I would round this up to 3.5 if I could but overall it was a-ok for me. I believe they took over the old Hot Points Deli and the menu seems a little similar as well. If you are looking for a large menu with a lot of veggie & vegan options then you should definitely check out Black Cat Cafe I was really shocked by the wide selection on the menu. It was a little confusing at lunch time but I shortly realized it was more of a fast casual restaurant you order up front and they bring you your food. It was tough to pick what to eat with this large menu but I was craving a salad so I ordered up the salmon salad. I thought the salmon was cooked very well but over salted a bit. The salad itself was fresh and full of veggies including cucumbers, roasted red peppers, and more. I ordered the 1/2 size version I can't even imagine what the full size salad looked like and at almost $12 for the 1/2 version I'm not sure I could even afford it. They have wine and beer and also serve a selection of coffee drinks. They also have wi-fi a big plus for me. The servers were very nice and made sure everyone was happy with their meals. I'd give this place another shot for sure but nothing blew me away on this visit that would have me running back anytime soon.
(3)
Tamela S.
Used to be good... horrible now. Not sure if this restaurant has new ownership or what but less I visited in June of 2015 and the service and food was good and prices were reasonable. Today, the complete opposite. Base omelet with just 3 eggs is $9.. each cheese $1.00 extra, each veggie $.75 extra. So for a base veggie omelet with fruit we are already talking at minimum $15. The only omelet you could order with ingredients already included was a western which had cheddar, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. I asked if I could sub out the green peppers and was told that they don't allow substitutions at all! Drinks $2.25 each and all of the sodas were completely flat. Waitress was very aloof and when we seemed shocked by the "no substitutions rule" she said "it's a new menu." Needless to say won't be going again.. especially when you can go 5 mins down the road to Courtneys and enjoy brunch the right way.
(1)
Dan L.
I agree with another reviewer that the staff treat you like a burden. I went in one afternoon at 2:30 and was very quickly informed that they would be closing at 3 but that I could come back at 5:00. Bad first impression and certainly my last visit to this restaurant.
(1)
C H.
Such a good brunch spot! Our group was pretty indecisive and the server was helpful and very patient. Although the breakfast options looked pretty great, everyone got different salads. The Thai curry, Aegean, and the Farmer's Market salads all were done with such high quality ingredients. Greens and toppings were so fresh and seasonal. Outdoor seating is tucked in and feels separate from the N Hills parking area. I was really impressed. Service was also so pleasant and accommodating.
(5)
Thomas S.
Tucked away behind the Bonefish Grill and a few other bigger businesses, it's an easy place to miss. I was in the area and decided to drop in for a quick breakfast. The server was kind of monotone throughout and didn't express much emotion, but seemed like a nice enough girl. I opted for the shrimp and grits with cajun spices, with a few adjustments. It was delicious! I was a little concerned with the portion size at first, but it wound up being just right. For dessert, I wanted to try something I didn't see too often so I got the jasmine rice pudding. It was alright, the rice was too firm and nothing really stood out. Next time, I'll pick a different finish. Maybe tiramisu or the peanut butter pie. Haven't had it for any other meal, but would recommend this place for breakfast or brunch.
(4)
Stephanie H.
I think we came at a weird time or something? We stopped in for dinner and were the only two there, other than the employees. We ordered drinks and browsed the menu. This menu has a LOT of different dishes, sometimes that makes me nervous because I tend to appreciate restaurants that don't boast so many menu items because really, how can you nail any one of those dishes? Sometimes quality is more important than quantity, and in this case, I believe that to be true. I ordered the veggie lasagna and my husband had the club. The veggie lasagna was layered with tortillas and cheese and vegetables. Then piled high with cheese on top. I ate a couple of bites before feeling like this meal was entirely too heavy. My husband's club was your typical club, nothing incredible or outstanding about it. The service was mediocre at best. We sat with empty glasses for a good portion of our meal - my husband and I decided we COULD refill it ourselves because the soda machines were right behind us, but he flagged the waitress down instead. Probably wouldn't eat here again with so many other places in the area.
(2)
Carlos M.
Been here multiple times I don't know if I have to say "I use to love this place" or "never coming back" for today's experience I would give 0 starts if I could . The food was great, and . But in a restaurants like this one food is not all that it matters , SERVICE. Very disappointed with the service all I have to say to resume my visit today ,after I got sat I had to go to the counter to order my meal cuse nobody came to my table in 5 min while the people that work there was checking their cellphones and eating there. clearly they don't care about their job or what is that ? After I got my meal same thing servers would pass by and still nothing no service. Where was the manager ? The owner? Who cares about this place? Cuse obviously the staff that was there today , I don't think so.
(1)
Lisa M.
I prefer to eat vegetarian, and "California healthy food" is my favorite (just so you know what I like). I have, however,had a hard time finding vegan food that I actually enjoy eating ( even in California). I bought a vegan veggie burger with pineapple salsa and black beans (wasn't sure about the vegan part, but I love pineapple), and it was just plain delicious.Then I got some peanut butter pie; absolutely amazing. I will definitely be back for more wonderful "Black Cat Cafe" food. "Thank You Raleigh and Black Cat Cafe" for finally enthusiastically joining the "vegetarian/vegan food" movement.......Yahoo!!!!!
(5)
Lori R.
Black Cat Cafe had a Cool Cat vibe going on Friday night. Glad we got to experience it! Vegan Son in town pulled out his Happy Cow app for vegan-friendly places after we decided First Friday downtown might be too busy to get into some of those. We were afraid busy North Hills might be an issue also as it was around 7, but we were able to get right in with a table of 5. They had some Cool Cat live music going on which was a nice plus. Service...friendly and excellent. Drinks arrived quickly. Menu had a great variety, and everything sounded really good. Sandwiches, Salads, pizzas, burritos, full dinners... Vegan Son was torn between a few enticing options. He went with the Vegan BBQ sandwich with horseradish slaw, which he very much liked. Two others were happy with their Chicken Burritos. Exact-Opposite-Son-From-His-Brother got the Whole Hog Burger which had ham and bacon with BBQ sauce piled on a burger, minus the fried onions it called for (sad!). I opted for the Salmon BLT Sliders with a lime aioli. These were perfectly cooked and the balance of flavors was light and crave-worthy delicious! I also got to try Son's Parmesan/Rosemary Fries that came with his Burger and I loved them. He thought they had too much parmesan and rosemary though (IS there really such a thing???) Atmosphere, Food, Reasonable Prices, Service...all spot on! We'll be back to visit this cat, that's for sure! I am editing this to add that we went back the following Friday night with friends. I had loved the Salmon BLT Sliders so much that I ordered them again and my friend ordered them too. Sadly they were totally disappointing. Instead of big juicy pieces of salmon on each, they were so small I had to pick up the bun lid to see if there was really salmon on them. It was mostly tomato and aioli. And NO bacon. Wah! I was embarrassed to have recommended them. That being said, maybe it was an off-night. I am going to assume that and give them another try, because everything was so fabulous the week before!
(4)
elizabeth M.
Huevos rancheros, while not exactly done in a traditional way, was still expertly prepared and ingredients were fresh. I found the decor to be fun and lively and the patio is super in with a wall that gives a sense of separation from the parking lot and the shopping mall atmosphere. I went there for breakfast but the rest of the menu looked absolutely delicious. I will go again and again.
(5)
Austin S.
So, it was Sunday and we were looking for a fun new place to get some brunch. We were away from the Pam's and farmers market restaurant and were closer to North Hills. Before I start, just go to Pam's or the farmers market for brunch and skip this place. Just run the extra few minutes and go to those yummy houses of food happiness. I gave this 2 stars because the name of the place is cute and there is outdoor seating. We were sat outside because we asked and it was gorgeous out. I had no predispositions and had no clue what the menu would be like. Their menu has so many stipulations. My bestie usually gets a. Club for brunch, but you can only order it on weekdays? Whatever. Fine. We ordered sodas and asked for a few minutes. I ordered the classic French toast with eggs and bacon. My bestie got some sort of monster sandwich with rosemary-garlic fries. I will say that someone ordered a pizza and it smelled amazing! Anyway, our food came and I will say that they have great presentation! That food was beautiful and probably Twitter/Instagram worthy if I took that many pictures of food. I do sometimes for yelp, but I forgot because I was starving. I could smell my besties fries from 2 feet away and I'm sorry, but it's gross when you're trying to eat French toast and all you can smell is garlic and heavy herbs. I pushed passed. The eggs were lightly warm and a full on solid when I got them, the bacon was cooked well, but next level greasy. There was a damn coating o'grease. I ate these things and got super excited for the French toast. It was adorable and powdered with sugar fairy goodness. It has amazing texture, but I got instant cavities. It tasted like candy. It was so sweet- overboard before I even put syrup on it. I do the pre and post syrup taste test. The syrup actually dulled the taste down a bit and was awful. There wasn't even a slight maple flavor. It was like molasses sugar water so it would be nice if the syrup was syrup and not whatever was in that cup. My friend stole my oranges from my fruit bowl because her breath was just rosemary and garlic. She also spent the rest of the day in the bathroom and that was all she had eaten so I don't know. This place seems to have really good reviews, but I was left wanting. It's a cute little place with a cute little name, but it was just very blah to me. I had one piece of the 4 pieces of French toast and I told the waitress that it was inedible and sweeter than most candies. She kind of laughed awkwardly and took our plates. The check was about $35 and we were starving by the time we got to dinner so we paid that much for eggs, bacon, a few fries and half of a sandwich. I feel a little bad, but the food was gross and the service just wasn't all that .
(2)
Amanda P.
The vegan barbecue sandwich is without a doubt the best sandwich I have ever had. I only wish that I lived closer so I could eat here more often. There are lots of vegetarian and vegan things on the menu, and all of them look delicious. I might try them if I ever order anything other than the barbecue. The only drawback to my meal was that the fries were really, really oily. I pressed one lightly against the plate and a puddle of oil came oozing out. I just couldn't eat them. I wouldn't order those again, but there are other sides you can get instead. My husband ordered a sausage calzone, which he said was also delicious. I'm sure it would be great, but I'm sticking with my barbecue sandwich.
(5)
Eleanor S.
Once I found the turkey melt, I became a one-trick pony and kept ordering it because it is so damn delicious. Then I discovered the catfish tacos, then the chicken salad, then their take on the Greek salad, then their tomato bisque. Now I'm all confused when I go in there because everything is so freaking delicious and made with love that I never know what to try next. Also, their sweet potato fries are the best I've ever tasted. That may sound like hyperbole, but I've tried many, many sweet potato fries. Bonus, the owner is incredibly kind and checks in to make sure our meals are good. He encourages me to try different things, which I WILL do because I haven't met an entree that's made me even remotely sad yet. I looooooooove eating here!
I've been here twice now, and I have to say it's become one of my favorite places in Raleigh! I have only had their veggie BBQ sandwich, but that is because it is SO GOOD that I don't want to try any of the other items! Take the owner's advice and go for the sweet potato fries on the side as well (it comes with chips, but you can sub)!! They serve them with this AMAZING maple aioli!! I couldn't stop eating them even though I was so stuffed! The first time I came here, I had takeout, but I have to say the food was SIGNIFICANTLY better when I dined in. My friend tried the Udon Noodles and said they were really good too! Service is great, and this place is not too expensive. It's a great venue for a cute date or catching up with a friend :-)
(5)
Shelly E.
A restaurant that serves breakfast must have good coffee! Black Cat does it well. I really appreciate the vegetarian options on the menu and the scratch made cinnamon rolls are yummy.
(5)
danielle F.
I was in Raleigh for a few days and stumbled across this beauty. It's a mom & pop place. Very friendly service and fast. I Had a Farm fresh salad with "chicken-less". Very fresh and light, great lunch spot. They seem to have regulars and they have a good amount of outdoor seating.
We've been here several times...food has always been good. However, our last visit was very disappointing. Extremely slow service and basically non-existent wait staff. After waiting far too long, I had to go in to check on our order after other tables that had been seated after us had received their food and our waitress was awol. I went inside and asked another server about our meal. Both she and the owner were completely ambivalent about the situation. After being told to "wait here" outside the kitchen, no one came back with an answer. I came to conclusion we should leave just when the food arrived at our table...with no apology or explanation. One waitress did come by later and said the kitchen was backed up....it would have been far more understandable if we had been advised during the delay and at least gotten our empty glasses refilled. There's a serious attitude adjustment required at this place if they want to continue their success.
