I can forgive the crowd, since Rise & Grind appears to be the newest (and nearest) hangout for nearby Ngee Ann Poly and SIM students. But service was distinctly bad on both my visits. My Thai milk tea loaf took nearly 15 mins for staff to cut and plate despite it literally sitting out on the display cabinet of cakes. Several staff members also cast me withering looks when I stayed past an hour after ordering only a coffee and cake, making me feel distinctly unwelcome. The Long Black was a decent, strong cup of coffee, although my previous experience with a powdery and gritty Chai Latte lowered the expectations. The Waffle wasn't too bad for $10 and is a good snack to be shared between two.