A Yelp Review for The Yelp Reviewers

How often do you rely on a Yelp review to find a restaurant, coffee shop or yoga studio? I tend to use it most when traveling. I look at it like going to the experts in a territory where I am unfamiliar.

I once came across a Yelp review for a place I did frequent and was shocked by the review. It described an experience unlike anything I had experienced and that got me thinking about the people who leave the reviews on Yelp.

If someone is unable to be pleased, well, they can’t be pleased. Its seems like those are the people most likely to leave a review. They are confirming to the world that yet another place left them underwhelmed. My mind began imagining the person that left the review and wondered if they should even be allowed to comment on any business at all.

Let’s face it, when someone takes the time to write a lengthy rant about how the waiter didn’t smile enough or how the color of the tablecloth clashed with their outfit, it says more about their state of mind than the quality of the place. I mean, who hurt you, Karen?

It’s like Yelp becomes their personal therapy session, and we’re all just innocent bystanders trying to find a good burger joint. Maybe we should start a support group for them – “Yelpers Anonymous: A Safe Space for Overly Critical Reviews.”

So, next time you read a review that sounds more like a diary entry of someone’s bad day, take it with a grain of salt (or a pinch of Himalayan pink salt if you’re feeling fancy). Remember, the internet can be a breeding ground for negativity, and Yelp is no exception.

Now, don’t get me wrong – constructive criticism is valuable, and honest reviews help us make informed choices. But let’s be real, there’s a fine line between constructive feedback and a full-blown Yelp therapy session.

As we continue our culinary adventures, let’s approach negative reviews with a sense of humor and empathy. Who knows, maybe that one-star critic just needed a hug or a Snickers bar. We’ve all been there, right?

XX,

MG

TEA IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD