Good food, 8/17/2010
Reviewer: Alice
from Santa Barbara, CA
First off the food was really good I enjoyed the fish tacos very much. The people there are very friendly. I got my food fast bread came as soon as I sat down and my salad right after me and my friends love it there and will come often. Someone there named Harley was very nice to us and made us feel comfortable I will definatly be back!
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Rude employees- not worth the good food!, 7/7/2010
Reviewer: Ashley
from Santa Barbara, CA
We ordered at the counter and when our food got to us, one of the items was not what we ordered. When we sent it back for the correct item, the girl behind the counter got really upset and said that our order was repeated back to us 3 times and now they have to throw this out... blah blah blah... (I guess the days of the customer always being right when out the window with the economy?!) She then proceeds to talk about it behind the counter loud enough for us to hear. Long story short, we left with our food uneaten. It was something so simple that they made into such a big deal and they were so rude and unprofessional about it. As much as I like the food, I will not go back- it's not worth it. I plan on telling all my friends about our horrible experience.
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Owner's Daughter Needs To Take Managerial/Anger Lessons, 4/7/2010
Reviewer: Sarah
from Santa Barbara, CA
My book club met at Fresco in Goleta since last year. We always sat at the same table and had a glass of wine (brought by us). Fresco decided to start charging us a small corkage fee, which is understandable, and then they changed it again without our knowledge. We casually told our waitress about our confusion, to which she relayed the message to the owner's daughter. Without warning she came up to our table huffing and puffing about a measly extra $5 that we had given our waitress. She disrespectfully gave back a $5 bill, explaining that we must need it more than she, and threw a tantrum like it was right out of a teen movie. Needless to say we had mediocre meals and amazingly horrible service. Apparently it isn't the first time and some Cottage Hospital employees now refuse dining there as well...Smart thinking. I have now taken my business and better tips to Mediterra Cafe (whom are much more accommodating, friendly with grade A food.) Why bite the hand that pays your bills?! *****Fresco=horrible experience******
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Great Food, Great Menu Selection, 3/26/2010
Reviewer: Lori
from Santa Barbara, CA
The food is fresh and the specials are creative and timely. The owner goes out of his way to ensure a great experience. The cashier remembers locals names. We need more restaurants like this in Goleta!
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Bad Service, 2/5/2010
Reviewer: Catherine
from Santa Barbara, CA
Never Again! We ordered a cupcake that was to be delivered to our table which never happend. When the girls went up to retrieve it they were pushed to the side and the casheer helped the family in back of them.I was watching the whole thing happen. While the girls were coming back to the table empty handed I was on my way up. I had to wait for two more families to be helped until I finally got to the counter. I was not happy. I was upset and explained why. She denied the whole thing then got the staff involved. Her MANAGER(the owner) decided to come to the table and tell me what a "WONDERFUL" worker she is. I was shocked.A "WONDERFUL" worker would have helped the girls since they were next in line NOT push them to the side and hope someone else would take care of them.Even after this whole thing, this "WONDERFUL" employee decided to tell the rest of the staff what happend and we had to finish our dinner with all of them staring at us. Talk about uncomfortable.I guess your definition of a "WONDERFUL" employee is differnt than mine.Your "WONDEERFUL" employee lost you two loyal families who have been supporting you since the beginning.
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Always soooo good. I'm addicted., 1/28/2010
Reviewer: Matt M
from Santa Barbara, CA
I eat here about 2-3 times a week and always order the Beach sandwich with carmelized onions. My wife is hooked on the fish and chips that they have on special on Fridays. We always see the owner, Indras, there and he runs one tight ship. The employees are all so friendly and keep the place clean. I'm addicted and will be back many more times!
