Dottie's Coffee Lounge — Restaurant in Pittsfield

I have frequented Dottie's for over 5 years, mostly due to its convenient location near my workplace. In that time, I’ve bought large orders of drinks and breakfast items for my colleagues on multiple occasions, and while the lattes are decent, my experience has become increasingly disappointing.

One issue has been with the accuracy of online orders. On one occasion, I had placed an order for pick up and when I arrived at the designated time that was listed when the order would be ready, I inquired where my order was since I did not see it. They told me they never received the order. Thankfully, I had taken a screenshot of my order confirmation with details of my order listed and that I had already paid. After that, I have been weary of their online ordering process. On two separate occasions, I ordered drinks online, and both times, I received the wrong items despite confirming the order details. I let those three situations slide because mistakes happen, but more recently, I was charged full price for a breakfast bowl even though it didn’t come with the avocado that was supposed to be included. I understand that supplies can be limited, so I also let that go as well since it wasn’t worth making a fuss over at the time.

However, what really soured my experience yesterday was the service. I met a dear friend for brunch and ordered most items for dine-in, with a couple of to-go items. When nearly all of our items arrived at the table (including the to-go ones), the only thing missing was my friend's drink. So, my friend was worried that they might have missed her drink. I went and asked the barista if there was a drink for "table 28" in process, but instead of a professional response, she shot back in an exasperated tone saying, “Well, it would be easier if I knew what the drink actually was.” I didn’t know the drink that my friend had ordered, so I went back to my friend to check before inquiring further. The barista, who I have never seen before, did eventually confirm that the drink would be coming shortly. However, it was the rude attitude that really bothered me; there was no reason for her to be so antagonistic over a simple question.

Over the years, I’ve found that the menu items are limited and overpriced, but I’ve tolerated it because of the convenience and familiarity. However, given the repeated errors with orders and now the rude service, I won’t be returning anytime soon. There are better cafes out there where the food is fresh, with seasonal items that are also locally sourced and service far more exemplary than what has been experienced here. I recommend those who are visiting the area to...

No customer service! Went on Sunday We looked over the menu, decided what we wanted, you have to get on line to place your order. 3 of us decided on waffles and sausage. And went to find seats. The other 3 stayed in line to place the order. One of them came and got us, there were no waffles they sold out one of the kids wanted to know if they could get chicken tenders they didn't have them. I ordered a grilled bagel and explain to the girl how to prepare it. It came out lightly toasted no butter at all. The girl that brought out the food dropped the pile of napkins and forks on the table and said here's your silverware I had to stop her and ask her for a knife and some jelly. One of us wanted a muffin it was a half a muffin for $3.12. What a joke. We did wind up getting the sausage me with my bagel her with her muffin the other one just had a sausage. So she says to me Grammy can I get maple syrup to dip in my sausage in. So I went up front to ask somebody for some syrup and the only person available was the barista so I asked her if I could get some maple syrup and then she asked me what I wanted it for and I explained it to her. And then she explained to me that there's an upcharge which I didn't have any problem with I told her but she said I had to get in line in order to get it. So I walked back to the table to get my purse because there was only one person in line at that time I come back with my purse and there's eight people in line so I asked the waitress if she could get it for me and I would give her the money and she said no she couldn't that I had to wait in that line. So I asked her you you want me to wait in that line after you just served my food just to get maple syrup she said yeah and there's an upcharge never mention the price and I said I don't mind I don't care what it costs I just wanted to bring it to my granddaughter why her food was still warm. And she didn't want to hear it so I turned and said to her that we would not be back. I never got the maple syrup either the three women employees that I encountered their we're all very rude and had no customer service experience to offer. There was one very nice guy that was waiting tables but unfortunately not ours. He was the one of the only positive thing I experienced, other than they allowed dogs inside the Restaurant. Save your money. They run it like a McDonalds. It's not like a real sit down place and get waited on....

I usually don’t leave reviews like this, but I can’t stay silent about the way we were treated at this coffee shop. I visited with a group of close friends — seven of us in total, all international students and professionals. Some of us are senior software developers earning six-figure salaries, others serve in healthcare and involved in academic research. We had just returned from a vacation and stopped here for breakfast, expecting a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

The food was good, and the ambiance seemed nice at first — but that all faded quickly because of how we were treated. From the moment we walked in, something felt off. While other customers were served properly, we were all given paper cups for our drinks, including my cappuccino. It may sound small, but when you see everyone else being treated with more care, it makes you wonder why you’re being singled out.

We speak fluent English. We’ve all passed the TOEFL exam. We are respectful, educated individuals who simply wanted to enjoy a meal. But somehow, we were made to feel like outsiders — like we didn’t belong. When we asked politely why we were treated differently, there was no explanation. Just a quiet, awkward apology and $20 off our bill — as if that could make up for the hurt we felt.

It may have been just breakfast for them, but for us, it became a painful reminder that no matter how hard we work, how accomplished we are, or how respectfully we carry ourselves, we can still be made to feel invisible.

This experience left a bitter taste that no good food can wash away. I hope the management truly reflects on how they treat people. HUMANITY FILLS HEART, even if you fail to fill the stomach with tasty food. Please make a copy of paint board with this quote ,in the restaurant....