Streetcar Cafe — Restaurant in New Orleans

Let me start with an incident that occurred today at Streetcar. Over the past two weeks, a colleague and I have been having breakfast here regularly—almost every day—and I’ve been leaving an 18% gratuity on the bill every alternate day. As someone from the hospitality industry myself, I value good service and understand the importance of tipping.

However, this morning, we were approached by a waitress who informed us that they no longer wished to serve us because we weren’t tipping every single day. While I fully support gratuities for good service, I strongly believe it should never be demanded or enforced by staff.

We politely explained our tipping pattern and the frequency of our visits, but the conversation quickly became awkward and uncomfortable, leaving us with no choice but to leave without having breakfast. This was extremely disappointing and, frankly, surprising behavior from a service establishment.

The unfortunate part is that the restaurant lost two regular customers and a source of consistent revenue—over a matter of a few dollars. To be clear, we were never unwilling to tip; we were simply doing so in a reasonable and appreciative manner. Forcing guests to tip removes the very spirit of hospitality and appreciation.

On a separate note, if I’m being honest, the food is average at best. What kept us coming back was convenience—not because we were particularly impressed.

Good luck, Streetcar. But this experience was enough for us to take our...

I went to Streetcar Cafe tonight at 8pm. The restaurant closes at 9pm. I was sat at a table I didn't particularly like and asked if I could sit on another side out of the way of an aisle. The waitress pointed her hand to another area but wasn't trying to lead me to a seat. It was very apparent that she wasn't interested in me being there as she also told they close at 9 pm around the same time. There were several tables with customers. It definitely rubbed me the wrong way. I ended up telling the waitress I would be ordering out since they close in an hour. A couple came in after me and the bartender told them they were only taking take outs. I've always experienced good customer service in New Orleans - this was not the case. If you want to discourage people from eating in your restaurant then just change the close time to being earlier - also give explanations (for all I know the kitchen gave you a message). I was only ordering beignets...I was extremely disappointed in the treatment, I won't be back and I will tell people about the experience. I'll just go on to Cafe Du Monde or somewhere else that offers beignets. I just didn't feel like the longer walk there.....Also, I've worked in the restaurant industry before and I understand that employees don't like staying longer, but there's a way to act...as I re-read my message, it doesn't sound rude, but trust me, the...

Was a little disappointed. We came here for brunch and the wait was only 45 minutes so well asked to get put on the list. They sat us pretty quickly but they put us at seats at the bar-- we didn't ask for the bar mind you, but we didn't mind sitting there. As soon as we sit, the bartender asks for our IDs. My friend just straight up asks, "for what?" as we didn't order any alcohol and we had just sat down. The bartender was quick to get an attitude over a simple question, "UM you're sitting at the BAR!" "We didn't ask to sit at the bar, you guys sat us here?" "I didn't sit you anywhere... I mean...This is still a bar??" She throws her hands up and says this to us in the snarkiest attitude and rudest tone of voice. Just that encounter alone ruined my experience. The bartender after seeing our IDs just served us like nothing happened. We just ordered food and tried to get out of there quickly. The restaurant itself felt really small and tight. It was hard to even get in my chair without being in somebody's way. I guess it is called Streetcar Cafe for a reason, but definitely no wiggle room. I ordered the French Toast and a side of bacon. It was okay, nothing amazing about it, but nothing to...