I hate to write this review, because I love Bronte Bistro, but I am compelled. Our group had a truly abysmal experience last week. From the get go it was clear we were not wanted in the cafe. I teach Tarot, and sometimes will have my students convene at Bronte for a change of pace. This is not dissimilar to say, a book club, or the Cincinnati Atheist group that meets at Bronte once a month.
We had a group of 8 (originally 10) for which I had reserved the back room. I have been frequenting Bronte since 2007, and never once been told the back room must be rented if you want privacy, which means the curtains would be closed. Even in the years I worked there this was not a policy, and we often closed the curtains for parties in the room as a courtesy. (Of course I understand things change, but this must have changed in the past month, as I had a similar group only a few weeks ago in the same room with closed curtains without issue.) Only a few minutes after closing the curtains, the manager, Kim, abruptly yanked them open and chastised us for not paying a rental fee. When I went to speak with her about the fee, I was told I couldn't rent it at that time. So I asked for future information and she couldn't give me an answer, saying it had to go through her Director, but when I asked who I should speak with she said she takes care of rentals. So which is it?
Kim then asked if we were "that same Tarot Card group from last month who didn't order anything". I said we were the same group, but we most certainly ordered drinks and meals. She goes into the back and returns claiming we only ordered 3 soups, which is incorrect. I found all this to be extremely weird. Not only can I not have information on renting the room, there's some sort of directory of bad information of what my guests and I have or haven't ordered in the office?
Our service was miserable. Inattentive. We ordered quite a bit and much of it was slow to come out or didn't come out at all. One of the ladies in my group is Latina, and the waiter became irritated with her accent as she couldn't understand her. To boot, her young son was with us and wanted a plain burger. It's not hard to see he is autistic, so when his burger came out with "vegetables" on the side, it almost triggered a meltdown. When plates did arrive they were dropped on the table. One of of ladies had to ask for her cup of soup 5 times before it came out, and then it wasn't the soup she wanted. It all felt very intentional.
Another girl from our party let me know she could hear the manager Kim complaining about us to her staff as she passed by the bar to use the restroom. I suppose I'm not surprised.
When one of our group reached out to upper management the blame was quickly directed back at us since when we first walked in I had a bottle of Gatorade in my backpack. It was laid out how much restaurants are struggling, and when other patrons see us bring in outside food and drink they might think it's ok as well. I'm not sure this would have been an issue if I hadn't been retrieving items from my bag, but I certainly wasn't trying to pull a fast one on Bronte here. I even ordered 2 drinks, although I was told I would be charged $4 if I didn't put the Gatorade away.
Rude. Embarrassing. Absurd. Unacceptable. Those are only a few of the words that can describe this encounter. We were nothing but polite, and treated indignantly. I'm starting to think maybe someone doesn't like me bringing Tarot into the Bistro. And this whole thing is starting to feel a little bit more like discrimination.
Shame. On. You.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Wanda Vawter
Well prepared food at reasonable costs. Great service. Very attentive wait staff! It can be a little loud in here when it is crowded. Lunchtime is always crowded
Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Omar khan
Kaelyn was so friendly and gave yummy recommendations. I never thought about eating at a bookstore, but maybe I showed more often I stumbled in here by accident. And everything was pretty dang good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kendi Harp
This place is a hidden gem. The food is so good and service is great. We did have a wait but it was worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gorgonzola Salad, Beet Salad
Jay
Completely ruined what was supposed to be a nice breakfast.
We came in around 12. They told us about a 45 min wait, so we weren’t worried about missing breakfast. We see empty seats, employees just chilling, but no problem, we’ll just be patient and hang out at the bookstore.
We actually get seated at 1:04 and they tell us “sorry breakfast ends at 1:00, we can’t do anything.”
No respect for our time or patience. Just hanging out, chilling. The host actually told another couple the wait could be an hour and a half. When they left, another host told that host “dude it’s actually more like 40 mins now.” Did that guy run over and tell the couple the accurate wait time before they left? Nope, just kinda chuckled.
No consideration for people man, absolute disgrace.
