Chris F.
Yelp
I had a truly disappointing experience at the Americano Lounge today, and I feel compelled to share it. I arrived at 9:59 AM for a 10 AM meeting with my business partner, who was already there. We hopped on a call for about 30 minutes, and during that time, the staff kept shoving menus in our face and repeatedly asking if we were ready to order. We were clearly on a business call, and while I intended to get coffee, I wasn't able to do so immediately.
Despite this, after 30 minutes, a manager (who refused to give her name) approached us and started yelling and cursing at us, demanding we either buy something or leave. She went off about how hard it was for her to deal with "us men", claiming she had bills to pay and the "lights had to stay on." Keep in mind, we've been to this place before and spent hundreds of dollars, and I was planning on ordering coffee soon. But instead, I was harshly kicked out in the most unprofessional and rude way. I was then told to never come back and that she "remembers the faces of all her enemies". There was no consideration, no hospitality -- just anger and hostility. It was completely out of left field as well. All of a sudden I'm getting cursed out by someone who says the owner would agree with her... seriously?
I've worked in customer service for over five years and have a deep understanding of the pressures that businesses face. I'm fully aware of the need to generate revenue, but this level of aggression, rudeness, and complete disregard for customer experience was totally uncalled for. I'm a paying customer, and I was made to feel unwelcome for no reason other than not ordering immediately, despite my clear intentions to do so.
To make matters worse, I was shamed and belittled by the manager, who wouldn't even provide her name or the name of the business owner. It was a completely toxic environment. How can one have so much hate in them? Instead, I've since taken my business to Humphrey Street Coffee Company, where the staff is kind, welcoming, and understanding. They earned my business, and I'll be recommending them to others moving forward.
Avoid this place if you're looking for a pleasant experience -- the Americano Lounge is clearly more interested in your money than in creating a positive, customer-friendly atmosphere.