Got a Groupon and took the family for some chicken and waffles. The place is nothing special. The service was very good however the food was terrible! Fried chicken wasn't hot on the outside and colder on the inside, and the" fresh" waffle couldn't even melt butter. I could have used it to cool off my drink. Overall I would say to stay away from this place!
(1)
Fauzia I.
The place is definitely surreal. On one hand you feel like you have stepped back in time and on the other the twilight zone. When we went tbe place was almost completely empty except for a table in the corner. Evidently they were doing a radio show. The service was good but I didn't feel particularly welcome - it was more like what are you doing here? Plus I like places that are lively and have more people in them. The salad was good, pretty large. We each had fried chicken and waffles. Both ok but lacking seasoning and kind of greasy. Took it home but didn't want to eat it again. I think these two items definitely compare to Denny's - and it's better there. Cheaper too. And there was no music, unless you count the games going on the 2 tvs. If it weren't for the groupon ....
(2)
Kaley T.
I heard about Gigi's from Groupon. I'm all about trying new places so was excited after reading the reviews and menu to check it out. We had the chicken and waffles, mac and cheese and shrimp n grits. It was all very good and I would order it again for sure. Definitely seems like a cool dive bar/restaurant. I love finding places like this. They had karaoke going while we were there which seemed like fun. We will be back for sure!
(4)
Shawn L.
I've been going to Gigi's at least once a week since December 2012 or January 2013. Wednesdays are for midweek breaks where I can check out some local talent onstage during the open mic show while enjoying chicken and waffles. Saturdays, I'm there for hours, sipping sweet tea as I catch the dinner show, the second act and Amateur Night. Cats like Jazzman Jorge, Paul Stephen Wilson and The All-Nighters cover most musical bases and their respective audiences have packed the place every time I've been there on a Saturday. Saturday is also when I explore their menu even further. I give thumbs up to their chicken and waffles, chicken wraps and sandwiches, fries and desserts. On occasion, I'll have fish or a burger. Both are nice, but what they do with chicken makes my mouth dance! The service ranges from fair to fabulous depending on who you encounter. Gigi herself greets old and new customers with a smile that totally does away with whatever stress and frustrations you may have endured during the week Aside from their great sweet potato creations and brewed tea, what I like most about Gigi's Music Cafe is that it's SMOKE-FREE! No nauseating cigarette smoke means you can enjoy your meal even more, relax while taking in the shows, and not have to worry about subjecting your kids to more airborne carcinogens. Oh yeah, Gigi's Music Cafe is a family-friendly environment, but not a noisy playground with costumed rodents and pizza-like food product. This place is even ideal for going on dates. Not that I would know from experience, but what I've seen. Gigi's Music Cafe loses a star simply for the small size of the place. Perhaps a different style or arrangement of tables would make seating a full house more comfortable and flowing, but, as it is, it's not enough to deter me from becoming a regular there. All in all, if you're an upbeat person looking for good food, good times, good people, and a smoke-free environment, you can't go wrong with Gigi's Music Cafe.
(4)
Chris M.
Love Gigi's. We come out to see our friends the Allnighters play the Blues here every couple of months. We always order Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp & Grits and get the corn cakes too.
(5)
Joy C.
Great vibes and a really good food!!! Check out their Soul Flo Wednesdays (1st & 3rd Wednesday) for happy hour and live music. Everything we ordered was seasoned and cooked to perfection! Check this place out!!
(5)
Natasha R.
The place has potential. The drinks and the music were great. The people were very friendly. I met the owner Gigi and you can tell that this place has that "down home" family feel. I would have given it 5 stars. However, I ordered the fish and grits and my fish came out uncooked. Only each end of the fillet was cooked. The rest was completely raw. The waitress offered to bring another, but I asked for shrimp and grits instead. I expected to have something comped for my trouble since I remained calm and agreeable to eat there despite being served raw food but no dice..:). Also, the price on the menu for shrimp and grits was $13 but I was charged $15 and told that prices had gone up despite what was listed. Nonetheless, I will try it again, as the appetizers and drinks were worth it (and the owner seemed nice and down to earth). However, if the same issues persist idk....
(3)
K V.
We came because we saw it on TV...my husband ordered the pork chops and loved them but my daughter got chicken and waffles and the chicken was raw...they still charged us for her raw chicken...which of course she did NOT eat... Place looks good but won't come back after that...
(3)
Patrick P.
The food was good / had the chicken and waffles with Mac and cheese - I know I know starchy but good! They have the bucket of beer tokens that you can use anytime! There was a girl Dj Shelly - had the 90s hip hop jumpin! Good time ! Great service from the waitress . I will be going back!
(4)
Sarah K.
Dropped in on a Wed night before going to local movie in an otherwise dead shopping center. Turned out to feel like a real 'find'. It was open mic night and this is a small intimate place. Totally friendly atmosphere from the owner to the waitress. Met them all, plus a great group of guys who sang and played with great expertise. The fried chicken was super crispy, not greasy, steaming hot. The waffle tasted of sweet potato but was not cloying sweet. Also tried the collard greens cooked in smoked turkey. Prices were very reasonable and the wine pour generous. We are planning on going back to try the cheese grits and BBQ chicken and will bring more people with us.
(5)
Tina A.
Being the foodie I am, I eagerly decided to check out Gigi's because of their signature Harlem-style Chicken & Waffles. Boy, was I let down. The food was terrible! The chicken was bloody, flavorless & lacking in spices. They also managed to mess up the waffles which were by far the worst waffles I have ever come across. I felt as though I was being pranked. I don't go out to have undercooked chicken with soggy waffles. Definitely, not worth it. PROS: Nice little set up for live music and service was good.
(1)
JL Q.
This is an amazing place! I chose this place to have dinner with a friend and his wife, whom I'd never met. They have recently expanded into the next store front and doubled their size. The size of the space is nearly as big as the hearts of the staff here. I was pleasantly surprised to learn this was karaoke night, one of my favorites events but I didn't see myself performing because I wanted to get to know this new person. We were greeted by our outstanding and handsome server, Caesar, as well as the owner of the place, Miss GiGi herself. Karaoke was just beginning. The opening was a little loud so we asked them to turn it down so we could have our conversation and they worked with us. Little did we know that would be short-lived. Each couple ordered and appetizer combo of spring rolls, wings and cornbread. It was very delicious but I thought was a bit short for $9.95. It had a couple of different sauces on it that were tasty and there was a brief spring lettuce mix on the plate if you were so inclined. The premier dish for the restaurant is the chicken and waffle. This is a staple in many soul food restaurants and you know what they say, "When in Rome", so we all went to Rome. This was a trip well worth it! The waffle was thick enough to enjoy the chicken and the chicken was perfectly fried and not at all greasy. There are a couple of choices of ways for your waffle to come but I chose the buttermilk version with extra honey on the side. Believe me, nothing else is needed for this. Now, if you don't like LOUD music and karaoke, please go on a different night than Thursday. And keep in mind, this is Gigi's MUSIC Cafe, not Gigi's QUIET Cafe. If you want to enjoy a lively night of good food and great entertainment, Thursday night is your night. But if you want an quiet evening and less ambiance, either try someplace else or a different night because the music and signing got so loud we decided to leave. It was actually so loud we opted out of dessert because we were tired of not being able to hear our conversations. Not good when rent for your space is due.
(3)
D S.
I visited Gigi's for the first time last week with a friend. First let me say that this place has a smooth atmosphere. Picture walking through the front door past a stage where talent is showcased. There are golden records on the left wall and guitars and a drum on the right wall. The bar is centered against the back wall. The lighting is low and the feel is that of a poetry lounge. We ordered the fried green tomatoes and the soul rolls for appetizers. Both were amazing! Then we ordered our entrees...I ordered the Meatloaf with mac and cheese and green beans. My friend ordered the fish and grits. The fish was raw in the center. When we alerted the waitress, she was very polite in offering an alternative, which upon arrival was incorrect. In my opinion, the right thing to do, or at least from a customer service standpoint, would have been to comp the meal. Instead we were overcharged and told that the menu pricing was incorrect. There was no effort to even honor the published price. Overall, this place has a lot of potential. The concept is unique. However, if Gigi and crew want repeat business, they should try harder to ensure these types of mistakes don't happen, and if they do, fix it in a satisfactory manner. I will return to this establishment, but it will be a while. Everyone deserves a chance to correct mistakes. Gigi, I am rooting for you!
(3)
Andrew D.
