Fig Tree Cafe — Restaurant in Barnstable

Don't you hate the review from the out of towner? I've been here each visit to the cape. Solo and with others. I actually messaged the local Yelpers about 'can't miss' spots, and this was one that kept being mentioned.

Why not 5 stars? Because I don't rate like all the out of towners who have never tasted hollandaise on lobster before. The food is very good, and I will continue to visit. My problem is, I am treated like an outsider/tourist. I have always been rushed to leave, so they can use the seat. They literally set my check down first, then set my plate on top of it. Now it's twice I was at the counter seat by myself when this happened. When with others at a table, the server kept making references to the register. That table turn push is just not friendly. The greatest tip I can give to the owner, would be the App NoWait that pairs with Yelp. See the wait time, and get in line.

OK that's the gripe, now the glow!

The food is fantastic. They use a lot of fresh from the garden items to create daily specials. They build meals correct. Lobster is actual lobster. Corned beef hash(my favorite) is a beef that they prepped and cooked. Sliced off in steak form. diced into cubes, and skillet tossed with veggies and seasoning. Not dumped from a can or using somebodies deli sliced meat instead. The Hollandaise is creamy, even, and light. I applaud anything they want to create with that on it. I like the skin on potatoes served. I know the Red skins and maybe whites? They are always cooked throughout, and well seasoned. The side of fruit is always fresh cut, never frozen or canned. I've sampled the pancakes off anothers plate. They are good, but still not the one that makes me moan out loud.

I cannot vouch for all the baked goods. Everything on the chalkboard(muffins, scones, donuts, cookies) are all homemade. I cannot vouch that the bread(toast), english muffins, or bagels are made in house. I do wonder if they make the sandwich rolls, or buns.

The interior is tastefully decorated. Not cluttered with nick nacks. Great wood floors that have always been clean. Counter tops, and wainscoting is done with a flair of compliment to the paint colors. I really like a chalkboard wall with artistic flair. Colors, fonts, artwork, caricatures, are all the right elements to draw, and hold the eye. The silverware, drink ware and plating is solid and just not plain.

See ya...

The fact this place is often packed on a Saturday morning suggests that the food is pretty good. And that a lot of people are willing to tolerate the owner’s grumpy demeanor. It was 0830 when We arrived this morning (2-1-20) to find the place sparsely populated. We were meeting a friend and asked for a table for three. While chomping on her morning supply of gum, the owner instructed the trainee to seat us at a certain table — but admonished her that this was an exception and that we really shouldn’t be seated until we were all present. I hate this policy but can understand it if there’s a line out the door. Not the case on this morning. The trainee has now been taught a terrible lesson in hospitality.

Another common error in small restaurants today was generously manifest in the lurking presence of the bus boy (man) who seemed to be compensated on the basis of how quickly He could snatch any plate, cup, or bowl that even slightly resembled being ready for the dishwasher. He must have stood at our table for 30 seconds awaiting permission to lean into a table of still-eating guests to “get this out of your way.” It’s NOT in my way. YOU ARE. When people are still eating ... back off. We’ll let you know if something is “in our way.”

If this were a greasy spoon serving $1.99 platters of eggs and home fries one could abide in this boorishness. But this place is not cheap. Which makes their in-hospitality unacceptable.

We deserve better. As the Sicilians remind us: a fish stinks from the head. You can see the problem in the parking lot where there’s a sign reserving a prime parking spot for The Boss Lady.

The Belgian waffle was dry cardboard served room temperature. The hash browns were over-spiced with dry pieces of meat mixed in with globs of fat.

Our server...

(Note: I write these reviews in part for my own nationwide business clients, for travel and activity inspiration! I’m a financial planner - CFP®️practitioner - with a focus on retirement wealth strategies, primarily serving business women and LGBTQ individuals. #VirtualPlanningCraftedWithCare®️)

We came on a holiday and the place was packed, and with good reason! There is a decent size and even still there were some cars parked on the side of the road. Yet were did get seated right away. There seemed to be a constant movement of people with staff hustling to provide quick service.

We were asked about beverages immediately after being seated and put our orders in shortly after that. Happy to report the our server was attentive and friendly, even though she was buzzing around.

Food was great! I was so pleased that they had lots to offer in terms of gluten free meals. I was able to get a GF Belgian waffle! It was fluffy and fresh. Served with fresh fruit. My friend had an omelette that she enjoyed with GF bread. Lots of other baked goods to choose from.

The atmosphere itself was comfortable, clean and inviting. It had both a traditional country look but also a modern feel. One thing to consider is that the space is a bit tight, so if you have mobility needs, you may need to call ahead for seating accommodations. I feel like they’d do that.

There was a gender neutral bathroom which is nice. This establishment is suitable for families, couples, singles and seniors.

In terms of prices, not bad at all for the quality you get, with food served hot and promptly. I’d absolutely...