The Washburne Cafe

Reviews 8

GE

Gena Abalone

I had been to the Washburne Cafe twice before. Service was never fantastic, but food was pretty good. So I decided to go there recently since it wasnt far. I ordered a breakfast burrito to go. I sat directly in front of their register and waited.After 15 minutes I thought it was odd no one had spoken to me and there was only one person, out of a staff of five, in the kitchen. Another person had gotten their food and drinks, but they had a new person on crew so I kept waiting. Two people came and left (on staff) another customer had finished their meal, and no one spoke to me, even looked at me... Until I got pissed off enough at 30 minutes when two other groups came in to order and one of the employees finally asked me where you waiting for something? I let her know I ordered a breakfast burrito TO GO over 1/2 hr ago. The staff clumsily stammered and went around in circles, asking each other how this could have happened, (Including the person who took my order) and STILL no one had even walked to the kitchen in back to start my order which was obviously not showing up anytime soon. So I told them that at this point, I was done waiting, and I wanted my money back so I could leave. They then tried to give me a gift card to their restaurant, which I explained to them I would not accept and that I wanted my money back. Finally they refunded my money, which they didnt seem to know how to do, for the purchase price (and heres the clincher) but not the tip I had given to the person who took my order. They are unprofessional and overpriced. Do not go here.

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MA

MAx Fabry

I regularly eat out, and, I make appointments to meet clients where I know I am welcomed and will get a great cup of coffee. The "lavender lattes" served at Washburne Cafe are decadent and reasonably priced for such a rarity. The atmosphere is welcoming to everyone--business people meeting clients, friends meeting friends, families, and even the students that pop in during their lunch hour. Free Wifi--YES! Thank you for that perk. The food is not a run-of-the-mill menu; there is a nice variety and can meet anyones dietary needs. I primarily go there for their freshly made soups and slice of their toasted bread that accompanies each soup order. Mary Lou, the owner, is a hands-on owner--not just standing at the register taking orders: she cooks, she cleans, she shops, AND, she still has time to stop, say "hello", and truly cares when she asks "How is everything?" Oh, and, I ride the bus a lot; Washburne Cafe is only a block from the Springfield Bus Station--allows me a little exercise to and from the bus which leaves about every ten minutes to return me to my office. Washburne Cafe has become an extension of my business offices, as well as my "private chefs", and a charming place to meet my family for a nice meal. I am so pleased Mary Lou provides such a wonderful place right in DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD! Thanks, Mary Lou

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JA

Janet Witt

Spent time at this café before it changed hands so I was looking forward to the new changes with the current owners. I understand this has not been opened very long and the owners are still figuring out what a customer wants. I was not happy with the new atmosphere, it felt cold and not comfortable. There were a minimal amount of tables and a large area was set up with a couch and easy chairs. I was as well disappointed with the food and choices. According to the website they say they have pastries, I saw none. The turkey sandwich I had was good enough (even though it was cold meat, not freshly shaved meat), but I will not order it again. In fact I will not go back to this café again either. This little café has such potential to draw all ages of customers but its clearly catering to young people, its not a comfortable place to sit and visit and maybe have a second or third cup of coffee. Its unfortunate, maybe the new owners will make improvements over time.

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KR

Kristi Cramer

I havent yet eaten here, although friends I was with did, and they liked their food. Ive just been in to have tea with friends and family, and it reminds me a bit of the cafe where "Friends" always met. They have a nice selection of teas and coffees, and a sandwich menu, and desserts that looked really tempting, even to a person who was not ready to eat. There is a comfortable seating area, as well as typical tables and chairs, some local decor, and an almost cafeteria-style atmosphere. They have a station where guests get their own ice water, and you order and pick up your food at the counter. It can get quite loud inside. I wouldnt recommend it for business meetings or book club. The staff behind the counter were friendly enough, but they werent super swift to bus tables - my mom had to wipe off the table we chose to use. I want to give this more than three stars (average) rating, but I really cant until I try the food myself and see.

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HE

Heidi C

Q U A L I T Y . I am eating a scone, the best Ive ever had (and to my surprise is gluten-free) with an iced Lavender Latte (half-sweet, because its usually on the sweet side). Only critique - which is an important one - would be that they seem short-handed and I have seen a few times now a line and either one person is taking orders & no one to make drinks whilst food is prepped, or the other way around, no one to take orders and one or both preparing the drinks/food.. This is either frustrating the customer, if not more the baristas. I have been one myself and am patient with their dilemma but not all patrons are this way. So in short, the food, drinks & comfy seats are A+ but a C for ease of ordering and efficiency.

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JE

Jessica Steele

I was a fan of the previous Washburne Cafe - I like it for their affordable breakfast, menu options, and there was rarely a long wait. Although I like the new update - a neo Portland vibe - and I also think the new blends of coffee they serve are really great; I am giving 3 stars because I find it be vastly overpriced with minimal options. I got a 12 oz coffee and a small muffin and it was almost $8. I think this place has GREAT potential (and they did just open), but Id like to see some more affordable menu options and a tad more friendliness before I become a regular customer.

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CY

Cy W.

The Washburne Cafe has changed. Perhaps for the better. I miss the endless chalkboard menu and comfort living room style decor of before. However, the new and improved Washburne Cafe is a modern refresh that doesnt disappoint its inner city roots and customers. The floor plan is much more open. The decor is modern and sleek, while keeping it local-Oregon based. The menu is much smaller but the food and drink quality remains superb. The atmosphere is inviting as ever. Walk in and work or stop in and grab a coffee to go; either way I think youll be plesantly satisfied.

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CR

Crystal Owens

My drink and food were fine, nothing to complain about. However, the menu online is no longer accurate, I was told that the cafe had new owners and the menu has changed. I didnt like that my name wasnt taken for my order, when my drink was called there was another customer who ordered the same drink and we had to distinguish who was going to take the available drink. Originally my plan was to sit down with my order, but as soon as I walked in changed my mind to order to go. The space wasnt comfortable and got jammed up quickly.

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