The good news: Nice place, nice people, good music. The bad news: Food seemed old and reheated. Lots of family and other non customers (artists waiting to play) hanging around. The thing about this place is that it seems to have all the elements of a cool cozy place to hang out and have a few beers and enjoy the music. But they suffer a bit from a lack of commitment to being the best at what they are. For example, the lighting was really uncomfortable and when we asked to dim the lights, we were told that "that wasn't possible". A jazz club should be dimly lit and cozy but the lighting made me feel like it was "last call" and the lights were turned up (the whole time). The food... The recipes seemed like good food, but it was obvious that everything was made yesterday and reheated. The synopsis is that Gigi's has everything it needs to be a great place to hang out. They just suffer (painfully) from poor execution and simple mistakes. I dread saying this because the people were really nice, but if I had 6 things to tell them (and I really hope they read this) they would be: 1 . Fix the lighting- buy a damn dimmer switch and cool down the lighting in the dining room. 2. Never serve old food - I had chicken and waffles and ordered a side of Mac and cheese. The only thing that was fresh was the waffles. Chicken old, Mac and cheese old and microwaved, waffles = excellent! Raise your prices and offer the best damn food ever. If your cook is too lazy to serve fresh... Fire him. ----Seriously. 3. On big nights (like Friday and Saturday) kill the open mike and bring in real acts. If you are going to have armatures, make sure they can set up in less than 5 min. We listened to a open mike contestant say "check 1..,2" for 15 minutes. My date was done after this and it didn't matter that I wanted to stay. 4. Expand the bar and get all of that crap off of the bar you have. Let's face it. It's a nice cafe (kind of) but the money is made at the bar. The bar at Gigi's was not inviting. It had cakes and fake flowers and tons of other crap on it that said "don't sit here". I would clear everything off the bar to make room for paying customers and I would expand the bar to improve revenue. If this was a bar, the food wouldn't be a problem and the music we keep me buying drinks. 5. Use your outdoor space better. The outdoor space was empty, dark and silent. I font know why they didn't have outdoor speakers to pipe music outside or lighting to make the outside seem an attractive place to sit. The only people outside were the family of the proprietor which brings me to my next point.., 6. Tell the family to stop coming by for free meals. It just looks bad and they are not helping your image. Gigi. You seem really nice and I want you to succeed. I truly hope you take this advice the right way and improve your business. Overall I liked Gigi's cafe more for what it could be than for what it is. I truly hope they improve because I'd like to come back sometime. I hope they are still open when I return.
(4)
Marlon F.
The food is good, specifically the collard greens. I had the pork chops and it was great. I want to go back and give the chicken and waffles a try as well as other things on the menu.
(3)
Ryan D.
Overall: I wish it was better. Based on coverage in the New Times & reviews here I decided to give Gigi's a shot. Menu looked appealing with live music sounds like a great combination. Unfortunately execution fell a little short tonight. Based on my observation it appears that there was a staffing issue. Reinforcements came in around 8, by that time the dinner rush was nearly gone. Also, hope you like sitting cozy with other patrons, as the dining space is limited in order to give space for the stage & audio equipment. Tables are set up as large benches. Food: We were in a group of 3, ordered a shrimp skewer appetizer & corn muffins. Shrimp was OK, muffins were cold and hard. We all ordered chicken & waffles.. The chicken had a nice coating, but seemed to have been overcooked. Waffles were solid, didn't try the red velvet or sweet potato as this was my first crack at C&W's. Music: Music started at 8 featuring exclusively vocalists known as "vocapalooza". The range of acts ranged from pop, R&B, acoustic singer/songwriter, to what I can only describe as urban house. The quality ranged from solid to shaky. Hey I get it, everyone starts somewhere. The urban house artist brought in her production crew, apparently to record a music video of some sort. Great for the artist, bad for the audience (read: customers) as it impeded visibility of the performance. You're in the 'burbs fellas. Need to know your venue & your audience. Our interaction with Gigi is as advertised with the previous reviews here. She's a sweetheart, but needs to empower someone on her team to run the kitchen operation so she can focus on music & the waitstaff. You kinda get the feeling last night that she was spread pretty thin. I want to give it another shot to see if it was just a bad night. I want to support venues that support live music, but it's gotta be top notch every night, especially when your core customer are locals, not tourists as if you're out east.
(3)
Carli C.
Great food and amazing staff! Super friendly employees that make you feel like a regular immediately. Amazing soul food made from family recipes. Love love LOVE this place!
(5)
LewDawg C.
I went there last night for the first time. The place was recommended to me by some musician friends. It was a Wednesday and therefore "open mike night". Several people played and they were all quite good. I got to meet Gigi and she is both sweet and charming. The food was very good and the service was friendly and quick. I had shrimp and grits. I am a big fan of this dish and I have had it at many restaurants all over the country. Gigi's version is made in a red sauce that I would call Creole. It was spicy and very good. The atmosphere there is great and it almost feels like you went to a friend's house to have dinner and listen to music. I will definitely go back for more.
(4)
Rachel T.
Really wanted to check this place out because of all the reviews, but fell a little short for me. First of all, when I walked in, everyone was kind of staring at me. Not sure if it's because I came to eat dinner alone or it was clear I hadn't been there before but it wasn't very welcoming, kinda felt awkward. The waitress, however, was very nice. She sat me as soon as possible, but like another review stated, the service was very slow. She forgot about my drink and I got it about 15 minutes later. I ordered and the prices were very cheap imo, so I was happy about that. I guess I was expecting a certain set up for a music cafe, so the size of the place threw me off a little. The ambiance definitely was not what I was expecting, but it was still clean and an interesting sort of set up. Original, so I can't complain too much on the decor. The food itself took about 45 minutes. It was good. Not incredible like I had hoped, because it came out a little less than warm. Still very well made, maybe it was an off night? Because if it were hotter, it would have been absolutely delicious. Still, with the cheap prices, I can't complain too much. Ordered everything a-la-carte so I had a chicken sandwich for like $3.00 They recently added hookah to their menus so I was very pleased and excited to try it! Maybe I'm a little harsh because I am very strict on my hookahs, but when I ordered it, unfortunately it was clear that none of the staff was knowledgeable on it. It was even clearer when it came out and it was just packed horribly. I took the foil off and saw not even 1/3 of the head packed and the coal was 1/2 the size of the bowl. I was polite and not too bothered though because I know that it was just added, just hope someone can help them get the hookahs more together so when other people come and smoke they are less disappointed. I was excited to hear there was music but unfortunately did not get to hear any that night? The people doing the music or around the musicians were the ones who had stared me down when I first walked in, so it was kind of strange anyhow. Overall, although the service was slow, my waitress was still very nice and you can tell she put a lot of effort into at least trying to make my experience go well. Loses star for slow/lukewarm food, weird looks in the beginning, and size of place. Otherwise, I will give it another shot - it may have just been an off night.
(2)
Dennis S.
This review would rate 4 or 5 stars if it weren't for the service. Great atmosphere, food and a variety of entertainment.. ALL GREAT. I always support venues that support live music. They are not in a hurry to serve you. Expect to wait 10 -20 minutes for a drink, even if you are the only patron there. The food is excellent but the service is like nothing I've experienced before. I ordered an entre with two side dishes. It took almost an hour to get served. The side dishes showed up 5 -10 minutes later. There were four people in our party and each persons order showed up at a different time, as much as 5 minutes apart. You may think this is a harsh review but the fact is that we were the first patrons to place an order so you can't blame this on the fact that they were extremely busy. I'm not sure how anyone can turn a profit when you cant turn over orders.
(2)
Christine M.
Had a Groupon so I stopped in for lunch. Ordered the Chicken Wings & Red Velvet Waffles, my friend ordered Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles. I'm not a fan of waffles but I did enjoy their waffles. The chicken was a tad too salty but tasty. I loved the decor, very cozy. Staff was attentive and service was good. I plan to come back with the girls on the weekend when there is live music, seems like we can have a lot of fun there!
(4)
Sherae O.
I enjoyed a wonderful lunch there of collard greens which were pleasantly seasoned, a grilled chicken wrap that was very tasty and I absolutely loved the corn bread muffins made with corn and I think sun dried red peppers, what a combination, but it works well together and let me not forget the yummy sweet potato butter I'm visiting from New York but I'll make sure I stop in every time I get back here... GOOD LUCK
(4)
Anna C.
I had originally heard about Gigi's on Groupon and thought it sounded like an interesting place to dine. I love jazz so this is up my alley. Upon pulling up to the place I started to have second thoughts....I am glad I changed my mind and decided to go in. THE FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE is great!!! Nice dim setting with a live jazz artist playing eclectic choices of music. The food took a little long but it was right on point and fresh. The table had the chicken and waffles and the cheesy polenta with bangin shrimp. We were all happy with our orders. I would definitely dine there again.
(4)
Ricardo M.
4:45pm on 11/9/2013 we arrived at Gigis, and it was empty (yes!!!!!) the first thing you'll notice is the size, then the decor, but the let the size fool you, we sat down and placed our orders, i ordered the chicken and waffles and she ordered the meat loaf, the only negative that i can say about my food, is that, maybe the chef needs to use more milk for the waffles, besides that everything else was great!!!
(4)
Tony G.
The atmosphere was about all that this place had going for it. The food was horrible, service was subpar to say the least. My wife and I figured we'd try the chicken and waffles...poor choice the chicken was over cooked so much the fork could not stick into it! #NeverAgainForGigis
(1)
Leah A.
This place is fantastic !! The food is always fresh and the service is prompt! My favorite dish is the fried chicken and sweet potato waffles! They are made to order with an amazing maple syrup. Of that's not your thing try the turkey meatloaf of a classic burger. Make sure you leave room for dessert! Their brownies and sweet potato Pie are out of this world!!
I enjoyed a wonderful lunch there of collard greens which were pleasantly seasoned, a grilled chicken wrap that was very tasty and I absolutely loved the corn bread muffins made with corn and I think sun dried red peppers, what a combination, but it works well together and let me not forget the yummy sweet potato butter I'm visiting from New York but I'll make sure I stop in every time I get back here... GOOD LUCK
(4)
Anna C.
