Artist's Cafe

12/30/09

DISTURBED - RUDE CASHIER - VERY SNEAKY CREDIT CARD POLICY

by madsenj1 at Citysearch

So get this.. the latest scam in the Credit Card - Restaurant industry... it goes like this.

The merchant is charged a certain small percentage on each transaction. To avoid this cost and turn a loss into a profit, this 'fine establishment' has decided to place an overprice 1980's era cash machine direcly behind you as you present your credit card for payment. After the rude cashier, who has obviously recited her lines hundreds of times, proceeded to grin and announce that they only take cash and AMEX. Do the math.... No credit card fees for the merchant and profit from the strategicly placed antique ATM. What a scam. Its little things that will not only make me never go there again (eventhough my business will require I visit this building now 5 days per week for 10 weeks). Considering I spent $30 on lunch for 2, thats alot of breakfasts, lunches and dinners that I will not be eating there. If a company will pull a scam like this... what else are they doing on the other side of the counter... Not a business I would eat at again.

The young lady that waited on us was professional and pleasant. The food... Overpriced and not very good.

Granted my rating was just one meal but the Credit Card policy just makes me leary.... What reputable business doesn't take VISA/MC??? The only ones I have heard of are the ones that get kicked from the program for scamming it in one way or another. I suspect this is the case.

Walk a block in either direction as you will find better places and you will be happy you skipped this place.

• Pros: The Building is Historic.
• Cons: The Cashier, Credit Card Policy

12/27/09

HATE THIS PLACE

by caitlinlacour at Citysearch

Did not know until time to pay that they only accept American Express credit cards and also I was counting the change to give to her and the lady at the counter told me to give her whatever I have. Food was not that good for the prices and customer service was horrible. I do NOT recommend this place to anyone

• Pros: nothing
• Cons: only AmEx

10/12/09

The RUDEST restaurant experience I have every had

by G brinknahan at Citysearch

I was running the Chicago Marathon yesterday. I was walking down Michigan Avenue and I stopped in the Artists' Restaurant for a quick cup of coffee. I purchased the coffee and then asked where the bathrooms were...the woman said only paying customers can use the washroom. I looked at her and said I just bought a cup of coffee. She said the washrooms can only be used if you are ordering food and sitting at a table or the counter. I said okay, I will have blueberry muffin and sat down at the counter. The waitor brought me the muffin and the woman disappeared. I walked downstairs to use the washroom and she had put sticky notes on the doors saying they were "out of order." A waitress was waiting downstairs and smiled at me as she told me I would have to get ticket from my waitor and use the washroom on the 10th floor of the adjacent office building. Needless to say, I left the coffee and muffin but had to pay the $5. I couldn't believe the rudeness of the that middle age, pudgy woman wearing glasses and the young short waitress with brown hair laughing at me. I found it very interesting that they were going to reap the benefit of the marathon yet were so rude to a participant. There were very few people dining there at the time and no other runners.

I have eaten in this restaurant before and was not impressed by the food. I thought it would be an interesting place based on the location and name.

I was wrong.

I learned my lesson and I hope I can help other people from making the same mistake. There are many other restaurants to choose from...this one should definitely be skipped.

• Pros: location
• Cons: rudest employees - lack of customer service