Great cafe serving up coffee, sandwiches and promoting good in our community!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nina
When are you opening again??
C T
Food is decent, but a bit over priced. Staff is really friendly. Other than that I just go here because it's convenient with my work schedule.
Google User
Food is decent, but a bit over priced. Staff is really friendly. Other than that I just go here because it's convenient with my work schedule.
James Maloney
Impactful and socially responsible
Cassandra de Kanter
Great place for lunch on the go if you're attending a program or meeting at Pacific Tower. The selection isn't huge, but they do what they do really well. I'm a big fan of their sandwiches; in my experience, FareStart sandwiches are fairly boldly flavored, which isn't always true of grab-and-go lunch counters. (I've come to expect a certain inoffensive blandness from any sandwich pulled out of a cooler, but the pesto, meat, and cheese on my Italian are tasty as heck. I'm eating it as I type!)
Rachel M.
I mostly eat here because it's the only place to get food within a reasonable distance from my workplace. The food seems expensive but you're supporting a program that supports our community. They've made a lot of improvements since winter (new decor, more food/drink offerings) but I'm generally not impressed with the food. Again, these are students that are being trained though, not a 5 star restaurant, so I try not to be too critical. As another user noted, the rice in the bowls tends to be undercooked and sandwiches can be dry so you're better off getting soup or a salad. The couscous is okay but you get such a small portion. Soups can be hit or miss but they usually have tomato basil and a soup of the day. The soup of the day tends to run out so be sure to check what it is and get some early. They used to serve the soup with homemade focaacia, then it turned into a small piece of bread (like a large crouton?), then packaged crackers, and most recently store-bought sliced bread. I really hope that the focaccia makes it back sometime! I do enjoy the pumpkin bread when it's available. It's spiced well and it's thick but very moist. The staff are usually friendly. Sometimes the soups aren't ready to serve yet or the beverage freezer isn't stocked adequately but again, I know that this is a special program and not a typical cafe. They've also been honoring a punch card program. When you get enough punches, you can get a free coffee and cookie! There's a decent view of downtown and the water from the second floor of the dining area and an even more beautiful view in the 8th floor conference room!
Rachel C.
This Farestart location is great because there is not a lot to eat in the immediate vicinity of Pacific Tower, and a place that offers quick, healthy options is a wonderful addition to the area. The pre-prepared salads are delicious! Service is high quality as well. If anything brings you to Pac Tower, make sure to stop by. There aren't too many tables here, because most people grab-and-go.
Carla L.
The people serving are nice. The food is overpriced and not of great quality. The Farmers Bowl contained mostly poorly cooked brown rice and very few of the other elements. Probably just one spoonful of beans, one spoonful of yams, and a few spinach leaves, and not even a full container of dressing.
Nicole H.
Food is very natural and flavorful, workers are super friendly, this place is the best!
This place is amazing. Not only was I able to get a great latte and breakfast sandwich, I was able to support an incredible program providing training and education for local students. It's a win-win. If you're in Pactower, make sure you grab a coffee and something to eat on your way in. Your stomach and your conscience will thank you.
Great cafe serving up coffee, sandwiches and promoting good in our community!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
When are you opening again??
Food is decent, but a bit over priced. Staff is really friendly. Other than that I just go here because it's convenient with my work schedule.
Food is decent, but a bit over priced. Staff is really friendly. Other than that I just go here because it's convenient with my work schedule.
Impactful and socially responsible
Great place for lunch on the go if you're attending a program or meeting at Pacific Tower. The selection isn't huge, but they do what they do really well. I'm a big fan of their sandwiches; in my experience, FareStart sandwiches are fairly boldly flavored, which isn't always true of grab-and-go lunch counters. (I've come to expect a certain inoffensive blandness from any sandwich pulled out of a cooler, but the pesto, meat, and cheese on my Italian are tasty as heck. I'm eating it as I type!)
I mostly eat here because it's the only place to get food within a reasonable distance from my workplace. The food seems expensive but you're supporting a program that supports our community. They've made a lot of improvements since winter (new decor, more food/drink offerings) but I'm generally not impressed with the food. Again, these are students that are being trained though, not a 5 star restaurant, so I try not to be too critical. As another user noted, the rice in the bowls tends to be undercooked and sandwiches can be dry so you're better off getting soup or a salad. The couscous is okay but you get such a small portion. Soups can be hit or miss but they usually have tomato basil and a soup of the day. The soup of the day tends to run out so be sure to check what it is and get some early. They used to serve the soup with homemade focaacia, then it turned into a small piece of bread (like a large crouton?), then packaged crackers, and most recently store-bought sliced bread. I really hope that the focaccia makes it back sometime! I do enjoy the pumpkin bread when it's available. It's spiced well and it's thick but very moist. The staff are usually friendly. Sometimes the soups aren't ready to serve yet or the beverage freezer isn't stocked adequately but again, I know that this is a special program and not a typical cafe. They've also been honoring a punch card program. When you get enough punches, you can get a free coffee and cookie! There's a decent view of downtown and the water from the second floor of the dining area and an even more beautiful view in the 8th floor conference room!
This Farestart location is great because there is not a lot to eat in the immediate vicinity of Pacific Tower, and a place that offers quick, healthy options is a wonderful addition to the area. The pre-prepared salads are delicious! Service is high quality as well. If anything brings you to Pac Tower, make sure to stop by. There aren't too many tables here, because most people grab-and-go.
The people serving are nice. The food is overpriced and not of great quality. The Farmers Bowl contained mostly poorly cooked brown rice and very few of the other elements. Probably just one spoonful of beans, one spoonful of yams, and a few spinach leaves, and not even a full container of dressing.
Food is very natural and flavorful, workers are super friendly, this place is the best!
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is amazing. Not only was I able to get a great latte and breakfast sandwich, I was able to support an incredible program providing training and education for local students. It's a win-win. If you're in Pactower, make sure you grab a coffee and something to eat on your way in. Your stomach and your conscience will thank you.