I had originally heard about Gigi's on Groupon and thought it sounded like an interesting place to dine. I love jazz so this is up my alley. Upon pulling up to the place I started to have second thoughts....I am glad I changed my mind and decided to go in. THE FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE is great!!! Nice dim setting with a live jazz artist playing eclectic choices of music. The food took a little long but it was right on point and fresh. The table had the chicken and waffles and the cheesy polenta with bangin shrimp. We were all happy with our orders. I would definitely dine there again.
(4)
Tony G.
The atmosphere was about all that this place had going for it. The food was horrible, service was subpar to say the least. My wife and I figured we'd try the chicken and waffles...poor choice the chicken was over cooked so much the fork could not stick into it! #NeverAgainForGigis
(1)
Leah A.
This place is fantastic !! The food is always fresh and the service is prompt! My favorite dish is the fried chicken and sweet potato waffles! They are made to order with an amazing maple syrup. Of that's not your thing try the turkey meatloaf of a classic burger. Make sure you leave room for dessert! Their brownies and sweet potato Pie are out of this world!!
(5)
Ryan D.
Overall: I wish it was better. Based on coverage in the New Times & reviews here I decided to give Gigi's a shot. Menu looked appealing with live music sounds like a great combination. Unfortunately execution fell a little short tonight. Based on my observation it appears that there was a staffing issue. Reinforcements came in around 8, by that time the dinner rush was nearly gone. Also, hope you like sitting cozy with other patrons, as the dining space is limited in order to give space for the stage & audio equipment. Tables are set up as large benches. Food: We were in a group of 3, ordered a shrimp skewer appetizer & corn muffins. Shrimp was OK, muffins were cold and hard. We all ordered chicken & waffles.. The chicken had a nice coating, but seemed to have been overcooked. Waffles were solid, didn't try the red velvet or sweet potato as this was my first crack at C&W's. Music: Music started at 8 featuring exclusively vocalists known as "vocapalooza". The range of acts ranged from pop, R&B, acoustic singer/songwriter, to what I can only describe as urban house. The quality ranged from solid to shaky. Hey I get it, everyone starts somewhere. The urban house artist brought in her production crew, apparently to record a music video of some sort. Great for the artist, bad for the audience (read: customers) as it impeded visibility of the performance. You're in the 'burbs fellas. Need to know your venue & your audience. Our interaction with Gigi is as advertised with the previous reviews here. She's a sweetheart, but needs to empower someone on her team to run the kitchen operation so she can focus on music & the waitstaff. You kinda get the feeling last night that she was spread pretty thin. I want to give it another shot to see if it was just a bad night. I want to support venues that support live music, but it's gotta be top notch every night, especially when your core customer are locals, not tourists as if you're out east.
(3)
Carli C.
Great food and amazing staff! Super friendly employees that make you feel like a regular immediately. Amazing soul food made from family recipes. Love love LOVE this place!
(5)
Ricardo M.
4:45pm on 11/9/2013 we arrived at Gigis, and it was empty (yes!!!!!) the first thing you'll notice is the size, then the decor, but the let the size fool you, we sat down and placed our orders, i ordered the chicken and waffles and she ordered the meat loaf, the only negative that i can say about my food, is that, maybe the chef needs to use more milk for the waffles, besides that everything else was great!!!
(4)
Alan M.
Got a Groupon and took the family for some chicken and waffles. The place is nothing special. The service was very good however the food was terrible! Fried chicken wasn't hot on the outside and colder on the inside, and the" fresh" waffle couldn't even melt butter. I could have used it to cool off my drink. Overall I would say to stay away from this place!
(1)
Christine M.
Had a Groupon so I stopped in for lunch. Ordered the Chicken Wings & Red Velvet Waffles, my friend ordered Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles. I'm not a fan of waffles but I did enjoy their waffles. The chicken was a tad too salty but tasty. I loved the decor, very cozy. Staff was attentive and service was good. I plan to come back with the girls on the weekend when there is live music, seems like we can have a lot of fun there!
(4)
Shawn L.
I've been going to Gigi's at least once a week since December 2012 or January 2013. Wednesdays are for midweek breaks where I can check out some local talent onstage during the open mic show while enjoying chicken and waffles. Saturdays, I'm there for hours, sipping sweet tea as I catch the dinner show, the second act and Amateur Night. Cats like Jazzman Jorge, Paul Stephen Wilson and The All-Nighters cover most musical bases and their respective audiences have packed the place every time I've been there on a Saturday. Saturday is also when I explore their menu even further. I give thumbs up to their chicken and waffles, chicken wraps and sandwiches, fries and desserts. On occasion, I'll have fish or a burger. Both are nice, but what they do with chicken makes my mouth dance! The service ranges from fair to fabulous depending on who you encounter. Gigi herself greets old and new customers with a smile that totally does away with whatever stress and frustrations you may have endured during the week Aside from their great sweet potato creations and brewed tea, what I like most about Gigi's Music Cafe is that it's SMOKE-FREE! No nauseating cigarette smoke means you can enjoy your meal even more, relax while taking in the shows, and not have to worry about subjecting your kids to more airborne carcinogens. Oh yeah, Gigi's Music Cafe is a family-friendly environment, but not a noisy playground with costumed rodents and pizza-like food product. This place is even ideal for going on dates. Not that I would know from experience, but what I've seen. Gigi's Music Cafe loses a star simply for the small size of the place. Perhaps a different style or arrangement of tables would make seating a full house more comfortable and flowing, but, as it is, it's not enough to deter me from becoming a regular there. All in all, if you're an upbeat person looking for good food, good times, good people, and a smoke-free environment, you can't go wrong with Gigi's Music Cafe.
(4)
Chris M.
Love Gigi's. We come out to see our friends the Allnighters play the Blues here every couple of months. We always order Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp & Grits and get the corn cakes too.
(5)
Rachel T.
Really wanted to check this place out because of all the reviews, but fell a little short for me. First of all, when I walked in, everyone was kind of staring at me. Not sure if it's because I came to eat dinner alone or it was clear I hadn't been there before but it wasn't very welcoming, kinda felt awkward. The waitress, however, was very nice. She sat me as soon as possible, but like another review stated, the service was very slow. She forgot about my drink and I got it about 15 minutes later. I ordered and the prices were very cheap imo, so I was happy about that. I guess I was expecting a certain set up for a music cafe, so the size of the place threw me off a little. The ambiance definitely was not what I was expecting, but it was still clean and an interesting sort of set up. Original, so I can't complain too much on the decor. The food itself took about 45 minutes. It was good. Not incredible like I had hoped, because it came out a little less than warm. Still very well made, maybe it was an off night? Because if it were hotter, it would have been absolutely delicious. Still, with the cheap prices, I can't complain too much. Ordered everything a-la-carte so I had a chicken sandwich for like $3.00 They recently added hookah to their menus so I was very pleased and excited to try it! Maybe I'm a little harsh because I am very strict on my hookahs, but when I ordered it, unfortunately it was clear that none of the staff was knowledgeable on it. It was even clearer when it came out and it was just packed horribly. I took the foil off and saw not even 1/3 of the head packed and the coal was 1/2 the size of the bowl. I was polite and not too bothered though because I know that it was just added, just hope someone can help them get the hookahs more together so when other people come and smoke they are less disappointed. I was excited to hear there was music but unfortunately did not get to hear any that night? The people doing the music or around the musicians were the ones who had stared me down when I first walked in, so it was kind of strange anyhow. Overall, although the service was slow, my waitress was still very nice and you can tell she put a lot of effort into at least trying to make my experience go well. Loses star for slow/lukewarm food, weird looks in the beginning, and size of place. Otherwise, I will give it another shot - it may have just been an off night.
The good news: Nice place, nice people, good music. The bad news: Food seemed old and reheated. Lots of family and other non customers (artists waiting to play) hanging around. The thing about this place is that it seems to have all the elements of a cool cozy place to hang out and have a few beers and enjoy the music. But they suffer a bit from a lack of commitment to being the best at what they are. For example, the lighting was really uncomfortable and when we asked to dim the lights, we were told that "that wasn't possible". A jazz club should be dimly lit and cozy but the lighting made me feel like it was "last call" and the lights were turned up (the whole time). The food... The recipes seemed like good food, but it was obvious that everything was made yesterday and reheated. The synopsis is that Gigi's has everything it needs to be a great place to hang out. They just suffer (painfully) from poor execution and simple mistakes. I dread saying this because the people were really nice, but if I had 6 things to tell them (and I really hope they read this) they would be: 1 . Fix the lighting- buy a damn dimmer switch and cool down the lighting in the dining room. 2. Never serve old food - I had chicken and waffles and ordered a side of Mac and cheese. The only thing that was fresh was the waffles. Chicken old, Mac and cheese old and microwaved, waffles = excellent! Raise your prices and offer the best damn food ever. If your cook is too lazy to serve fresh... Fire him. ----Seriously. 3. On big nights (like Friday and Saturday) kill the open mike and bring in real acts. If you are going to have armatures, make sure they can set up in less than 5 min. We listened to a open mike contestant say "check 1..,2" for 15 minutes. My date was done after this and it didn't matter that I wanted to stay. 4. Expand the bar and get all of that crap off of the bar you have. Let's face it. It's a nice cafe (kind of) but the money is made at the bar. The bar at Gigi's was not inviting. It had cakes and fake flowers and tons of other crap on it that said "don't sit here". I would clear everything off the bar to make room for paying customers and I would expand the bar to improve revenue. If this was a bar, the food wouldn't be a problem and the music we keep me buying drinks. 5. Use your outdoor space better. The outdoor space was empty, dark and silent. I font know why they didn't have outdoor speakers to pipe music outside or lighting to make the outside seem an attractive place to sit. The only people outside were the family of the proprietor which brings me to my next point.., 6. Tell the family to stop coming by for free meals. It just looks bad and they are not helping your image. Gigi. You seem really nice and I want you to succeed. I truly hope you take this advice the right way and improve your business. Overall I liked Gigi's cafe more for what it could be than for what it is. I truly hope they improve because I'd like to come back sometime. I hope they are still open when I return.
