Coast cafe - service issue

[fecalface]

I went to Coast Cafe in Cambridgeport a few days ago and feel compelled to post about the experience. The food was quite good - the fried chix was crispy but flavorful, the beef ribs were oddly presented but exceptionally tender (and cheap relative) and the sides were enjoyed by all (black eyed peas were excellent, the candied yams were exceptional, I was indifferent about the jag and mashed potatoes).

But my issue with this place is the service. I placed an order for pickup and was quoted 20 mins. I showed up about 30 mins later and was forced to wait around for roughly 30 more mins. When they finally got around to making my order, they were out of one of the requested sides (mac & cheese). I would've just left at that point and found some better chow in Central, but I had already paid for the food.

Is this a common experience? I like the food, but the hassle isn't worth it if this is a constant problem. All thoughts are welcome.

[fecalface]

Thanks to all for the insights. The corn muffins are consistently weak, but I think rest of the food is quite solid (esp the sides, when you actually get what you order!). Given it seems to be a one-off experience, I'll try it again soon with stopwatch in hand and report back...

[vunico]

does this place have tables?

[jgg13]

A table would fill up the entire customer space :)

There's a teensy counter in there that presumably you could eat on, but I've never seen anyone do it. It's a take out kinda place.

[Joanie]

No, I think a couple stools at most. I took it to that park on Mem Drive the one time I went.

[jgg13]

I find that they quote 20-25 mins but that it's usually closer to 40. This goes down tremendously if you don't order the fried chicken.

[Spenbald]

I'm sorry to hear of your experience. We tried it for the first time tonight and, maybe because it was within 45 mins. of closing, we waited no more than a few minutes after calling in and arriving earlier than our quoted time. Pork ribs and pork chop plate were devoured on the spot and collard greens had great flavor while still having a little texture. The only thing lacking was the dry corn muffin.

[BroadwayBound]

I'm afraid I had a similar experience about a month ago. I stopped by on a Saturday around 5:00 and had to wait 40-45 minutes! I agree the food is delicious (even though they gave me a side I did not order and failed to tell me) but the turnaround time is ridiculous! It shouldn't take that long to fry chicken, should it? Personally, I wouldn't mind trying some chicken that's been under a heat lamp for a little bit:) Anyone know what kind of fryer they're using?

[adobokid]

I've never been to Coast Cafe but Southern style pan fried chicken takes quite a while to cook (~20min per side when the oil is at the right temp). Unless you're using a KFC style pressure fryer.

[Gabatta]

Most of the food is cooked to order, which is part of the reason it is often good as pointed out in your post. There is always a wait due to the cooked to order, so we usually call ahead and pick it up. We have had to wait an additional 10 min or so, but nothing like you describe. It was hopefully a one off issue.