Cafe Contrary — Restaurant in Saxonburg

We stopped here after church around 11:45 AM, just before their noon closing. Service was slow — it took nearly 30 minutes to get our food. Our server was short with us and told my young nephew he needed to “be patient” when he said he was hungry. After paying, while my sister finished a quick conversation, another staff member rudely told us and others to “take your conversations outside,” saying they had closed 45 minutes ago. When we mentioned the long wait, she blamed us for arriving close to closing time.When my sister said she’d never been treated so rudely, the server responded “you’re the rude ones, we closed almost an hour ago and you’re sitting in here talking, we’d like to go home” We told her we just paid our bills, she replied yes you’ve paid so please leave, we’d like to go home. I said we wouldn’t be returning, and her response was simply, “Good.” I’ve eaten here before and always felt rushed, but never treated this rudely....

Today was the last time my family and I will ever patronize this restaurant. We’ve been loyal customers for years, always tipping generously and spending $60–$100 per visit.

Today, after waiting 45 minutes for our food (without complaint), we paid our bill and were briefly discussing post-meal plans at the table. Out of nowhere, another server — who is also a real estate agent — abruptly told us, “Take it outside. We’re closed.” When we expressed surprise and stated we just got done paying the bill and was saying our goodbye she said, “If you paid your bill, good. Get out.”

Not only did she chase out our family of six, but also six other shocked patrons. We’ve spent thousands here over the years, including hundreds on holiday pie orders. That ends today.

Ironically, we had planned to ask her about listing our home — a significant commission lost. A harsh reminder: how you treat people always matters. You never know who’s sitting...

this is, hands down, the BEST breakfast place in all of pennsylvania !!! the food is scrumptious, the service is superb and the atmosphere is lovely. i’ve literally never, ever, EVER had a negative experience at this establishment. the staff is helpful, attentive and friendly, always smiling and SO polite. and don’t even get me started on the food… 10/10 !!!!! 👌🏼 every dish is tasty, flavorful, delicious and CLEARLY made/prepared with love 🩷

if you’re looking for your new favorite breakfast joint, look no further 😌 cafe contrary is pittsburgh’s finest breakfast...