Cafe Gouda — Restaurant in Hickory

I visited Cafe Gouda this afternoon with my family and to say I was disappointed would be an understatement.

We begin with the 40+ minute to get our food, looking around the restaurant and noticing one set of patrons send a plate back because the food was cold should have been my first red flag. Second should have been how dirty the building was (attached will be a picture of God knows what that was just laying on the floor) the tables were left with dirty trays and drinks. I watched as people sat down at those tables wondering if an employee would clean off that table; allowing the new customer's space to actually eat their food.

Realizing the time, I walked up to the counter to check on the status of our order, I had employees look at me but never acknowledge me. I had noticed when I went up that there was an order sitting in the window that looked like it could be ours, so instead of just waiting there being ignored, I went back to the table to hope that it was our food. Thankfully it was and I was thrilled that we finally got a meal although the employee who delivered the food was rude and seemed like she did not want to be there.

The french fries were cold and something you would expect to get from a fast-food restaurant that had been sitting for hours waiting for someone to order fries. I decided that I would attempt to make the best of the situation and try my burger. I can honestly say that I can count on one hand the number of times I had to spit out food to keep myself from getting physically ill.

I am writing this review knowing that it will not be received well by the owner of this establishment based on other reviews that are not favorable to Cafe Gouda, however, it was one of the worst dining experiences I have had and I will not...

Arrived at 9:55am on a Sunday and it was packed. Ordered around 10:05am after figuring out what we wanted and found the only seating open for 3. They clearly weren't thoroughly cleaning tables or chairs in between customers either. None of the staff and 98 out of 100 customers were wearing no masks so I guess everyone was vaccinated. They were out of coffee, fries, creamer, and paper towels in the bathroom when we got there and they hadn't even been opened 2 hours. We didn't get our simple breakfast food until 10:45am. Unfortunately my sister and her friend had to be back on the road by 11am so we barely had time to eat. The food wasn't hot so it didn't come out immediately either and they were clearly busy when we arrived but 40 minutes for some egg sandwiches was a bit too long and some things were not prepared the way they were ordered but there was no time to fix it. Although everything else everyone seemed to enjoy. I would prefer to go on a less busy day or at a less busy time. It was affordable and the staff wasn't rude but it took way too long to not be done 100% and hot...

This place is amazing. I've been here a couple of times and the food is always great. They always have breakfast which is what I always get, but they also have other options for every taste Talking about taste, I've always had the French Toast and I have to say, they are amazing. I've also tried other dishes and they are all good. Flavor is always there. In regards to presentation, well this ain't no 5 star dining. But it's not all that bad. I mean, it's a quick grab a bite and go kinda place.

The only reason I don't give them 5 stars is because I think they always fall short when I ask a latte or a cappuccino. They have an awesome coffee machine but they somehow don't seem to make good latte, just OK latte.

I love how they are always friendly and willing to help out if the order does come out wrong. Great place to spend with friends and family.

FIX THE COFFEE and I will give 5 stars AND edit this review. This is my favorite breakfast place in all of Hickory and would love to see you guys do even better. Can't wait to return and grab...