Alta Coffee — Restaurant in Newport Beach

May 11, 2014 - Mother's Day

I decided to go to Alta for a cup of Chai, WiFi, and some study time. The chai latte does not disappoint, so please try it. But I am writing this review because I received the WORST customer service of my life.

It's 1:00PM and Alta isn't crowded. Probably 60% full. i usher my friend from out of state to grab a table. I then turn to the barista to place my order. However I am rudely interrupted by a woman who seems to be the owner-- she's at least twice as old of the baristas and talked to me like she owned the place. Here's the dialogue:

Me: Hello! I'll have a-- Woman: EXCUSE ME! You have to check in! Me: Oh I'm sorry I'm ordering for the both of us right now. Woman: Are here for breakfast or coffee? Me: Just chai tea lattes Woman: Are you here to study? Me: Yes. Woman: You can't sit at the table. You have to sit at a smaller table.

I remained composed and just took it and said okay. There wasn't a line or any signs saying that there were Mother's Day reservations. There isn't even a sign that says, "Please be courteous and use the small tables if you can." Nothing.

The best part, all of the baristas dropped their jaws in complete shock. They were just as shocked as I was to have been so rudely treated and told that I couldn't sit at a particular table. Again, it wasn't crowded. It made no sense.

So I decide to just go outside if the inside tables are so precious. The woman followed me outside and, again, tells me that I could not sit at a particular table because it's too big for the two of us. I'm sorry, it's a sunny hot day and I want to sit in the shade.

I return inside and the baristas are talking amongst themselves in hushed tones about how the owner is treating me. I kindly ask to to-go my order because it's obvious I am not welcome to study here.

If you're going to boast being a quality Mom & Pop shop of Balboa Island, please come with the service! I have never been so disrespected. Said in the colloquial speak of Southern California, "I...

OH HELL NO! I AM NEVER GOING BACK.

I have been here couple of times, and was excited to show my friend this small coffee shop for the first time. Me and my friend came here to grab lunch and to catch up, asks the server if we can sit outside,

Girl server: do you want lunch? My friend: we just want some quick bites. Me: Can we sit outside? Girl server: so lunch? (With an attitude) Boy server: (out of no where in the rudest tone of voice) It's a YES or NO QUESTION.

WOW, EXCUSES ME!?, I said. Then turned around and left my ass.

I asked you a question as a customer and instead of answering my question you give me a series of smart remarks ? And tell my friend it's a yes or no question? That will be the worst customer service I have ever encountered. Never have a server ever offended me this much. I felt bullied by the two baristas, and all attention in the cafe was shifted to me and my friend. Everyone was looking, and wow, just wow. I am speechless at the attitude and sass presented at this place.

you can kiss my wallet goodbye ALTA or should I say ATITTUDE. THE RUDEST TWO SERVERS I HAVE EVER MET. Don't...

I have been a supporter of Alta for almost all of my adult life. My parents have been going to Alta for almost 20 years!! This place has been home to so many awesome memories... first dates, coffee with friends, family dinners, late night studying, you name it. Alta is or maybe WAS the cozy neighborhood coffee house.

HOWEVER, the past few times I have visited the vibe has changed quite a bit. I can't blame the staff or the owners, but the Newport demographic is definitely changing and the cozy and local vibes I used to cherish about this place are seemingly being hijacked by fussy and impatient customers demanding the posh and polished Newport dining experience. This place is NOT that. Alta is a place that locals have cherished and felt at home for years. You have to accept it for what it is. A tiny kitchen, tiny cafe, local and friendly staff that gets to know you. I hope Alta retains its awesome, coffeehouse culture. It is such a unique and sacred piece to...