Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge

07/13/09

The artistic crowd's choice for Atlanta's best coffeeshop.

by Ryan Sims at Citysearch

In Short

This super hip West-side java dealer located on the corner of Marietta St. and Howell Mill Rd. is a sleek, modern space with uber-friendly staff that take their craftsmanship very seriously. This is the type of place that takes extra care when pouring the perfectly steamed, creamy milk in your golden-brown espresso so as to create a work of art rather than slopping in quickly in a paper cup. Art seems to be the focus beyond the beans, as the clientele, décor, and theme of the shop delivers a creativity-inspiring aura. For those who may be a little too wired for a cappuccino, Octane also has a small but select beer list including Belgian high-gravity beers and domestics to enjoy out on the small patio with large chunky tables or inside the classic brick-walled, concrete floor space.

05/12/09

Just what Atlanta needs

by Mysteriousapien at Citysearch

Atlanta needs more of these coffee shops. I love Octane because it is hip and they have a diverse menu. I have been going there for almost 4 years now and I have tried alot of their drinks. Almost everything I tried there was really good and I like their food too. However, one thing that does turn me off about this place are the prices of their meals which are overpriced.

Anyways, I love their music but I do think that it is too loud sometimes.

I also love the art there.

This place has become so popular that it is hard to find a seat. I used to go to Octane back in 2005 to just study but now it is always too crowded or too loud to concentrate. I go there now with my friends to just relax and talk.

• Pros: great coffee, lattes, pretty much great anything&good music
• Cons: too loud and crowded, overly priced meal items

02/01/09

Above Average Coffee/Beer/Wine Coffee shop!

by Cashmuney at Citysearch

First time to this coffee shop and will defintely return. I wanted something that was not on the menu, the employee offered me a drink that was very close to it and I agreed. The beverage was very good, came in a small almost-shot-glass. The seating arrangement was okay, as there were many people there. The wifi was easy to log onto and the store music was different but fun. Parking is not so hot, only a few spaces.

• Pros: Free Wifi, Comfortable seating, Intelligent employees
• Cons: Not many parking spaces, hard to find a seat at times.

04/28/08

I love this place!

by rochellebc at Citysearch

I always love going to Octane - It's the best coffee in town (by far). I love the feel, style and very friendly employees (who are always up for a chat!). Its fab coffee during the day and great wine at night. I never have a problem with parking, I just wish this city had more places like this.

• Pros: Fab Coffee
• Cons: Wish there was more places like this

01/29/08

A bit too snooty

by doctorparetta at Citysearch

The music they play in there is very good, but VERY loud. The coffee is delicious as is the orange dulce tea. The kitchen closes at 10PM, but the place stays open 'til midnight, and I went up to the register at not even 10:03 and they said that they couldn't make me a salad. Way to lose revenue. I worked at an Italian restaurant and we would serve them at least fifteen minutes after closing time. The people who frequent it seem pretty snooty.

• Pros: Free wifi, good coffee, good tea
• Cons: Snooty atmosphere, LOUD music

07/31/07

Entirely Entertaining Coffeehouse with Excellent Beverages

by anti_roadshower at Citysearch

Not only does the coffee please, but the beer selection entices, and the food is above par for a coffee house. The service is very NYC in its curt manner and efficiency. It is impatient only to those 'southern shoppers' (Defined as: Wal-Mart Shoppers who lean on their carts and stroollll in the middle of the aisle.) who rightly deserved to be hurried with 5 people in line after them.

The only complaints I can muster are: 1) the space isn't larger, and 2) the parking is far from perfect. The 'hipster' feel I find quite entertaining, you can eavesdrop on conversations/debates with topics from Israeli politics to Rocket Science (literally, curse those over-achieving Techies...) to the latest in Atlanta's self-declared 'underground' music scene. Hipsters can't claim a monopoly over this jewel, the coffeehouse is becoming very popular with the nearby interior designer/art business world, with client-designer meetings over a belgian ale common about 2:30PM.