(2)
Susie Q.
The food here is great and salads are wonderful and fresh! I really love their brunch items especially the crabcake Benedict- so good with a bit of a kick to it! I'm only giving it four stars because it's too noisy. The music is pretty loud and you have to speak up just to talk to the person at the table with you. I'm not talking about the live music, it's the canned music. I wish restaurants wouldn't do this - it really takes away from the meal and enjoyment of the space.
(4)
Anita V.
I went to this place on a weekend for dinner. There were six of us and were predominantly vegetarians. We made reservations since it was 6 of us, but it wasnt crowded at all. This place has a quaint cafe ambiance. They have so many vegetarian/vegan options to choose from. The menu is a little overwhelming because they have a lot of variety. Burgers, sandwiches, lasagnas, southern specialties like grits, pizzas, noodles... you name it and you will find it in the menu. There is something for everyone. Of course, we ordered diverse items from the menu and I got to taste a little bit of everything across the table. Everything was extremely tasty and fresh. The teriyaki udon was amazing! Even the calzone was fresh and flavorful. The Cat-atouille on Baked Grits Cake was delicious. We had asked to make everthing spicy and they did even if the dish wasn't meant to be! very rarely can you find a place where everything is good across the board. The service was great and waitress was very polite and attentive. I cant wait to return! I would love to check out their lunch options too.
(5)
Aline S.
Amazing place for brunch with plenty of vegetarian options. I was a vegetarian for 8 years and every time I come across a place with vegetarian options I don't think twice before ordering even if I eat meat now I'm always drawn and prefer to eat vegetarian option food and this is the place
(4)
Jen N.
What an fantastic little gem hides behind the big glitzy shops and restaurants of North Hills. We met some friends for lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the casual, open dining room and unique, organic menu. Upon entering, you place your order, grab your drinks at the self-serve drink station, and find a seat. You'll get a little number to place on your table and a server will bring your entrees. I couldn't resist the Hoppin' John with Fried Corn Cakes and I won't be able to resist them again! The beans were so tasty and served with fresh lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and rice. The fried corn cakes were absolutely scrumptious! Everyone at our table was mumbling yummy sounds as we enjoyed our lunch. All of the entrees were fresh and delicious. They offer a wide variety of salads, pizza, and entrees like fish tacos and shrimp & grits. Many of their dishes are vegetarian or even vegan. We were there for a business lunch, so we enjoyed coffee and sodas, but they do have wine and beer available. Service is fast and friendly. Parking might get sticky at times when North Hills is busy. But they have a wonderful outdoor patio that I'm sure will be absolutely wonderful when the weather warms up. Excellent little cafe... great place for a business lunch. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Jennifer B.
Great patio and great food. Get a patio table if you can. Both breakfast and lunch have lots of options to choose from. Good for kids too.
(4)
Nerri Y.
Hands down a favorite lunch spots in the North Hills area. Service is quick, ingredients are fresh, and both the patio and indoor seating areas are great options. I am absolutely guilty of almost always ordering the same thing - the Aegean Chicken Salad. Even the half portion is plenty of food and it is just so delicious that every time I try to order something else I can't deviate. Except for an amazing order of huevos rancheros one brunch that was so tasty I couldn't stop eating until I thought I might puke. Other delicious items include the Thai curry chicken salad and the chicken salad sandwich. It's my go-to lunch spot for friends and coworkers, and everyone I've taken there has always thoroughly enjoyed their meal. To sum up, it's the perfect spot for a working lunch or a weekend brunch. And as an added bonus - they are super dog friendly. Dog bowls and dog treats - so treat your puppy to a patio brunch on a nice day!
(5)
Rachael L.
The food is always excellent and there are some very yummy unique dishes, like the mexican lasagna (which you can get with fake chicken if you're vegetarian). In fact, there are many great options for vegetarians. Hands down, the peanut butter pie is my favorite thing. The staff have always been friendly and upbeat in my experience. I love the casual cafe ambience and they have done an excellent job of beautifying their patio, so we love to sit outside and eat when the weather permits. One of my favorite places to eat lunch or dinner.
(5)
Alison L.
Great food, excellent menu and reasonable prices. We went with a big group and had a great time. However service was very slow.
(4)
Pam M.
Convenient location with plenty of parking. Good service and an outdoor patio to to enjoy in nice weather. Nice variety of healthy options on the menu. Another local business I'm a fan of!
This was my first time there and it was a little unclear whether or not you pay at the register ahead of time or you sit down and wait for the waiter/waitress to bring you a menu, etc. The staff there did not make any moves to direct me to a table or to the ordering counter, which I thought was a little odd, and I had to ask if we should seat ourselves or not. I ordered the turkey melt, and the food came out at a decent time. However, my sandwich was only room temperature as if it had been sitting out for a while and not warm as I expected. The sandwich itself was pretty good (but not spectacular)- the bread toasted well, good amount of turkey, and adequate sauce. However, the turkey was a little dry, the sauce could have been more evenly spread, and there was a single small piece of lettuce. Overall, this place is a little on the pricier side but not a bad place to grab a bite to eat! The food is good but not great, and they do offer a wide variety of items on the menu.
My friend and I just dined here and had a horrible experience. My friend has a serious gluten intolerance (not the trendy kind) and asked if the Hawaiian sauce had gluten. The waitress wasn't sure so asked the chef. He told her it was gluten free. Three bites in she realized the Hawaiian sauce had teriyaki sauce in it, a key ingredient of which is soy sauce. Anyone with a basic understanding of food knows that soy sauce is made of soy and wheat. As were talking to the hostesses, he came out to tell us that his teriyaki sauce is gluten free because his soy sauce is "pure soy." What? No. I asked if he used tamari, which is gluten free. He looked at me like I was speaking Greek. Apparently this man is also the owner. Instead of apologizing, he continued to argue that his soy sauce is gluten free. He clearly has no understanding about food allergens, which is kind of scary. We asked to see the soy sauce bottle. He refused. People, please don't eat here if you have any food allergies, because the chef/owner is horribly incompetent and unqualified to be serving people food. On the plus side, our waitress was lovely.
(1)
Sean A.
I took my girlfriend here for brunch this morning since they had some great reviews on Yelp but I am not sure that I would go back. The portions were smaller than I would have liked, both my girlfriend and myself were still hungry after we finished our meals. I ordered the Crab Cake Benedict and she had the Huevos Rancheros. The crab cakes were delicious, well spiced and cooked to perfection but the dish really could have used a heavier component like english muffins or potatoes because as it was there just wasn't enough food. Usually a Benedict is served on top of an english muffin anyway so I was surprised to see that this version was not. The Huevos Rancheros was different than some other variations we have had around Raleigh. It was served with lots of color including a fresh pico de gallo and lettuce on top but the one ingredient that this dish fell short on was the meat. Instead of the usual chorizo or spicy sausage this dish had just your usual breakfast sausage which, in my opinion, did not pack enough punch to make this dish stand out. When two people leave a restaurant and they are both just as hungry as when they arrived it is difficult to justify giving that establishment more than a few starts. Brunch is an important meal on the weekend and unfortunately I feel as though mine was wasted this morning.
(3)
Annie G.
What a lovely little lunch spot. Even though we were in the area on a Saturday and it was extremely busy in the shopping center, Black Cat was tucked away and had a really relaxed feel to it. Outside there was plenty of seating and a man playing music on his guitar (and cracking jokes). I was trying to be healthy so I got the Agean (?) chicken salad (the full size) and it was delicious! It was super huge too, enough for 2 people. I happily took half of it home. My husband got one of the chicken sandwiches...all I know is it involved a breaded, fried piece of eggplant that was to die for! Sooooo yummy! And honestly, I think the difference between a good sandwich and a great sandwich is the BREAD! This place had delicious fresh baked bread that was just perfect! Can't wait to go back and try more options. They also have vegan and vegetarian options!
(4)
Leigh H.
Ended up at the Black Cat Cafe by accident and was so glad I did! We arrived on a weeknight around 7:00. It was not busy. Staff was very friendly, and our server was good at answering any questions we had about the food. I had the Hoppin John with Fried Corn Cakes. It was magnificent! My friend had the baked eggplant sandwich and thoroughly enjoyed it as well. My impression of the food was that it was very fresh. I would definitely go back soon. I was also impressed that they made it simple to turn a large number of their dishes into vegetarian and/or vegan. This is a great place for people who may have a variety of dietary needs or wants. There really is something for everyone. They had a pizza menu with some great sounding items. I am looking forward to giving one a try.
(4)
Christina M.
Loved this place. We went for breakfast on a Sunday morning. Our waitress was so sweet. She even made me ice coffee. It's a causal place with sitting inside and out. I got the huevos rancheros, which I thought was one of the best I've ever had. I will have to return for lunch or dinner at some point.
(5)
Andy W.
Four stars is generous for this place because the food is probably a three star. However, I like the staff a lot and that can go a long way...at least for me. I am not saying the food is bad because it not. They have a unique selection of menu items such as Italian, Mexican, burgers, salad(aegean chicken!), etc.. Low key place for a date night or just to chill out with some wine. They changed ownership about 2 years and it's been for the best. Call before you head out because they are not open 7 days a week.
(4)
Sarah G.
Yum!! We ended up here for Sunday brunch and I'm so glad! I enjoyed the breakfast BLT, which is just a BLT with fried egg on sourdough, but you could have gotten it on a waffle. Somehow, I restrained from the waffle. My husband enjoyed a delicious siciliano sandwich with veggies and chicken. It was a good thing I didn't indulge in that waffle-sandwich because when our waitress mentioned "dessert" and "peanut-butter pie" in the same sentence, well you know what happened. The PB pie was delicious and HUGE. This is a casual and laid-back local restaurant and I can't wait to come back.
(4)
Nicole K.
If you are a vegetarian (or just like great food) in the Triangle, Black Cat should be your go to spot for every meal of the day. The owner and staff are super friendly and the food is out of this world. Try the huevos rancheros for brunch and the cardinal for lunch/dinner. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Kristy A.
Stopped at the Black Cat Cafe for lunch while running errands in North Hills. While I was tempted to enjoy their lovely outdoor patio, it was a little warm, so I headed inside. The staff behind the counter greeted me immediately and directed me to choose a seat wherever I was comfortable. The table service was prompt and polite - two thumbs up. As far as the food, there were several breakfast and lunch options that appealed to me. After some deliberation, I chose the eggplant sandwich on fresh foccacia. It was a large sandwich that came with a side of potato chips. I ate half just as it came and then removed the banana peppers on the other half. It was really delicious both ways. The roasted vegetables on the sandwich were a great compliment to the fried eggplant and everything was well balanced. The foccacia bread was a perfect vehicle for the rest of the ingredients. It held up great too -- not soggy or falling apart even at the very last bite.
(5)
Kay N.
I want to like this place, but I have such inconsistent experiences with the food. And I'm too hungry for this mess. One week my eggs will be outstanding, the next week they're undercooked and gooey. One week the sausage gravy is tart and sour, another week the syrup tastes like honey. At least the asparagus is consistent in the way it tastes like nothing. The good service is always the saving grace, but I want to enjoy my meal and order without fear that the kitchen can't pull off the task.
(2)
Mike M.
Black cat is great, not only is the food great. My wife and I have come for breakfast, brunch, lunch, & dinner (all great). The Brunch is my favorite, my wife had the Grand Marnier French toast which I ate a good portion of because I couldn't help it and I had the country scrambled eggs which are a bacon lovers dream. Overall the best part of everything is how nice the owners are and how well they not only treat me but my dog. They bring out a nice water bowl for my dog with a side of treats, if you love your furry friend as much as me stop by for great food and great service.
(5)
Maribeth W.
I got the black bean soup and chick'n pot pie (I had been craving a vegetarian friendly pot pie) and loved every second of it. I had debated between that and the Mexican Lasagna, but let me tell you the pot pie was amazing! Loved the place and the friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Sarah M.
My daughter and I were in the area a few months ago, looking for somewhere to eat when we saw the Black Cat Cafe. I'm a vegan and figured I would have to get a salad, but she was starving so I didn't want to make her wait. The BCC is small inside, but clean and cute. We have been twice, both times on a Sunday around noon, and they have a breakfast and brunch menu. My daughter got the marinara pasta both times (she's a pasta junkie) and I was thrilled to see that they have 2 yummy vegan dishes - the chick-less salad and the veggie bbq. Both times I got the veggie bbq sandwich. I told the waitress I was a vegan so she made sure they used a vegan bread. The first time they used a whole wheat bread and it was good - the 2nd time they used a whole wheat ciabatta and it was amazing. The 2nd time we brought my husband and he got a (non vegan) Cubano sandwich and said it was amazing. Also, on the 2nd visit they had a very talented guitarist playing. We will definitely be back again! eta: We go back monthly and love it more every time.
