EllaRay's Cafe — Restaurant in Maryland

First, this is in the shopping center in an entrance that looks like it’s a part of a mall…without a name/title. Once you figure that out, the place is immediately inside on the left. The restaurant seating looks like they tried to make a run down spot nice, but failed. We scanned a QR code at the entrance for the menu which was on 2 screens at the counter like it was pulled up on a website page. We approached the counter and were not greeted in any way, just a stare. We ordered and when asked questions the cashier had an attitude like we were supposed to magically know the answers. So you know, the platters come with 2 sides at I’m assuming the small size. My bf ordered the meatloaf with candied yams and macaroni and cheese. I ordered the fried catfish with the same sides. It took a while to get our food and the cashier gave us attitude when we asked about our drinks. Seems like we could have told the dude handling the drinks any drink and any size we wanted since we didn’t show him our receipt. My bf food was wrong which we figured out when we got home. He got some turkey platter. Well we went back to get the right food and to my surprise we didn’t get attitude for that. The cashier charged him the extra $0.53 (no joke) for the difference and asked if he wanted the same sides [yes]. We waited some time for the food to be ready then went back home. Well you guessed it! None of the food was good AND not only did they give him the driest meatloaf in all history, they just took the turkey out the container and replaced it with the terrible meatloaf (there were still turkey bits in the container)!! That’s unacceptable! You throw that out and serve a whole new dish! None of the food tasted like anything, like no seasoning at all. Idk what macaroni all these other reviewers ate, but y’all must not know what soul food macaroni should taste like. The yams tasted like they came straight outta a can filled with super sweet syrup. The fried catfish tasted like nothing and the hot sauce I got didn’t make it any better. Worst customer service hands down. NOT A SOUL FOOD SPOT IN ANY WAY...

I recently had the unfortunate experience of dealing with the worst customer service I have ever encountered. The level of incompetence and disregard for the customer was truly astonishing.

From the moment I entered the restaurant it was clear that the staff had no interest in assisting customers. They were chatting amongst themselves, very passive aggressive, as I was communicating with the two cashier ladies they seemed annoyed and uninterested in maintaining high professionalism.

Not only was the staff rude & dismissive It was clear that they had not been properly trained or educated about proper customer service etiquette.

To make matters worse, when I received my food the cashier tossed my bag at me.

I have never been so frustrated and disappointed with a customer service experience in my life. It is truly disheartening to see a black owned company that clearly does not value its customers or prioritize their satisfaction. I will not be returning to this establishment and will be sure to share my negative experience with others.

I strongly urge anyone considering supporting this establishment to proceed with caution. The lack of customer service and professionalism is simply unacceptable, and there are plenty of other businesses out there that will treat you with the respect and care you deserve.

Overall, I would give this customer service experience a rating of zero stars if I could. Save yourself the frustration and avoid this company...

I don't frequent this cafe that often but when I do normally the food is good and very tasty. However, today(Sunday August 1, 2021) I carried out a meatloaf dinner with Mac and cheese and collard greens along with an extra Mac and cheese, potato salad and two side yams. I normally only buy one yams but from history they usually do an awesome job with them. NOT TODAY. I had to call back and speak with Ella (owner) thinking I would get some kind of solace from her, only for her to say that no one else has complained about them. I wasn't calling about anyone else I was calling about my food order. I mentioned that I only call back to any establishment if I have a problem with what I paid for, be it food or a puppy. I had to ask her to compensate me for theses bad tasting yams. I come to far to visit their cafe for the food not to be good. Anyhow, I will not be returning. But this is what happens when you deal with most of us. I understand that every now and again we can have a bad day in the cooking department. However, if someone that has never complained about your food but gave great reviews calls to say something doesn't taste right, don't try to make excuses. Just change or replace it and keep it moving. Then bad reviews would not get written and no one would never know because you handled it professionally. As for the other food items...I've had better. Try Orleans Caterer on Suitland Road near Andrew Air Force Base. They're open on Sundays...