Black Dog Restaurant

Doesn't Recommend

MaggieShriver

Joined 2 years ago

Good Coffee; Rude Staff and Management. The customer service is poor. They do demand a minimum purchase with VISA/Mastercard purchases, which is probably a violation of their merchant agreement. Like Katy0345, I did have an unsatisfactory experience there recently. Specifically, I ordered a large plain (12 oz) Thai Coffee, which is delicious chilled coffee beverage. However, at the staff's suggestion, they "iced" it for me, which resulted in not 12 oz of delicious coffee, but rather a 4 oz beverage with the remainder consisting of gigantic ice cubes. For a $4.05 coffee beverage, that is an unacceptable reduction in value for the customer. When I complained, I was treated with derisive smirks and petulant sighs by staff and management. Fortunately, another customer, probably a regular, intervened and to the Black Dog's credit, they did replace my beverage with a regular Thai Coffee, un-"iced".

Doesn't Recommend

Katy0345

Joined 2 years ago

Terrible Customer Service. We went to the Black Dog for the first time during a Sunday Farmer's Market. I ordered the "Black Dog Chai" as the menu said it was "delicious" and I love Chai!

However, the Chai was horribly spicy! I couldn't even drink it because it was burning my throat so badly! My husband went in to ask them to make me something else (I rarely return things at a restaurant, but this was undrinkable!) AND THEY REFUSED! Instead they added more milk, which helped a little, but it was still way, way too spicy.

The menu said nothing about it being a spicy drink, and of course I'm not used to asking if my Latte's are spicy!

We definitely won't be going back because of the poor customer service, we'll pick up coffee on the way or buy some inside the market!

Recommends

eccentricafterglow

Joined 3 years ago

Boring food, good atmosphere.... I went here on a quiet Saturday night and ordered a turkey sandwich - it wasn't anything to write home about or maybe I just chose a boring sandwich. Maybe this place is more for coffee and other things.

The ambiance was great though. I can see myself coming here and doing some work. It was quiet and there were a lot of tables... and the staff seemed friendly and knowledgeable...

Recommends

CelineA

Joined 5 years ago

Because we need black dogs. The food is nice, the people are nice, the music is often great and the feel of friendship and freedom are pretty smashing in times dominated by super controled factory type food places. It doesn't try to be what it isn't, no false hipmania, no bourgeois heavyness either. Places like the Black Dog show that there could still be a life after all the George W. alined, a place full of the values that made us who we are.

And check the pizzas and the french limonade for loon sake !!!

Recommends

nathan3e

Joined 6 years ago

It is what it is, and it is great.. The one star review below is hilarious although it clearly is not meant to be. Apparently, the freelance writer went to the Black Dog ?at least 2 times a week? despite the rude staff, bad artwork, flies, dirty tables, and sub-par coffee and food. The freelance writer also brought people who were previously unaware of this bad food and bad art. How magnanimous can one get! Call me a skeptic, but I find this narrative a wee bit difficult to believe. We have been to the Black Dog 100 times if we have been there once, and we have never encountered the conditions described. We are currently eating a Black Dog take out cheese pizza that is quite tasty thank you. The staff will never be confused with Patrick?s French Bakery, but you are not paying $2.50 for a scone are you? Does anyone going to a cafe in Lowertown really need to be patted on the head by the staff? The rough-around-the-edges aspect is part of the allure; it certainly appeals to our children, who prefer this to any other food establishment. And anyone claiming the art on display is bad shows only that they know nothing at all about art. The Black Dog does not need to be saved, unless it is from people like the freelance writer.

Recommends

lapin

Joined 6 years ago

'Nuf said. "it certainly appeals to our children..."

Compelling.

Also, relax a bit. Your review of a restaurant was strangely focused on the review of another reviewer. You seem really angry and unfocused. Kids will do that to you. Try to get some sleep.

Recommends

bryaaker

Joined 7 years ago

Great Spot for Coffee and Food and Music (sometimes). I love this spot! Its got great ambience, art pieces, photography and other wall art. The pizza's are fantastic. Stop by after a visit to The Zeitgist Theater or The Farmers Market. Sara Remke is a great owner and she is the person behind the GREAT music festival SUR SEINE. Stop by there and talk with her about it, she's wonderful.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors. Kitty-corner from the farmers' market, this Lowertown coffeehouse offers live music, java and vino in an exposed-brick warehouse space.

Recommends

donnay

Joined 8 years ago

You can learn tango!. Every third Saturday the Black Dog hosts local tango dancers. There's a half hour lesson, then a dance until 11:00. Friendly, fun, relaxed! The cover charge is only $3

Recommends

sarabanfil

Joined 7 years ago

there is life in lowertown. Hey Black Dog good job on the new portabella sandwich and the salads. The eclectic wine list is quite refreshing. I was there a few nights ago and the place was swinging. It is so good to see people out and about in lowertown. Keep up the good happenings.