(5)
Krystal B.
Great place! Food was awesome and the staff was very friendly and attentive. Get the crab cake benedict if you ever go for breakfast.
(5)
Rakhi K.
Food is good but wait staff have a bad attitude! I felt very un-welcomed after 10 min of waiting to be seated and finally seating myself! There is no sign to wait and never really had to face this bad attitude until today! I will not be visiting again until something changes!!
(1)
Holly G.
No. Great veg options and great food, but I never consider this place because of past customer service experience. Every table around our table of four had their food and/or drinks - including a few companion animals - although we were first to be seated. Our waitress walked by and ignored us multiple times. I wanted to believe it was an accident, but after waiting for someone to take our drink orders for an hour, it was clear we were not welcome. We ended up leaving. It's also difficult to ignore the fact that every time I've been here and have had below average service, my partner has been with me, either along with other people or just her. I have not returned to this place since the rude encounter with the manager about a year ago and I will not return. Best of luck to this business, but I would never recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Louis V.
It's been awhile since my first review of Black Cat Cafe and since then I've visited this location about a dozen times. There has been major improvements since my first review and it's only fair to share this feedback; -All menus now have a legend on them explaining what the different icons mean. -The unprofessional waitstaff that I originally wrote about seem to no longer work at this location. -After talking with both owners, they are very willing to spend time with you to help create different dishes to cater to your dietary needs. -I learned to sub out the chips (which I still do not like) with hummus which makes me a lot happier. -The Jasmine Rice dessert is divine. There are a few little quirky things that I feel Black Cat needs to straighten up on before I could consider this a 5 star cafe. I am excited to say that the owners take tremendous pride in their establishment and are constantly working to improve the experience for the customer. I feel like a 5 star is lurking around the corner, but it's just not ready yet.
(4)
Lauren S.
The food here is wonderful with many different options. It seems they've slowly integrated a better more helpful staff and the place seems more cheery than it was before. There are always great changes and specials and the owner always greets me when I come in. (I recommend the bread pudding and really any of the food there.)
(4)
Vinay A.
Delicious food. They have a small, tasty kids menu and are great with kids. I really enjoyed the Cuban flatbread sandwich.
(5)
Kathy V.
I live in Chapel Hill and have to drive to Raleigh every 5-6 weeks to get my dog groomed. Instead of driving back to Chapel Hill I have breakfast in Raleigh (North Hills area). I have eaten at both the Black Cat and the Broken Egg more than once at both cafes. The Black Cat has better tasting food, service and atmosphere than the Broken Egg. It is a great way to start off my Saturday mornings.
(4)
joann L.
What a nice surprise...Tasty foods..an airy waitress and lots of natural light with a view of passers by. Had the fancy grits bowl and a side of sausage..surprise. it wasnt pork, but liver! Honestly everyone working was genuinly interested in serving its customers which is a rarity in Raleigh...
(4)
Andrea F.
Black Cat Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants! I found them when looking for a place with good vegetarian options. I tried the Veggie Barbecue Sandwich, which was awesome and just what I had been craving. My friend got the Mexican Lasagna which was also excellent and the vegetarian version is now my go-to dish here. If you manage to save room for dessert, Kat's Peanut Butter Pie is fantastic. (I have even come just for dessert before...)
(5)
Shelby D.
Just as a little disclaimer, I am a hard to please restaurant-goer and this restaurant has now become one of my favorites in the Raleigh area despite only have dined here once! Great restaurant, with a great cafe menu. Often times when I go to a cafe the menu is a little boring and blah, but Black Cat Cafe seems to do a unique spin on some classics, which result in something delicious. My mom and I chose to sit on their outside patio which was nicely decorated. I personally had the 'Pollo Cardinale' sandwich, which was by far the best sandwich I've had in a long time. My mom had the Portobello Sandwich and loved hers as well, and was extra excited because she is gluten-free and they offered gluten-free bread that was actually good. (A lot of the time gluten-free bread can just be bad, but she was pleasantly surprised this time). They came with potato chips that were also good. We decided to get dessert and ordered the Jasmine Rice Pudding. Definitely a good choice, it was so delicious that we were almost licking the bowl. The cashier/waiter/cook/I think he was the owner? said he made most desserts himself which just added to the originality of it. I wish I could remember his name, but he was a really nice guy that was willing to help talk us through the menu to choose what was just right for us. Great customer service. And all this for a really reasonable price. I hope to return soon, to try their breakfast and dinner! Keep doing what you're doing Black Cat Cafe.
(5)
Katie H.
Yikes. I guess I shouldn't have come for breakfast. We tried to brunch here because 1) it was open early and 2) we'd never heard of it and reviews were positive, but I have to say I was disappointed. I ordered a hot tea and paid $1.50 for a Lipton tea bag (for those of you who don't drink tea, Lipton is pretty much as cheap as it gets). The server never came to ask me if I wanted a refill. I got the eggs benedict. It was the worst eggs benedict I've ever had in NC. I almost sent it back because I was worried about getting sick--it had an aftertaste of hospital antiseptic. By the process of elimination, I concluded that the taste was coming from the english muffin, and that it wasn't dangerous, so I finished my meal. But if someone from the restaurant is reading this, PLEASE switch brands. It's disgusting. The eggs and Canadian bacon were cooked well, but that taste really killed the dish. The menu told me I would get a side of fruit. I got a side of grits instead, which I don't really like, but the servers didn't really seem friendly or willing to help me, so I just didn't eat my side. Normally Yelpers are pretty spot-on with their reviews, but I didn't see it this time. It would take a lot of cajoling to convince me to return here.
(2)
Charles M.
Huevos were the best I have ever had. The cinnamon roll was slap your mamma good! I live in Richmond and would drive 2+ hours to eat there again. Service was personal and outstanding.
(5)
Joanna D.
I love this little cafe. First, I enjoyed the music, wonderful classic jazz standards filled the air, while I enjoyed a lovely pizza and a glass of sparkling wine. The walls are lined with wonderful photography, the food is made from local ingredients, they serve local coffee and showcase live local talent. Today was my first visit to Black Cat Cafe but it won't be my last. The food was wonderful and I had this fantastic bread pudding that I am still thinking about 4 hours later. But, the best part of my visit was the service, it was friendly, personal service and I felt very welcome. I relaxed the same way I do when I'm on vacation and it was a Monday afternoon. The Black Cat Cafe has a european feel; I never felt rushed or hurried. I stayed a long time just enjoying the atmosphere, which tells me this place is a keeper.
(5)
Melody F.
Three stars because the food was somewhat decent. I ordered a vegetarian dish and was brought hamburger. I ordered sweet potato fries which I had to pay extra for and was then brought chips The service was okay although I had to wait a long time for my order both the wrong order and then the right one. The wait staff was nice but overall I was not impressed. I will not be returning.
(3)
Anthony G.
Went back for dinner and the food is still fresh and good. The Taquitos were not as good as they were for lunch a week ago and instead of 3 as I got for lunch there were now two. I also got the shrimp papaya thai rolls and I expected them to be fabu but they were a bit sad b/c there were no big whole shrimp just chopped up shrimp (Hopefully) My other guests had sandwiches and everyone said the food was great. I think the nest thing to do here is get sandwiches and salads which are outstanding. The dinner tends to be a little iffy but lunch is spiffy the Thai salad should have chicken breast instead it was white meat and sinewy.
I was disappointed, the wait staff seemed unorganized and confused. Many things that were on the menu were no longer available, due to recipe changes. So I found something that was available. My salmon was very over cooked and dry. The vegetable consisted of 2 pieces of broccoli. I made the mistake of ordering dessert...don't! The bread pudding was soggy and overly salty! Not thinking we will be back.
(2)
Sandra H.
What a great new find! Stumbled across (always looking for a good breakfast place!). We had the shrimp&grits and the huevos rancheros! Met the owner - so friendly! The grits are so tasty - had to get a biscuit to sop them up! We'll be back! New menu coming soon! Can't wait!
(5)
Jennifer S.
Yummy food! Really exceptional. It was kind of busy, Saturday afternoon. Service a little slow. All in all, great experience. Will definitely come back
(4)
Dee D.
This place is one of my favs! I have tried several items and I continually leave happy every time. I love Kat's Peanut Butter Pie when available. The last time they ran out, bummer. It's popular! I love the Breakfast BLT on waffles, yummy. This place gives a variety of options. I look forward to trying everything! It is located in a quaint spot with plenty of space inside and out. The staff is awesome! Great customer service. They serve love on a plate I say!
(4)
Nathalie B.
Love this place! It has a really really great menu and great service but it was a little slow.
(4)
Shilo H.
This place is AMAZING!! My boyfriend and I went here Saturday early afternoon. We were both hungry and neither of us could decide on what we wanted to eat and I found it randomly on my phone and thought we should try it. They were still serving brunch until 3pm which was awesome. We shared the Western Omelette, a side of bacon, and the Grand Marnier french toast. The food was on point, everything we got was delicious, if we had more room in our stomachs we definitely would have eaten more. The Black Cat Bellini is good and something different because they use ginger beer instead of prosecco. The Mimosas are amazing, definitely some of my favorite in the triangle area. Everything was fairly priced and the staff was very friendly. When we walked in there were plenty of seats and the staff was fast and attentive. We decided to purchase a coffee mug, they're not over priced like some places take home items can be, and we got two really delicious caramel coffee candies to go with it! I cannot wait to try this place out for lunch and dinner, I'm sure we will be equally impressed! I would recommend this place to ANYONE in the triangle area, especially those who would prefer something a little different and off the beaten path! I'm glad we found this little gem in Raleigh!
(5)
Kyle R.
Please note that I visited the restaurant during Triangle Restaurant Week, so portions or pricing may vary for the normal menu. My trip was definitely hit or miss The best part of my experience was the presentation, simply amazing how every dish looked so appetizing, such amazing detail paid to each course. The worst part of my experience was the waitress. Don't get me wrong, every other staff member we interacted with was incredibly nice, and seemed to be wonderfully at home talking to the children of other customers and doing everything from holding the door for people to joking about the weather. But our waitress.. Oh man, she spent at least 10 minutes at the front counter chatting it up with someone I believe to the owner, before we had even gotten our appetizers ordered. The food itself varied quite a bit. For the appetizers I was pleasantly surprised by the Thai rolls flavor, but not the amount I was given (Its probably a bigger portion on the normal menu, cant hold this against them), and the other person I was with LOVED their curry chicken skewers. My entree was the blandest thing I have ever eaten in a restaurant. I ordered the chicken soba noodles dish, and I'm fairly certain I've had better out of the pre-packaged microwave varieties. My friend got the Mexican Lasagna which I must admit looked and tasted amazing, but was a little smaller than I would have liked had I been the one to order it. Dessert was the peanut butter pie for both of us, which was both tasty and a large portion. I just wish they hadn't prepared it on the counter in front of us. Just seemed a bit odd. The atmosphere itself was also a bit weird. They seem to be going for a slightly upscale sort of ambiance with lovely paintings on the wall, but then they have a self-serve soda machine and coffee maker sitting on a counter in the middle of the restaurant I'm willing to go back and think ordering a different entree would totally change my mind about this place, but this visit was definitely 3 stars
(3)
Chris S.
Tried this place out after the restaurant we planned on going to was closed. It turned out to be a pretty good choice. They have vegetarian options for those that are interested also. I got the stromboli which was cooked to order and came out hot & fresh. It was very delicious and was cooked just right. I'd definitely try it again & would recommend it to anyone that likes a relaxing atmosphere and good food.
(4)
Jan E.
Good food. Slow service. We saw one couple leave after waiting 10 minutes for someone to come by. But my chicken artichoke salad was a nice light lunch.
(4)
Leilane V.
Great spot for a glass of wine or lunch with live music. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the service was excellent.
(4)
R G.
This was my first and most likely my last visit April 15 2015. I've never been to a restaurant where you feel as if you are a burden, only to interrupt the woman behind the counter. The most unpleasant person I've ever met. When she did come to the table she asked "you done" and just took the plates. My friend and I both agreed not a place that needs our buisness. Maybe that was why there were only 2 other customers in the place. So many other restaurants would welcome your business in today's economic times, not this one. If your looking for a pleasant experience....RUN....As this is NOT THE PLACE. :0 ( I hope management will make a note.