(4)
Dennis S.
This review would rate 4 or 5 stars if it weren't for the service. Great atmosphere, food and a variety of entertainment.. ALL GREAT. I always support venues that support live music. They are not in a hurry to serve you. Expect to wait 10 -20 minutes for a drink, even if you are the only patron there. The food is excellent but the service is like nothing I've experienced before. I ordered an entre with two side dishes. It took almost an hour to get served. The side dishes showed up 5 -10 minutes later. There were four people in our party and each persons order showed up at a different time, as much as 5 minutes apart. You may think this is a harsh review but the fact is that we were the first patrons to place an order so you can't blame this on the fact that they were extremely busy. I'm not sure how anyone can turn a profit when you cant turn over orders.
(2)
JL Q.
This is an amazing place! I chose this place to have dinner with a friend and his wife, whom I'd never met. They have recently expanded into the next store front and doubled their size. The size of the space is nearly as big as the hearts of the staff here. I was pleasantly surprised to learn this was karaoke night, one of my favorites events but I didn't see myself performing because I wanted to get to know this new person. We were greeted by our outstanding and handsome server, Caesar, as well as the owner of the place, Miss GiGi herself. Karaoke was just beginning. The opening was a little loud so we asked them to turn it down so we could have our conversation and they worked with us. Little did we know that would be short-lived. Each couple ordered and appetizer combo of spring rolls, wings and cornbread. It was very delicious but I thought was a bit short for $9.95. It had a couple of different sauces on it that were tasty and there was a brief spring lettuce mix on the plate if you were so inclined. The premier dish for the restaurant is the chicken and waffle. This is a staple in many soul food restaurants and you know what they say, "When in Rome", so we all went to Rome. This was a trip well worth it! The waffle was thick enough to enjoy the chicken and the chicken was perfectly fried and not at all greasy. There are a couple of choices of ways for your waffle to come but I chose the buttermilk version with extra honey on the side. Believe me, nothing else is needed for this. Now, if you don't like LOUD music and karaoke, please go on a different night than Thursday. And keep in mind, this is Gigi's MUSIC Cafe, not Gigi's QUIET Cafe. If you want to enjoy a lively night of good food and great entertainment, Thursday night is your night. But if you want an quiet evening and less ambiance, either try someplace else or a different night because the music and signing got so loud we decided to leave. It was actually so loud we opted out of dessert because we were tired of not being able to hear our conversations. Not good when rent for your space is due.
(3)
D S.
I visited Gigi's for the first time last week with a friend. First let me say that this place has a smooth atmosphere. Picture walking through the front door past a stage where talent is showcased. There are golden records on the left wall and guitars and a drum on the right wall. The bar is centered against the back wall. The lighting is low and the feel is that of a poetry lounge. We ordered the fried green tomatoes and the soul rolls for appetizers. Both were amazing! Then we ordered our entrees...I ordered the Meatloaf with mac and cheese and green beans. My friend ordered the fish and grits. The fish was raw in the center. When we alerted the waitress, she was very polite in offering an alternative, which upon arrival was incorrect. In my opinion, the right thing to do, or at least from a customer service standpoint, would have been to comp the meal. Instead we were overcharged and told that the menu pricing was incorrect. There was no effort to even honor the published price. Overall, this place has a lot of potential. The concept is unique. However, if Gigi and crew want repeat business, they should try harder to ensure these types of mistakes don't happen, and if they do, fix it in a satisfactory manner. I will return to this establishment, but it will be a while. Everyone deserves a chance to correct mistakes. Gigi, I am rooting for you!
(3)
Joy C.
Great vibes and a really good food!!! Check out their Soul Flo Wednesdays (1st & 3rd Wednesday) for happy hour and live music. Everything we ordered was seasoned and cooked to perfection! Check this place out!!
(5)
Natasha R.
The place has potential. The drinks and the music were great. The people were very friendly. I met the owner Gigi and you can tell that this place has that "down home" family feel. I would have given it 5 stars. However, I ordered the fish and grits and my fish came out uncooked. Only each end of the fillet was cooked. The rest was completely raw. The waitress offered to bring another, but I asked for shrimp and grits instead. I expected to have something comped for my trouble since I remained calm and agreeable to eat there despite being served raw food but no dice..:). Also, the price on the menu for shrimp and grits was $13 but I was charged $15 and told that prices had gone up despite what was listed. Nonetheless, I will try it again, as the appetizers and drinks were worth it (and the owner seemed nice and down to earth). However, if the same issues persist idk....
(3)
K V.
We came because we saw it on TV...my husband ordered the pork chops and loved them but my daughter got chicken and waffles and the chicken was raw...they still charged us for her raw chicken...which of course she did NOT eat... Place looks good but won't come back after that...
(3)
Patrick P.
The food was good / had the chicken and waffles with Mac and cheese - I know I know starchy but good! They have the bucket of beer tokens that you can use anytime! There was a girl Dj Shelly - had the 90s hip hop jumpin! Good time ! Great service from the waitress . I will be going back!
(4)
LewDawg C.
I went there last night for the first time. The place was recommended to me by some musician friends. It was a Wednesday and therefore "open mike night". Several people played and they were all quite good. I got to meet Gigi and she is both sweet and charming. The food was very good and the service was friendly and quick. I had shrimp and grits. I am a big fan of this dish and I have had it at many restaurants all over the country. Gigi's version is made in a red sauce that I would call Creole. It was spicy and very good. The atmosphere there is great and it almost feels like you went to a friend's house to have dinner and listen to music. I will definitely go back for more.
(4)
Sarah K.
Dropped in on a Wed night before going to local movie in an otherwise dead shopping center. Turned out to feel like a real 'find'. It was open mic night and this is a small intimate place. Totally friendly atmosphere from the owner to the waitress. Met them all, plus a great group of guys who sang and played with great expertise. The fried chicken was super crispy, not greasy, steaming hot. The waffle tasted of sweet potato but was not cloying sweet. Also tried the collard greens cooked in smoked turkey. Prices were very reasonable and the wine pour generous. We are planning on going back to try the cheese grits and BBQ chicken and will bring more people with us.
(5)
Kaley T.
I heard about Gigi's from Groupon. I'm all about trying new places so was excited after reading the reviews and menu to check it out. We had the chicken and waffles, mac and cheese and shrimp n grits. It was all very good and I would order it again for sure. Definitely seems like a cool dive bar/restaurant. I love finding places like this. They had karaoke going while we were there which seemed like fun. We will be back for sure!
(4)
Tina A.
Being the foodie I am, I eagerly decided to check out Gigi's because of their signature Harlem-style Chicken & Waffles. Boy, was I let down. The food was terrible! The chicken was bloody, flavorless & lacking in spices. They also managed to mess up the waffles which were by far the worst waffles I have ever come across. I felt as though I was being pranked. I don't go out to have undercooked chicken with soggy waffles. Definitely, not worth it. PROS: Nice little set up for live music and service was good.
(1)
Fauzia I.
The place is definitely surreal. On one hand you feel like you have stepped back in time and on the other the twilight zone. When we went tbe place was almost completely empty except for a table in the corner. Evidently they were doing a radio show. The service was good but I didn't feel particularly welcome - it was more like what are you doing here? Plus I like places that are lively and have more people in them. The salad was good, pretty large. We each had fried chicken and waffles. Both ok but lacking seasoning and kind of greasy. Took it home but didn't want to eat it again. I think these two items definitely compare to Denny's - and it's better there. Cheaper too. And there was no music, unless you count the games going on the 2 tvs. If it weren't for the groupon ....
(2)
Marlon F.
The food is good, specifically the collard greens. I had the pork chops and it was great. I want to go back and give the chicken and waffles a try as well as other things on the menu.
(3)
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Address :4385 NW 88th Ave,N End of Strip Mall
Sunrise, FL, 33351
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Alan M.
Got a Groupon and took the family for some chicken and waffles. The place is nothing special. The service was very good however the food was terrible! Fried chicken wasn't hot on the outside and colder on the inside, and the" fresh" waffle couldn't even melt butter. I could have used it to cool off my drink. Overall I would say to stay away from this place!
(1)Fauzia I.
