the music and book selections. Cappuccino was amazing too, would recommend!!

C. P.

I think it's a lovely place, the decoration is super nice and the 2 girls are kind. And I think the prices are very affordable 👍

D. D.

A bit too compact, gets quite claustrophobic when packed with people. You can buy books and cakes, so that's a redeeming quality.

S. m. C.

I'm a regular here. I love the ambiance and cakes and coffee are great..so are the staff.

T. B.

We went in to escape the rain. The atmosphere is very cozy. Good coffee and lovely cakes. I'm glad we went in.

E. D.

It's a bit pretentious, bit pricey and a bit scruffy, friendly staff and good nibles but in big picture flat white is way to flat and acidity in coffee doesn't​ go with milk well, but latte art impeccable

D. O.

Solid coffee, good service - has vastly improved since it first opened a couple of years ago.

C. M.

The best coffee in town , food is amazing and sooooo good and finally staff are just lovely 10/10

M. O.

Quirky place looks rough and ready and seating may be a bit uncomfortable , but is all the best for a cup of coffee and cake and to meet up

R. T. Y.

Good selection, kind staff

M. I.

Lovely place for great coffee , chat with a friend or just to simply read a book :) Great dairy free sweets :)

K. P.

What an atmosfere! For friends chat meeting, for date or for relaxing time just for You and you coffee. Cool staff too...

A. F.

Cosy and quaint little corner in cork. Love the big cosy furniture and eccentric interior designs. Very cosy. Perfect for coffee dates!

J. R.

One of Corks coffee gems. Lovely cozy environment and very friendly staff. Highly recommended!

D. T.

Very relaxing vibe. Amazing staff and service. Atmospheric and Coffee to go way out of your way for !!

K. M.

The coffee is so nice as are the freshly baked doughnuts

R. D.

Best coffee in cork with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The staff are top notch too!

P. R.

Best gluten free chocolate brownie I have ever had. Love the atmosphere.

B.

Very nice quiet spot for a decent cuppa. Well worth the walk (sure call into Barry's afterwards)

F. F.

Nice staff and great coffee and in Emma you have the best barista in Cork.

T. H.

Lovely cafe. Very chilled out and they use 3FE coffee.

K. O. G.

Such a relaxed quirky little cafe. The sandwiches are very tasty and the coffee piping hot

L. O. V. B. O.

Nice coffee and environment. A good place to drink a coffee after visiting the Elisabeth Fort.

A. S.

cool hangout. Love the coffee and ambiancen

d. g.

One of the best brownies I have ever had

M. J.

Nice place and very good coffee, but the table was dirty and sticky.

C. H.

Lovely staff, great coffee and a v cosy gaff altogether.

J. R.

Chilled out today to get some work done. Cool vibey atmosphere, welcoming staff and class selection of treats.

R. N.

Nice atmosfer , frendly Staff, vegan selection of food and good coffe

A. H.

One of my favourite spots in Cork. Great spot to chill with a book or laptop and excellent coffee & food to match.

L. K.

Quaint little shop. Coffee was not to my taste. Lovely atmosphere.

D. F.

Great coffee, friendly staff

D. H.

Love the laid back, chilled atmosphere... Also awesome coffee and treats 👍

A. A.

Great coffee, great service fun relaxed atmosphere

C. O.

Best coffee in cork! Very friendly staff!

R. G.

Friendly welcome, great coffee and delicious cakes. Thanks.

S. L.

Nice authentic place with great coffee and food, and friendly staff.

B.

One of the best cafés in Cork. Coffee is grand and staff are awesome.

N.

Very tasty cold brew coffee and the staff are very informative and friendly.

M. R.

My "happy place" in the City.

B. T.

It was a coffee shop with average coffee. Expected more based on previous reviews. Won't be back to Cork or I would give it one more chance.

K. C.

Great little gem of a coffee shop , coffee is good and the atmosphere is excellent

L. M.

Lovely, bohemian cafe, exceptional coffee, and croissants were fresh....

J. R.

5 stars for befriending my granddaughter Morgan from Oregon when she arrived in need of a good cup of coffee. Ta.

A. B.

Great coffee and wonderful staff, especially Shauna!

É. B.

Gorgeous place, great coffee. Lovely friendly staff.

R. O. S.

Lovely food. Great atmosphere and staff. Very nice.

F. N.

Great coffee and even better playlists!!!

R. S.

Great coffee ... Great music. Lovely Barista Chloe ;)

S. B.

Amazing West Cork coffee - one of the best I've ever had!

S. E.

No.1 dog friendly cafe in Cork. Really cool vibe.

G. M.

Really relaxed and friendly cafe with unbelievably tasty veggie rolls.

S. d. F.

Great atmosphere, decor and of course amazing coffee

C. O.

Great coffee and pastries

M. R.

Atmosphere and coffee both lovely. Good place to read

T. V.

Great coffee, friendly staff

C. K.

Amazing coffee!

