It's 2009 now, and i find the service at the Silver Spring Mayorga to be great. Perhaps a change of management, or new improved baristas? I used to get poor service of the "I'm way too cool to serve you" style at the now defunct Bethesda Mayorga, but don't get that at all at Silver Spring.
I've been quite pleased with Silver Spring since I started going there regularly a few months ago. Also, if you have young children (which I do), it's a super friendly place to take them, complete with kid friendly musical activities several days a week (compliments of "Miss Belle" and/or "Mr. Don"). Parking is still a complete disaster. Couple of public garages in the vicinity, but all about a 5-10 minute walk. Closest parking I've found is across Georgia on Selim Rd (more like an alley). You can cross Georgia either up by Montgomery College/East-West Hwy. Or use the metro/train bridge, which doesn't look like it will collapse for, oh, I'd say at least a few more months.
But the coffee is great, and these days staff is super friendly. My new favorite local coffeehouse (especially since the sad demise of Kirsten's).
Michael