The place is definitely surreal. On one hand you feel like you have stepped back in time and on the other the twilight zone. When we went tbe place was almost completely empty except for a table in the corner. Evidently they were doing a radio show. The service was good but I didn't feel particularly welcome - it was more like what are you doing here? Plus I like places that are lively and have more people in them. The salad was good, pretty large. We each had fried chicken and waffles. Both ok but lacking seasoning and kind of greasy. Took it home but didn't want to eat it again. I think these two items definitely compare to Denny's - and it's better there. Cheaper too. And there was no music, unless you count the games going on the 2 tvs. If it weren't for the groupon ....
(2)Kaley T.
I heard about Gigi's from Groupon. I'm all about trying new places so was excited after reading the reviews and menu to check it out. We had the chicken and waffles, mac and cheese and shrimp n grits. It was all very good and I would order it again for sure. Definitely seems like a cool dive bar/restaurant. I love finding places like this. They had karaoke going while we were there which seemed like fun. We will be back for sure!
(4)Shawn L.
I've been going to Gigi's at least once a week since December 2012 or January 2013. Wednesdays are for midweek breaks where I can check out some local talent onstage during the open mic show while enjoying chicken and waffles. Saturdays, I'm there for hours, sipping sweet tea as I catch the dinner show, the second act and Amateur Night. Cats like Jazzman Jorge, Paul Stephen Wilson and The All-Nighters cover most musical bases and their respective audiences have packed the place every time I've been there on a Saturday. Saturday is also when I explore their menu even further. I give thumbs up to their chicken and waffles, chicken wraps and sandwiches, fries and desserts. On occasion, I'll have fish or a burger. Both are nice, but what they do with chicken makes my mouth dance! The service ranges from fair to fabulous depending on who you encounter. Gigi herself greets old and new customers with a smile that totally does away with whatever stress and frustrations you may have endured during the week Aside from their great sweet potato creations and brewed tea, what I like most about Gigi's Music Cafe is that it's SMOKE-FREE! No nauseating cigarette smoke means you can enjoy your meal even more, relax while taking in the shows, and not have to worry about subjecting your kids to more airborne carcinogens. Oh yeah, Gigi's Music Cafe is a family-friendly environment, but not a noisy playground with costumed rodents and pizza-like food product. This place is even ideal for going on dates. Not that I would know from experience, but what I've seen. Gigi's Music Cafe loses a star simply for the small size of the place. Perhaps a different style or arrangement of tables would make seating a full house more comfortable and flowing, but, as it is, it's not enough to deter me from becoming a regular there. All in all, if you're an upbeat person looking for good food, good times, good people, and a smoke-free environment, you can't go wrong with Gigi's Music Cafe.
(4)Chris M.
Love Gigi's. We come out to see our friends the Allnighters play the Blues here every couple of months. We always order Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp & Grits and get the corn cakes too.
(5)Joy C.
Great vibes and a really good food!!! Check out their Soul Flo Wednesdays (1st & 3rd Wednesday) for happy hour and live music. Everything we ordered was seasoned and cooked to perfection! Check this place out!!
(5)Natasha R.
The place has potential. The drinks and the music were great. The people were very friendly. I met the owner Gigi and you can tell that this place has that "down home" family feel. I would have given it 5 stars. However, I ordered the fish and grits and my fish came out uncooked. Only each end of the fillet was cooked. The rest was completely raw. The waitress offered to bring another, but I asked for shrimp and grits instead. I expected to have something comped for my trouble since I remained calm and agreeable to eat there despite being served raw food but no dice..:). Also, the price on the menu for shrimp and grits was $13 but I was charged $15 and told that prices had gone up despite what was listed. Nonetheless, I will try it again, as the appetizers and drinks were worth it (and the owner seemed nice and down to earth). However, if the same issues persist idk....
(3)K V.
We came because we saw it on TV...my husband ordered the pork chops and loved them but my daughter got chicken and waffles and the chicken was raw...they still charged us for her raw chicken...which of course she did NOT eat... Place looks good but won't come back after that...
(3)Patrick P.
The food was good / had the chicken and waffles with Mac and cheese - I know I know starchy but good! They have the bucket of beer tokens that you can use anytime! There was a girl Dj Shelly - had the 90s hip hop jumpin! Good time ! Great service from the waitress . I will be going back!
(4)Sarah K.
Dropped in on a Wed night before going to local movie in an otherwise dead shopping center. Turned out to feel like a real 'find'. It was open mic night and this is a small intimate place. Totally friendly atmosphere from the owner to the waitress. Met them all, plus a great group of guys who sang and played with great expertise. The fried chicken was super crispy, not greasy, steaming hot. The waffle tasted of sweet potato but was not cloying sweet. Also tried the collard greens cooked in smoked turkey. Prices were very reasonable and the wine pour generous. We are planning on going back to try the cheese grits and BBQ chicken and will bring more people with us.
(5)Tina A.
Being the foodie I am, I eagerly decided to check out Gigi's because of their signature Harlem-style Chicken & Waffles. Boy, was I let down. The food was terrible! The chicken was bloody, flavorless & lacking in spices. They also managed to mess up the waffles which were by far the worst waffles I have ever come across. I felt as though I was being pranked. I don't go out to have undercooked chicken with soggy waffles. Definitely, not worth it. PROS: Nice little set up for live music and service was good.
(1)JL Q.
This is an amazing place! I chose this place to have dinner with a friend and his wife, whom I'd never met. They have recently expanded into the next store front and doubled their size. The size of the space is nearly as big as the hearts of the staff here. I was pleasantly surprised to learn this was karaoke night, one of my favorites events but I didn't see myself performing because I wanted to get to know this new person. We were greeted by our outstanding and handsome server, Caesar, as well as the owner of the place, Miss GiGi herself. Karaoke was just beginning. The opening was a little loud so we asked them to turn it down so we could have our conversation and they worked with us. Little did we know that would be short-lived. Each couple ordered and appetizer combo of spring rolls, wings and cornbread. It was very delicious but I thought was a bit short for $9.95. It had a couple of different sauces on it that were tasty and there was a brief spring lettuce mix on the plate if you were so inclined. The premier dish for the restaurant is the chicken and waffle. This is a staple in many soul food restaurants and you know what they say, "When in Rome", so we all went to Rome. This was a trip well worth it! The waffle was thick enough to enjoy the chicken and the chicken was perfectly fried and not at all greasy. There are a couple of choices of ways for your waffle to come but I chose the buttermilk version with extra honey on the side. Believe me, nothing else is needed for this. Now, if you don't like LOUD music and karaoke, please go on a different night than Thursday. And keep in mind, this is Gigi's MUSIC Cafe, not Gigi's QUIET Cafe. If you want to enjoy a lively night of good food and great entertainment, Thursday night is your night. But if you want an quiet evening and less ambiance, either try someplace else or a different night because the music and signing got so loud we decided to leave. It was actually so loud we opted out of dessert because we were tired of not being able to hear our conversations. Not good when rent for your space is due.
(3)D S.
I visited Gigi's for the first time last week with a friend. First let me say that this place has a smooth atmosphere. Picture walking through the front door past a stage where talent is showcased. There are golden records on the left wall and guitars and a drum on the right wall. The bar is centered against the back wall. The lighting is low and the feel is that of a poetry lounge. We ordered the fried green tomatoes and the soul rolls for appetizers. Both were amazing! Then we ordered our entrees...I ordered the Meatloaf with mac and cheese and green beans. My friend ordered the fish and grits. The fish was raw in the center. When we alerted the waitress, she was very polite in offering an alternative, which upon arrival was incorrect. In my opinion, the right thing to do, or at least from a customer service standpoint, would have been to comp the meal. Instead we were overcharged and told that the menu pricing was incorrect. There was no effort to even honor the published price. Overall, this place has a lot of potential. The concept is unique. However, if Gigi and crew want repeat business, they should try harder to ensure these types of mistakes don't happen, and if they do, fix it in a satisfactory manner. I will return to this establishment, but it will be a while. Everyone deserves a chance to correct mistakes. Gigi, I am rooting for you!
(3)Andrew D.
The good news: Nice place, nice people, good music. The bad news: Food seemed old and reheated. Lots of family and other non customers (artists waiting to play) hanging around. The thing about this place is that it seems to have all the elements of a cool cozy place to hang out and have a few beers and enjoy the music. But they suffer a bit from a lack of commitment to being the best at what they are. For example, the lighting was really uncomfortable and when we asked to dim the lights, we were told that "that wasn't possible". A jazz club should be dimly lit and cozy but the lighting made me feel like it was "last call" and the lights were turned up (the whole time). The food... The recipes seemed like good food, but it was obvious that everything was made yesterday and reheated. The synopsis is that Gigi's has everything it needs to be a great place to hang out. They just suffer (painfully) from poor execution and simple mistakes. I dread saying this because the people were really nice, but if I had 6 things to tell them (and I really hope they read this) they would be: 1 . Fix the lighting- buy a damn dimmer switch and cool down the lighting in the dining room. 2. Never serve old food - I had chicken and waffles and ordered a side of Mac and cheese. The only thing that was fresh was the waffles. Chicken old, Mac and cheese old and microwaved, waffles = excellent! Raise your prices and offer the best damn food ever. If your cook is too lazy to serve fresh... Fire him. ----Seriously. 3. On big nights (like Friday and Saturday) kill the open mike and bring in real acts. If you are going to have armatures, make sure they can set up in less than 5 min. We listened to a open mike contestant say "check 1..,2" for 15 minutes. My date was done after this and it didn't matter that I wanted to stay. 4. Expand the bar and get all of that crap off of the bar you have. Let's face it. It's a nice cafe (kind of) but the money is made at the bar. The bar at Gigi's was not inviting. It had cakes and fake flowers and tons of other crap on it that said "don't sit here". I would clear everything off the bar to make room for paying customers and I would expand the bar to improve revenue. If this was a bar, the food wouldn't be a problem and the music we keep me buying drinks. 5. Use your outdoor space better. The outdoor space was empty, dark and silent. I font know why they didn't have outdoor speakers to pipe music outside or lighting to make the outside seem an attractive place to sit. The only people outside were the family of the proprietor which brings me to my next point.., 6. Tell the family to stop coming by for free meals. It just looks bad and they are not helping your image. Gigi. You seem really nice and I want you to succeed. I truly hope you take this advice the right way and improve your business. Overall I liked Gigi's cafe more for what it could be than for what it is. I truly hope they improve because I'd like to come back sometime. I hope they are still open when I return.
