Sahara Cafe & Mediterranean Foods — Restaurant in Sarasota

Came here at 1:50pm. Google says they close at 3pm. When placing an order the cashier told me I could only get it to go. I got my food at 2:02pm. I noticed there were 2 tables with people still eating and a long line forming of customers placing their orders, so we decided to sit down and eat in our to-go containers as my 7 year old was starving. Upon opening our containers , the cashier left the customer line and approached us in front of everybody saying that we had placed a to-go order insinuating that we had to leave. While she is telling us to leave there are 4 tables sitting down (2 still eating and 2 waiting for their food order) My husband asked if she was kicking us out, while she replied “I need to clean the tables”

All other tables were dirty and she had a long line of customers waiting to order.

Worst experience every received by a restaurant. She really wanted everyone to get out of the restaurant and close early even though people were still coming in to place orders while she was denying orders.

I hope the owner is aware of what is going on and can do something about it because the food was really good but it is all lost with the customer service.

Never...

I have lived in Sarasota for 20 years and have ate here more than any other place. The prices let you choose this place regularly but the food keeps you coming back. Frankly Sarasota has upscale restaurants that are not as good. I would be uncomfortable taking quests to most of Sarasota's eat out places with this one exception. It is one of only two places that I am aware of in Sarasota county that sells indian curry supplies in its shop. This is the only place that I know of in Sarasota that you can buy good pita bread and bulk feta in three different options French, Bulgarian and Greek. I could go on and on about things like the lose tea they sell or other North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean goods that they carry at very good prices. The bottom line check this place out if you like this...

We went there excited to try and order two Gyros to eat quickly at 2:20pm today a Saturday. When I tried to order I was told take out only. The dining area had empty tables and not very busy. The young lady said we close at 3pm. Therefore we weren't allowed to sit and eat even if we ordered it as carry out. So you mean to tell me you cannot order food forty minutes before closing? To quick dine? My rating is solely on service since we did not get to try the food ; that looked good mind you. I work in the food industry. This would never happen at our restaurant. It was embarrassing to say the least because other customers looked at us funny. When we...