Sophia's Cafe — Restaurant in Alaska

UPDATE- 1-6-23 Am changing this to 3 stars, and honestly debated 2. Have been back several times and the service is still mostly sub-par, but more to the point, they will (disingenuously) say an item is unavailable 'today' when in fact they have not had it in months (for example- no soup of any kind anymore, ever. But it's still on the menu? Why?). Other items seem to be available randomly, but this place is going downhill. The menu was already very limited, but when you have to change your order 3 times because "we don't have that either", plus wait over half an hour for simple things (a salad) it's easier to just go somewhere else. This is unfortunate because most of what they have IS really good Greek food (though the stuffed grape leaves and french toast are both disappointing and overpriced), and there aren't a lot of options locally.

We showed up on a Sunday and were disappointed to find it closed (evidently it’s run by a church group) but came back a different day. This is the real deal for Greek food. Everything was made from scratch and delicious! In a place like Alaska it can be difficult to find authentic ethnic food, so this small, off the beaten path cafe was a delightful discovery. The decor is enjoyable, with paintings (for sale) by local artists and mural type accents. We especially liked that the kitchen is open and fully viewable from part of the dining area and the counter, so you can observe the preparation and cleanliness. The servers were all teen girls, friendly and efficient but somewhat inexperienced. They apologized for mistakes, but we had to ask twice for things, and errors were made with food ordered and items on the check. It’s really a small grievance, given the amazing food. And, it’s a cafe, not fine dining! Prices are reasonable, not cheap, but par for Alaska. Would be nice if they were open Sunday (brunch would be awesome), offered beer and wine, and maybe a few more choices on the menu, but certainly not a huge disappointment. We definitely felt it was a good value given the quality and serving sizes of the food. (You could spend nearly as much at a fast food place for utter garbage.) Will...

3rd times a charm or not. 1st time I came here, I was asked to sit wherever. And...the server never came back. Left after 30 minutes. 2nd time I brought my husband because I still wanted to try this place out due to my friends reviews. This time we sat down, a server brought us a menu and water and no show after that. Today was a final try again with my husband. Since the last two were walk outs I figured to stick it out. Arrived at 12:45. Waited 43 minutes to get my food ordered. At the 20 minutes mark, I went up to the counter to ask why we havent been helped along with 2 other tables that were not happy. Finally after 1 hour and 5 minutes they brought my husband his bowl of soup (yes 1 hour to bring a bowl of soup)and then the waiter tells me they are out of the sandwich meat I ordered. So not only have I been waiting, but they havent even made my food!! Incredible!! Finally 20 minutes later my sandwich comes out and its supposed to be a hot open faced sandwich but the inside is ice cold with cheese barely melted on top. I just couldnt beleive it and still cant. My husband said he will never be back again. Come on Sophias!! You can do better than this! Today is March 25,2022 and the time we left after waiting for the check it is now 2:37pm....

We ordered our food however when the food came the order was incorrect. When I asked about my item and drink she then said that what I wanted is not available. Then I asked if I could just take what she originally brought me and also a status on a hot tea, the response was that there was a long order of hot drinks and it will come when it can. We both finished our food and still no tea. I went up to pay and also ask about the tea and said since we are done eating can we have it to go. No problem they said....then they changed my bill and added the tea.....I told them no, I already ordered it. She told me that it was never on my ticket. What??? So I said, okay well since I am paying for it now, I will wait. 5 minutes goes by and then they tell me they are out of earl Grey and if I would like to substitute it. I told them no and we left. 2 stars are for the quiche and friendliness of the staff but the French toast is dry in the middle.....not really my thing. Also be warned....you may want to ask what they actually have before you order. Definitely not...