(4)Marlon F.
The food is good, specifically the collard greens. I had the pork chops and it was great. I want to go back and give the chicken and waffles a try as well as other things on the menu.
(3)Ryan D.
Overall: I wish it was better. Based on coverage in the New Times & reviews here I decided to give Gigi's a shot. Menu looked appealing with live music sounds like a great combination. Unfortunately execution fell a little short tonight. Based on my observation it appears that there was a staffing issue. Reinforcements came in around 8, by that time the dinner rush was nearly gone. Also, hope you like sitting cozy with other patrons, as the dining space is limited in order to give space for the stage & audio equipment. Tables are set up as large benches. Food: We were in a group of 3, ordered a shrimp skewer appetizer & corn muffins. Shrimp was OK, muffins were cold and hard. We all ordered chicken & waffles.. The chicken had a nice coating, but seemed to have been overcooked. Waffles were solid, didn't try the red velvet or sweet potato as this was my first crack at C&W's. Music: Music started at 8 featuring exclusively vocalists known as "vocapalooza". The range of acts ranged from pop, R&B, acoustic singer/songwriter, to what I can only describe as urban house. The quality ranged from solid to shaky. Hey I get it, everyone starts somewhere. The urban house artist brought in her production crew, apparently to record a music video of some sort. Great for the artist, bad for the audience (read: customers) as it impeded visibility of the performance. You're in the 'burbs fellas. Need to know your venue & your audience. Our interaction with Gigi is as advertised with the previous reviews here. She's a sweetheart, but needs to empower someone on her team to run the kitchen operation so she can focus on music & the waitstaff. You kinda get the feeling last night that she was spread pretty thin. I want to give it another shot to see if it was just a bad night. I want to support venues that support live music, but it's gotta be top notch every night, especially when your core customer are locals, not tourists as if you're out east.
(3)Carli C.
Great food and amazing staff! Super friendly employees that make you feel like a regular immediately. Amazing soul food made from family recipes. Love love LOVE this place!
(5)LewDawg C.
I went there last night for the first time. The place was recommended to me by some musician friends. It was a Wednesday and therefore "open mike night". Several people played and they were all quite good. I got to meet Gigi and she is both sweet and charming. The food was very good and the service was friendly and quick. I had shrimp and grits. I am a big fan of this dish and I have had it at many restaurants all over the country. Gigi's version is made in a red sauce that I would call Creole. It was spicy and very good. The atmosphere there is great and it almost feels like you went to a friend's house to have dinner and listen to music. I will definitely go back for more.
(4)Rachel T.
Really wanted to check this place out because of all the reviews, but fell a little short for me. First of all, when I walked in, everyone was kind of staring at me. Not sure if it's because I came to eat dinner alone or it was clear I hadn't been there before but it wasn't very welcoming, kinda felt awkward. The waitress, however, was very nice. She sat me as soon as possible, but like another review stated, the service was very slow. She forgot about my drink and I got it about 15 minutes later. I ordered and the prices were very cheap imo, so I was happy about that. I guess I was expecting a certain set up for a music cafe, so the size of the place threw me off a little. The ambiance definitely was not what I was expecting, but it was still clean and an interesting sort of set up. Original, so I can't complain too much on the decor. The food itself took about 45 minutes. It was good. Not incredible like I had hoped, because it came out a little less than warm. Still very well made, maybe it was an off night? Because if it were hotter, it would have been absolutely delicious. Still, with the cheap prices, I can't complain too much. Ordered everything a-la-carte so I had a chicken sandwich for like $3.00 They recently added hookah to their menus so I was very pleased and excited to try it! Maybe I'm a little harsh because I am very strict on my hookahs, but when I ordered it, unfortunately it was clear that none of the staff was knowledgeable on it. It was even clearer when it came out and it was just packed horribly. I took the foil off and saw not even 1/3 of the head packed and the coal was 1/2 the size of the bowl. I was polite and not too bothered though because I know that it was just added, just hope someone can help them get the hookahs more together so when other people come and smoke they are less disappointed. I was excited to hear there was music but unfortunately did not get to hear any that night? The people doing the music or around the musicians were the ones who had stared me down when I first walked in, so it was kind of strange anyhow. Overall, although the service was slow, my waitress was still very nice and you can tell she put a lot of effort into at least trying to make my experience go well. Loses star for slow/lukewarm food, weird looks in the beginning, and size of place. Otherwise, I will give it another shot - it may have just been an off night.
(2)Dennis S.
This review would rate 4 or 5 stars if it weren't for the service. Great atmosphere, food and a variety of entertainment.. ALL GREAT. I always support venues that support live music. They are not in a hurry to serve you. Expect to wait 10 -20 minutes for a drink, even if you are the only patron there. The food is excellent but the service is like nothing I've experienced before. I ordered an entre with two side dishes. It took almost an hour to get served. The side dishes showed up 5 -10 minutes later. There were four people in our party and each persons order showed up at a different time, as much as 5 minutes apart. You may think this is a harsh review but the fact is that we were the first patrons to place an order so you can't blame this on the fact that they were extremely busy. I'm not sure how anyone can turn a profit when you cant turn over orders.
(2)Christine M.
Had a Groupon so I stopped in for lunch. Ordered the Chicken Wings & Red Velvet Waffles, my friend ordered Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles. I'm not a fan of waffles but I did enjoy their waffles. The chicken was a tad too salty but tasty. I loved the decor, very cozy. Staff was attentive and service was good. I plan to come back with the girls on the weekend when there is live music, seems like we can have a lot of fun there!
(4)Sherae O.
I enjoyed a wonderful lunch there of collard greens which were pleasantly seasoned, a grilled chicken wrap that was very tasty and I absolutely loved the corn bread muffins made with corn and I think sun dried red peppers, what a combination, but it works well together and let me not forget the yummy sweet potato butter I'm visiting from New York but I'll make sure I stop in every time I get back here... GOOD LUCK
(4)Anna C.
I had originally heard about Gigi's on Groupon and thought it sounded like an interesting place to dine. I love jazz so this is up my alley. Upon pulling up to the place I started to have second thoughts....I am glad I changed my mind and decided to go in. THE FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE is great!!! Nice dim setting with a live jazz artist playing eclectic choices of music. The food took a little long but it was right on point and fresh. The table had the chicken and waffles and the cheesy polenta with bangin shrimp. We were all happy with our orders. I would definitely dine there again.
(4)Ricardo M.
4:45pm on 11/9/2013 we arrived at Gigis, and it was empty (yes!!!!!) the first thing you'll notice is the size, then the decor, but the let the size fool you, we sat down and placed our orders, i ordered the chicken and waffles and she ordered the meat loaf, the only negative that i can say about my food, is that, maybe the chef needs to use more milk for the waffles, besides that everything else was great!!!
(4)Tony G.
The atmosphere was about all that this place had going for it. The food was horrible, service was subpar to say the least. My wife and I figured we'd try the chicken and waffles...poor choice the chicken was over cooked so much the fork could not stick into it! #NeverAgainForGigis
(1)Leah A.
This place is fantastic !! The food is always fresh and the service is prompt! My favorite dish is the fried chicken and sweet potato waffles! They are made to order with an amazing maple syrup. Of that's not your thing try the turkey meatloaf of a classic burger. Make sure you leave room for dessert! Their brownies and sweet potato Pie are out of this world!!
(5)Dee W.
My sister and I visited Miami and had no clue where to go for good food. I hit the jackpot finding a groupon for this cool cozy place. The menu won us over, with its musical themed subtitles. Jermaine was the chef and our food was SLAMMIN'! It made you want to slap your mama. We had the garlic shrimp skewers and the GiGi's wings, our sides were Mac and cheese, yams, and collard greens. Jimmy was our server and was awesome, very attentive and a people person! If you are looking for a soul food spot or just good food period, I suggest you go to GiGi's Music Café!
(4)Sherae O.
I enjoyed a wonderful lunch there of collard greens which were pleasantly seasoned, a grilled chicken wrap that was very tasty and I absolutely loved the corn bread muffins made with corn and I think sun dried red peppers, what a combination, but it works well together and let me not forget the yummy sweet potato butter I'm visiting from New York but I'll make sure I stop in every time I get back here... GOOD LUCK
(4)Anna C.
