ZACA CAFE — Restaurant in New York

I’m pretty bummed I have to leave a review like the one I’m doing now. I was super excited to try this place, especially when we arrived, the vibe was great and the food looked/smelled amazing but to mention the great reviews I’ve seen about this place. Me and a buddy stopped by for brunch around 1:15pm. To start, took us about 15-20 min to receive our drink orders, which was just coffee and oj. We each order their sample breakfast which was just typical eggs, bacon, toast etc with pancakes. Nothing too crazy. We waited over an hour to have our waitress tell us our food order never went through. Which explained how three tables that came in way after us all received their food. Waitress then told us our food is priority and will come out asap. Only to see two more tables receive their food after that convo. She did apologize and informed us they would compensate a beverage (mimosas, wine, oj which is $5 or another coffee.) we declined and told her we’d just wait for the food. Finally the food came out 20 min after she informed to us the mistake. The food, was really really good. The grits were amazing. Which is so unfortunate because the service was just super poor. We received our ticket and she left one oj on it (again $5) when we brought to her attention she apologized, and asked if we’d like the oj to go since she already rang up the order. Didn’t once offer to refund nor didn’t take a refund. We turned down the offer of taking the oj to go. The place was crowded when we first arrive so I get the understaff situation. But the server could have acknowledged us with better options and accommodating since we were basically left hanging. Food is great but service definitely needs A...

I just left Zaca Cafe, and I am beyond disappointed with this visit. I loved Zaca, the food, vibes, and I’ve brought friends there in the past. I will not be coming back. I came here on my own to grab some brunch, and there was a 4 seat table outside. I asked if it was okay to sit there and was told yes. I was there for 10-15 mins waiting to take my order only to be told in front of a family that the waitress forgot there was a reservation. It made everyone uncomfortable and though she apologized for the mistake I got up only for the family to be kind enough to choose a table inside and the waitress said I could actually sit there. The family was kind and apologized on the waitresses behalf and I of course understood and appreciated it. Then I ordered my meal and overall enjoyed it.

After ordering another tea and enjoying it after my meal the waitress kept coming by asking if she could take things away. It truly felt like she was rushing me. I had just finished my tea and was gonna take 5-10 mins max while I wrapped up watching my show. It hadn’t even been 5 minutes since she took my cup she walked by and said other people were waiting to be seated. Mind you, there were people sitting outside next to me that were there before I even got there. I felt so singled out because I was alone. A horrible feeling to have to go somewhere on your own only to feel like because you’re on your own, you will be treated differently or rushed for other customers.

Man, I really loved this place too, but I can’t support a place that doesn’t treat their customers equally. If you’re on your own, I don’t recommend coming here so you don’t experience...

Stopped into ZACA tonight for a last-minute quick bite about 20 minutes before closing time (ordered ahead on Uber Eats). This adorable, ✨black-owned small business✨ was still open for business and happy to serve me. The cashier (not sure what her name was) was very delightful and kind and even offered me great advice on where to travel to in Africa for my first trip (soon! 🤞🏽) lol.

Aside from the kindness and the warmth of both the staff AND the owner of the establishment, the food was absolutely delicious as well! 😍 I tried the rotisserie chicken with fries as well as the chicken salad, a chocolate chip cookie and the house-made lemonade. Everything was absolutely to die for!!!!! Plus, the chocolate chip cookie was the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery. Not to mention, it was almost the size of my head, lol.

Definitely stopping here for some quick, yummy eats (anytime of day). I already can’t wait to place another order soon and also try their breakfast options! 😍

Thank you so much for the great food and customer service, ZACA CAFE. It definitely tasted like “home” ☺️🏡💜 (I also learned that “ZACA” means house or home in a South African...