Good Neighbors Meeting House — Restaurant in Colorado Springs

This is a read I apologize for it’s length- If you are looking for a quick to go good coffee then this place hits the spot. I can honestly say that the staff has also been kind and smiley minus the hit or miss off putting attitude. I know everyone has a off day, i after all have my own. 3 stars are given for a couple reasons though and non of which are meant to be spiteful.

My husband and I discovered Good Neighbor due to COVID. In a way you could say it was a silver lining to the chaotic turn of worldly events. We loved that it was close to the biking trails which we could bring our children to, that the staff was warm and welcoming and that again the coffee was spot on. Momma loves herself a vanilla latte after all. With social distancing a new norm it was nice to have some regularity in our lives, but then things changed.

Local government began exploring new territory and relaxing restrictions which allowed local eateries to take on seated guests. Of course this still comes with line item details such as spacing out guests tables and such. We discovered very quickly that what we thought to be a welcoming safe environment really wasn’t quite as it seemed. Upon making a stop in just to pick up to go coffee (and this was in the midst of a rather damp thunder storm) we noticed podium stationed at the front door where a rather unpleasant woman “greeted” us asking for our reservation. Upon finding out we had no such reservation and that we were simply there to order to go coffee we were directed to the regular bar area. This same woman then followed us over took our order, in part this order included baked goods which I requested to be separated into two separate containers. This was swiftly followed by attitude even with my explanation of the necessity to prevent cross contamination due to allergies. I brushed this off at first due to the recent reopening of their seating chalking it all up to new stressors as they navigated the boundaries of the new era. Until...

We paid our ticket and upon doing so I simply asked if we may sit at a lonely two seater table away from any other diners and I might mention where was no other persons in sight let alone in the building with us minus staff. This was asked only due to the storm outside and down poor. We were told no, i then requested could we stand against the opposite wall and was again denied and told we could go wait outside until our order was ready. To which our coffees were received and not correctly I may add. As we stood there in the time awaiting said order I over heard a couple leaving as the husband mention he was not paying to reserve a table for $20 an hour. Something I have never honestly ever heard of at a coffee shop do. So much so I looked it up only to find out that yes indeed they do charge by the hour for you to sit and dine. I might add this charge does not include anything but using their table chairs and time.

It sadly seems that their demeanor was only that of a welcoming environment In light closures do to COVID. Upon re opening they have no need for anyone whom does not wish to pay absorbent fees for table rentals and sandwiches. I am sorry to not return personally as I did truly enjoy my time with them in the previous months. I do wish them all the best and hope this review may reach them and in any positive way help them if they do choose....

I have to make an unfortunate review. I have lived in this neighborhood for a couple of years. I have made many walks here to get some coffee or food. Never in those instances was a food allergy an issue. Over time, trust was built, but I understand things change from employees to policy.

Ultimately, I order something off the menu, the French toast with banana and chocolate. No where in the visible menu does there state almonds on it. I understand that if you dine out that garnish is something that isn't typically stated. But to garnish with one of the top 3 allergens in the country and not list it or disclaim it in any way is crazy.

I ordered this dish to go and walked home to give it to my girlfriend. When I got home, I discovered there were almonds all over it. So I went back and told the manager and she told her kitchen staff to remake it. But in a way, she told me how to order instead of being empathetic. We understand the nature of allergies, and since we have built trust over time, we didn't think it would be an issue.

It's remade, and things move on. I double-checked the food, and there are no almonds at first glance. But I do not know why my girlfriend has a reaction there after. Their practice for allergies was not done diligently. The manager says to her employees, "extream nut allergy," accompanied with a "I can't believe it" and displeased expression. After the food is remade, I thought things were fine. So I walk it back home. My girlfriend eats her meal and ends up getting itchy in her mouth and esophagus. She soon further inspects her food and finds a whole almond under the souffle cup. I'm guessing at this point the same souffle cup used for butter was placed into the box, and maybe even that same box used beforehand was used.

She has a cross CONTACT allergy to peanuts and tree nuts. An extream, deathly allergy to peanuts, if this were peanuts done with negligence, it is a life or death situation.

Long story short and impressions. I can't trust the food coming out of this kitchen anymore. Please list allergies. Please train your staff on cross contact and contamination allergens properly. If any allergen was listed, we would have stated our allergies with caution. Since there wasn't any listed, in our perspective, we BELEIVED there were no treenuts/peanuts.

A hanging statement. If they can't get allergies done properly with care, how can they deliver safe food service? If someone walked in and has a serious TREE nut allergy like my girlfriend has a PEANUT allergy with that same experience, someone would be dead along with a lawsuit. A similar case from Disneyland happened where a women died due to negligence of an allergy. I do not want to be a part of that statitic for someone I...

First and foremost, amazing coffee house. My sister brought me here and it was amazing. The coffee was the best, roasted local and truly delicious. The menu was also impressive, I wanted to try everything. We ended up getting a sandwich and the cheese plate and both were great.

You may be wondering about the missing two stars. This is the first establishment that automatically adds a 20% gratuity the total. There are few issues with this. If you receive less than stellar service, you either are forced to pay 20% or you can walk out and not be forced to tip an employee who may not be the most "customer friendly". This may also cut into folks wallet if they are on a fixed budget, discouraging them from coming here. If your food is incorrect or not satisfactory, you've already paid the tip. TIP stands for "To Improve Performance:."/It all started decades ago as an incentive for employees to do a good job. Tips should come after a service.

Lastly, any establishment that forces a 20% tip on customers is basically stating "we don't pay our employees a living wage so it's up to our customers to do so".

I didn't see a sign disclosing the tip situation, my sister told me and when I asked it was verified by...