Living in Carmel Valley, options can be limited for a morning cup of java. Wild Goose Cafe offers the typical coffeehouse fare with capuccinos and usual variety of baked goods and sandwiches. Sadly, it's the only option before mid-valley where Carmel Coffee Company aims to serve. I personally have witnessed the owners order their young staff around in disrespectful tones. On one instance, a young male was criticized by an owner in front of customers for incorrectly making a latte. There was nothing wrong with the latte as far as this customer could tell. Most of the staff are very nice and courteous but others have attitudes. I ordered a decaf, nonfat latte at around 4:30 in the afternoon. This order was met by a young female barrista with a grimace and a ""why bother?"" Sandwiches and most pastries were tasteless (Safeway's sandwiches are far more tasteful and nearly half the cost). The Wild Goose has the gall to charge a dollar extra for common sandwich staples like roast beef. I also challenge anyone to get out of the place without waiting 15 minutes to get a cup of coffee. It's impossible because staff are trained not to multi-task (I watched a poor elderly gentleman wait for five minutes to get a to go box while the barrista finished the drink order of another customer; she could have easilty reached around the back for a box while the milk was frothing). The prices exceed Starbuck's for a cup of coffee -- $2.25 a cup. I think if there was a competitor coffee shop nearby, the Wild Goose would have to lower its prices and offer better tasting food.
Pros: Only game in town; a few staff are very courteous.
Cons: High prices, tasteless baked goods, unfriendly owners.
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