Blue Hippo Coffee Co. — Restaurant in Verona

3 1/2 stars

There's a lot to like here. Blue Hippo is in a convenient location with ample street parking (definitely helps this time of year when the parking meters are covered up for the holidays), with a very chill, almost ski lodge-like atmosphere and an impressive menu with numerous coffee and brunch options. The food was really solid, as was the coffee. Unfortunately, what should have been a slam dunk, universally positive experience was marred by the service. It's certainly something that can be remedied going forward, but in the moment dampened my enthusiasm for this place.

My noble chum and I stopped by yesterday morning for brunch. From my brief recon, it seemed like the first register closer to the door was more for to-go coffee orders so I went over to the second register that had the food-centric menu right above it. After several minutes of being ignored, the girl behind the counter (who was moving around and assisting other customers as well, to be fair) finally asked if I intended to have a sit-down meal. When I said yes, she told me to sit down and she'd be with me shortly, which she was. But Blue Hippo should definitely consider getting some extra signage making it clear which register(s) to order from to avoid unnecessary confusion.

I ordered the Classic Egg Sammy ($9) with sausage (extra $2.50), along with an almond croissant (around $4) and a blueberry latte (about $5). I initially requested a strawberry latte based on a syrup flavor sign at the counter, but was told they didn't have any. That obviously happens, but there's no reason why the sign (which was handwritten) couldn't have been modified accordingly to confirm an accurate inventory. Not a huge deal but was one of several issues that could have been tightened up a bit. The Sammy was good, with a solid distribution of egg, cheese and sausage, but could have used a bit more flavoring. I rarely go near the table shakers, but I did sprinkle some pepper on the sandwich for some necessary seasoning. The latte and croissant were both very good, the blueberry flavor not being overwhelming, and I'd have no issue ordering them again on a subsequent visit. Beyond that, the price point seemed reasonable for the area.

As alluded to, the service was very mediocre. I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt and assume this was lack of experience/training more than a waitress having a bad day, but in contrast to everything else it was pretty glaring. The waitress wasn't just sitting around on her phone - she was busy during our entire time there, constantly moving around from the counter and the various tables, but she wasn't efficient at all. For example, we had the check ready for payment for several minutes, the credit card in prominent view. The waitress walked by several times with a free hand, and never bothered to pick it up - there was no multi-tasking to be seen, which anyone in the service industry would tell you is an absolute necessity. Beyond that, she wasn't very friendly. During my initial three minutes at the register, she made eye contact with me several times and never bothered to quickly say something like, 'I'll be right with you," which gave the appearance that I was intentionally being ignored (which I doubt I was). Little courtesies like that go a long way. She also never said thank you to us. We're not sensitive little snowflakes who need massive TLC when we go out to eat, but it would be nice to feel a little welcomed. Hopefully she gets a primer on interacting with the customers and increasing the turnaround time of various meal milestones (taking the orders, getting the check, etc.).

One employee doesn't necessarily make or break a restaurant, but I hope their overall staff is better than what we witnessed yesterday. I'd be more inclined to get my next...

Do yourself a favor, skip the huevos rancheros and the pimento sandwich. Taste and texture do not leave you satisfied. Coffee is extremely bitter. Donuts are seriously nothing to write home about. There are pecans in the overnight oats despite no warning on the menu - almost killed my husband. Not clean - crumbs everywhere. Silverware, napkins, and trash cans are difficult to find. Worst yet - the back patio is overwhelmed by the distinct smell of swiffer cleaning wipes - not a flavor booster.

UPDATE WITH MESSAGE TO THE OWNER AFTER REPLY: I'm sorry my review is disappointing - you have plenty of other positive reviews, and I felt it was important to include my own perspective so future patrons have an idea of what to potentially expect. My husband and I were very excited to try your restaurant only to feel let down by the experience - hopefully these comments would help give you the chance to improve. Regarding the menu - I went back and checked and none of the menus you have posted online, nor the menu in the store, mention that there is pecans in the overnight oats. I have attached pictures. If this is something you really take seriously then I would urge you to edit your published menus to be clear. And I honestly hope you will take the feedback on board regarding the accessibility of silverware, napkins, and trash cans. Regarding the swiffer smell - I wasn't sure if it was actually coming from your premises or from a neighboring premises. I was speaking to the general conditions of the atmosphere. If not from your premises, perhaps you'll choose to speak with your neighbors about it. If from your premises - I would hope you would consider the suggestion of using an alternative...

I have been here a couple times for coffee, but was a little disappointed in the customer service at my last visit. In fairness it was oddly busy for a mid morning Wednesday and short staffed. There seemed to be one person tied up at the counter and one taking care of the tables. I think the staff could benefit from some additional help and coaching. I walked in as a bunch of people walked in. Despite there clearly being a sign that says wait to be seated the family in front of me just sat down at one of the back tables and were given menus right after doing so. Seeing this, I also sat down at a high top by myself, but I was not offered a menu and after a few minutes I just grabbed one myself. I waited another 15 mins and no one came to take my order, so I just got up and ordered. The person at the counter took my drink order and said she would bring it over and come over to take my food order. Another 15 mins - 20 mins go by and she didn’t come by so I finally gave up and just ordered everything at the counter. The food was good, which is why I am giving 3 stars versus 2.

I have noticed a couple of posts stating that the service isn’t great if you come in by yourself. I noticed a similar thing happen to someone who came in after me. I think for the future it would be nice to be acknowledged and be offered a menu or asked if you will be getting food to avoid confusion. I am not quite sure what the difference of a family coming in versus a single person is. I would have ordered, tipped, etc. I am hoping they will take this feedback and I will have a better experience...