The Cravery

 

18

16

Steve L.

San Francisco, CA

I went to the Cravery for lunch in between meetings at work. Everything you want out of a pot pie is here. They have a great selection and the goods come fast.

You order at a counter, fast food style. Then they bring it to you at your seat. Its a great place to grab a quick lunch.

I will have to say that its a bit expensive at $6.75. I mean, I won't lie its good pot pie but over $7 after tax is a bit greedy.. lol.

POT PIE!

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Elite '08

57

242

Eve K.

Sunnyvale, CA

I give it 2.75 stars.

It's nice and cafe-like inside but I was a bit worried when we were only one of the few at 12:30 for lunch today. Maybe it's cause it's a holiday week or maybe it's because of the food...

I agree with most of you guys: good salads (my friend got chinese chicken and I got fruit) but pies just ok. I think my expectations were set so I wasn't too disappointed even though I love pot pies.

They weren't bad but were a bit lacking in flavor and smooshed down. A pot pie should look like it came from a small pie tin like in the posters they have on the wall. A lot more crust than filling. I do have to say I liked my traditional chicken pot pie better than the thai one my friend got.

I may try it again for the beef or chicken pesto or one of the breakfast ones.

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Elite '08

124

389

Mara T.

San Jose, CA

Interesting concept, a shop that only sells pot pies. Most of my experiences with pot pies are the frozen Marie Calendar ones that are 600 cals (1000 for the biggie version), and a whole lot of whoppin' buttery crust goodness when heated correctly in the oven.

I've had other non-frozen pot pie experiences, like the one at The Grill on the Alley ...which serves up an amazing steak and a truly mediocre pot pie. And at Peninsula Creamery where the pot pie is thick & hearty & buttery biscuity good...but way too large.

I love pot pies though, frozen or fresh. I had an amazing lobster one in Las Vegas a few years ago. The idea of creamy broth, buttery crust and a thick protein all mixed in is like nirvana to me. Did I mention the buttery carb-laden crust???

Given these other pot pie experiences, I was unsure what type of experience I'd have here at The Cravery. I'd read the reviews. It was all over the map. But surely a place that SPECIALIZES in pot pies must make them uber-fabulously right????

Determined to try some pot pie goodness for myself, I met Connie C. here for lunch today. Service was fast, as I guess the pot pies sit under this heating lamp thing waiting for someone to come along and buy them. Side of fruit, cute. Inside ambiance, verra nice. The smell of meat and pastry was tantalizing.

So, yeah...unfortunately I was wrong on uber-fabulous. The pot pie fillings were a little dry...could it be because they sit under heating lamps? And the crust left something to be desired, it wasn't really buttery or flakey, rather more along the lines of thick. When poked with a fork, it didn't flake, but stuck.

But I loved that it was SMALL. I ate the whole thing, and wasn't remotel full. Which I guess could be construed as a good thing (room for dessert!) or bad thing (I paid $7 for THAT?)....but for me OF COURSE it was a good thing.

I love that they have gelato classico, even if they only carry like 5 flavors...and they also carry Orangina and my favorite, Teas Tea (there's an accent mark in there!).

I'd go back for sure, mostly to introduce my husband...but honestly I prefer the Marie Calendar pot pie that is sitting in my freezer, did I mention it's only 600 calories with a buttery AND flakey crust? Not many stars for frozen I know, but it's better than a heat lamp and a stick in the eye.

I wish that there were 1/2 stars avail for times like this because it deserves more than 3 and less than 4. The place as a hangout is comfy with good ambiance, fast and efficient service, and it fits the bill for a decent thick pot pie.

BONUS...small pot pie portions make it easy to fit in Satura dessert after consumption. Head on down the road!!

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Elite '08

113

371

Flor D.

San Jose, CA

3.8
So I was fooled, and I should have been, since I was trying to be bad.   I thought, "hmmm...The Cravery...gotta be something sweet here, right?"  WRONG.  It's all pot pies, and I walked in because I had never had one.  I thought why not.  For the record, no, I did not have Gelatto Classico, but it was tempting(they sell it here among other sweets).

After looking confused and sorta hungry after my haircut, I walked into The Cravery with a very puzzled look on my face.  The gal behind the counter asked, "what will ya have?"

I thought for a second...paused...
looked around like a fool...paused...
in the back of my head heard that song from SWEENEY TODD, "The Worst Pies In London," paused...
and asked for a recommendation.

