Green Sage Cafe Merrimon

Look, the folks behind the counter were kind and courteous, no complaints there—they smiled like they weren’t about to charge me ten actual American dollars for a chai latte. TEN. For a drink that didn’t even come with a side of enlightenment.

And then came the wait. We sat there for 20+ minutes waiting on… oatmeal and an egg sandwich. I wish I were kidding. It wasn’t even busy. I had enough time to contemplate the meaning of life, read Yelp reviews, and age slightly.

I scrolled through other reviews to see if this was just an off day—because hey, stuff happens in food service—but turns out this is just the vibe. The prices scream farm-to-table, but the food whispers, “I came from a microwave.”

If you’ve got time, money, and a deep desire to feel underwhelmed, Green Sage might be your spot. Otherwise, maybe skip the $10 chai and make peace with Starbucks.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 2

Nice “Third Place” spot for meetings and casual meals…. But I’ve yet to have any good food (or coffee) here.

It’s a very specific kind of menu… very “crunchy”…. Yes, healthy, but just not that tasty. (I’ve had oatmeal, muffins, and more…). Coffee is likewise bland.

Sorry! I like the idea, the service, and the space!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

I cannot believe the level of unprofessionalism occurring here. Not only did I watch a customer complaining ahead of me in line about employees talking about him which I overheard them doing, but I sat and waited an extra 15 minutes for my food to be ready and it was sitting on the counter the whole time while three members of staff just looked at me and didn't give me my food. Absolutely abhorrent Service. Also there was an employee eating at the front counter the whole time I was waiting on my food. I will never go back

I ordered pancakes and they were served overdone on the top and crispy with a slightly burnt taste. I ate one to give them the benefit of the doubt and then returned the other. They are redoing them for me, but I’m leaving a 3 star food review because yoo just can’t serve burnt pancakes to a customer. You have to look at them and say, “would I eat these?” If the answer is no, then don’t serve them to me. If the answer is yes, then Green Sage needs to find someone who passes off overdone pancakes as okay. I do love this place and usually it’s great, but today I’m disappointed and that’s never good to disappoint an Asheville local because then I’ll share my experience with others and we don’t want that, right? I hesitated to even write a review. It’s just two pancakes and not war and peace. But if you serve me overdone pancakes and I have to even think about writing a negative review, that’s a problem. I’ve already returned the second pancake and didn’t realize I could take a photo for this review so there’s no pic but you’ll have to trust this happened. They are fixing it and I haven’t gotten the second set yet. We’ll see how it goes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Solidly okay restaurant. I think the price is a little steep for what we got, we got a cup of coffee, a smoothie, avocado toast, and a burrito with a 10% tip and their 10% service fee, we ended up paying $45 for two people. The restaurant was clean the staff were nice the food was warm, I got a burrito that had habanero in it and noticed zero spice, and my wife’s smoothie tasted watered down. They really should keep some cream and sugar on the tables, otherwise you have to get up and walk your coffee across the entire restaurant to add cream and sugar.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Came in with my crew around 2pm for a coffee, iced tea and a smoothie. Not busy at all. I sat for 20 mins waiting for my drinks. Finally I went up to the counter and asked for my order.

They forgot about it. No apology. No acknowledgement.
I regret tipping them as well.
Especially after chasing down my order and wiping off my own table.

Not to mention the 10% service fee that is applied to all orders. Will never go back. Buyer beware.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Cleanliness of the table is not a priority at this restaurant although the food was good.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

A little pricey for wrist you get but delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Southern Omelette

The food was very very good. We all enjoyed all the meals. However I did not like the mandatory 10% service charge and a request for tip when signs are present in the dining room requesting guests to bus your own tables. The order takers at the register stated the 10% service charge is to pay for the back of the house. Isn't that what the food charge is for? It's a shame that a restaurant with such good food has such a terrible business model.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious! Healthy, plentiful and tasty

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They have several vegan choices and my final decision (Good Life Bowl) was delicious. Almond/coconut/oat milk alternatives available (my almond milk decaf latte was so good, I had a second one!) My husband enjoyed his Breakfast Burrito (hen eggs & cheddar cheese). He had the dark roast coffee which wasn't quite strong enough for him, though he did have a second cup so it was definitely drinkable. The employees were very friendly and helpful. And the vegan baked goods are my birthday choice every year!! Love this place!!

Atmosphere: 5

Recommended dishes: Breakfast Burrito

We like the healthy options here and the atmosphere is a bit sterile but clean and nice. I got the apple oatmeal, though, and it was inedible. I’m not a picky eater at all but this was the most unappealing watery, mushy mess. It looked like paper pulp reconstituted with hot water. And it tasted worse.
My husband got the pura vida bowl and it was delicious so we split his meal.
You guys might want to revisit your oatmeal source or taste it now and then!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

I saw some no bad reviews. The food quality and cost to eat this type of food and be healthy cost a little more i generally eat at fine dining and this food and the fresh juices are unparalleled.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best gluten free pancakes around. The burger is the healthiest burger you'll ever eat in the best way possible. Always love coming here whenever I come to town. The gluten free pastries and desserts are incredible.

Dietary restrictions: Ample and amazing gluten free options. Best gf pancakes around.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grass Fed Beef Burger and Sweet Potato Fries, Salad

I had the vegan tofu scramble and coffee which were pretty good. I'm not sure why you'd leave a tip before getting served though. And service not great. No one checked on me to see if I needed anything. When I ordered the toast. I said jam only, yet it was fully buttered and drenched in it. If you say no butter when they ask if you want butter, does that mean no additional butter??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3