Nicholas A.
Yelp
My wife and I are locals, and have been to Olsen & Co. several times. It's always been a positive experience: good food, friendly service, pleasant atmosphere.
Unfortunately, our recent visit was simply bad. The service felt like we'd made a wrong turn into some hostile backwater.
We walk in to the nearly-empty cafe, take a seat at the counter, and...nothing. We waited a solid 5 minutes for the guy behind the counter to wordlessly *throw* two menus at us. No welcome, no eye contact, not even a friendly nod. Just a backhand toss of menus in our direction.
Whatever. Maybe he's doing a badboy schtick.
Anyway, we quickly decide what we want. Then wait another 10 minutes. Eventually, the guy behind the counter informs us that if we want to place an order, we need to get up and walk to the other end of the counter to do so.
Oh. OK. So we get up, place our orders, and preemptively pay (and tip 20% because food service work is hard).
We then sit back down, and wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Mind you, it was not crowded. There was one woman carrying on a lengthy conversation with the surly guy behind the counter the entire time we were there, a seated couple who had already been served, and another guy at a table.
While waiting, at least half a dozen other patrons came in, ordered, got their food and left. We waited nearly 40 minutes for a grilled cheese and a chicken salad sandwich.
Our food was finally brought over by the woman making it, who looked embarrassed, but didn't actually apologize for the absurdly shitty service.
Based on previous visits, I'd give this place 5 stars.
But if this had been my first time, it would be 1, based on service alone.