Cafe Agora

First of all, we live in Buckhead and eat out just about every meal. We had heard that Cafe Agora was very good and stopped in and placed a To Go order. We paid for our food, and enjoyed it when we got home. We both agreed that we had found a new place to add to our restaurant ""rotation"". About a week later, we decided again on having Cafe Agora food for dinner, and placed a To Go order by telephone. When I picked the food up (we ordered one of the large ""Mixed Maza Platters"" and a large ""Lamb and Beef Gyro""), I presented a credit card, and was handed the receipt to sign. I was shocked to see that the amount was $35.53, but after hesitating for a moment, went ahead and signed it and proceeded home. Upon arriving back at our condo, i mentioned to my wife that it was over $35 for a gyro and a platter, and we looked at our take home menu and saw that, indeed, we had been double charged for the Large Gyro. We thought about calling and/or returning to get an adjustment on the credit card, but decided the hassle wasn't worth it, and ""ate"" the mistake. BUT THAT WASN'T THE END OF THE STORY!!! We received our credit card statement a few days ago, and fortunately, we are those rare folks that literally keep every single credit card receipt and compare it to our statement. It is a pain in the tail, but situations like these (which are INCREDIBLY uncommon) are why we do. Turns out, the folks at Cafe Angora NOT ONLY ""accidentally"" double-charged us for an entree (which I believed was most likely just an honest mistake on their part...UNTIL), they also ADDED A $3.00 tip before closing out the total. Let me be clear. We ALWAYS leave a minimum 20% tip when dining out. But we NEVER, EVER tip on take out orders. That is the way we have always done it, and always will. Except this time, these dishonest creeps, AFTER DOUBLE-CHARGING on an entree (which I now realize WAS NOT unintentional), took their dishonesty to a whole other level, ADDING A $3.00 tip WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION, obviously believing we would never catch the mistake. This is called CREDIT CARD FRAUD. We are in the process of pursuing action against these dishonest creeps on many levels, including our credit card company and consumer protection agencies here in Atlanta. It has become our mission to get the word out on this place and its owner. To no surprise, we have already become aware of two other patrons that are certain they were overcharged or hoodwinked by this character Al and his staff. We look forward to following through on this and encourage anyone with a similar story to come forward with details. If you have had a similar experience, please post contact info...we would like very much to speak with you. Thanks and STAY AWAY from this place!!! Pros: Good food, but irrelevant Cons: DISHONEST PEOPLE!!! more

First of all, we live in Buckhead and eat out just about every meal. We had heard that Cafe Agora was very good and stopped in and placed a To Go order. We paid for our food, and enjoyed it when we got home. We both agreed that we had found a new place to add to our restaurant "rotation". About a week later, we decided again on having Cafe Agora food for dinner, and placed a To Go order by telephone. When I picked the food up (we ordered one of the large "Mixed Maza Platters" and a large "Lamb and Beef Gyro"), I presented a credit card, and was handed the receipt to sign. I was shocked to see that the amount was $35.53, but after hesitating for a moment, went ahead and signed it and proceeded home. Upon arriving back at our condo, i mentioned to my wife that it was over $35 for a gyro and a platter, and we looked at our take home menu and saw that, indeed, we had been double charged for the Large Gyro. We thought about calling and/or returning to get an adjustment on the credit card, but decided the hassle wasn't worth it, and "ate" the mistake. BUT THAT WASN'T THE END OF THE STORY!!! We received our credit card statement a few days ago, and fortunately, we are those rare folks that literally keep every single credit card receipt and compare it to our statement. It is a pain in the tail, but situations like these (which are INCREDIBLY uncommon) are why we do. Turns out, the folks at Cafe Angora NOT ONLY "accidentally" double-charged us for an entree (which I believed was most likely just an honest mistake on their part...UNTIL), they also ADDED A $3.00 tip before closing out the total. Let me be clear. We ALWAYS leave a minimum 20% tip when dining out. But we NEVER, EVER tip on take out orders. That is the way we have always done it, and always will. Except this time, these dishonest creeps, AFTER DOUBLE-CHARGING on an entree (which I now realize WAS NOT unintentional), took their dishonesty to a whole other level, ADDING A $3.00 tip WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION, obviously believing we would never catch the mistake. This is called CREDIT CARD FRAUD. We are in the process of pursuing action against these dishonest creeps on many levels, including our credit card company and consumer protection agencies here in Atlanta. It has become our mission to get the word out on this place and its owner. To no surprise, we have already become aware of two other patrons that are certain they were overcharged or hoodwinked by this character Al and his staff. We look forward to following through on this and encourage anyone with a similar story to come forward with details. If you have had a similar experience, please post contact info...we would like very much to speak with you. Thanks and STAY AWAY from this place!!! Pros: Good food, but irrelevant Cons: DISHONEST PEOPLE!!! more

