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Cafe on 2nd - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
7 S 2nd StAlhambra, CA 91801
Neighborhood: Alhambra
(626) 284-1292
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Cafe on 2nd
18 reviews in English
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Review from Maria O.
1/31/2012 3 Check-ins Here
First off, I don't think the hours of operation here are correct, I have been here past my bedtime (lol) and it is still open!
I haven't really played around with their menu, actually, I've been stuck on ONE thing only, and that is their Quesadillas! Their salsa verde is AMAAAAZING!!! Their horchata is pretty good too.
Despite all the people that make a stop here after the bar / club scene the ladies attending this place don't mind the annoying people, they are still running their business in a very pleasant manner which I applaud.
They have live entertainment here, I have seen a musician here, right when he is finishing up tho... maybe I should try to come on a regular day, at a regular time, and really experience Cafe on 2nd, so far no complains other than I refuse to share the salsa! -
Review from Teresa N.
5/13/2011
It's not fair to write a review on a restaurant that I have not stepped a foot into. But, it's also unfair to keep the restaurant closed when it's suppose to be open. I've been here three times now, and I've been turned away all 3 times.
I called them but the only answer I got was the dial tone. We drove to the restaurant and to everyone's surprise there was someone inside. Why didn't you just pick up the damn phone? I spoke with the manager, and she told us it's going through major renovation. Then, I asked about the voucher that I had purchased through http://restaurant.com. She said she was no longer accepting them because it's been too long. I've been here a few times, and now I'm told I can't use it anymore?! WTF! The rule of thumb is to not make promises that you can't keep. You live longer.
I want to help privately owned restaurants because I know how much work and sacrifice you have to put in. I was even contemplating to give this place 2 stars. However, the inadequacies and incompetence of the management needs to be heard. Don't cross the fine line of customer satisfaction because the customers will ultimately decide your fate.
Yes, I've seen Restaurant Impossible on the Food Network, and this is one mission that even Robert Irvine can't solve because he will never get inside. Good luck! -
Review from Trina L.
Alhambra, CA
3/3/2011
I've been going to this place since high school and I really enjoy it
the food is really tasty and the workers are friendly
the italian cream sodas are delicious
try the raspberry, mango, and strawberry flavors
the paninis are delicious
the caprese panini and the chicken panini with fries are ever so yummy
it's a little more but you pay for quality
it's a small little cafe so i support the little places
however too many annoying high school kiddies
i know i frequented there when i was in high school but these little wieners are lame!
go try this place if you're ever in Alhambra, but not really worth the trip if you don't live there or close by. -
Review from David M.
Downey, CA
10/24/2011
This is a really cool spot right in the heart of the San Gabriel valley. Was there on a Saturday night rockin' the house with my band MobHound and the venue and all their staff were top notch. The food was all delicious from their array of panini sandwiches, burgers, pastas. Got to try their blue cheese fries which were great, quesadillas stuffed full of meat, cheese and veggies, and their animal fries were piled high with meats, onions and cheese. Their ribeye steak burger with a chipotle sauce was one of the best meals I have had in a long time raved my Dad. Everyone had a great time and stuffed their faces with some delectable culinary treats. With great food and live music this place is a must visit for sure.
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Review from Laura T.
4/4/2011
Was just here last week for lunch with the beau. Decided to give this place a try because it was 1) close to home and 2) it was on http://restaurant.com.
They are located next to Alhambra Beauty School, parking is across the street in the Alhambra public parking lot. Remember 2nd st is a one way street!
The place was small and dark-ish, fairly empty, there was like 4 other diners in there already eating. We were able to pick our own seats and for some odd reason, we sat facing the wall.
Right away, the server came by to give us our menu, she was very nice and friendly. After 5 minutes looking at their rather short and simple menu, I decided to have the House Panini with a side of fries. The beau their Frisco Burger with also a side of fries.For appetizers we ordered Chicken Tacos, drinks 2 cans of coke to wash everything down.
Overall food was okay, I would go back and try something else. But only if I have another http://restaurant.com gift certificate. -
Review from ann a.
Los Angeles, CA
5/12/2011
Cafe on 2nd just hosted our daughter's 15th birthday party and the food and the staff were fabulous. We had the food prepared buffet-style for our party: Ceasar salad, fettucini alfredo pasta (delish!), and 3 different types of panini (Tex-Mex was my favorite) with horchata (yum!). We ordered a side of animal fries, aptly named since this towering beast of pastrami slices, carne-asada, onions and melted cheese on top of fries...need I say more? You had me at pastrami. Overall, everyone enjoyed the food. Our hostess, Priscilla, was very gracious and prepared more than enough food (I had seconds) with lots left over to take home.
The space is intimate and eclectic, good for a small party. It got a little warm when the party got started, turned on the a/c and propped the doors open. They have a stage, a flat screen, and a piano at the cafe. One of their resident musicians hosted our party (thanks Jon!). He was a great host, played live music, got the crowd going and kept the party alive. He was interactive with the guests and very accommodating with what the birthday girl wanted.