(1)
Kathryn B.
We ate there Saturday night. Very homey, friendly staff. The beer and wine selection was not several pages long but there was a great representation of local, imported, domestic, and draft. I ordered a steak, and was a little worried as this doesn't look like a :steak" place (the menu had an eclectic mix of interesting dishes from Thai curry chicken kabobs to catfish tacos and a number of vegetarian offerings). I got one of the best steaks I've ever had. Cooked as I ordered, very flavorful, and the $1 addition of caramelized onions was perfect. The rice & quinoa pilaf was very tasty, and after considering the vegetable side offerings (which was pretty extensive and varied) I got the asparagus, very fresh and not over-cooked. My husband had ordered Salmon Oscar but hadn't spoken as clearly as he should have, and his order got confused with Rosemary Chicken. It looked so good (chicken over pasta, roasted vegetables) .he was fine with it. It was ample and well-flavored. Both of the orders came with a thick focaccia (2 wedges each) with an intense jammy tomato sauce--so good! We cleaned our plates but the bread pudding with Irish cream/whiskey caramel sauce was irresistible. It was huge and delicious, very light-textured for bread pudding. The owner came over to check on us, which was a nice, personal touch. After trying several restaurants in the area (and not a bad meal in any of them) this is going to be our "go-to" place.
(5)
Kimberly H.
Have been here several times for lunch and drinks, but when my coworker and I decided to try it as a breakfast spot this morning, they were closed! No note on door that we could see and their website says they are open at 8 for weekday breakfast. It was 9am when we arrived to find the place was dark. I hope there wasn't an emergency of some sort...it's unlike these folks to advertise breakfast and not be in! I will try again, but I'm miffed!
(1)
Stephen G.
Incredible. When you want stellar food, not just a bite to eat somewhere, choose the cat.
(5)
Steven C.
Great food and great staff. Favorite two dishes Fish tacos and Muenster sandwich. I also do catering with them for groups of 5 to 20 and they pt together some great sandwich trays.
(4)
Randy B.
Owner Steve Jones isn't a chef, he's a food wizard. What a fantastic menu he presents! And everything on the menu is way above good. Black Cat Cafe is a hidden gem at North Hills, well worth the effort to find. Staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy.
(5)
Lauren G.
We drove through Raleigh while on vacation and this place was on our way. We were happy to see so many vegetarian options. The salad basket sandwich was delicious and our favorite between our meals. We got the creme brulee with fresh strawberries for dessert. Creme brulee is one of my favorite dishes and they did a great job with it. Definitely hit the spot! On top of the great food, the service could not be friendlier. We felt right at home.
(4)
Jeff S.
A breakfast to forget. A long wait for our meal, unenthusiastic service and finally expensive plates of uninspired food best described as un-fresh. The menu reads well, but the execution is a huge letdown. Weekend brunch prices (Humble Pie, Joule), but food quality well below a Waffle House or IHop.
(1)
Emily L.
*update* After the fourth chance (I had restaurant.com certificates) I can finally say that the Black Cat Cafe is hands down the most unprofessional restaurant I've ever been to. Literally every time I've gone in there, excluding the first time, the service has been awful. Today I went with a few friends who have also been there and had the same terrible customer service experiences with them. We had restaurant.com certificates and wanted to get rid of them and that was the only reason we went back. At the end of our meal everything seemed to have gone fine, better than ever! Until we tried to use our certificates and we were told we could only use one per table(even though our checks were separate), which it does say in the fine print but I didn't read that. I understand that is my fault for not reading it. However, the "manager" was rude and not exactly customer oriented or even trying to help. And after going there and having terrible service every time I guess I was pretty easily upset by this and said aloud this was the fourth time we'd been there with something going wrong and that we wouldn't have even come back after the second time if we hadn't already bought the certificates and didn't want to waste them. The manager then became even more hostile and pointed at the door and said "well there's the door!" OKAY SIR! So not wanting to walk out on a $40 tab I waited another ten minutes for my check. Which they switched up and gave us the wrong ones and we ended up paying them anyways because they told us they gave us a discount of 7.50 on each check. We were beyond ready to leave and didn't really question the check situation until we were out the door and at our vehicles. We both paid cash and agreed it was not worth going back to argue with the prick of a manager. Unrelated to this visit, but the last time I went with the same group it was brunch and we waited 50 minutes and never got food. However, the dog that was at the table near us got his/her food and water from the waitress in a timely manner. We left and went to Lilly's pizza(10/10 highly recommend). TL;DR - several visits proved unprofessional management and terrible service. But hey! The foods really great! If you're in the Raleigh area and are looking for fine vegetarian cuisine check out The Fiction Kitchen, The Borough, or Remedy Diner. Initial review: Im a vegetarian and so far I've been to black cat cafe twice. Both times the food was good, but the second time the service was awful. The waitress let our drinks completely run out. Even the ice was gone. When we ordered communication was completely one sided, with her not responding at all. So I wasn't really surprised when our food came out wrong.. Honestly, if the food wasn't so good and they didnt have so many meatless options I wouldn't go back.
(1)
Joe P.
My wife and I happened by here and really enjoyed ourselves. We very much appreciated the vegan options, the outdoor seating and live music. The wine/beer selection is pretty solid and the food was very good. I would encourage them to look at adding in some seitan options for those who try to avoid soy. Anyway, we can't wait to go back.
(4)
P G.
this is a great place for breakfast, brunch lunches etc. i had the mushroom sandwich and my husband the eggs Benedict. both were awesome and very different then what you would get somewhere else. love this place and will be back soon.
(5)
Cindy B.
This cafe certainly caters to the locals - their drinks were on the table before they even sat down & their food was ordered without them even looking at the menu, since they were regulars. Finally we were given menus; once the priorities were taken care of (did I mention we arrived first?). We got the eggplant sandwich and the fish tacos, a NC draft beer and the cider. The drinks were typically priced and the eggplant sandwich and chips were doable. I thought the "half sandwich" size for $9 was a bit much, but I consider the location has a lot to do with their pricing. I loved the cider and the over ice suggestion was a good one, as it is really, really sweet. On to the catfish tacos; one word "yuck!" Three tacos came with rice, very small piles of rice on the side. Inside was a pineapple salsa. The spice factor was zero, not even salt - which was bad as the fish was supposed to be blackened - which should have counteracted the sweet salsa. Next came the over greasy homemade taco shells, my fingers were shiny and there was a puddle on the plate from the constant dribble. My weight this morning probably went up a pound from hardened arteries! So I decided to skip the shell option and scraped out the contents - and was hugely disappointed in what I saw - the smallest piece of fish ever! It was barely the width of a pencil and fitting the length of the small taco shell; altogether, there was probably 1-2 oz of fish total on the plate. For $12...I won't dine here again. I'm not in a tax bracket high enough to waste money. There was no opportunity to complain during the meal, since no service came by to check on us. We had to go to the counter to pay, as we were trying to get to the theatre & were running late. The waitress that ignored us earlier to serve the "regulars" tables before us, cheerily asked if she could get us anything else? The answer was and is, "No. No thank you!"
(2)
Elizabeth S.
I meant to write this review a while back but just got busy. Went here for brunch on what happened to be Mother's Day. Food was excellent. I had the huevos rancheros which is one of my favorite breakfast dishes, and it was definitely one of my favorite versions in Raleigh. It seemed healthier than some I've had too b/c they had lettuce and fresh salsa and not just eggs and beans. The only reason I am giving 4 stars is because service was unbearably slow. Yes, it was Mother's Day; yes, it was a weekend. But come on, who doesn't expect everywhere to be busy that day and staff appropriately?? And it wasn't the food that was slow, which is understandable when places are slammed, it was getting us the check and returning it to us.... So, loved the food, loved the outdoor patio, frustrated by the slow service.
(4)
Jessica B.
I have eaten at Black Cat Cafe three times and have had nothing but great experiences. They have a lot of delicious vegetarian options, and their desserts do not disappoint. The staff is friendly and helpful. My only suggestion would be to add more side options. As of now, sandwiches come with a side of kettle chips. I don't really care for kettle chips, and would love some options, such as fries, side salad, veggies, etc. Other than that, I think they have a great thing going on.
(5)
Al W.
Farm fresh food. Great lunch, with some unique takes on classic items. I had the Mexican Lasagna made with black beans. It was great. They even have yellow-mustard potato salad.
The Black Cat Cafe is a really enjoyable little street-side restaurant. I think it would be best dining here during the spring, summer, and fall months of the year, as the outdoor seating is the best option in my opinion. While they do have indoor seating, the best ambiance is outdoors, although they do have really great artwork inside the cafe. We tried the turkey melt, and an 8" cheese pizza. Both were delicious, and being seated outdoors during a sunny spring day added to the enjoyment. It's in a tucked away North Hills location as compared to the rest of the shopping and dining in the area, but it's definitely worth looking for. The young woman who helped us when we ordered at the counter was very friendly, and although they do bring your food out to your table, it's a bit of a "no frills" kind of place. You fill your own drink at the drink machine, so you really need to go back inside to refill it during your meal if you run out. No one really comes back to check on you once you have paid for your meal and have had it brought over to your table. We knew that upon ordering though, so we were fine with it. Parking is available outside the cafe in the shopping center's private lot. I wouldn't really recommend it for large groups or kids, but as a nice, romantic, cute little bistro style cafe for lunch or dinner, it's great.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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Lauryn C.
I would round this up to 3.5 if I could but overall it was a-ok for me. I believe they took over the old Hot Points Deli and the menu seems a little similar as well. If you are looking for a large menu with a lot of veggie & vegan options then you should definitely check out Black Cat Cafe I was really shocked by the wide selection on the menu. It was a little confusing at lunch time but I shortly realized it was more of a fast casual restaurant you order up front and they bring you your food. It was tough to pick what to eat with this large menu but I was craving a salad so I ordered up the salmon salad. I thought the salmon was cooked very well but over salted a bit. The salad itself was fresh and full of veggies including cucumbers, roasted red peppers, and more. I ordered the 1/2 size version I can't even imagine what the full size salad looked like and at almost $12 for the 1/2 version I'm not sure I could even afford it. They have wine and beer and also serve a selection of coffee drinks. They also have wi-fi a big plus for me. The servers were very nice and made sure everyone was happy with their meals. I'd give this place another shot for sure but nothing blew me away on this visit that would have me running back anytime soon.
(3)Tamela S.
Used to be good... horrible now. Not sure if this restaurant has new ownership or what but less I visited in June of 2015 and the service and food was good and prices were reasonable. Today, the complete opposite. Base omelet with just 3 eggs is $9.. each cheese $1.00 extra, each veggie $.75 extra. So for a base veggie omelet with fruit we are already talking at minimum $15. The only omelet you could order with ingredients already included was a western which had cheddar, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. I asked if I could sub out the green peppers and was told that they don't allow substitutions at all! Drinks $2.25 each and all of the sodas were completely flat. Waitress was very aloof and when we seemed shocked by the "no substitutions rule" she said "it's a new menu." Needless to say won't be going again.. especially when you can go 5 mins down the road to Courtneys and enjoy brunch the right way.
(1)Dan L.
I agree with another reviewer that the staff treat you like a burden. I went in one afternoon at 2:30 and was very quickly informed that they would be closing at 3 but that I could come back at 5:00. Bad first impression and certainly my last visit to this restaurant.
(1)C H.
Such a good brunch spot! Our group was pretty indecisive and the server was helpful and very patient. Although the breakfast options looked pretty great, everyone got different salads. The Thai curry, Aegean, and the Farmer's Market salads all were done with such high quality ingredients. Greens and toppings were so fresh and seasonal. Outdoor seating is tucked in and feels separate from the N Hills parking area. I was really impressed. Service was also so pleasant and accommodating.
(5)Thomas S.
Tucked away behind the Bonefish Grill and a few other bigger businesses, it's an easy place to miss. I was in the area and decided to drop in for a quick breakfast. The server was kind of monotone throughout and didn't express much emotion, but seemed like a nice enough girl. I opted for the shrimp and grits with cajun spices, with a few adjustments. It was delicious! I was a little concerned with the portion size at first, but it wound up being just right. For dessert, I wanted to try something I didn't see too often so I got the jasmine rice pudding. It was alright, the rice was too firm and nothing really stood out. Next time, I'll pick a different finish. Maybe tiramisu or the peanut butter pie. Haven't had it for any other meal, but would recommend this place for breakfast or brunch.
