Zed's Cafe — Restaurant in Maryland

The southwestern omelette is really good. Have had it on two visits. However, there’s a weird vibe there and I will not go back. First visit was 6 weeks ago and got funny vibe. Took about 15 mins. The man who ran my debit card held my card in the reader longer than normal and seemed to keep checking the computer monitor for something. And he did not give a receipt. Later that day my debit card was fraudulently used to the tune of $4k at a Best Buy at a mall in FL. My card was with me in MD. This cafe is the only business I visited that day. I called this cafe the next day during business hours but the female who answered said the guy (the owner) wasn’t in. I did not call again. No proof of my suspicions. I visited this cafe again three weeks later to have the delicious southwestern omelet, and made sure to not use my debit card. Seemed to get a flicker of recognition from the owner but don’t see why he’d recognize me, what with masks and my not being a regular. Again, no receipt offered. He made me wait 35 minutes for that omelette I risked going back for. I didn’t want to complain to the person cooking my food and not be able to see what they’re doing. I kept mouth shut and kept thinking the food would come any minute now. He finally brings my takeout and pretends he doesn’t see me standing right in his face, then looks away from me as though he’s looking for someone else, pretends he forgot who placed the order. Only others there were a couple who’d been sitting together with their food since I got there. Weird...

Silver Spring is blessed with a plethora of independent coffee shops. Keffa's cafe(s) are justifiably famous, and Kaldi's has an excellent kitchen and space. If you like paying more than you should, Bump n Grind is a good option.

But Zed? Zed makes his café special. One big living room is the motto, and he has made it live up to that,. He and his staff are always friendly and if you turn up often enough they will take the time to know you. The kitchen offers a reasonable selection at a reasonable set of prices and the pastries are second to none.

I recommend the iced tea, but they have a decent selection of hot teas. Apparently, the espressos can be a bit hit and miss, but I've never been unhappy. Prices are set and I've never seen more than one size, but you get a fair sized cup for your money. Easily comparable to Starbucks or Peets, our two local chains.

While I've never seen it at its busiest, there are rarely more than one or two staff present. The staff bring your drink and food to the table, which can slow things down at a lunch crowd, but the feeling of relaxation is good enough to make up for a wait.

There is wifi and curbside parking, and hidden in back a lovely outside seating area. Currently overlooking construction, but...

I understand that some Ethiopians have disdain against African-Americans, but I never thought I would experience this discrimination first hand. The barista / cashier there forced me to sit on the back patio in over 90° heat as white guests enjoyed the main dining room. She told me it was because they were closing soon (it was 3:20 they close at 4:00pm) However when I came back in the main part of the café after finishing my meal and tea there were new white men sitting there and buying more goods….. I can understand & even allow her just being lazy and not wanting to wipe off one more table as I’ve worked in food service but this was blatant discrimination. Additionally it’s listed online that they close at 9pm. Customers should not be denied service or comfort until the cafe is fully closed. And they should especially be treated the same regardless of ethnicity. All...