Cafe on 2nd is a secret gem in Alhambra. Thanks for making our event a memorable one! -
Review from Lance T.
Monterey Park, CA
2/3/2010
Not bad at all. A small, discreet little place that sits right next to the local high school.
Service was exactly like aforementioned reviews stated: Excellent! Our server was very helpful in menu selections and friendly.
Ordered: Mandarin chicken salad, great. Seasoned chicken breast were tender and spiced perfectly
Panini - mediocre. a bit too oily for my tastes. note: same seasoned chicken breasts that was in the salad.
Pasta - they used the same seasoned chicken that they did in the salad and the panini!
Lacking on the creativity there, guys. Cafe on 2nd needs to change their name appropriately.
Because i can Attest, that they have some of the plumpish Breasts In The West......No Contest (get your mind out of the gutter) -
Review from Kenny H.
Pasadena, CA
9/15/2009
Finally, a great restaurant near Main Street in Alhambra! Despite what the city paper Around Alhambra says, most of the Main Street restaurants are not very good, and at best, acceptable. (Though you are limited by choices)
Cafe on 2nd is very close to Alhambra High School, and we didn't come in during after-school hours, so I cannot attest to how crowded it gets. When we came at 1 P.M., after lunch hours, Cafe on 2nd was empty. Behind the counter was a friendly, nice young lady, who promptly brought out menus.
The ambiance at Cafe on 2nd is minimal, just tables and red curtains, but clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned.
The young lady who served us was warm, amicable, and professional. I felt like the service here was top of the line and must be commended; I have been to fancy restaurants where the service left much to be desired and ruined the meal. Cafe on 2nd is impeccable on the service end.
Therefore, if the food was "just-okay", I would've still been satisfied. I didn't expect much from a "Cafe" in Downtown Alhambra with only one waitress/chef on duty, but the food here was a winner!
The panini sandwiches ($6.95) were HUGE; the portions were hearty, and each sandwich was accompanied by Caesar salad or seasoned fries. I had the Chicken Pomodoro, which had a delicious sauce.
In addition, I tried their Chicken Penne Pasta, which was al dente perfect (It's unfortunate, but many places overcook pasta). I was very surprised at how good it was; the pasta was perfectly cooked, the chicken was seasoned well, and the basil, roma tomatoes and olive oil gave it a hint of sweetness. Delicious.
The prices here were reasonable ($6.95-$10 was the average). I would definitely return to Cafe on 2nd. Finally, somewhere to eat in Downtown Alhambra!!! :)
Highly recommended. -
Review from Ja N.
Rosemead, CA
5/13/2011
I've called atleast 20x with no answer... after two failed attempt of driving there during the posted hours. This is BULLS4!T!!! I've paid for a voucher and cant even use it??? Dont be selling with http://restaurent.com if you dont honor the coupons or if you dont open up for business.... duh! Waste of my time and money, almost 6 months now. FAILED :-(
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Review from eileen h.
4/27/2010 1 photo
It's not very clear where the restaurant is when you drive by. The only indication of "cafe on 2nd" was on the window. Look or "california cuisine" on green awnings. Walked in and was empty, but I went near 2pm which is way passed the lunch rush.
I originally went in with the plan to get the asina chicken salad, but left with a panini. I had the chicken pommodoro sandwich. You have the choice of pairing with a Cesar salad or fries. I must admit, thr portions are fairly generous for less then $7. The sandwich, which was recommended for a first timer, was pretty good. I wouldn't say it was amazing. It lacked a little more punch, but overall no real complaints and the sauce was really good. -
Review from Alison W.
1/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
When a friend suggested panini's, I had to yelp it cause I didn't know any places close by that had them. Fortunately this place was near and open at 7 at night. When we walked in there, we were told there was a $3 cover or a $6 food minimum per person. It turned out to be open mike night. Yay for us? We would have to see. The place is so tiny - 5 tables. Luckily it was like half empty. We definitely came for food and was surprised by the entertainment so opted for the food minimum. Ordered at the counter - the house Panini, gnocchi and rib eye and the southwest penne pasta. Food took awhile to come out - must've been like half an hour. About halfway through our wait, I had to go up to the counter to ask for our drinks which were just water, coke and mint limeade. Granted she had to make the limeade but they should have had that out to us first. There was only one person in the kitchen. And the person taking orders didn't seem too familiar with everything. So when I checked in on yelp and got an offer for a free drink, I decided to defer it to another time because I didn't want to have to explain it what seemed like someone just stepping in for the night to help.
