Thyme Cafe and Market — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I typically refrain from providing negative interviews to local businesses as I don’t want to tarnish their image as much as possible. However, after reading about shared experiences other people have had here, I think this business could really benefit from making some changes.

Mainly, the service is some of the worst I have had in Santa Monica as a local. I have come here multiple times in hopes that it was just a bad day for some workers, but it seems to be consistent with how they run their business. The staff can be rude, curt, and seem overall distracted while talking to customers. They are extremely friendly to regulars but lack professionalism in exchanges with new customers. I was once asked to leave while reading a book after finishing my $20 meal. Given the service and the abhorrent prices, this was definitely a frustrating experience.

The food was also not worth the price. You would be getting more from your money with a trip to the other businesses nearby like Layla’s, Ghisallo’s, Jyan Isaac, or Cafe Bolivar (a personal favorite). The coffee and matcha are watered down and the pastries are stale, making it seem like this business values profit over providing an enjoyable meal.

Frankly this is a beautiful cafe with ugly service. They have patio seating which provides a great view of the Santa Monica mountains, as long as you don’t get kicked from the table.

Until changes are made to this business, I recommend...

The only thing more satisfying than a good restaurant is a restaurant that is run by people who know how to respect their customers. Beyond the delicious menu of cafe deli classics with a twist and all the baked goods you could hope for, this establishment actually has the mind set to take care of their customers.

After making an online order, I was welcomed and addressed by name from several different employees. However, In a small event of "how the world works sometimes", I discovered that 1 sandwich wasn't in my bag. This did not bother me in the least because not only had I already felt respected and welcomed, but I could clearly recognize that the cafe was super busy and there was a lot of things going on. A phone call ahead and a small drive back not only got me what I was missing but also a few goodies to make up for it. Two people came by to apologize and thank me for coming back, again addressing me by name. I really liked that because it made me feel like a regular even though it was my first time. I would trust this company 100% if i was looking for a caterer for an event or party, and needless to say, a satisfying meal any day of the week! Definitely keeping this place in rotation for our...

It’s a no for me based off the customer service. I came to pick up an already paid for order and went to the counter where no one greeted me. An older lady, red short hair, black frame glasses and not dressed like a cook or server very rudely said “one moment”, when I politely said “hello.” She wouldn’t even look at me. I wait a couple more minutes and eventually, I see my order with my name on it on the counter getting cold. I grab my bagged order and say “never mind it’s right here” and she decides to yell after me and say “excuse me miss!! What did you just take!! I don’t like when people do that!!”. I simply said it’s my order and left, and maybe if she was friendly, communicated or even acknowledged me such an awkward and unpleasant situation wouldn’t have been created. I also don’t appreciate her trying to create a scene in front of a full house. Busy or not, have some hospitality if you’re in...