Rook Cafe — Restaurant in New Orleans

I typically do not post reviews but my experience today really rubbed me the wrong way. For context, I have been a patron of the rook cafe for over two years and have visited the coffee shop at least 25+ times. Typically, when I come in I find a table (as they are sometimes limited) and then go to the counter to place my order. However, today I sat down to do a little work prior to placing my order and the barista (who I believe may be the owner) walked over to my table to clarify that the wifi is free but only to paying customers. No big deal, I completely get it. However, when I reassured her that I planned to order a drink in about an hour, she legitimately acted as though I was taking advantage of her business and told me it was "not cool" that I would come in and use the wifi without ordering something. I went on to explain that I have never come in and not placed an order only for her to respond "except today" and then proceed to walk away. To be clear, I completely understand having a policy for wifi only being available to paying customers and don't even mind that she felt compelled to remind me (I can't reasonably expect that she would recognize me as a repeat customer). That said, the way she spoke to me and overall dissatisfaction with the timing of my purchase was very off putting. I have high speed wifi at my house and my phone is an unlimited hotspot so I can assure you that I would not travel to your coffee shop just to use your internet. I come in for a change of scenery (I work from home all week) and to enjoy a caffeinated beverage. Also, fun fact: your wifi expenses are the same whether I purchase something the second I walk through the door, an hour and a half after I arrive or if I don't come in at all. Unfortunately, after today's interaction, I likely won't be back. Just a friendly reminder that it's not what you say, but...

Alleged “owner” doesn’t know how to approach customers.

I sat myself near the door for ab 30 minutes at my local cafe so that I could access locked funds being that I don’t have WiFi in my new apartment at the moment. In the middle of me being in contact with customer service (after waiting the approximate 30 minutes to get through to someone), a tired blonde woman tells me that I can’t have outside food or drink and that I’d have to leave if I didn’t make a purchase with a very stale attitude.

I had a half full bottle of water.

I didn’t care to explain my situation to her because she already looked like she wanted me out and I wasn’t investing in anyone’s business that speaks to anyone that way.

I told her that she needs to adjust her approach and not to speak to me the way that she did.

Her: “Well how would you suggest I do it?” Me: “Like you want me to spend money.” Her: Performitively changes her tone with a sarcastic smile and holding back obvious discomfort Me: “There you go, that’s much better. Practice that.” Her: “I hope to see you next time.” Me: “You won’t.”

As I said before, I wasn’t explaining my situation to her based off of how she spoke to me and the way this “owner” approached me was not in care or consideration of the guest or business she claims to want to stay afloat.

It’s too early in the morning for that in such a beautiful city; her character bled through her shortcomings to self proclaim that she is in a position of leadership.

I’ll happily accept a free pastry to forgive such an avoidable (through training and self reflection) experience. 😇 I hope that she continues to put the technique I showed her into practice for...

I would come to this cafe at least twice a week to get work done and I truly enjoyed the vibe/atmosphere. Usually when I come into the cafe I order a black iced coffee with the ice coffee cubes. On May 8th at 9:30AM I went into the cafe and I sat down before ordering anything. The reason I sat down first is because I needed to submit something before I missed the deadline. My intentions were to sit down submit my assignment and then order my black coffee. I was seated for maybe 2 minutes and this white lady with pink, blue, and black hair (the owner) came to me and said, “Let me know when you’re ready to order. Seats are only for paying customers.” I responded with, “Okay, I will.” Maybe 2 more minutes went by and she decided to shut off the WiFi while I was working. My intentions were to buy something but in a few minutes. I literally buy something every time I step foot into the cafe. I asked her if she cut off the WiFi and she proceeded to call me a free loader. I explained to her I come into the coffee shop multiple times a week and purchase something every time. This time wasn’t going to be any different. She had a nasty attitude and was extremely rude. I felt racially profiled by her actions and the names she called me. The things she was saying were very aggressive and extremely racist. I will never go back to this establishment after that experience. I literally come to the cafe all the time and I do not bother anyone. She went out her way to single me out and cause an issue. And honestly the coffee...