What caught my attention about this place is that they advertised as a "fresh kitchen" and I am always seeking a restaurant that uses fresh ingredients and offers healthy options. I decided to try the pesto grilled chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli and it was delicious. When I go back, I would love to try their salmon entree and Alfredo pasta. The staff were super nice and patient when I asked several questions about the menu and the dining area was bright due to open windows and extremely clean. I would definitely go back. read more

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After I left my doctor's office, I decided to do some work on my laptop. I searched for a coffee shop. I found Cafe Express being the furthest from me. I ended up coming here because I could find the other one closer to me. It didn't dawn on me that name on Google Maps until I left and saw the logo. Ahhh... Cafe Express. Duh. It's a chain restaurant. No wonder the employees acted like they were clueless when I asked about time limit using their table for work. Some restaurants got their loitering policy. An employee had to get her manager to come talk to me. Seriously? I ordered a happy hour special. Chicken salad lettuce wraps $6.00, saved 99 cents. The environment was very cozy. Not many customers on the Monday evening. I got something done on my laptop but I had to leave for a function. But I'll be back to try the lunch specials. read more

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Went on New Years Eve for some lunch. There were a good number of people there. Ordering was easy. You just go up to the person up front to order. The staff were friendly and helpful. We ordered their chicken pita and burger (both chose fries). We split sandwiches between the two of us so we could both try each and both determined they were both tasty. The burger was charbroiled and the pita had a good amount of chicken. Looks like it was recently remodeled. There is plenty of seating. Love that they had so many options to choose from so will definitely be coming back to try some more. read more

One of the better fast casual concept that started in Houston, the food here is Mediterranean flavor. You order at the front and they will bring the food out to you, you will get your own drink and the free olives, garlics, and pickle, and your silverwares. The food comes out pretty fast. The price for the quality of the food is on point, I usually get the Cafe Duo combo, you choose a sandwiches and a soup or a salad. Creamy Potato Soup and Half Chicken Pesto on Ciabatta are my favorites so far here. The cafe feels like you are at a coastal town in the Mediterranean Sea. read more

Cafe Express - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

As a loyal fan of Cafe Express salads, I decided to try something new todayand went with the new Mediterranean Chicken Bowl today...it's delicious! perfectly dressed with a lemon viniagrette and lots of diced grilled chicken. Customize to your liking. Try the signature black current tea! read more

So I got hungry after a morning of running errands and stumbled upon this place. I had such a good experience. A quiet delicious lunch. Simple but great. I had a BLT and let me tell ya. The bacon was a thick girl!!! The orzo soup portion was perfect enough. The wait staff was so good they anticipated patrons needs from what I observed. Great experience with a smile and a gentle greeting. Definitely my new soup and sandwich spot. Though a little on the pricier for that selection. read more

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Did a curbside order today, was a quick and easy experience. I ordered the half chicken salad sandwich with half a Caesar salad. Both were delicious, I like the walnuts in the chicken salad! My mom ordered the Mediterranean Bowl, and she really liked it. From what I could see of the inside, it was really cute. read more

I come here after my workout at least twice a week and haven't had an issue until I tried their new salmon item. I was served a slab of salmon that was still raw in the middle, and only realized after I had already eaten some. I brought it up to the staff and they solely recooked the plate and served it back to me. Unsanitary and unsafe for those with sensitive stomachs. I should not have to worry about my food being half prepared with how high their prices are. Additionally, their salmon had many bones inside which made it annoying to manage. Unfortunately, I do not wish to comeback solely due to their quality of food. Two stars. read more

Cafe Express - Mediterranean Salmon - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

My initial experiences with Cafe Express were not great, mainly due to lackluster food and service. However, I'm all for second (#1) chances and wanted to give them another shot for their seasonal menu, family style packages, and slightly renovated interior. The good news is that the food has improved but the bad news is the service is still a total crapshoot. The casual format is still the same: order in the front, get a number assigned, and someone will eventually bring over the food. The parking is a shared lot with ample spaces and the interior is clean with plenty of natural lighting. There's a lot of room to stretch since it's so spacious, there's a lot of room for all parties from solo diners to large groups. While the food is still very much of the cafeteria style quality that others have noted, it is at least improved as compared to the stuff I had before. Their sandwiches are basic, but the toasted turkey club ($11) i a solid pick as is their classic tuna sandwich ($9). The salads have fared better for me personally, as I've enjoyed their shrimp + avocado ($16) and triple deli ($16) which combines tuna salad, chicken salad, and pesto pasta in one single bowl. Many of their entrees have chicken and salmon, so for anyone looking for something different might enjoy their angus cheddar burger ($14), which comes with fries. The staff is usually very young and not the most personable group. I've been served someone else's order several times and the cashiers are usually a bit disconnected with the interaction. This varies from day to day of course, but I think this is their biggest area of improvement. Overall, I've been here for WiFi work lunches as well as easy meetings over food when in River Oaks. It's still a solid casual option where the buck doesn't break the bank, but hoping the service will kick it up a notch. __________ (#1) Or in this case, fifths*. read more

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Best wait staff - a happy place to dine. We crave the pasta deli salad and go weekly!