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Soupy Sandwich!!!! Yuck!, 1/25/2010
Reviewer: Sarah
from Santa Barbara
About 3 wks ago I ordered one of my favorites- the grilled eggplant sandwich. I have never ordered it from the Goleta location but have had it many times in SB over the years. It has been a while since Ive eaten at either location, but was working at home in Goleta one day and decided to get the eggplant sandwich to go. What A MISTAKE !! It was awful!! First of all it wasnt even cut in half when I got it home, I attempted to cut it in half with a seriated knife and it just fell apart - it was complete mush! I attempted to peeled some of the bread to remove some of the gosh awful, mushy, over marinated, OILY OILY, eggplant because they put twice as much in it as they usually do...of course the bread was so oily it just completely fell apart; I took two bites and through it away! What a waste of 12 bucks - might as well have taken 12-13 dollar bills and crumpled them up and through in the trash. NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!
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The soup is amazing, 11/25/2009
Reviewer: Eryn
from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I have eaten in the restaurant at Fresco North and gotten take out for a total of about 6 dinners, and the food has always been fabulous. The soup is fresh and extremely tasty, and the gorgonzola salad is to die for. The service has always been extremely friendly and quick. The bread to accompany the soup is good, but it would be nice to have a wheat variety and a bit more taste to it. Otherwise, I highly recommend Fresco North!
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We Love Fresco North, 11/24/2009
Reviewer: Audrey
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have to say I was disappointed reading all of the reviews. We've eaten at Fresco North at least a dozen times since they opened and we've only had one error, which was correct immediately. We've always experienced friendly staff and great food.
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bummer., 11/20/2009
Reviewer: sara
from Santa Barbara, CA
we love the original fresco and were excited when they opened a location on calle real because it's closer to our home but we'll never go to this location again.
we'd had multiple disappointing experiences at fresco north - and we'd say that we weren't going to go there anymore, let some time pass, then give in to the convenience and get dinner there... then we'd say the same thing: never again.
the food is average at absolute best - and they always mess up one critical thing which is super awesome when you discover their oversight or mistake when you get home.
it's really too bad that the difference in quality of the food between the two locations is so huge... our meals tonight were literally inedible and a complete and total waste of time and money.
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VERY RUDE EMPLOYEES!, 10/18/2009
Reviewer: Ashley
from Goleta/ Santa Barbara, CA
OH MY GOSH! THESE EMPLOYEES HERE ARE SO RUDE! Their food isn't bad, I like the split pea soup, but when I called on a Sunday evening just ot order for pick-up, the guy on the phone was like YOU REALLY NEED TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND I DONT HAVE TIME TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. I'm not going to be rushed into something I DO NOT want! BASICALLY saying he doesnt have time for their costumers... OK i got it! you might have been busy with other people at the order line, then be nice and put me on hold.
Since he didn't, it completely ruined my night. I felt very offended. Not worth the soup, or my money.
I THREW AWAY their menu's at my hotel for guests.
No longer recommending this restaurant.
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Disappointed tonight., 10/5/2009
Reviewer: Terri Goebal
from Santa Barbara, CA
I am very sorry to report my sadness and disappointment tonight after eating the food I picked up for tonight's dinner from Fresco. My husband and I are both busy progessionals and we get take out food at various reatuarants in Goleta 3-4 nights per week. Fresco has been a staple since it opened but probably will no longer be an option.
First, they were understaffed. and although there was a line of people picking up takeout, there wasn't a soul in the restaurant seated. (this was 5:30 pm) The guy at the register could not handle it at all. He was friendly enough but obviously stressed. They seem to have difficulty providing receipts for people as I have had trouble trying to get them to give me one. This guy spent about 3 minutes looking through receipts in the trash for the woman in front of me. I was stunned! Anyway, upon getting home and sitting down to eat, (we both loved the soup-always good!) But when eating our turkey wrap we kept pulling out what was suppose to be tomatoes but were pure white core of the tomato. I guess the person in front of us must have gotten the actual tomato and we just got all the cores. Disgusting! We pulled them all out and got our Von's tomatoes as substitutes. The bacon was 100% fat and my husband's half didn't get any at all. Not to go on and on...I reccommend you just go somewhere else. This restaurant will not last too much longer in this economy.