(4)Stephanie H.
I think we came at a weird time or something? We stopped in for dinner and were the only two there, other than the employees. We ordered drinks and browsed the menu. This menu has a LOT of different dishes, sometimes that makes me nervous because I tend to appreciate restaurants that don't boast so many menu items because really, how can you nail any one of those dishes? Sometimes quality is more important than quantity, and in this case, I believe that to be true. I ordered the veggie lasagna and my husband had the club. The veggie lasagna was layered with tortillas and cheese and vegetables. Then piled high with cheese on top. I ate a couple of bites before feeling like this meal was entirely too heavy. My husband's club was your typical club, nothing incredible or outstanding about it. The service was mediocre at best. We sat with empty glasses for a good portion of our meal - my husband and I decided we COULD refill it ourselves because the soda machines were right behind us, but he flagged the waitress down instead. Probably wouldn't eat here again with so many other places in the area.
(2)Carlos M.
Been here multiple times I don't know if I have to say "I use to love this place" or "never coming back" for today's experience I would give 0 starts if I could . The food was great, and . But in a restaurants like this one food is not all that it matters , SERVICE. Very disappointed with the service all I have to say to resume my visit today ,after I got sat I had to go to the counter to order my meal cuse nobody came to my table in 5 min while the people that work there was checking their cellphones and eating there. clearly they don't care about their job or what is that ? After I got my meal same thing servers would pass by and still nothing no service. Where was the manager ? The owner? Who cares about this place? Cuse obviously the staff that was there today , I don't think so.
(1)Lisa M.
I prefer to eat vegetarian, and "California healthy food" is my favorite (just so you know what I like). I have, however,had a hard time finding vegan food that I actually enjoy eating ( even in California). I bought a vegan veggie burger with pineapple salsa and black beans (wasn't sure about the vegan part, but I love pineapple), and it was just plain delicious.Then I got some peanut butter pie; absolutely amazing. I will definitely be back for more wonderful "Black Cat Cafe" food. "Thank You Raleigh and Black Cat Cafe" for finally enthusiastically joining the "vegetarian/vegan food" movement.......Yahoo!!!!!
(5)Lori R.
Black Cat Cafe had a Cool Cat vibe going on Friday night. Glad we got to experience it! Vegan Son in town pulled out his Happy Cow app for vegan-friendly places after we decided First Friday downtown might be too busy to get into some of those. We were afraid busy North Hills might be an issue also as it was around 7, but we were able to get right in with a table of 5. They had some Cool Cat live music going on which was a nice plus. Service...friendly and excellent. Drinks arrived quickly. Menu had a great variety, and everything sounded really good. Sandwiches, Salads, pizzas, burritos, full dinners... Vegan Son was torn between a few enticing options. He went with the Vegan BBQ sandwich with horseradish slaw, which he very much liked. Two others were happy with their Chicken Burritos. Exact-Opposite-Son-From-His-Brother got the Whole Hog Burger which had ham and bacon with BBQ sauce piled on a burger, minus the fried onions it called for (sad!). I opted for the Salmon BLT Sliders with a lime aioli. These were perfectly cooked and the balance of flavors was light and crave-worthy delicious! I also got to try Son's Parmesan/Rosemary Fries that came with his Burger and I loved them. He thought they had too much parmesan and rosemary though (IS there really such a thing???) Atmosphere, Food, Reasonable Prices, Service...all spot on! We'll be back to visit this cat, that's for sure! I am editing this to add that we went back the following Friday night with friends. I had loved the Salmon BLT Sliders so much that I ordered them again and my friend ordered them too. Sadly they were totally disappointing. Instead of big juicy pieces of salmon on each, they were so small I had to pick up the bun lid to see if there was really salmon on them. It was mostly tomato and aioli. And NO bacon. Wah! I was embarrassed to have recommended them. That being said, maybe it was an off-night. I am going to assume that and give them another try, because everything was so fabulous the week before!
(4)elizabeth M.
Huevos rancheros, while not exactly done in a traditional way, was still expertly prepared and ingredients were fresh. I found the decor to be fun and lively and the patio is super in with a wall that gives a sense of separation from the parking lot and the shopping mall atmosphere. I went there for breakfast but the rest of the menu looked absolutely delicious. I will go again and again.
(5)Austin S.
So, it was Sunday and we were looking for a fun new place to get some brunch. We were away from the Pam's and farmers market restaurant and were closer to North Hills. Before I start, just go to Pam's or the farmers market for brunch and skip this place. Just run the extra few minutes and go to those yummy houses of food happiness. I gave this 2 stars because the name of the place is cute and there is outdoor seating. We were sat outside because we asked and it was gorgeous out. I had no predispositions and had no clue what the menu would be like. Their menu has so many stipulations. My bestie usually gets a. Club for brunch, but you can only order it on weekdays? Whatever. Fine. We ordered sodas and asked for a few minutes. I ordered the classic French toast with eggs and bacon. My bestie got some sort of monster sandwich with rosemary-garlic fries. I will say that someone ordered a pizza and it smelled amazing! Anyway, our food came and I will say that they have great presentation! That food was beautiful and probably Twitter/Instagram worthy if I took that many pictures of food. I do sometimes for yelp, but I forgot because I was starving. I could smell my besties fries from 2 feet away and I'm sorry, but it's gross when you're trying to eat French toast and all you can smell is garlic and heavy herbs. I pushed passed. The eggs were lightly warm and a full on solid when I got them, the bacon was cooked well, but next level greasy. There was a damn coating o'grease. I ate these things and got super excited for the French toast. It was adorable and powdered with sugar fairy goodness. It has amazing texture, but I got instant cavities. It tasted like candy. It was so sweet- overboard before I even put syrup on it. I do the pre and post syrup taste test. The syrup actually dulled the taste down a bit and was awful. There wasn't even a slight maple flavor. It was like molasses sugar water so it would be nice if the syrup was syrup and not whatever was in that cup. My friend stole my oranges from my fruit bowl because her breath was just rosemary and garlic. She also spent the rest of the day in the bathroom and that was all she had eaten so I don't know. This place seems to have really good reviews, but I was left wanting. It's a cute little place with a cute little name, but it was just very blah to me. I had one piece of the 4 pieces of French toast and I told the waitress that it was inedible and sweeter than most candies. She kind of laughed awkwardly and took our plates. The check was about $35 and we were starving by the time we got to dinner so we paid that much for eggs, bacon, a few fries and half of a sandwich. I feel a little bad, but the food was gross and the service just wasn't all that .
(2)Amanda P.
The vegan barbecue sandwich is without a doubt the best sandwich I have ever had. I only wish that I lived closer so I could eat here more often. There are lots of vegetarian and vegan things on the menu, and all of them look delicious. I might try them if I ever order anything other than the barbecue. The only drawback to my meal was that the fries were really, really oily. I pressed one lightly against the plate and a puddle of oil came oozing out. I just couldn't eat them. I wouldn't order those again, but there are other sides you can get instead. My husband ordered a sausage calzone, which he said was also delicious. I'm sure it would be great, but I'm sticking with my barbecue sandwich.
(5)Eleanor S.
Once I found the turkey melt, I became a one-trick pony and kept ordering it because it is so damn delicious. Then I discovered the catfish tacos, then the chicken salad, then their take on the Greek salad, then their tomato bisque. Now I'm all confused when I go in there because everything is so freaking delicious and made with love that I never know what to try next. Also, their sweet potato fries are the best I've ever tasted. That may sound like hyperbole, but I've tried many, many sweet potato fries. Bonus, the owner is incredibly kind and checks in to make sure our meals are good. He encourages me to try different things, which I WILL do because I haven't met an entree that's made me even remotely sad yet. I looooooooove eating here!
(5)John D.
Brunch is my favorite meal of the weekend, and Black Cat Café is one of my favorite places to go for it. They have really great coffee. The Cat's Breakfast Poppers or the "Cinn-ful" Roll are great starters to share. The Belinda BLT is awesome. Overall, Black Cat Café has a great atmosphere, sometimes even live music for brunch, friendly and attentive staff, and delicious food. Cheers!
(4)Anila Y.
I've been here twice now, and I have to say it's become one of my favorite places in Raleigh! I have only had their veggie BBQ sandwich, but that is because it is SO GOOD that I don't want to try any of the other items! Take the owner's advice and go for the sweet potato fries on the side as well (it comes with chips, but you can sub)!! They serve them with this AMAZING maple aioli!! I couldn't stop eating them even though I was so stuffed! The first time I came here, I had takeout, but I have to say the food was SIGNIFICANTLY better when I dined in. My friend tried the Udon Noodles and said they were really good too! Service is great, and this place is not too expensive. It's a great venue for a cute date or catching up with a friend :-)
(5)Shelly E.
A restaurant that serves breakfast must have good coffee! Black Cat does it well. I really appreciate the vegetarian options on the menu and the scratch made cinnamon rolls are yummy.
(5)danielle F.
I was in Raleigh for a few days and stumbled across this beauty. It's a mom & pop place. Very friendly service and fast. I Had a Farm fresh salad with "chicken-less". Very fresh and light, great lunch spot. They seem to have regulars and they have a good amount of outdoor seating.
(4)Blake M.
Well I've been back now and I'm 100% underwhelmed. I came with my family who was in town for Thanksgiving for a Saturday lunch. My moms shrimps and grits were reported to be especially bland, with pretty much 0 flavor. My hoppin johns with corn cakes were fine, but the portion was small and the flavor unremarkable. My dad seemed happy enough with his sandwich, but didn't have any enthusiasm about it. My fiancée really enjoyed his veggie bbq sandwich, but we're pretty sure the filling came from a local soy company and wasn't made in house. Couple the underwhelming food with the inconsistent service and several errors on our bill, none of us felt like we would ever be back.
(2)John S.
We've been here several times...food has always been good. However, our last visit was very disappointing. Extremely slow service and basically non-existent wait staff. After waiting far too long, I had to go in to check on our order after other tables that had been seated after us had received their food and our waitress was awol. I went inside and asked another server about our meal. Both she and the owner were completely ambivalent about the situation. After being told to "wait here" outside the kitchen, no one came back with an answer. I came to conclusion we should leave just when the food arrived at our table...with no apology or explanation. One waitress did come by later and said the kitchen was backed up....it would have been far more understandable if we had been advised during the delay and at least gotten our empty glasses refilled. There's a serious attitude adjustment required at this place if they want to continue their success.
(2)Susie Q.
The food here is great and salads are wonderful and fresh! I really love their brunch items especially the crabcake Benedict- so good with a bit of a kick to it! I'm only giving it four stars because it's too noisy. The music is pretty loud and you have to speak up just to talk to the person at the table with you. I'm not talking about the live music, it's the canned music. I wish restaurants wouldn't do this - it really takes away from the meal and enjoyment of the space.
(4)Anita V.
I went to this place on a weekend for dinner. There were six of us and were predominantly vegetarians. We made reservations since it was 6 of us, but it wasnt crowded at all. This place has a quaint cafe ambiance. They have so many vegetarian/vegan options to choose from. The menu is a little overwhelming because they have a lot of variety. Burgers, sandwiches, lasagnas, southern specialties like grits, pizzas, noodles... you name it and you will find it in the menu. There is something for everyone. Of course, we ordered diverse items from the menu and I got to taste a little bit of everything across the table. Everything was extremely tasty and fresh. The teriyaki udon was amazing! Even the calzone was fresh and flavorful. The Cat-atouille on Baked Grits Cake was delicious. We had asked to make everthing spicy and they did even if the dish wasn't meant to be! very rarely can you find a place where everything is good across the board. The service was great and waitress was very polite and attentive. I cant wait to return! I would love to check out their lunch options too.
(5)Aline S.
Amazing place for brunch with plenty of vegetarian options. I was a vegetarian for 8 years and every time I come across a place with vegetarian options I don't think twice before ordering even if I eat meat now I'm always drawn and prefer to eat vegetarian option food and this is the place
(4)Jen N.
