Octagon Cafe

We'd love to give the place 5 stars as we like the location and music, but the food and service are rather inconsistent. Sometimes it's really good, sometimes it's like fast food. Perhaps in time they'll improve, I may check in later for lunch and upgrade the rating ... more

The frist place we head to when we winter in Fountain Hills, is the Octagon Cafe. It's been our tradition for the past 6 years since we first happened upon their first location at the little octagon shaped building. My wife and I talk about how we look forward to having our favorite sandwiches and talking with Jim who remembers all of us by name the minute we walk in. \r It's such a nice home-town feeling we have when go there and the sandwiches are wonderful, the coleslaw is out of this world and the special cakes that have been baked for them since the day they first opened are decadant. We met the baker once a few years ago and it was so obvious she bakes everything with such love..and it shows!\r \r One thing we noticed this season is that the Octagon is really focused on products without additives, hormones, etc. The chicken breast that they cook for thier amazing chicken salad is totally free of any harmful additives and to us it's a sign that the owners really care about what they serve to their customers. One of our seasonal neighbors goes to the Octagon several times a week becasue of thier committment to quality and the offering they have for gluten intolerant diners.\r \r I highly recommend the Octagon Cafe and have done so for the past 6 years. Truly our favorite place in Fountain Hills for dining in or on the spacious patio. more

On several occasions we've attended the Friday night jazz event hosted by the Fountain Hills Community Theatre. I can't say enough good things about the music, it truly is a great experience and an outstanding value. Typically, you'd need to stay at a high end resort to hear these cool jazz cats perform. \r \r \r \r Unfortunately, I can't quite extend the good review to the venue itself. If you visit the Octagon Cafe during a quiet time, the food isn't bad but it can be hit or miss. The prices aren't outrageous but they are consistently understaffed and at no time is that so evident as during Friday Night Jazz. The few staff members Jim has were running at breakneck speed to keep up while Jim was standing around snapping his fingers and giving glares instead of helping. To see an owner treat their employees to this standard is a serious turnoff and does not invite me to spend money there nor recommend it to a friend. In fact, I'm highly inclined to share knowledge of how he handles employees with everyone I know. \r \r \r \r In reading other reviews about the Octagon, I see my conclusions are not unique nor was this an isolated 'off night'. An article written in 2007 indicated Jim has no restaurant experience, and it doesn't appear as though he's learned much in the last 4 years. Patrons were getting cranky at the lack of seating and cramped quarters while 1/2 of the restaurant and the entire patio was closed. Granted, it was a cool evening, but I also noticed four space heaters not being used that could have solved that problem. Harsh fluorescent lighting gave the place an institutional feeling. The beer was warm and the margaritas tasted of household cleaner, assuming you could even get one. \r \r \r \r In closing, save your money and visit La Scala or the Euro Pizza Cafe in the same complex, those folks are running a tight shop. And speaking of Euro Pizza, I formally cast my vote for FHCT to see about moving Friday Night Jazz to that location. The food, beverage, lighting, atmosphere and most importantly attitude are much more in line with musicians of this caliber. Venue is a close second to the act, and when the two are inline something truly remarkable and memorable is formed. \r \r \r K more

A nice place with very friendly staff and wonderful food. The view on the patio is awesome and looks right on to the fountain in the lake. The prices are reasonable and the service was excellent! If you are ever in Fountain Hills do yourself a favor and stop in!...and be sure to order the Lunie Birdie salad which is what I had for lunch. I was told it was a house specialty and indeed it was delicious. Pros: Great view from patio, good food and prices, friendly staff Cons: What are the drawbacks? more

Totally in love with the chicken salad sandwich and the coleslaw! You can tell the chicken breast is cooked fresh. and when I questioned the waitress, she confirmed it was all done fresh there and NEVER out of a can. I now have lunch there at least twice a week as I crave that coleslaw. I recently tried the house salad called the Luna and that was just as amazingly fresh with a beautiful and lightly sweet dressing. The view of the fountain out on the patio is so nice and it's just a great place to quietly enjoy that pretty park. The prices are reasonable and the staff attentive. I really recommend this darling place. Pros: Great value and super fresh food more

If you are looking for kind friendly faces, this is not the place to go.\r I just took my young son and older daughter to Octagon Cafe. The food was great but the service was not friendly. The lady who served us seemed impatient, grumpy and overall just unhappy. I got up to order an ice tea refill because the gal never came back! I saw the owner working in the kitchen and he saw me standing there for 5 minutes and completely ignored me. It was as if he just didnt have the time to take a minute and say hi, how can I help you. The service and friendliness is horrible but the food while medium priced, is fairly good. Euro pizza next door is way way better all around however! more

The food there is GREAT! Their lunch menu consists of delicious soups, salads and sandwiches for an affordable price. One reviewer (which can't be very smart) reported that pancakes cost ""$400.00"" there. In fact it only costs $4.00, it was an OBVIOUS typo that said ""$400"". but anyone with an IQ over 30 would realize the mistake. Its a nice atmosphere, the view of the fountain from the outside patio is wonderful, they offer a small ""coffee shop"" inside also with a mini ice cream shop and the service is great, they really make you feel like part of the family. If you give Octagon Cafe one shot, you'll be going back with friends. Pros: Service, Value, Quality, Happy Hour from 2pm to 6pm Cons: I don't have time to go EVERYDAY! more

Myself and three of my good friends entered THE OCTAGON on a Saturday morning to pick up some breakfast before a good friend's wedding. After a quick glance at the menu we realized that an order of pancakes cost $400.00. Go there yourself if you don't believe me. My friends and I immediately walked out, faster than our initial entry. I vow never to spend a dollar at THE OCTAGON, let alone four hundred dollars. Avoid like the plague. Pros: Not a single thing. Cons: Way too expensive. more

I love the sandwich called The Sonoran. Great for Vegetarians and quite filling. The view of the fountain is awesome and the people are so friendly. They have a Banana Cake with a rich chocolate frosting that is to DIE for!!! Pros: Excellent value and the best chocolate cake Cons: Can't think of any except Fountain Hills is not a destination town more

Patio overlooks the fountain park. Casual and friendly, not stuffy...and one of the few places in town you can get a really healthy salad for lunch. I like to pick up a lunch from them and enjoy the park. Try the chicken salad, I've never had better. Not the canned chicken from other places. Great Iced tea. They had great live music last Friday, which I think is a regular thing. Pros: Great value and super fresh food Cons: Parking is hard when there is a town event more

Avoid Octagon Cafe. more