She suggested I try the Pepper Steak.  Bad name because it gives a false impression of peppery steak...but it was not that.  In a nutshell, it was flaky, meaty, and potato-Y!    Definitely hardy and good.  I liked it.

I got the combo that came with a salad, which should have been 8 bucks, but ended up being 12 bucks because my bonehead selected an izzy soda.  Way too pricey....but still good in flavor.  

Some of the other items looked yummy (like bfast)...but I'll stick with my crepes or tacos.  

Thanks for letting me live my Broadway Fantasy!

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Elite '08

1151

826

Connie C.

Cupertino, CA

Ever since last Friday's big storm prevented me from going out to The Cravery, I've been craving a pot pie. So with a break in the storm, I decided to make a trip to downtown Los Altos, which lucky for me, has The Cravery right on Main Street, and I was able to satisfy my pot pie craving this afternoon.

The variety of pies all sounded good. I was helped by the friendly man behind the counter, Raul, who suggested that I try either their classic chicken or chicken and mushroom. I decided to go for the chicken and mushroom, and he assured me that I couldn't go wrong with that choice. Raul sat me down at a table and since there was a line at the register, he asked that I pay after my meal so I wouldn't have to wait. Very considerate and courteous!

The pot pie was very tasty, and I especially liked the golden and flakey pie crust.The pot pie came with a side of fruit salad, which was a good complement to the savory pot pie. (After my trip to Japan, where they sell watermelon, honey dew and cantaloupe for $50 a pop, I've gained a new appreciation for those fruits. You better believe I finished that entire fruit salad and was grateful for something most people take for granted and find insignificant!)  Raul came to check on me to make sure I was happy with my pie, and suggested that I come back and try one of their six soups and salads. I actually eyed their gelato selection, and I might be back for that as well.

I liked that there was also a sitting area with small tables for people to lounge around. An elderly man sat reading the paper and enjoyed a coffee the entire time I was there. Surprisingly cozy and comfortable for a chain eatery.

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Elite '08

107

276

Chris C.

Daly City, CA

Nice concept, cool name, loads of salad, soup (the tomato bisque looks promising) & dessert choices but hearing that they use frozen pies was disappointing. The pies themselves are nicely baked and golden brown and the filling is as savory as advertised. Yes, the flaky and buttery crust would be the primary reason just to pick one of 'em up but it's hard to justify raising their prices (the classic chicken pot pie was nearly 7 bucks) and selling them off as if they're freshly made gourmet pies. A trip to the SF location is in the works.

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94

344

Sofi P.

San Jose, CA

7-8$ for a small pie that won't fill ya up.

mostly filler stuff inside and the pie crust was oily and soggy. not flaky

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75

814

Jim C.

Redwood City, CA

C'mon, this place isn't getting enough love from Yelp. Who wouldn't love to have all their fave foods served in a buttery and tasty pot pie crust?  They have over 10 types of hot gourmet pies that you eat as a meal including flavors like  chicken pot pie,  teriyaki, turkey, vegetable curry, eggplant parm, meatball, eggs benedict, and many more. I love pie so I liked the vegetable curry one ($6.75) a lot. My friend had the eggs benedict pie ($5.35) for lunch and liked it too.   And they have samples for those who want to give it a try before buying a whole pie. The price gets you a pie and a small bowl of fruit on the side. You can also get a side of salad for extra cost.

Bottom line: I like this place and concept. Very different than any other place I've ever been to. If you are a fan of pot pies or those baked curry pie things you get at Chinese bakeries, definitely worth giving a try.

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Elite '08

41

220

Michelle W.

Los Altos, CA

I adore pot pies.  There was this one time while traveling in Vancouver, BC, pregnant, and WAY over hungry- past the point of being able to form a cohesive thought- that I yelled at my husband to get me food, any food, I didn't care as long as it was fast.  He brought me a pot pie to make me melt it was so amazing.  The crust was flaky and crunchy at the same time.  The chicken soup in the middle was perfectly creamy.  The baby and I were happy for hours!

No such luck at the Cravery.  It is an anti-craving.  These are to pot pies what a big mac is to hamburgers.  The flavor is fine when you're chewing it, but everything else is nauseating.  Literally.  I was sick to my stomach.  It was too greasy or something and literally made me sick.  

The service was good.  The owner was fabulously nice and excited about his food.

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Elite '08

13

133

Nathan C.

