Sip Lab

 

Located at 1603A Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, Sip Lab offers coffees, smoothies, and more. It is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 8 to 10 on weekends. Online ordering is available.

A new venture from the owners of The Ice Cream Factory, Sip Lab is a lot, in many senses of the word. Positives first: the menu offers tons of options. There are lattes, mochas, cold brews, shaken espressos, matchas, chais, energy drinks, and smoothies (as well as croffles for those craving a sweet treat).  Locally sourced ingredients -  beans from Vignette and teas from Vida Pour - add to the appeal.

Sip Lab also offers multiple ways to order from standing in line to using an in-store kiosk to ordering ahead on a dedicated app. Speaking of ordering, the baristas here are friendly and will gladly customize a drink to match your preferences (including sweetness level). Despite the high volume of customers (more on that later), they turn around orders quickly.

My wife and I went with a sea salt maple cloud cold brew and a banana cloud latte, respectively, and we were both very satisfied. The coffees were smooth, and the creamy cloud toppings added an extra touch we didn't know we were missing. Banana syrups can be hit or miss, and Sip Lab's version lands squarely in the "hit" column.

So what's not to like? Perhaps because it is new, Sip Lab seems to keep very busy. You probably won't be able to score a table, and you might have to maneuver around people while waiting for your drink. While some might appreciate the energetic vibe here, the appeal is limited for those who turn to coffee shops as reading/study/meeting spaces.

Finally, the foam toppers aren’t the only things in the clouds at Sip Lab. At $8 or so for a medium drink (and $5 or so for a small), prices are not for the faint of wallet.

For better or for worse, Sip Lab is far from your usual coffee shop. If you want a unique drink made to your liking, don’t mind the cost, and are taking it to go, Sip Lab has much to offer. Those looking to sit and sip, however, may want to look elsewhere.