06/24/08

the workers are rude-city!

by cassandranimal

I started sweating profusely when I read the review below mine. a cold sweat of relief. the reviewer mentions the staff being surprisingly cold. its so true! I thought I was the only one in the world who felt this way! This is such a significant relief to know that I'm not completely out of my mind. With the exception of the red-head (Linda? who I believe owns the place) the rest of the staff is unbelievably rude, almost to an irrelevant point. its totally odd. I have a hunch they might all think there really hip, and if you waltz in there in normal people clothes, they wont give you the time of day.

It must be mentioned that I too used to work in a small quirky seattle coffee shop, and have the utmost empathy, patience, and understanding for the cruelties of customer service. I've been known to loose the hell out of my temper, and was never the most kind, or conversational barista. on the same hand, when anyone would treat me with respect or seem even mildly kind, I would reciprocate.

I just dont understand what's up with these girls. predicting the usual bizarre exchange makes it almost embarrassing to go in there. strangely they're sweet as pie to my boyfriend, and even know him as almost a friend at this point. we've never been in there together, so they dont know the connection. I personally am conducting a social experiment, because perhaps, I'm crazy afterall.

.... and the food, it is terrific.

06/06/08

Great baked treats and hot sandwiches. Oddly cold staff.

by augustmama

It wasn't long after moving to Seattle that I became addicted to Irwin's pumpkin muffins and grilled sandwiches. The quiche is also excellent, and I love the cozy atmosphere. My only real qualm is that the aloof staff has rarely if ever been friendly to me--it's no big deal, but seems odd for a cute neighborhood joint.

• Pros: quality of food, cozy neighborhood feel
• Cons: aloof staff

03/18/08

Cozy free wi-fi cafe with good eats and pastries

by DopioMan

Located in an unsuspecting residential area in Wallingford, Irwin's caters to the local Java crowd with barista's that know how to pull perfect espresso shots. As an avid espresso junkie I'm refreshed to see young barista's who know the Italian to English translations of Macchiato, con-pana, or ristretto. However, Irwin's is far more than just another coffee-shop: they bake scratch-fresh-daily scones, muffins, pies etc. and have a good selection of sandwiches, soup, salads and pot-pies (yup home-made pot-pies). Irwin's also has some of the most interesting veggie-pizza's I've yet to encounter. Community focused owner and philanthropist Linda is a charming presence and uses her storefront to showcase a "charity of the month" for it's efforts in making progressive social changes, in addition Irwin's has sponsored numerous community programs, and makes considerable daily contributions to local homeless shelters with each day's left-over baked goods. Overall Irwin's provides great food and coffee served by a witty- though charming- staff in a strategic location that gives patrons the locals' perspective of the small Seattle neighborhood: Wallingford.

• Pros: Espresso, free wi-fi, cozy ambiance, ample outdoor seating for nicer days
• Cons: table space is a premium on busy weekends, negotiating off-street parking not always easy