California Pizza Kitchen
| Address: | 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy #1253, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA |
| Phone: | +1 480-967-0498 |
| Site: | cpk.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
GR
Greeted Urchin
I should start by saying that me and the two people I went with are not picky eaters and the saddest part about this review is that it will certainly make us come off as picky. We like dive diners and fine dining just the same. But my experience at California Pizza kitchen in Tempe Marketplace was really disappointing. I have eaten there a few times before and had the BBQ chicken pizza, which isnt bad but this time we decided to step out of our comfort zone and try something else. First the service: the service is the only reason I could justify giving this 2 stars instead of 1 - service was good. Our server checked up on us frequently, was polite, and was very professional despite our many complaints about the food. Now the food. We ordered the spinach and artichoke dip. It was bland. There wasnt much to it. It almost seemed like the ingredients used were something out of a microwave dinner. We ordered the white corn guacamole. Our big complaint is that this costs about $4 or $5 if I recall correctly and the portion of guacamole you get is nothing bigger than a cups worth and a few tortilla chips on the side. Looking passed the overpriced poor quantity of food we got, we decided to focus on the quality but guess what... there was no quality either. It was bland, tasteless, and the avocados did not seem ripe. Guacamole is one of those things that your toddler can make at home and it will still taste pretty decent. Not this one. Somehow they managed to ruin something so simple to make. Youre better off going anywhere else for guacamole. Again, this is coming from someone who isnt picky. Finally I ordered my entree - Garlic Cream Fettuccine. I have eaten many pastas at many places, some better than others. But this one fell on the lower portion of the bad spectrum. 1 star. First, again with the portion vs. price issue. I added shrimp to mine which put my pasta at just under $17.00. How much shrimp did I get? I counted 7 small pieces of shrimp. They brought me a tiny portion of pasta in a huge looking bowl - what a waste of space. I can say I dont recall ever getting such a small portion of pasta. Its like I was eating left overs from my previous meal I kid you not. For the first time since I can possibly remember, I ate the miserable portion of pasta they gave me and still had the urge to go eat a whole second meal afterward (Im not a big guy and I eat moderately). Now the taste: The fettuccine tasted bland. The pasta was not as creamy as I would have liked. The pasta was not cooked al dente. The consistency was almost like eating soft rubber that breaks in your mouth. Not inedible, but definitely something I wouldnt expect from a $17 meal. I would price the quality and quantity of this pasta at about $5 or $6 at a school cafeteria. Now my biggest complaint: the manager. He came by and asked us how our food was. We told him. We expressed everything I have written in this review. I told him about the pasta and all he did was give me excuses saying: he will check on that with his cook because they all follow the same protocol for cooking pasta. He came back and apologized for the fact that I was unsatisfied, following his apology with what seemed like more excuses: "we use the same pasta all the time and we have never heard this complaint". "I went back and made sure they cook it better for you next time". He also said next time I should tell them how I want it cooked! Guess what? There wont be a next time! This was what bothered me the most. Instead of offering me an incentive to come back, he just offered excuses and talked to me like I will come back and throw my money away at this poor excuse for restaurant. Nope - not coming back. I will find a better way to spend $17 next time but it wont be here.
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Stacy Valentine
Food was good but service was terrible. Waited over 10 minutes after being seated just to have the waiter get our drink orders and we also placed our food order at the same time so that just shows you how long we waited. My companion asked for bread and that took another 15 minutes (not kidding). We found out from another waiter that there was a delay because it was in the oven, our waiter never mentioned that. Once we had our food, I asked for extra dressing for my salad and that took another 10 minutes to get. I literally had to stop eating because the salad was quite dry and I just couldnt eat anymore without the extra dressing. Our waiter never checked on us the entire time. Very disappointing in the service.
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Jeffrey Moore
I never ever go out of my way to write a review for the places I go to, but this is definitely an exception. I had lunch there recently and after the experience, I wanted to rename the restaurant to "Impressive Pizza Place". Overall, the food and service was outstanding. The manager came to our table to talk to us about the restaurant and offered us a small, complimentary appetizer. The server was very good and anticipated our needs. Everyone had a genuine looking smile and the food was on time and delicious. That is how to run a business.
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A Private User
I had received a gift card for CPK for Christmas so I decided to try this place out. After the dining experience, as Im goign to pay the server tells me that the gift card processing is down and they werent accepting gift cards. Im sorry what? That was the only reason I came here was because I had the gift card. There was no sign posted by the hostess stand alerting guests that the function was down, nor did the server tell me before I ordered. After the bad experience I went onto their website and email them my experience, no reply :(
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Jelani Bonner
I hate pizza but this place has great food and great pizza. On top of that my order was messed up once. The managing partner Terry more than took care of me. The whole staff handled the messed up order with great care and professionalism. They understand the value and dignity of their customers and how to provide great service. I will definitely be dining here again.
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Some Guy
These guys are great. Had an issue with a late pickup. The manger Raul fixed it perfectly by making an entirely new order even though it wasnt their fault. Thats impressive customer service. Thanks again California.
KA
Karla Matheny
Amazing food. Amazing new menu items. Its been a while since Ive been in. They brought us a a complimentary appetizer since we hadnt been here in a while it was amazing! Did that I say that already?
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Charise Carnahan
We have been to California Pizza Kitchen a couple of time and thoroughly recommend. Food is always good and staff are very attentive :) Well worth the cab from Santa Monica to Beverly Hills.
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George Calcut
Pizza was tasty, but delivered to table cold. I told waiter and he offered to have it heated up. Showed up 10-15 later with over-cooked pizza. Eat there again? Unlikely.