I love Mediterranean cuisine and this place is truly awesome. Pros: Food, staff, service and the owner more

I love Mediterranean cuisine and this place is truly awesome. Pros: Food, staff, service and the owner Cons: none more

We went for brunch on a Saturday and were the first customers there. We ordered a meza platter and had every intention of ordering a sandwich also, that is until we got the meza platter. It was HUGE! It was also DELICIOUS! The spreads, dips and salads were fresh, beautifuly prepared, healthy and absolutely outstanding. We couldn't eat the sandwiches we had planned on so we came back 4 hours later to have them. We got the gyro and I got the kofte and they were also FANTASTIC. We also got to meet the owner and he is a pistol. He reminds me of another restauranteur that I know who wants to make sure you get everything CORRECT. Al, the owner, is not willing to dumb down his food and his quality control is exacting. He sat with us and we talked for about an hour. I don't know who wouldn't think that this place is worth 5 stars but whoever that is has his head up his, well,you get the picture. Al always wants to make sure that you get a little ""something extra"" whether that is a small meza plate while you wait for your sandwiches, a fresh, beautiful piece of baklava or cake to end your meal with, or a cup of Turkish coffee while you talk with him. I'm coming back at LEAST once every time that we are in town. Go here folks, it's the BEST you will ever have. It's like eating with a family full of great cooks and great people. Pros: best middle eastern/turkish/greek food EVER! more

We went for brunch on a Saturday and were the first customers there. We ordered a meza platter and had every intention of ordering a sandwich also, that is until we got the meza platter. It was HUGE! It was also DELICIOUS! The spreads, dips and salads were fresh, beautifuly prepared, healthy and absolutely outstanding. We couldn't eat the sandwiches we had planned on so we came back 4 hours later to have them. We got the gyro and I got the kofte and they were also FANTASTIC. We also got to meet the owner and he is a pistol. He reminds me of another restauranteur that I know who wants to make sure you get everything CORRECT. Al, the owner, is not willing to dumb down his food and his quality control is exacting. He sat with us and we talked for about an hour. I don't know who wouldn't think that this place is worth 5 stars but whoever that is has his head up his, well,you get the picture. Al always wants to make sure that you get a little "something extra" whether that is a small meza plate while you wait for your sandwiches, a fresh, beautiful piece of baklava or cake to end your meal with, or a cup of Turkish coffee while you talk with him. I'm coming back at LEAST once every time that we are in town. Go here folks, it's the BEST you will ever have. It's like eating with a family full of great cooks and great people. Pros: best middle eastern/turkish/greek food EVER! Cons: none more

I went to this place based on the reviews that seem to be totally different than my experience. I had the experience as the other person, that I had chosen to ignore when I went, since it was not the majority. It seems the majority are being given free food for a reason.. Hum, let's think, free food, great reviews... more

I went to this place based on the reviews that seem to be totally different than my experience. I had the experience as the other person, that I had chosen to ignore when I went, since it was not the majority. It seems the majority are being given free food for a reason.. Hum, let's think, free food, great reviews... I have lived all over including the middle east and I know the owner is trying, but gyros were not properly spiced, and were tough. Hommos was too bland and not as thick as I like. Babaghanji was too tangy. It may work for some, but not for this NYC guy that ate many falafels and gyros in my time.. Maybe the late nights in the bar, after a few too many make the food taste better, but I went in the daylight and it did not match the reviews and the prices differ more

I go here all the time. I have lived abroad in a few different countries and when I saw the sign that said ""doner kebab"" in the window I knew I had to go there. The things they try to sell at Great Wraps etc aren't even close to the real thing. I consider myself to have very high standards for Gyros/Doners and these are really great. On top of that, Al is such a friendly guy and welcomes you like family after you have been there two or three times. Pros: Authentic Food and Great, Friendly Atmosphere Cons: Pricing policy may annoy accountants more