Overall, Excellent... Warning to potential patrons/Octane's management: The space is already filled with a student crowd, and GT/SCAD/GSU have yet to come back in session for Fall Semester. Tables and parking are going to become non-existant after Labor Day. 'So it Goes.' Vonnegut would say. Another coffeehouse becomes too popular for its own good.

• Pros: Coffee, Coffee Drinks, Microbrew selection, Live Music, Free WiFi
• Cons: Crowded, Parking

03/16/07

Best Coffee In town

by beveragebetty at Citysearch

When Octane made the change from drip coffee to French press, I was ecstatic. They already "had me at hello," with their great beverages, delicious sandwiches and friendly service, now I simply cannot go anywhere else for my caffeine fix. No other place in town offers coffee this delicious, and French-pressed at that! Parking might get tricky during busier times, but I somehow always manage to find a place on the street. People also tend to flock here for their lunch fare, so plan ahead. But let me tell you, their food is worth the wait, and their sandwich and soup specials are very reasonable.

Did I mention the free wifi? Yes, that is the metaphorical cherry on top.

• Pros: coffee, espresso, atmosphere, seating, service
• Cons: parking

12/15/06

Find your cache on hipster-ish coffee and lose your cash while you're at it

by teacozy at Citysearch

Though I don't drink coffee, I try to frequent Octane since I work nearby and usually have a short time for lunch. So today I gave Octane a third and final chance to improve their speed on food service. There was none to be had. Even my coworkers warned me beforehand, but I really want to love this place. Basically, I ordered two sandwiches and a soup. It took nearly half an hour! Is it that hard to throw some fixin's on some bread? Honestly. Not only that, but the portions are tiny for the prices they charge, and the sandwiches come with some pretty poor excuses for chips and a pickle. Not to mention the soup, I guess the special was Tomato Basil, but it's been that for over a month. Nothing special at all. Seemed like it came straight out of a can and salty to boot. I know that "food" isn't their main offering, but geez, it wouldn't hurt to have some stellar sandwiches. I think I'll be going to Toscano and Sons where the paninis are almost two dollars less and larger than the portions at Octane, and I could do without the requisite hipster scowl that seems to pervade this place. I've been there, done that. I guess I'll just settle for my usual, the Mighty Leaf green tea until i give the food another go some other time when I have an hour or more for lunch.

• Pros: Selection of tea
• Cons: Food

12/13/06

A Hidden Treasure.

by sglasky1 at Citysearch

Absolutely THE best place to hang out, grab a cup of your favorite blend, and surf the net. If you are in need of a late night study session in a place with free wifi, let Octane be your choice. With their doors open until 12 and their impeccable coffee selections, Octane is by far one of the most enjoyable coffee shops in town. Tucked away off Howell Mill and Marietta Street, this place is a little hidden slice of heaven. The baristas and accompanying staff are all very friendly, always offering you suggestions if you're stumped as to what to get during your visit. The vibe is trendy an highly enjoyable for anyone looking to get away from the distractions of a dorm, apartment, or just looking to spend the night in a different atmosphere. Slight downside: limited seating! If you're planning a late-night cram sesh with a study group, get there early! This place tends to get packed from the 7-10pm hours with Georgia Tech and Georgia State students. I only have to look down on the reviewer below's insecurity and blaming Octane for it!!! Octane, thank you for the late nights and strong coffee we've shared together. There are many more to come!

• Pros: Fabulous baristas, Great music, Comfortable seating.
• Cons: LIMITED comfortable seating, limited parking.

11/11/06

Very Trendy Coffee Bar

by shal077 at Citysearch

I have been to Octane several times and I am always glad that I chose to go there instead another cafe/coffee bar such as Starbucks. There are big comfy couches, bar seats, or tables available for seating and the coffee lounge itself is very spacious. I love to study there because the lighting is not so insanely bright, the music is good, the coffee is strong, and hey... they have free wifi - can't beat that!

• Pros: free wifi
• Cons: parking