City Cafe Inc - (410) 539-4252

Went to City Cafe before a show at the Lyric. Was sat quickly (had made reservations). It was Tuesday and 1/2 price bottle of wine day which was a nice suprise. Food was hot and came out quickly, very tasty. Had a nice balance between traditonal favorites (hamburger, meatloaf) to some more interesting options (lobster ravoli, crab and aspragus risotti). Service was quick but never felt rushed. Server was polite and efficent and had a sense of humor. For appetizer, two entrees, bottle of wine, 5 pints of beer, and dessert the bill was around 100.00 which I consider to be very reasonable even more so considering it was mt. vernon. I enjoyed my visit and would happily return.

Food is good and staff works hard, but kitchen is clearly understaffed and unprepared. On three occasions food took over 1/2 hr to reach the table. I spoke to the owner (Bruce), who had the audacity to say "we're busy for a reason" and recommended that 2 hrs should be allowed for dinner. For a salad and a steak, not haute cuisine! Avoid this place- they clearly think they are too good to try to do better.

I am African American, I've come to this location several times before, and each time I come, I encounter snippy attitudes from the staff. This morning, December 15, 2007, I ordered a cinnamon bagel with cream cheese and an eggnog. This was at 10;32 am. At 10:52, I had received nothing!!! I went to the counter, and asked for a manager, explained the problem, and he went to the kitchen to see what happened. Upon his return, he claims that my ticket was lost! Yet, all of the other caucasian customers that were before and after me, had been served. He never offered to do anything to appease my displeasure, and my inconvienience! He only apologized... I feel this is a very poor show of customer service on the manager's end, and a very suspicious excuse that they "Lost my ticket." I would caution any other African Americans who read this comment, who plan to go there for business, to take note of the service you receive, and how they handle you.

After being a city resident for several years, I aim for a periodic change in interests of foods and atmosphere. City Cafe is well worth visiting especially during the summer days when they have tables set outside. Their pastry and sweet selections are various and very good. At least two or three times a month, I make it a point to visit the City Cafe to obtain breakfast and take home a couple of sweets.

The restaurant was very comfortable and attractive, the food was another thing. The crock my onion soup was served in was covered with spice on the bottom, covered! While the stroganoff was a huge portion the chef must have mixed it up with goulash, again given the amount of spice.