The Green Chicpea — Restaurant in Newark

If I could give no stars I would. No exaggeration. The service here is terrible. The manager was screaming at the new employee in front of her other staff which should’ve been an indication to just not bother. The staff knows the products but do not like to explain the options clearly. They tell you just enough to hurry up and get away from you. The portions are very small and they get annoyed when you ask for additional items even after they explain there is an up charge. I was literally the only customer and the staff was not busy and just standing around clearly waiting for the lunch rush. If I’m paying $15.33 for a small bowl with fresh ingredients I also expect a nice experience that’s inviting from the staff and the manager. The eateries in Downtown Newark are a dime-a -dozen. And despite gentrification, businesses fail quite often in Newark and have to pack up as another attempted business venture. I’m sure if I matched another demographic I would have been treated differently. Best part there was a hair in my food and no one was wearing hair nets or beard nets. Now I am not a stickler, I don’t go out of my way to nitpick about restaurants just for fun and I do not go out of my way to make anybody’s job harder than it already is. I am a patient customer to say the least. I will never eat here again and I’ll make it a point to deter any students, local workers, and residents to steer...

There's an old joke about kosher food that when it comes to quality, taste and price that when going to restaurants you need to pick 2 out of 3. With respect to The Green Chicpea you get taste and price. That's not to say the quality is horrible but don't expect succulent chicken shish, crispy falafel or tender shawarma. The place is run in assembly line fashion. First you pick your choice of pita, lafa bread or platter. Then you pick whether you want chicken (and variety) or vegetarian falafel. Then you get your choice of salads and finally sauces. There are an abundance of salads and sauces to choose from and they are generously served. The salads are probably the best thing about the place. There are also several daily soup options. It is the first sit down kosher restaurant in Newark in many years (that has got to count for something) and it is well located near several corporations - namely IDT and Prudential, several court buildings and local college campuses - specifically NJIT. The budget is obviously intended to appeal to college students - which appear to represent a primary customer base. It is a worthy addition to Newark - and to Kosher variety - even if it will never be mistaken for high cuisine. But don't be sad....cuz 2 out of...

I honestly dislike leaving negative reviews but I have to speak my truth. Usually I visit here everyday for a soup and decided to invite a friend. This was my friends first time here and when we walked in, there was no greeting from the male behind the counter. He didn’t explain the menu or anything, he just stared at us. I tried my best to explain how I thought it was because I usually only get soup. My friend decided to try the bowl, she asked for chicken and rice. The guy serving us said,”You get two sides”, so my friend said,”Okay, can I have more rice”? The guy argued with her and said he already gave her rice. WHAT???? Then we are at the register and there is a woman who usually assist me. My friend explained the situation to her and the woman stated she was right, she will add more rice. The owner (a man) stopped her and told her no. He never asked what transpired, he didn’t care.It felt very uncomfortable and I couldn’t help to feel like something other than the food was the issue.We were respectful and polite and I wish this didn’t happen but hey people have a right to treat people any kind of way in their establishment. I have a choice in whether I want to support this business and tell...