Black Walnut Café - Rice Village
| Address: | 5510 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005, USA |
| Phone: | +1 713-526-5551 |
| Site: | blackwalnutcafe.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–12AM 7AM–12AM 7AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
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Christina A
Starting off, they treat their employees worse than dirt. Often hiring inexperienced workers, they throw much responsibility (and blame) unto them within their first over-scheduled week. I had a friend who was employed there for a short amount of time and she would come home in tears every night. The manager named Cisco, the one that looks like Carlos Mencia, is horrid and down talks to his employees regularly. Ive only had the fortune of eating here on one occasion, and while the food was surprisingly delicious and well presented, it was overshadowed by the repulsive staff. The manager on duty (mencia/Cisco) and a few employees were standing in very close proximity to us, vilely mocking the behavior of my party while loudly bad-mouthing us. This cafe is so unprofessional that its tragic. I havent been back since and wouldnt recommenced you go either unless you like supporting sexist and demeaning establishments. This is the most legit review you will read. Anyone looking to work or eat at this place should beware. Who wants to dine (and pay heavy prices) for pre-packaged food (seriously, everything except the vegetables are canned or frozen) in the atmoshpere of miserable employees?
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Andrew E
Background: Ive eaten dinner at this restaurant a handful of times. Look and Feel: The vibe of the restaurant is casual since you order at the counter and then find a seat; however, the ambiance gives the impression of a high quality dining experience as well. There’s ample seating inside and outside, so it’s ideal for larger groups. Food: Although not cheap (this is Rice Village), the food is quite good. I particularly enjoy their salmon. Ive also been told it’s great for breakfast! Service: The line to order can sometimes be out the door, but once you place your order, the food comes quickly. Things to know: -Parking in Rice Village is often difficult but there’s a parking lot right next door and they can validate your parking so you won’t have to pay the $15. -Try to save room for the gelato – it’s good! -There’s no Wi-Fi so it’s not a great spot for studying or business meetings. Overall: Good food and a nice ambiance, but the slightly high prices and lack of internet keep it from 5 stars.
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Chas Funderburg
My wife and I, and sometimes our family visit this restaurant as a treat. It is moderately prices ($$), and the food is good. Nothing too fancy; I would classify this as a family restaurant. Ive had the Asian Tuna salad, which boasts a very good ginger based dressing, and really good tuna. My wife has had the Spinach & Mushroom Omelet, which she and her friend thoroughly enjoyed. My daughter and I have had the New Orleans Noodle pasta, which definitely wakes up your taste buds. The beer and wine selection is good, and they will recommend your drink if you ask them. Now the desserts are to die for. All the cakes, and pies and tarts are delicious, and come in big servings. I, as lactose intolerant, really like their featured sorbets. Wife really likes the coffee as well. I am beginning to like those soda machines where you can program your drink. Choose a standard or be creative. Good casual place for a first date: the experience is enjoyable. Or for a family meal.
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Chris Reflections
A local favorite for good food in a good location. The menu is Breakfast centered BUT the Lunch and Dinner offerings arent to be dismissed. You would be a fool not to at least get a pot roast grilled cheese to go no matter what you actually eat.... And why not add a small Gelato or a slice a cake from the dessert case while you are there. Something funky is going on in the area because I read a review of Little Woodrows (the bar across the street) and the reviewer said that it smelled weird sometimes.... And tbh.. I kept getting wafts of something lurking in the sewers but I still got my order and went about my merry little way.... However if something on me mutates I know where it came from. This place can get busy really fast so dont take your timing for granted. Lastly, its connected to a greater shopping center so if you go for lunch you can shop around and really make an evening of it if you want to. Overall, good food Ill be back soon!
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Kristina Do Nguyen
This is one of my go-to brunch place. It is set up cafe styled so you go up to the counter and give them your order. They give you a buzzer and buzz you when your food is ready for pickup. Very casual setting, which is nice because sometimes I go after working out or when I just wake up. I always order the same thing, which is a customized omelette, so Im not sure how the rest of the menu is. There is a lot of variety though so good for picky eaters or vegetarians. The location is good, in Rice Village so you can run errands or shop afterwards. Parking is a nightmare on weekends though. Nothing to really complain about here, food, price, atmosphere is all good. Pros: - Fresh squeeze orange juice Cons: - Parking - Can be hard to find a table if its busy
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David Pham
Scrolling through some of the reviews here, I see some 1-star ones that merely say "bland food," "bad customer service," etc. The timestamp on these are from years ago. Ive been going to Black Walnut recently more often, and usually take at least one friend with me. Weve tried nearly every dish on the menu except for the desserts, and never have I heard someone complain about their dish, from the pasta to the "Darn Good Burger" (which is usually my recommendation for newcomers). A great reasonably-priced restaurant with a comfy, homey atmosphere.
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Guy Madison
First time diner here. Knew what I wanted so didnt look at menu. Clean, friendly, reasonably priced & efficient operation. Ordered coffee (excellent), 5 medium poached eggs, bacon side & double order of whole wheat toast. Brought meal to table. Only 2 COLD pieces of bacon, toast barely warm, 4 COLD poached eggs & 1 hot poached egg. Eggs were cooked as ordered. Obviously the 5th egg was cooked after the rest of meal was ready. The chef had to know this & the chef allowed the meal to go out. No excuse. Very poor practice.
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Nicole Anderson
Usually I have a good experience but not today. I called in my order but they didnt put it in until I arrive to the restaurant. once it was ready I went to the counter to pick it up and was told to go to another counter to pick up to go orders and when I got there I was told it wasnt there. They ended up picking up my food from the first counter I went to. AND nothing was done to make me a satisfied customer. Bad customer service and nothing done to correct it will keep me from going back to any business.
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Andrew D
I come here a lot due to its proximity to home and work. The food is pretty decent, if you dont mind heavier richer foods. If youre here for breakfast, I recommend the breakfast enchiladas. Price is on par for food in the Village (aka a bit pricy). My only complaint is that when I come for breakfast and its not busy, I usually see my food sitting in the service window for a good 5 minutes before they page my buzzer. Theyre much better about that at lunch/dinner though.
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Jonathan Nassar
This place always seems crowded - but Ive always _just_ been able to find a seat. Luck? I dont know. The foods good, but their menu is a little daunting and I can never decide what to get. I usually enjoy my time here, though. I just wish it was less crowded so I could come here and relax with a coffee. This isnt a must-go place in Houston (unlike the Italian place next door), but its pretty good. It reminds me of a Cafe Express.
