Geoffrey's Cafe

01/31/10

After hearing great things, left disapointed

by starfish67 at Citysearch

I hope someone has told vadver by now that 10% is not an acceptable gratuity in this country. Generally 15% is expected if the service was adequate, and 18- 20 % if the service was exceptional. I hope he has corrected his tipping policy. That being said, I am giving Geoffrey's a 2 star review. Went there with a friend for brunch at the bar, the bartender was less than attentive, seeming to pay attention only to people she knew well. The place does have a pretentious clique-ish feel and the food was mediocre. not sure what dinner is like but probably won't go back to find out.

• Pros: nice decor and natural light
• Cons: service

07/23/09

Ecletic, Experimental, Enjoyable Eatery

by LeFemmeBarbara at Citysearch

The secret is out: the same Geoffrey's that I frequented years ago in Back Bay has been reincarnated in Roslindale Square.

It has always been a warm and friendly cafe -- never too stuffy yet offering some unique takes on classic American food. I have become glued to the steak tip salad, as the meat is perfectly seared and the greens are always crisp. On the occasions I have veered from my "usual" I have never been disappointed; in fact I have tried most of the menu offerings either myself or from a companion's plate. Only once was the food cold -- but I suspect that was the ineptitude of a green waiter rather than the fault of the kitchen. The chef is creative without trying to put the round peg into the square hole. I love the fact that he needs to expand his horizons with new offerings regularly.

Additionally, Geoffrey's atmosphere is one of inclusion. Everyone who becomes a regular (there are many) is remembered and rewarded. Brian, the manager, really does remember names and bends over backwards to ensure his customers all feel special. The dude works his buns off and asks his servers to do the same.

The outdoor cafe lends a European flavor to the neighborhood and no one is more appreciative than me. If you choose the bar, the tenders are engaging and the infused liquers fun.

Instead of folding up the sidewalks at 9:00pm as most other sit-downs do, Geoffrey's serves a later night menu. I have appreciated that greatly when staggering in after a 14-hour work day. The kitchen service is always quick at that time and before I finish my first beverage my food is normally set in front of me.

Geoffrey's is a wonderful reflection of a cosmopolitan area and sets the bar (pardon the pun) high for neighborhood gathering places. Kudos!

• Pros: Accomodating GM and Bartenders, Really Good Food & Prices!
• Cons: It has been discovered by "outsiders"

07/22/09

Great place, NOT a Family Restaurant

by BRCS at Citysearch

Friendly, casual place to dine or have drinks with friends. The staff is friendly when not overwhelmed by a crowd. Can be noisy when the windows are not open in the warm weather. Food is very good - the desserts are awesome, both in size and flavor.

Don't bring the kids. Neither the menu nor the ambiance is conducive to children. Take them somewhere else Mom & Dad.

• Pros: Great menu. Very good dinner salads. Outdoor seating
• Cons: Same menu for the past two years-get some new entrees guys!

12/16/08

good food, good service

by bostongirl79 at Citysearch

What a cheap guy. Stay home!! I've had great food and great service at Geoffrey's. This is a nice neighborhood cafe. We left a 20% tip.

11/04/08

Bad Service

by vadver at Citysearch

The food was good, but the behavior of one of the waiters left us feel appalled.

I went Geoffrey's Cafe with my friend on October 31, 2008 the Halloween night.

After we finished our dinner the waiter (dressed as a pirate) brought a check for $76, I left him a tip for the amount $8.

Which is over 10% and I thought was sufficient. After that the waiter approached me twice: first he claimed that he didn?t see very well how big the tip was on the signed credit card slip, second he came and asked us if everything was ok with the dinner and service. This person appeared upset and emotional in the way he conducted himself. We didn?t immediately realize the reason of such behavior, but a few moments later it became apparent - he was trying to show his disappointment with the gratuity he received. Unfortunately, individuals like this are very forgetful of the fact that tips are discretionary, furthermore to show dissatisfaction to a customer over the tip is highly rude and unprofessional to say the least. Situations like the one described reflect a poor service quality. This is why I sincerely hope that this is just an individual occurrence.

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Service