ZiPani Cafe Bistro — Restaurant in Frederick

I don't really understand why this place has so many good reviews for many reasons. 1. The service is terrible. I've given them many chances in this regard. The very first time I visited, they made my order wrong, an iced matcha latte, even after verifying with me multiple times that I wanted it iced. They ignored me as I tried to tell them that they were giving the drink maker a hot cup, so of course, they were going to give me a hot drink. Secondly, they are normally out of coffee during lunchtime. And even when I am able to get a coffee, their milk is always empty! It is always something! Finally, regarding service, they just don't pay attention to the customer. The cashier ringing me up did not say anything to me, indicating that she was ready for my order, and I had to verify with her myself. However, she was very spaced out, so in the end, I was still very confused. Also, many people who ordered after me were given their more complicated orders before mine! I even watched as the person cut my bagel, decide she didn't want to do it anymore, throw the cut bagel back into bin, and DELETE my ticket. When I finally got the courage to ask for my order, they gave me the wrong creamcheese that tasted like the tuna from the sandwich they made previously without cleaning the utensil. 2. The bagels just aren't that good. I am from New York, so I've had good bagels, and I am willing to concede that there are "regionally good" variations. However, they're small and not always worth your money. Again, they used the same utensil for my bagel that they used on someone elses TUNA sandwich. I am a vegetarian, and I found it really disgusting. Also, their garlic and herb cream cheese is actually really sour and not very good. And once again, its very hard to get good coffee here. Sometimes, the very little coffee that is left available is ICE COLD. You would think they'd try to make sure the coffee is hot for an afternoon lunch rush. And somehow, their hot matchas, are so incredibly gritty. You have to try REALLY HARD to mess up a hot matcha. I've been wronged so many times here, and I cannot understand why. I dont know how you can repair this relationship, and at this point, as a local guide, I am not sure I want to. Tldr; Service is terrible. Bagels and drinks are not worth it. Save yourself the trouble and...

Update: NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER place an online order with them. I placed an order for pickup ASAP and arrived to the location 5 minutes later. After a 45 minute wait, the food was still not ready and others walked in, placed orders on-site, and we're sitting/eating while I still waited. When I asked about this, the staff said one of the bagels I ordered was out of stock but my other food that they made (45 minutes earlier) was ready. While I waited for the missing bagel to be made, they must have microwaved my breakfast sandwich that had been sitting there making it a hot wet steamy mess that was cold in the middle. Minus 3 stars for the entire situation. If something is out of stock for an online order, someone should walk over to the online order pickup area where everyone is waiting and ask if the person was there (I was) instead of putting the to-go bag on some wire rack by the cleaning supplies and just waiting for the customer to complain about a missing order. Minus 1 more star because thinking back about the situation made me mad all over again.

I previously loved this place but now I might never go back. If I do I will never never never order online....

Order #145 placed 29 June...

I wish I could give this place 4 1/2 stars because they really are my go- to. I'd give the food a 5 but their beverages a 4. Great flavors and special drinks, but not always made the same way so they've been wonderful and meh at different times. The service staff is always aiming to please and are super friendly despite the chaos of busy service periods. The bagels are light, airy and out-of-this-world fresh and their menu offerings are creative and so yummy! Service at the counter is excellent but I'd recommend calling ahead. There is no table service, but the atmosphere is mostly quiet and roomy and there's usually a quiet table to sit and talk with friends or co-workers while you wait for your order. I will keep going back here because the food and service improves a little more every time I return and they always...