Midtown Cafe and Dessertery — Restaurant in Winston-Salem

Originally trying to eat at IHOP, we changed plans due to a long wait for staffing shortage reasons. After trying to find several places that were open as early as we were driving around, we came across Midtown Cafe & Dessertery.

It was a fairly cool morning, so walking into the smell of coffee and sweets emanating from inside was a nice welcome. The space was also well lit and the staff was all so friendly.

We sat at a table in the corner next to a bright window where we could see the fountain at the entrance. I was digging the morning atmosphere. Our waitress gave our toddler a cool coloring pad to draw on and for the first time, we were directed to use a coin to scratch at the picture to color. Very cool! And mess-free from typical crayons. I really liked not having to pick up crayons or keep such a close eye on whether or not she was tempted to draw on anything else she's not supposed to. One less thing to worry about!

I ordered the french toast combo which was cinnamon-dusted with a side of caramel-like syrup. It also came with eggs and sausage links. There was a bit more of a dusting than I cared for, but not so where I didn't eat the whole thing..

My hubby, not being a breakfast guy, ordered their popular Pinehurst Chicken Grill sandwich; an eight-ounce chicken breast marinated in their Pinehurst sauce. It is Chargrilled then served on a grilled bun, topped with Pinehurst Sauce, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. He really enjoyed it!

Our daughter had caterpillar-styled pancakes which came with chocolate dots for a face and bacon. She really enjoyed it although I wish the chocolate could have been incorporated throughout the pancakes in another way beyond just being 3 dots for a face.

Finishing up, we split the most delicious triple chocolate cheesecake, an espresso for Hubs, and a chai coffee for me.

To sum it up, I think this is a solid cafe. No-frills food with safe options to choose from if you're going somewhere you just need to fill up. Kind of reminds me of an elevated IHOP, but with a...

First, we were sat right under the ac, so it was FREEZING. When asked to be moved, we were told this was the last table. That we can go back on the waiting list, which was 45 min wait. So, that already set the tone for us. Then we had a server who CLEARLY didn't want to be there, but into our visit, we noticed why. I ordered a shaken oatmilk Carmel coconut cold brew latte. After 37 mins it finally arrived (at this point, we still have no had our food order taken) the server finally comes to our table to take the food order and asked how my drink was. I told her there was no coffee at all. It's all milk and syrup. She giggled and proceeded to take our food order. We finally got our food ( we are now working on about an hour and a half we have been there) get our food and of course we are missing somethings. Server never came back to check on us. I had to get up and go find condiments and utensils for us. The server finally appeared at the tablet to put in other tables' orders, and the manager came up to her and asked if she was doing OK. The server said no, and the manager said ok with a smile and walked away. Never tried helping the server at all. When we finally got our bill, the server swipped our card, put it down on the table and just left. No goodbye, have a nice day, nothing!! Very bad first impression and probably will be the last time going there. After spending about 2 hours there FREEZING, horrible service, and not so good drinks and food. Definitely don't recommend, especially if...

My daughter and I arrived at at 12:45 on a Sunday, willing to sit inside or out. After half an hour, I went inside to check on where we were in terms of being seated, and since there were available tables outside, I said we would sit outside. We were told to go and pick a table and the server would be right behind us. Awesome, right? Would have been better if that actually happened.That was at 1:22. We sat down. Not one person acknowledged us, no water, no service, no acknowledgment at all. At 1:45, my daughter and I left, but before we did so, I went to inform them of our experience and that we were leaving. Looking forward to an early dinner.

Update: the Director of Operations reached out to me via email and was very gracious in receiving my feedback on what happened. She assured me that the issues I mentioned would be addressed with her staff as a learning moment. To make amends, she also sent a gift card, which my daughter and I look forward to using in the near future. I truly appreciated that she took the time to write me personally.

Update to the update: my daughter and I finally went back this past weekend. Our waitress was great, the food was delicious, my butterscotch latte very good. I'm glad we gave it another try. We were not disappointed. And we appreciated that we could sit outside so my daughter's golden...