Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen — Restaurant in Oakland

I've heard about the brunch here for a while and my hubby and I finally got a chance to dine here last weekend. I love a well prepared shrimp and grits dish and Townfare did not disappoint! I was impressed that when I mentioned that there were no more shrimp in the sauce, more were brought out immediately and did not taste like they were unseasoned or frozen. There was a nice selection of breakfast items and I always appreciate when bacon is full and not those tiny shriveled up pieces that so many get away with serving. The biscuits and hot syrup was delicious with a mound of soft butter to add, if desired. This was our first time here and upon entering we were seated rather quickly for our 2:45 arrival. However, we were not provided with any information regarding cost, where to get our plates, etc. A table was pointed out to us and we just looked around to figure out what to do. At one point, we had to get up and get our own kraft of water. I would normally let things like this slide since so many businesses are short staffed but there was staff standing around and simply not attending to our table. We had to ask for glasses for water and our plates piled up because they weren't removed until we were almost done with our meal. We were asked a couple of times about making a drink purchase and I wish this type of attention would have been the same for all our customer service needs. This was a Sunday and yet the DJ was playing some turn-up music that didn't fit the quality of the food and created a lower class environment than the sophisticated one that this wonderful meal deserves. The DJ was very good, just not Sunday afternoon appropriate. Maybe smooth jazz, classical soul but not party over here music. One lady who was a little turnt actually started to drop it like it was hot. I'm glad she was having a good time but families with small children and those whomlooked like they just came from church may not have been in the mood to see a night club show at brunch. I discovered that the outdoor seating was fabulous but I didn't figure this out until I walked outside after dining. Had we known there were umbrellas and nice seating we would have definitely enjoyed eating outside on such an amazingly sunny day. It seems like there is lots of room here to accommodate very large parties and I would have an event here in a heartbeat or at least take several friends for a special occasion because the food is just that good. However, please provide new customers with some basic instructions like where the plates are located and how much the brunch cost. Speaking of cost, the price is phenomenal! $45 for all you can eat brunch! I don't understand why people are not beating down their doors! I have over 3k clients and I'm telling them ALL about this delicious spot. Please shore up the aforementioned areas of concern because I'd love to see this restaurant become an Oakland staple and destination location for all who want a taste of what great Oakland food can taste like for years to come. The food was so good and the staff was friendly, I had to give Town...

Hello,

I want to first start by saying this review is based on SERVICE , not the food.

On February 2 I had a surprise 50th gathering set up for my brother. I stop at the venue three times asking questions and informing the workers that I will anticipate 30 people. I was informed to get there early to get at least the booth and the other tables are for first come first serve no reservation.

Now I was there along with my best friend before anyone. There was even a party on the other side to take place and there were table reserved for that party. What's good for that goose should have been good for my geese.

My dilemma was that a few tables could have been reserved for my party. I did ask for the two round tables that seat 2 which assuming the owner was resistant to do so. I asked again if I could get the 6 table right in front of us and I was shut down. As soon as she said that all 30 folks showed up.

Now my cousin arrived to tell me that they told her to put her name on the waitlist. We been there a whole hour and no one told us about a waitlist. I could have done that. So by this time the waitlist is wait time 30 mins to an hour which I put my name on the list now we have folks from the party sitting far away.

Next breaking news I told you I been up there a number of times. Now assuming the owner comes to me and says there is a time limit at the booth ( 2 hour ), but I was told by my family she gave a time limit for the tables as well. That was alarming because I been there a number of times and stayed almost 3 hours. The waiter never stop taking our orders. but we needed to move.

We spent $1100.00 and would have spent more. I honestly thought we may have been over charged. My nephew was waiting for his food for 30 minutes to find they ran out the blackened fish, waiter never said anything and we ordered another Mimosa tower and was still being asked to move to the wait area. Not okay. And even moving from the booth to the table we had they came over and said you have to move from here two while we are trying to pack it up.

I wanted to have this gathering mainly to support black business and the food is wonderful for my family to see what I was boasting about. Every one love the food but said they will not be back because of the service.

Moving forward to my birthday we go to M2 another husband and wife black owned business. Superb Customer Service and Food. We were able reserve a section for 13 people. They constantly checked on us cleared the tables. The owners even set up a tv in our section so we did not have to move were the tvs are set ups. The gave me a complimentary drink and guess what we was there from noon until 5 pm no pressure and that was super bowl night so very crowded.

You could have the best food in the world but if you lack Customer Service that could hinder growth I will not be back and will not refer.

Hopefully this review will encourage to restructure the CS and maybe add in making reservation with a 5 minute show before reservation is...

The place is easy to find on the grounds of the Oakland Museum. You open the door to a spacious room, and you are greeted by a cashier who is ready to take your order and your payment.

My group ordered the 2 orders of the gumbo ramen, 3 orders of the crack chicken (one of those with the sauce on the side) 3 orders of French fries, shrimp & grits, and chicken & waffle and deviled eggs.

We were happy that everything came out fresh and hot. However, the gumbo lacked flavor, the crack chicken wings are sauced heavily, and the sauce resembled a candied consistency, which was off-putting and wayyyyyyyyy too sweet for our liking. The base of the shrimp and grits left nothing to be desired; as it was too acidic, which left a sour bitter note on the palate. The individual who ordered the crack chicken with the sauce on the side said the fried chicken was delicious as well as the chicken that went with the waffle. The black waffle lacked luster.

The deviled eggs were just that. It's not excellent, but it's not horrible.

It would have been nice to have a flavored waffle to accompany the chicken. The best thing, in my opinion, were the french fries. They were salted well and not greasy and paired well with the ginger beer that I ordered.

The lady that delivered our food saw that a few plates were barely eaten, and she asked for feedback. The feedback given was well received, and she made things right. Which I really appreciated, given that a bit of money had been spent from our table alone.

It's safe to say that I will never return. But at least I can say that I tried...