THE STANDARD WESTMOUNT — Restaurant in Montreal

Although the encounter happened today, Wednesday, July 16th, with a condescending man speaking to me in French, I am writing this review in English, as I have previously spoken to the owners who are anglophones (and very dog friendly), in the hopes that they take this matter seriously. I have been a loyal customer ever since the café opened. I can't even count the number of times that I have come here with my service dog, with my family or with my friends. I've always praised this place and recommended it to everyone in my circle. But as of today, you lost me. I must denounce that public harassment and bullying is unacceptable. The man who was supposed to serve me today is a French speaker (which was no problem as it is my first language), who has a short beard and seems to be in his 40s. He stopped serving an older customer to raise his voice at me, telling me that I had to immediately leave because dogs are not allowed in the establishment after I barely walked in. He followed by questioning my lack of knowledge about how dogs are not allowed in restaurants in Montreal. I was shocked and froze; I told him that I've been coming here with my dog ever since the place opened, and on a regular basis since the pandemic. He told me that an incident happened and the MAPAC gave them a fine of $1,300. He insisted on me immediately leaving the establishment. I asked "when did this happen?" He replied with "very recently" and asked me what I wanted to order, and a replied anxiously that I was thinking of getting a mocha. He snapped and said that I clearly haven't come here in a long time because they haven't served a mocha in six months (keep in mind that I went yesterday to buy an iced latte and that a friendly young yoman with long brown hair served me). As you can see through the other reviews, half the menu is no longer available, and things are often sold out (like pastries, mochas and matchas), and sadly the soy and oat milks are now from the Costco brand... However, since I grew very fond of the place, and being a loyal customer, I kept coming back. He made a scene in front of all the other customers, while raising his voice at me the entire time, asking me to leave the café. I suffer from severe anxiety and complex PTSD; my dog is a certified legal service dog who is allowed to be in restaurants under the provincial and federal laws. I didn't have the time to mention this to the barista because he started yelling at me, while I was walking away, saying that I had to go call the MAPAC to verify his statement. I turned around after I already opened the door to exit the café and said that I wouldn't be doing that. He proceeding by continue to yell at me - at this point, he gave me an anxiety attack and I had to leave before crying in public. I couldn't even comprehend what he was shouting at me but all the customers stopped talking and stared at us. I only replied by telling him how rude he is.

If the owners are reading this, please fire this employee before he hurts other customers and denies access to individuals who have a service dog like myself who have the legal right to be present. It's truly heartbreaking to see this place...

Hello. I sincerely hope that this is seen by the BOSS or MANAGER. My intention is not to complain for its own sake but I actually want to HELP. Your coffee is delicious...and I have visited your store around a dozen times and I have always had a great experience!! Yesterday was just so ridiculous that I need to leave this review, and I hope that you can talk to said staff and remedy the situation. You have a standard (intended) to uphold and I want your venture to keep succeeding...so...Here goes:

Yesterday (Saturday the 20th of January at 1 pm approx.) I walk into your coffee shop. It is basically EMPTY. There were two people sitting down and a man just finishing paying for his order up front...he proceeded to go to the washroom as the barista started making his drinks. There are TWO baristas. I come up to the cash, smile on my face, good mood etc. AND WAIT. Neither of them looked at me, acknowledged me, said anything like "hey, we 'll be with you in a bit", no friendly nod, NOTHING. I am SERIOUS. At first it was fine cause they were bantering between each other and I thought that's ok obviously but this lasted around 5 MINUTES. Listen. I know it is hard to imagine but it actually happened. I'm just standing there. TWO BARISTAS. One , literally not doing anything, the other preparing the other guy's drink. Guy in the bathroom, a long time, might I add , but i digress :P

I just stood there without a hello or welcome or "how are you".

Honestly, it was kind of dystopian at one point.

A human. being , in THEIR STORE, standing there, about to pay 14$ (after tip) for their coffee , and these girls are talking about

"Oh wait till you hear my stories later"

"im ordering this and the other on Amazon"

"Oh i have other houses they can ship to"

What on the holy earth????

I am 36, and have had various restaurant and barista jobs. I WOULD NEVER dream of treating a customer like that. While the story is empty, too!!!

After she made my coffee, (no "oh sorry about that, thanks for waiting"). I was disappointed to see that she poured BOTH our coffees only 3/4 of the way and the foam was not properly mixed with the milk. It was separating (milk too hot). This is obviously the first time this happens at your store (usually it is top notch). But honestly , I was so shocked at their disrespectful behaviour that i just left. I already waited longer than I should have (there was no lineup!!! no one in front of me).

I still left 15% tip when I paid because I am not a scum of the earth that do not tip. I know these people work for their tips....

PLEASE RECTIFY THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR STAFF IS WAS REDONK

SHOW RESPECT AND FRIENDLINESS TO PEOPLE PAYING THAT KIND OF MONEY FOR COFFEE.

I want service like that I'll go to Tims

Thank you for your time reading this

Namaste...

Coffee is for many a necessity. There are a ton of great coffee shops across our beautiful city of Montreal. I’ve come to this cafe a few times and have always enjoyed the quality of their coffee. I passed by this morning to quickly grab a coffee and the gentleman who served me greeted me with such warmth and care that I had to take a moment to write this review of appreciation. The barista asked me how my day was going and i admitted to him that my family and I are dealing with a health emergency and doing our best to keep positive. This barista was so genuinely caring and offered me such kind words. I was so touched by his sincerity and kindness……….. these types of things don’t happen very often, and to have received this touch of humanity when I needed it the most serves as a testament of the quality of character ppl have. So touched, so impressed, so thankful: Mateo, you are a splendid human and I wish you much success. Please Visit this café for great coffee and a wonderful experience....