Honestly, I don't care about service at a coffee shop. If they are focused on pulling great espresso or being meticulous in their timing of the brew, then who gives an f about whether or not they smiled or had a nice tone to their voice. You know what I've found really helps, when you visibly tip them. It's anecdotal, but on more than one occasion the situation has become much friendlier as soon as the dollar goes into the tip jar. And anyway, a lot of customers can be entitled assholes that expect to be treated with the highest regard, and when they're not their day is ruined.

When it comes to coffee in Portland, it's about the coffee, not whether or not the barista smiled at you. It's the Portland experience. Every person I've met from Melbourne is a snob about coffee and it's annoying to say the least. Let's be proud of our coffee and cafes and be skeptical about a newcomer who trashes the city's reputation that he's chosen to expand to.