Kathleen D.
Yelp
I'm feeling a bit homesick after nearly two months of living 4,500 miles away from my family and friends with no plans to return permanently any time soon. But my homesickness certainly wasn't cured by my visit to the American-owned and operated Globe Bookstore & Cafe.
When our party of four arrived after dinner, the clientele was sparse but by the time we left around 9:45 pm, the place had filled in with a Friday night crowd. The vibe in the bar area was chill.
When I walked up to the bar to ask if we should order there or find seats first, I was excited to hear an American accent echoed back at me. I'm the type of person who tends to chit chat with random people but due to my still very limited Czech (sorry, I'm trying!!), I haven't been able to strike up a conversation with new folks all too often here. Alas, the bartender (owner? manager?) had no desire to talk to me. Fine, but there was also no need to be downright rude.
I had read that they had phenomenal milkshakes, so of course I asked for an Oreo one. In response, he balked in detail about his disdain for making the milkshakes and how slow his blender is, thus causing long wait times. I offered to buy something else, but then a friend ordered a peanut butter milkshake. He then offered to make me a peanut butter one too since it's easier when it's the same type, but I loathe peanut butter so I said no.
After another from my group walked up and unknowingly ordered an Oreo milkshake, I piggybacked and told him I wanted the milkshake after all since it'd be easier for him. I also ordered a Long Island Iced Tea to try during the wait time, which he told me in a judgmental tone would knock me out. It was all SUCH a hassle and unnecessary. If the milkshakes are such a chore, either curtly reply with, "I'm sorry but my blender isn't working tonight. Would you like something else?" or take the milkshakes off the menu to avoid the unfriendly exchange with others in the future. Oy.
That has to be the longest I've ever written about milkshakes. Eventually when they arrived, they WERE great, so that slightly salvaged the experience. Unfortunately, the server we had wasn't very nice either. I asked her where she was from and she looked like she wanted to kick me in the head. Like, sorry? I'm asked where I'm from VERY often here and I'm proud to be a Philadelphian. Sigh. Oh well. Can't befriend everyone, apparently.
They may be American-owned with a host of delightful-sounding menu options, but I won't return in the future after the less-than-warm welcome I experienced tonight.