Hidden Manna Cafe

Reviews 5

WI

Wil Maring

We were so looking forward to eating here after reading the great reviews. It was a little expensive but we thought we would try. Unfortunately our visit was one of those rare visits to a restaurant where so much goes wrong that you almost cant believe it. Like a comedy show. At first the three of us were seated on one side of the restaurant. The ambient jazz rock coming over the speakers was rather loud so we moved to another room so we could talk. It was quiet at first but soon a solo electric guitarist playing for tips started in, playing to loud rock and blues tracks with a couple loud amps stacked up. So much for conversation. After we had moved we waited and waited and evidently no one knew who was supposed to be our server. We were there at least twenty minutes before someone noticed we had no water. The newly appointed server was very nice and apologized and told us she would give us 10 percent off our whole order because of that mistake. Also she promised each of us free desserts. So we made our food orders, which took a very long time to come. When the food finally did come, each order that came was either wrong or partially missing. No soup, no lemon for fish, no salad dressing, wrong sides, missing sides. Our hungry vegetarian friend never got anything from his order but a salad. It was just a mess. After waiting so long for them to get it right we were told it would take another half hour to get the side of broccoli. The fried potatoes never came. No more time to get it right. We had to go to our next engagement after being there an hour and fortyfive. After we got the bill we saw we were charged for things we never received A heated discussion with the manager ensued, whereby she said "well, you got food, didnt you?" trying to justify that she couldnt subtract any more from the bill. She kept pointing out all the free desserts on the ticket. "But we didnt order dessert! One of us cant even eat dessert!" She says "well, I cant help that!" Finally we didnt feel like arguing about it anymore. I couldnt believe all the money we were charged for so much of our time and frustration and not a very pleasant dining experience.

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AD

Adam Davis

TERRIBLE! First when we came in, we had to wait for a server who had to tell us that she just walked to work and had to catch her breath; so someone else would have to seat us. (First sign of trouble)! We were finally seated and were brought two glasses of warm water, no ice, after which we had to ask three different times for lemon, when it finally came it was warm and exactly two slices. (Second sign)! The soup was good; the main course was not exactly worth the price. The entrée was akin to a disaster worthy of Gordon Ramsey’s distain! The potatoes were tasteless, and my medium steak was overcooked and resembled a pot roast. For 22 dollars a pop I expected more, but I kept my cool because I wanted to keep my wife from snapping. (Third sign)! My wife had a Cajun chicken roll with mash potatoes and BURNT broccoli; when the server came and asked how was our meal and my wife told her about the broccoli the server said "I didnt do it, it must have been one of the “cooks" (Fourth sign of trouble). The server then informed the owner of the broccoli issue, instead of being humble or apologetic; she went on to say without leaving the bar area at which she had been perched all evening “my server said you have a concern about the broccoli, well its not burnt! Its grilled we dont steam them we grill them thats from the grill...Its not burnt that’s how it’s supposed to be!" (My wife was fit to be tied)! What troubles me the most is that we came in to have a nice dinner and to support a local establishment, not cooking lessons as if we dont know the difference between grilled and burnt! At our age we have dined at establishments from The Mountains of West Virginia, to the high desert of California, who treats a customer like that! This was not the first time we have eaten from this establishment, but it most certainly will be the last time. In addition, anyone who ask if we would recommend this restaurant the answer would most certainly be no! When you pay 60 dollars for dinner for two the experience should be inviting and humble we were privy to neither of those adjectives at the Hidden Manna, so for us and any one we know it will remain “HIDDEN”.

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MA

Matasha MurrellJones

I am so disappointed with the service. We walked into this cafe and a person looked at us and kept walking. Then someone came a few minutes later to seat us. My husband then requested a cappacino and saw that they were helping other people and not preparing his drink. We were told that they would help the carryout orders first then fix his drink. So he canceled that order. Then we waited more than 25 minutes for our food. He ordered pancakes and I ordered an omelette. No one came to our table or anything until we were about to leave and someone asked how everything was? I asked her do you see any food here? She went to check on the order and NEVER came back so we left. Upon leaving someone said Thanks for coming and the server just looked at us. When I called back to speak with a manager I was told there was no manager and the person answering the phone was very rude. Then someone named Scott came to phone and said he was the Asst. Manager and when I explained what happened it didnt seem as though he was surprised. I dont think they want to fix the issues, but if it does take longer for the food simply LET the customer know so they are not sitting there for over 25 minutes for nothing. Also, please note that it was NOT crowded. It was practically empty! Poor Service, did not have an opportunity to taste the food, no follow up on poor customer service issues. I will eat somewhere else. No thank you!

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NO

Norvelle Merrill

Visited on a Friday morning. Cinnamon french toast was disappointing, very flat with too much glaze. Roasted potatoes were good, turkey sausage was ordinary, and the house blend coffee was way too strong! Service and ambiance were good. The biggest turnoff was being asked for an ID to pay with my debit card. Why would a black owned business insult black patrons this way, as though we are thieves? Why would a nice place like this do such a thing? I havent been asked for an ID to use a debit/credit card in any restaurant Ive ever patronized, even in the south suburbs. I recommend that this practice be discontinued as it is offensive. I may try again for lunch or dinner, but that debit card thing really bothered me.

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HO

Howard White

Wonderful and affable staff. Great atmosphere. You cannot go wrong with any of the soup or gumbo options which are all seasoned very well. The blackened salmon was not as good as I have had, a little over cooked. While the decor is acceptable, a customer waiting area is very much needed. Customers waiting to be seated will feel like pin balls between incoming patrons and staff entering/leaving the kitchen. Hidden Manna is by far one of the better restaurants in the south suburbs. The areas for improvement should be no means detract patrons from enjoying the impressive menu and vibe of this hidden gem.

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