I visit cafes a lot too and also haven’t noticed it being a major issue. Usually if I’m struggling to find a seat at a spot that has a lot of seating it’s because people are sitting around chatting, not working or (GOD FORBID) reading

Exactly. Sitting down to read a book while you eat & drink is no worse than people scrolling on their phone and not near the issue as people camped out on a laptop. All cafes becoming takeout only would suck.

Good god. You’re intentionally taking the word “public” so literally just to dispute their sentence. Sub in “third” for public. This person did not indicate they are trying to “camp out all day with a book.” The book seems to be a side thought for them because they’re trying to explore and enjoy all the cafes in the city. Regardless, cafes have alwaysssss been used by people who read books, newspapers, and magazines. They’re not camping out like WFHers.

It sucks that we do not have more indoor third spaces. And no, I do not want to go eat a pastry in a quiet library. I love libraries, but it’s a complete different vibe.

I don’t think it’s that cut and dry. My apartment building in DC didn’t run the trash compactor at night. They kept the chutes open and never seemed to have an issue taking care of it. It’s worth pursuing that compromise as the OC of this thread suggested.

I hope they’ve improved. We went in late November and the food was…. Uninspired. I was the only person in our group of four who did the veggie menu and all of my dishes came out cold because I’m assuming they didn’t have the kitchen timing down.

Lol this has to be a troll. It’s as intellectually lazy as saying “but I can’t have white privilege because something bad has happened to me.”

Btw, a majority my food deliveries in DC are delivered by people on bikes, and thank god for them because you’re right I would not survive.

I loved Alamo in the previous state I lived in… This location is just exceptionally bad. I’ve gone three times in the last year and had similar experiences to yours every time. Twice my orders never even showed up and I had to stay after the movie to deal with my bill. Once I showed up and there were people in the seat I booked so they relocated me. It’s just a nightmare.

I’m going to go against the crowd here and say there’s nothing wrong with trying those places - I’d do the same if I were visiting a place with chain restaurants I didn’t have at home. They’re popular for a reason. If you’re here for two weeks, you have plenty of time to try those AND some better local restaurants