KickStand Coffee & Kitchen — Restaurant in Hood River

I have been here about half a dozen times (all during covid restrictions) and it was great. I usually get food to go and have a pint while I wait. Last night (10/17) marks a moment where I was treated the WORST I have ever been treated in public!

I have worked in the service industry for most of my adult life, including a local restaurant in the area. I have worked everything from borderline dives to fine dining. I would never have imagined I’d be leaving a bad review on a fellow industry worker but this needs to be known.

I was following my usual drill, setting my stuff down to then go order at the counter. I was swiftly approached by a bleach blonde server with an mean look on her face who asked aggressively “what are you doing?”, in a derogatory tone. No hello, no can I help you, etc. My quick response was “trying to be a customer.” —But wow, really? She tried backpedaling once she realized I wasn’t going to endure the poor treatment, saying this & that due to covid... I’m sorry but as an industry worker I’ve been briefed on all of the rules, and also as a law student I’ve read Governor Kate Browns memos and the orders from the Oregon health authority. And finally, I have been here before! There was really no excuse to attack someone like this.

I am never going back. This is not how you treat people, totally not ok. I did nothing to deserve that. For the rest of my brief and final stay there, I got up once to order another pint. Again, said server breezes past me saying “excuse me” in an offended tone. This person is an absolute bully and shouldn’t be working in the public. I’ve been treated better at Portland DMV’s.

Someone else closed out my tab, and I refuse to stiff anyone being an almost “lifer” in the industry. However this incident needs to be seen and heard. I feel I deserve an apology. I do not require friendliness but I feel quite honestly that I was attacked. No one deserves to be treated this way for no reason, especially at a place they willingly choose to go and spend...

(Edited) I ended up coming here 2x while visiting HR. The staff was super nice and helpful. In and outdoor seating options. Industrial/ bikeshop vibes. The first day was for a small bite, and it was really tasty hand battered wings with 2 sauces and a well crafted greyhound cocktail. The next day, I went with my son for breakfast/brunch, and we were both disappointed in the food. Maybe they were short staffed or had inexperienced cooks??? I also wasn't able to just get a bacon and eggs breakfast so I got the breakfast sandwich that was dressed like a burger on a bun with arugula rather than on toast, no mayo or dressing though it does come with, but I did ask them to hold, Chipotle aioli. It was very disappointing as a sandwich. I ended up eating the eggs and bacon I wanted and leaving the rest of the sandwich untouched. Such a waste that could have been avoided. I wonder if I could have asked for it bunless?? Also, it came with no sides. And was $11. My son got a breakfast burrito with pulled pork. The burrito was very big, but the ingredients were layered and rolled so poorly that when he took bites, he mostly got pasty potato and rice. The meat was really tasty, but there were big globs of fat on the meat. He finally opened it up to use a fork and get to the edible parts. He also left a lot of food behind. It didn't look appetizing. Just not a good value on that occasion. Additionally, parking is very limited. (Edit: parking is very limited...when there's a service or event happening at the church/park across the street. Our second visit was...

This is a versatile and fun place to enjoy a meal. The fried chicken is excellent whether it is served by itself or as a sandwich. The sauce and pickles and bun and greens are all spot on. Highly recommend. The "smash" burger I do have to take issue with. It does not seem to be a smash burger at all. In fact it seems like a prefab patty. If they had just not called it a smash burger I would give it a solid 4/5. All of the toppings were good, it was cooked perfectly, I love Cali gold style bbq sauce so it's a winner there, the bun is soft and delicious, greens are delicate and fresh, the bacon is thick and of great quality. It checks all of the boxes for a nice pub style burger but please don't feel the need to call it a smash burger because that, it most definitely is not. The fries here are also unique and good. Their shape makes me want to call them chips like in the British sense not Lays. They also gave us a house made bacon maple doughnut which I thought was cute. I've only been here a couple times but I am looking forward to trying the coffee and cocktails. I'm still giving 5 stars because I have so much respect for this establishment, but the nomenclature of the hamburger rubs me...