I visited Demel Vienna on August 19 during breakfast. I have always loved Demel from my previous…read morevisits, and I know it is a world-renowned and historic establishment, which is why this experience was especially disappointing.
I ordered my usual Kaiserschmarrn and a drink. I had noticed that the table next to me had a drink that looked good, so when the waitress took my order, I specifically told her that I wanted the same drink the table next to me was having.
When my order arrived, it was brought by a different waitress. The drink looked completely different from what I had pointed to, so I asked her what it was. She told me it was a double espresso. I explained that I had not ordered a double espresso and again pointed to the drink at the table next to me, which was clearly a hot chocolate.
The waitress then called over the waitress who had originally taken my order. Instead of simply acknowledging that there had been a misunderstanding, she insisted, "That's what you ordered." When I explained again that it wasn't, she told me, "It's the same thing."
A **double espresso and a hot chocolate are obviously not the same thing.**
What bothered me even more than the incorrect order was the way both waitresses spoke to me. Their attitudes and tone were extremely rude, dismissive, and demeaning--as though I was stupid for pointing out the obvious mistake. The interaction became uncomfortable enough that people sitting at other tables were looking over at us.
To make matters worse, my Kaiserschmarrn was **cold**. It tasted as though it had already been sitting out for some time before it was brought to my table.
I understand that mistakes happen. Had they simply apologized for the misunderstanding and corrected the drink, I would not have had an issue. Instead, I was argued with and spoken down to over something that could have been resolved in seconds.
This was genuinely one of the worst customer-service experiences I have ever had at a restaurant, and certainly not what I expected from an establishment with Demel's reputation. After several previous visits that I enjoyed, it is extremely disappointing to say that I will not return and will no longer recommend Demel to my friends.
