We were excited to try Cafe Gouda but were not prepared to wait 50 minutes for eggs & bacon! Kitchen must have been very disorganized. We were not the only ones waiting and we saw several people walk out. Will not be back for sure! read more

The staff was friendly. We ordered easily as I had studied menu online. We had to wait a food while for our food to be served. Hubby had the Harley and I had scrambled. Mine was very good but a huge portion. Toast was crunchy but I didn't like the butter on it. Hubby's Harley was tasty but a bit dry. My coffee was just lukewarm but tasty. Kind of pricey for breakfast. Ours was about $20. If it is cold sit away the door as cold air rushes in. I'll try again some time. read more

This is my favorite place for breakfast or lunch...and an occasional dinner with music on a pretty evening. The menu is extensive and the food quality is fabulous. So many creative choices that it's often difficult for even a seasoned "Goudaian" as my self to make a decision. The food is hot and fresh, portions are HUGE and they aren't skimpy on the meat on their sandwiches like some others. read more

9 times out of 10 service is rude and slow. I'm a friendly and patient person. I've been trying to give this place a chance for over a year too long. I'm done. read more

First and last time. Sandwich was ok, nothing special and the counter service is cold and comes with a side of attitude.

My $6 egg salad sandwich became more than $12 when I added a basic iced tea. The girl behind the counter explained it was because all the drinks are over 4 bucks. I understand gouging in today's climate but that splinter hurt a little too much. read more

Been going here for ages. Love the selection of sandwiches especially the Monte Cristo. The quesadillas are always good too and nice variety of salads read more

Arrived and ordered at 12:30. More than an hour later we still do not have our order (which is prepared in advance and served cold...it's not like they had to actually "cook") because "we're really busy". Not recommended if you live and work on a schedule. read more

Love this place for breakfast and lunch and when the weather allows me to eat outdoors. It can be crowded and a bit dirty during peak times. several vegetarian choices - I love the Becca's Garden read more

Sitting here now, took 40 minutes to get our food, ingredients listed are missing out of food! I have not had customer service this bad in at least 10 years. I have not left a negative review on a restaurant EVER, and I am a pretty patient and flexible person. Just awful. What a shame read more

Ate there one time for lunch on a Saturday before Christmas. It was extremely busy, hard to find a seat. I thought it must be great by the crowd here. I got a Reuben sandwich and was quite disappointed. It was rather bland and tasteless for a Reuben. Even though I did not enjoy my experience there, I may try this restaurant one more time and order something else. Can't determine if it was busy because people love this place & I'm missing something or if it was just busy because of the holiday shopping crowd. I generally will not try a 2 star restaurant again but I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt. read more

We got to Cafe Gouda at 11:05, placed our order for the breakfast plate and 2 French toast and 3 coffees. None of the pumptop canisters had coffee, so we had to ask for coffees. Creamer was out. At 12:00, we still didn't have food and was told ours was next off the grill. 10 minutes later, still no food. Had to go back up to ask and the staff were pretty rude, said that they were busy and it's takes time and they do them in the order they get them. I said that 3 other tables were seated, served, and finished before we got ours. Lady manager didn't apologize, just said they were coming right out. Waitress said something about things getting out of order in the back... so,, I think our order got lost.. Asked for the food to go... Didnt get the side of potatoes. Food isn't worth the wait. Staff definitely do not know how to make things right when they mess up. I felt like it was my fault for complaining about waiting an hour and 15 minutes for eggs, bacon and French toast. Don't waste your time or money. We won't ever be back. read more

This little place is the best! Gourmet sandwiches with some Amazing Soups and salads too! The owner is super friendly and the staff are warm and inviting as Well! They also have live bands, trivia night, and karoke. The atmosphere is relaxing with outdoor seating that can be quite romantic with the lights strung around. read more

Meh. It's solid for a sandwich shop. Def overpriced and the service left a little to be desired but overall the food was decent. Got the Gouda Delight and the sandwich itself was solid. They charge separate for a bag of chips and a drink which is a little ridiculous. The menu is large which is nice. They had a wide selection of items all which tied back to Gouda, so the inventive ways they found to utilize that ingredient is certainly praiseworthy. The spot has a strong foundation and with a few changes could be a really good spot to get a late lunch or lighter dinner. read more

My friend and I have been here a few times, as it's perfectly positioned between Charlotte and a lot of hiking destinations north west of Charlotte. I have only been for breakfast, but the sandwich menu for lunch looks equally impressive. Lots of options, always specials, they'll make your food to order, and there's plenty of great coffee options as well! The ambiance is very eclectic also, which I enjoy. Really cool little cafe. read more

Gave it a try twice. Food was mediocre and the service was worse. I ordered a sandwich of forgotten description. What I will never forget is the lackadaisical server. The price on the menu was not what I was charged. When I brought it to the attention of (I use the term server loosely) was stated that was the price and the menus were wrong. That was my last visit. Surly staff ruin my meal. The tip reflected my displeaure. read more

Great food, good atmosphere, and excellent specials that change everyday. I come here regularly for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Good food. Isn't too expensive. Many varieties on the menu to keep you interested. Biggest problem is the service could use some work. It's inconsistent at best. Was better experience before they went to table side service. read more