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stale cupcakes
Reviewer: karen smith
from Santa Barbara, CA
I like heading to Fresco for a casual tasty dinner. No reservations required and you don't have to fight the parking lot like at la Cumbre. Had pan seared halibut..very tasty. Decided to get dessert and ordered a coconut cupcake..it was stale. It costs more than $6 for a cupcake and a cup of coffee...toss the 3 day old product. The other fresco sells day old cupcakes for 1/2 price..and I have taken them to the office and no one knew. This was older than day old and full price. Shame on you.
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Not health conscious at all!!
Reviewer: Lydia
from Santa Barbara, CA
I ordered the baked macaroni dish special. I was told with much mouth watering enthusiasm that I will never look at macaroni and cheese the same again. I was really looking forward to the baked macaroni however when it arrived I took a few bites and was thoroughly disgusted. It looked like a box of macaroni was just thrown into a ceramic bowl with a stick and a half of butter and some dry cheese crumbs tossed on top. I was expecting some mélange of melted cheeses but no it was just butter, lots and lots of it. A six year old could have done better. One stick of butter contains 810 calories all of which are from fat which makes up 141% daily value of fat and 290% of sat fat. And with the cholesterol!! Its ridiculous! It looked and tasted like there could have been two sticks! This could seriously be dangerous to anyone with a health condition. I told the waiter to inform the cook of this "special" entree. He didn't even offer another food item. It is just disappointing that a reputable restaurant wouldn't be reasonably conscious of the healthiness of their meals.
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If you like Fresco food come here
Reviewer: Matthew
from Santa Barbara, CA
If you like the food at Fresco on state come here and you won't be disappointed. The atmosphere is a little confused. They are trying to be Fresco on state, but still use the pepsi-cola glasses form when it was Gios. But, nonetheless I have been twice and both times gotten the veggie burger and garden salad with balsamic. Both choices are amazing -especially if you are a veggie like me!
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Goleta's Restaurant for Amazing Food!
Reviewer: Lori
from Santa Barbara, CA
Fresco Cafe North is an upscale restaurant with amazing food, friendly staff and the right price point for excellent quality. The owner and staff appreciate customer loyalty and go out of their way to ensure satisfaction.
Delicious and Healthy!
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Mmmmm Yummy!
Reviewer: Sarah
from Santa Barbara, CA
I always crave Fresco when I'm at school. I came back for break and this was the first place I went. I love how close it is to my house and the parking is so much better. The service was great and the food was just as I remembered it, delicious!
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We still miss Giovanni's
Reviewer: Carl
from Goleta, CA
We tried this place for the third (and last) time this weekend. The service was timely and friendly. The wife got salad & a pizza slice and I got soup & a pizza slice. She got a glass of white wine and I got a glass of red wine. The soup was so-so. The salad was fine; but the pizza was not edible. We quietly finished our wine, draped our pizza with napkin shrouds and went across the drive to Takenoya's.
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Good food and service, wonderful location
Reviewer: Nicole
from Santa Barbara, CA
First things first, do not buy baked goods here. They are NOT as delicious as the ones you'll find at Fresco in five points. However, everything else they serve is just as good if not better, plus they have better service. The sandwices there are delicious, I've tried many of them! Their soups are hit and miss, they like to puree things. The specials are varied and never get old. The service is prompt, polite and accomodating. Plus, unlike the five points location, they are open Sundays! While I wouldn't ever buy cupcakes here anymore, I prefer their sandwiches, soups, calzones, etc. to the location off La cumbre. Keep up the great work!
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Great food; fair prices
Reviewer: Joe
from Santa Barbara, CA
Having eaten at this location when it was a pizza place, I was expecting more a pizza place with real food. I was pleasantly surprised that the ambiance, the food and the experience are totally different now. My meal was excellent and my family members enjoyed theirs as well. The desserts were a problem-only because we could not decide what to order and share. (Ultimately we picked two; outstanding.) Overall, I was very impressed and will make this one of our regular dining spots.
