King Pigeon — Restaurant in Cincinnati

Scenario: • Saturday morning coffee order (12 oz. Flat White, no frills), to-go. • Party of 4 that ordered 4 drinks (flat white x 1, pistachio rose latte x 2, iced coffee/cold brew x 1) and one coffee cake total. • 2 baristas behind the counter. • 2 other parties in the shop: 1) 3 at a table in the corner who had been there for awhile by the time we arrived. And 2) 1 at the counter. • 0 other parties arrived after us while there. • POS system, espresso machine, utilities, etc. (i.e., the operational backbone of the shop) all in good working order.

What happened: we were told there were several food orders already in queue, so there would be a “10–15 minute wait” - on food. As a result, we ordered only drinks, and one coffee cake slice. Ironically, it took ~25 minutes for us to receive 4 drinks.

Service: It isn’t evident where to pick up coffee once ordered, if that is even the protocol. A simple “we will bring your order to you” or the standard “what’s your name? We’ll call out when yours is up.” always works - but we had to ask. There was no indication given that our basic coffee order would take even half as long as it did, while the low traffic, low occupancy context we ordered in would suggest that the drinks would/should be served even faster.

Of the two baristas (assuming they are both espresso machine-capable), one disappeared into the back for awhile, appearing several minutes later to tell a members of our party who ordered the pistachio rose late (a special) something got messed up with a cafe supply order including the pistachio flavoring. Not sure if the latte just ended up behind a “latte with rose petals” or not, but seems odd the baristas wouldn’t know they were out of flavoring for a featured premium drink; or if they did know, that they wouldn’t modify the special menu to reflect that. While this was all happening, the other individual behind the counter did nothing, including not dispensing an iced coffee/cold brew, which, even if they weren’t a full barista, takes no specialized skill. Not sure about the staffing (which, as a barista in the distant past, I can attest was more than adequate for the volume of customers) or what was going on behind the counter/in the back, but all in this took way, way too long - with no indication that it would, and no apology that it did.

Small details: when to-go orders are walked out, having the lid on covers the presentation of any latte art - paying $7 for a 12 oz. latte in an local, indie shop might mean someone is paying for an experience, not just a hot sugary cup of go-go juice. And if that coffee also has actual rose petals on top (very nice if you’re into florals👌), presenting with the lid off means the customer will know, and not choke on a rose petal later. 👎 These points might seem pedantic, but the high price point + tip - $8.50 or 9 all in for a 12 oz. coffee, in Cincy - should mean some polish and finishing. Simply put, if you’re going to charge this: ok, but bring it. On this visit, anyway, KP didn’t.

Drinks/Food: Pretty good. My flat white had a skimpy pour (cortado-sized), but was well-pulled and steamed, if a bit micro-foamy. 4 star drink, 3 star value. Aside from the rose petal and pistachio flavor things, all was well-received.

Atmosphere: KP is well-appointed, with an expansive, beautiful bar, inviting and easy-going with natural light in the morning from huge westward-facing windows, and decent seating (though this looks like it could test adversely during higher traffic periods). We didn’t dine-in, so can’t attest to that end. The ambiance was inviting enough to leave me contemplating a return trip with my laptop for a lazy afternoon in the near future, when the protracted order times I and other reviewers have experienced wouldn’t feel so egregious.

Verdict: this is about a to-go order - dine-in may deserve higher marks. KP has decent coffee/good atmosphere - seems capable of 5 stars. But, ~20 mins. of a Saturday was burned here for no apparent reason. Always want to support local/indie shops; but KP...

I’ve been coming to this establishment for quite a while. It was recommended to me by a family member who had nothing but GREAT things to say about it. Up until recently I had been enjoying my time there until a few days ago. I had entered with the intention of buying something but left my wallet at home by accident. I decided to stay and work anyway. I was approached by a worker asking what we wanted to order. Not even a “Hi.”, “Hello”, or any greeting of ANY kind was extended to me and she seemed a bit annoyed at my sitting there. I told her about what happened and she, in a VERY passive aggressive manner, informed me that if I didn’t buy anything I’d have to stand if I wanted to stay because it was crowded. I had the feeling KNEW it was crowded and that there would be nowhere to sit and be forced to leave. The BLATANT DISRESPECT is appalling and since the place was primarily filled with white people who were doing the same/similar things I have the right to assume this was a TARGETED attempt to kick me out without making themselves look bad. In addition, neither I nor my family member who recommended this establishment was ever aware of this so called “policy” that was being implemented. Not of any of their social media or on the entrance and the assumption that the customer is supposed to automatically know this information walking in is utterly ridiculous. I can happily say that I am NEVER coming back or wasting my money on overpriced, stale, hard as a rock, bare minimum food that they serve nor will I be willing to subject myself to straight up horrible customer service. You won’t catch me in that...

CUSTOMERS BEWARE If you're planning on coming in to work or catch up on emails just know that this business has a "sip to sit policy" and will ask you to leave if you do not buy a pastry and/or coffee. Although there are no signs anywhere on the door, on their Instagram or on their official website that communicates this policy to customers. I came in to work with my sister and we both sat down at the blue booth. After we were settled I walked up to the register and was greeted by one of the guys who worked there. I proceeded to attempt to order the oatmeal pecan cookie that I've had before and was told that they were all out at the moment. I continued working until I was approached by a girl worker who walked up to our booth and asked us what we were ordering. I kindly explained to her that I attempted to order but was told that they didn't have it. She then proceeded to tell me that they have a policy that says that if you don't buy something to eat or drink then you cannot stay and sit. The workers have a passive aggressive attitude and will blame you for taking up space and not spending money to sit and do work although they're the ones who didn't have the item you wanted. After being stared down before she even approached me and dealing with a passive aggressive attitude, me and my sister decided to leave after feeling VERY uncomfortable. Save your money and take your business down to Caffe Vivace, where they won't force you to buy something else you don't want after attempting to buy...