Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe — Restaurant in Hood River

I love Ground overall. Their customer service is pleasant. Coffee is quality. Environment is clean, Atmosphere is calm but not too calm. Perfect "coffee shop vibes" in terms of energy level. The company is unique, and they open at 6AM which I consider a bonus after Covid when many place's hours shifted, and coffee shops stopped opening quite so early. I've been in the area for 31 years, and Ground has slowly become a staple of my day. Working "from home" or out in the community in my case, places like this are invaluable to me and spending lots of time out in the community, I get pretty particular about the places where I spend my time, and how much time I spend where. I can often spend a significant amount of time at Ground doing work, and I'm happy to spend money to support that reciprocal relationship. They've never made feel unwelcome or unappreciated as a customer, and going through the process of having a quick chat with the baristas, or community members in the shop who are doing a similar thing as I has become an important part of my day, as we're striving to find a sense of community, and involvement with others post-Covid.

Thanks, Ground Espresso Bar and Cafe for being a staple for many in The Hood...

Ground used to be my favorite cafe in Hood River, so I was surprised and disappointed by my recent experience there. When I ordered a sandwich off the menu, the barista rolled her eyes and was clearly very annoyed. After I paid, she turned to the barista next to her and commented, “Guess what she ordered?” and they started laughing and commenting on my order. I felt like I was being bullied after paying $15 for a sandwich. I understand not wanting to make certain items, but it made me feel on edge about ordering in the future and just very uncomfortable in general. I don’t want to pay for pricey items (that are honestly good!) if I’m going to feel like a burden for ordering them. I don’t think I’ll go here again, which...

It's surprising that they don't position themselves more as an amazing bakery because they have some killer whole wheat orange cranberry and maple bacon scones, Nutella croissants and hot-out-of-the-oven coconut chocolate chip cookies. And of course a few gluten-free options. My fancy English breakfast tea was served in a proper ceramic pot with a generous portion of milk on the side, just the way I like it. The avocado toast with thin tomato slices, feta and a sprinkle of lemon & pepper is scrumptious! Staff are very friendly and helpful. One negative for me - I was dying for fresh baked goods with walnuts or pecans and there were none. I think all the allergies to peanuts have made bakeries gun shy...