The Goddess and Grocer Gold Coast — Restaurant in Chicago

So I am not one to leave a review, but this experience was so terrible that I feel the need to warn others. I was SO excited that a location was opening up around the corner from my school, so imagine my disappointment when I was kicked out today.

I wanted a change of scenery for my studying this morning, so I decided to try out this new Goddess and the Grocer location. However, upon arrival, I noticed that there were several dine in only/no tech signs placed around. I asked an employee if it would be okay for me to sit at one such table and study if I ordered my lunch at the same time. The cashier told me this would be fine, as long as I was dining in. So I proceeded to order my sandwich, purchase a drink, and do some work while I waited for a friend to join me. Unfortunately, what appeared to be a manager of the establishment came over and told me that I could only use my laptop if I was sequestered in a corner at a counter which was barely wide enough to hold my laptop. She was only identified by her bright green Goddess and the Grocer hat, with no name tag or other identification to show that she worked there.

Alas, I moved to the counter and my friend joined me to do work. We were spread out, as our laptops and textbooks required a bit of space. We were there for approximately 2 hours when a woman with red curly hair, wearing no Goddess and the Grocer merchandise came over and told us that this was not a Starbucks and that they needed the space for paying customers. I informed her that we had order coffee and food previously, but she said that she did not care as they were a cafe. I informed her that this was not a reasonable request, especially opening up around the corner from a school. She responded that the school has a library. How rude! Upon some research, this appears to be the general manager of all Goddess locations, Debbie Sharpe. I am so disappointed, as I have been looking for a cute place to study outside of the library. Why have an electronics counter if you don't want people to do work there?

Needless to say, they have lost what would have been a very frequent customer. I will never be returning, and informing many of my friends to steer clear of this hostile...

This location of Goddess and Grocer offers good coffee & tasty bites ranging from sweet or savory pastries to hearty salads, sandwiches, and soups, as in-house prepped deli classics (sides and entrees) for taking home to save cooking at the end of the day.

They’ve got pretty much anything you’d need on the go whether you didn’t feel like packing your lunch, forgot to get a gift for that coworker who watered your cat and fed your plants while you were in Florida, or you have to assemble a fast cheese-plate/charcuterie situation for game night.

The space is sunny and full of whimsical details that make you want to snag a seat and catch up with a friend. Tables along one side of the space are clearly marked as a laptop-free zone which makes it possible for diners to find a table without having to compete with people dug in for an all-day study session. We’ve all needed a cheerful study/work spot, and the cafe offers a separate space for those moments, too.

Friends have used this local, woman-owned chain for party/event catering and been very happy. The spinach feta pastry, buffalo cauliflower bites, matzo ball soup, and other items mean 845 N. State will be added to my rotation of weekly...

Today I went into your café/restaurant and unfortunately had the worst experience I’ve ever had there. I want to note that I normally come in about three times a week, so this was very disappointing.

First, the line was being held up by a woman at the register. When the customer in front of me asked if he could order, she responded, “Yes you can, it’s just I’m doing a lot of things.” That comment felt unprofessional and set the wrong tone immediately. To clarify, I am referring to the larger Caucasian woman who was training a new employee, not the young lady who was multitasking by making coffee and helping take orders — she was actually wonderful.

I placed my order for food and coffee. My coffee came out right away, but then I waited over 20 minutes for my food while several people who ordered after me were served first. By this point, I was understandably upset. When I finally received my sandwich, I left quickly in frustration, only to find that it was cold.

Overall, this was a terrible experience. I normally enjoy coming here, but today’s service and food quality were...