Gigi's Cafe — Restaurant in Minneapolis

My first ten minutes here was awkward and uncomfortable due to a really weird incident between my friend and the staff. The two staff we interacted with at first were really crabby and unfriendly and for some reason decided to use that emotion to be rude to us when my friend needed a water glass and being really short with us while we ordered and unnecessarily confrontational. I had to walk away but my friend commented on their crabbiness because it was so evident that they were just taking something out on him for some reason.

However, the manager (I think) saw part of the exchange and took over helping us from that point on. She apologized immediately on their behalf, told us their behavior was uncalled for, made sure our food was delivered quickly, and even gave us a free slice of delicious key lime pie. She went out of her way to make sure the rest of experience was not only comfortable but that it exceeded our expectations.

The food was excellent, but if we hadn’t had the nicer staff person step in and make up for (an honestly small infraction in my Minnesotan opinion) the rudeness, I wouldn’t be coming back. But since the manager stepped in and showed that she cared and would be taking action to remedy the issue, I know that I can comfortably return, and I will.

Issues like rudeness and being unkind happen every day and most people ignore it or sweep it under the rug. I would’ve walked away and felt uncomfortable but I think that it wouldn’t have solved anything. Speaking up and noticing when things don’t go as expected needs to be the new norm.

Minnesota nice isn’t turning your back or ignoring the problem and hoping it goes away, it’s stepping in and making a positive change. It’s admitting when you were wrong and doing something about it. Thank you, manager at Gigi’s, for stepping up and going above and beyond to not only make sure the customers were greatly kindly, but that we as people were treated with...

Some of the food is a hit or miss. Some flavors are weird combos or too "earthy" and taste odd, while some thing on the menu are fantastic. Example being that hot honey chicken sandwich...soo good. Or the garlic chive scone is a must have before they're gone! Other things on the menu are just kind of weird. All the soup is a pureé, and the chili was a disappointing soupy thing - but maybe that's just the way they make it? Maybe I'm just used to a hearty chili that's more stew-like and less brothy-watery? It's okay and I'd eat it again, but not what I expected a chili to be.

However, I'm writing a new review as I find the new seating arrangement to be really weird. It's very confusing. Apparently it's assigned seating, but still am just given a number to sit sort of wherever, or some times I'm just pointed to a general area to be seated - very rarely am I actually assigned a seat. Walking in feels aggressive when there's a particular women working, immediately asking if you're dining in, way too antsy to seat you somewhere. I also over heard they are planning on making people who are only ordering coffee to sit at the bar? Seems kind of lame for a cafe to be basically put in a corner at a bar. Makes me want to not sit down for a coffee there if I can't choose where to sit and enjoy my coffee and do some light work on my ipad or draw. I also hate sitting on stools and would prefer a table and chair.

Seems really strict and unfriendly with all these new seating rules. Someone there is too excited about this seating thing, but it feels poorly implemented.

Just be a cafe, let people sit...

I offered this feedback privately via an email to Gigi's to give them the benefit of the doubt that it was an off day, but I didn't get a response. I was excited to find a space for co-working where we could also get lunch within walking distance of my house. I also love that they have options to accommodate my dairy allergy and fill the walls with local art.

The last time I visited, it was casual, seat yourself, with encouragement to linger. This was not the case during my more recent visit. The space was empty, so we moved to a larger table (the two top was tight for the two of us + laptops). We were told an artist was coming soon to hang art and the place would be filling up. While there was still plenty of table space as the lunch crowd came in, we were told we would need to move to the coffee bar even though we were planning to purchase lunch. We opted to leave and not spend more money.

The manager had a really uncomfortable energy that they carried with them throughout the cafe. It made for a really disappointing and unwelcoming experience. The assigned seating was weird, especially since you still needed to go to the counter to order. Even the new signage does not seem like a place to linger despite the board game and community table events. I miss the former vibe of Gigi’s and don’t plan to be back while that manager is running the show.

The other employees were lovely and brought calmer, more welcoming energy. My friend said the scone she ordered was the best scone she had ever had, and I've enjoyed the food and coffee I've ordered...