Alchemy Cafe

Address:	191 Main St, Murphys, CA 95247, USA
Phone:	+1 209-728-0700
Site:	alchemymarket.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM Closed 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 10:30AM–8PM 10:30AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Toby Napier

Charming cafe, but I have to give it a low rating because of really poor service. The confusion started when we (2 kids and 2 adults) met close friends who were sitting at the bar. Bar staff immediately stated that there was no standing at the bar area and no one under 21. I get that but they were rather terse and were not helpful with transferring us to a table. When we did sit down, the waiter seemed to forget I was there, skipped me twice at the end of the table leaving me as the only person without a cold beverage. When he finally returned to check on us, everyone was finished with their drinks and we decided to move on. We informed him we were not happy with the service and paid the bill. The ad lib waiter did apologize so I guess that was something but most good places would have attempted to recover from this kind of oversight to keep customers, not here. No hospitality, not kid friendly, no service....no repeat business. Response to owner: Thank you for your response. I can understand staff getting overwhelmed at times but it was not overly busy at this particular time since tables were open. Perhaps you were short on staff for one reason or another. Your reviews are what got us in the door, the service is what caused us to move on to another place. I can understand where my review could be considered harsh in comparison to other reviews but it is what we experienced so I stand by it. If it was only one of the issues identified I would agree the review is harsh but there was a string of issue culminating with a customer sitting at a table of 6 of which 5 got served drinks and one didnt. And yes, I was at the table the whole time. You might consider training your staff that when customers tell them they are not happy with the service they should inform the manager on duty immediately so they could intervene instead of relying on customers to take the extra steps you suggest. And just for clarity, the waiter was informed we were not happy when we asked for the tab so there was opportunity between that time and when the card transaction was complete which just adds to the string of issues identified. You have a nice place at a good location and everything but the service was so promising. I do hope everyone elses experience moving forward are all positive but its up to you and your staff to ensure that happens.

Victor Kohnke

We had lunch there while visiting the area and overall we were somewhat disappointed. We ordered two of the daily special quesadillas and the pecan encrusted chicken breast on a bed of greens. The waiter came back to tell us that the daily special quesadilla had changed and there was only one left of the one we ordered so my wife and daughters had to re-make their decision. When the food came my wife and the girls enjoyed the quesadillas but the chicken breast was dry and hard with very little flavor, the bed of greens was acceptable and somewhat rescued the plate but overall the experience left a bad taste in my mouth (pun intended). My wife and daughters would recommend the quesadillas but they are a bit expensive for what you get.

Ashlynn B

Great food.. food alone would be 4 stars but the service and waiting while already seated was horrific. Be advised: the meatloaf was the worst dish. It was very very dry and crumbled into hard to eat crumbs and there was no demi glaze. The cappuccino mouse had no coffee or coffee flavor infused in the mouse. The whip cream was really watery. The bread pudding got great reviews from the table. I liked the burger and it was cooked perfectly. .. I wish the bread was a little harder and not the consistency of a diaper. It was impossible to hold the sandwich because of untoasted bread. I would recommend the Lucky Penny across the street but they werent open on Tuesday.

Connie Kwan

Ordered the Scallopine and the special Ravioli. They were ok but definitely not on par with a ~$25 dish, more like a $15 dish. The Scallopine reminded me of Chinese fishballs, just flattened out. Those Chinese fishballs are available at any large chinese market for $10 a pint. The Ravioli stuffing was good, but the skin was disappointing. In fact we ate the center with a little skin and left the rest. Usually restaurants make their own Ravioli skin/wrap. This once decided to cut corners and used two round Chinese dumpling skin and sealed them like a sandwich. Thats not how Chinese dumpling skin should be used, and it didnt turn out very well.

Cheryl Stone

I am local and have eaten there many times...but, tonight is the last time by my choice. I had dinner with 5 other friends (all local) and do to dietary restriction, ordered the steak with no sauce, no potatoes and extra vegetables. I got steak and vegie covered in sauce. Waitress confirmed she forgot to write it down...cook (owner) said glaze had cooked long enough that there would be no alcohol left in it. None of it was eaten and I expected it to be removed from the bill...NOT. I paid for it and gave it away. That $27 will cost him my business and my story told often.

Lorrie Hern

Had a lovely evening, hostess and servers were awesome....However...the bartender...Brian....was TERRIBLE! Rude, hardly smiled, didnt answer our questions so that we could hear him or understand him - should not be working in a service-based business!!!! Music was awesome and all the patrons were friendly and we felt like we gained new friends - Will go back...but will write another negative review about the bartender, Brian, if we are treated the same way again...no excuse for that!

Suzanne Frey

First, Murphys is awesome for its laid back, almost-upstate-NY charm in the fall. Add to it the fact that theres some GREAT food and wine happening here in the absence of crowds and the sheer presence of tiny charm, Im in. Alchemy is not pretentious -- and its probably not going to be the meal of a lifetime, but its very, very good solid comfort food coupled with great service. Highly recommend you check it out!!!

George Crawford

Stopped by for lunch and it was very good. Started with a small basket of bread that looked home baked and had an interesting corn topping. It tastes great. I then ordered the quesadilla daily special and my wife just ordered the calamari. Both were excellent. The calamari came with a light batter and amongst the squid rings were some lightly battered jalapeno rings that were equally delucious.

Bert Martinez

Have to wait over 1.5 hrs to be seated. The restaurant was under staffed, there wasnt a hostess and servers had to take walk ins, bus tables and seat guest. Management was not present during the dinner rush hour. This was a poor display of management. I have heard great things about this place but the servers were not set up for success. During a busy holiday weekend.

A Private User

On a busy Friday evening just before Murphys St. Patricks festival, we were surprised by the great service and food at Alchemy. Sweet potato fries and the crab cake were excellent. Our waitress was super busy but always had a smile and a frequent check in at each table. We never felt rushed.