Jewel's Bakery & Cafe — Restaurant in Phoenix

I am writing this review hoping the owner of Jewel’s Cafe sees it and reads it understanding that it came from a regular customer who legitimately wants to see the Cafe improve.

We have frequented Jewel’s Cafe since we moved to Arizona last August. We are vegan and appreciate the offerings and variety on the menu. We usually received kind and honest service until a manager with black hair who says her name is “Rae” began taking orders at the cash register.

As regulars, we order the fried mushrooms and are even willing to pay extra for full large boxes. Before Rae assumed a more involved role, we would order the vegan fried mushrooms and receive two full entree-sized boxes- no questions asked. Once Rae began to assert herself as a manager- she would decide to combine our two orders into one side box. When we asked about the difference in volume- seeing no change in price- she refused to give us any explanation for her decision. Instead she gave us a blanket statement,“This is what we normally do.”

What bothers me most is that when we call over the phone to place orders, while speaking to Rae, we’re treated differently than in person. I asked specifically for full entree boxes of mushrooms over the phone with her. After a brief hold, she said it would be no problem and the total cost would be $22.95. Upon arrival, she denied speaking with me and said she would have to charge over $30. I would hate to believe that Rae treats customers differently based on how they look. I do not look how I sound over the phone. And it’s a shame that in 2024 we still have people who are rude, insensitive and don’t honor their promises working in hospitality.

Further, I asked while on the phone if I could have the Vegan Chicken and Waffles and was told by Rae that they are not on the menu. I have enclosed a photo of the menu with this listed for your review. I believe it’s important for “managers”, employees and the kitchen to be aware of what’s offered.

Jewel’s Cafe really is a wonderful place, but it’s the service that used to set it apart. There are so many other delicious places to dine in the Valley and the food isn’t great enough at Jewel’s to be treated this way. While we won’t be back, it is our sincerest hope that managers and employees understand their menu, portions and how to...

I’ve only ever ordered take out, I don’t eat in restaurants since Covid. The food is very good, and debatably worth the wait, but this is exactly where they lose points in my book. I’ve ordered on both weekdays (around 1:30, theoretically after the rush), and on weekends when they’re full of dine-in customers. Waiting for my food on the weekdays takes about a half hour, weekends 45-60min. I find that to be an absurdly long time to wait for food after ordering. I can only imagine it’s because they’re prioritizing dine-in orders above take out orders, even though I’m also there waiting in person. Not very cool. Also the last time I was there, there was an employee on the till who wasn’t familiar with the menu, or hadn’t had much training, or both. I had to correct him several times on how to order what I want- not custom, just common items on their menu. That was annoying too. Train your staff! They did prioritize my food after messing up my order, so that only took about 10min. Better, but not great. They were nice, but no one seemed inclined to help this poor guy, so only 3 stars for service. Also like five people saw me waiting and kept walking before I was finally helped. This happens almost every time I’m in there. I get that they’re busy, just acknowledge my presence and say they’ll be with me in a minute, maybe? Points lost for atmosphere because it’s very loud in there. I can’t imagine it would be a relaxing place for brunch with that level of noise. Otherwise, their booths are comfy and it’s clean. Like I said, the food is good. The batter that they use is pretty spicy, but I love their pickle chips. (They’re also great cold as leftovers!) Both the waffles and pancakes are delicious and good sizes. The oyster shrooms (vegan chicken alternative) are very good, and when we take out we get a huge portion, (much bigger than some of the pics I’m seeing.) It’s nice not to have to make your own food constantly as a GF person; this restaurant is a treat to have. I just wish it didn’t take...

Listen,

This place has so much hype and I bought into it. Yes! Gluten free options are far in between and a whole restaurant that caters to only gluten free options is top tier.

I was really excited for this place that I dragged my husband with me and hyped him up. All the reviews I read that was so positive and claiming everyone should go eat here definitely set my standards up high.

My husband ordered the spicy chicken and waffles and I had vegan versions with fried oysters mushrooms which was recommended by our server claiming that it was the best seller there. We also ordered two coffees (once iced and one hot) being informed they serve press coffee.

Firstly, I have had Press coffee very often. And the coffee we received were not it!! Like not it!! If you know your lattes and are a coffee connoisseur, don’t order coffee here. You will be throughly disappointed. My husband and I took one sip and immediately said nope. We are not drinking this.

Moving on the food. The food was decent. Edible. However not up to the standards of the glorified reviews this place got for its food especially the chicken and waffles. My husband said the chicken was dry and the coating wasn’t really seasoned, just spicy. The oyster mushrooms definitely had a light nice batter that I thought was flavorful however,you could taste the oil it was fried in which wasn’t pleasant. And honestly. The plate needs more mushrooms that aren’t size of a penny. I expect to see full size oyster mushrooms on my plate for the price being charged. Overall, would I go back because it’s made it to my favorite spots to eat at ?—- NO. I don’t know how this place earned such raving reviews. What we were served was average that came with a disproportionately...