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Food Adequate but for price did not knock my socks off
Reviewer: Glenn
from Buellton
Not sure I understand the Fresco hoopla. The food was Ok, for the price I was expecting more. To not have cashews or some form of nut in a chinese chicken salad(even Jack in the Box has shredded almonds!) seems to be cutting back. Most of the stuff on the menu was standard fare, the specials did look interesting and I should have tried one of those. I guess I don't get the draw to go here. Server seemed out of it. I don't see myself going back, I wonder if they will survive as that building has had two other occupants in the last five years.
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Fresco North is just fine
Reviewer: Dustin
from Goleta, California
I seem to have the opposite experience, as Fresco North is preferential to the Five Points location in atmosphere and seems to have a bit of an edge on food. I don't fret over service jitters in new establishments, particularly when the location has become very popular very fast. Goleta has been waiting for a restaurant like this, and the locals obviously appreciate it.
My wife and I enjoy lunch and dinner here when we can make it. We both love the chicken tortilla soup, and she particularly likes the chocolate cupcakes (they're ridiculously huge). I personally enjoy the ahi tuna wrap. Though we've not gone through most of the menu, we've tried enough to know that we'll be repeat customers.
Also, all the wait staff have been very friendly, and very apologetic when things have not come out just as planned. I get less from establishments that are well reviewed in Santa Barbara. Have patience folks.
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one of my favorite restaurants
Reviewer: Becca
from Santa Barbara, CA
I am reading all the reviews, and I am shocked at the bad ones. I love Fresco in 5 points but live in Goleta so was thrilled when Fresco North opened. Every time I go (about once a week) the service and food are great. My only small suggestion would be to put cheese on the foccacia bread, it makes it so much better! :)
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Good food.
Reviewer: Dave
from Santa Barbara, CA
We have been there 3 or 4 times now after passing by many times. I am glad we stopped, and we will return. I think <$10 price rating is inaccurate--you will pay more to eat there. We are couple who have averaged about $30 altogether each time.
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Food delicious, service lacking
Reviewer: Jan Griffin
from Santa Barbara, CA
We've eaten several times and the food is outstanding. We've taken several guests and they have enjoyed it as well. That being said, the service is lacking. We had to ask for everything we needed; service setup, bread, water, things that we feel should be provided by a server. It would be helpful to those who count calories to have some kind of idea of the ingredients and/or calories consuming for the salads, dressings, etc.
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it was great!
Reviewer: Elizabeth
from Goleta, CA
This was my first time having Fresco period. I have to say that I really enjoyed my turkey burger and salad. The taste was great! I'm definitely going there again despite some of the reviews I've read.
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Lunch service was bad
Reviewer: Nancy Sirs-Rawls
from Santa Barbara, CA
I am a regular Fresco customer at 5 Points and Goleta. I have noticed a few bumps in service at Fresco North in the past but today was just terrible! I was at lunch with 5 of my co-workers. One co-worker ordered first and another ordered for the 4 of us. The latter order came after about 20 minutes as it was very busy. The other co-worker never received her lunch! She asked about her order about 30 minutes after she ordered...no food after 45 minutes. Thank heavens Mark was there. I told my co-worker to complain to him. Not only did she get her lunch (to go order) 5 minutes later but her lunch was comped. If it were not for Mark, my co-worker would have never been served.
I realize that lunch is a busy time but the manager needs to train his staff to accommodate busy working customers on their lunch hour.
I will probably come back to Fresco North for dinner which seems to have better service but not at lunchtime.
Fresco Cafe North writes:
Thanks for writing a review on Fresco North Cafe. Sorry to hear that your experience was not up to par. We know that it will take time to settle in and assure all customers that we will be consistent with service as well as food. In the meantime, please keep sharing with us. In the end, it will make us better and you a happier client.
Jill Brouillard
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