We were visiting from out of town and wanted to find a local, non-chain place for breakfast, and this came up on Yelp. We arrived around 10am on a weekday, so a bit after the likely breakfast rush. We ordered at the counter, but there is something about the setup that didn't indicate it was serve-yourself. The coffee was cold, and had to wait for a new pot. We had a tough time finding a clean table in an otherwise empty restaurant. They brought out our meals, but no silverware/napkins, no butter or jam for the toast. The staff seemed more or less uninterested in interacting with us. That said, the food was good, and now knowing the order of operation, they'd eek out another star on subsequent visits. But what they say about first impressions... read more

Food and atmosphere were amazing. Everything we have eaten there has been delicious! Our server was so nice and very personable. Another plus is they have outdoor seating. Our server let us know dogs are welcome outside. read more

Food was okay. The place looked a bit unkempt. Made me think that the kitchen probably wasn't in great shape either. If they don't really care for their appearance maybe they really don't care at all. Time to freshen up guys. read more

This place has progressively gone down hill. The first time I dined here several years a ago, I would rate it 4 stars easily. Multiple visits since up to today when I ate a very cold fish that was supposed to be hot. If anyone reading the has influence with the kitchen, tell them they can do better. Much potential there, just need to get back to doing it right. read more

I took my out-of-town guess to have a quick meal. The food was horrible. I had a Ruben with three slices of corn beef that were overcooked it was like leather I will never go back there. I would've been further ahead to go to the deli and buy some meat and cheese and bread and eat at home. It was like I had a bread sandwich with a lot of sauerkraut. The chicken sandwich with the spinach, was all spinach. Each sandwich was bad. We should've just kept our $40 and the service was so so, so!! read more

Ate here for the first time last weekend and I was unpleasantly surprised. The food wasn't terrible but it also wasn't anything special. I tried their broccoli and cheese soup and I didn't like it at all. It was way to chunky almost like eating broccoli and cheese, nothing about it screamed soup. I didn't like the way the restaurant was laid out. We had to go between tables of people on one side to refill our drinks or on the other side try to get through the small line of people waiting to order to refill our drinks. Based on our first visit, it is safe to say we will not be returning for a second visit. read more

Had breakfast there this morning and the Chorizo tacos were amazing. The staff was very friendly and the service was great!!!! I would recommend this to everyone!! read more

Great food but takes way too long and no since of urgency. 30 minutes is way too long to wait for a sandwich

Although the wait time for our food was a bit long, it was packed on a Sat morning. The french toast and sausage were superb and the omelette was cooked just right and very favorable. read more

Well the food is still good but the service has gone way down. Bought cookies and was handed a bag to bag my own ‍ ordered two sandwiches to go and got home to only one in the bag. The one I got was hot so by the time I would've gone back mine would've been cold. I always feel rushed. read more

My first review!!! I would give this place only 3 stars, except there is nothing open in Hickory NC for a Sunday breakfast. After a long day of beer tasting at Hickory Hops, we needed some food. Gouda Cafe, was a good breakfast joint with lots of options. Food ranged from breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and oatmeal to stuffed french toast. I will say though that the french toast did not truly look stuffed, more like layered. I had an egg, cheese, and sausage sandwich on sourdough bread. It hit the spot and not badly priced either. I would go back! read more

The attitude and service have gone way beyond downhill and the tables were dirty. It was as if the cashier was doing us a huge favor to wait on us. I was also informed that I could now no longer get a glass of water. They, of course, offered to sell me a bottle of water with their label. With all of the new choices, in addition to the long established and more highly rated restaurants located on Hwy 127, this is the last time my friends and I will be going there. I have always tried to support our local establishments and driven past three of the other new chain coffee shops to eat at Café Gouda. This restaurant is a disappointment. read more

Great food! Reasonably priced. Good local people who are always accommodating and appreciative of business. Peanut butter/banana/granola and yogurt fruit wraps are wonderful and great for breakfast. Egg sandwiches =wonderful! Lunch---sandwiches and salad will fill you up in a healthy way! read more

Would have been a five star if the staff was more polite. But honestly I don't care if they have sticks up their bums I will eat here anytime I want to go to a cafe in hickory. The food is absolutely amazing and everything i have tried here is very very very good read more

Our favorite place for breakfast. Lots of choices, fresh food, and great staff. Prices are reasonable.

The diversity of the menu is amazing. The omelet is fantastic and they have great daily specials.

A little pricey but the food is great and made to order. Their special changes daily, you never know what's going to be on the board. It's always good though! read more

Great place for breakfast or lunch (they also serve dinner, but I haven't been there for that yet). Offbeat menu. It has the feel of some coffee shops I've been to that served quirky sandwiches or burritos, except the menu here is more extensive. A little bit of a hippie vibe just judging by the menu, but very nice and casual. read more

The OG hipster spot in HKY - so spoke to my soul growing up there! Fresh ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Great for on the go or to sit. Just a lovely spot! read more

The place is a little ambiguous in it's style. Coffee shop/sandwich shop/art gallery/ soups, but they have some good options. I would describe it as a local Panera/Atlanta Bread, so it allows for more creative license than a chain with processes and structure. I don't make it to that area often, but from what I understand, locals love it. So, if you're local - join the club. read more

Stopped in to get a sandwich to go- ordered the falafel sandwich on special blackboard. 5 falafel balls served on naan bread with a spoonful of shredded lettuce, tomato , feta and tzatziki sauce. Everything was really good, the service was quick and polite considering they were busy. Only reason I did not give 5 stars is because for the price there was not enough- more lettuce or a handful of chips would of made the difference. read more

Very good food, prepared well and staff is very pleasant. I have done custom orders and never had a problem. Breakfast is hit and miss but lunch is always solid. read more