Great American Video & Espresso — Restaurant in Milwaukie

Loved this place until I was helped by the owner.

When I moved into the area about 3 years ago I frequented this store, usually with my 2 year old son to get animated videos for him or something to watch with my wife. The layout and idea is great, really takes you back to the days when video rental was more commonplace and the selection and deals seemed fairly priced.

So why a 1 star review? After visiting enough to get a full punch card for a free coffee, I went in to redeem the card. I was assisted by someone I didn't recognize who identified himself as the owner of the store. When I tried to order a coffee near the stated redemption amount he tried to ask me what I normally got and get me to order something less expensive, stating that there was an "exceptions at the discretion of the business" caveat on the card that allowed him to change the rules of his own promotions whenever he wanted as a defense.

Eventually he conceded to just supplying a small discount to my drink (still well below the value listed on the card) but would not punch a new card for me as he said the rentals I were doing were exempt from the promotion, despite also meeting the stated criteria on the card (a price minimum) and having had received punches for the exact same products and amounts on prior visits. He also did not include the discount at all when I got to the register, until I pointed out his mistake and said he had just "forgotten."

His behavior was abrasive and inconsistent with my previous encounters with his other employees who were all very pleasant and helpful. The most infuriating thing is that if he is the owner he created or at the very least allowed a promotion which he did not like or choose to honor. I have worked in retail management for years and understand that promotions can be a gamble but you must provide consistency and back up your own promotions, this was a major standards and delivery gap and he did nothing to remedy or take ownership of it.

This occurred over a year ago and remains my worst customer service experience in this area to date, so much so that I still felt compelled to write this review. This may be an anomaly and he could have treated me different for a variety of reasons (it was not my behavior, I was very polite and professional) but ultimately was an unacceptable experience and I will not return or recommend this place to...

Great selection of movies, espresso and other beverages, ice cream, and frozen custard. (The owner is especially excitable about this, in a very adorable "foodie" way, and for good reason: it's DAMN tasty.) Friendly, festive, unpretentious neighborhood feel. There's a play area for kids (includes a play kitchenette!), generally with an age-appropriate movie like Moana already playing. Books and magazines are all about, with seating options that range from upright chairs (at tables-for-one-or-two) to big, stuffed chairs and couches.

It's a fine enough place to study, in fact; seating to right of entryway feels pretty separate from the kids' area and the potential distraction of whatever movie is on, and there is free WiFi. Given the spaciousness, expect zero hassles for staying, perhaps, longer than might be appreciated at a smaller establishment. Even during rushes, when staff are dashing about to serve customers both in the store and at the drive-in window (which I should add, conveniently has the drop-off box for movies due, but returned after close of business), I've yet to observe any lack of sufficient seating.

Staff are, on the whole, quite film-knowledgeable, and excellent with making recommendations (whether based on actor, genre, etc.). I've seen them, for instance, help customers summon specific movie titles based on fragmentary information ("maybe it had Lauren Bacall...?"). Even without appearing to sneak a peek at IMDB, they're pretty great at this!

There is plenty of parking (including for bikes: rack is just behind building), and both building and bathrooms are wheelchair-accessible. Most movies, as well, would likely be reachable from a wheelchair or scooter, and I think the aisles would be wide enough for reasonable ease of movement through them. (My own disability requires only occasional use of a cane, so while I may be SLIGHTLY more conscious of accessibility in retail settings, please note that I have not, myself, attempted such navigation with any other mobility aid; YMMV, etc.)

BOTTOM LINE: Funny little gem of a place, which I dearly hope can remain in business for many years to come. If you're local to the neighborhood (Ardenwald/ Linwood/ Lewelling, basically), they'll likely welcome you to tack up a business card on the bulletin board, which also has event announcements. (Ask...

On my daughters 4th birthday to say the least!! Let’s just say the owner doesn’t care about anyone. Here’s the story. I took my kids in there to rent some movies as I always has. Being a loyal customer since childhood I now drive out of my way to go to this rental store. WELL, not anymore!!! As I was at the front desk I hand the owner his loyalty card to the company with ten free stamps you get something for free. Woohoo right? Well each stamp requires a minimum 2 dollar purchase per stamp as it says on the card. As I hand it to him he rejects it and proceeds to tell me it won’t work because I rented two children movies for 1.50 each even though my total is 3 he continues to tell me how he won’t accept it even if I bought 10 children’s movies I still wouldn’t get a stamp was the “mans” story. So I proceeded to tell him that I’ll take my business somewhere else as I’ve been a customer for a long time and getting treated poorly anywhere is not my philosophy, and I don’t agree with his business practices. He THEN cops an attitude with me and begins to talk down to me wanting to explain his reasoning. At this point I could care less and I step away from the counter because I don’t agree with the company’s mission. As I walk away and go to pick up my kids he continues to chime in all the reasons why he won’t stamp my card and we go back and forth. This is on my daughters 4 year old birthday need I remind you. So I’m trying to de escalate the situation kind of flabbergasted by the guys approach to save a stamp, and I tell him to grow up and act like an adult rather than explain to him it’s my daughters birthday and she doesn’t need to get experience this he begins to tell me I can return the movies back now and just end it here as he’s waving the 3 dollars in my face. Long story short the bald headed guy behind the counter is the owner and he is as rude as he is ugly. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone with a clear head of conscience and doesn’t feel like being belittled for asking for a stamp. Tons of other places with legit reward systems for an honest, hardworking, loyal person like myself. Save yourself the trouble and the drive. Rent somewhere,...