Jerusalem Cafe

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Bill K.

Joined 1 year ago

More than just a local cafe. It is not often a restaurant does more than provide good food and good service. Considering myself a bit of a foodie, I dine often, and expect the utmost service and quality; however, one local spot went so above and beyond at a recent dining experience I felt compelled to share.

Having just completed an art class, two friends and I were looking for a good meal a bit off the beaten path. Something we didn’t have everyday and was a good local spot. We decided on Jerusalem Cafe, for some great food. We had all been here several times before and enjoyed it immensely. The hummus, baba ganoush, and dolmas we ordered as an appetizer were simply delectable. Warm pita bread accompanied the sample appetizer platter. Conversation came to a halt as moans and groans of pure delight echoed from our table. The quiet dimly lit restaurant was surely bothered by the sounds of joy coming from our table.

Then came the main course. We had each ordered some sort of pita sandwich, two of us the gyro, and one shawarmah chicken. Again, our conversation stopped and the cacophony of happy eating continued.

Then the noises from our table turned, and turned quickly. My friend yelled in a panic to call 911, as his wife shook uncontrollably, her eyes seemingly rolling back. Screams came from across the restaurant, other patrons starred as we quickly tried to figure out what was going on. The convulsions lasted for what seemed like hours, but really only minutes.

Within a few more minutes the fire fighters and EMTs arrived, completely disrupting this quiet, dimly lit establishment. Service halted while everyone starred to see if she was alright. “A seizure”, the paramedic said, “we need to take her to the hospital.“ Time continued to move slowly, and all focus stayed on my friend. Our server and the manager both quickly jumping to do whatever we needed. The EMTs loaded her up and off to the hospital we went.

Once the chaos had calmed and the doctors assured us she would be okay, we breathed. And then it dawned on me. We had walked out on our tab, something none of us had ever done before. The next day I went back, looking to thank our server and the manager as well as pay our debt. I met the most gracious manager. He immediately recognized me and said “is she okay.” I replied yes, and that I needed to pay our tab. He refused. He said, “Just make sure she is okay, this one is on us.”

Too often we go through life and are disappointed by the compassion people share. For us, that Wednesday evening we experienced great compassion that will not be forgotten. The food, always fantastic, the ambiance exactly what we wanted, but more than that a place we truly feel treats its customers as neighbors, not clients.

Thank you Jeresualem Cafe. We look forward to our next, hopefully less eventful, visit.

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bcfol440

Joined 5 years ago

Great Hummus, Salad, Falafel. Great place for lunch. Lots of seating, so I have never had to wait. Although, I know it can get busy on weekends. I like the salad dressing VERY VERY much. The lentil soup is great, too.

I always order the chicken in pita. They are happy to swap out vegetables for rice if you ask.

My husband loves their rice and hummus.

The menu is pretty large as are the portions. You could definitely split something! I heard another location is going in at 39th Street (Ku Med area). The sign was up.

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allprorock

Joined 7 years ago

Long time favorite.... I've been eating here for over ten years. Most excellent. Usually get the vegetarion combination and it is divine. Have tried several other dishes and never been dissapointed. Staff overall is good. I have had some wait staff be not so attentive tho.

There is also a hookah room upstairs that is nice to visit.