Campbell, CA

Not bad, but not great (as is implied by 3 stars). It's absolutely wonderful that there's a place out there that strictly does chicken pot pies! I've had the thai chicken and the chipotle chicken pot pies, which are pretty tasty. Though every time I've gone there, they haven't exactly been too warm. It's nice that they give you fruit with it, but the fruit could use a little help. In all, I would go back. It's pretty good for a quick lunch.

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0

6

jovi j.

San Jose, CA

I would have given the Cravery four stars if I did not pay $23 for two of us to eat a chicken pesto and cheeseburger pie accompanied by small fruit salads (and a sode each).  The pies were actually quite tasty and seemed fresh.  I would have opted for a breakfast type one but thought it might have been sitting under the warmer since early that morning and changed my mind.  

It is quite a novel idea for a food place and a good place for lunch.  I am not sure I would have been satisfied with the portion size for a dinner meal. If they have coupons, I may have to give them another star.

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Elite '08

23

223

Michaela S.

Sunnyvale, CA

My thought on going to this place was "Is it better than a Hot Pocket?"  Well, the one I got was...but it was oddly reminiscent of a Hot Pocket, too.  I got the meatball one -- good flavor, decent amount of meatballs, but low on sauce, and the crust wasn't quite "fork-tender" (which may be as designed).  

It tasted pretty good, though.  I might go back and try one of the other flavors...though $5.75 is pretty damn expensive for a Hot Pocket.

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Elite '08

76

134

Leanne G.

San Jose, CA

HOLY CRAP THERE IS A GOD. Is someone reading my mind? I am sure of it. Cuz, someone up there created this place because of me. Next to Flan, my love for pot pies is a very close second. Not only do they fulfill my pot pie craving, they have a killer tomato basil bisque, my favorite drinks (Lorina sparkling lemonades and Izze Soda...along with cool Japanese green tea blends. My favorite is the Rose infused Green Tea!), and tasty sweet treats. My hubby and I tried their signature Chicken and Mushroom pot pie. It was full of flavor (loved the Rosemary!), compact, and had a warm flaky crust. I like that they are portable too. I can picture myself ordering one to go and eating it while I walk around the streets of downtown Los Altos. Kind of reminds me of my trip to Paris, eating a baguette sandwich while walking down the Champs Elysees. Mmmm....memories.

Yes, I do enjoy the good ole fashioned pot pies in a bowl much better. But this place has a certain appeal to me. Whenever I have the craving, and are too lazy to cook...I am content knowing that this place exists. Finally an answer to my prayers. Thank You up there...whoever you are, thank you!

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0

21

Lauren P.

Moraga, CA

Where has this place been all my life?? I had no idea it was there until i walked by it yesteday and the smell invited me back for lunch today. My how things change when one goes off to college. A unique, light, delicious place to eat in Los Altos? That's new....

Avoid the Thai Chicken pot pie, but the pizza and meatball were delish! The Greek salad was great too. I spoke with the manager and he said they were doing an offical launch at the art and wine festival.

The food is great, but a little pricey for the portions when you go with a few people. I will probably frequent this place more when they come out with coupons. I can't wait to try the chicken pesto!!

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22

69

dana l.

San Francisco, CA

My Londoner friend, a quinessential Brit, loves this place. I think he's been there three times in the last week, nostalgically pining for jolly old England. Now he can have a piece of it, without the crappy weather. So anyway, he was buying lunch the other day and took me here.

Good stuff! I had a cup of basil-tomato soup, which was hot and savory with small chunks of flavorful tomato.

We split a chicken mushroom and a chicken chipotle pie; both were good but I favored the chicken mushroom... it just seemed like the more intuitive flavors that should be contained within a pastry crust. This was also after having porked out on samples of all kinds of other varieties.

Definitely recommended.

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0

46

J C.

Palo Alto, CA

Yum!  I wasn't a big fan of pot pies before, but after eating at The Cravery several times, I'm addicted.  They usually have samples that you can try if you have a tough time deciding which one to get but the classic chicken pot pie is always good.  Although it doesn't look like a lot of food, it is very filling (the buttery pastry probably helps).

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Elite '08

108

215

jessie k.

San Jose, CA

tasty little pot pies, but alas some are better then others.  i usually get the lunch special which involves a pie and a bowl of their delicious tomato bisque. but how is it that lunch runs you $12.00 at a slightly more interesting le boulanger?

this is probably your best quick lunchtime bet in antiquated and blue haired downtown los altos.  

tip: check out the super hot, but very pricey and size unrealistic boutique right next door, anniki.  not that you'll feel like trying anything on after putting away a pot pie and a lemon square, but it sure is purrrty!