So delicious! The seating area was nicely decorated; I loved the natural lighting coming from all the windows. We received our food fast and the Mediterranean bowl was really refreshing. read more

Cafe Express - New Mediterranean Chicken Bowl - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

We showed up on a lazy Sunday afternoon and even though our group was rather large, they got our orders in and brought out the food very fast and most importantly it was fresh and delicious. I used to go to Cafe Express in Meyerland and Uptown Park locations pretty often and the quality of food and prices have always been reasonable so I'm not sure why there aren't more of these restaurants around anymore. I really like their little free olive bar as well. read more

food is good workers are extremely attentive and helpful, friendly . the food is a good value and most always it's fresh and hot.

Just had a delicious quick meal with great service. Split a Greek chicken pita with fries. The chicken was tender, pita was fresh, and the fries were perfect--crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They split the order for us on separate plates without asking (knowing we were sharing). Polite and friendly service. read more

Clean, fresh, delicious! Open and airy atmosphere with friendly and laid back staff. My new go to spot since Zoe's Kitchens closed down. Will be a new regular at this classic and redefined casual yet classy establishment. read more

Cafe Express - Triple deli salad - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

They served jalapeños hidden ( sly) in the GREEK SALAD. Greeks salads DO NOT HAVE JALAPEÑOS!! I'm both sensitive and allergic to them! All I heard from the manager there was yes you are not the first one. If he did bring it to upper management why was nothing done! I could've been in ER. I had blisters the ne t day! AT LEAST WARN the customer what's really the contents so we are aware( not in the description menu) I find it sneaky and obviously Cafe Express do not give a damn about customers.. read more

Great experience. Walked in, guy at the register was ready to help, I asked him some of his favorites, ended up with the basil pesto chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and spinach. Well priced. Food came out in about 5 minutes. Super tasty. They also had a sort of bar for extra flavors so I grabbed some olives and giardiniera. Was in and out in 15-20 minutes. The place itself was busy as well as this was peak lunch hour. Really impressed w just how fast everything was but still great quality. Ambiance was bright, open design. Cant complain about anything, 5/5. read more

Cafe Express - Basil Pesto Chicken - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

A few weeks ago, I took my residents from The Landing at Augusta Woods (a Frontier Senior Living community in Spring) to this location, before a show at Stages. I was VERY hesitant to take them here, as I know how busy the shopping center gets - and taking a bus full of seniors doesn't sound like the easiest thing to do, especially around 5pm!! However, I was COMPLETELY wrong! EVERY team member there went ABOVE AND BEYOND with all of us - holding the door for us, escorting residents in wheelchairs, cracking jokes, etc. My residents truly felt spoiled and part of the family. The team definitely provided AMAZING service! "What did we do to deserve all this attention?" One of my residents asked me. Thank you Cafe Express for providing such a joyous and memorable evening read more

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I love what the remodeling folks at the Cafe Express on West Gray in Houston did to the old place. It's new, bright, spacious, and very user friendly. Condiments are great, the salad bar even better but what really stands out most of all is the Manager, Josh and the customer service by attendants Diago, and Samuel. Beautiful outdoor/indoor seating! Power outlets! Only downside is -- no coffee! But they are working on that! I love going to this place now. It puts Panera Bakery, Corner Bakery to shame. You'll thank so too. read more

Cafe Express - Inside Cafe Express - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Always a good standby. Clean, upscale, friendly service and prompt. I had the trio salad or equivalent. Tasty but not spectacular. Plenty of food. Pasta, chicken salad and tuna salad which was my least favorite. Had this before and will try something else next time. Always enjoy relaxing here. read more

Grilled Salmon and 2 sides Wow...delicious.!!!!! A bargain at 17.95 The server is outstanding and is so very friendly read more

Good for fast food that is not mass produced. I love their Triple deli salad. They also have a great burger and sandwiches.

This restaurant has a long history on West Gray. We've dined there periodically for 20+ years. Of course, we really enjoyed many dishes and developed a number of personal favorites. This restaurant has been remodeled and menu revised and it's obvious elements of the original remain and enough so that we still enjoy Cafe Express. Food quality is very high, service is fast and food is delivered promptly. The menu options are more varied now giving many options to return! read more

I ordered an Avocado Cobb Salad and a bowl of Potato Soup. The soup was tasty but the container was 2/3 full if that much. For the price of a simple soup you would expect a full portion. The salad was pitiful looking. The 3 small pieces of avocado were soft and going brown. The other ingredients were slight and the container was not nearly full. It is no wonder your business is lacking. What was once a fabulous cafe is now a sad place. I have pictures to share but this site does not have way to upload them. read more

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An old standard- and that's a good thing. Good food, cleanliness appears to be a priority. Good value.