What an fantastic little gem hides behind the big glitzy shops and restaurants of North Hills. We met some friends for lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the casual, open dining room and unique, organic menu. Upon entering, you place your order, grab your drinks at the self-serve drink station, and find a seat. You'll get a little number to place on your table and a server will bring your entrees. I couldn't resist the Hoppin' John with Fried Corn Cakes and I won't be able to resist them again! The beans were so tasty and served with fresh lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and rice. The fried corn cakes were absolutely scrumptious! Everyone at our table was mumbling yummy sounds as we enjoyed our lunch. All of the entrees were fresh and delicious. They offer a wide variety of salads, pizza, and entrees like fish tacos and shrimp & grits. Many of their dishes are vegetarian or even vegan. We were there for a business lunch, so we enjoyed coffee and sodas, but they do have wine and beer available. Service is fast and friendly. Parking might get sticky at times when North Hills is busy. But they have a wonderful outdoor patio that I'm sure will be absolutely wonderful when the weather warms up. Excellent little cafe... great place for a business lunch. We will definitely be back!
(4)Jennifer B.
Great patio and great food. Get a patio table if you can. Both breakfast and lunch have lots of options to choose from. Good for kids too.
(4)Nerri Y.
Hands down a favorite lunch spots in the North Hills area. Service is quick, ingredients are fresh, and both the patio and indoor seating areas are great options. I am absolutely guilty of almost always ordering the same thing - the Aegean Chicken Salad. Even the half portion is plenty of food and it is just so delicious that every time I try to order something else I can't deviate. Except for an amazing order of huevos rancheros one brunch that was so tasty I couldn't stop eating until I thought I might puke. Other delicious items include the Thai curry chicken salad and the chicken salad sandwich. It's my go-to lunch spot for friends and coworkers, and everyone I've taken there has always thoroughly enjoyed their meal. To sum up, it's the perfect spot for a working lunch or a weekend brunch. And as an added bonus - they are super dog friendly. Dog bowls and dog treats - so treat your puppy to a patio brunch on a nice day!
(5)Rachael L.
The food is always excellent and there are some very yummy unique dishes, like the mexican lasagna (which you can get with fake chicken if you're vegetarian). In fact, there are many great options for vegetarians. Hands down, the peanut butter pie is my favorite thing. The staff have always been friendly and upbeat in my experience. I love the casual cafe ambience and they have done an excellent job of beautifying their patio, so we love to sit outside and eat when the weather permits. One of my favorite places to eat lunch or dinner.
(5)Alison L.
Great food, excellent menu and reasonable prices. We went with a big group and had a great time. However service was very slow.
(4)Pam M.
Convenient location with plenty of parking. Good service and an outdoor patio to to enjoy in nice weather. Nice variety of healthy options on the menu. Another local business I'm a fan of!
(4)Anne K.
Let me start off with the good things about Black Cat Café - The menu is super vegetarian and vegan friendly, and the staff were very warm and welcoming. I also love that they have an outdoor seating area. While I was there a couple of musicians set up and entertained the diners. What could be better?! The food was not spectacular but it was not bad. I had a veggie burger and, as if often the case with veggie burgers, it was quite dry. A little more sauce or a juicy salsa might have made a big difference. (Some places make their own veggie burgers back in the kitchen but this one was a frozen patty that had been warmed up.) My husband had a burger with meat and said it was fairly good but nothing to write home about. My son loved his pepperoni pizza and, from the look of it, it was freshly made back in the kitchen. I liked the decor of the cafe with the cat artwork and other nice paintings around, but the dining room is small and the chairs are not especially comfortable. Some cafes have sofas and armchairs that encourage and welcome guests to stay for awhile, and that sort of thing makes a big difference in the atmosphere of the restaurant. Though there was nothing wrong with the dining area in Black Cat Cafe, there was nothing there that made me feel like settling in for a long stay either. Since there are so many lovely vegetarian options on the menu and there is a nice outdoor patio, I will definitely be back again. I will try other things on the menu and I'll update my review if I can. --AnneK
(3)Cheyenne C.
This was my first time there and it was a little unclear whether or not you pay at the register ahead of time or you sit down and wait for the waiter/waitress to bring you a menu, etc. The staff there did not make any moves to direct me to a table or to the ordering counter, which I thought was a little odd, and I had to ask if we should seat ourselves or not. I ordered the turkey melt, and the food came out at a decent time. However, my sandwich was only room temperature as if it had been sitting out for a while and not warm as I expected. The sandwich itself was pretty good (but not spectacular)- the bread toasted well, good amount of turkey, and adequate sauce. However, the turkey was a little dry, the sauce could have been more evenly spread, and there was a single small piece of lettuce. Overall, this place is a little on the pricier side but not a bad place to grab a bite to eat! The food is good but not great, and they do offer a wide variety of items on the menu.
(3)Dee T.
Great food at a reasonable price in the heart of upscale Midtown. I've never been disappointed with any dish I ordered. Some reviewers complain about the service and not being waited on by staff. This place is not a sit down waiter/ress type of establishment. You order/pay at the counter which is visible upon entering so shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. I'd rather fix my own drink and pay at the counter than to be waited on and charged a higher fee for food. Quaint is what Black Cat Café is and delivers this to all who dine there--at least the several times I've eaten there. I would recommend this to everyone, but then again, if I did, it might get too crowded.
(4)Sarah J.
My friend and I just dined here and had a horrible experience. My friend has a serious gluten intolerance (not the trendy kind) and asked if the Hawaiian sauce had gluten. The waitress wasn't sure so asked the chef. He told her it was gluten free. Three bites in she realized the Hawaiian sauce had teriyaki sauce in it, a key ingredient of which is soy sauce. Anyone with a basic understanding of food knows that soy sauce is made of soy and wheat. As were talking to the hostesses, he came out to tell us that his teriyaki sauce is gluten free because his soy sauce is "pure soy." What? No. I asked if he used tamari, which is gluten free. He looked at me like I was speaking Greek. Apparently this man is also the owner. Instead of apologizing, he continued to argue that his soy sauce is gluten free. He clearly has no understanding about food allergens, which is kind of scary. We asked to see the soy sauce bottle. He refused. People, please don't eat here if you have any food allergies, because the chef/owner is horribly incompetent and unqualified to be serving people food. On the plus side, our waitress was lovely.
(1)Sean A.
I took my girlfriend here for brunch this morning since they had some great reviews on Yelp but I am not sure that I would go back. The portions were smaller than I would have liked, both my girlfriend and myself were still hungry after we finished our meals. I ordered the Crab Cake Benedict and she had the Huevos Rancheros. The crab cakes were delicious, well spiced and cooked to perfection but the dish really could have used a heavier component like english muffins or potatoes because as it was there just wasn't enough food. Usually a Benedict is served on top of an english muffin anyway so I was surprised to see that this version was not. The Huevos Rancheros was different than some other variations we have had around Raleigh. It was served with lots of color including a fresh pico de gallo and lettuce on top but the one ingredient that this dish fell short on was the meat. Instead of the usual chorizo or spicy sausage this dish had just your usual breakfast sausage which, in my opinion, did not pack enough punch to make this dish stand out. When two people leave a restaurant and they are both just as hungry as when they arrived it is difficult to justify giving that establishment more than a few starts. Brunch is an important meal on the weekend and unfortunately I feel as though mine was wasted this morning.
(3)Annie G.
What a lovely little lunch spot. Even though we were in the area on a Saturday and it was extremely busy in the shopping center, Black Cat was tucked away and had a really relaxed feel to it. Outside there was plenty of seating and a man playing music on his guitar (and cracking jokes). I was trying to be healthy so I got the Agean (?) chicken salad (the full size) and it was delicious! It was super huge too, enough for 2 people. I happily took half of it home. My husband got one of the chicken sandwiches...all I know is it involved a breaded, fried piece of eggplant that was to die for! Sooooo yummy! And honestly, I think the difference between a good sandwich and a great sandwich is the BREAD! This place had delicious fresh baked bread that was just perfect! Can't wait to go back and try more options. They also have vegan and vegetarian options!
(4)Leigh H.
Ended up at the Black Cat Cafe by accident and was so glad I did! We arrived on a weeknight around 7:00. It was not busy. Staff was very friendly, and our server was good at answering any questions we had about the food. I had the Hoppin John with Fried Corn Cakes. It was magnificent! My friend had the baked eggplant sandwich and thoroughly enjoyed it as well. My impression of the food was that it was very fresh. I would definitely go back soon. I was also impressed that they made it simple to turn a large number of their dishes into vegetarian and/or vegan. This is a great place for people who may have a variety of dietary needs or wants. There really is something for everyone. They had a pizza menu with some great sounding items. I am looking forward to giving one a try.
(4)Christina M.
Loved this place. We went for breakfast on a Sunday morning. Our waitress was so sweet. She even made me ice coffee. It's a causal place with sitting inside and out. I got the huevos rancheros, which I thought was one of the best I've ever had. I will have to return for lunch or dinner at some point.
(5)Andy W.
Four stars is generous for this place because the food is probably a three star. However, I like the staff a lot and that can go a long way...at least for me. I am not saying the food is bad because it not. They have a unique selection of menu items such as Italian, Mexican, burgers, salad(aegean chicken!), etc.. Low key place for a date night or just to chill out with some wine. They changed ownership about 2 years and it's been for the best. Call before you head out because they are not open 7 days a week.
(4)Sarah G.
Yum!! We ended up here for Sunday brunch and I'm so glad! I enjoyed the breakfast BLT, which is just a BLT with fried egg on sourdough, but you could have gotten it on a waffle. Somehow, I restrained from the waffle. My husband enjoyed a delicious siciliano sandwich with veggies and chicken. It was a good thing I didn't indulge in that waffle-sandwich because when our waitress mentioned "dessert" and "peanut-butter pie" in the same sentence, well you know what happened. The PB pie was delicious and HUGE. This is a casual and laid-back local restaurant and I can't wait to come back.
(4)Nicole K.
If you are a vegetarian (or just like great food) in the Triangle, Black Cat should be your go to spot for every meal of the day. The owner and staff are super friendly and the food is out of this world. Try the huevos rancheros for brunch and the cardinal for lunch/dinner. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Kristy A.
Stopped at the Black Cat Cafe for lunch while running errands in North Hills. While I was tempted to enjoy their lovely outdoor patio, it was a little warm, so I headed inside. The staff behind the counter greeted me immediately and directed me to choose a seat wherever I was comfortable. The table service was prompt and polite - two thumbs up. As far as the food, there were several breakfast and lunch options that appealed to me. After some deliberation, I chose the eggplant sandwich on fresh foccacia. It was a large sandwich that came with a side of potato chips. I ate half just as it came and then removed the banana peppers on the other half. It was really delicious both ways. The roasted vegetables on the sandwich were a great compliment to the fried eggplant and everything was well balanced. The foccacia bread was a perfect vehicle for the rest of the ingredients. It held up great too -- not soggy or falling apart even at the very last bite.
(5)Kay N.
I want to like this place, but I have such inconsistent experiences with the food. And I'm too hungry for this mess. One week my eggs will be outstanding, the next week they're undercooked and gooey. One week the sausage gravy is tart and sour, another week the syrup tastes like honey. At least the asparagus is consistent in the way it tastes like nothing. The good service is always the saving grace, but I want to enjoy my meal and order without fear that the kitchen can't pull off the task.
(2)Mike M.
Black cat is great, not only is the food great. My wife and I have come for breakfast, brunch, lunch, & dinner (all great). The Brunch is my favorite, my wife had the Grand Marnier French toast which I ate a good portion of because I couldn't help it and I had the country scrambled eggs which are a bacon lovers dream. Overall the best part of everything is how nice the owners are and how well they not only treat me but my dog. They bring out a nice water bowl for my dog with a side of treats, if you love your furry friend as much as me stop by for great food and great service.
(5)Maribeth W.
I got the black bean soup and chick'n pot pie (I had been craving a vegetarian friendly pot pie) and loved every second of it. I had debated between that and the Mexican Lasagna, but let me tell you the pot pie was amazing! Loved the place and the friendly atmosphere.
(5)Sarah M.
My daughter and I were in the area a few months ago, looking for somewhere to eat when we saw the Black Cat Cafe. I'm a vegan and figured I would have to get a salad, but she was starving so I didn't want to make her wait. The BCC is small inside, but clean and cute. We have been twice, both times on a Sunday around noon, and they have a breakfast and brunch menu. My daughter got the marinara pasta both times (she's a pasta junkie) and I was thrilled to see that they have 2 yummy vegan dishes - the chick-less salad and the veggie bbq. Both times I got the veggie bbq sandwich. I told the waitress I was a vegan so she made sure they used a vegan bread. The first time they used a whole wheat bread and it was good - the 2nd time they used a whole wheat ciabatta and it was amazing. The 2nd time we brought my husband and he got a (non vegan) Cubano sandwich and said it was amazing. Also, on the 2nd visit they had a very talented guitarist playing. We will definitely be back again! eta: We go back monthly and love it more every time.
