CupSoul Cafe — Restaurant in New York

I have been going to CupSoul Cafe at 165 Third Ave a few times a month, past year or so.

On Sunday, November 3rd, at about 1130am, I walked in and asked if I could use the rest room. The gentleman behind the counter said I needed to purchase something and the combo for the rest room would be on the receipt. I let the person know that I was a regular customer and I just wanted to use the rest room for a minute. He said it didn't matter I had to purchase something.

I then went over to the other gentleman behind the counter and was told the same thing. I asked if it was worth loosing a customer over this and his actions told me that he didn't care.

I am a 71 year old, well dressed (at least I think so) individual who simply wanted to use the rest room for a minute. Not only was my request refused, but the negative, non caring attitude of both people behind the counter was the opposite of good customer service.

I understand and difficult situation retail establishments grapple with about the use of their facilities. I get it, but the attitude that both coworkers displayed left me with such a bad feeling - I felt bullied. They just didn't care, weren't empathetic, and questioned my honesty about being a customer - I will never go to CupSoul again and I urge others, of all ages, follow my lead. There are plenty of alternatives for coffee within...

It used to be very difficult, almost impossible, to find an espresso in NYC, let alone a good one. Now you can have one in any coffeshop. But it’s very expensive… actually coffee in general in NYC is very expensive. That’s a fact but it’s a standard so there’s not much to do about it, I guess. Another standard is that clerks always assume we will leave with our coffee and they serve it in a paper cup without asking. Paper cups are good when you want to walk with you coffee but when you want to sit and relax having a coffee, you should be able to get a real cup: it’s nicer and that means less waste. Cupsoul is no exception, they serve good coffee but they serve it in a paper cup, unfortunately… and it’s expensive, about $15 for 3 coffees… I didn’t have any pastry but I saw that pastries are expensive too… but again that’s a standard. Pretty chill atmosphere inside, at least.

Quality & taste: 8/10 Quantities: 7/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Originality: 5/10 Ratio price / quality: 6/10 Service: 6/10 How I felt afterwards: 6/10

More on IG...

I was really in the mood for a matcha latte, being a huge matcha lover and having tried countless versions across the city. The ambiance when I entered this place was great, but oh boy, the matcha latte here was a major disappointment. It was a water-like drink with barely any flavor. I'd honestly prefer Starbucks because at least they have consistent recipes. I ended up tossing out the latte after just a few sips, wondering how on earth it cost me $8.

To add to the disappointment, I noticed an employee cleaning by spraying Windex directly on the open glass where food was sitting. It's common sense that chemical particles are going to end up on the food! And to top it off, the clerk handling muffins with bare hands—did she even wash them? I highly doubt it.

Am I planning to return? Absolutely not. This experience was a letdown on multiple levels, and I'll be sticking to places that prioritize both taste and hygiene...