Witches Brew Coffee House — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Our experience at this restaurant was, unfortunately, far from satisfactory. After a 75minutes wait for seating (which was fine), we waited an additional 10-12 minutes before anyone approached our table.

We placed an order for 1 Gnocchi, 1 sandwich, and a dessert (which was displayed on the shelf). It took approximately 18-20 minutes for the Gnocchi and sandwich to arrive. As we were finishing our meal, we politely reminded the server about the dessert, thinking it may have been forgotten. His response, delivered in an unpleasant tone, was that it was on hold and not to worry. Moments later, he returned to inform us that the dessert we ordered had not been held and was sold to someone else. This lack of professionalism and accountability was disappointing. We ultimately settled for a simple brownie instead.

After finishing the brownie, we signaled for the check. The server clearly saw our request but ignored it, walking past us. It took a second attempt and a lengthy delay before the check was finally brought to the table. To our surprise, a 20% gratuity was automatically added to the bill, which felt unjustified given the poor service we received.

To make matters worse, we were informed at this point that the restaurant only accepts cash payments, a policy that was neither communicated upfront nor posted anywhere. We were directed to use their in-house ATM, which dispenses only $20 bills, charges a $2 withdrawal fee, and resulted in an additional $3 fee later. For instance, if your bill is $51 and you didn’t have cash on hand, you would end up withdrawing $60, effectively overpaying unless you demand the balance.

When I requested change for the overpaid amount, the server, in an irritated tone, told me to return to my table and wait. After an additional 5-minute delay, he finally returned with the change, slamming it on the table in a rude and unprofessional manner and a thank you.

The only redeeming qualities of this establishment were the atmosphere and the lighting, both of which were pleasant. However, the service experience was deeply disappointing, especially for a place that automatically charges 20% gratuity. I would not recommend this restaurant based on...

We have been loyal customers of this restaurant for almost 7 years, consistently supporting the business even through ups and downs. However, the experience we had this past weekend was extremely disappointing and honestly unacceptable.

One of the long-standing issues here has always been the waitlist system and the fact that they don’t take reservations — something we’ve been willing to work around for years. It’s also a cash-only establishment, which has always been a bit inconvenient but again, we overlooked it because we genuinely liked coming here.

This time, though, it was beyond frustrating. We joined the waitlist at 6:50 PM and were quoted an estimated wait time of 33 minutes. After 105 minutes — yes, an hour and 45 minutes — we were still not seated. During that time, we were asked to wait outside in the middle of an active thunderstorm with no accommodations offered, which is just unsafe and inconsiderate. For over 45 minutes, the system told us our table would be ready “in 2 minutes,” which felt like a total lack of respect for our time.

When we were finally seated, the poor service continued. No one came over to offer a drink, check on us, or even acknowledge us for an extended period. We felt completely disregarded.

I tried speaking to the manager about the situation, and he simply said he had no control over the online waitlist system. He admitted that if he had noticed the wait times were going to be longer, he might have sent a text — but clearly that didn’t happen. There was no proactive communication, no apology, and no effort to make things right.

Look, I completely understand that Saturdays are busy, and I know accommodating larger parties can be more difficult. I’m reasonable about that. But if I join a waitlist at 6:50 PM, am told I’ll be seated around 7:20, and I’m not actually seated until 8:15 with no service once I’m seated, why would I give you my money? After years of being loyal customers, it’s incredibly disappointing to be treated this way.

Sadly, this experience has completely changed how we feel about this place. Loyalty and patience only go so far when customers are treated like an...

Ugh I loved this place until ... I didn't. I have been going here for over 10 years now. I've moved a-bit further away & I still try to go here because it's a nice ambience cozy place. Food is good, service is okay. However, the last time I went will be my last day unfortunately. I called in advance if they allowed service dogs (not every restaurant allows so of course I want to make sure before I make almost an hour trip) I double check with the employees. They said "yes, if it's a service dog, no problem!" -- Even went inside & they did not say anything but once I was in line, a guy comes & says "we only accept service dogs" , I correct him saying "it's okay, my dog is one & I called prior notifying & leaving a note before coming in". He goes to say not once, not twice but 6/7 times how "well we only accept dogs that support disability & you don't have to tell me what you have or go in depth but people say they have a service dog & it ends up not being one & this is a restaurant. So what do you have?" -Well no sh*t airhead, how many times does a customer have to repeat themselves & double check if service dogs are allowed prior coming. & if you tell me I don't have to go in-depth telling you what disability or support I have or (my mom) has & yet then you still proceed to ask me what I have ?? it is downright disrespectful/ ILLEGAL at that point. Make up your mind. & How dare you! Other employees weren't an issue, just that male worker accusing us if we were to lie, they would have to kick us out. I didn't understand that since we just had walked in. If they were to say that to us with my dog being a disturbance, that's a different story but we just were waiting in line. (Btw, Dog is a small quiet shih tzu. & to make it even better, my dog was sleeping the entire time. She respects everyone. Witches brew is not worth the time nor food for this kind of disrespectfulness. I understood the concern but repeating the argument with an attitude just made it seem like you didn't want us there. It was also my mom's first time there so nice job by ruining it. Thanks WB. Lost a longtime...