(5)Krystal B.
Great place! Food was awesome and the staff was very friendly and attentive. Get the crab cake benedict if you ever go for breakfast.
(5)Rakhi K.
Food is good but wait staff have a bad attitude! I felt very un-welcomed after 10 min of waiting to be seated and finally seating myself! There is no sign to wait and never really had to face this bad attitude until today! I will not be visiting again until something changes!!
(1)Holly G.
No. Great veg options and great food, but I never consider this place because of past customer service experience. Every table around our table of four had their food and/or drinks - including a few companion animals - although we were first to be seated. Our waitress walked by and ignored us multiple times. I wanted to believe it was an accident, but after waiting for someone to take our drink orders for an hour, it was clear we were not welcome. We ended up leaving. It's also difficult to ignore the fact that every time I've been here and have had below average service, my partner has been with me, either along with other people or just her. I have not returned to this place since the rude encounter with the manager about a year ago and I will not return. Best of luck to this business, but I would never recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Louis V.
It's been awhile since my first review of Black Cat Cafe and since then I've visited this location about a dozen times. There has been major improvements since my first review and it's only fair to share this feedback; -All menus now have a legend on them explaining what the different icons mean. -The unprofessional waitstaff that I originally wrote about seem to no longer work at this location. -After talking with both owners, they are very willing to spend time with you to help create different dishes to cater to your dietary needs. -I learned to sub out the chips (which I still do not like) with hummus which makes me a lot happier. -The Jasmine Rice dessert is divine. There are a few little quirky things that I feel Black Cat needs to straighten up on before I could consider this a 5 star cafe. I am excited to say that the owners take tremendous pride in their establishment and are constantly working to improve the experience for the customer. I feel like a 5 star is lurking around the corner, but it's just not ready yet.
(4)Lauren S.
The food here is wonderful with many different options. It seems they've slowly integrated a better more helpful staff and the place seems more cheery than it was before. There are always great changes and specials and the owner always greets me when I come in. (I recommend the bread pudding and really any of the food there.)
(4)Vinay A.
Delicious food. They have a small, tasty kids menu and are great with kids. I really enjoyed the Cuban flatbread sandwich.
(5)Kathy V.
I live in Chapel Hill and have to drive to Raleigh every 5-6 weeks to get my dog groomed. Instead of driving back to Chapel Hill I have breakfast in Raleigh (North Hills area). I have eaten at both the Black Cat and the Broken Egg more than once at both cafes. The Black Cat has better tasting food, service and atmosphere than the Broken Egg. It is a great way to start off my Saturday mornings.
(4)joann L.
What a nice surprise...Tasty foods..an airy waitress and lots of natural light with a view of passers by. Had the fancy grits bowl and a side of sausage..surprise. it wasnt pork, but liver! Honestly everyone working was genuinly interested in serving its customers which is a rarity in Raleigh...
(4)Andrea F.
Black Cat Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants! I found them when looking for a place with good vegetarian options. I tried the Veggie Barbecue Sandwich, which was awesome and just what I had been craving. My friend got the Mexican Lasagna which was also excellent and the vegetarian version is now my go-to dish here. If you manage to save room for dessert, Kat's Peanut Butter Pie is fantastic. (I have even come just for dessert before...)
(5)Shelby D.
Just as a little disclaimer, I am a hard to please restaurant-goer and this restaurant has now become one of my favorites in the Raleigh area despite only have dined here once! Great restaurant, with a great cafe menu. Often times when I go to a cafe the menu is a little boring and blah, but Black Cat Cafe seems to do a unique spin on some classics, which result in something delicious. My mom and I chose to sit on their outside patio which was nicely decorated. I personally had the 'Pollo Cardinale' sandwich, which was by far the best sandwich I've had in a long time. My mom had the Portobello Sandwich and loved hers as well, and was extra excited because she is gluten-free and they offered gluten-free bread that was actually good. (A lot of the time gluten-free bread can just be bad, but she was pleasantly surprised this time). They came with potato chips that were also good. We decided to get dessert and ordered the Jasmine Rice Pudding. Definitely a good choice, it was so delicious that we were almost licking the bowl. The cashier/waiter/cook/I think he was the owner? said he made most desserts himself which just added to the originality of it. I wish I could remember his name, but he was a really nice guy that was willing to help talk us through the menu to choose what was just right for us. Great customer service. And all this for a really reasonable price. I hope to return soon, to try their breakfast and dinner! Keep doing what you're doing Black Cat Cafe.
(5)Katie H.
Yikes. I guess I shouldn't have come for breakfast. We tried to brunch here because 1) it was open early and 2) we'd never heard of it and reviews were positive, but I have to say I was disappointed. I ordered a hot tea and paid $1.50 for a Lipton tea bag (for those of you who don't drink tea, Lipton is pretty much as cheap as it gets). The server never came to ask me if I wanted a refill. I got the eggs benedict. It was the worst eggs benedict I've ever had in NC. I almost sent it back because I was worried about getting sick--it had an aftertaste of hospital antiseptic. By the process of elimination, I concluded that the taste was coming from the english muffin, and that it wasn't dangerous, so I finished my meal. But if someone from the restaurant is reading this, PLEASE switch brands. It's disgusting. The eggs and Canadian bacon were cooked well, but that taste really killed the dish. The menu told me I would get a side of fruit. I got a side of grits instead, which I don't really like, but the servers didn't really seem friendly or willing to help me, so I just didn't eat my side. Normally Yelpers are pretty spot-on with their reviews, but I didn't see it this time. It would take a lot of cajoling to convince me to return here.
(2)Charles M.
Huevos were the best I have ever had. The cinnamon roll was slap your mamma good! I live in Richmond and would drive 2+ hours to eat there again. Service was personal and outstanding.
(5)Joanna D.
I love this little cafe. First, I enjoyed the music, wonderful classic jazz standards filled the air, while I enjoyed a lovely pizza and a glass of sparkling wine. The walls are lined with wonderful photography, the food is made from local ingredients, they serve local coffee and showcase live local talent. Today was my first visit to Black Cat Cafe but it won't be my last. The food was wonderful and I had this fantastic bread pudding that I am still thinking about 4 hours later. But, the best part of my visit was the service, it was friendly, personal service and I felt very welcome. I relaxed the same way I do when I'm on vacation and it was a Monday afternoon. The Black Cat Cafe has a european feel; I never felt rushed or hurried. I stayed a long time just enjoying the atmosphere, which tells me this place is a keeper.
(5)Melody F.
Three stars because the food was somewhat decent. I ordered a vegetarian dish and was brought hamburger. I ordered sweet potato fries which I had to pay extra for and was then brought chips The service was okay although I had to wait a long time for my order both the wrong order and then the right one. The wait staff was nice but overall I was not impressed. I will not be returning.
(3)Anthony G.
Went back for dinner and the food is still fresh and good. The Taquitos were not as good as they were for lunch a week ago and instead of 3 as I got for lunch there were now two. I also got the shrimp papaya thai rolls and I expected them to be fabu but they were a bit sad b/c there were no big whole shrimp just chopped up shrimp (Hopefully) My other guests had sandwiches and everyone said the food was great. I think the nest thing to do here is get sandwiches and salads which are outstanding. The dinner tends to be a little iffy but lunch is spiffy the Thai salad should have chicken breast instead it was white meat and sinewy.
(4)Guy C.
3 of 4 stars (good, casual dining). (see explanation of ratings below) Located in ever-popular North Hills, this casual bistro has new owners who have transformed the previous Hot Point location to what they call a "friendly neighborhood atmosphere". Allow 60-75 minutes (no dessert). Price: about $20 per person (drinks included, no dessert, gratuity excluded). Nice, shaded patio. Occasional live music. Waiter did not mention specials, but we did see them on a chalkboard as we were heading out. A late change to my order led to some confusion in the kitchen and a delay which was placated with a free glass of wine (nice touch). Food is good, well-prepared. Nothing too terribly creative. Great value. About my ratings: Only fine dining establishments can garner five stars. Until yelp realizes that a fast food joint cannot possibly be ranked equally with a $100 per person place, I need to draw the line somewhere. If we were only talking about the quality and presentation of the food, it would be a different story. But, as we know, yelp's rankings take into account the entire dining experience. Therefore, I divide restaurants into three categories (and I wish yelp would do the same): 1) fast food and "fast-casual" (no table service). 2) casual dining (table service, average entrée price: $10-$20). 3) fine dining (linen napkins, no plastic cups, no TV's in dining room, average entrée priced at more than $20). Fine dining can earn a max of five stars. Casual dining can earn a max of four stars. Fast food can earn a max of three stars.
(3)Kim W.
I was disappointed, the wait staff seemed unorganized and confused. Many things that were on the menu were no longer available, due to recipe changes. So I found something that was available. My salmon was very over cooked and dry. The vegetable consisted of 2 pieces of broccoli. I made the mistake of ordering dessert...don't! The bread pudding was soggy and overly salty! Not thinking we will be back.
(2)Sandra H.
What a great new find! Stumbled across (always looking for a good breakfast place!). We had the shrimp&grits and the huevos rancheros! Met the owner - so friendly! The grits are so tasty - had to get a biscuit to sop them up! We'll be back! New menu coming soon! Can't wait!
(5)Jennifer S.
Yummy food! Really exceptional. It was kind of busy, Saturday afternoon. Service a little slow. All in all, great experience. Will definitely come back
(4)Dee D.
This place is one of my favs! I have tried several items and I continually leave happy every time. I love Kat's Peanut Butter Pie when available. The last time they ran out, bummer. It's popular! I love the Breakfast BLT on waffles, yummy. This place gives a variety of options. I look forward to trying everything! It is located in a quaint spot with plenty of space inside and out. The staff is awesome! Great customer service. They serve love on a plate I say!
(4)Nathalie B.
Love this place! It has a really really great menu and great service but it was a little slow.
(4)Shilo H.
This place is AMAZING!! My boyfriend and I went here Saturday early afternoon. We were both hungry and neither of us could decide on what we wanted to eat and I found it randomly on my phone and thought we should try it. They were still serving brunch until 3pm which was awesome. We shared the Western Omelette, a side of bacon, and the Grand Marnier french toast. The food was on point, everything we got was delicious, if we had more room in our stomachs we definitely would have eaten more. The Black Cat Bellini is good and something different because they use ginger beer instead of prosecco. The Mimosas are amazing, definitely some of my favorite in the triangle area. Everything was fairly priced and the staff was very friendly. When we walked in there were plenty of seats and the staff was fast and attentive. We decided to purchase a coffee mug, they're not over priced like some places take home items can be, and we got two really delicious caramel coffee candies to go with it! I cannot wait to try this place out for lunch and dinner, I'm sure we will be equally impressed! I would recommend this place to ANYONE in the triangle area, especially those who would prefer something a little different and off the beaten path! I'm glad we found this little gem in Raleigh!
(5)Kyle R.
Please note that I visited the restaurant during Triangle Restaurant Week, so portions or pricing may vary for the normal menu. My trip was definitely hit or miss The best part of my experience was the presentation, simply amazing how every dish looked so appetizing, such amazing detail paid to each course. The worst part of my experience was the waitress. Don't get me wrong, every other staff member we interacted with was incredibly nice, and seemed to be wonderfully at home talking to the children of other customers and doing everything from holding the door for people to joking about the weather. But our waitress.. Oh man, she spent at least 10 minutes at the front counter chatting it up with someone I believe to the owner, before we had even gotten our appetizers ordered. The food itself varied quite a bit. For the appetizers I was pleasantly surprised by the Thai rolls flavor, but not the amount I was given (Its probably a bigger portion on the normal menu, cant hold this against them), and the other person I was with LOVED their curry chicken skewers. My entree was the blandest thing I have ever eaten in a restaurant. I ordered the chicken soba noodles dish, and I'm fairly certain I've had better out of the pre-packaged microwave varieties. My friend got the Mexican Lasagna which I must admit looked and tasted amazing, but was a little smaller than I would have liked had I been the one to order it. Dessert was the peanut butter pie for both of us, which was both tasty and a large portion. I just wish they hadn't prepared it on the counter in front of us. Just seemed a bit odd. The atmosphere itself was also a bit weird. They seem to be going for a slightly upscale sort of ambiance with lovely paintings on the wall, but then they have a self-serve soda machine and coffee maker sitting on a counter in the middle of the restaurant I'm willing to go back and think ordering a different entree would totally change my mind about this place, but this visit was definitely 3 stars
(3)Chris S.
