The food is so so. The presentation is amazing. I asked for a pretty basic chicken sandwich with lettuce tomato and mayo but they basically took a fancy sandwich and removed some of the fancy items so it was priced super high. The staff is nice enough but they don't really seem super friendly to be honest. read more

See all

I am so happy to see Cafe George By Paula back. I couldn't wait to order my favorite #4 Chicken Cutlet sandwich. I also love that you can always get a hot lunch and know that the soups are made from scratch. You can see Paula takes a lot of care to be creative and innovative to new ideas and diverse dietary needs. I also used them to cater an event for 25 people this summer and had the most amazing day. We had New England Clam Chowder, Lobster roles, Mediterranean Platter, Homemade chips, and various salsas (my favorite was the mango), Kabobs and an amazing cookie, tarts and brownie platter. read more

Cafe George By Paula - a platter of appetizers - Cafes Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I put together a professional event for my approx. 40 direct reports each year. It's basically a day of education and team-building. I had my event catered this year by Cafe George By Paula and they did an EXCELLENT job. The breakfast and the buffet lunch were fantastic and Paula's team provided excellent service without ever disrupting any of the day's activities. I cannot recommend them highly enough! read more

Food is really delicious, the service is very pleasant and helpful, and the prices are very competitive and more sensible than other places.

The best in the biz! An unbelievable eggplant parmesan and so much much more. Highly recommended!

Ordered Thanksgiving meal. Turkey was absolutely delicious. Sides were amazing. We had stuffing, green beans, scrumptious mashed potatoes. Artisan bread and salad. (antipasto) read more

Cafe George By Paula - Thanksgiving dinner. - Cafes Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The absolute best experience we have ever had when planning a party. We were hosting a number of people who would be dropping in a different times during the hours of the party. Paula took the time to help us chose foods that would have appeal to all palates. She also suggested items that made sure that we were including needs for all dietary types. We were floored how gorgeous the presentation was. The fruit and cheese tray was a bountiful combination of fruit, a vibrant floral presentation, a spectrum of cheeses of all varieties, and sweet honey that made our guests believe that had truly experienced nectar of the gods. The stuffed breads were fully packed with delicious goodness. Beef tenderloin was succulent and cooked to perfection. Paula's lasagna was a culinary piece of artwork: the added creamy bechamel sauce enhanced the rich flavor of the beef bolognese sauce nestled between the fresh lasagna noodles. We chose a rigatoni for the vodka sauce and it proved to be a formidable vehicle to cling onto the vodka sauce. Each pasta noodle carried with it the subtle sweetness that occurs when you marry the tomatoes, cream and vodka. For those who wanted a lighter entree, we chose lemon chicken. Each serving included a generous perfectly pounded breast that was lightly coated with a sweet butter sauce and topped with a hint of fresh lemon that bursted with flavor on your taste buds. The summer-veggies were grilled to perfection. We can't say enough about how happy we were to hire Cafe George by Paula. We did not have to worry about the food presentation or there being enough variety. It made it easier to just participate with our guests and enjoy the event. We are already looking forward to our next party so we can book Paula again! read more

Cafe George By Paula - Cheese and fruit tray. - Cafes Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Want to actually enjoy having a house full of people? Hire Cafe George by Paula. I have such a deep appreciation for Cafe George by Paula. I have been using them to cater small events in my home where I would otherwise never have time to connect with my family and friends. I go online to their website to pick what we'd like to serve and place the order in the beginning of the week. The owner Paula has even taken the time to make suggestions about how much food we'll need, which is SO helpful. They also always bring enough food. Not so much that we're overwhelmed, but enough that we have a little left over so we know everyone has had enough to eat. We're planning on hiring Cafe George by Paula again and again. read more

The person who wrote the other review is obviously associated with Cafe George as more than just a patron. I would not recommend going to Cafe George over any other place in New Haven. Especially since New Haven has so many great inexpensive restaurants serving a variety of foods. The only reason I go here is because I work in the building and it's convenient. I end up kicking myself every time because I'm usually always disappointed. Their food is hit or miss. One day you'll get a sandwich or salad and its fresh, the next it'll be mushy and gross. They are extremely inconsistent with the food they put out, and unfortunately it's usually bad. Most days they just slap your order together and since their ingredients are mediocre it ends up being crappy. My advice to others: Don't be as lazy as myself and walk around the corner to the food carts where you'll find great food for MUCH cheaper. read more

I work upstairs and have been coming here for breakfast and lunch very regularly--probably 4 or 5 times a week, if not more, because it is so convenient. In fact, I just came here for breakfast this morning. A few hours later I needed a plastic fork for my lunch (which I didn't purchase there). I went downstairs to ask for a plastic fork and was rudely turned away. Now I am sad and I have to eat my lunch with the plastic knife I got this morning for my cream cheese. Please don't come here. I can't believe I got turned away for a fork :( read more

