Candle Cafe

Keith G.

Joined 7 months ago

Let me preface this review by saying the food is not bad and my wife who is vegan, gluten-free and has food allergies has always enjoyed her meals. Now, I have never found the wait staff warm and fuzzy, but on Friday night, October 5th, 2012 Candle Cafe hit an all time low! The waitress was rude and condescending and appeared to be ridiculing us behind our backs. All I wanted to do is make a simple substitution and replace the Porcini crusted seitan (really do not like mushrooms) with another option. First I was told that I could not substitute it with the Walnut crusted seitan because the specials are counted out to the exact number of portions. Okay, did not quite understand, but accepted the explanation. So, then I asked if I could have the Cajun seitan instead and was told that the Kitchen Manager refuses to make substitutions. It seems as if the wait-staff is terrified of the kitchen staff. One of the managers explained that he agreed with us, but could not overrule the Kitchen Manager. I thought everything was made fresh, but who knows if that is even the case. No customer service and eat only what we tell you to eat!!! A lovely experience!!! We decided to leave and to our shocking surprise, the manager actually charged us for our appetizer. We offered to pay, but afterwards were really shocked when we thought about the situation and how a nice gesture would have been to not charge us. I am really not sure what is happening at Candle Cafe and in the past we do not remember such stringent rules and regulations and as I mentioned, I have never found the staff warm and fuzzy, but for the most part polite.

Recommends

P G.

Joined 1 year ago

Great vegetarian food. Friendly staff and good food.

Recommends

Chuck S.

Joined 1 years ago

Amazing food!. I don't think I have ever tasted such good Vegetarian/Vegan food in my life. And note that I am not a Vegan.

Recommends

rita b.

Joined 2 years ago

Great quality of food. No matter how busy the people are in this place, you wouldn't think it's too crowded. You wouldn't mind it anymore. Most especially when you already tried their food. The food here is really good and it's always fresh. You would actually ask for more. Even though the staff were very busy, they still make it sure that you are being accommodated by them.

The price is just right. And it's really worth it. I would tell my friends to drop by here also and try this restaurant.

Recommends

LanaKat

Joined 2 years ago

Long Time Fan. I have always loved Candle Cafe, especially when I am in too much of a rush to relax at Candle 79. The food is really good. I especially love the Cajun Seitan Sandwich almost more than any other sandwich in the world. I al also a fan of various smoothies and appetizers. Another great thing about this little cafe is the food is always fresh, unlike most places in NYC. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars are reasons I am sure can't be helped - as they seem smart enough to try to make it the best experience. 1.) it's ALWAYS crowded and you feel a little jammed 2.) the staff is always super busy and it's hard to get their attention when you need something. If they expanded (possible?) it would get 5 stars from me for sure.

Recommends

es11sn0w

Joined 10 years ago

Delicious and Satisfying for Mind and Body!. Candle Cafe is our best vegan/vegetarian spot to eat. We like their menu over their more formal dining restaurant up the street "Candle 79." We are conscious eaters and know the exactly what is on the menu and it is just amazing and satisfying. The food is always flavorful, fresh and nothing short of amazing. They also have great organic wines to choose from.

Recommends

BMW109

Joined 4 years ago

Great vegetarian food.. My family and I eat mainly organic and vegetarian food. Candle Café has been our hang out place during weekends. They serve delicious organic foods and desserts. The price is good as organic food is more expensive than conventional food.

Recommends

jjwilson4

Joined 4 years ago

great vegan options but the service lacks a little. I have few local options for vegan dinners and Candle Cafe has been my default for a while. They are a bit pricey, but nothing out of the ordinary for the neighborhood. I like to treat myself to a healthy smoothie after I go tanning across the street. I would just recommend patience when ordering for delivery. If you are hungry, your better bet is to walk over and pick it up yourself.

Doesn't Recommend

lellen1

Joined 5 years ago

Horrible management.... Number one rule in the restaurant business, when a customer finds an insect crawling in their food, they should be given a full refund and a sincere apology.... A good, well trained manager should know exactly how to handle these situations when they happen because word gets around and when you loose regular customers, that is really bad for business. If i was treated properly i would not be writing this review.

Where is the kind and friendly customer service. I have eaten there dozens of times and i'm afraid after what i experienced tonight (thur 26th June) i will not return - i go to restaurants where customers are appreciated and treated with a little bit of respect... I'm so disappointed in Candle cafe.....

Also, Candle cafe need to spend a little extra money and hire a few more delivery people because 1 hour wait when you only live around the corner is a little ridiculous.

So as much as i hate to say it, i just would not recommend this restaurant anymore.

Awful, just plain awful....

Doesn't Recommend

vda

Joined 6 years ago

The only thing consistent about this restaurant is their ability to screw up your order. Due to the lack of Vegetarian/Vegan restaurants on the UES (or in NYC) when I want the convenience of ordering take out after a long hard day, I have little choice but to order from Candle Cafe. The entire take out process is truly a test of ones patience. I understand being put on hold, due to the sheer volume of take out calls. I do not however understand the borderline rude, devoid of personality staff taking my order in a rushed, annoyed fashion after I have waited patiently to place said order. Cut to me recieving luke warm, mediocre, food 45 min. to 1 hour later. Not only is the food sub-par, there is, more times than not something incorrect about my order. Okay so mistakes happen, but at Candle Cafe do not expect inept management to care, or to go out of their way to take care of the problem. They will resend your order, but just because they screwed up does not mean you will not be waiting another 45min to 1 hour for the replacement, which will usually be missing a sauce or condiment. This restaurant cares little for their clientele and it shows. I suppose the reason they get away with running a customer service based business this way is the lack of competition. Ordering takeout from this restaurant is a major (expensive) inconvenience, and I would recommend you think twice before you decide to chance it.