CAVA — Restaurant in Maryland

The one star is solely for the the food, which is amazing. The reason this store doesn't get any more however is because the service is ATROCIOUS. I love CAVA and have been to this place numerous times since it's opened and it never fails to suck on some aspect of providing at least decent service. I recently went there and visibly saw 3 clerks; two at the chopping table and one guy at the register. He was getting done with a customer and was inside the register with his bare hands, touching money bills, AND coins. He then proceeds over to service me while shoving his hands into a new set of gloves and I actually had to ask him (politely too) to go wash his hands. He went and did so, but then walked off to the back. The other two clerks kept wondering where this guy went and a lady ended up taking my order and asked that guy TWICE to help as the line was growing, and even said "hey, why aren't you helping like I asked?". He apparently was venting to people in the back that I simply asked to not have money germs on my food. Guess that's too tall an order for someone who works in food service! Whoever the manager is, please retrain your folks that after they handle money, WASH YOUR HANDS. I can't believe in this day and age that people even have the nerve to get an attitude about that. Not to mention he contaminated all the other gloves he touched when he got a new set. What is the point of all the sinks in that place and the signs you put up telling the employees to wash their hands? If anyone is supposed to be livid, it would be me, and he should feel lucky I didn't ask for a manager after that entire petulant display. How disgraceful, CAVA do better with the attitudinal people you hire. There was far too much eye rolling happening, and it wasn't by...

I had a frustrating experience at the restaurant today, and I feel it's important to share. When I ordered the steak and harissa, which comes with two types of hummus, I asked if the first hummus was the orange one and if the second one was the red pepper hummus. Initially, I mentioned that I didn't want the red pepper hummus because I don't like spicy food. However, I changed my mind and asked if I could get it on the side. The server informed me that it would be an extra charge.

What stood out to me was that a white woman sitting next to me only wanted one hummus, and even though her bowl allowed for two, the staff didn't mention any extra charge to her. It felt like they treated me differently compared to others.

Additionally, when I requested extra dressing, I was immediately told that it would also be extra. Since when is one cup of dressing considered standard for a salad? One is never enough for an entire salad! I paid $15 for a small portion of lettuce with a little bit of steak, and now they wanted to charge me extra for something that should already be included.

To make matters worse, I specifically told the server that I didn’t want feta, but they still put it on my dish. There seemed to be a lack of communication among the staff, which required them to start over with my bowl. Yet, they looked at me as if I had done something wrong or was being aggressive for merely asking for what I wanted and what I was...

CAVA nails the art of fresh, feel-good food with a build-your-own style menu that caters to just about every palate and dietary preference. Whether you’re craving a grain bowl, salad, or pita wrap, you’re met with an array of colorful ingredients—from hearty roasted vegetables and spicy lamb meatballs to creamy hummus and tangy pickled onions. Every bite tastes intentional and fresh, making it one of the best options out there for a quick, healthy meal.

The variety of flavors and sauces is where CAVA really shines. Their garlic dressing, harissa, and skhug pack a punch, while the hummus and tzatziki add creamy balance. You can go bold or keep it simple, but either way, the food always feels wholesome and satisfying.

Portions are generous, and while you may walk in hungry, odds are you’ll leave wondering how you’re going to finish it all. (Pro tip: you might not need to. And that’s okay—CAVA bowls are just as enjoyable eaten cold later on.)

Now, let’s talk about the classic pita chips. Slightly crisp around the edges, yet soft and almost cornbread-like in the center, these golden wedges are lightly moistened with olive oil and add a satisfying texture to the meal. Not quite a chip, not quite bread, but undeniably a must.

In short, CAVA is high-quality fast-casual done right: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, excellent value, and plenty of options...