Stopped by for a quick lunch with the kids. They have great, healthy options the whole family enjoyed. We also signed up for a rewards program and got a free brownie! read more

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First time at Cafe Express and it was good. The service was excellent, everyone was helpful. The food was okay. I ordered the shrimp capri pasta and it was very bland. The hummus and pita bread appetizer was yummy. Once I was home I added some seasoning to my leftovers and the pasta was delicious. We took our coworker out for lunch for her birthday, and she enjoys eating here so it was her choice. As long as she enjoyed we were all happy! I'll probably visit again to try something else. read more

Cafe Express - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Wow.... I orders 3 shrimp capri pastas and it was SO DISGUSTING !!!!! Everyone in my family absolutely HATED IT!!! I would not recommend this entree to anyone. I am purely disgusted. My family is pissed I chose to order this. Trust me i won't be making that mistake ever again read more

First time here, the staff was friendly, and the food was good. Nice atmosphere for talking.

I have come to this location for over 10 years and some items are not longer made in site so they are not are as good :( but the service is amazing ! Tommy changed my order right away because didn't like the quiche(not longer made in house) and The sweet lady Jacandra is always serving with a smile and very efficient. Bravo! for these very valuable staff members! read more

Food:: it's always been fresh since I've gone Service:: super friendly and helpful Ambiance:: cafe style with a retro feel read more

What happened to the Cafe Express I first met? Just tried them after not coming here for a few years and honestly it's awful. Processed turkey (aka salt chunks) on a Cobb salad with processed bacon, and can't find the egg. This is basically a plate of greens with two lumps of blue cheese, fake bacon, fake turkey, virtually no egg, 2 slices of avocado and 1/2cup of very acidic dressing. The remake is just as skimpy. I cannot suggest you order the Turkey Cobb.... read more

Cafe Express - The tiny bit of egg on a "Cobb" salad with the fake turkey and bacon! - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Cafe Express you never disappoint! Like EVER! Like the foodie that I am, I can always go for pasta, tasty desserts, seafood, etc, but sometimes I just have a craving for a really good soup and sandwich. Sounds simple I know, but I've been plenty places that haven't quite figured out the perfect algorithm.....crazy I know. However, any thing that I've ever ordered from Cafe Express has been great. This time I ordered their new Toasted Tuna Club (no bacon, parm sauce, or cheese) with kettle chips and a cup of their black bean soup. Let's just say my tastebuds were satisfied. If you're looking for a chill place that has a little of everything (soup, salad, sandwich, pasta, etc.) then make sure you stop by this place. Oh, and you should definitely try their cookies. They're hard to resist. read more

Cafe Express - Toasted Tuna Club w/ kettle chips - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Adequate. This place will do in a pinch but I wouldn't specifically chose to come here if there are other options. I came in here for a late lunch. The tables were all a little dirty. I know there is a lunch rush, but they had since gone and someone needed to come around and wipe down the tables. We ordered and our food took an average amount of time. My chicken sandwich was average. They need to flatten the chicken for the sandwiches. It's like eating a ball of chicken rather than a chicken breast. The sweet potato fries were good but they kind of skimped on them. I like that it's counter service and that you can help yourself to condiments, drink refills, bread sticks, etc... Overall, this place is ok. Not great, not bad. read more

Cafe Express - Grilled chicken sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Tastes like cafeteria food. Would not recommend the pasta. Vibes were fine but restaurant was empty.

Any bets on how long this location, now almost always empty after remodel, will last? I've enjoyed the food but what made the owners believe diners want to eat in a sterile, bright environment more suitable for a bathroom? It used to be so busy at this W. Gray location that you waited in line to place an order...now no one is in the place. read more

I have always enjoyed the food here, however we just left after having lunch and although establishment has had a makeover and looks great, the food has gone way downhill. There was no flavor. Won't be going back, disappointed. read more

Picking up lunch at cafe express. A very nice server Yesenia. Patient as I placed my order.

This is a new design of a spot that has been here for years. The new design is better, very shiny and bright. Maybe a bit more modern than the previous. The employees were very welcoming and kind. As for the food, from some of the previous reviews, I was expecting smaller portions and worse food. However, my Triple Deli Salad was as good as ever, with exactly the same portion size as before. The greens were fresh, with plentiful chicken salad and pasta. I also got the impression that they had gotten rid of the olives, croutons, etc. that were always available to add to the meals. That was not the case as they were there for the taking. And as always, the Black Currant Tea was as good as ever. Overall, my experience and meal were quite good and I will continue to support this restaurant. read more

this was a much nicer space prior to the remodel. Remodel looks cheap and cold. Let's seating them before and the meeting spaces are gone. The menu is drastically cut. The only thing I recognize is they have chicken. They don't offer a soup and salad option. Prior to the remodel this was a sophisticated space that felt welcoming and comfortable. It offered many booths for private seating and now just has a sad hospital cafeteria feel.. A lot of wasted space and there's just nothing cozy about this place anymore. I'm watching people come in and leave disappointment. read more