I had originally heard about Gigi's on Groupon and thought it sounded like an interesting place to dine. I love jazz so this is up my alley. Upon pulling up to the place I started to have second thoughts....I am glad I changed my mind and decided to go in. THE FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE is great!!! Nice dim setting with a live jazz artist playing eclectic choices of music. The food took a little long but it was right on point and fresh. The table had the chicken and waffles and the cheesy polenta with bangin shrimp. We were all happy with our orders. I would definitely dine there again.
(4)Tony G.
The atmosphere was about all that this place had going for it. The food was horrible, service was subpar to say the least. My wife and I figured we'd try the chicken and waffles...poor choice the chicken was over cooked so much the fork could not stick into it! #NeverAgainForGigis
(1)Leah A.
This place is fantastic !! The food is always fresh and the service is prompt! My favorite dish is the fried chicken and sweet potato waffles! They are made to order with an amazing maple syrup. Of that's not your thing try the turkey meatloaf of a classic burger. Make sure you leave room for dessert! Their brownies and sweet potato Pie are out of this world!!
(5)Ryan D.
Overall: I wish it was better. Based on coverage in the New Times & reviews here I decided to give Gigi's a shot. Menu looked appealing with live music sounds like a great combination. Unfortunately execution fell a little short tonight. Based on my observation it appears that there was a staffing issue. Reinforcements came in around 8, by that time the dinner rush was nearly gone. Also, hope you like sitting cozy with other patrons, as the dining space is limited in order to give space for the stage & audio equipment. Tables are set up as large benches. Food: We were in a group of 3, ordered a shrimp skewer appetizer & corn muffins. Shrimp was OK, muffins were cold and hard. We all ordered chicken & waffles.. The chicken had a nice coating, but seemed to have been overcooked. Waffles were solid, didn't try the red velvet or sweet potato as this was my first crack at C&W's. Music: Music started at 8 featuring exclusively vocalists known as "vocapalooza". The range of acts ranged from pop, R&B, acoustic singer/songwriter, to what I can only describe as urban house. The quality ranged from solid to shaky. Hey I get it, everyone starts somewhere. The urban house artist brought in her production crew, apparently to record a music video of some sort. Great for the artist, bad for the audience (read: customers) as it impeded visibility of the performance. You're in the 'burbs fellas. Need to know your venue & your audience. Our interaction with Gigi is as advertised with the previous reviews here. She's a sweetheart, but needs to empower someone on her team to run the kitchen operation so she can focus on music & the waitstaff. You kinda get the feeling last night that she was spread pretty thin. I want to give it another shot to see if it was just a bad night. I want to support venues that support live music, but it's gotta be top notch every night, especially when your core customer are locals, not tourists as if you're out east.
(3)Carli C.
Great food and amazing staff! Super friendly employees that make you feel like a regular immediately. Amazing soul food made from family recipes. Love love LOVE this place!
(5)Ricardo M.
4:45pm on 11/9/2013 we arrived at Gigis, and it was empty (yes!!!!!) the first thing you'll notice is the size, then the decor, but the let the size fool you, we sat down and placed our orders, i ordered the chicken and waffles and she ordered the meat loaf, the only negative that i can say about my food, is that, maybe the chef needs to use more milk for the waffles, besides that everything else was great!!!
(4)Alan M.
Got a Groupon and took the family for some chicken and waffles. The place is nothing special. The service was very good however the food was terrible! Fried chicken wasn't hot on the outside and colder on the inside, and the" fresh" waffle couldn't even melt butter. I could have used it to cool off my drink. Overall I would say to stay away from this place!
(1)Christine M.
Had a Groupon so I stopped in for lunch. Ordered the Chicken Wings & Red Velvet Waffles, my friend ordered Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles. I'm not a fan of waffles but I did enjoy their waffles. The chicken was a tad too salty but tasty. I loved the decor, very cozy. Staff was attentive and service was good. I plan to come back with the girls on the weekend when there is live music, seems like we can have a lot of fun there!
(4)Shawn L.
I've been going to Gigi's at least once a week since December 2012 or January 2013. Wednesdays are for midweek breaks where I can check out some local talent onstage during the open mic show while enjoying chicken and waffles. Saturdays, I'm there for hours, sipping sweet tea as I catch the dinner show, the second act and Amateur Night. Cats like Jazzman Jorge, Paul Stephen Wilson and The All-Nighters cover most musical bases and their respective audiences have packed the place every time I've been there on a Saturday. Saturday is also when I explore their menu even further. I give thumbs up to their chicken and waffles, chicken wraps and sandwiches, fries and desserts. On occasion, I'll have fish or a burger. Both are nice, but what they do with chicken makes my mouth dance! The service ranges from fair to fabulous depending on who you encounter. Gigi herself greets old and new customers with a smile that totally does away with whatever stress and frustrations you may have endured during the week Aside from their great sweet potato creations and brewed tea, what I like most about Gigi's Music Cafe is that it's SMOKE-FREE! No nauseating cigarette smoke means you can enjoy your meal even more, relax while taking in the shows, and not have to worry about subjecting your kids to more airborne carcinogens. Oh yeah, Gigi's Music Cafe is a family-friendly environment, but not a noisy playground with costumed rodents and pizza-like food product. This place is even ideal for going on dates. Not that I would know from experience, but what I've seen. Gigi's Music Cafe loses a star simply for the small size of the place. Perhaps a different style or arrangement of tables would make seating a full house more comfortable and flowing, but, as it is, it's not enough to deter me from becoming a regular there. All in all, if you're an upbeat person looking for good food, good times, good people, and a smoke-free environment, you can't go wrong with Gigi's Music Cafe.
(4)Chris M.
Love Gigi's. We come out to see our friends the Allnighters play the Blues here every couple of months. We always order Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp & Grits and get the corn cakes too.
(5)Rachel T.
Really wanted to check this place out because of all the reviews, but fell a little short for me. First of all, when I walked in, everyone was kind of staring at me. Not sure if it's because I came to eat dinner alone or it was clear I hadn't been there before but it wasn't very welcoming, kinda felt awkward. The waitress, however, was very nice. She sat me as soon as possible, but like another review stated, the service was very slow. She forgot about my drink and I got it about 15 minutes later. I ordered and the prices were very cheap imo, so I was happy about that. I guess I was expecting a certain set up for a music cafe, so the size of the place threw me off a little. The ambiance definitely was not what I was expecting, but it was still clean and an interesting sort of set up. Original, so I can't complain too much on the decor. The food itself took about 45 minutes. It was good. Not incredible like I had hoped, because it came out a little less than warm. Still very well made, maybe it was an off night? Because if it were hotter, it would have been absolutely delicious. Still, with the cheap prices, I can't complain too much. Ordered everything a-la-carte so I had a chicken sandwich for like $3.00 They recently added hookah to their menus so I was very pleased and excited to try it! Maybe I'm a little harsh because I am very strict on my hookahs, but when I ordered it, unfortunately it was clear that none of the staff was knowledgeable on it. It was even clearer when it came out and it was just packed horribly. I took the foil off and saw not even 1/3 of the head packed and the coal was 1/2 the size of the bowl. I was polite and not too bothered though because I know that it was just added, just hope someone can help them get the hookahs more together so when other people come and smoke they are less disappointed. I was excited to hear there was music but unfortunately did not get to hear any that night? The people doing the music or around the musicians were the ones who had stared me down when I first walked in, so it was kind of strange anyhow. Overall, although the service was slow, my waitress was still very nice and you can tell she put a lot of effort into at least trying to make my experience go well. Loses star for slow/lukewarm food, weird looks in the beginning, and size of place. Otherwise, I will give it another shot - it may have just been an off night.
(2)Dee W.
My sister and I visited Miami and had no clue where to go for good food. I hit the jackpot finding a groupon for this cool cozy place. The menu won us over, with its musical themed subtitles. Jermaine was the chef and our food was SLAMMIN'! It made you want to slap your mama. We had the garlic shrimp skewers and the GiGi's wings, our sides were Mac and cheese, yams, and collard greens. Jimmy was our server and was awesome, very attentive and a people person! If you are looking for a soul food spot or just good food period, I suggest you go to GiGi's Music Café!
(4)Andrew D.
