Escafe

215 Water St W, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

Address:	215 Water St W, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
Phone:	+1 434-295-8668
Site:	escafe.com
Rating:	3.3
Working:	Closed 5–11PM 5–11PM 5–11PM 5–11PM 5–11PM 5–11PM

Location

Photos 6

Reviews 18

A Private User

I went to Escafe in 2007 on a date. I will never, EVER, go back to the restaurant again. The owner is HORRIBLE. Heres what happened to me. While my food was ok for the price, the waitor accidentally spilled my plate - which is not a big deal, accidents happen. He ruined my wine but brought me another one. What I didnt notice until after we left and went to a movie that the spill also ruined my bag (all over the inside of the small, beaded clutch, ruined my new $400 cell phone, and my new Elph digital camera was covered in the sweet, sticky sauce. I was in the movie bathroom and my date was in the movie, so I could not go back to the restaurant right away. Later that night, I attempted to mitigate the damage by cleaning off everything, but my bag and phone were irreparably damaged - the latter would not even power on. I took them back to the restaurant the next day. The owner spoke to me, brought over the waitor (who apologized again and confirmed my story), then seemed to think for about a minute. Then he told me this: "You cant prove anything, and I am not going to pay you for this phone." When I protested, he told me to leave. He did not offer me anything for what happened, but I guess in essence also suggested that I was a liar. Guess what - Youre never getting business from me ever, and I am and have been telling all my friends. Good riddance.

A Private User

Ate here one night for dinner. My husband is Gluten free so we ordered the GF crab cakes. We got our salads before the appetizer because we had been waiting for about 25 minutes...for a salad or appetizer. The salad and crabcakes(super small) were delicious. Once they finally arrived, we were very very excited for the entrees. Boy were we wrong. The entrees were awful. I ordered the fried chicken. It was flavorless. The mashed potatoes were awful. They tasted like instant potatoes. My husband ate his meatloaf, but couldnt stomach the instant potatoes and the flavorless collard greens. I have been reading the reviews about the meatloaf, and while they do claim its not premade, we had serious doubts. We didnt say anything because it wasnt the waitresss fault, and we did order the food so it should be paid for, but it was awful. We will not go back, gluten free crab cakes or not.

A Private User

Ill start by saying that I have been here on 3 occasions. Unfortunately, the active bartender on the past two visits has been unbelievably rude. I believe her name was Tammy, but I could be wrong. Tammys interactions were very shallow and I felt that she was putting on an act with people for ulterior motives. For example, when a recognizable fellow walked in, she acted mellow-excited to see the guy, but immediately dropped the attitude as the person walked away. I suppose that you must do whatever it takes to earn tips though. However, the food was AMAZING, and probably terribly fattening. Order the chicken sandwich, and dont sit at the bar!

A Private User

Our son and DIL took us for dinner last Friday. New owners. One of them (Tim?) stopped by our table to discuss wine, chat about our food and explain they rotate the menu often and a new one is due this week. Our server was friendly. In fact, she made a special trip back to the table to confirm something in my order. There was a menu and a daily special sheet. Everyone very happy with the meal choices and prices were reasonable. Friday night special was 1/2 price for any bottle of wine. Quiet enough during dinner to converse although we understand the music cranks up in the evening for the later crowd.

Kinda Sandridge

They are now charging a cover charge, which we not informed of until our bill arrived. The poor waitress was embarrassed that we had not been informed and sent the manager to the table. His excuse was he was too busy making desserts to make a sign. How can anyone be that bad at management? No one should ever enter an establishment and find out when they are leaving that there was a cover charge. I was hesitant to go because the last time we went the food and service were awful but a friend was playing music there tonight. I wont make that mistake again.

CAROL WISE

Absolutly wonderful! Last night, Monday October 6, they were supposed to be closed. But it was a historic day and one of grand celebration. Because of the happy news about equality, they opened their doors to the community, short staffed and full of welcoming arms. They put out a beautiful buffet of scrumptuos food of shrimp, salmon and many others bites of goodies for those of us who were there. THANK YOU ESCAFE! We love you and your willingness to go the extra mile and let us gather together.....where we have always been welcomed.

Peacock

Worst brunch ever. Cold eggs, paper in food, absent service, incredibly insane long wait (with only one other table). Wrote a letter to management to address the issues & possibly salvage my opinion (maybe it was just a really bad morning??) but no response. Will not return.

Judith Newton

Lunch with my twin sister at Escafe. The food is awesome. I enjoyed the Turkey Reuben and collard greens as a side. My sister had the blackbean burger that she says is wonderful. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the decor is inviting. I will visit often. Thank you.

Gary Bailes

Stopped by on a weekend trip to Charlottesville. Had the open face capicola sandwich. One of the best Ive ever had. Great combination of flavors. Service was excellent and prompt. Id make a trip back just to come here again. Thanks for a great experience.

A Private User

The food at Escafe is delicious. Lots of local and fresh ingredients, a changing menu, and great vegetarian options. The desserts are incredible. This is my favorite Charlottesville restaurant!

Moises Rivera

Worst place ever! I went just to get a drink there, I waited 45 minutes for a beer, plus the bartender had an attitude with me because I was consistently asking for my beer, waste of my time...

Chris Langdon

Always a pleasure! Food is awesome! Im a 4 star Master Chef and I have never been disappointed !! Friendly people and a great staff!! Exceptional laid back fun place to just b you!!

A Private User

Had several great nights at the bar, it gets pretty lively on weekends, everyone dances and stays until 2. Havent eaten there before, but the drinks were pretty good. 4/5

B. Esi Yarney

The owner is so sweet and very customer service focused. I live techno music so it was perfect for me! Thanks for a great Saturday night. The dance floor was full!

A Private User

Amazing food!!! Love the service !!! The night life is also FUN!!! The staff really loves their jobs and cares about the customer. Support local ♥

kevin shaver

Best place downtown to go. Never had a bad experience. The owner is one of the nicest people on the planet as well as the staff. Cant go wrong.

Kitty Kat

Bouncer was clueless and couldnt figure out how to read an ID. Seriously, thats youre ONLY job and you cant do it? Shameful.

Elisa Ferrante

It turns into a dance club at night but its not particularly unique or amazing. The food is not great, the drinks are okay.