The Camellia Cafe — Restaurant in Dadeville

We are locals who have visited several times and really enjoyed this place. Recently had a very surprising experience when we invited some friends.

The restaurant was very busy when we arrived. Our server was a bit overwhelmed but trying her best. We placed our order and began to wait. After well over an hour of waiting, one person in our party went back asked about our order and they discovered that our order had not been submitted. Frustrating but not a huge deal, they apologized and began working our order.

One plate came out and it was incorrect (bacon instead of sausage). We mentioned it was incorrect, and they went to fix it. Two more plates came out for our friends. One of those was incorrect (she had asked for her gravy on the side). They did not correct this but did say the meal was on them and no need to pay. (I would’ve paid anyways as I like supporting local businesses)

This is when the surprise happened. A gentleman, who I assume is the owner, came out said our food was covered. Then, he proceeded to say we were no longer welcome in his establishment for “disrespecting his staff”. Now, I will absolutely say, I do not know what was said when the one lady in our party went to the back so I can’t say no rudeness occurred. She then stated she wasn’t rude and he disagreed. Fine, he said/she said scenario.

But THEN he turned and pointed directly at my wife and said “That goes for you too!” We were stunned. My wife never left the table nor interacted with the staff hardly at all.

Not wanting to further an obviously overheated situation, we simply ate a left.

I would personally like for the gentleman to contact me and my wife so we could understand what exactly was behind his anger.

Very confused...

A friend and I stopped in while on a walk around town. We are both long time residents. We waited a good forty minutes for the food, I use that term loosely. It was over cooked, and in a smaller quantity, thankfully, than that of other patron’s. The coffee was obviously imported from a Naval ship far out to sea. Now, I must admit, my friend and I are elderly, and may, or may not have jumped line to get a table. If we did, it was totally an innocent mistake. There were a couple of young folks sitting, leaning around on their phones outside. We did not recognize this as a line, if that was what it was. The staff said nothing about it. The waiter was cordial. I don’t know if this was his way of letting us know we messed up, or not. It is, however, the only conclusion I can come to for the terrible food, and wait time. I...

I popped into Camelia Cafe and was pleasantly surprised by my experience. Jeremy Whaley, the Chef and Owner, warmly greeted me and took the time to explain the menu, highlighting some specials not on the menu, including meatloaf.

With my food background, I was intrigued to see how Chef Whaley would elevate a classic comfort dish like meatloaf—and I was pleasantly surprised by the presentation. The elevated "meat and three" vibe truly shone on the plate.

I opted for collard greens and black-eyed peas as my sides, and both were subtly flavororfil while remaining light and satisfying.

I can't wait to come back!...