Aloha Yelpers,…read more
Reviews can be subjective and often just reflect how we felt in the moment--sometimes good, sometimes bad.
As a business owner and someone who frequents a lot of establishments around the world, I'm always paying extra attention to how different brands and teams operate.
After being a regular at Parakeet for the last 6 years, I felt inclined to finally write a review, based purely on appreciation for the all-star team at this location (Kayla, Janelle, Neda, Hailey, Regina, Michelle, Calvin, and all the cooks crushing it in the kitchen daily) and everything they bring to the community.
BIG VIBES & Customer Experience
Biggest one on the checklist. The energy is always on point from the second I walk in to the second I leave. The entire staff is friendly, welcoming, authentic, and genuinely cares about making the experience top-tier.
Also worth noting, they're up at 5 AM to open at 7 AM... which is already heroic. On top of that, this location gets its fair share of entitled, unfriendly, and straight-up rude customers (I've seen it firsthand on the daily). Even then, the ladies and Calvin handle it with patience, professionalism, and still keep the good energy going. That shit is not easy.
Attention to Detail
Regina and Hailey run a tight operation day to day. Their attention to detail and consistency is honestly unmatched. I've been to plenty of spots around the neighborhood, and no one has it as dialed in as they do. They are also better dressed than other managers in the biz. BIG STYLE POINTS
Problem Solving
I've watched this team navigate everything--broken equipment, unhappy customers, clogged toilets (lol), bad weather, and difficult delivery drivers yelling at them through Google Translate. And they handle it all without missing a beat and staying composed. Meanwhile, I've seen other places completely implode in similar situations--blaming each other or arguing instead of solving the problem. Not the case here. Always solution-oriented. Extra props to Janelle for unclogging the toilet and Kayla for chasing a grasshopper out the door when it jumped on a table. Yessahhh
Consistency
Food and drinks are always consistent--fresh, well-seasoned, proper temp, and clean presentation. The cooks are back there working hard but still somehow having a good time while pushing out orders for both dine-in and delivery.
The girls and Calvin on bar are always crushing it. Espresso is never burnt, matcha is smooth (no clumpy, low-tier stuff), and the latte art is always on point. Shoutout to Neda, Hailey, Regina, and Calvin for keeping things fast and high quality.
Cleanliness
Everything is always clean, smells good, and actually put away where it belongs. No shakshuka stains on tables, no scone crumbs everywhere, no sticky coffee floors, no overflowing trash cans--things that, somehow, have become the norm at other nearby spots.
All in all, I never leave reviews, so the fact that I'm writing this says something lol. Hopefully whoever reads this--regulars, upper management, or owners--recognizes that this all-star team is what makes this Parakeet location special, and a big reason it continues to bring GREAT VIBES to LJ
LET'S GET THEM A PAY RAISE!!
Mahalo, Brady