That said, the food is amazing! Great vegetarian and vegan options. Everything is always made fresh, is served piping hot, and is uber delicious. The vegetable sides for the bento boxes are often the highlight of the meal. I don't know what they do to the fried eggplant, but it's one of the best things I've ever tasted. This hole-in-the-wall shop is definitely worth a visit!
Today I watched a father and his two daughters order from the owner, who has been in business in the same location since before I was born. They were the only other customers in the restaurant, and their order was just before mine so I got to see the whole thing. When their food came, they were sitting at an outside table. The owner put their food at an unoccupied inside table. The father came inside and asked, "Can we sit outside please?" The owner shrugged helplessly. He asked again, very politely "We'd really like to sit outside, do you think we could?" The owner pointed aggressively at his food, already sitting on an inside table, and gave him a challenging look. He bowed his head and agreed to eat inside. The owner is a very unkind person.
This is by far the best food in Charlottesville. The owner is super nice too. Try the Wonderful Chicken!!!! Love the eggplant and curry potatoes.
Disclaimer: you probably won't visit Cafe 88 for the service. This restaurant is owned by a couple that does 100% of the work, and there always a bit frazzled.
Didn't like my experience here at all. First thing was wrong was when we were looking at the menu, she was rushing us the entire time, "what do you want?" Saying 10 seconds later, "So what is it gonna be?" Being rude. When we got the food there was hair in it. Next, got served the rice and chicken and the rice was really dry, so I went and asked was there any kind of sauce I could have to add to it, and she said "No!" And then threw two packs of soy sauce over the counter and said take it. WORST experience I've had around town in a while. WILL NOT be returning.
I went here with my friend due to us hearing that the former owner was leaving. Their beef noodles are divine, as well as their ground pork rice dish with marinated egg. Both were quite authentic Chinese food- a rare find in the Charlottesville area. Needless to say, I will be going back!
Cafe 88 is a US Restaurant based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Cafe 88 is located at 923 Preston Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
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