Lured me in, took my money, then was effectively asked to leave.
I discovered this place while looking for a cafe that would be open as late as possible, as I had a long night of work ahead of me and needed coffee somewhere that didn't have all the distractions of home. This is a very normal thing, and I see many of us doing it in cafes all the time. This specific location is open until 11 during the week, so it seemed like a perfect spot.
Upon arrival, I read the various signage on the door. Notices about changing hours and the like, and nothing that affected me this evening, so I went inside. For a cafe, this places is extremely loud. Most of this is due to the height of the small room coupled with the classic Chicago copper top ceiling tiles, but it's definitely exacerbated by the way-too-loud music and the tipsy people yelling over it. This place is far more bar than cafe, though they did appear to be offering a full cafe menu.
There were many seats & tables available, as it was a weeknight and after 9pm. I ordered a cardamom rose latte, which ended up being DELICIOUS. While waiting for my drink, I set up in a remote dark corner away from most everyone, and opened my laptop.
Within minutes I was set upon by a staff member who informed me of a "No laptops past 7PM" policy. This seemed bizarre, and I've never experienced this anywhere in my many, many years of working remotely, especially not in a place which calls itself a cafe. I apologized, and let them know I wouldn't have caused this scene had I known, and perhaps a sign on the door would be a good idea, as it would have kept me from even coming inside.
The staff member was pleasant and apologetic, and said he himself had suggested the sign, but it was shot down. Very odd, as there were (as I had mentioned before) other signs posted on the door. I suspect this is to lure people in and get some money from them before telling them they can't work in there and hope they stay for some more drinks anyway, whereas letting them know up front results in fewer sales. Clever racket, but comes eerily close to bait-and-switch. I was, at least, offered the option of a refund or a to-go cup. That seems like very cordial compensation, except the option of "put the laptop away and enjoy your stay here" was very obviously missing. I cannot determine why I was being treated this way. I looked as well-kempt as the rest of the patrons; I was not dressed in some offensive manner. . .they just decided I was not wanted there. I was at least given a coupon for a free drink, which is nice and all, but I'm not sure when I'd ever be back. The only reason I had gone there to begin with was that it claimed to be a late-night cafe; I have many other cafes closer to me that are perfectly fine, and this one has already made it clear I'm not wanted there.
After all of this was squared away, I STILL didn't have my drink. I had to then hang around awkwardly after everyone knew I had been asked to leave. It was terribly embarrassing.
It's great that we live in a place where we're allowed to choose the amenities we personally want our businesses to provide, but it becomes problematic when we lure people in with the assumption of amenities, take their money, and then let them know they were wrong. If you want to be a bar, that's great, but call yourself a bar. If you don't want people on their phones or laptops, that's your prerogative, but throw a small sign up, as Violet Hour does. Heck, turn the wifi off after 7, as Cafe Mustache does (they also have signage). Do SOMETHING. Don't just lure people in, take their money and then tell them if they want to be productive they'll have to leave. read more