The Other Joint — Restaurant in Mullumbimby

We are locals who really enjoy the food and coffee here and have visited many times. I was aware that customer service wasn't their specialty, and I was fine with that. However, today’s experience was unreasonable.

First, they charged my elderly mother-in-law $1 for hot water to add to her coffee. She was surprised, but rolled with it. Then, they brought the boiling water in a mug, when all she wanted was the little pouring jar with a spout to easily pour it into her coffee. When she asked for it, the waitress sighed grumpily and tried to argue about it. My mother in law remained calm, but honestly, I’m struggling to understand why any business would treat its customers this way. I mean, how would you charge $1 for some hot water and how was she expecting an elderly woman to pour boiling water from a mug without risking burns or spills all over the table?

Regardless, if you care about your business and your clients, you should just try your best to give an enjoyable experience. Great food, a welcoming vibe, and friendly service should go hand in hand. At The Other Joint, it seems like some of the wait staff would rather be anywhere else. I feel for them if they are struggling with their work. I get that they might be understaffed (a common issue these days), but the place wasn’t even half full! Reluctantly, the waitress took the mug back, and a different staff member brought the water in the side jar.

We addressed the situation calmly with the owner as we were leaving, hoping to give some constructive feedback for future improvement, but it felt like a lost cause. The owner brushed off our concerns, citing how busy they were and justifying the behavior without acknowledging the issue. It was a letdown, to say the least.

I’ve been ok with longer wait times and little quirks at TOJ in the past, and I don’t need the owner or staff behind the counter to know my name or even smile to feel comfortable during my visit - though it’s always nice when people are naturally kind and warm, and I value that in the world. However, personally today they crossed a line with staff treating an elderly person rudely, and even worse, the owner seemed to condone it.

As for coming back? I don’t think so. The Biggest little town has so many other places with great food and wait staff making you feel looked after - places like Rock and Roll, Tombo, Lulu’s, Bakers and daughters and Heaps Good. Life’s too short for bad vibes, and I’ll happily spend my time and money where kindness and good service are part of...

Took out, bacon n egg rolls, coffee and a juice. The food was cooked well but the relish had a very strong cumin flavour which dominated the egg and bacon roll. No green on the roll either. I ordered juice on phone and it’s fresh and delicious but when I asked about options the person just said yeah we’ve got all kinds, but they do have a specific set of juice names and I wanted to hear them, which meant I would have had mint as well in my delicious juice. I can’t fault the food as it seems always cooked well and delicious I just think people who make relish or put Indian spices in a breakfast meal isn’t for me. Next time I’ll say no relish. lol service very friendly but a very busy place and I once waited a long time for coffee so I would call ahead and make your order as the food is well worth it. I have had the risotto from there which was amazing. I highly recommend this eating...

I absolutely love this place, one of the few truly "Mullum" places left in town. Food is awesome & well priced & the staff are absolutely lovely. I just read a poor review suggesting there is a lady who is rude to anyone younger than 65 & it motivated me to write this. I am under 65 & have been going here for years I've never once experienced rudeness. In fact I've been impressed by the ladies there who are always warm friendly & remember how I like things. I have often seen rude, entitled & demanding people try & push in etc which they would not support or tolerate & that is part of...