Nice place, bookstore is good, but they don’t care about earning your business. Don’t give it to them.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Daphne
We visited your restaurant today and were severely disappointed with the food and the service today. The french fries that my husband received with his sandwich were rock hard--must have been reheated multiple times since they made noise if you tapped one on the table. His burger was flavorless and must not have had any seasoning on the meat all. The cheese had all disappeared after they cooked it and it melted onto the grill. I ordered a cup of bean/ham soup and a slice of quiche, asparagus, red pepper and onion. My quiche appeared to have been cooked and reheated multiple times. It was a terrible quiche (too brown on top--almost burnt). I asked for the soup to arrive before my meal but it came after the meal was served so I cancelled it. I asked for a side of olive oil to dress my greens which came with the quiche and of course, I had to ask 2 different servers to bring it to my table after my meal was delivered without it. But the worst aspect of all was the surly server who acted like she was confused about where to seat us and then when she finally came back to take our order, wrote down our requests but she either didn't tell the kitchen or they ignored her direction. But either way, the food was nearly inedible. We paid $50 for this inedible food and will not be returning.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Eva Calihan
do not be fooled, they have no real breakfast menu. my dear friend was served avocado toast that looked like this. this. who does this? in the hour we have been here, we have been checked on twice, and in serving my chicken avocado wrap they left off the pico and the sour cream. who eats a burrito without pico??? depressing. don’t let the quaint fire place draw you in, it’s not worth it. the ducks and swans outside probably have a better meal than this. and the coffee tastes like hot water.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
jake roddel
Nice atmosphere but the food is not very good, definitely overpriced for what you received. Service was spotty but ok. The food is just very bland and lacks good texture or taste. And it’s 15-20$ for a dish, I would expect more for the price. I don’t like leaving negative reviews but I just didn’t have a good time here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Jevona Simpson
Had the BLT and salmon Entree around brunch time and I don’t know what oil they use when cooking/frying but for a simple sandwich and lunch entree to send two people to the restroom afterwards within 30min is appalling. I have ate there on occasion but this past visit really put me off to coming back again.
I used to love Bronte — would come every weekend for their breakfast. Today I went and the quality has declined dramatically. They have very obviously cut corners to reduce cost and it is noticeable. I asked for crispy bacon and it was greasy and rubbery, I asked for new and then it was clearly microwaved — bone dry and no flavor.
The syrup is now Mrs butter worths packs, the pancakes are from a mix.
My server was lovely. The manager was defensive and unsympathetic. I did not ask for a discount nor did I want one, but if she thinks they haven’t changed anything she’s full of it. If it’s not the products as she says then it’s severe lack of training — help is hard to find but also I would have respected honesty more.
Jenny Perez
The food was pretty bland
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Tyler H
A lovely atmosphere that is eerily reminiscent of a nursing home, with slow service and bland food that had about as much flavor as a plain burger at a mandatory company picnic. Apathetic waitstaff, 45+ minute wait for cold food with no napkins or silverware for another 10 minutes after that. The price point certainly isn't justified by food quality or service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Junebug Jewelry Designs
The food is always good and there is a nice variety of items for different nutritional needs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda Dobson
I’m just shocked that a small bowl(6/8oz.) was priced for $9.00!!!! My tuna sandwich was very thin. I’ve eaten here often and was disappointed. I think restaurant is having management problems. Not the same place I use to go to.
I hate to write this review, because I love Bronte Bistro, but I am compelled. Our group had a truly abysmal experience last week. From the get go it was clear we were not wanted in the cafe. I teach Tarot, and sometimes will have my students convene at Bronte for a change of pace. This is not dissimilar to say, a book club, or the Cincinnati Atheist group that meets at Bronte once a month.
We had a group of 8 (originally 10) for which I had reserved the back room. I have been frequenting Bronte since 2007, and never once been told the back room must be rented if you want privacy, which means the curtains would be closed. Even in the years I worked there this was not a policy, and we often closed the curtains for parties in the room as a courtesy. (Of course I understand things change, but this must have changed in the past month, as I had a similar group only a few weeks ago in the same room with closed curtains without issue.) Only a few minutes after closing the curtains, the manager, Kim, abruptly yanked them open and chastised us for not paying a rental fee. When I went to speak with her about the fee, I was told I couldn't rent it at that time. So I asked for future information and she couldn't give me an answer, saying it had to go through her Director, but when I asked who I should speak with she said she takes care of rentals. So which is it?
Kim then asked if we were "that same Tarot Card group from last month who didn't order anything". I said we were the same group, but we most certainly ordered drinks and meals. She goes into the back and returns claiming we only ordered 3 soups, which is incorrect. I found all this to be extremely weird. Not only can I not have information on renting the room, there's some sort of directory of bad information of what my guests and I have or haven't ordered in the office?
Our service was miserable. Inattentive. We ordered quite a bit and much of it was slow to come out or didn't come out at all. One of the ladies in my group is Latina, and the waiter became irritated with her accent as she couldn't understand her. To boot, her young son was with us and wanted a plain burger. It's not hard to see he is autistic, so when his burger came out with "vegetables" on the side, it almost triggered a meltdown. When plates did arrive they were dropped on the table. One of of ladies had to ask for her cup of soup 5 times before it came out, and then it wasn't the soup she wanted. It all felt very intentional.
Another girl from our party let me know she could hear the manager Kim complaining about us to her staff as she passed by the bar to use the restroom. I suppose I'm not surprised.
When one of our group reached out to upper management the blame was quickly directed back at us since when we first walked in I had a bottle of Gatorade in my backpack. It was laid out how much restaurants are struggling, and when other patrons see us bring in outside food and drink they might think it's ok as well. I'm not sure this would have been an issue if I hadn't been retrieving items from my bag, but I certainly wasn't trying to pull a fast one on Bronte here. I even ordered 2 drinks, although I was told I would be charged $4 if I didn't put the Gatorade away.
