Tried to take my husband to Elizabeth Esther Café for Father’s Day and had a really frustrating experience. Online it said they opened at 10AM, so we arrived at 9:45 after being unable to make an online reservation (the system required booking at least three hours in advance). When we got there, a sign said they actually opened at 11.
I had been calling since 9AM hoping someone might pick up early for walk-in questions — no luck. Since the website said they take walk-ins, we drove around and waited for 1.5 hours with our kids. We came back at 10:50 and stood outside until 11:15 before the doors were finally opened.
When I said we were a walk-in party of six (2 adults, 4 kids), they said they couldn’t accommodate us. I even offered to sit at different tables — still no. After all that waiting and effort, we were turned away. No real apology, no effort to help. Just a frustrating and disappointing start to our day. We won’t be returning.
Geraldine Salas-Rivero
Love coming here! The ease of scheduling reservation online and the food are always a plus. This last time we were there, Hailey was our sever. She was great, provided recommendations on food, and the food was brought out promptly.
Kayla Renshaw
such a cute place!!! I love the food options and decor
Kelly Valentine
Food was fresh and delicious, the atmosphere was historic charm, felt like I went back in time. Service was friendly.
Sonja Brown
Wonderful meal, great jazz music truly set the tone for my husband’s birthday
Brittany Fuchs
Had a horrible meal here. My husband had steak which was over cooked, fatty, and almost inedible. My son had the rib sandwich which was soo tough he had to try to cut it up and deconstruct it to consume. My other son had fettuccine Alfredo which was completely bland. The creamy tomato soup was good, my crabcake sandwich was ok. The only reason we ate our meals was because we were all starving and had to leave for a ballgame right after otherwise I would have demanded for the bill for the decent food and left. Even after giving an honest review nothing was done on behalf of the restaurant to correct our horrible experience.
Lauren Hunter
Elizabeth Esther Cafe is clearly not a place for people with melanin. The receptionist was smug and condescending. We were asked if we had a reservation when we clearly requested a table for three. The restaurant was basically empty. We sat for 15 minutes without even being offered water. The server skirted around our table without so much as a word. We took our business and money elsewhere!
Heather Moyer
Service was horrible and food was cold. We were there for 3 hours waiting on food and drinks. Very disappointed.
Elke Michalak
We loved everything, the building is gorgeous and beautifully decorated. The history is neat. We arrived before 11 am without a reservation and we were accommodated. Food was amazing: the Amish meal, crepes with strawberry cheesecake filling, avocado bacon toast, and Huevos Rancheros. Presentation was beautiful and taste was incredible. Great cappuccinos, mimosas, and Bloody Mary. Service was phenomenal, friendly and efficient.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Toni F
Charming, quaint Cafe... Perfect everything from drinks to dishes to service. Would recommend to everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, French Onion Soup, Salad
Wonderful atmosphere in this delightful seemingly little known gem of a restaurant. In an historic house in Smyrna. They have created a warm elegant dining experience.Food was fresh and delicious and originally crafted but not too gourmet for my husband who does not like “overly fancy foodie” menus. Elizabeth Esther hit the mark.
G W
We visited Elizabeth Esther Café for Sunday brunch and were impressed by the gluten-free options. The gluten-free bruschetta and chicken salad sandwich were excellent. However, the crêpes could have been better. The filling was just strawberry yogurt, and we felt the fruit on the side would have been better inside the crêpe. Overall, a great spot for gluten-free choices, with some room for improvement on the crêpes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta
L. Randolph Cioci
A top notch dining experience. Love this place.
Vegetarian options: The vegetarian options are not labeled but their are plenty of options on the menu for a fine vegetarian dining experience.
Parking: The restaurant is in an older Victorian type renovated home. Street parking is available and a free city parking lot nearby. You may wish to be a little early to find good parking nearby.
Wheelchair accessibility: The facility can be accessed by wheelchair on the side. Being in a renovated Victorian type home, there are some limitations on moving freely but talk to the staff and they will be most helpful in ensuring disabled guests have a great experience.
Great lunch Chicken parrmesan stuffed with squash noodles absolutely delish with a bottle of wine the server was great Returned August 1st 2024. Ordered stuffed avocado appetizer, it was good. Entrees catch of the day, Imperial flounder stuffed with crab meat. The dish in itself looked sloppy, flounder was dry. Other Entree meatloaf, I’ve never seen meat look like 2 brown meatballs. The server was very nice, however shouldn’t be making cocktails. Even with our dissatisfaction we left a very nice tip! Did call the next day to let Owner/ Chef. Was not in yet. Requested a phone call non as yet. I’m very disappointed, I’ve been a customer on & off because of the on & off of great meals to not good at all.