Their food is vastly overpriced for what you get, and it's really hit or miss. Some days, things are coated in salt to the point of having to toss whatever you've purchased away. Other days, completely bland. You can't ever tell what you're going to get until you're sitting at your desk and it's in your mouth. Whatever they have in the grab and go cold case isn't worth waiting on line for. An iced tea is more than 2.50. I will say that the soups I've had are consistantly good. Walk two blocks in any direction and get a lunch for the same cost that's much much better. read more

I'm going to preface this by saying that this is a review of their other location at Science Park. They recently replaced Anna's and oh how we all miss them.... Anyway, I really like food. Great food, good food, and I usually even enjoy the bad stuff. It's a wonder I'm not 300 pounds. But there was nothing enjoyable about my experience at Cafe George. The food is over-salted and overpriced and the staff is just plain rude. The women at the front were completely annoyed at me for looking in their case when they walked over to put food in and blatantly told me I was in their way. Then they sighed in annoyance when I wanted to pay. By the time I asked her for a bag for my food I thought she would go through the roof. How dare I, right? I won't be going back again to either location. read more

I eat here once or twice a month - only because it's convenient. The food and service are both hit or miss, leaning closer to the miss side. Food: For every one good meal I've had here, I've had an equally bad meal and a middle of the road meal. If you get a salad, make sure to get it with the dressing on the side, otherwise you'll end up with soup. They've recently added gluten-free items to their menu, but they aren't very tasty and aren't worth the extra price tacked onto them. I give them credit for trying, but having eaten a lot of gluten free foods, I know there are much better options that they could be selling. Service: Average. Most of the people working there are polite, friendly, and helpful. But, there are a few cranky people who I'd rather avoid dealing with because their attitude makes me feel like I'm inconveniencing them by ordering food. Pricing: A little on the high side for what you get, but they are in a convenient location for several businesses, so you're paying for the convenience. Payment: Cash or credit, but there is a 5$ minimum on all credit/debit card payments, and they only take credit cards at 2 of their 3 registers. read more

Came here only because I had to take a 7 hr test in the same building. Food is just okay but not enough to warrant the rude service. For example, I went in at 7:03 after I saw they open at 7. I was asked to leave the cafe until the doors were physically open. So I stepped out, then the same lady opened the door 5 seconds later. What was the point of telling me to leave then?? Staff just don't seem to have patience for people who come here. Also no credit card unless buying more than $5 of food. read more

This gem is hidden and tucked away in the old SNET building on George Street. Which is a crime because if it were street side it would be crazy busy. Not that is doesn't already draw in a crowd. In addition to the huge hot and cold sandwhich board and salads there are specials galore every day. Last week and I had a giant portion of sausage lasagna that was a good as any I've had in a while. With my bottle of water it was $9. Weeks prior I had pork fajitas which were bang on and came with all the fixins (FRESH salsa, avacado and sour cream) that didn't cost me extra. The only negative was that I had to scarf this down with water and not tequila which was a new experience. But, it was lunch. There are fountain drinks, hot coffee and coolers with with every water and soft drink known to man. And I agree with the earlier review - the staff is great - including Paula who is there running food with the rest of them. When you arrive the line right at noon can look daunting - but it does move fast. I kinda get confused by the cash only line. Does that matter anymore? Most of the time I don't even know if I have cash until they ask for it.... Really - if you're in New Haven for lunch go here. Plenty of clean seating and free news papers by the windows if you dine alone (like me). read more

A great café in the center of downtown New Haven. It's amazing how popular it is, even without a sign on the front of the building. I work across the street, so I call my order in, and by the time I walk over, it's ready for pick up. Easy and quick. They've been expanding into more healthy options (vegetarian and vegan) while keeping the old rotation of specials. The breakfast burritos are great too! read more

Not bad, and if nothing else, it's very convenient when I happen to be doing work at 300 George. Agree that it's a bit pricey, but still, the food is good, and I like to make an occasional stop for coffee and maybe a brownie. Good breakfast sandwiches here too! read more

the only food place in the building--the staffs there know this fact too well. Food tastes like s**t.

