As far as annoying, tedious adult tasks go, getting your car serviced is up there. It may even beat going to the dentist. From the fact that the car mechanics seem to be speaking a different language (I, for one, have zero sense of how much it costs to replace a wheel bearing, so they could be making up prices on the spot for all I know) to sitting in a room that is oddly similar to the DMV or passport office, the bottom line is clear: the whole process sucks.
But my perspective has changed, and I knew I had to write a special review when I was shown to the waiting room at Heuberger Subaru in Colorado Springs. Shortly after talking to a mechanic, I was escorted back, as if by a hostess at a restaurant, to what I can only describe as a beautiful cafe: The Subaru Service Cafe. Or, as another little sign calls it, “Java Kat Kafe.” I’m sticking with the former because I think it makes the fact that it’s actually a great cafe even funnier.
Let’s dive a little deeper into why I’m considering investing in this coffee shop.
Location: 9/10
Location in relation to what? That’s the question I asked myself as I wolfed down a PB&J I brought from home, thinking it was going to be the highlight of a miserable afternoon getting my car serviced. But the location, if we’re talking in terms of proximity to where my car is getting serviced, is pretty much perfect. I can still see my car, and the area itself is very open with lots of natural light. I can genuinely say it’s better than a lot of specialty coffee shops that try too hard to curate the perfect location.
Vibe: 9/10
Again, maybe it’s the fact that my expectations were so low that almost anything would seem great, but I feel like I was transported into an old-timey, car-themed coffee shop. As I write, I’m sitting next to a red 1974 Subaru, and across from me is a little pond and waterfall (sadly, there are no Koi fish) with greenery and shrubs that make me feel at peace with nature.
The barista, a sweet, older lady, was talking with all the customers — all of whom had a smile on their face, a sight you rarely see in the waiting room of a car shop. There’s even a large, colorful mural of a mountain. The only thing that takes the vibe down is that the mechanics occasionally walk through, briefly teleporting me back to the reality that I am indeed getting my car serviced.
Price: 10/10
You’ll never see me give a better price rating for one simple reason: everything in the shop is FREE. Yes, you read that right. All the coffee, drinks and snacks, albeit not the largest selection, are completely complimentary. They don’t even accept tips. So while they might not have the freshest coffee, be able to make latte art or have avocado toast on the menu, I won’t be spending a dime here. Maybe there’s some hidden fee in my car service that contributes to this, but I’m going to choose not to subscribe to that theory.
Taste: 7.5/10
Remember when I said they might not have the freshest, speciality coffee that other shops have? I sort of lied, because they actually have three Loyal Coffee blends on drip. As someone who loves the coffee at Loyal, this was a beyond-welcome surprise. The only reason the score isn’t higher is that the actual espresso-based drinks are surely nothing to write home about. But hey, they do the trick of getting you caffeinated.
On top of that, they actually have a menu of specialty drinks, with options like a “Milky Way” or “Tropical Polar Bear” available for the adventurous. And, because of course, they do also have a vanilla chai latte.
The array of free snacks is also worth highlighting, as they have a range of fruit, bars and even fruit roll-ups. A solid little touch that is honestly better than what’s offered at “real” coffee shops.
Bottom Line
I’d be lying if I said part of the reason I’m doing this review is to pass the time and distract myself from the fact that, yes, I am spending my Monday afternoon getting my car serviced. But don’t let that make this review any less serious: this shop deserves some recognition for its great vibes and free, I repeat, free, coffee and snacks. It’s in the #2 slot at the time of writing, and I genuinely think that’s a deserved spot. The Subarau Service Cafe embodies the Bill Belichick mantra of “Do Your Job.” For a person waiting to be told they are going to have to spend $3,000 on car maintenance, it’s a sliver of tranquility and peace.
Current Rankings
- Misty Mountain Collective: 37.8/40
- Subaru Service Cafe: 35.5/40
- Switchback Roasters: 35/40
- Story Coffee: 34.8/40
- Good Neighbors: 32/40
- Loyal Coffee: 29/40
- Frankly Coffee: 28.5/40