CAVA — Restaurant in Maryland

For Mediterranean-style fast-casual, CAVA can't be beat. For those of us who've enjoyed its offerings for years now, it is easy to see how and why it has spread far beyond its Montgomery County Maryland roots to everywhere from Los Angeles to New York and many places in-between. For newcomers, the menu selections might be a bit daunting, since they are unique. While most customers seem to prefer the "build your own bowl" concept, there are so-called "Chef Curated" selections that require only selecting a salad, pita or bowl and they do the rest.

Note from the online menu, that one can dine-in, get take-out, or opt for delivery.

My favorite protein is spicy lamb meatball. The sauces and toppings include many flavorful and potentially spicy (but not all) options traditional Greek Tzatziki, several versions of hummus, Harissa, and lemon herb tahini.

Another reason CAVA has grown in popularity is that it provides healthful options at a good value. This is part of the beauty of the fast casual concept, similar to Chipotle only in the style of the "go down the line" service. There is no alcohol served, but there are plenty of options including sparking water and Maine Root fountain sodas.

The quality of the service from the staff here varies. Over the years, I've had some who were not particularly engaging or highly professional. I've also had difficulty ordering online and the app which includes a rewards opportunity can be glitchy.

None of that ultimately significantly detracts from CAVA's delicious food, which stretches flavors in a way that...

False advertising! Menu states I. English Unlimited toppings. I like Feta and I ask for double portions of Feta on my 15 dollar bowl. The line refused my toppings! What’s Unlimited me? I don’t want Pickles or Cucumbers or Onions on my bowl! I don’t want the lil cherry tomatoes and onions toppings just 5 teaspoons extra of feta! Then they bad mouth me in Spanish thinking nobody speaks Spanish! Totally Rude customer service. The line was empty. I started to order my food and the line cook ignored me to speak Spanish with other employees. I said hello she didn’t even reply. I walked away to pay for my son’s bowl and she didn’t even bother to ask or say anything to me. I paid for my son’s bowl and told the cashier and the cashier stated would tell the manager and the line cook started laughing.

It’s lousy customer service. I have eaten at almost all Cava locations and the customer service is above any other fast casual dining.

One less Bowl sold. Will it matter they still get paid hourly.

I’ll get dinner...

This review is a little late, but better late than never...

I organized a group lunch at Cava Cabin John 4/14. Prior to the event, I spoke with Kennia to make sure my group could be accommodated, and agreed on how to pay for the group. She also added in a very much appreciated freebie for our group.

Day of the event, everything went so smoothly. I was able to purchase a gift card to pay for the group of people who came, and Kennia handled our group with ease and no issues. Over 20 people placed an order, there was barely any wait and the food was delicious. Any time the gift card went low, she let me know and let me re-load to keep our purchases going.

I cannot thank Kennia and her staff enough for hosting us, for a delicious lunch, and for staying calm and collected despite 20+ people in our group on top the normal patrons for the day.

Thank you thank you...