I never write Google reviews but I felt compelled to after the terrible experience I just had in this establishment.

An older woman sat down next to my friend and me. As a nurse, I quickly noticed she was showing signs of early dementia, repeatedly asking the same questions. I'd point it out to my friend to confirm we both heard the same thing. Encountering patients with dementia is not unusual for me—in fact, my own great-grandmother had dementia before she passed—nor is it something I find amusing. Regardless, neither of us would ever find dementia funny or make fun of someone who is ill.

The friend I was with is a close friend of many years. We spent the afternoon working and catching up because he was visiting from Cali. It’s normal for us (or any friends) to laugh with one another. We shared memes, talked about our lives, and made fun of each other like close friends do all afternoon, but apparently you can’t laugh in this establishment without being accused of mocking other patrons.

After the woman left, the barista approached us with piercing eyes, a condescending tone, and an openly confrontational stance, saying, “Just so you know, that woman has dementia.” Bewildered by the sudden hostility, I simply nodded in silence. However, she went on to accuse us of laughing at the woman and making fun of her, to which I calmly explained that we were not. Unmoved, she scoffed, rolled her eyes, and walked away. For the rest of our time there, she made us feel like the scum of the earth (we were seated directly in front of her at the bar). At one point, she was wiping down the counter, and my friend politely said, “Oh, sorry,” and moved his laptop to give her space, but she outright ignored him.

I would never take the time to write such a lengthy review if we’d actually done something wrong. But we did nothing more than sit, laugh, and catch up with an old friend at a cafe. As someone who has chosen a career dedicated to caring for the sick, I couldn’t find humor in their struggles even if I tried. In fact, we were texting each other how bad we felt for the lady and I can provide screenshots if needed.

To the Asian woman with two braids working the afternoon shift on 11/12/2024: while I understand your perspective, I encourage you to assess the situation fully or give the benefit of the doubt before you jump to conclusions and berate a customer. It was inappropriate and unprofessional. Someone with such a confrontational temperament should not be working in customer-facing roles.

I’m a small foodie content creator on TIkTok (this is a throwaway account in case she is vindictive), and it’s safe to say I will not be coming here again, nor will I recommend it to anyone—In fact, I will be doing the opposite.

P.S. The fact that she had her bf/husband (she called him “Love”) sit in the cafe all day with two (very hyper) tiny dogs that were clearly not service animals was also very concerning. If I’m not wrong, live animals are not allowed in any indoor food establishments in NYC.

P.P.S. For anyone reading this, Under Pressure Coffee down the street has MUCH better coffee, better selection of food, and way friendlier staff. Plenty of seating (indoor/outdoor) with outlets as well. Highly recommended!