I go here all the time. I have lived abroad in a few different countries and when I saw the sign that said "doner kebab" in the window I knew I had to go there. The things they try to sell at Great Wraps etc aren't even close to the real thing. I consider myself to have very high standards for Gyros/Doners and these are really great. On top of that, Al is such a friendly guy and welcomes you like family after you have been there two or three times. Funny that one person had a problem with the prices...I have noticed that prices aren't always the same. I have paid between 7 and 10 dollars for a gyro and a drink. I almost always bring him new customers, and when I do he provides free appetizers and desserts...but it isn't cheap if you have to pay for it all!!! I always joke that his prices change depending on how business was that day. If you have ever been over to Europe and eaten at a hole in the wall doner joint, you'll notice that there are a lot of local repeat customers (like Cafe Agora) and prices can vary depending on the owner's mood. For me, this just adds to the experience--the obscure soccer on TV, the dusty bar, the strange wall decor and the at-times loud Turkish music also add to the ambience. Pros: Authentic Food and Great, Friendly Atmosphere Cons: Pricing policy may annoy accountants more

Wonderful food! Often I've been given samples or free appetizer-like items. Very friendly staff. Great lunch locale. more

Wonderful food! Often I've been given samples or free appetizer-like items. Very friendly staff. Great lunch locale. more

Based on a friend's recommendation, we tried Cafe Agora this weekend, and we could not have been more pleased. Al made us a plate full of every appetizer and told us that we could not order until we finished it all! We were happy to oblige him... Pros: Amazingly good food and service Cons: Must pay for Buckhead parking more

Based on a friend's recommendation, we tried Cafe Agora this weekend, and we could not have been more pleased. Al made us a plate full of every appetizer and told us that we could not order until we finished it all! We were happy to oblige him... For the main course, my wife loved the "sampler plate" Al made us so much that she ordered another for her full meal. I had tender, juicy lamb with yogurt sauce, delicious salad, and rice. I also ordered a glass of ouzo, but Al insisted I try the Turkish version called Raki. IT was an excellent suggestion, as it perfectly complimented the food. The only knock is that you have to pay for parking, but it is worth it to sample the fresh, flavorful food and familial service. Pros: Amazingly good food and service Cons: Must pay for Buckhead parking more

I'm not sure what dishonest owner the other person is speaking about. Al has NEVER ripped any of my friends or myself off. He ALWAYS gives us a free plate of appetizers w/ pita bread AND dessert. He even makes a piece of pita bread w/ hummus & whatever else for you and hands it to you ready to eat if you are a first-time customer. The meat is always tender & the portion sizes are HUGE. Try the mixed grill kebobs...amazing! On top of that, it is CHEAP and the place is open late night as well! I have never had a bad experience here. Maybe the person below thought gyros were $3..go to McDonalds if that is the case! Don't call someone dishonest because you don't know how to add! more

I'm not sure what dishonest owner the other person is speaking about. Al has NEVER ripped any of my friends or myself off. He ALWAYS gives us a free plate of appetizers w/ pita bread AND dessert. He even makes a piece of pita bread w/ hummus & whatever else for you and hands it to you ready to eat if you are a first-time customer. The meat is always tender & the portion sizes are HUGE. Try the mixed grill kebobs...amazing! On top of that, it is CHEAP and the place is open late night as well! I have never had a bad experience here. Maybe the person below thought gyros were $3..go to McDonalds if that is the case! Don't call someone dishonest because you don't know how to add! more

this place rocks. not only is the food delicious, the people who work there are awesome. tonight i called in a takeout order, and got there a few minutes before it was supposed to be ready. while i waited, the guy cooking my food made me a small plate of appetizers and just handed it to me! try getting service like that in a chain restaurant. highly recommended...the baba ganoush and baklava are to die for Pros: food, people, quick service Cons: limited parking more

this place rocks. not only is the food delicious, the people who work there are awesome. tonight i called in a takeout order, and got there a few minutes before it was supposed to be ready. while i waited, the guy cooking my food made me a small plate of appetizers and just handed it to me! try getting service like that in a chain restaurant. highly recommended...the baba ganoush and baklava are to die for Pros: food, people, quick service Cons: limited parking more

This is a hidden gem! Food is very authentic and service is excellent. We went there last week and had a gyro wrap along with humus and pita bread. It was amazing! Quality of food is great and I highly recommend this to you and your family. Be sure to try the dessert-it's completely over the top. I will definitely be going back soon! Pros: Thumbs up! Food is amazing! more

This is a hidden gem! Food is very authentic and service is excellent. We went there last week and had a gyro wrap along with humus and pita bread. It was amazing! Quality of food is great and I highly recommend this to you and your family. Be sure to try the dessert-it's completely over the top. I will definitely be going back soon! Pros: Thumbs up! Food is amazing! more