PJ's Coffee — Restaurant in New Orleans

I normally don't like speaking negatively about PJ's due to the fact that I was a barista at different PJ's locations for 10 years, and even managed one at one point; however, today REALLY irritated me. When I placed my order at the speaker, I asked the barista what were their flavors of iced coffee, to which she responded, "We can add any flavor you want." To be more specific, I then asked, "What cold brew flavors do you have?" To which she responded, "I mean, we have like Southern Pecan..." Omg! So I then asked, "What seasonal flavor iced coffee do you have?" She had to put me on hold to go find out, and came back to tell me Santa's Brew and one other. I don't understand how she wouldn't know what flavors they have when they toddy the flavors themselves!

When I pulled up to pay, she asked if I would like to leave a tip, which I responded no, that's ok. I normally tip my baristas, but I wasn't tipping today because it was like pulling teeth to order my iced coffee. That's when I could tell that she had a change in attitude. She handed me the iced coffee, and the pastry, and the hot coffee. I then had to ask for half and half and sugar. She came back with one creamer. I asked for another because...one creamer? She comes back to tell me that they are out of cream. How are you out of cream? You may be out of creamer packs, but I'm sure there's half and half in the fridge. I then had to ask for a stirrer and a straw, because I'm guessing that we were supposed to stir in the sugar with our fingers. At this point I can see that she's annoyed, but I can't get these things myself because I'm in the drive-thru; though, I'm pretty sure it was all about me not leaving a tip. My mother and sister are regulars at this location, and told me that this barista is always quick to put customers on the spot about leaving a tip. In all my years of working for PJ's, I never felt bold enough to ask customers if they wanted to leave me a tip...it's entitled, and it seems those who don't tip get treated with worse service. It wasn't as if I asked for anything outlandish; I asked for basic cream, sugar, and a straw and stirrer for coffee ordered at a COFFEE...

Usually a decent experience. The owners seem to try really hard to be available for customers and their experience. However sometimes there are mistakes/missing items if you get a decent sized order. Called this morning to place an order over the phone since DoorDash wanted me to pick up at a different location and I wanted this location. The barista that answered the phone told me “we don’t do that” and “can’t you just order when you come in”. I told her nevermind as I was running late this morning and the 5 minutes would have saved me....and gained them at least $35+. I don’t feel like it would have hurt to jot down what I wanted quickly and mentioned they don’t normally do this. Unfortunately this location lost a family full of good customers today because someone didn’t want to take 10 seconds to provide us with a good experience.

Three stars because there normally isn’t huge issues and the owners are very nice and...

If you’re a coffee drinker, you need to check this place out and get yourself a delicious cup of New Orleans coffee and a pastry. If you’re not a coffee drinker, you need to drop by and get yourself a cup of tea and a sweet treat. You can also purchase gift items and packaged coffee; pods, beans, and grounds. Whatever the reason or no reason at all, come on by and get the absolute best service and goods in the city!

Food: Hot coffee, frappe, specialty brew, king cake, and blueberry muffin…YUMMY!!!!

Service: IMPECCABLE!!! Quality, welcoming, professional, friendly, top notch customer service.

Atmosphere: Exterior - clean and well kept grounds, Interior - meticulous, well lit, spacious, and positive vibes, Restroom - super neat and very clean

If you’re in the area, drop by, say hi and grab a cup of coffee ☕️ 😊. If you’re not in the area, put it on your to-do list and then in your GPS…you won’t...