City Cafe

On Friday 6/18/2010 we visited City Cafe on a last minute meal before a friends birthday. They offer free valet which parks the cars across the street at a garage's parking lot. When leaving @ 10:30-10:45 we talked to valet and told them we were going to grab a few drinks and wanted to make sure the car would be okay. The valets response was 'It should be fine, they wont start towing until late unless Gino calls to have cars towed.' We had a valet tag in our car, and we dined in the restaurant (~$200 bill) so we believed that the car would be fine. We go out for a few birthday drinks and get back around 12:40-12:50 to the lot to find all of the cars gone. We then had to grab a friend still at the birthday celebration to take us to the towing company (who refused to let me see my car until I paid $300 and signed paperwork saying I viewed my car and all items were in it and no damage) The next day we stopped back at the restaurant to talk to the on duty manager about the issue. She asked to hold on one moment and stepped outside to talk to a man. Shortly after I followed and the man said they were not responsible for the car being towed. I told them what their valet person had said (verbatim) and that is when he confirmed his name as Gino (Gino Cardinale is one of the owners of City Cafe). He told me that their valet would not have said it was okay to leave the car parked there as he told everyone it had to be gone by 11PM. Which I informed him again it wasn't true that we asked him before leaving if the car was fine shortly before 11 and he said it was unless 'Gino' had it towed, and if he hadn't said that how would I know his name. He then confirmed that I must have been told his but he would not help resolve the situation as they outsource their valet to another company. more

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. Pros: good variety, good service Cons: 2 unisex bathrooms with a wait more

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. Pros: Food Cons: Service, owner more

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. more

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. more

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. Pros: attractive Cons: over spiced food more

Great tasting food and lots of it. It may take a while to get a seat though. more

I was in Baltimore for a couple of days and happened upon the City Cafe. What a great place-comfy but unassuming. And the food-ah the food-very very good-especially the breakfast. Prices are very reasonable and the service is pleasant. They also have a great bakery/coffee bar on the other side of the restaurant area. This establishment is well worth checking out. Pros: Inexpensive, Great Food, Fun ambience more