Extremely Disappointed – Poor First Impression
Tried to take my husband to Elizabeth Esther Café for Father’s Day and had a really frustrating experience. Online it said they opened at 10AM, so we arrived at 9:45 after being unable to make an online reservation (the system required booking at least three hours in advance). When we got there, a sign said they actually opened at 11.
I had been calling since 9AM hoping someone might pick up early for walk-in questions — no luck. Since the website said they take walk-ins, we drove around and waited for 1.5 hours with our kids. We came back at 10:50 and stood outside until 11:15 before the doors were finally opened.
When I said we were a walk-in party of six (2 adults, 4 kids), they said they couldn’t accommodate us. I even offered to sit at different tables — still no. After all that waiting and effort, we were turned away. No real apology, no effort to help. Just a frustrating and disappointing start to our day. We won’t be returning.
Love coming here! The ease of scheduling reservation online and the food are always a plus. This last time we were there, Hailey was our sever. She was great, provided recommendations on food, and the food was brought out promptly.
such a cute place!!! I love the food options and decor
Food was fresh and delicious, the atmosphere was historic charm, felt like I went back in time. Service was friendly.
Wonderful meal, great jazz music truly set the tone for my husband’s birthday
Had a horrible meal here. My husband had steak which was over cooked, fatty, and almost inedible. My son had the rib sandwich which was soo tough he had to try to cut it up and deconstruct it to consume. My other son had fettuccine Alfredo which was completely bland. The creamy tomato soup was good, my crabcake sandwich was ok. The only reason we ate our meals was because we were all starving and had to leave for a ballgame right after otherwise I would have demanded for the bill for the decent food and left. Even after giving an honest review nothing was done on behalf of the restaurant to correct our horrible experience.
Elizabeth Esther Cafe is clearly not a place for people with melanin. The receptionist was smug and condescending. We were asked if we had a reservation when we clearly requested a table for three. The restaurant was basically empty. We sat for 15 minutes without even being offered water. The server skirted around our table without so much as a word. We took our business and money elsewhere!
Service was horrible and food was cold. We were there for 3 hours waiting on food and drinks. Very disappointed.
We loved everything, the building is gorgeous and beautifully decorated. The history is neat. We arrived before 11 am without a reservation and we were accommodated. Food was amazing: the Amish meal, crepes with strawberry cheesecake filling, avocado bacon toast, and Huevos Rancheros. Presentation was beautiful and taste was incredible. Great cappuccinos, mimosas, and Bloody Mary. Service was phenomenal, friendly and efficient.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charming, quaint Cafe... Perfect everything from drinks to dishes to service. Would recommend to everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, French Onion Soup, Salad
Restaurantji Recommends
Wonderful atmosphere in this delightful seemingly little known gem of a restaurant. In an historic house in Smyrna. They have created a warm elegant dining experience.Food was fresh and delicious and originally crafted but not too gourmet for my husband who does not like “overly fancy foodie” menus. Elizabeth Esther hit the mark.
We visited Elizabeth Esther Café for Sunday brunch and were impressed by the gluten-free options. The gluten-free bruschetta and chicken salad sandwich were excellent. However, the crêpes could have been better. The filling was just strawberry yogurt, and we felt the fruit on the side would have been better inside the crêpe. Overall, a great spot for gluten-free choices, with some room for improvement on the crêpes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta
A top notch dining experience. Love this place.
Vegetarian options: The vegetarian options are not labeled but their are plenty of options on the menu for a fine vegetarian dining experience.
Parking: The restaurant is in an older Victorian type renovated home. Street parking is available and a free city parking lot nearby. You may wish to be a little early to find good parking nearby.
Wheelchair accessibility: The facility can be accessed by wheelchair on the side. Being in a renovated Victorian type home, there are some limitations on moving freely but talk to the staff and they will be most helpful in ensuring disabled guests have a great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, Mushroom Ravioli, Sampler
Quaint spot with fresh delicious food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great lunch Chicken parrmesan stuffed with squash noodles absolutely delish with a bottle of wine the server was great
Returned August 1st 2024.
Ordered stuffed avocado appetizer, it was good. Entrees catch of the day, Imperial flounder stuffed with crab meat. The dish in itself looked sloppy, flounder was dry. Other Entree meatloaf, I’ve never seen meat look like 2 brown meatballs. The server was very nice, however shouldn’t be making cocktails. Even with our dissatisfaction we left a very nice tip! Did call the next day to let Owner/ Chef. Was not in yet. Requested a phone call non as yet. I’m very disappointed, I’ve been a customer on & off because of the on & off of great meals to not good at all.
Parking: Street parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
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