Great location , mediocre coffee , poor service ...

Great location , mediocre coffee , poor service .

I was on a business trip last week and had a few days until my next meeting. While staying at the downtown Marriott, I googled local coffee shops and internet cafes. That's when I decided to try Gallery Row as it was within very close walking distance.

Great building appearance. Reminded me of this great hole in the wall coffee shop in Paris I went to a few times.

The first thing I noticed while walking in was the lack of greeting from the barista as I was approaching the counter. It was also at that time I noticed what the barista was wearing. She was wearing a t-shirt that didn t have any apparent/prominent logos or flair from the business itself, and sweatpants with crocs and no socks. Besides that probably being a health code violation (it is from my hometown), I felt like it was not a good look for the establishment.

My coffee was over $6, which is close to my usual Starbucks/Tim Hortons price, so I didn't mind.

The credit card machine was different than any I have ever used, and the barista was really condescending when I messed it up the first time. I don't usually have to press buttons to answer questions BEFORE inserting my card. It's a quirk, but most places are universal and this place has already shown its uniqueness.

The barista pulled back the card machine to face her as soon as my card was removed, pulled out the receipt, and began to walk away. I had to speak above my normal range of volume (being an introvert, that was very embarrassing to me) to get her attention through the what seems like 3" shield of plexiglass hanging haphazardly over the counter.

I got my drink and realized you needed a secret code to get on the internet, despite already purchasing a beverage (not on the receipt I had to loudly ask for). I went to the counter to ask about the wifi, and the barista rudely asked me how long I planned on being there. I wasn t sure, but said maybe a couple of hours? .... she gave me two tickets with codes. I guess the internet privileges are timed?

I felt like I was welcome only a very limited time (if at all) and I better not dare get up and ask for another code if I over stayed my welcome. While I was there I also noticed the barista charged a customer for a cup of ice'd water (not bottled). That seemed extremely petty.

Next time I will just go to Starbucks because they are more welcoming, and don't try to control my stay with internet codes. This place is not warm or friendly and the coffee is mediocre.

For being in this beautiful southern city, with an amazing assortment of shops, restaurants, and just pure history represented in this town, I am not impressed with the professionalism or quality of a shop on the downtown square.