Botanical Cafe — Restaurant in Lake View Township

This is a lovely cafe and I have had very pleasant experiences in the past and recommend the cafe very often. Today was not the case (although the iced melon tea was delicious) and I will not go back, will not recommend, and have called family and friends to ask them to stop going there as well. This is due to the extremely rude manager as well as both associates behind the counter - I was a paying customer!!!! I bought an iced tea and my friend purchased a drink and a sandwich - spend $17. Because of dietary restrictions, I brought my own yogurt from home . The manager said since we sell food you can't bring in your own. I told him my situation and thought we were good - far from it - he approached me again - this time quite rude. It would be different if I did not order anything. I have gone to many cafes all over the city and brought a small yogurt with me and there has never been an issue. The manager said something about it being illegal from the health department and what I found on line was this: "It's not illegal but a restaurant can ask you to stop eating your food." And Botanical Cafe decided to give a paying customer a very uncomfortable experience. I also found this: The American Disabilities Act clearly stats that if this is a working meal that said person can bring their own food if it is due to an allergy or auto immune disease that is protected by the ADA. Places of public accommodation that have policies prohibiting customers from bringing in outside food may need to make modifications to allow allergic individuals equal access and take steps to ensure individuals with a disability are not excluded from participation and access. See 42 U.S.C....

"Your friend came in with a packaged croissant from the grocery store. We kindly informed you that outside food was not permitted. This is not only restaurant etiquette, but it is a health department policy. We are responsible for all food that comes in and out of our establishment. We don’t truly know what you’re bringing in. Feel free to reach out to the health department and voice your concerns.

We noticed that you and your friends were sneaking bites. We once again came over and reminded you that outside food wasn't permitted and if you couldn't respect our policy, we would have to ask you to leave.

Your group was so incredibly rude. The gentleman spitefully took giant bites of the food on his way out while all three of you rolled your eyes and gave us attitude.

This is about your groups blatant entitlement and disrespect to a small business just trying to make it in a time when small businesses are struggling.

Have the day you deserve,

The BC Team"

We were all very polite, and you were passive aggressive. I hope you learn how to treat people you have disagreements with better because it is evident from all of your replies that you don't. I'm happy that I know to never spend money here again and to let all of my friends know that as well. Thank...

I’ve been a fan of Botanical Cafe for years! They opened during COVID and have managed to keep their staff, business and sanity. Honestly, I love the vibe so much I even rented the entire space for my baby shower a few months ago. The owners worked the entire event and made so many exceptions for our group - we had the most amazing time. I can’t recommend any venue more for your next private event (we hope to be back for our kiddos first birthday!). We regularly stop by at least twice a week now that we’re back in the neighborhood. The owners go out of their way to ask about our girl every time they see us! We were there today and lo and behold, the owners asked about our daughter and we chatted recent milestones and solid food attempts. My husband also enjoys stopping in randomly for a new plant baby from time to time. Botanical gets 5 stars from me all things aside simply for their Honey Lavender latte - you can’t beat their house syrups and small neighborhood vibe! They truly value their regulars and that goes a long...