CoreLife Eatery — Restaurant in Town of Clay

It’s been a while (at least since before COVID) since I have visited Core. I used to go often and always LOVED it. The staff was friendly, the prep area clean and organized, the ingredients fresh and cooked perfectly. The taste and quality of ingredients was always consistent. I visited today for the first time in at least 1.5-2 years and was incredibly disappointed. I used to love the tofu because it was always perfectly crispy; today it was just a pile of mush. The spicy rice noodles used to have a bit of a kick and nice flavor; today they are tasteless. The Thai cashew dressing was always my favorite, always had a consistent creamy taste and coated the ingredients well; today it is thin and completely overwhelmed by vinegar. One of my other favorite parts of the bowl was that they would mix it for you so that ingredients were distributed throughout. This was not done today, not sure if that’s the new norm or what.

There seemed to be plenty of employees working, and despite the fact that I was the only person in line, it felt chaotic. My bowl was passed from employee to employee without them even making eye contact with me, let alone greeting me or asking me what ingredients I’d like. The prep area was disorganized and not cleaned, perhaps what you’d expect during a huge rush but again, I was the only person ordering (and had stood there for at least 5 minutes before deciding what I wanted so it’s not like they didn’t have time to clean up a bit). Bits of food were spilled everywhere. When I asked for my dressing, the girl didn’t say a word, turned her back to me, and slowly went to get more PC cups because she was out, then slopped the watery dressing into the cup, spilling it all over in the process. My salad was then abandoned and I was left for a couple of minutes wondering if anyone would be picking it up to check me out. Someone finally came and asked what I had; I pointed to my bowl and had to ask if soup was available, since the area where the soups are kept (or at least they used to be?) was totally empty (but still on and hot as I could see the steam).

This was such an unpleasant experience on so many levels. I’m incredibly disappointed because this location is very close to my house and I am finally starting to feel comfortable eating at restaurants again. Unfortunately I don’t even think it’s worth giving them another chance and running the risk of having another experience like this. I can’t imagine that this was a fluke when there were so many problems with my experience, especially based on other...

Lots of healthy, clean options at Core Life Eatery. I am so happy to have this option when I want a quick meal out. Lunch time can get pretty crazy busy, but I've never had to wait in line more than 25 minutes or so. The restaurant does get pretty loud when it is full of people, which is why my mother doesn't like to eat there, but in the summer there are a few tables out in the greenhouse that is connected, and it is much quieter out there. You just have to get there before the rush at noon to be able to get a seat out there. I don't think you can sit out there when the greenhouse is closed. It would be nice if you could though.

If you have never been to core life eatery, there are basically three options. The restaurant is set up cafeteria style. You go through the line and tell each person what you want in your bowl. There are green bowls (a salad), grain bowls (greens with whole grains) and broth bowls (soup). There are several pre-configured bowls you can buy or you can create your own. My favorites are the Chicken Cobb (green bowl) and the Southwest Chicken (Grain bowl). Tuna (real tuna, not canned), Chicken and Steak are offered regularly and you can certainly omit the meat in any bowl. There is a huge variety of vegetable options that you can add to your bowl and dressings are homemade and tangy. They also have homemade lemonades and teas, such as beet lemonade, regular lemonade, apple green tea, reg, green tea, etc. The average bowl is about $9, but start as low as $6. The homemade drinks are $3. If you don't think you like Kale, try it with some of their homemade dressing....Yum!

I always feel good after I eat there, not full and bloated. It is worth the trip and the wait in line. I'm not sure how busy they are at dinner, as I generally go...

8/20/23 - I ordered and paid for, via bank credit card, 4 meals at 1 pm. I was told to pick up the order at 1:15 pm. I arrived on time and settled in near the pickup area with several other customers. The problem was that the staff were catering to the "in line" customers only. I waited for greater than 45 minutes before I inquired as to the order. The gal responded they were busy. The others waiting for "pick up" orders were just as frustrated. I was given the same response when I inquired 2 additional times. After another 15 mins. an employee announced to us that they were out of mac and cheese....3 of us had that in our orders. At this time I asked for a refund and left. (The order totaled $57.13). I am still waiting for the refund to be entered from my checking account. Sadly, my 4 guests were without a meal. My grand daughter worked for CORE/Fairmount and was astounded by the horrible service. Seriously, at least 5 other customers were greatly disappointed. Other ramifications were displeased folks waiting for us in the cars, a lady who had to return to work. I was there close to 1 hour before I left empty handed. 2 of the guests went to Chipolte and were served and returned back within 20 mins. Suggestion - when a takeout meal is placed on the counter,the employee should announce who it is for so several people don't have to check if it's theirs.Thanks for...