A Bite to Eat, a Drink as Well

Posted by: Deltafly | 9 April 2011, 3.06pm

Food was fine although expensive for what it was - (a bowl of soup $12.95?) The Oink sandwich was nice also.

We wished we'd not booked a table because you must queue in the food order line to find out where it is and because we were squashed into a doorway we chose another. Nobody came to clear it - we had to do that ourselves.

This place is severely lacking any form of customer service.
The food is worthwhile but the cold atmosphere and brusque manner of the staff would make me avoid recommending it.

Food:			Visit: Wed 30 March 2011 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: Teameas | 23 September 2010, 6.15pm

Went there for a group of friends and found out that the night we had chosen was pizza night. You could only order pizzas and chips. When the pizzas arrived we asked for a pizza wheel to cut them and were told "we don't have a pizza wheel". The pizzas were small and mediocore. I would not recommend anyone go there for pizza. The information on the web about the restaurant also said it was byo. When we arrived we were told that was not the case but after some "discussion" about the wrong information on the web they let us drink our wine and charged us $8 corkage per bottle. I would not go there again.

Food:			Visit: Wed 22 September 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: food bowler | 5 August 2010, 10.12am

This place gets mixed reviews but all was perfect when we went there for lunch. Yummy food - a bit different to the usual fare. Great coffee and a cosy place to hang out on a winter's day. We'll be back.

Food:			Visit: Fri 30 July 2010 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: sarah67 | 24 January 2010, 1.25pm

A bite to eat has a great feel, and I have to say I don't notice the signs so I won't comment on them. The food changes enough to make it interesting and it's not the usual fare served all over Canberra. The servings are generous, but unless you ask for a mug, the coffees are small, but good. ( not the best in Canberra but good)

I love the lay out. Being about to work at the sofas is a huge plus for me. My lap top and I are never interupted, other than that time a toddler took a liking to my pencil case.

The service is OK. It's not great, but it's not as bad as some reviewers have said and it's certainly better than a lot of places. I have had a chat with some staff, and I've been ignored by others. Like everyone, cafe staff have good days and bad, I don't take it personally. I get my food, I like it and I am comfortable and I'm not asking for much more in a cafe.

Food:			Visit: Sun 24 January 2010
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Posted by: burkes | 20 September 2009, 11.42pm

I had heard many good reviews about A Bite to Eat however was left a little dissapointed.

It seems to be going for the ecletic atmosphere with its random furniture and signs which is fine but when the chairs are uncomfortable and there is no room to move it doesn't make for a good time.

We went for brunch and I had the hushpuppies which were tasty but quite oily and dense. My dining partner had eggs on toast which was eggs on toast - not much you can do with that.

The coffee was really bad. WAY to hot and very bitter.

Service was not great. Despite advising we would have a pram we were put at the back with no room for a pram and we actually had to pick a lounge chair up and put it on its side to get past.

Must say though I have been past since then for takeaway coffee made by one of the boys and both have been great.

Overall an average experience.

Food:			Visit: Tue 18 August 2009 Mealtime: brunch
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Posted by: Cafe Norm | 17 September 2009, 3.40pm

First Let me just say something about the so called rude signs.
They is a sign behide the counter thats say something about they make all there food to order and that the food is made fresh. Which i do like. too many places in this town use percooked items. EG like muffins, cakes, per cooked staeks to save on time.

I know it does say rude customers are not welcome but i can and have looked pasted that.

Then there is a sign that tells people to take care of the kids. now i have been going to abite to eat for 5 years now, and there are parents who just don't give a F about there kids walking around the place. i have seen too many of time staff nearly fall over these kids. and i don't think the owners need to keep telling people to take care of there kids it's not a day acre centre.

So i don't think the signs are as rude as some of the people have reviewed.

Second Food. This is a place that offers something different. every time I go, I dont go for eggs Benedict which every one does in this town. i go to a bite to have things let Hushpuppies ( last menu ) or the Baghdad eggs the new menu.
And as for sweet the last menu had chocolate rissotto and the new one has crepes and french toast.
But i like the way the ladys who own the place design the menus, If you are looking for a difference in your breaky lunch or even dinner. I would highly recommened this place.
(even if the staff seem unwelcoming from time to time)

I still go back there why because it's DIFFERENT NOT THE SAME AS EVERY WHERE ESLE IN THIS TOWN

Food:			Visit: Thu 10 September 2009
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Posted by: MawsonFoodies | 11 June 2009, 11.47am

We've previously been to A Bite To Eat and whilst the service is never brilliant, it has been good, and so it was again this time. We had the soup of the day, vegetable and barley with herbs, which was beautiful, and we also had the ploughman's lunch. When the latter was brought out, there was no bread and after waiting a couple of minutes, we had to request this, but this was brought out immediately and the waitress was most apologetic. The food was large enough to fill us up, but the waitress still offered more bread if we wished.

