Ritual Cafe

Food was good, service was offensive at best. A group of about half a dozen students and I came here for lunch today. One of the students that accompanied us was a student with special needs. He decided to get Jimmy John's for lunch and regroup with the rest of his class before going back onto the bus. Partly because he wanted to be with his peers, partly because he didn't have the mobility to walk back to the bus, and partly because he couldn't even get on the bus without our assistance. Anyway, when we were just about to leave an older woman who I presume was the manager came out from a room in the back and lectured him about the fact he brought his Jimmy John's into the cafe. "I'm sorry, I had no idea" he began to say. She would sternly interject "No, it says very clearly on the door to not bring in outside food." She would cross her arms and purse her lips smugly. He would apologize again only to have the manager repeat herself. I tried to explain that we were just leaving anyway, but she continued to lecture this boy and refuse to hear his apologies. He kept repeating himself on the way back. "I honestly had no idea," He would say. We tried to assure him that it was no big deal, but clearly he was upset with himself. I recognize that the policy exists for the business's livelihood. I understand why random customers can't bring in food and use up space in the cafe. What I can't recognize is why a woman would try to shame a special needs boy for a mistake he made in an effort to be with the group he relied on to stay safe and mobile, and why the woman would refuse to hear the boy out or accept what he had to say. I am disgusted and appalled by the manager of this cafe and her demeanor with this boy. I have three regrets; not confronting this woman for her behavior, giving a generous tip to the business before all this happened, and offering my business in the first place. Don't offer her your money, time, or attention. Eat somewhere else instead.
1 8 years ago (13-04-2018)

Nice place with good vegetarian food and friendly staff. Nice wall decor with lots of new age type of posters. The place has a nice vibe and you’ll enjoy the food hence. They also have a place for live events though I haven’t been to one. They close early in the evening though, so check the hours before you go.
5 8 years ago (28-04-2018)

Love this spot. Chill atmosphere, good vibes, tons of seating, a few outdoor tables, and they have beer. Win. Love their coffees, gluten free cookies, and am looking forward to trying their food. Haven't been here in over a year since it's a little out of the way for me- but it's my go to coffee shop downtown.
5 8 years ago (26-03-2018)

The food and tea selection I found to be really diverse and unmatched from standard Cafe formats. This deviation is further complimented by their tea quality which I found was simply sublime. Their food on the other hand is a bit rather bland, I would recommend more seasoning based on what I ordered (Breakfast Barrito). As for the store itself, the color tone greatly compliments the furniture in the notions of a really tranquil environment even with the other customers. Overall, the selection and store are simply unmatched, their food however is where I find improvement.
4 8 years ago (07-04-2018)

I've been here a few times, and the food/coffee has always been good, the staff has always been helpful and nice, and I really enjoy the cozy ambience! Plus, it's nice to enjoy a 100% vegetarian selection. My favorite? The rice milk latte and almond linzer.
5 8 years ago (27-05-2018)