Metronome Coffee

Oh, the (g)nome. They pay attention to detail in barista-ing (which, in fact, is an art and not simply the job of pushing buttons on a machine) and their coffee is delicious, offering different extraction methods and a choice of beans. Espresso drinks are good as well...their seasonal offerings are inventive and usually pretty good, though a tad on the sweet side on the white chocolate or syrup - based drinks.

They serve Mad Hat tea and Corina bakery goods -- both good choices.

The ambience feels a little hipstery, a little modern, clean, and casual.

Price is average for specialty coffee (or, I suppose chain corporate coffee too, these days) so I try not to frequent this joint, otherwise I'd be breaking the bank.

Service is alright...some of the staff seem distracted (texting/facebook-ing, might forget pastry, not in a hurry) but friendly enough. So if you're looking to get in and out stat, maybe plan on being late.

I actually really like metronome's coffee but I have some serious problems with their service. I've tried to call and talk with a manager but keep getting the voicemail and I'm not comfortable leaving a message. Here are a few issues:
1) my last visit was my last visit because I watched their barista sneeze into her hands and then make a cup of coffee without washing her hands. That was disgusting. Just a few minutes later I watched the other barista massage his friends head over the counter and then go get people stuff from the pastry case without washing up. Yuck.
2) The sneezy barista is also mean. I have watched her talk all friendly with customers at the counter and then say mean things about them as soon as they leave.
3) the atmosphere is inconsistent. Sometimes it's is quite and subdued, sometimes it is really loud - this seems to be based on whatever mood their staff is in as opposed to the kind of environment the coffee shop is trying to create for its customers.

Metronome is yet another coffee shop I tried in my new neighborhood of Tacoma! I have been here twice so far. Once just to pick up a pastry snack and the other do a actual sitdown dining experience.
I got a great sweet bread on my first visit here! It had crystallized sugar on top of the bread! It was good and fresh, a nice added pick me up to my morning.
My second visit here I got the cherry cordial mocha and a scone. The mocha drink was great and the cherry cordial part of it would come in at the appropriate cue which did not make the drink too sweet.  The scone was awesome! It was nice and fresh!
Looking forward to going back!