Otherlands Coffee Bar — Restaurant in Memphis

I'm really not one to leave reviews but I was very disappointed earlier today by Otherlands, specifically the owner as she publicly berated me in front of other patrons. I have been going to this coffee shop for years, and regularly go 2-3 times a week and get coffee and some food while studying. Today I sat down at a table to study and waited for the line to die down before getting some food as I had not eaten yet, and I set a water bottle and a half-empty energy drink on my table. As I was studying, the owner came up to me and interrupted me to tell me that she did not sell me my bottle of water or the half-empty energy drink and that I couldn't bring them into Otherlands. She was incredibly rude and loud, and I was genuinely stunned. I told her that I regularly come to Otherlands for coffee and food and to study, and she told me she "did not care" and that I had to leave. I am genuinely baffled that the hill she was willing to die on is a half-empty energy drink. She also told me she "sold water," which was confusing considering the fact that there is a free communal thermos of water for people. She told me that I could not have my water bottle because Otherlands is a "restaurant" and was implying that I was insulting her business when I was literally about to go buy food, and I regularly do every single time I go there.

So much for the facade of community, clearly she just employs this sort of imagery and aesthetic to convince people to spend money there and doesn't have the genuine interests of her patrons, regulars, and community. I said "I guess I'll leave then" and she rudely and abruptly said "bye" and stormed off. At the end of the day I'm just very disappointed because this is my neighborhood coffee shop and I go here all the time for coffee and to study, but now I just feel unwelcome and she left me with a bitter taste...

My experience normally outstanding and one of favorite spots in Memphis. I’m a regular (daily). Today I forgot my wallet which I’ve done on one or two occasions over span of 7 or 8 years. My order is day in day out a large or jumbo regular coffee. The majority of the workers know me and some times the cup of coffee is ready before I place the order. The couple of times I forgot my wallet the employee mentioned in an understanding way not a problem we will take care of you. Each time a payed for the coffee later that day or the next day. On this particular day an employee who had taken my order a min. 100 times in the past , this day was reluctant unfriendly and gave me a little cup of coffee ( a Dixie cup if you will) . All I had on me was $2 cash short a couple of bucks. I left that in the tip jar. I was uncomfortable with his reaction and it seemed out place. Not sure what’s up in his world or if something’s up at Otherlands behind the scenes, but a good gesture is a good thing especially when myself and others share how much we enjoy the place and vibe and most time the service . The majority of the workers are professional laid back and friendly . I am leaving now to go get my wallet and immediately return and pay him the coffee as I said I would and have in the past. A free coffee was not on my radar . Would have been out of character. Not a big deal a blip on...

We were recommended this place by our lyft driver and decided to check it out. Unfortunately this was one of the worst coffees I’ve ever had. The baristas were entirely apathetic towards any guests that I could tell, not necessarily rude but almost SNL/Portlandia levels of hipster attitude stereotype. My partner and I both ordered iced lattes with oatmilk and despite ordering two different sizes we received the same size glass. Mine had an extra shot of espresso but was still so incredibly weak and milky. As an ex barista of 9 years I’m not just talking from a place of ignorance but I would recommend they reassess their bean choice and that their shots are coming out very weakly extracted.

I will say the decor was very retro and indicative of the era it was built which was very nostalgic for me and I enjoyed the art and mismatched tables and chairs. That being said, some could use some repair.

The food was just fine. Nothing remarkable but not worth complaining about, and in fact the Heidi’s breakfast was pretty damn good and I would have that again but won’t be back due to the combination of drink quality and general atmosphere. I think this place could turn things around and utilize their space to make some great drinks and food if they can get their workers to...