Food:			Visit: Sat 6 June 2009 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: ct=coffeeaddict | 12 May 2009, 10.57am

I have only ever been here for morning tea but have to admit that the banana/lemon/health breads toasted are amazing, and absolutely melt in your mouth!! I love the decor of this place, and it is always packed, which is a good sign... staff maybe need to be a little friendlier though? (a smile is always good...) Nonetheless, I will continue to come back to A Bite To Eat... highly recommended...

Food:			Visit: Tue 12 May 2009 Mealtime: brunch
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Posted by: canberracritic | 4 May 2009, 2.58pm

Too many rules written on the walls.
Too long of a wait to be served.
Too long of a wait for food.
Rude service, oily food, I will never go there again.

Food:			Visit: Sun 8 February 2009 Mealtime: breakfast
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Posted by: MsSubs | 23 March 2009, 10.55am

It's lovely to find a place in Canberra that delivers more than the standard Big Breakfast/Eggs Benedict breakfast fare. The food and atmosphere was great. The staff were nice though not overly friendly and the terse notices around the place were not very welcoming.
I will definitely be going back for more.

Food:			Visit: Sun 22 March 2009 Mealtime: breakfast
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Posted by: claire79 | 24 January 2009, 7.28pm

I used to love 'A bite to Eat'. The food was wonderful, even if the service was a bit 'cool'. It still has a great atmosphere, but after breakfast today I am not sure whether I will return. The breakfast menu was disappointing. A lot of variations of bacon and egg, with no sweet options apart from toast and the weekly muffin.

When I went to order at the counter, two staff members walked past me to do other things without any acknowledgement of my existence. I waited about 10 minutes at the counter.

Our food arrived before our coffees. The weekly muffin was $3.00, and was far too small for the price, as well as slightly dense. The coffee was still good though.

A very disappointing experience from a place that used to be one of my favourites.

Food:			Visit: Sat 24 January 2009 Mealtime: breakfast
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Posted by: Thommo56 | 31 October 2008, 11.45am

Food was excellent, service was good, and the bread and butter pudding is to die for

Food:			Visit: Sat 20 September 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Wini | 18 June 2008, 1.23pm

Over the last year I have eaten both lunches and breakfasts at a Bite to Eat and must say that their breakfasts are easily one of the best in Canberra. It is interesting reading 'Discerning Diner, I thought I was alone in finding the service somewhat lacking. I get a distinct feeling that they think that they are doing you a favour by being open. That being said it is hard to stay away...

Food:			Visit: Wed 18 June 2008 Mealtime: breakfast
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Posted by: DiscerningDiner | 16 April 2008, 6.26pm

For a suburban restaurant, this place has great character, excellent Zierholtz beer on tap, innovative, well crafted - but not pretentious - meals with reasonable serving sizes and reasonable prices. However, the attitude often leaves a bit to be desired and it sometimes seems as if they find customers to be a nuisance rather than valued 'clients'. The numerous negative signs around the place (as noted by another review) don't exactly make you feel welcome and some serving staff are sometimes a bit brusque (but the blokes that work there are usually very friendly and helpful). It can also be an ordeal to contact them by phone - it's often unanswered and for some bizarre reason, there's no answering machine - once again, it all creates an impression that customers are unwanted.

Food:			Visit: Tue 15 April 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: cassiej | 20 August 2007, 12.26pm

I just love a bit to eat at Chifley - all the meals I have tried have been just delicious and all are freshly made and just like homemade. I am also glad they have gluten-free dishes so I can still eat there! I just love everything about the place.

Food:			Visit: Sun 19 August 2007 Mealtime: brunch
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Posted by: Snottynosedcrit | 14 August 2007, 4.14pm

After hearing so many good things about this place we finally made the trip across town for Sunday brunch. The food was very nice, but also quite pricey for what it was. Staff were pleasant, but not overly friendly, and the number of notices around the place (including the bathroom!) telling you what to do put me off.

Food:			Visit: Tue 14 August 2007
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Posted by: Unregistered user | 23 February 2006, 12.02pm

What can I say? It's my favourite Cafe in Canberra, hands down! Great atmosphere, wonderfully cheerful and helpful staff and of course the food is outstanding. A great vegetarian selection too!

Food:			Visit: Thu 23 February 2006 Mealtime: brunch
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Posted by: Unregistered user | 23 February 2006, 10.44am

This is a rare find in Woden - groovy digs, fabulous real food and genuinely friendly hosts. People obviously love this place and keep coming back - there were lots of conversations between staff and the clientele. Also took home dinner for the next night and it beat takeaway of any other description by a mile. Loved it.

Food:			Visit: Wed 22 February 2006 Mealtime: breakfast
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