The entertainment started and everyone we saw (4 people) were actually pretty good - playing classics and original music. They aren't messing around. More and more people trickled in as the night went on too. Everyone seemed to be middle-aged though. My friends and I (in our 20s) seemed very out of place. There was even a creepy older guy trying to get my friend's phone number. On the other hand, the highlight of the night was when one guy started playing a Lady Gaga song. Hilarious! Food finally arrived. I was a little disappointed because my gnocchi came out last and it was such a small plate for $14. And this was also after my friend's pasta and Panini dishes came out and were huge portions (8-10 bucks each). I ended up finishing my food first despite receiving 10 minutes later and they both had leftovers. Think I won't get this dish again. The small amount of gnocchi and beef I did get were quite good though. The cream sauce with onions and spinach were great. The beef were sliced thinly and not tough at all which worked because I didn't get a knife to cut the meat. A few of the gnocchi were hard probably due to uneven boiling of it but most were soft and went well with the sauce. It was a heavy dish so I understand the small portion but then please don't charge 14 bucks for it. Will be back to give their panins a try and probably get it to go. -
Review from David C.
Irvine, CA
10/25/2009 4 photos
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted with very friendly service. We ordered a few entrees to try:
Blue Cheese Burger - Had a thick, meaty patty and was perfectly medium rare. Just the way I like it! It was a messy eat due to the smaller tomatoes and over-sized lettuce but still successful overall.
Cuban Panini & Rib Eye Steak Sandwich - Palatable but both suffered the same flaw of being over-toasted. The bread and what was probably once moist animal meat became dried out.
Oriental Chicken Salad - Fresh and refreshing. Nothing more. Nothing less.
A decent opening for a new eatery on Main St.--Cafe on 2nd shows a lot of potential and I will be keeping my eye on them to see how they progress. -
Review from Wendy L.
Alhambra, CA
3/5/2010
About 5 years ago this place was on and off opening their doors, at that time they had inexpensive and flavorful burgers.. but it looks like they changed their menu!
My boyfriend and I came by for lunch a couple months ago, I ordered the Chicken Penne Pasta for $8, it was good but I wish there was more bang to it. With $8, it could of gone somewhere else! He ordered a tex-mex burger that he wasn't really satisfied with.. but thats just him.
The place is pretty dark and quiet, it could use more ambiance tho (or maybe more customers). The staff is really friendly too. -
Review from Brenda P.
Alhambra, CA
3/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
i hate the hours of this place. It's not open when it says it's open and weekends their closed. that's why it's 3 stars...when i finally get to try the food i'll keep you posted!
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Review from Helen P.
San Gabriel, CA
11/19/2010
Delicious! One of my favorite joint in Downtown Alhambra. Great food and service is top notch. This place is family owned. Thank goodness because I love the taste of home-cooked meals. The food is so hearty and filling. Downside is the quiet atmosphere ~ probably because it is so hidden.
I've had the animal fries, panini sandwiches, burger, pasta and salad. I guess I had at least one item from each category. Of all, I think the panini sandwiches are the best especially the rib eye panini. It kind of reminds me of Cook's Torta carne asada torta except it was on a roll of bread some what like a baguette (probably is).
Animal fries is awesome but not for those who are picky about their fries. It is actually an appetizer that is made up of beef chili, 5 cheese blend, carne asada, pastrami, chopped bacon, grilled onions and jalapenos. Sounds like a heart attack waiting to happen right? NO! Be surprised that the chili is actually NOT greasy. I was able to eat my panini afterward. This dish is well put together and I can't wait to have it again.
I highly recommend first timers to try their paninis and burgers. They have daily specials that run from 12pm - 4pm. Burger w/ fries and a drink for $4.99 or panini sandwich w/ fries or caesar salad for $5.00. It is well worth the money. Better than going to McDonalds, Jack in the Box, Rick's Burger, etc...
This place is definitely a spot where I will continue to go. -
Review from Khai N.
San Gabriel, CA
9/17/2010
So I grabbed a gift certificate at http://restaurant.com about a year ago and finally got around to using it. First timer at this restaurant too!
I'll just skip right to the goods for this review:
Animal Fries, $9: Fries with cheese, jalapenos, beef, pastrami, and chopped bacon. They actually give you a lot and I split it with 2 other people too! It was an extremely tasty appetizer! The beef was really nice and flavorful although the beef pastrami was just, well, pastrami! Almost filled me up before I could get to my main meal which was the...
Tex Mex Burger, $9: Grilled beef patty, roasted poblano chile, pepper jack cheese, cilantro lime pesto and mayo. The burger was actually a pretty decent size (think maybe a little bigger than In-N-Out). The burger was pretty good after the first couple of bites but the patty could use some more flavoring. Comes with a side of fries or Caesar Salad.
All in all, I think this is a pretty decent place to each lunch at if you don't mind the (mostly) empty atmosphere! -
Review from Steve P.
Altadena, CA
5/27/2011
Awesome place. Food is excellent. Just had the chipotle chicken panini - really good stuff. Staff is uber friendly.
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Review from Chaz B.
South Pasadena, CA
6/14/2010
I understand that one should eat at a place before reviewing it, but this place is never open. I call during typical business hours and the answering machine says 'leave a message,' and that's it. The menu looks good, and I'd love to eat here, but it's never open. And here I was so proud of myself for even finding the place, it's so nondescript. I'll keep on trying to eat here, but until then this review stands. Does anyone know if this place is even up and running anymore?