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0

22

Paikea K.

Los Altos, CA

I enjoy eating pot pies, but despite many of the reviews here, my family and I found this place disappointing.  The flavors were mediocre and though the pies are baked daily, there is something about eating food that had been in a warmer for several hours.  It was also not a particularly good value...we all left still hungry.

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14

76

helenas O.

Fremont, CA

Pot pies....yum
This place is more to snack than to have a real meal.
I felt like it was a pizza pocket style pot pie and it wasn't that filling.
That's all

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9

63

Glen M.

Palo Alto, CA

YES! A place to get real pies in the Bay Area - none of this 'apple pie' crap - The Cravery serves real meat-filled, flaky-pastry-encapsulated pies.

Strangely enough, the cheeseburger pie is actually pretty good, despite the crackersbonkersness of putting cheese in a pie. The real deal, however, is the Beef Pepper Steak - it tastes good whether it's fresh from the oven, soft and tepid from sitting in your bag for a few hours, or cold and starchy from sitting in the fridge overnight.

They don't have tomato sauce to go with the pies though, which to me at least, seems equivalent to having carnal relations without moisture.

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1

15

Matthias H.

Belmont, CA

I like this place. The pies are addictive. The tomato cream soup is very good. The place is clean and well kept. The only thing I didn't like so far were the desserts. They look very good, but the raspberry and lemon bars were dry and didn't have enough flavor. I haven't tried their fruit tarts and napoleons yet.

The service has been very friendly.

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6

145

Thao T.

Mountain View, CA

Came here for lunch and it was delicious. We couldnt decide what to eat, hungry but didnt wanna eat too much. They had some samples to try so that was pretty cool (vegetable curry and chicken mushroom which tasted really good). I got the mushroom chicken pot pie and it had this great sauce inside that kept the meat and mushroom really tender and tasted really flavorful. My bf had the eggplant parmesan one and ate it really quickly. He was hungry and I'm assuming it tasted good. We also got cookies, a raspberry bar, and a sugar cookie with jam in the middle. The cookies and pies were good and the service wasgood too. It was fast and they cleaned up for you afterwards =)

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1

23

Adrian K.

Mountain View, CA

Gourmet pies - a twist to the traditional pie proving that you can put anything in a pastry.  Menu items like Pesto Chicken, Egg Benedict, - doing for pies what California Pizza Kitchen did for pizzas.

The pies were decent, but not something I'd really miss.

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3

15

Pam R.

Redwood City, CA

If you are in the mood for unusual pot pies this is the place.  Cheeseburger, kungpao chicken, chipotle chicken and more.  The pies are really good.  The crust is flaky, fillings flavorful.  Great chocolate chip cookies too!

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0

11

ben r.

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

It's a good small meal. Though they have a nice selection of  desserts, they specialize in pot pies: a crust around vegetables, or meat and seasonings. It's easy to choose a healthy and light meal, but the crusts are quite buttery. The owner claims that the crusts are baked such that the flakes fall inside not outside, so it won't make a mess in your lap. But let's not eat while driving, please...

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Elite '08

54

229

Raymond G.

San Jose, CA

you know you're a yelp geek when you rush home to write reviews minutes after visiting a new place. you always have this wish that you'll be the first... that you'll reveal the best kept secret. well turns out, there were already 4 reviews. one of which was my wife who raced me home to get her's in first. beyotch.

this place rules! what a brilliant idea. nothing says comfort food more than a pot pie. than wrap that pot pie in a beautiful and comfortably elegant atmosphere and you've got a hit. at least i think it will be. they've only been open  4 months. i for one, am hooked immediately. already looking forward to coming back. when you walk in they have samples out for you to taste. my wife and i jumped on the chicken and mushroom. normally we would both try something different so we can taste each other's. but this one, we wanted all to ourselves. no regrets there, the filling was great and the crusts are flaky and perfectly baked. we ordered 2 different cups of soup. mine, cream of broccoli, hers, the tomato bisque. very light and  very good. it was a perfect meal for a rainy day in downtown los altos. eventually, you may not have to go to los altos to try cravery. it turns out to be a chain. i heard mtn. view and sunnyvale are in line for this new restaurant idea. highly recommend this place. big thumbs up. by the way. don't expect to come out of there full. it's a very light meal, and rather small portions. but being a few pounds over weight, i'm perfectly content.

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