Chatham Street Caf?????? & Catering

We went tonight 2/14/11 because we had such a great experience last year. They were out of steak. I had the chicken. I cut a piece off the end and it was dry and I did not like the way the collards were cooked. I sent it back. There were other items I did enjoy and I was prepared to tell the cook/owner. She came out with her ""fight' face on and immediately went into how it made her angry I sent the food back and I didn't even try it. The chicken was stuffed and I am assuming because I did not cut through the center that constituted - not trying it. My perspective was - if I try a piece of it and it's dry - why eat it. She was very unprofessional. It would appear, if you don't like her food then she reserves the right to tell you what she thinks, which does not make for a good dining experience. She even charged us for it as well. I was prepared to fight over the bill but my date paid it, because the waitress was awesome and the music (Jo Gore) was very good. The dining experience was terrible unlike last year. Maybe she was having an off night. more

While the food at this unknown little spot in Downtown Cary is good, beware when planning a party. Spoke with the owner regarding having a shower at her cafe twice over the phone and twice via email. Not once did she apparently write anything down. Planned to meet with her regarding deposit and menu, when we discovered the ""miscommunication"" regarding my reservation. Also, when finally contacted regarding my party, she then informed me a $75/hr FEE for just having my party there. That definitely was not disclosed upon booking. $75/hr? REALLY? Who does that? I've had many parties in the Cary and Raleigh areas and NEVER had to pay an hourly fee to just walk in the door. Also was promised one side of the restauarant for my party and was then downsized to 1/3... for still $75 an hour. Thanks but no thanks. Plan at your own risk, folks. more

So delicious. Gourmet menu and a casual atmosphere. Hubby and I walked right in for dinner and both of us thoroughly enjoyed the meal and service. more

Terrible service and bland food. We went for a nice dinner on a Saturday evening. After checking their website and seeing that they were open until 10pm, we went around 7:45. What a mistake! They were out of 4 of the 6 or 7 entrees that they served, my husband's food was overcooked, fatty, and ice cold. Our waitress was clearly more interested in starting her closing sidework, as she ignored us, was not accommodating about the lack of food still available, and began closing down the main dining room as we waited for our food!! This was around 8:30! One poor man came in to look at a menu at 8:30 and she rudely told him they were out of mostly everything but if he really wanted to she could seat him. Wow, talk about making customers feel welcome! They also had the house lights up as bright as possible, like the cleaning lights were on. Our waitress and the other one working also stood behind us at the counter complaining about the poor tips that they were receiving. Shocking. Then when we were done with our (cold and tasteless) entrees, I walked over to the counter to look at the dessert selections. To my surprise, they were all wrapped up and sealed. I couldn't see anything. I was afraid to ask our waitress about them as she was clearly done with them and had them cleaned up for the evening. The only bright spot in the evening was the live music. They have a very talented keyboard player who sings. We were also shocked when our bill arrived. Incredibly overpriced for what it was. $70 for two entrees, two drinks and two soups. Ridiculous. It's unfortunate that this place is so terrible as it is a really cute restaurant. Maybe the manager doesn't know what's going on when no one is there. more

My wife and I live close to downtown Cary, there are not many restaurants in the area that serve local, fresh ingredients, but Chatham Street Caf? has become our new go-to dinner option. It?s in the heart of downtown so we can walk there and meet friends for dinner anytime, not to mention the food is exceptional! more

Chatham Street Cafe is my go-to lunch spot. I come here for business lunches and lunch with friends. The food is really fresh (I try to order something different everytime and haven't been disappointed), the chef creates really unique dishes that you can't find other places and I have even started getting desserts after reading the review in the News & Observer. Black bottom cake is my favorite. You've got to try this place. Pros: Varied menu, fantastic desserts, quick service more

My husband and I went to Chatham Street Cafe for our weekly date night and I cannot speak highly enough of this restaurant. Our service was great and the food was even better. My only issue was choosing what to order - everything sounded so good! I went with the shrimp and grits, which nearly melted in my mouth. This dish is a local favorite at many restaurants but I have to say that Chatham Street Cafe has now topped my list with best shrimp and grits. From now on, this restaurant will be a regular choice for my husband and me!! Pros: Yummiest (is that a word??) Shrimp and Grits! Cons: Too full but want more! more

I had never been to Chatham Street Caf? before I went with a group of girl friends. I previewed the menu online and thought it sounded great. After having ordered the spice seared shrimp bruschetta, I realize that ?great? is an understatement! The bruschetta was tasty, filling and cooked to perfection! I'm headed back there tomorrow and I highly recommend to anyone in Cary or Raleigh looking for a quick, great lunch or dinner. Pros: Awesome shrimp bruschetta, great service and chef! more

I went to Chatham Street Cafe to meet a friend for lunch and, having never heard of shrimp on a BLT, went out on a limb for this sandwich - and was amazed! The shrimp was grilled to perfection with the right amount of spice and the basil mayo added the perfect twist to a normal BLT. I'm already planning my next lunch date at Chatham Street Cafe!! Pros: Best BLT in the Triangle more