Overheard: At the new Albina Press on SE Hawthorne

Barista, walking toward two tables pulled together and covered with plates, cups, crumbs, paper, etc. (loud enough for the entire place to hear):

They probably bought 25 decaf drinks, tipped a dime and then left this mess for us to clean up. That's typical out here.

I was right with him until that last bit. I can't blame him at all for being annoyed at the slobs who left the mess, but way to insult not only your customers, but the entire neighborhood where you've just opened a new business.

And out here? Way out here in the remote badlands of upper Hawthorne Boulevard?

Anyway, funny stuff.

Comments

[A little bird]

Wow, that's crazy! They're my new favorite coffee hang-out too. Perhaps we don't tip as well as the Mississippi crowd. The "out here" bit is pretty funny. You'd think they were in Troutdale.

[Stephanie]

Ha! I wonder if maybe he's a recent transplant - maybe he meant "out here" as in on the west coast vs. wherever he's from. (Although, in my experience, people are generally nicer "out here" than where I grew up!)

[stumptown girl]

I've noticed that the new Albina is quite the popular hangout for cops. They meet in packs or in duos, so maybe that adds to a bit of the surly temperament found in the barista. Which isn't to say that I'm implying that the cops left the mess...just that it's weird to see cops in their frequently.

[bobjob]

I don't go out to upper Hawthorne because there are still Indians in the trees.

[jonathan]

It is always inappropriate for a barista to berate a customer within earshot of other customers. However, baristas are ALWAYS tipped much much less than bartenders, especially considering that espresso craft is a highly skilled, arduous pursuit ... much more so than pouring a PBR. So, tip your baristas.

[Tuffy]

Just got our LAST order from these guys. Condescending pretentious a$$holes - that seem to care more about being real jerks than serving good coffee. Hey baristas - a macchiato doesn't have 6 oz of milk in it. WE ARE NEVER GOING BACK, and telling our friends to do the same.
Thank god for Stumptown.