Rude. Embarrassing. Absurd. Unacceptable. Those are only a few of the words that can describe this encounter. We were nothing but polite, and treated indignantly. I'm starting to think maybe someone doesn't like me bringing Tarot into the Bistro. And this whole thing is starting to feel a little bit more like discrimination.
Shame. On. You.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Well prepared food at reasonable costs. Great service. Very attentive wait staff! It can be a little loud in here when it is crowded. Lunchtime is always crowded
Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kaelyn was so friendly and gave yummy recommendations. I never thought about eating at a bookstore, but maybe I showed more often I stumbled in here by accident. And everything was pretty dang good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is a hidden gem. The food is so good and service is great. We did have a wait but it was worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gorgonzola Salad, Beet Salad
Completely ruined what was supposed to be a nice breakfast.
We came in around 12. They told us about a 45 min wait, so we weren’t worried about missing breakfast. We see empty seats, employees just chilling, but no problem, we’ll just be patient and hang out at the bookstore.
We actually get seated at 1:04 and they tell us “sorry breakfast ends at 1:00, we can’t do anything.”
No respect for our time or patience. Just hanging out, chilling. The host actually told another couple the wait could be an hour and a half. When they left, another host told that host “dude it’s actually more like 40 mins now.” Did that guy run over and tell the couple the accurate wait time before they left? Nope, just kinda chuckled.
No consideration for people man, absolute disgrace.
Nice place, bookstore is good, but they don’t care about earning your business. Don’t give it to them.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We visited your restaurant today and were severely disappointed with the food and the service today. The french fries that my husband received with his sandwich were rock hard--must have been reheated multiple times since they made noise if you tapped one on the table. His burger was flavorless and must not have had any seasoning on the meat all. The cheese had all disappeared after they cooked it and it melted onto the grill. I ordered a cup of bean/ham soup and a slice of quiche, asparagus, red pepper and onion. My quiche appeared to have been cooked and reheated multiple times. It was a terrible quiche (too brown on top--almost burnt). I asked for the soup to arrive before my meal but it came after the meal was served so I cancelled it. I asked for a side of olive oil to dress my greens which came with the quiche and of course, I had to ask 2 different servers to bring it to my table after my meal was delivered without it. But the worst aspect of all was the surly server who acted like she was confused about where to seat us and then when she finally came back to take our order, wrote down our requests but she either didn't tell the kitchen or they ignored her direction. But either way, the food was nearly inedible. We paid $50 for this inedible food and will not be returning.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
do not be fooled, they have no real breakfast menu. my dear friend was served avocado toast that looked like this. this. who does this? in the hour we have been here, we have been checked on twice, and in serving my chicken avocado wrap they left off the pico and the sour cream. who eats a burrito without pico??? depressing. don’t let the quaint fire place draw you in, it’s not worth it. the ducks and swans outside probably have a better meal than this. and the coffee tastes like hot water.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nice atmosphere but the food is not very good, definitely overpriced for what you received. Service was spotty but ok. The food is just very bland and lacks good texture or taste. And it’s 15-20$ for a dish, I would expect more for the price. I don’t like leaving negative reviews but I just didn’t have a good time here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Had the BLT and salmon Entree around brunch time and I don’t know what oil they use when cooking/frying but for a simple sandwich and lunch entree to send two people to the restroom afterwards within 30min is appalling. I have ate there on occasion but this past visit really put me off to coming back again.
Vegetarian options: Salad, sandwich, soups, bakery
Dietary restrictions: Accommodating
Kid-friendliness: Kids book section near
Wheelchair accessibility: Ramp accessible
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Our server was excellent. We did wait nearly 5 minutes before being acknowledged. Miss the cafe!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
I used to love Bronte — would come every weekend for their breakfast. Today I went and the quality has declined dramatically. They have very obviously cut corners to reduce cost and it is noticeable. I asked for crispy bacon and it was greasy and rubbery, I asked for new and then it was clearly microwaved — bone dry and no flavor. The syrup is now Mrs butter worths packs, the pancakes are from a mix. My server was lovely. The manager was defensive and unsympathetic. I did not ask for a discount nor did I want one, but if she thinks they haven’t changed anything she’s full of it. If it’s not the products as she says then it’s severe lack of training — help is hard to find but also I would have respected honesty more.
The food was pretty bland
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
A lovely atmosphere that is eerily reminiscent of a nursing home, with slow service and bland food that had about as much flavor as a plain burger at a mandatory company picnic.
Apathetic waitstaff, 45+ minute wait for cold food with no napkins or silverware for another 10 minutes after that. The price point certainly isn't justified by food quality or service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
The food is always good and there is a nice variety of items for different nutritional needs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’m just shocked that a small bowl(6/8oz.) was priced for $9.00!!!! My tuna sandwich was very thin. I’ve eaten here often and was disappointed. I think restaurant is having management problems. Not the same place I use to go to.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
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