Oakhurst Café — Restaurant in Charlottesville

I dined here for brunch with a small group (three) on a Sunday morning. Though we've been to Oakhurst a number of times in the past - all with great experiences, this one seemed a bit abnormal.

We did not have a reservation and were told they usually require and promote reservations (though we have not made them during three prior visits) - but the host was friendly and found a seat for us.

Upon being seated we observed many changes to the menu and prior staple items were no longer included, which was a bit disappointing. In time, we placed our order and were brought our food. One of our guests has a severe gluten allergy and was not aware the dish they ordered had a form of pasta in it known as fregola (unaware of what fregola was at that time) - the menu was not marked for gluten allergies, nor was our table asked of any allergy challenges.

When the dish was brought out, we asked if there was couscous as the fregola resembled pearled couscous - the server notified us that it was pasta. The diner did not want a new dish, but to only receive the sauce beneath the fregola (to pair with the salmon) as they couldn't eat most of the dish. The responses received from three restaurant representatives were not only accusatory, but semi-demeaning, and awkward. The guest was advised that they should always notify their server of any food allergies and that the menu was clearly labeled with all ingredients. While a valid point, this is a direct approach and caused awkwardness. The ingredient is not very common so that led to the concern not being raised upon order, and the only question was to receive additional sauce - not a new dish or discount.

I was left disappointed and embarrassed for the diner as Oakhurst seemed to scold them due to an allergy and a clear miscommunication. We also were unable to order none of the once staple menu items due to a less desirable menu. In addition, we were charged for another tables bill accidentally - which was remedied, though the hold is still present on the card.

Takeaways:

1. Advise of food allergy even if you think you aren't ordering something that may present a challenge

2. Make a reservation

3. Review the menu if you've been before since staple/recurring items are no...

Waitress was very nice every time we ate here. I appreciated the well designed menus (very pretty, and good font usage). The chai and coffee were both great, and my friends also liked their hot drinks a lot.

However, the sandwich I ordered on my first visit was quite bad. It was a special, and consisted of chicken, bacon, and walnuts I believe. The chicken was so heavily coated in sauce, and the bread so thin that the thing would not stay together. I typically have no issue with large and unruly sandwiches/burgers, but this one was unmanageable. This would have been fine if it tasted good, but all of the flavors clashed. The bacon was oily and fatty, the sauce was sharp and fresh tasting, and the chicken was dry and peppery. Every bite felt as though the ingredients were having a fistfight in my mouth, and no one was winning. I'm not sure who thought this sandwich was a good idea, but it was a tragedy on a plate. The chips it was served with were good, but come on they're just chips.

On my second visit I went with the breakfast sandwich, basically bacon egg and cheese on a bagel. This was good, but also not worth nearly as much as I was charged for it. If I'm paying as much as I did on my two visits here, I expect better food, not just a flashy menu and good coffee. As a result, I can't really recommend this place unless you're looking to spend too much on a homely atmosphere and food that's...

Not the way we would have chosen to spend our 25th wedding anniversary brunch.

You may ask, "why a 2 when everyone else rates it higher." Well, had it been need solely upon the food it likely would have been a four or five but the experience drops it down. It isn't that the online menu doesn't reflect the menu we were given, such is life, I suppose, full of disappointment. It has more to do with being drenched by a pitcher of creamer (bring delivered to another table) and winding up wearing it all over my face and clothes, especially my jacket. Granted mistakes happen but except for the person who covered me in creamer no one else seemed to care, not even other staff. I remained silent while being the butt of other customers joking jibes and used a towel supplied to try to clean myself off. "It happens" I told my self and the person who had the accident. What disappointed me was when the bill came it was for the full amount. No apology or consideration. My wife actually approached our server and brought the topic up and the server seemed surprised she would bring it up. Ultimately we were given a 10% discount, $4.37. not even enough to cover the dry cleaning bill. So if you go there enjoy the food but dress like you are going to a Gallagher watermelon smash. Just to be on...