Agora Bakery and Cafe — Restaurant in Pinehurst

We walked in after noticing the tables outside on the patio. What a surprise to find a lovely bakery/lunch cafe spot in a light-filled previous bank building. We ordered lunch at the counter, but were unable to get a glass of wine because the staff (2) were unable to operate the “system” which they said only the manager could do. However, the manager was busy for 20 minutes talking to a couple in the restaurant, so we just went with water and tea, no wine.

My husband ordered unsweetened ice tea with lemon. It arrived sweetened with no lemon. I went back to the counter and asked for unsweetened tea with lemon and the response from the staff person was “but it said sweet!!” And then turned on her heel. When she came back with tea, there was no lemon. I asked again for the third time for a lemon. The staff person said she would have to go to the back and then waited. I said that would be wonderful. After a heavy eye roll, the staff member went to the back to get lemon slices. I thanked her for the lemon slices and she turned away with no acknowledgement. I hesitated, then called her back to say I just wanted her to know that we had asked for lemon three times. She only responded with another eye roll, so I told her that that I thought she had been rude. Again, no response, no apology, no nothing. End of that story.

The good news was the food was delicious! Especially the sourdough bread on the turkey club. The chocolate chip banana bread was equally satisfying, especially if you are a “chunky monkey” lover. Pure heaven.

I hope to receive a response from the manager from this review. I would like to return to Agora because the food was so good. I would also like to know that my feedback regarding staff capabilities and customer service have been heard and will be addressed. I realize everyone is having trouble getting help, but in my opinion, that doesn’t mean as customers we have to tolerate rude behavior.

Response to owner reply: Thank you for reviewing and responding to my request. I appreciate your explanation and sincere response. I will definitely try...

I have been here a few times - each time I'm left just a little disappointed.

I ordered a drip coffee (160z) and was given an empty cup. Side note: I don't love being given an empty cup to fill up my own coffee and then being ask to tip, what am I tipping you for? Handing me an empty cup?

I asked for a splash of cream which caused some semblance of confusion - far more than I'd expect at a coffee shop. They said because I want cream they'd need my empty cup back and then it'd join the line. So now I was waiting behind all the lattes and specialty drinks for a splash of cream. I ended up asking for my cup and I'd use the milk they had put out, the woman asked "what's your number?" which didn't make any sense because I was never given a number.

All of that to say, a coffee shop where the coffee is fine (my 16oz was maybe filled 2/3 of the way up) and is lukewarm. The simplest thing a coffee shop can do is do drip coffee, for $4.66 I'd expect way better and far better service. Absolutely would not recommend this...

A treat to the senses 🥰

First time visiting Agora for brunch with a couple of my girlfriends this week -- truly an adorable Pinehurst venue. We were eager to give it a try, as it's a newer attraction in the village. Guests order their selections at the counter, then are served after they've chosen a table. We chose a small table in their Carolina room and enjoyed lattes, fruit tea, and butterfly lemonade. (HIGHLY recommend the butterfly lemonade).

Atmosphere & aesthetic are hard to beat in this area BUT… My one complaint was our brunch orders took a bit longer than we'd preferred, and I ordered a scrambled egg and cheese croissant. which came fried instead.

If you're looking for a quaint breakfast or coffee spot to enjoy your morning (indoor/ or outdoor), Agora is a beautiful location to spend an hour or two. In my opinion, the beverages far outdo the food but i will be back to try something...