The Society Cafe — Restaurant in Portland

BUSINESS STOLE OUR MONEY: We did not receive the product, were promised a refund multiple times, and their management is not available

I RARELY write negative reviews but I would caution anyone coming here and would not recommend anyone to go here. It was a seemingly pleasant experience at first, but now, months later, we're out $60 with no received items and we continue to get the runaround by everyone we've spoken to at this location.

We came here on January 4, a little after 9pm, as a tour guide recommended the stop. When we entered, it was a beautifully decorated cafe that shared space with the lobby check in for the hotel that shares the same space. We went to the cashier/bartender (Max) and ordered 2 espresso martinis and a mocktail. The total came out to $40 and we added a $20 tip. One espresso martini came out, and about 10 minutes later, the 2nd espresso martini came out. Then we waited - 20 minutes passed, 30 minutes passed, no mocktail for our third friend. We of course were waiting for her drink to arrive before we could enjoy ours. At that point, we were close to maybe 10pm and still hadn't received the 3rd drink. We decided to just leave at that point since we were disappointed in how long it took. We went to the lobby to let Max know that we'd just like a refund and if he could just process it so we can head out. That process also took about another 10-15 minutes since he was having to multitask between training the new hire and process the refund at the cafe. He mentioned the system was having an error and would take care of it.

By January 9th, the refund had not yet processed and we were already back in California. We called again, and spoke with Max. He seemed genuinely apologetic, happy that we called back, and admitted it wasn't his best professionally. He was training a new hire on staff that needed help at the hotel lobby and it was apparently a time-sensitive issue that a woman was having because she was scared about losing her money since she booked a hotel room through a 3rd party company. He was very kind and said he would escalate to management if he didn't see the refund in 5 days.

By February 12th, the refund had not processed yet, so we called back yet again. We spoke to the front desk and they attempted to look up the transaction but was unable to do so because it was over 30 days. They left our phone number to provide to a manager to contact us back, but that never happened.

As of March 14th (today), the refund STILL hasn't been processed. We were told that - the manager who he needs to speak to is Brittany, who is on conveniently on leave for 2 weeks.

The people that run this cafe are crooked. If you need a refund, do not leave unless you receive verification (like a refund receipt or any other detail)- as that was our mistake. We have attempted to file a claim with the bank, but they are unable to process a full refund since we made that mistake of not requesting the refund documentation before we left, since we trusted this business to be honest.

NOT RECOMMENDED UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR...

I wanted a coffee at 9 pm and honestly wasn't expecting much as I walked there. What a wonderful surprise. The barista was personable, knowledgeable, and kind.

The atmosphere is warm and relaxing

I ordered a Pisces iced and a hot mocha, and they were both amazing. However, I have to say the iced Pisces was my favorite.

Making this place even better is that the owners mother does all the baking she makes cookies, fudge, and a few others.

Nothing compares to treats made by mom

I honestly can not reco.mend this place enough

Go check it out. I promise you will love it as well (unless you have poor taste and there's nothing I can do about that)

I just noticed people complaining about the neighborhood instead of praising these people for being a part of the rrevitalization of downtown. As an owner of loft that is not far from here, I welcome it and am grateful to them for having the vision to open here

Yes, there are a lot of characters here. If you're uncomfortable, you need to stay...

Leaving Portland this day. I placed an order with the staff Jayden, an avocado toast and Americano to go, before checking out the hotel. Then I picked up my luggage upstairs and asked the front desk to print out a copy for me while waiting for my order. 15 mins later, my order was still not ready. The girl asked my name and gave me the coffee, however, the guy Jayden still needed another 10-15 minutes to make an avocado toast.

I was rushed to the airport and asked them to cancel the avocado toast. They refused to give me a refund. "If your name is put down, someone will make it for you!" the girl said. I agree, but the order took a 30-minute waiting period, which was not valuable for my time.

Congrates! You earned $10 tips without a great service but lost your reputation and loyalty from customers. And I wish you guys could be nicer because that might be someone's last day in Portland, we don't deserve a bad day from...