Cafe Sparrow
| Address: | 8042 Soquel Dr A, Aptos, CA 95003, USA |
| Phone: | +1 831-688-6238 |
| Site: | cafesparrow.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 9AM–2PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 21
TU
Tucos Child
Arrogant and incredibly rude owner. Overpriced, overrated, slow service, good food..... Take your hard earned money somewhere else. Here is the story, almost unbelievable, sad but true: Made 5:30 reservation. Arrived promptly. Appetizers and drinks arrived in a timely manner. Appetizer was roasted garlic which was good. My Caesar salad was drenched in dressing, but still tasty. 50 minutes into the meal, became concerned about the entrees arrival. Expressed my concern to waitress, and I was told " oh, you should have told me you needed to leave so soon" (Evidently, I incorrectly thought that 1 hr and 15 minutes was enough time for a meal with a very early reservation and only 3 other tables seated!) My immediate thought was "she forgot to put in our ticket, or the kitchen is backed up" 1 hr and 5 minutes after prompt arrival, still no entree, so, we had to leave because I was taking my 10 year daughter to a movie on our special night out. No way to enjoy entrée at this late juncture. Interestingly, and surprising to me, I was told by wait person later "we usually allow 1 hr 45 minutes per couple." If this was Le Cirque, Le Bernardin, or the French Laundry, I guess that would be the norm, but this is a casual venue in sleepy Aptos. Really! Here is the interesting part: I did share with owner Bob M. over the phone that I was very displeased, I was edgy, but not rude or vicious, - his response, literally: "we are not a fast food restaurant, for that go to Jack in the Box." I was almost speechless, but pressed on. Bob the owners parting shots were "you are wrong" and "Enjoy your meal tonight at Jack in the Box" All this witnessed by my 10 year old daughter! Pathetic really. Thanks for the lesson in customer service, Bob. We appreciate it. The good news: we made it to the movie on time and ate popcorn for our entree and enjoyed the flick. Never made it to Jack in the Box, but, I can guarantee you; we would rather have a taco there than ever eat again at Café Sparrow .
RE
Reed Welch
A special occasion made better My wife and I returned to Cafe Sparrow in celebration of our wedding anniversary. It turned out to be a candlelight dinner via mother nature. The electrical power went out while we were enjoying out starters. The staff didn’t miss a beat, as extra candles were brought to the tables. The full house of patrons were at ease and all appeared to enjoy the experience. This is probably our 6th visit to Cafe Sparrow in the past 4 years, and we have not been disappointed. I had the Chicken livers, which were prepared with apples, bacon, and garlic, without any of the condiments being overwhelming, and mixing nicely with the chicken liver. My wife had the special risotto with beef dish. We paired these with a Zinfandel from their wine list, and sat back and enjoyed a wonderful evening. Even under the handicap of no power, the kitchen was able to provide their wonderful desserts. This will be an evening that we will remember for quite some time.....
RI
Rick Cordary
We stopped in Cafe Sparrow on a weekday afternoon after my wife found it on the net while driving from San Diego to San Francisco. It turned out to be a fantastic experience. Starting with the wine, then I have to mention the great service and last to mention but not least was the food. Oh, the atmosphere, and the friendly feeling given off by other diners was great too. I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed in anything at Cafe Sparrow. We would be regulars if we didnt live in Hollywood, Florida.
DR
Dr. David Chorjel
Some of the greatest country French Ive ever had. Aubry is an extraordinary chef. Wine list is adequate, I bring my family here often. Ive always totally enjoyed the atmosphere, the simple relaxing decor, the cleanliness, freshness of the food and its perfect preparation. My whole family loves this place. Cost is beyond reasonable. I highly recommend Cafe Sparrow.
FR
Frank Cheap
Always consistent tastey. Filet Mignon, cooked beets, butternut squash and small salad has been my go to years. A glass of Fence Post Cab completes the meal. Never a bad experience, top-quality servers and an owner that walks the floor nightly. Wonderful place, the single bad review is an anomaly.
A
A Private User
I had dinner at Cafe Sparrow with a very large group for a wedding-related dinner. I ordered the scallops, and they were the most flavorful and just delicious I have ever eaten! Everyone with us enjoyed their meals and were very pleased. And the service was excellent, as well.
TO
Tom Malgesini
We had one of the best meals ever at Cafe Sparrow! They have so many great options on the menu, it was hard to choose. I enjoyed a perfectly prepared rack of lamb with brandied cherry sauce. The service was over the top friendly and professional and cant wait to return.
JI
Jim Brown
Lovely restaurant for lunch and dinner. Its a "special night" kind of place, with excellent food and wine, pleasant atmosphere, and great customer service attitude. We would dine here a lot more often if we lived closer -- its about 45 minutes each way for us.
RY
Ryan Bavetta
The food here was amazing! The decor was reminiscent of a grandmothers house, with pastels and lace - not my favorite - but the meal we had was extraordinary. I particularly liked the butternut squash soup as a starter. Everything on the menu sounded tasty.
MA
Matthew Lynam
The ambiance was friendly, quiet, and warm. The decor was eclectic and fun. I recommend the crab Benedict on a croissant. It was delicious! The potatoes however, were overcooked and had way too much paprika. The service was average.
MA
Matt Bariletti
Lovely food. Service was very slow which isnt a problem unless you are in a hurry. The decorations arent very contemporary: lots of dried flowers, woven baskets and draped fabric. Great apps and desserts. Specials are a must.
KA
Kathleen Moler
My husband and I have been enjoying many meals at the Cafe Sparrow and highly recommend it! The food is always delicious. Once you walk through the doors, you feel welcomed and nurtured with the wonderful staff and owners.
HE
Heidi Simonson
We absolutely love this place - the appetizers, meals, wine are all terrific. The kitchen is small, and they not only beautifully prepare food, they accommodate small modifications with pleasure.
MI
Mig Vasq
always a great place to eat with friends, or with a date, food is excellent, Seafood is spectacular. Wine selection is good and affordable. Parking is easy. The service is also outstanding.
A
A Private User
LOVE the Frenchmans Hangover...perfect for Sunday morning, especially after a late and wild Saturday night. Plus its very charming and the quaintness of the village is too sweet!
SA
sarah ando
What a great find. Went on Sunday at nooner, 2 of us got right in. The whole experience was great; the ambiance was inviting, the staff was warm and welcoming and the FOOD!!!
BA
BadCandyStudios
From taking our last-minute reservation last night, to the perfection of the food, serving staff, wine list & lovely setting, this place gets SUBLIME rating.
RO
Roger Lopez
The sauces were unbelievable the half off wine on Monday, crazy! And the daily specials unbelievable and service was perfect thank you cafe sparrow
AN
Andrew Bono
Exceptional cuisine in an unpretentious environment served by staff who treat us like old friends. Great way to reliably impress out-of-towners.
JO
joe rodgers
Busy on a Sunday mid-day. Service not fast, quantities quite large but not particularly impressive. Good standard fare at above average cost.
DM
Dmitry Dukhan
Great little french place. Great food, very nice atmosphere, not too French of themselves, and very eager to please. Would really recommend.
