City Square Cafe

I have eaten at the City square twice and the first time was great but, the second time was disappointing. My wife and I decided to go there for Valentine’s Day and the service was terrible. We felt rushed the second we sat down and were constantly harassed by the waitress. We could not even get a conversation going because of the constant interruptions from her. No sooner did we order our drinks she was there asking us what we would like to order and we didn’t even have a chance to look at the menu. My wife was not finished with her food and she wanted to take her plate. Once the plates where cleared; out came the dessert cart and because we were so annoyed we didn’t bother with dessert. Of course within seconds we were handed the check. Some would considered this as fast and prompt service but, I feel like she was trying to turn over tables as fast as possible. I paid good money to have an enjoyable night out with my wife and we could not even speak a word to each other without her always asking us something. I expect this type of behavior from a national chain restaurant but, not from the City Square Café. I was really impressed the first time I ate there the service and food where great. The waiter was great! It seemed that he was always there when we needed him and at the same time we felt comfortable and not rushed. The second time ruined it for me.

We visited City Square for brunch a few days ago. Unfortunately, the service was terrible. It took 20 minutes just to receive water! When we spoke with the manager she informed us that it takes "30-60 minutes for our kitchen". To this day, I still do not understand how the kitchen impacts getting a glass of water? The food was not the best. I left the majority of my meal on the plate and was never even asked if I wanted a to-go box. We were really hoping to find a place in Old Town Manassas, but I guess this is officially off the list.

The best service we received on a an empty Saturday morning was given by the host, he sat us and provided us the menu, the rest was empty. We were neglected for an entire 15 minutes, the entire Staff ignored us as they continue to bypass us. After deciding to leave a server approached us and thanks us. Thanks for what? for leaving? I will never be back thanks to you, hate to see an outstanding successful establishment go to ruin because incompetent staff.

We've been to City Square often. We are especially excited when Steve Ascone plays outdoors. The atmosphere and music are a nice combo! We’ve shared our great times with colleagues and friends and have invited family when they visit. However, this past Saturday was so awful; we are not going back and will make sure to let others know. We walked up to the outdoor desk and there was a paper sign that said "45 minute wait". We saw a few empty tables outside and waited for someone to seat us. 3 staff passed us with no "hello", "we'll be right with you", nothing. Finally, a young lady came out to tell us that they are SO busy with a 22-person party inside, there's no way they could take care of us tonight. We told her we'd just like to order a drink and sit at one of the empty tables outside to enjoy Steve play. She again told us they couldn't serve us; Steve actually stopped playing to ask why we couldn't just sit down; she then asked "oh are they family?” not sure why that would have made a difference but by that time, we were embarrassed enough to just leave since Steve stopped playing, everyone was staring at us. We are so disappointed that this being a small establishment, you would take greater pride in serving your guests. A Saturday night; drinks probably are one of your larger revenues and to have empty tables and turn us away says more than you know.