The good news: Nice place, nice people, good music. The bad news: Food seemed old and reheated. Lots of family and other non customers (artists waiting to play) hanging around. The thing about this place is that it seems to have all the elements of a cool cozy place to hang out and have a few beers and enjoy the music. But they suffer a bit from a lack of commitment to being the best at what they are. For example, the lighting was really uncomfortable and when we asked to dim the lights, we were told that "that wasn't possible". A jazz club should be dimly lit and cozy but the lighting made me feel like it was "last call" and the lights were turned up (the whole time). The food... The recipes seemed like good food, but it was obvious that everything was made yesterday and reheated. The synopsis is that Gigi's has everything it needs to be a great place to hang out. They just suffer (painfully) from poor execution and simple mistakes. I dread saying this because the people were really nice, but if I had 6 things to tell them (and I really hope they read this) they would be: 1 . Fix the lighting- buy a damn dimmer switch and cool down the lighting in the dining room. 2. Never serve old food - I had chicken and waffles and ordered a side of Mac and cheese. The only thing that was fresh was the waffles. Chicken old, Mac and cheese old and microwaved, waffles = excellent! Raise your prices and offer the best damn food ever. If your cook is too lazy to serve fresh... Fire him. ----Seriously. 3. On big nights (like Friday and Saturday) kill the open mike and bring in real acts. If you are going to have armatures, make sure they can set up in less than 5 min. We listened to a open mike contestant say "check 1..,2" for 15 minutes. My date was done after this and it didn't matter that I wanted to stay. 4. Expand the bar and get all of that crap off of the bar you have. Let's face it. It's a nice cafe (kind of) but the money is made at the bar. The bar at Gigi's was not inviting. It had cakes and fake flowers and tons of other crap on it that said "don't sit here". I would clear everything off the bar to make room for paying customers and I would expand the bar to improve revenue. If this was a bar, the food wouldn't be a problem and the music we keep me buying drinks. 5. Use your outdoor space better. The outdoor space was empty, dark and silent. I font know why they didn't have outdoor speakers to pipe music outside or lighting to make the outside seem an attractive place to sit. The only people outside were the family of the proprietor which brings me to my next point.., 6. Tell the family to stop coming by for free meals. It just looks bad and they are not helping your image. Gigi. You seem really nice and I want you to succeed. I truly hope you take this advice the right way and improve your business. Overall I liked Gigi's cafe more for what it could be than for what it is. I truly hope they improve because I'd like to come back sometime. I hope they are still open when I return.
(4)Dennis S.
This review would rate 4 or 5 stars if it weren't for the service. Great atmosphere, food and a variety of entertainment.. ALL GREAT. I always support venues that support live music. They are not in a hurry to serve you. Expect to wait 10 -20 minutes for a drink, even if you are the only patron there. The food is excellent but the service is like nothing I've experienced before. I ordered an entre with two side dishes. It took almost an hour to get served. The side dishes showed up 5 -10 minutes later. There were four people in our party and each persons order showed up at a different time, as much as 5 minutes apart. You may think this is a harsh review but the fact is that we were the first patrons to place an order so you can't blame this on the fact that they were extremely busy. I'm not sure how anyone can turn a profit when you cant turn over orders.
(2)JL Q.
This is an amazing place! I chose this place to have dinner with a friend and his wife, whom I'd never met. They have recently expanded into the next store front and doubled their size. The size of the space is nearly as big as the hearts of the staff here. I was pleasantly surprised to learn this was karaoke night, one of my favorites events but I didn't see myself performing because I wanted to get to know this new person. We were greeted by our outstanding and handsome server, Caesar, as well as the owner of the place, Miss GiGi herself. Karaoke was just beginning. The opening was a little loud so we asked them to turn it down so we could have our conversation and they worked with us. Little did we know that would be short-lived. Each couple ordered and appetizer combo of spring rolls, wings and cornbread. It was very delicious but I thought was a bit short for $9.95. It had a couple of different sauces on it that were tasty and there was a brief spring lettuce mix on the plate if you were so inclined. The premier dish for the restaurant is the chicken and waffle. This is a staple in many soul food restaurants and you know what they say, "When in Rome", so we all went to Rome. This was a trip well worth it! The waffle was thick enough to enjoy the chicken and the chicken was perfectly fried and not at all greasy. There are a couple of choices of ways for your waffle to come but I chose the buttermilk version with extra honey on the side. Believe me, nothing else is needed for this. Now, if you don't like LOUD music and karaoke, please go on a different night than Thursday. And keep in mind, this is Gigi's MUSIC Cafe, not Gigi's QUIET Cafe. If you want to enjoy a lively night of good food and great entertainment, Thursday night is your night. But if you want an quiet evening and less ambiance, either try someplace else or a different night because the music and signing got so loud we decided to leave. It was actually so loud we opted out of dessert because we were tired of not being able to hear our conversations. Not good when rent for your space is due.
(3)D S.
I visited Gigi's for the first time last week with a friend. First let me say that this place has a smooth atmosphere. Picture walking through the front door past a stage where talent is showcased. There are golden records on the left wall and guitars and a drum on the right wall. The bar is centered against the back wall. The lighting is low and the feel is that of a poetry lounge. We ordered the fried green tomatoes and the soul rolls for appetizers. Both were amazing! Then we ordered our entrees...I ordered the Meatloaf with mac and cheese and green beans. My friend ordered the fish and grits. The fish was raw in the center. When we alerted the waitress, she was very polite in offering an alternative, which upon arrival was incorrect. In my opinion, the right thing to do, or at least from a customer service standpoint, would have been to comp the meal. Instead we were overcharged and told that the menu pricing was incorrect. There was no effort to even honor the published price. Overall, this place has a lot of potential. The concept is unique. However, if Gigi and crew want repeat business, they should try harder to ensure these types of mistakes don't happen, and if they do, fix it in a satisfactory manner. I will return to this establishment, but it will be a while. Everyone deserves a chance to correct mistakes. Gigi, I am rooting for you!
(3)Joy C.
Great vibes and a really good food!!! Check out their Soul Flo Wednesdays (1st & 3rd Wednesday) for happy hour and live music. Everything we ordered was seasoned and cooked to perfection! Check this place out!!
(5)Natasha R.
The place has potential. The drinks and the music were great. The people were very friendly. I met the owner Gigi and you can tell that this place has that "down home" family feel. I would have given it 5 stars. However, I ordered the fish and grits and my fish came out uncooked. Only each end of the fillet was cooked. The rest was completely raw. The waitress offered to bring another, but I asked for shrimp and grits instead. I expected to have something comped for my trouble since I remained calm and agreeable to eat there despite being served raw food but no dice..:). Also, the price on the menu for shrimp and grits was $13 but I was charged $15 and told that prices had gone up despite what was listed. Nonetheless, I will try it again, as the appetizers and drinks were worth it (and the owner seemed nice and down to earth). However, if the same issues persist idk....
(3)K V.
We came because we saw it on TV...my husband ordered the pork chops and loved them but my daughter got chicken and waffles and the chicken was raw...they still charged us for her raw chicken...which of course she did NOT eat... Place looks good but won't come back after that...
(3)Patrick P.
The food was good / had the chicken and waffles with Mac and cheese - I know I know starchy but good! They have the bucket of beer tokens that you can use anytime! There was a girl Dj Shelly - had the 90s hip hop jumpin! Good time ! Great service from the waitress . I will be going back!
(4)LewDawg C.
I went there last night for the first time. The place was recommended to me by some musician friends. It was a Wednesday and therefore "open mike night". Several people played and they were all quite good. I got to meet Gigi and she is both sweet and charming. The food was very good and the service was friendly and quick. I had shrimp and grits. I am a big fan of this dish and I have had it at many restaurants all over the country. Gigi's version is made in a red sauce that I would call Creole. It was spicy and very good. The atmosphere there is great and it almost feels like you went to a friend's house to have dinner and listen to music. I will definitely go back for more.
(4)Sarah K.
Dropped in on a Wed night before going to local movie in an otherwise dead shopping center. Turned out to feel like a real 'find'. It was open mic night and this is a small intimate place. Totally friendly atmosphere from the owner to the waitress. Met them all, plus a great group of guys who sang and played with great expertise. The fried chicken was super crispy, not greasy, steaming hot. The waffle tasted of sweet potato but was not cloying sweet. Also tried the collard greens cooked in smoked turkey. Prices were very reasonable and the wine pour generous. We are planning on going back to try the cheese grits and BBQ chicken and will bring more people with us.
(5)Kaley T.
I heard about Gigi's from Groupon. I'm all about trying new places so was excited after reading the reviews and menu to check it out. We had the chicken and waffles, mac and cheese and shrimp n grits. It was all very good and I would order it again for sure. Definitely seems like a cool dive bar/restaurant. I love finding places like this. They had karaoke going while we were there which seemed like fun. We will be back for sure!
(4)Tina A.
Being the foodie I am, I eagerly decided to check out Gigi's because of their signature Harlem-style Chicken & Waffles. Boy, was I let down. The food was terrible! The chicken was bloody, flavorless & lacking in spices. They also managed to mess up the waffles which were by far the worst waffles I have ever come across. I felt as though I was being pranked. I don't go out to have undercooked chicken with soggy waffles. Definitely, not worth it. PROS: Nice little set up for live music and service was good.
(1)Fauzia I.
The place is definitely surreal. On one hand you feel like you have stepped back in time and on the other the twilight zone. When we went tbe place was almost completely empty except for a table in the corner. Evidently they were doing a radio show. The service was good but I didn't feel particularly welcome - it was more like what are you doing here? Plus I like places that are lively and have more people in them. The salad was good, pretty large. We each had fried chicken and waffles. Both ok but lacking seasoning and kind of greasy. Took it home but didn't want to eat it again. I think these two items definitely compare to Denny's - and it's better there. Cheaper too. And there was no music, unless you count the games going on the 2 tvs. If it weren't for the groupon ....
(2)Marlon F.
The food is good, specifically the collard greens. I had the pork chops and it was great. I want to go back and give the chicken and waffles a try as well as other things on the menu.
(3)