Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea — Restaurant in Chicago

I’m not the type to write reviews like this, but after my experience today, I feel compelled to share because I no longer want to return if this particular employee is working. I come here every day without fail—it’s my new go-to spot. I always order the same thing, spending $30 or more and leaving a tip. I’ve enjoyed coming here daily until today when I encountered an incredibly rude employee.

The employee in question, a girl with black hair, pink streaks, and a septum piercing, was unpleasant from the start. After placing my order and tipping, I politely asked for pup cups for my dogs while waiting for my food and drinks. She ignored me, so I waited, figuring I’d ask again once she wasn’t busy. When I noticed she wasn’t doing anything, I asked again, “When you get a chance, can I please get the pup cups?”

Her response was, “We don’t do pup cups.” I explained, “I’m here every day, and my (100lb) dog gets pup cups every time.” She replied dismissively, “Well, I personally don’t do pup cups because they’re bad for puppies.” I then asked, “Okay, can I buy some whipped cream instead?” She said, “No, there isn’t a way to buy whipped cream.” I responded, “Well, they’re my dogs, so can I please have pup cups?” At this point, she rolled her eyes, reluctantly made the pup cups, and put them on the table without a word. I thanked her politely, but she completely ignored me.

I let that go and waited for my food, but when it was ready, she slammed the bag on the counter so forcefully that the chips from one of the bags spilled into the main bag. She didn’t apologize, and I didn’t say anything, but her behavior left me feeling frustrated. To top it all off, our sandwiches were wrong—she forgot to add cheese.

What’s more frustrating is that a quick Google search confirms that small amounts of whipped cream are perfectly fine as a treat for dogs, but it’s not her decision to make for my pets. I’ve seen another review about a similar experience with an employee at this location, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same person.

I’m incredibly disappointed because this place was part of my daily routine, but I won’t be coming back if she’s working. Her attitude completely ruined the experience, and it put a damper on my day. The other employees that have helped me in the past here are delightful however. It’s a shame someone like her works a customer service job that she clearly isn’t cut out for if she can’t help being rude for no reason. i included pics of the no cheese and also never seen a sandwich cut like this, but I just wanted my cheese lol. And the chips that filled the bag so I just had to rip open the bag...

I don't know how long this place has been open, but it is located right across the street from my office. I've been going there for lunch at least twice a week fairly regularly since they've opened (before the pandemic?) and it used to be OK. The food was made on the premises and was good. You could customize the order and it was all fine. Customer service was always a little iffy -- the same women who normally takes my order twice a week for years never once acknowledges me, or smiles, or thanks me for my being a customer. They need a name and she can't even remember my name -- but I digress. They now have their food made off site so it is all pre-prepared (questionable freshness) and cannot be customized. But the real kicker today was that I had enough points for a free meal. I had a images of this from their chosen website (square) and their system wouldn't accept the points. They kept re-ringing and trying different registers, but nothing. Meanwhile the one person that knows me is in the kitchen staying out of this and the people at the counter are all trying to figure something out without really trying. At a certain point, you just accept the fact the computers aren't working and take care of your customer. Nothing. I walked out. I told them I would be back when they figured it out, but I think I'm done. If you want pre-prepared food and indifferent customer service, this is your place. I'm done.

UPDATE: Three weeks later I receive a response from the owner. I would advise skipping this place and going elsewhere. I've already given this place too many...

I really want to like this place but I've found that placing orders for pickup be very unreliable. I don't want to pin this on the staff as everyone I've interacted with has been great but I think they have some system issues.

For example, multiple times I've been able to order items via their app that are unavailable requiring me to either switch-up my order or ask for a refund when I arrive for pick-up.

In another instance, I had a simple breakfast sandwich and coffee order that I had to wait 25 minutes beyond my scheduled pick-up time because the staff had to prioritize a large catering order. When I finally did get my sandwich, the coffee I had ordered with it somehow got lost in the shuffle.

Having said that, when I have been able to successfully complete an order it's been high quality. If you're just stopping by for a drink, this isn't a bad option. But if you want to pick-up food you might be left...