Zigzag Mountain Cafe — Restaurant in Sandy

From a 40 year local:

Mmmkay, it went like this... The place seemed kind of busy when we walked in, but it didn't take long to realize that it was full because people were waiting so long to get their food (ours took an hour). I wonder how much more business they could do (and how much more money they could make) if they were actually well organized, properly staffed and getting orders out in a timely manner.

The older gentleman ( I think he's the owner) was bussing tables by hand without a plastic bin or cart. I kindly mentioned that a plastic bin might really be helpful to reduce trips back and forth, but to my surprise, he insisted that would double the effort.

There was only one waitress on duty, who seemed overwhelmed, but also made things more difficult on herself by not making the most of each trip to the kitchen and tables... She would make a single trip to refill someone's coffee at one table without filling cups at other tables, only to turn around again minutes later... As a former waitress, I know that a well experienced wait staff make the most of each trip and check on other tables as they pass. Just food for thought.

Honestly, the restaurant is a neat little place with history and so much potential. I suppose if you hit it on a slow day (as in only a few customers), your experience might be a little better.

One last mention; my eggs benedict had solid poached eggs (no runny yolk) and the muffin was not toasted. Still okay and I was thankful to finally receive my food, it just left some things...

I give this a 4 star review for the quality of the food and the underlying ambiance and decoration. I would give it a 3 star for organization, more specifically there were several tables and Cafe-type equipment in the main entrance/main seating area and we didn't like the paper plates and plastic utensils. Some of the tables were placed a certain way to block customers from going near/into areas (because of Covid-19). It wasn't that big of a deal but it was a little discombobulated. Now the good parts; the tables are beautiful large pieces of wood. The interior is done in a woodsy-style with cute touches (such as carved bears wearing masks). There is a beautiful two story fireplace and comfortable looking couches (they were blocked off however for Covid-19). The Eggs Benedict were absolutely delicious, the home potatoes were amazing as well. The fresh fruit was fresh and tasty. The ham used in the Eggs Benedict was tasty and high quality. The ham bite sandwich with egg was delicious. All the food was homemade and very worth the price. The coffee was great, not sure if they offer espresso. The staff were friendly and helpful. We will go back...

Unfortunately this was a less than pleasant experience and it seems that it is quite common for ZigZag customers to be left waiting for over an hour without acknowledgment and apologies. We should have known that this was par for the course.

Initially we were very excited to stop by the Cafe after a long hike in the Mt. Hood area. We went inside and asked if we could sit outside on the patio. After 15 minutes had gone by, I went in and had to ask if a server would come by with waters and take our order... it took probably another 10 minutes to get 3 waters and a Bloody Mary. We sat waiting and waiting for our food. An hour and 15 mins went by... we contemplated getting up and leaving as that type of service is inexcusable. Reluctantly we waited and finally the food came.

The only reason I've given them two stars is because the food was pretty good.

I hate to write a review like this but the lack of customer service or acknowledgment is disappointing. They could have preemptively shared that there is a longer wait time or apologized but there was none of that.

Very very disappointing experience. They need to get their service sorted out in...