Dropped in for a quick bite since I was on the 9th floor of 300 George for class. It was 10am, so I ended up getting an egg sandwich that I hoped would be quick. Took them quite a long time to put the bread and eggs together; we ended up waiting 10 or so minutes, which made us worry whether or not we would be back for class on time. The sandwich was a bit more expensive than your average meat, egg, and cheese sandwich (more like $4-5 if I remember correctly). Bread was nothing to be excited about, and the ingredients ended up being quite greasy. Not worth going out of your way, but it was alright. read more

I go here about 2-3x a month mostly out of convenience since I work in the building, but wouldn't come here if I didn't have to get food with a very limited amount of time. The food is really hit or miss, typically leaning towards the miss, and I've tried a number of things on the menu before finding something that I didn't mind eating. Food is extremely overpriced for what you get -- I typically spend nearly $8-10 on a sandwich and a soda. There is a $5 minimum for credit cards that I find exasperating, since most of the ready-made cold case items (which I would prefer to get rather than wait for kitchen items) don't cost this much, forcing me to add food just to be able to pay. Also, only one register can accept credit cards, which causes a lot of confusion in the line. I agree with other reviews that said that the soup is probably the best thing I've had here. Also, their fresh-baked cookies are really good. But, the biggest frustration I have with this place is the long wait time for food. Whether you order to dine in or to go, your wait for food usually ranges from 10-15 minutes, even if you've ordered nothing more than a bagel with cream cheese or a to-go soup (which should already be made and just needs to be put in a container, right?). Considering I come here for the convenience of a quick lunch, this long wait time needs to be addressed by the restaurant's owners. PS - They sell microwavable dinners (basically leftovers from the day before) in non-microwave safe clamshells that melt when you try to heat them up. This actually happened to me. It was fabulous. read more

I've been going to Café George for at least 5 years. The food is excellent, Paula has always gone above and beyond when I've had a special dietary request. I enjoy cooking, the food here is as good as mine. Keep up the good work. read more

Too pricey for the quality. Where is the value? Also, the employees are pretty rude sometimes. This place is good in a pinch, but that's about it. read more

Terrible service. As other reviewers have mentioned, will not allow substitutions, give out extra forks, warm up the cold pasta that they sell. Which is fine and their prerogative. But the last straw is when I asked for a sandwich without mayo but with ranch dressing. "We don't have ranch dressing." "Do you have any dressing?" "We're only allowed to give out the dressing with our salads." "I can pay for the dressing." "Sorry we're not allowed." For heaven's sake. read more

Cafe George is a wonderful restaurant for breakfast and lunch! I love their steak sandwich when I'm not dieting. But, when I am dieting I can get homemade soup and salad. They also have pre-made items if you are in a hurry. There is an assortment of sandwiches, salads, even cut veggies to snack on throughout the day. Don't miss Saint Patrick's day they make an amazing corn beef meal and the portion is huge!! Thanks guys for great meals and service. read more

The food is ok, but expensive for what you get. You basically pay for the convenience if you work in the building. Very stingy, I've spent lots of money there and they couldn't even spare ONE packet of mayo for one rare occasion when I had brought lunch with me to work (I even bought a drink from there so that it would be more fair). I ate my can of tuna without mayo. I see somebody else posted that they were refused a fork! It's not like this place is in some run down area where people may take advantage of these things. This is a building full of professionals. I hope they get some competition soon so they learn to appreciate their customers. A bit insulting, will likely never eat there again and will never bring interviewees there either. read more

You have to spend $5 or they won't swipe your card. The Spanish lady that works there is rude and makes me not want to buy anything. I'm glad I ventured out and found several better options for breakfast and lunch within walking dis read more

The woman at register behind the counter on December 11th, 2018 at 1203pm was one of the rudest unprofessional persons I have ever come across. I was informed that since I did not buy food at the establishment I would not be able to sit down and eat my own personal food. Which was fine rules are rules. I totally understand she proceeded to reiterate the fact another 4 times each time in a more disrespectful tone. When I asked her if I purchased something would I be able to stay and eat what I purchased she said "no". I am a nurse and here in building for training and know for a fact if she came to hospital seeking care I would not treat her in same manner. so I do not know why she would treat anyone like that. I will never eat here or purchase anything and recommend others don't. I understand the rules but sometimes a little patience in addressing them is needed. read more

This has to be my favorite for lunch! This little cafe is tucked away in the back of the 300 George St. building. The creations that Paula comes up with day by day is fantastic, there is always something new on the menu. Even the simplest of foods, such as a grilled cheese sandwich can become gourmet at Cafe George. The prices are quite reasonable, and the service time is decent during heavy traffic. No matter how busy the place gets, the staff is friendly and ends the transaction with a "have a nice lunch". read more

Very restricted on food ordering. Wanted a side of fries and was told the fries were only allowed with a specific sandwich. Asked for extra ketchup and was rudely told, "you have enough ketchup in there, sweetie." Also takes 20 minutes to prepare a simple bagel with cream cheese with a fully staffed kitchen. read more

