Zake's Cakes, Fort Washington/Flourtown

[Enjoy Good Food]

Zake's Cakes on Bethlehem Pike (close to the Fort Washington/Flourtown border) started as a bakery and expanded to a restaurant several years ago. My first dining experience was about 6 months ago. Lunch was excellent and dessert was superb. I took desserts (pecan pie and neopolitan) home and found them to be superb. I've lunched there a second time and was thoroughly pleased. There's nothing "pedestrian" (commonplace) about Zake's. Their menu items are a step or two above standard fare and the prices aren't high. One caution....you need to climb steep steps to get into Zake's. Those steps were a bit of a concern for my more senior dining companion.

[abingtongal]

I am not a fan- way too crowded, food just ok.

[Bacchus101]

Our pleasure with Zake's fades in and out. Any one of the divergent reviews here could be spot on depending on the day and time and on food selection. Every thing from food I have loved to what the heck was that? I do believe one constant is the pastry, always quite good.

[gaffk]

Finally went here today. The food was disappointing; I had a roast beef and cheese on bland bread; mom had a tuna salad with tuna cooked to well-done and wilted greens. The desserts were ok. Won't be back. I will, however, say the service was excellent.

[gaffk]

Should have mentioned that mom asked for her tuna rare; it was beyond well-done (not done-well).

[Bacchus101]

gaffk, did you tell them about their miss on the tuna? Or perhaps "I expect an adjustment". They really should be told, it benefits all!

[gaffk]

No; I know I should have. Not sure why I didn't (maybe because they were all so nice?)

[TeamPhilly]

This used to be our go to place for cake, particularly when we would get a craving for a slice on Thursday evening but lately they havve had a few misses. The strawberries in a the strawbery shortcake were moldy and a special order cake we had ordered wasn't made because they had misplaced the file. So we had to scramble at thelast minute for a cake elsewhere.

The breakfasts are probably the best in this area. If it's not crowded it won't be as noisy as lunch which is ear shattering.

[masonwasp]

The food is very good, but the service is terrible. We went for dinner on Friday night and waited 25 minutes for our soup, then another 25 minutes after our dinner was complete for them to clear our plates, refill our water, etc. Meanwhile, three tables that arrived after us turned over.

Three waiters - 13 tables - there shouldn't have been a problem. As a former waiter myself, I know that everyone has off days, but we won't be back soon.

[sweetpea78]

I totally agree. The food is excellent, though the portions can be lean. But the service is an embarrassment!!! Rude, sloppy dress on waitstaff, improper etiquette and long waits for creamer, lemon, napkins, etc.

[gaffk]

Wow. The service was superb (albeit sloppily dressed). The food was large but mediocre.

[sweetpea78]

been there 3 times in the last two months (different parties)--every time was near misery. sad--i love the venue and menu.

[kiwijen]

While your post (and most of your other posts that I've read) sounds very much like PR (perhaps it's just your writing style though), I have to agree that Zakes's is terrific. Usually the gender balance is way in the favor of females over males ("ladies who lunch"), I think that's more because of the excellent soup/salad/sandwich options which may appeal to light eaters more than heavy eaters (regardless of gender).

I'm especially grateful for their children's plate ($5, on request) which includes, fruit, cheese, turkey slices and makes for a very healthy kids' lunch out.

[tourmama]

My husband thought Zake's was a 'chick' place for the first 5 years we lived in the area. I convinced him to go when they started serving dinner, and now it's one of his favorites. He swears the pork loin is the best he has ever tasted. My favorites are the dim sum dinner and the ginger and scallion fish dinner, and for lunch, I've never had a bad meal. For lunch, it's all really really good - the sandwich bread tastes homemade, the salads are interesting, the potato salad is divine, the green salad dressing is the kind you remember...my mouth is watering as I type!!!!! Dinner prices are reasonable, and it's a BYO. Occasionally, we've been offered a complimentary glass of wine. It's really a lovely neighborhood spot (although we know people who come from Devon and Warminster for the food, too!). Oh! And the breakfast muffins...fabulous!!!!!!!

[AmblerGirl]

I really like their breakfast. Their mango pancakes are the best I have had. heir continental is also really good with a great fruit salad and big fresh muffin.

But I TOTALLY agree with the ladies of lesiure comment!

[Den]

I think of Zakes as a ladies of leisure lunch spot. I think the food's decent but so loud at lunch I don't think I'll be back.

[JanR]

Loud at dinner too. Food is okay.

[kaytamar]

I love Zake's Cakes too! It is the one of the few restaurants I truly miss in my move from that area to the Lehigh Valley. Their potato salad and balsamic salad dressing are addictive. Wish I could have some of that right now!