A.M. Siempre Cafe — Restaurant in Oaxaca

I live in Oaxaca, and this was not only the worst restaurant experience I’ve had in all of Mexico, but the worst experience I’ve had anywhere in the world, and I’ve traveled plenty. What is more, in addition to dining in countless establishments, I’ve worked in a number of restaurants in the US—everything from washing dishes to sous chef to waiter. So I’m not exaggerating.

Sadly, my wife and I were once regular customers here, and tipped well. But this place is unable to deal with more than a few tables, and anytime we went when there were more than three or four tables it meant absurdly long waits—with no explanation or apology—while the owners sit around on their computers, play music, and of course, swipe credit cards and handle payments—anything but caring leadership. (Our hungry toddler wasn’t even enough to warrant an apology or at least some customer service reflecting a genuine concern for patrons and a degree of embarrassment over such lackluster performance.

A.M. is chronically short-staffed, so the two waiters and one cook are swamped once they have more than a few tables. However, the owners let the onus fall on the staff rather than trying to be diplomatic and hospitable once all semblance of order and ability disappear upon reaching their ten-customer limit, resulting in clearly stressed-out employees who are used as a buffer to avoid any direct communication with customers who simply want to be acknowledged and treated with respect. All of which is to say, there is an utter lack of responsibility here, along with professionalism in general.

The food is decent, but it is hardly worth the wait. You will have a much better experience at Ancestral, which is on the same block, or just go to Boulenc near the zócalo for good food...

I really wish we had found this place sooner. We've been in Oaxaca 3 months and just moved into this barrio. We noticed A.M. Cafe on our morning walk and decided to pop in. We've been back every day since. It's so good.

The drinks are top notch and it's obvious they source their coffee with care. All of the staff has been wonderful to us and are very friendly. The food though is what sets this cafe apart.

Everything at A.M. Cafe is made from scratch, presented beautifully, and so delicious. So far we've eaten the omelets, 2 different kinds of bagels, the roast beef sandwich, and the eggs benedict. All of it was amazing (also, I'm addicted to their homemade salsa macha). We have eaten at dozens of restaurants in Oaxaca. The food here is most definitely the best we have found.

We will be back. Highly...

We stopped by here for lunch/brunch. We were the only ones there at the time, which was a treat! Our server was SO kind and helpful, smiling the whole while. She even pulled out a map and helped us find our next destination (as we had been looking on our phones). The food was stellar. I had an omelette with (amaaaaazing) cheese, greens and peppers. The boyfriend had a bagel with cream cheese and marmalade. Over all, it was such an...