City Chef Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Bowie

My son was so excited to mention City Chef as a previous bowie resident I was excited to hear that the food culture was changing!

However I AM HIGHLY disappointed and disgusted at the very end.

My sons and I went on a lunch date after a hot day travel from Havre de Grace MD we pulled into parking lot and it was very beautiful to see kids playing, music and the good smell of BBQ! A great day I thought to spend time, money and support the culture! Ordered the menu literally except the Half-Smoke.

Arrived a little after 2 pm placed order and sat at the bar, the cashier was nice initially at the end had a very nasty attitude… and the bartender was amazing guy great conversation and drinks! (Thank you the only reason I left a tip to bad he has to share. The food was received at 4:31pm. When the food came out ALL of the sides, collard greens, jollof rice, plantains, baked beans, mac and cheese were lukewarm and that is being Extra Generous. My Red Snapper, Full Rack of Ribs, sliders were all cold. I was understanding initially considering the crowd, so I asked for my food to be reheated. The person whom took my food back wasn’t pleasant didn’t apologize and face expressions were as if I was bothering her or I was asking too much.. the red snapper came back out piping hot and was flavorful but basic , out of 10 I give it a 6.2.

Baffled that I NEVER…Never received my full rack of ribs that was sent back for reheating at 4:37 pm! I also ordered at 3:54 pm 2 additional items that was never put in… I spoke with the chef personally was told he will make. As a chef myself, I understand the pressure of getting it right for the customer, however another EPIC fail!

Went to settle my tab now after 5pm irritation starting to settle in, however trying to be graceful due to the lack of professionalism given and never received an apology was offered a piece of corn bread that wasn’t good to begin with .. very dry… and not tasty like it was sitting all night or was refrigerated the night before. I told the to keep it.

Although my service was horrible and food overly priced for small portions.. 3 hours later still not my complete order. The cashier comes with a order of ribs by the way she was putting the top on I open the container and sure enough was NOT the ribs I sent back and THEY were over cooked and dry !!!!!!! Fact Food Safety issues, I told them and stated because it wasn’t the ribs I sent back I didn’t want them, they can keep the money! I left without the food I paid for and left the tip and the $40 full ribs I never received!!!! I was disappointed because its our people that take short cuts and had an attitude about correcting their Service.

Here are some valuable tips: If it’s late at least make sure it’s hot and plentiful.

Not all customers want a refund they want you to give them what they ordered, on time, hot and tasteful.

Bottomline I don’t see what all the hype was about. If you don’t know how to cook or haven’t taste authentic cuisines then maybe it was the best food you had. For me and my family wasn’t the least impressed.

I’ve had authentic recipes made at friends homes that would put them to SHAME!

No fufu on Nigerian menu is shameful and as a southerner very very very very very displeased no where near the food taste or quality of the south! $200’s spent for nothing took leftovers to the homeless shelter..

We have to do better as a people, J am so kind that I asked when was their slowest day to give them another try and at the end WOULD never ! There’s power in numbers and word by mouth! You lost a very valuable customer for giving below...

My daughter and I went to City Chef yesterday after hearing the reviews about the food being good. We were out running errands, so I decided to use DoorDash to order my food so it can be ready when I picked it up. DoorDash said that my food would be ready for pick-up in 20 minutes.

I get to City Chef 20 minutes later, give them my name only to find out from the cashier that their computer system doesn't talk to DoorDash, although they are on DoorDash but somehow she was able to see what I ordered once I got there.

Anywho, she printed out my order gave it to the kitchen and I waited an additional 25 minutes for my food. I'm glad I didn't have anywhere to be and that no one else was there waiting on an order. While waiting for my food the cashier provided no update on how long it would take, how much longer was left before the food would be ready, or if my daughter and I wanted anything while we were waiting. Nor did I receive an apology, because how would I know about this system glitch when ordering my food.

The young man finally bought my food out and by this time two other workers had shown up. One of the workers packed my bag and let it sit there until I asked "Is this my food?" The original cashier now comes back over and tells the worker yes that's her food. They hand me my food and I ask, "Do I receive anything complimentary for waiting?" They both looked at me like two deer in headlights, until the cashier said, I can give you a slice of cornbread or drink. I said, I will take the cornbread. But why did I have to ask when you knew the situation? Why wasn't it just offered?

All in all, The customer service was TRASH!! The workers apparently need more training when dealing with customers and certain situations. The food was good except the rice was hard as rock like it had been sitting a while and dried out. The ribs needed more BBQ sauce and the Beef Samosa's wasn't served with any type of dipping sauce.

In high hopes from the reviews, I spent $80.30 with tax and tip to support this establishment and to receive bad customer service is disheartening. I gave 3 stars because the food is tasty especially the...

A Memorable Visit to Chef City Restaurant

Today, I finally had the pleasure of visiting Chef City Restaurant, a place that has been on my radar for quite some time. As I arrived, I observed the fascinating sight of smokers being set into place, signaling a transformation from the old Dunkin’ Donuts that once stood there into a culinary gem I never knew I’d enjoy so thoroughly.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the friendliness of the staff. Chef Mike, in particular, went above and beyond by offering me a taste of his exquisite food even before I’d placed my dinner order. This level of hospitality immediately made me feel welcome and excited about what was to come.

Tonight’s meal was nothing short of spectacular. I opted for a half rack of Baby Back Ribs, paired with a savory serving of Jollof Rice and a specially-made Mac & Cheese. The Baby Back Ribs were tender and flavorful, the Jollof Rice was perfectly seasoned, and the Mac & Cheese was creamy and comforting, clearly crafted with care and attention to detail. Chef Mike and his team are willing to customize dishes, ensuring that every customer gets a meal tailored to their liking – a rare and wonderful touch.

While waiting for my food, I enjoyed a well-crafted cocktail that perfectly complemented the atmosphere and heightened my anticipation for the meal. It’s clear that a lot of thought and skill go into every aspect of the dining experience at Chef City.

I can’t stress enough how delightful my experience was, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. Chef City is not just another restaurant; it’s a standout in a sea of dining options, offering excellent food and a genuinely warm, friendly environment. This will undoubtedly become my go-to spot for both lunch and dinner.

Do yourself a favor and visit Chef City Restaurant. Experience the wonderful food and welcoming atmosphere for yourself, and you’ll be eager to spread the word...