Halcyon — Restaurant in Austin

I've been a loyal patron of Halcyon for the past seven years, cherishing the countless hours spent in its welcoming and peaceful ambiance. Unfortunately, tonight was an exception to this pleasant experience. I understand the need for rules in an establishment, particularly one located in the bustling downtown area. I had taken my seat at a table in front of the counter where drinks are served, planning to finish the last two chapters of my book – a ritual I relish at my favorite reading spot in Austin, Halcyon. Although I hadn't placed an order yet, I assumed it wouldn't be an issue given my regular status.

Sasha, who acknowledged recognizing me, approached and inquired if I intended to order something. I was taken aback by her implication that I should vacate if I didn't intend to order, a feeling I had sensed before she even spoke. I assured her of my intention to order and mentioned my long-standing patronage. To my surprise, she informed me that I had 10-15 minutes to place an order, essentially implying that I'd be asked to leave otherwise.

Reluctantly, I got up, almost finishing the second-to-last chapter of my book, and went to place my order. This treatment was disheartening, as I had never encountered such a situation at Halcyon. Given Sasha's awareness of my regular visits and consistent purchases, I was baffled by the ordeal. I felt unfairly targeted, as if I were a loiterer or one of the individuals who sometimes disturb balcony patrons (which is why I usually sit inside). It's worth noting that I've observed others sitting without orders during previous visits, as Halcyon is a popular spot. However, on this particular evening, the establishment was far from busy.

I asked Sasha for contact information, and she informed me that only an email was available, while I had hoped for a phone number as well. She explained the establishment's concern about individuals using the space without making purchases when others were looking to use it. Once again, her words lacked any apologetic tone and came across as condescending, despite her calm demeanor. My emotions shifted from a state of calm to clear frustration, as I had never been treated this way at Halcyon.

I realized that Sasha might not be the one making these rules and was likely following instructions. Therefore, employees who recognize regular patrons should not be tasked with enforcing such rules. I told Sasha that there was no need for her to explain this to me, as her explanation lacked the professionalism and empathy I expected, especially given my visible distress. She referred to me as "babe," which I generally tolerate, but in this context, it was inappropriate. Her smirk while taking my order only exacerbated my frustration, as it seemed she found amusement in my dissatisfaction with her insistence on an immediate order, despite her knowledge of my patronage. I couldn't find any signage in prominent locations specifying the need to order within the first 15 minutes of being at Halcyon or a warning against entering without making a purchase. This experience felt entirely out of character for the Halcyon I've come to know and love.

The owner has yet to respond to my email and it’s been...

On 7/28/23, my partner and I visited to watch a good friend DJ for the evening. Her first time visiting. The vibe was really nice. My partner went to order an espresso martini for each of us as I’d heard such good things about them. She was immediately interrogated by the Assistant General Manager about who the additional drink was for because I was sitting down. She points at me and he proceeds to put in the order. About an hour and a half later, she goes up to order us another drink and he again, interrogates her about who the other drink is for. Pointing to me, he then required me to come up and retrieve my drink. This is ok. I understand some places have a “one drink at a time” rule. No biggie. Until the third time she attempt to order for us, he offers her a bottle of water and states I have to come get my own drink. I attempt to order for us and he states my partner can NO LONGER BE SERVED until she drinks water and waits 15 minutes. He insisted that she was slurring her words. I am not sure how many 30 year olds slur their words after two drinks as this was the first place we visited. Upon emailing the Manager because we were visibly angered and embarrassed being called out that way, she offered no remedy to the situation. She was apologetic but no solutions. My partner was the only masculine presenting person in the bar so I feel it had something to do with that. They simply state that they are “using their best judgment” when they should actually just monitor people’s intake within a certain amount of time. Will not be returning which is unfortunate because this could have been a...

The barista was the rudest, most unfriendly, unhinged customer service person I’ve had. When asking which drink on the counter was which (there was one receipt between them), she said: “I don’t know. I called them out earlier. There are also receipts showing you. So I don’t know what to tell you.” We thought maybe we missed something given how she was talking to us, so I tried again, holding up two similar looking iced drinks and asking if she knew which one was a Thai coffee and which one Vietnamese based on one looking slightly different from the other.

“I don’t know what to tell you. If the receipt wasn’t there…” sneering…and then just stopped talking to me.

Mind you, there were only two drinks total on the counter, it was not particularly busy, and she was the one who had just made both moments before.

Then she put down a hot drink that was the drink for a different friend, but it had been ordered iced. So we politely (knowing the barista was not in a good place generally as a person) told her, and she said “well that’s NOT what I was told”…grabbed the hot steamed milk based drink, filled up a cup with ice, dumped the drink into it and handed it back without a word. Then swore about us under her breath.

We honestly don’t know how to even process what happened. I think it’s important for the management to know how insanely out of sorts one of their employees is at an otherwise...