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Rachael's Cafe
- Attire:
- Casual
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Lunch, Dessert
3 reviews for Rachael's Cafe
A new cafe that just recently opened in Bloomington almost across the street from the post office. The IDS did a great job reviewing it, so I'll just throw in my two-cents. The decorations are fabulous, there's a ton of original art, it's colorful, and it's unique. Perhaps they have a wait staff during busy hours, but they didn't when I got there at 2:15 on a weekday. Instead, I just walked up to the counter, got the recommendations from Rachel herself (a blond-wigged transvestite, just to warn you), watched her put it together on a plate and sat down with my food.
I had a wonderfully crispy, crunch and complex chicken salad accompanied by a great pita and awesome homemade salad dressing. The dressing is somewhere between a hummus and spicy Thai peanut sauce, it's got a kick, and it's delicious.
It seems like there are always two or three specials every day--whatever they feel like making that morning or the night before. They also offer create-your-own sandwiches, muffins, brownies, scones, and other coffeeshop-esque food items.
All in all, it's a very nice place to sit and relax, very friendly, moderately priced, and very yummy. I shall return.
Okay. I've been here a lot more times since my first review and, while I still like the place a lot, there are few things that make me want to knock the place down a few stars.
First: They need more outlets and/or extension cords available for laptops. I mean, hooray for free WiFi, but what's the point if students and other patrons have to run on battery power until their batteries die? The times I can't get an outlet, I know I don't stay quite as long (and subsequently don't buy more coffee/food/beer) as I would otherwise.
Second, they never seem prepared for it to get busy, even when they have larger events scheduled. I'm okay with laid-back service during slower times (although often the clerks disappear in the back kitchen area for big chunks of time so you have to yell out that you want service), but if you are scheduling bands or other events, be prepared for people to show up. Every time I've been here for a sizable event, the service is unbearably slow and a huge line forms.
Speaking of, the clerks tend to seem annoyed when shows get booked. I just witnessed a barista tell one of the bands who was scheduled to play to "quiet down" while sound checking and to be careful not to play too loud tonight. Um, four indie pop/rock bands are scheduled to play. Why are shows being booked here if the bands are going to be told to be quiet? They have drums and amps, etc. They are BANDS. It doesn't make sense. Man, I wish Bloomington had more decent venues for original music where music was the real focus. Because local places like this that try to run both a cafe/restaurant and a music venue just aren't cutting it.
Third: It is always really warm inside. To the point that the baristas acknowledge it and complain about it, whether it's winter or spring. If this is a known issue, stop complaining about it and do something to fix the situation.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2009
I've only been once, but I have to say I'm impressed. Judging solely from the outside, you might… Read more »
Rachael's is as cozy place as you could want. It's right next to a laundry, so I always come here while I wait for my clothes to dry! The food and coffee are pretty good, and there is much care and attention put to making this a homey place. Rachael is the sweetest southern Indiana belle you can imagine. The only thing that would make the atmosphere better is some good music played more consistently.
