I don't usually write reviews. My recent experience at this place really got to me. I met Erin, the owner's daughter, who made quite an impression. It all started when I came back and saw Mr. Won again the owner who had been so welcoming before. On my visit, I brought my service animal along and Mr. Won was very accommodating introducing us to the staff and making sure we were taken care of on my next visit. I was touched by his kindness. Enjoyed working in the café with their delicious coffee and matcha tea.
When I returned to the café this time I ordered my drink paid the bill and was greeted by Spencer and a group of guys who offered me a better spot with a power outlet, for my work. My service animal stayed close by as always from my visit. After setting up my work station (laptop) at my spot and getting into my tasks someone came over about 15 minutes later saying pets weren't allowed (Erin). I calmly mentioned my visits and how her father had given his approval explicitly. She had a demeanor and seemed to deny being there. She asked to see an ID. Questioned why my dog wasn't wearing any clothes seemingly trying to provoke both me and my peacefully resting furry friend.
I stayed calm saying I could show her my documents if needed. I also mentioned the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) emphasizing that I didn't have to share medical details or any documents unless necessary due to my dog's behavior. However, she continued with her comments disrespecting me and my service animal acting like an expert on service animals and emotional support. To make things worse she invaded my dog's space in an attempt to get a reaction. Despite me asking her multiple times to keep her distance she persisted, looking for reasons to target me.
At that moment I felt truly puzzled. I was quietly working with my canine companion resting beside me without causing any trouble. I reminded her that by law just my word should be enough about my dog's service status. I even directed her to the DOJ website for information, on service animal rights. It was clear that she was profiling me unfairly showing discrimination. Feeling frustrated I expressed my readiness to leave if my presence was causing her distress due to her vibes. Suddenly she began apologizing, blaming issues for clouding her judgment. I quickly reminded her that my responsibilities were elsewhere and her personal troubles did not excuse her actions; all I wanted was to work and enjoy my drink without any disruptions.
This incident highlights the importance of seeking help if mental health challenges are influencing one's behavior. If left unattended her actions could worsen, posing risks to both herself and the business. In a community filled with professionals, there is no room for such racial biases. It seems this person came in with a sense of entitlement thinking that their background allows them to discriminate and prejudge others. They are in, for an awakening. Continuing on this path will undoubtedly harm their business.
I fear she might subject staff members to her entitled and biased mindset. I have decided never to return to that coffee shop and advise people of color to be cautious. It's unfortunate that hate, prejudice and racial profiling still exist. When facing behavior it's best to leave promptly; not even a sip of water is worth engaging with such individuals. Racism goes beyond divides; it affects everyone. She needs to take responsibility and get the support she needs because this is an issue. its a disease.
If you're looking for a place to work there are plenty of cafes and takeout spots nearby that provide internet access with a sitting area. You don't have to go far; there is actually ice cream shop next door provides a calm setting where you can enjoy your coffee treat yourself to something sweet and focus on your work tasks. its even a...
Read moreI've been a loyal & loving Cafe June customer from opening day when they switched from being Cafe Bene, and went through both undergraduate and now graduate school being a customer here. I noticed over time that they started to add strange rules, such as having the baristas write on your receipt a "recommended time to leave" and large signs that say to order before seating yourself. They seem to want you to plan to leave before you even seat yourself. It is busy on the weekends, which is the only fair time I could understand these rules (so long as they are approached in a professional manner).
Your receipt has a new wifi password for every visit on it now, which is probably the only admirable decision I think they have made to address their issues with crowding/patrons seating themselves without a purchase for hours at a time.
The owner or manager also approached me once and told me that I couldn't have my water with me because it is an "outside beverage". These experiences have left a bitter taste for me, as it feels very '"anti-student", despite students being their main business for all of these years.
While I can certainly empathize with the fact that we take up space, we are also the same folks who brought this establishment business. At the very least, I wish that they approached this issue differently and with a bit more kindness (based on other reviews I have seen) I used to drive significantly out of my way to work here, but now I truly dread coming inside here for fear of a new rule being enforced on us! I've never experienced this at any other cafe.
I enjoy the drinks and food. The waffles and croffle never disappoint. The cup size recently downsized significantly, though. Lots of unpleasant money-saving tactics at the cost of their patrons'...
Read moreCafe June is a hidden yet popular gem in Ellicott City. The cafe has a wooden and natural vibe, somewhere teleworkers may feel comfortable setting up their laptop.
Parking in the small lot out front and finding a table will be difficult during busy hours but there's more parking nearby. We found a shared table near a woman with her laptop and it was perfectly comfortable, you won't feel squished. There are signs politely requesting that guests limit their stay to a very generous 90 minutes so other customers may have seating.
We spent $35 for a large sweet cream cold brew, large dark chocolate frappe, pesto sunrise sandwich and the tomato basil soup with three slim baguettes. The drinks were very, very tasty and quickly made. The cold brew was especially good and the frappe was decadent, similar to a smoothie. The sandwich and tomato soup, although tasty, were smaller portions for the price, however it's Ellicott City and the higher price is expected considering the area. I wish I saw a grilled cheese on the menu, perhaps I missed it but that plus some salad options would be nice additions. The small portions and price are why I gave 4 stars overall. If the portions were slightly larger or the costs were a little less this would be 5 stars easily.
The staff we interacted with were all very kind and quick. The establishment is clean, comfortable and many food/drink options for all diets. We sincerely look forward to returning...
Read more