The Lights Cafe — Restaurant in Charlotte

I'm in town from Miami and I decided to go to this cafe to grab a bite and do some work on my computer. I went the day prior and everything was fine so I decided to go the next day being today and as I arrived the owner same man that attended to me yesterday was not so friendly, I decided to sit on the bar stools area and I believe his wife was the one that took my order I asked her specifically about what I was ordering and she told me agreed that it would come a certain way when I received it, it was completely different and the taste was off for me personally. I let her know respectfully I did not like it and she looked like she did not know what to do. At the time, the man was not there meaning I believe she called him so he can come back in to the cafe to address it, not knowing why she couldn't take of it but I didn't say anything, once he arrived they both approached me and she said I'm going to do you a favor this time and not charge you for it but it felt as though I striked a nerve and she was not happy that I did not like the taste of it. Mind you in as a customer if you do not like something you are in all your right to return it... once I said this he seemed upset and told me that they will no longer be serving me or I am no longer allowed in their establishment. I just think that is the most absurd thing I have ever experienced, you are making me feel bad for not liking something I ordered and then dismissing me from the cafe as if I caused any harm after being there the day prior is ridiculous. They are not kind people nor do they know what it is to provide good customer service, their portions are very small to begin with and extremely over priced. Do not give your money to this establishment, go spend your money in an environment that appreciates it. And lastly he approached me as I were needed to be scared of him... sir you run a business for the people, please act like it and take care of the bugs it is not a good look nor is it sanitary...

oof. Where to start; I'm conflicted with my experience at The Lights. (sunday lunch)

Let me start by saying the food was very good and everyone was friendly. However, I feel like the prices do not reflect the product. In my opinion, there are far too many servers/waiters/waitresses with what seems like dedicated roles, meandering around in such a small space. I feel like theres an identity crisis between a casual coffee-room-esque cafe and a gourmet bistro. Maybe thats the idea, but i think this location is too small to really "get" that. There was nobody at the front to guide us to a seat which was also a bit awkward. My other concern was that we had 3-4 different people help our table which made things confusing for both us and them; again seems like too much staff for the space. Lastly, when it was time to pay the waitstaff brought the digital card reader to me and held it out to swipe my card; the default tip was between 20-30% which to me is excessive for an already pricey menu, i think 18% is standard? As someone who hates feeling put on the spot this made me uncomfortable/pressured to tip high since I'd have to click around for a custom tip or pull a calculator out while the device was held over me. Not a fan of that. I'm all for no receipt paper waste but I'd much prefer to take a sec to look over the itemized total/receipt without the unnecessary pressure. Maybe an Ipad left at the table would have been better? I don't know.

All in all, it's fine. I just think theres a bit too much going on in what would otherwise be a simple/quality ingredients, locally sourced breakfast/lunch spot. Hoping for the best/future improvements because this area of charlotte definitely needs more places like this.

If you can overlook the few issues I'd say go ahead and try it for yourself; you will not...

We’re really disappointed based on our experience the past several times we’ve been.

Sunday after church was by far the worst.

Unfortunately, after a change of ownership this restaurant has really gone downhill.

We got there at 11 AM and our food didn’t come out until 12:30 PM. We were celebrating my little sisters graduation and my girlfriend was baiting her little sister and boyfriend. It was a special occasion for us and we left feeling embarrassed.

Nobody came to check on us during the wait and our waters didn’t get refilled until the very end. After kindly letting the staff know that some of the members of our party had to leave soon, we were told the food would be out in 15 minutes. It’s clear they didn’t even start making our meal until we complained. We paid almost $200 and felt like we had to rush to eat our food.

We’re really disappointed that we weren’t taken care of afterwards. I understand they were in the weeds and were missing a kitchen staffer, but it feels like just because we’re regulars and friends with the staff, we didn’t get the same level of service as another guest would.

I still tipped well because I used to be a server and understand what it’s like, but I didn’t feel the love. If it was me, I personally would have comped part of the meal or offered a free coffee at the least!

We noticed several tables that came after us get their food before us—including our friends that got there 30 min after us, received their food well before us and left before we did.

They didn’t really check on us throughout the experience. This was a special occasion which again we had to rush.

We’re regulars and we bring new clientele often, but tbh, we don’t feel inclined to come back or recommend people given the service we received.

Not personal. Just...