Civilization — Restaurant in Cleveland

Wow. Unbelievable! Poor customer service.

I walked in to sit at a booth quietly to work on my laptop. Nobody has power due to the storm so I stopped in to use the WiFi and grab something to eat. The store was getting slammed and was extremely busy. One of the workers came up to me rude and embarrassed me in front of everyone telling me that I have to get out. I asked why? She said because I didn’t buy anything.

I was going to purchase a meal but I was caught up on my work. I looked around me and there were people sitting next to me reading books they didn’t purchase anything. So I looked at her and responded, I am going to purchase something I’m just deciding on what to buy. I’m a diabetic so I’m looking at the options that won’t spike my sugar. I ended up buying bottle of water and coffee, also TIPPED THE LADY to show that I’m not just any random person trying to cause trouble.

I couldn’t believe I would be treated like this especially if it’s an open WiFi cafe to the public. I was quiet minding my own business focused on my work. I never made anyone feel uncomfortable. I asked the lady that was sitting next to me if I was loud or being rude. She said she hardly could hear me. She also agreed the way the lady talked to me was awful rude.

They should have compassion for people especially after a storm that took the power out of all Cleveland. They should treat new customers with kindness and respect. Today hasn’t been an easy day for remote workers. Please consider this complaint for a learning...

Nice, but not as good. First off this is a nice coffee shop and a great hangout in Tremont. That said, there is another coffee shop (Loop) exactly one block north so I think that is where the comparison should be made.

As for Civilization my likes are: the atmosphere is all old-world charm; they serve soup and sandwiches (which I did not try).

My dislikes: I ordered a single Americano (which is just espresso and hot water) and it was extremely watery and tasted about like a weak green tea. I ordered the single instead of the double because I wanted less and expected to get it in a small cup, instead it was served in a large mug filled to the brim with water. Perhaps it's my fault for not asking before I ordered it about the volume of water they used, but generally I expect about a 1:1 ratio of espresso to water and this was so weak it was barely worth drinking. So beware that the single is half the strength of the double, not half the size;

The WiFi did not work for me and I asked another customer and they said it can be spotty; since it is an old building there are not many electrical outlets that I saw; their credit card machine was down when I was there but there was a sign on the door and cash register saying that they hope to get it fixed soon; their prices on coffee are slightly worse than Loop.

A good coffee bar, but not the best in Tremont. For the atmosphere and food I would take my parents or business associates to Civilization, but I would take my...

Such a lovely coffee spot! Really warm & inviting. So happy to see a “masks encouraged” sign & to see store team members wearing masks :)

Longer anecdotes that represents the vibe:

Randomly in the U.K. there is a popular coffee drink called flat white that has elicited a few quizzical looks on our journey. The barista was kind enough to explain that it’s referred to as an espresso au lait! Was really grateful for their help

am moving to California from the U.K. and driving across the states w my two dogs and English husband. His first time driving across the states. Has been disheartening to see so many trump signs and this little oasis was really the tonic we needed

Plus, beautiful park right across the...