Cafe Maggie — Restaurant in Tucson

Today I ordered tea, then sat in one of two available spaces on the couch at Cafe Maggie—directly onto a massive amount of human urine that was not my own. I was soaked through to my skin, and did not know what I’d sat in. Obviously, it was a very disgusting experience figuring out what liquid was completely covering the seat of my pants, along with my right hand. Being in a restaurant, I had not assumed it was human waste, but perhaps water, and you can imagine there was some amount of touching and smelling the liquid before I figured out what I’d sat in. The experience still horrifies me completely, and the staff member I spoke with was not immediately alarmed when I told them I sat in something terrible on the couch. I was told “that’s a bummer,” and so I went home to shower, and wash all my clothes. When I returned later, in search of an explanation, the staff had figured out what happened, and told me a man had been sleeping on the couch all day, and it was surely him that soiled the couch with his urine, which was surely what I’d sat in. I was apologized to, and refunded the cost of my tea, but the apology did not feel particularly effusive, urgent, or appropriate to the situation—more just probing for what kind of resolution I might be looking for. I was asked if I’d like anything else, in addition to the refund, and I replied that I would like to know if anything could be done to prevent something like this from happening in the future. Here, I was told that things like this can’t be predicted—and so left to infer that the answer was no, that sitting in a massive amount of human urine would not be able to be proactively avoided at Cafe Maggie. This was my experience, and obviously it was humiliating, unsanitary, disgusting, and not what I would ever expect when I order tea, and sit down in a restaurant.

Edit: I'm going to add the owner's response to me, which he provided on Yelp, and then my response to his response.

Chander V. (Business Owner) writes in response:

"I am truly sorry that this happened to you. however, the couches here are a light color, so if there is a spill of any sort it becomes visibly obvious. We have cleaned and sanitized that couch. again I am sorry this happened to you. in the almost 4 years I have had those couches this is the first time we have had an issue with some one wetting themselves and the couch. However, if you choose to sit in a puddle you do bear some responsibility for the result."

And my response to his response (from Yelp):

In response to Mr. Chander, who says that I bear some responsibility for the result of sitting in human urine at his establishment, I must add some information here, which is that the urine was cold, and so had obviously been sitting for some time without being noticed by another customer, or member of his staff. Given that no one noticed it, I think it is safe to say that the urine was not an obvious thing to notice, and given the time that the urine sat unnoticed (enough time to be colder than room temperature!), I think it is also safe to say that the urine had saturated into the couch, and was no longer a puddle (as he writes), but was sunken into the couch, and would look like nothing more than an old stain to the casual observer--an observer (who in my case) was carrying a piping hot tea, and not closely inspecting the area where he was about to sit.

Obviously, this is a terrible situation, and a disappointing response by the owner of Cafe Maggie, who has confirmed the facts of this story, without adding much other than reminding me that some of the responsibility is my own. And while I do agree that I am ultimately responsible for where I sit, I think that the general public is responsible for where they sit as well--and if they choose to sit in Cafe Maggie, they should know that they will be partially responsible for any urine they sit in--or are about to sit in--and so please make sure to check your seats carefully if you are about to have tea, or eat breakfast in...

I had a disappointing experience here today. The vibes are cute, local spot, art on the walls, and the food that was correct was good. But something like this ruins the whole experience. This was my first time coming here, living close by I wanted to love it and come back often in the future if I liked it.

I ordered the caprese sandwich, which is listed on the menu as made with mozzarella, and really, I've never seen it made with anything else in my life. Mozzarella is what makes it a caprese. It's my favorite type of sandwich/salad, and I often order it at Beyond Bread or Time Market. I decided to try Cafe Maggie's version, but it came out with swiss cheese on it instead of mozzarella. If you know anything about a caprese sandwich, mozzarella is kind of the star. Substituting swiss cheese is like putting swiss on a pizza in place of the mozzarella, or putting swiss In a lasagna instead of the ricotta. It's just not an appropriate substitute at all for a mild soft cheese. Mistakes happen, whatever, I spoke up and let them know politely, apologizing for "being a pain".

They said they'd remake it and make sure it was done correctly, that the chef didn't know the menu that well and made a mistake.. red flag already, and you think they'd double check the remake if that was the case. I asked for it to be boxed up. When I got home and opened my box for dinner... It's the same EXACT thing, made with swiss cheese, again! I know because I also took home the incorrectly made version to give to a family member that might eat it. I hate wasting food. I compared them and there's nothing different.

I just don't understand why they wouldn't tell me they were either out of mozzarella if that was the issue, or why the staff that brought me my boxed up sandwich didn't make sure it was made correctly the second time like they promised, especially if they were having issues with the check getting ingredients correct like they said.

I paid $11.50 for a tomato and swiss sandwich I don't want to eat, as if anyone would order that even if they did like swiss and pay that much for it. Real mozzarella is an expensive cheese, swiss is not. I felt ripped off and lied to by the staff after it happened the second time.

Just be honest with your customers if you can't make something according to the menu! Don't take their money and give them something totally different made with cheaper...

Short & Sweet Comfy, art-filled café on 4th Ave, perfect for a bite, local vibes, and supporting the community. Brewing coffee and connection in Tucson’s heart.

Longer Musings Café Maggie’s on 4th Ave is the kind of coffee shop that fits you like an old pair of denim—comfortable, worn-in, and ready for all the possibilities. Nestled just steps from the 4th Ave Streetcar and close to the University of Arizona, it’s got an effortless artsy vibe that just is what it’s meant to be—an authentic local spot.

Inside, rotating local art fills the walls, community event flyers are tucked along the windows, and a mutual aid water station outside speaks to the café’s dedication to supporting neighbors. It’s the kind of space where chance meetings birth creative change, where ideas flow as easily as the coffee, and revolutionary conversations stoke impassioned visions for tomorrow.

You’ll find me here on sunny afternoons with my favorite drink, an extra dirty hot chai latte- perfection! ☕️ 🥧 Their menu has something for everyone, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, have restrictions, or simply curious. Today I had the avocado toast and was pleasantly surprised to find they kept it simple and let the flavors speak for themselves! Not sure what to order? Just ask—the staff is as welcoming as the space itself.

With seating inside and out, nearby metered parking, and convenient options to pay with cash, card, or tap, Café Maggie’s makes grabbing a coffee or meal here easy. And don’t miss the people-watching! Located near the University and in the heart of historic 4th Ave, it’s perfect for a quick escape, gathering with friends, or just being...