Tried this place out after the restaurant we planned on going to was closed. It turned out to be a pretty good choice. They have vegetarian options for those that are interested also. I got the stromboli which was cooked to order and came out hot & fresh. It was very delicious and was cooked just right. I'd definitely try it again & would recommend it to anyone that likes a relaxing atmosphere and good food.
(4)Jan E.
Good food. Slow service. We saw one couple leave after waiting 10 minutes for someone to come by. But my chicken artichoke salad was a nice light lunch.
(4)Leilane V.
Great spot for a glass of wine or lunch with live music. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the service was excellent.
(4)R G.
This was my first and most likely my last visit April 15 2015. I've never been to a restaurant where you feel as if you are a burden, only to interrupt the woman behind the counter. The most unpleasant person I've ever met. When she did come to the table she asked "you done" and just took the plates. My friend and I both agreed not a place that needs our buisness. Maybe that was why there were only 2 other customers in the place. So many other restaurants would welcome your business in today's economic times, not this one. If your looking for a pleasant experience....RUN....As this is NOT THE PLACE. :0 ( I hope management will make a note.
(1)Kathryn B.
We ate there Saturday night. Very homey, friendly staff. The beer and wine selection was not several pages long but there was a great representation of local, imported, domestic, and draft. I ordered a steak, and was a little worried as this doesn't look like a :steak" place (the menu had an eclectic mix of interesting dishes from Thai curry chicken kabobs to catfish tacos and a number of vegetarian offerings). I got one of the best steaks I've ever had. Cooked as I ordered, very flavorful, and the $1 addition of caramelized onions was perfect. The rice & quinoa pilaf was very tasty, and after considering the vegetable side offerings (which was pretty extensive and varied) I got the asparagus, very fresh and not over-cooked. My husband had ordered Salmon Oscar but hadn't spoken as clearly as he should have, and his order got confused with Rosemary Chicken. It looked so good (chicken over pasta, roasted vegetables) .he was fine with it. It was ample and well-flavored. Both of the orders came with a thick focaccia (2 wedges each) with an intense jammy tomato sauce--so good! We cleaned our plates but the bread pudding with Irish cream/whiskey caramel sauce was irresistible. It was huge and delicious, very light-textured for bread pudding. The owner came over to check on us, which was a nice, personal touch. After trying several restaurants in the area (and not a bad meal in any of them) this is going to be our "go-to" place.
(5)Kimberly H.
Have been here several times for lunch and drinks, but when my coworker and I decided to try it as a breakfast spot this morning, they were closed! No note on door that we could see and their website says they are open at 8 for weekday breakfast. It was 9am when we arrived to find the place was dark. I hope there wasn't an emergency of some sort...it's unlike these folks to advertise breakfast and not be in! I will try again, but I'm miffed!
(1)Stephen G.
Incredible. When you want stellar food, not just a bite to eat somewhere, choose the cat.
(5)Steven C.
Great food and great staff. Favorite two dishes Fish tacos and Muenster sandwich. I also do catering with them for groups of 5 to 20 and they pt together some great sandwich trays.
(4)Randy B.
Owner Steve Jones isn't a chef, he's a food wizard. What a fantastic menu he presents! And everything on the menu is way above good. Black Cat Cafe is a hidden gem at North Hills, well worth the effort to find. Staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy.
(5)Lauren G.
We drove through Raleigh while on vacation and this place was on our way. We were happy to see so many vegetarian options. The salad basket sandwich was delicious and our favorite between our meals. We got the creme brulee with fresh strawberries for dessert. Creme brulee is one of my favorite dishes and they did a great job with it. Definitely hit the spot! On top of the great food, the service could not be friendlier. We felt right at home.
(4)Jeff S.
A breakfast to forget. A long wait for our meal, unenthusiastic service and finally expensive plates of uninspired food best described as un-fresh. The menu reads well, but the execution is a huge letdown. Weekend brunch prices (Humble Pie, Joule), but food quality well below a Waffle House or IHop.
(1)Emily L.
*update* After the fourth chance (I had restaurant.com certificates) I can finally say that the Black Cat Cafe is hands down the most unprofessional restaurant I've ever been to. Literally every time I've gone in there, excluding the first time, the service has been awful. Today I went with a few friends who have also been there and had the same terrible customer service experiences with them. We had restaurant.com certificates and wanted to get rid of them and that was the only reason we went back. At the end of our meal everything seemed to have gone fine, better than ever! Until we tried to use our certificates and we were told we could only use one per table(even though our checks were separate), which it does say in the fine print but I didn't read that. I understand that is my fault for not reading it. However, the "manager" was rude and not exactly customer oriented or even trying to help. And after going there and having terrible service every time I guess I was pretty easily upset by this and said aloud this was the fourth time we'd been there with something going wrong and that we wouldn't have even come back after the second time if we hadn't already bought the certificates and didn't want to waste them. The manager then became even more hostile and pointed at the door and said "well there's the door!" OKAY SIR! So not wanting to walk out on a $40 tab I waited another ten minutes for my check. Which they switched up and gave us the wrong ones and we ended up paying them anyways because they told us they gave us a discount of 7.50 on each check. We were beyond ready to leave and didn't really question the check situation until we were out the door and at our vehicles. We both paid cash and agreed it was not worth going back to argue with the prick of a manager. Unrelated to this visit, but the last time I went with the same group it was brunch and we waited 50 minutes and never got food. However, the dog that was at the table near us got his/her food and water from the waitress in a timely manner. We left and went to Lilly's pizza(10/10 highly recommend). TL;DR - several visits proved unprofessional management and terrible service. But hey! The foods really great! If you're in the Raleigh area and are looking for fine vegetarian cuisine check out The Fiction Kitchen, The Borough, or Remedy Diner. Initial review: Im a vegetarian and so far I've been to black cat cafe twice. Both times the food was good, but the second time the service was awful. The waitress let our drinks completely run out. Even the ice was gone. When we ordered communication was completely one sided, with her not responding at all. So I wasn't really surprised when our food came out wrong.. Honestly, if the food wasn't so good and they didnt have so many meatless options I wouldn't go back.
(1)Joe P.
My wife and I happened by here and really enjoyed ourselves. We very much appreciated the vegan options, the outdoor seating and live music. The wine/beer selection is pretty solid and the food was very good. I would encourage them to look at adding in some seitan options for those who try to avoid soy. Anyway, we can't wait to go back.
(4)P G.
this is a great place for breakfast, brunch lunches etc. i had the mushroom sandwich and my husband the eggs Benedict. both were awesome and very different then what you would get somewhere else. love this place and will be back soon.
(5)Cindy B.
This cafe certainly caters to the locals - their drinks were on the table before they even sat down & their food was ordered without them even looking at the menu, since they were regulars. Finally we were given menus; once the priorities were taken care of (did I mention we arrived first?). We got the eggplant sandwich and the fish tacos, a NC draft beer and the cider. The drinks were typically priced and the eggplant sandwich and chips were doable. I thought the "half sandwich" size for $9 was a bit much, but I consider the location has a lot to do with their pricing. I loved the cider and the over ice suggestion was a good one, as it is really, really sweet. On to the catfish tacos; one word "yuck!" Three tacos came with rice, very small piles of rice on the side. Inside was a pineapple salsa. The spice factor was zero, not even salt - which was bad as the fish was supposed to be blackened - which should have counteracted the sweet salsa. Next came the over greasy homemade taco shells, my fingers were shiny and there was a puddle on the plate from the constant dribble. My weight this morning probably went up a pound from hardened arteries! So I decided to skip the shell option and scraped out the contents - and was hugely disappointed in what I saw - the smallest piece of fish ever! It was barely the width of a pencil and fitting the length of the small taco shell; altogether, there was probably 1-2 oz of fish total on the plate. For $12...I won't dine here again. I'm not in a tax bracket high enough to waste money. There was no opportunity to complain during the meal, since no service came by to check on us. We had to go to the counter to pay, as we were trying to get to the theatre & were running late. The waitress that ignored us earlier to serve the "regulars" tables before us, cheerily asked if she could get us anything else? The answer was and is, "No. No thank you!"
(2)Elizabeth S.
I meant to write this review a while back but just got busy. Went here for brunch on what happened to be Mother's Day. Food was excellent. I had the huevos rancheros which is one of my favorite breakfast dishes, and it was definitely one of my favorite versions in Raleigh. It seemed healthier than some I've had too b/c they had lettuce and fresh salsa and not just eggs and beans. The only reason I am giving 4 stars is because service was unbearably slow. Yes, it was Mother's Day; yes, it was a weekend. But come on, who doesn't expect everywhere to be busy that day and staff appropriately?? And it wasn't the food that was slow, which is understandable when places are slammed, it was getting us the check and returning it to us.... So, loved the food, loved the outdoor patio, frustrated by the slow service.
(4)Jessica B.
I have eaten at Black Cat Cafe three times and have had nothing but great experiences. They have a lot of delicious vegetarian options, and their desserts do not disappoint. The staff is friendly and helpful. My only suggestion would be to add more side options. As of now, sandwiches come with a side of kettle chips. I don't really care for kettle chips, and would love some options, such as fries, side salad, veggies, etc. Other than that, I think they have a great thing going on.
(5)Al W.
Farm fresh food. Great lunch, with some unique takes on classic items. I had the Mexican Lasagna made with black beans. It was great. They even have yellow-mustard potato salad.
(5)Yaniv S.
My wife and I own a small restaurant not too far from the Black Cat Cafe. One of our customers/friends ( who coincidently manages a local restaurant) has been telling us to try the BCC for the longest time. With so many excellent choices in Raleigh, we didn't make it to the black cat for too long. That all changed last night. WoW. What a find. We could not have been more satisfied with every aspect of our visit. There was plenty of parking available. Before you can get to the front door you are already enjoying the ambience of the patio. The trees and shrubs surrounding the patio are very tastefully decorated with lights. From the moment that you walk through the front door you are greeted by very delightful, unique environment. Each staff member that we encountered greeted us with a nice attitude and a smile. The menu is unbelievable. There were so many things that we wanted to try we ended up with one appetizer and three entrées one of which was a salad. We had to force ourselves to not eat everything just so that we could enjoy some leftovers at the house in a day or two. We ordered the hummus served with vegetables. Their special touch with the red pepper and perhaps some spices? Had us licking the bowl clean. We ordered one of their grilled chicken salads and substituted their "chick-less" chicken. Let's just say the salad did not make it to the togo box. The "chic-less" chicken pot pie was decadent. The eggplant parmesan ( which is my jam) was so damn good it was scary. We had a craft beer (watermelon) and an americano coffee done right. It took every little bit of strength that we had not to order a dessert or a cookie. We were told by our friend that the peanut butter pie is something that cannot be missed. and they do breakfast on the weekends! What.... We plan on going back often. Well......since the above review we have been back to the BCC two more times for a total of three visits. Our second visit was with another couple and we ordered what seemed like most of the menu. The third stop was just my wife and me. At no point have we had anything other than amazing foods and flavors. For each of our 3 visits we had the same server. TETYANA. What a lovely pleasant young lady. Tetyana is very knowledgable, patient, funny, and easy going. We look forward to seeing Tetyana as much as we look forward to our next meal at the BCC.
(5)Michelle J.
The Black Cat Cafe is a really enjoyable little street-side restaurant. I think it would be best dining here during the spring, summer, and fall months of the year, as the outdoor seating is the best option in my opinion. While they do have indoor seating, the best ambiance is outdoors, although they do have really great artwork inside the cafe. We tried the turkey melt, and an 8" cheese pizza. Both were delicious, and being seated outdoors during a sunny spring day added to the enjoyment. It's in a tucked away North Hills location as compared to the rest of the shopping and dining in the area, but it's definitely worth looking for. The young woman who helped us when we ordered at the counter was very friendly, and although they do bring your food out to your table, it's a bit of a "no frills" kind of place. You fill your own drink at the drink machine, so you really need to go back inside to refill it during your meal if you run out. No one really comes back to check on you once you have paid for your meal and have had it brought over to your table. We knew that upon ordering though, so we were fine with it. Parking is available outside the cafe in the shopping center's private lot. I wouldn't really recommend it for large groups or kids, but as a nice, romantic, cute little bistro style cafe for lunch or dinner, it's great.
(4)