I hate it when...

RANT & RAVE

I love coffee. I've always had a favorite coffee shop where I go to share friendly banter with the baristas, enjoy a hand crafted beverage and unwind. Recently, you did a story on great coffee shops [“Café Society,” Issue 594] and I was delighted to find that one place was near my apartment in the East Village. I grabbed a book and headed out to Ninth Street Espresso only to be greeted by rude, expressionless baristas. They redeemed themselves only by their inarguable coffee brewing skills. Ninth Street Espresso makes good espresso, but they growl at their customers. It happens every time I'm there.

Thus, I now ride the L train across Manhattan and walk to 20th Street so I can go to Cafe Grumpy, which was also on your list. They are friendly and witty and act as though they're happy to see you. In this day of convenience the fact that I would take 35 minutes to get a drink I could find 4 minutes from my home says something. To Ninth Street Espresso I say, "Cappuccino, please, but hold the attitude."—Emily Bloom, Manhattan

RANT

I am just disgusted by the service of Louis Vuitton on 57th St and 5th Ave. This famous and popular luxury store has lost its way.—Cloudy Firenze, Manhattan

RAVE

Susanna, the receptionist at the Clairol Product Evaluation Salon, is considerate and helpful to each overworked colorist and demanding client. Why can't everyone who deals with the public be like her?—Renee Kornbluth, West New York, NJ

RANT

At Cafe Lalo on the UWS, our waitress brought the completely wrong order to our table, then barked, “Can you go to the counter and get your order because I'm too busy?!”—C. Ghosh, Manhattan

RAVE

As much as I avoid going there after their slow, corporate takeover of the city, I don't think anyone can deny that every single Starbuck's “barista” gives consistently good service. That's pretty amazing for a huge chain store.—J. Ferguson, Manhattan

RAVE

I'd like to give a nod for excellent service to J&B coffee on West 3rd St. between MacDougal and 6th Ave. Goldie, the “barista” at this tiny coffee shop, greets every single customer with not only speedy but accurate service.—Clara Solomon, Woodside

RAVE

The best vitamin store in Manhattan, where everyone is knowledgeable, is Wilner's on Park Ave and 41st St.-—Loren, Manhattan

RANT

I hate it when I go to pay and two cashiers are holding obnoxious conversations with each other as if you don’t exist. As I was recently checking out at Duane Reade, the cashier screamed past me to the manager that there was “no way” she was staying late.—Elizabeth, Astoria

RAVE

The guys and gals at Staples on 5th Ave and 44th St are awesome. They are so helpful and go out of their way to find what you are looking for, even if it’s not on the shelf. One guy took about half an hour to find me what I was desperately seeking. It prompted me to call Staples’ management and give them kudos for their super staff.—L.P., Jersey City

RANT

My gym calls me once a week to see if they can guilt me into a personal training session and their first question is always, “When was the last time you went to the gym?” It was Thursday and I didn’t even do any cardio, but I just needed a shvitz.—Jacqui, Park Slope