The Market Café — Restaurant in Wheeling

We were there a few months ago. We were so excited to try it because we follow it on Facebook and see all the fancy drinks and awesome flights. Our experience was awful. First, I was confused. I wanted something more food sweet than drink sweet. I searched the display pictures at the counter for any of the fancy things shared on Facebook. I saw only plain drinks. Keep in mind we are with the cashier. I even asked her about something more foodie sweet and she told me how much the small cookies on the counter cost. She never smiled. My husband found a menu by her with more drinks but still none of the fancy things or flights I'd seen on Facebook. I sadly picked a chocolate peanut butter smoothie. My son got a drink and my husband ordered a banana with yogurt dish he found. Here's where it gets really bad. After we had waited some time, my son and I got our drinks and my husband hadn't gotten his banana dish. A girl comes over to our table and tells our husband they don't have the yogurt and does he want to get something else. I asked if he wanted to get what I got because it was actually really delicious. She said he'd have to come back to the register (there is a line at this point). I asked was mine more and she refused to answer and said he'd have to come up to the register or they could just switch the yogurt for whipped cream. He said just do that because obviously he was no longer in the mood to wait in line again. When they brought it out we all stared in disbelief. It was a small banana with whipped cream and drizzle. We got up and checked the menu price. Almost $10. We paid almost $10 for a small banana with whipped cream. And the final smack in the face? He told the girl when we ordered that he really wanted something with peanut butter. The banana dish had the choice of peanut butter or caramel drizzle. Which do you think the $10 banana came out with? Yup. Caramel. And we paid $30 for 3 items. If his was $10 do you think think there was a big cost difference between our items? They could have just switched it for customer service sake easily (I've managed a Cafe and my Sister owns restaurants). I have never felt more like someone didn't want to serve us than there. She clearly didn't point out the second menu which was next to her that had the more complicated food items because they had a busy Saturday and we're just done. Three girls working. Only the one at the counter would have been aware of our bad service. So why wait to review? We left angry. Tried to let it go but, I am constantly seeing Facebook posts from them pop up, including today. They always show their fancy flights, etc. You know...the ones I couldn't find or get them to tell me about? I tried to review fairly. My drink was delicious and the issue was definitely burnt out staff. Maybe try on a Tuesday at 10am or something. We have not gone back.

In summary, my drink was eye rolling delicious. The staff was frustrated from a busy day. Price wise once you consider rent and paying staff I would say it reasonable for today. The experience of visiting Center Market and perusing the gallery and shops with a coffee drink is something you should do. I wish our experience had been better, but it was more likely an odd off day than what you might experience. Take my...

Workers seem clueless on how to even do basic tasks. If the cashier just takes orders you'd think they'd be able to do that. Went there for breakfast on a Sunday morning. The only good thing about the entire meal was the toasted marshmallow coffee. Ordered two waffle flights, two mochas, and a bagel turkey egg breakfast sandwich. The snowball mocha seemed to have mint in it? It was pretty disgusting and not what I expected based on what was explained. One drink was supposed to be cold but was made hot. I didn't feel like waiting any longer for another. The first waffle flight came out 25 minutes before the rest of the food. So one person was finished eating before the other got any food. Not sure why everything took so long? Maybe because I watched a worker eating while preparing our food? The one who rang us up just kind of stood there and watched.

After I went over and asked about the food to make sure they were still making it they said they had a mix up? OK.. After finally receiving the second waffle flight I still never received my sandwich. They finally brought it but it was also wrong. I don't think the cashier remembered any of my order.

All of the waffles were cold, dense, chewy, flavorless, and dry. Some syrup would have been great, but nope. My wife couldn't even eat hers they were so bad. Luckily the regular waffle flight had lots of toppings to make up for it.

The bagle of the breakfast sandwich was nice and fluffy. It was the only warm part of the meal - probably because I had to correct them on what I ordered and they had to make a new one. However the egg on it tasted very off (maybe old?) and there was only a very tiny bit of turkey on it. This was also served on a broken plate. At that point we had already been there far too long and had too many issues to even want to deal with them again so we left. Definitely...

On a Saturday, my daughter, mother and I stopped here during our walk at the waterfront for a bathroom break, so I wasn't able at the time to try any of the foods made in-house. Based on this short stop alone, I can say that this place has made a great impression on me. It is a hidden gem of authentic, locally supplied items that are as fresh as it gets. The rustic atmosphere is warm and modern, and the staff are incredibly friendly. The bathrooms were also very spacious and clean. My daughter is a diabetic, so it was also nice to see some Zevia there for only a dollar a pop. If you're interested in checking out Wheeling, I suggest dropping by and grabbing some of the farmer curated things there that are...