Café Zupas — Restaurant in Blaine

Update July 2024: Moving "Service" to 1 star. You think I'd learn, right? Apparently not. So, after a long day I figured I would give them another try and swing by Cafe Zupas to get a quick meal (Chipotle Glazed salad) on a Friday night. I'm hungry. My kids are hungry. We just want to grab the food and go home. I ordered online, waited the 15 min (expected), then went through the mobile order lane. Got to the window and this sweet kid at the window was like, "We have your order. we're still working on it." So me and my hungry kiddos hang tight. He comes back and says, "So, we have a couple of problems. (Great) We have two kinds of chicken, but we don't have either one of them. Do you want us to put extra avocado on them? (Uhh absolutely not.) Then he says, "We can do brisket." (Again, no... I want what the menu says it comes with.) So after re-living the same disappointing feeling from last month, I ask, "Can I just have a try-2 combo?" He has to check with his manager and, to my surprise, the answer is no. No? Not even for the inconvenience of having me drive to the restaurant, wait 20/25 min only to be told "we don't have any chicken, do you want avocado?" LOL. I thought it was a joke, but wrong again. He says, he could refund my order and I can just order the try two combo (and wait some more). They couldn't just whip up a non-chicken sandwich and a non-protein-filled salad while I'm right there at the window? Not even for my troubles, eh? Nope. Apparently there's this whole thing about how they have keep track of their food - I presume so they have an accurate inventory and don't RUN OUT of all those precious meat slices and CHICKEN CUBES.... (any one notice the irony, here?). So I just ask him to refund me. Then he says, "Ok, I have to get my manager to refund you. You should see it refunded in a few days, but let me print you a receipt if for some reason you don't see it, then you can just call us---(WAIT, WHAT? MORE work from me?! lol Man, I sure am doing a whole lot of work for free, not even a meal!) So, now, here I am, having to remember 3 days from now that Cafe Zupas in Blaine wasted my time AGAIN, just to verify that my refund took place. First world problems, I know, but jeez... it's just so annoying when all I wanted was for them to hold up their end of the deal, and give me what I paid for. And if for some reason, they happened to create an inconvenience, that they'd take accountability for it and show some customer appreciation. Sheesh. Definitely puts a bad taste in my mouth -- or no taste-- to no keep going to this location.

June 2024: So this place in general is normally really good, and I've become a big fan of Cafe Zupas, but the Blaine location has been a constant source of frustration and letdown multiple times. Whenever I order sandwiches, they often forget to add the actual toppings to my sandwiches that are supposed to be there. For example, if I order the cranberry turkey sandwich, they forget the microgreens. When I order the bowls, what they advertise is not what they actually give you. I know that most food does not look like what's shown on restaurant pictures, but their bowls-- They give you a fourth of what you actually order. The manager actually showed me the spoon sizes and they look like tablespoons. Talk about false advertising and taking advantage of the customers and their money. Not only that, but they typically put in the tiniest strawberries. I normally don't nitpick or care about these kind of things, but I'm super disappointed because at other locations I at least get a decent size bowl, and the manager's response was "maybe they're not following the portion size". Yeah, maybe, or maybe they just value their customers enough to give them quality food and normal...

I'm not typically one to leave reviews, as I have worked at restaurants/fast food-type places before, but when I went in just a few days ago, Monday, March 26th, one of the workers, who must have been the supervisor of the day, was extremely rude and very unprofessional.

When I arrived, I was just getting the Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries. I have gotten them plenty of times. If I’m not wanting to eat them all at that very moment, I have asked for the chocolate on the side. Nobody has ever made a fuss or said anything but okay! When I asked if a boy was helping me, he was very kind and just said I just have to make sure that’s okay and then went and asked a lady. She then came over and was instantly snappy. She said, “Um, well, we don’t do that because the chocolate hardens again when it’s cold.” I stated that it was okay, and I would just warm it up again when I wanted to finish my thing. She said, “Um, okay...” and then started putting things in containers. She overfilled one of the containers and began muttering under her breath, saying things like "This stupid thing" and other unidentifiable phrases. I had also asked for extra chocolate, and she said, "No, it's $80 a case, so I'm not doing that." I thought that was unnecessary and unprofessional. I did not need to know how much the company pays. If it's not allowed, it could've been said in a much better way. When she finished, she overfilled the ramekin, preventing the lid from closing properly. That wasn’t a big deal, no issues with it. It was when she presented it to me and said, "Yeah, you don't get a lid," and then rolled her eyes before walking away. This is a silly thing, but she was like yell singing the song that was playing, and it made me and the person I was with slightly uncomfortable. There’s just a time and a place for that, and when guests are in line being helped or waiting to be helped, singing loud should not be what she’s doing.

While I was paying, the machine ran out of receipt paper. That happens; the boy asked her for help because he couldn’t get it unconnected from each other. She was being rude, but in a joking way, I hope. It was unprofessional to act in such a manner in front of guests. I am unaware of her name; however, I felt compelled to express all of the following. I am aware that at restaurants or even chain stores, there are employees who operate undercover. I would not want my staff to act the way she did toward someone...

A Hidden Gem in Comfort Food: Café ZUPAS Delivers Every Time I’ve been a loyal patron of Café ZUPAS for months now, and let me tell you, it’s not just the food that keeps me coming back—it’s the unbeatable warmth and efficiency of the staff that turns every visit into a highlight of my day. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with genuine smiles and a level of attentiveness that’s rare these days. My go-to order? The Brisket Grilled Cheese paired with a cup of their Lobster Bisque Soup. Oh man, where do I even start? The sandwich is a glorious mash-up of tender, slow-cooked brisket piled high on perfectly toasted bread, with gooey melted cheese that brings all the classic grilled cheese comfort—it’s hearty, indulgent, and hits all the right savory notes without feeling heavy. And that Lobster Bisque? Silky smooth, packed with chunks of sweet lobster, and rich with subtle, elegant flavors that make it unforgettable. Every single time, it’s spot-on: piping hot, perfectly portioned, and bursting with flavor. No skimping, no shortcuts—it’s consistently amazing. But here’s what truly elevates ZUPAS above the rest: the staff. They’re not just friendly; they’re the kind of people who make you feel like a regular VIP from the get-go. Super efficient, always upbeat, and they remember the little details that make you feel seen. Lately, they’ve got my order down pat—they spot me walking up and prepare the Brisket Grilled Cheese and Lobster Bisque with that same precision every time, nailing it without me even needing to say a word. It’s like having your own personal culinary cheer squad, and it never fails to make me smile. And get this—I just learned today that the store manager is the one who’s been taking my order all along. Talk about humble leadership! He’s so down-to-earth, chatting casually while nailing every detail, without a hint of ego. It’s refreshing to see someone in charge who leads by example, making the whole team shine. Orders are always made perfectly, with zero mix-ups or delays, and that personal touch just seals the deal. If you’re craving elevated comfort food served with heart, Café ZUPAS is your spot. Five stars all the way—food, service, and that feel-good vibe. Can’t wait for...