T. O.

Fantastic coffee bites and atmosphere.. Great staff

J. K.

Nice atmosphere but more importantly nice coffee!

N. L.

Excellent service and storing coffee 👍

C. M.

Great coffee,lovely spot,a little too expensive.

M. R.

Cozy place but a bit too tight. Could remove a couple of tables.

S. K.

Lovely coffee & Emma is a pleasure to deal with

K. C.

Love this cafe , warm cosy and really nice staff

D. P.

Quirky fun place with really great coffee and friendly staff.

S. D. F.

Lovely coffee, lovely people, lovely food and animal friendly!!!

J. C.

Great coffee, quirky furnishing and eclectic clientele.

C. O.

Neat little eclectic coffee shop with a really nice vibe

K. S.

Great coffee and friendly staff.

E. M.

Its a beautiful spot go there also if theres any bitta sun it hits it nicely all day long

J. C.

Great little cafe, very friendly barista

J. R.

Interesting place. Good coffee, a but expensive!

R. D.

Best coffee in cork and tasty food too

L. O.

Artistic and funky hang out. Fresh snacks and wonderful coffee.

J. L.

Cozy coffeeshop with artisanal coffee and great baked goods.

s. 5.

Very cute small coffee café. Nice outside painting

K. B.

Great coffee. Cool atmosphere.

A.

Great coffee, even better staff!

M. S.

Lovely comfy spot for good coffee and vibes

L. P.

Where is the sixth star. Nice food and good taste in music!

C. R.

Really good drinks, cakes and friendly staff

J. M.

great scones. good coffee . cool vibes

L. O.

Lovely atmosphere. Very cosy and friendly

T. V. d. W.

Nice coffee and friendly staff.

e. m.

One of my favourite cafés in Ireland

A. H.

Great coffe, but expensive

P. C.

One of the best coffee shops in Cork.

M. M.

Trendy little cafe that sells good coffee.

R. H.

Great coffee and lovely staff

J. H.

Best place to have coffee (:

D. M.

Great coffee, cool place

K. F.

Exceptional coffee and great service

P. D.

Great coffee and good vibes

J. O. M.

Love Alchemy. Very cosy spot and very cool.

B. D.

Great coffee! (Badger and Dodo)

A. O.

Lovely coffee comfortable

H. S.

Awesome atmosphere, coffee and music!

J. C.

Good spot.

A. B.

Very relaxing. Vegan friendly.

H. W.

Best scone I've ever had.

R. K.

Great staff and lovely food

J. M.

An inviting spot, fantastic coffee

m. a.

Best coffee in all of cork

E. V.

Great spot, in my top 5

G. M.

Beautiful selection of cakes!!

M. M.

Groovy coffee and tasty tunes!

L. M.

Gorgeous flat whites. Chatty staff

t. d.

Chilling out and great coffee

M. N.

Best coffee, best staff!

P. O.

Lovely spot. Very cool

L. G.

Good coffe but expensive

K. G.

Superb coffee and atmosphere

D. B.

Super nice place

D. P.

So cosy, so elegant, so nice!!

D. _.

delicious coffee and scones

R. S.

Best coffee shop in town

T. F.

Cool spot

D. Ó. C.

Nice food but expensive. :(

M. O.

Best coffee shop in cork

I. T.

Characteristic coffee and fresh hand-made desserts. Very nice vintage packed up interior design. Hot chocolate with marshmallow is perfect.

J. r.

Fantastic coffee!

S. F.

So cosy and unique.

M. C.

Great staff, but owner is rude

I. M. C.

cosy coffee shop with great coffee

e. l.

Very nice and friendly staff

M. B.

Mmmm, chocolate brownie

R. M.

Fabulous all the time

P. F.

Outstanding coffee shop

G. B.

Nice coffee 😀😀😀

B. Q.

Loved the vibe of the place

M. M.

Great coffee

E. H.

Really fresh Coffee

T. C. F.

Ambience and food

K. D.

good coffee

A. H.

Amazing

R. N.

Gorgeous

j. m.

Very enjoyable

M. O.

Magic

P. B.

Best coffee I've had in Ireland.

N. K.

Perfect Americano.

D. B.

Class

P. W.

Ace, as always

F. B.

Great place

A.

Overpriced

M. V.

Excellent coffee. Very friendly and very welcoming. Soft accompanying music. Magnificent place to relax after seeing the city of Cork. I will repeat whenever I can during my stay in the city.

s. g.

The most charming cafe in Cork

c. d.

Waaauuu those unexpected turns! I was looking for somewhere like this, I love it!!

S. C.

Nice Shop. I loved the place.

*.

g. s.

Half past eight

C. M.

Picturesque place!!!

N. S.

R. O.

J. C. T.

G. C.

B. S.

J. B.

C. H.

R. R.

A. P.

j. p.

A. L.

A. M.

V. V.

K. O.

R. M.

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