Food and drinks are eh and overpriced. I was there for a work event and it's located in an office building and only had a half hour for lunch. My food took almost the entire time to prepare leaving me no time to eat. $5 min for all card purchases and they do not accept Amex. read more

They have a captive audience and they know it. Food is OK I guess but my god it can't really take 30 minutes for a wrap and soup. Ridiculous policy on credit card minimum means I'll keep giving my money to dunkin donuts every morning I guess? And don't dare ask for an extra fork/spoon/napkin! read more

This place is great. I work in the building so running down to grab something is usually easy. It is not like it's only a convenience thing. They have great food. There is not a day that I don't want one or two things off of their "Specials" board. They have new and different things every day, but like any other place you get really good days sometimes when you want one of each and then the ok days when you think something sounds alright, but you're not thrilled. There is always soup, a special salad and one or two special sandwiches on the board as well as a pasta or "heavier" fare (i.e. Asian salmon noodle bowl) for lunch. Along with the specials they always have their regular sandwiches and salads as well as a cooler filled with sandwiches, various salads (caesar, chef, pasta, tortellini, three bean, or my favorite the grilled chicken with tabouli), yogurt with fruit, cheese and cracker platters, celery and carrot sticks with dip. They always switch up and rotate things around, but there is always something there that I want or am curious about. For what it is, I think it deserves four stars. It's a cafe just open for lunches. It's not overly fancy or exotic, but you will not be hungry and I'm sure you will not be unhappy. Anything you order can be eaten inside or taken out, even the specials. I agree with other people, there are lots of great places for lunch in New Haven, but each place is different. Compared to other lunch cafes I've been to, this one is the best. Maybe not the best lunch deal, but the food is great. Most of the specials etc. are around $7-9. You can definitely eat well here for $10. read more

After reading all of these reviews I'm very surprised by all the negative comments! I actually had a few very good experiences here. I had training in the building so I was happy that there was food available within so I wouldn't have to walk into the heart of downtown. I had 2 hot sandwiches, both were delicious & a breakfast burrito which was also good, only issue is that I stated cheddar and they put mozzarella on it. The downside is the wait time which can be around 10 minutes, no matter what you order and the lack of a sufficient waiting area. Also the prices! I spent close to $25 in duration of the 3 days I purchased food here given that I did not order drinks or chips to go with any of my sandwiches. read more

I wouldn't go out of my way to come here if I didn't work in the building. With that said, the food isn't too bad and it's really convenient for everyone in the building. Slightly pricey and they've more than once have run out of ingredients for certain options, but all in all not a bad option if I don't want to go far, but need some warm food. read more

The Cafe just reopened today after a minor kitchen fire last week set off the sprinklers in the kitchen and caused some water damage. They were missed! Happy to report they are back in business today and food was as good as ever! Had the deep dish Quiche and salad that was great! My colleagues had the meat loaf they said they enjoyed as well. read more

10/4- Had the beef stew for lunch today; not as good as my mama's, so I knocked it down a point from a 5 to a 4, but definitely great food at a reasonable cost. I will return. 9/28- Some colleagues and I ordered the Shepherd's pie yesterday -- excellent! Great food and service. read more

Expensive. The owner is rude. I don't care what the food tastes like... If you're the owner and you're rude to your CUSTOMERS, why would I ever give you my money? Although this place is convenient, go somewhere else. You'll be happy you did. read more

The food here is decent, but they are a bit pricey for lunch. I love the #7 sandwich and treat myself every so often. Overall a cute little place to grab a bite if you forget your lunch or just feel like something different. read more

Love going here for lunch ! The food is made fresh everyday and there are specials everyday that match for what ever I'm in the mood for. The soups are fabulous !!! Love how everyone is greeted and acknowledged. Today I had the scallop scampi and it was great ! And lobster bisque was very tasty. And best of all there chocolate chip cookies, come early because they sell out fast ! read more

Very bad experience @ cafe George. I got a small coffee and small clam chowder soup there today, cost me over $6. The coffee was very plain, as if they didn't put enough beans for the pot. The chowder was starchy, rather than creamy. Moreover, the service was horrendous. The waitress would not let me sit down and eat at the cafe because I also carried a sandwich which I packed from home. Her reasoning- " we are a private restaurant and trying to sell food here." Ok, But do you seriously need to be that shameless about making money? I get their point from the price tag and food quality already. I'd think that as the cafe is located inside an academic building with office workers, researchers and students, being a little more friendly and accommodating would be beneficial. This is not a fancy all star restaurant anyway. I would not recommend Cafe George to anyone, unless you are starving to death. Even then, just walk over a block and get some cart food. read more