3.4/5 Nice cafe with some foods with the city's specialty garlic. I split a garlic burger with garlic fries, and the garlic fries were the star of the show. Because you can taste the garlic, whereas the burger the restaurant used oven roast garlic and although it was soft and spreadable, the flavor did not shine through. Good service and nice location! read more

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My friends and I had lunch here previously and enjoyed our experience, really loved the soup, so we went back. Unfortunately, we did not have the same experience as before. The waitress, who might be the co-owner was so rude. Not a smile, nasty tone of voice, not accommodating at all. We should have cancelled our orders and left. read more

Food is so so, over priced for what you get. The service is not great, I've been there once and have not went back.

We leave happy and satisfied every time. My favorite dish at the moment is this stuffed chicken with mushroom, spinach, and onion, over risotto with a white cream sauce. It's called "chicken coq au vin." Always so tasty and usually have enough to take home for lunch the next day. My husband loved ordering the steak and jambalaya. House salad with dinner is ways a good big portion, and we've like every soup we've tried: especially the white calm chowder. We also usually start with the calamari, it's served with a nice house dipping sauce. For two of us: for dinners, an app, and 1 iced tea=$60. Great price for such a tasty night out. read more

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Super good! Loved the salad - tasted super fresh. Garlic Fries were yummy. Husband and kids enjoyed their burgers and grilled cheese. Staff were all so nice and their customer service was superb. A nice touch was when staff gave my two little ones a small cone of ice cream at the end. read more

Garlic City Cafe - Make your own salad - American Near Me - Gilroy, California

worst service, I stop at this place to enjoy a breakfast, My order was served wrong for the second time, I told the owner, which happens to be the cook. I said this is the second time i come here and you serve my order wrong, he responded I don't know why you come back. Wow! after you give my order wrong, and I worked with you not remake it you tell me not to come back. Please Remember, we are part of your economy, we like to consume local, but please don't mistreat customers. Update: We try to pay our order, Owner one more time comes won't accept my pay, I am not asking for free food. He said. I don't want your money, I don't want your business, wow so I told every customer there how unprofessional his service was. Please don't come here, if you are an owner you don't treat people bad ! You messed up my order, I told you, not to remake it but please be careful. The you act this way, no Mr. and to his wife, thank you , you are awesome, I love your service but your husband was not polite nor delivered a professional service. I understand we may have bad days, but to treat people this way, unacceptable! read more

Overall pretty disappointed with the food. They weren't offering the garlic soup and they didn't have any ice cream (server said they ran out). Our order took a really long time to come out. Burger was dry, chicken sandwich was dry, fries looked like they came out of a bag of frozen fries from a grocery store. I think most of the meat/food was all frozen so it tasted like that. I was really looking forward to the place based on the reviews. Our server was really nice and always refilled our waters, but I can't recommend eating here. read more

I've eaten here PLENTY of times. I LOVE French fries, especially garlic fries. Hands down, the best garlic fries in town. I took my mom and aunt here for Mother's Day. It was so busy, but we expected it. A family owns this establishment so I try not to complain especially on busy days like holidays. They're great people and there are usually only a couple of servers so please be patient! It's worth the wait! I would recommend really anything on their menu! I usually eat here for breakfast or lunch. As you can see in the photos, it's so yummy! My favorite is the Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict. They put a lot of Hollandaise so if it's not your jam, ask for that on the side. The eggs were cooked to perfection and the crab cakes were yummy and crispy! My mom ordered the Portobello Mushroom and Garlic Omelette. It had bacon in it and the mushrooms were so savory and flavorful, just a wonderful brunch experience. Pancakes were also amazing! For lunch, try the Garlic City burger with garlic fries (bring breath mints or gum haha) and also try the Penne Pasta and Shrimp Florentine Pasta - it's to die for!!!! Support local! read more

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What a wonderful little spot! Wonderful food. Try the sage chicken! Amazing artichokes heart appetizer, great Ortega chili burger on the lunch menu. The best. I love an owner operated rear that cares about their recipes. Delish. read more

Dropped by over the weekend. I was lucky to find parking right in front of the restaurant. I have to admit that the service was a bit slow. Most likely due to the lack of staff. There was only 2 waitress working the restaurant. The food came out in a resonable time. Nothing fancy here. We had the Garlic Burger and the Garlic City Omelette. I found the burger a bit dry but it was okay. The omelette was good. Overall a solid 3 stars. read more

Garlic City Cafe - Garlic City Burger the meet was a bit dry. - American Near Me - Gilroy, California

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This is like eating a meal in your talented family's kitchen. I haven't had anything from Garlic City Cafe that I wouldn't order again and again, and I feel like I've tried a lot! Their fried foods are crispy, flavorful and served piping hot (calamari, artichokes, fries), their soups are creamy and thick and frankly I crave them (clam chowder or garlic soup) and their pastas are generous with the proteins (seafood pasta for example). I often do take-out as well and the only thing I'd love more of, is their cream sauces on the seared salmon because it's just so dang good. The sage chicken is awesome and so is the risotto! Just try it all! I have such an appreciation for their menu and their intelligent cooking that feels better than home cooking. Like, they just know what they're doing! read more

Good friendly service, the food is reasonably priced with large portions. The breakfast and wraps are excellent. We don't have much in this town but this one of our gems. read more

Wow. Stopped in Gilroy on our way to the Bay Area. Looks like an order and eat place but it is a sit down restaurant. The food was so good! Roasted beet salad and bucatini pasta were amazing. Staff were very kind and friendly. Definitely recommend and if ever in the neighborhood will come back. read more

Really don't waste your time coming here! Everyone is rude, the wait is long, they overcharge, they'll give you the wrong food AND the watterss tried to argue to me about it. I asked the waitress for recommendations and she just mumbled I don't give recommendations because everyone's always unhappy about it. The second guy I asked said he loved all pastas...so took me some time to choose. When I was ready to choose I said I wanted the rigatoni pasta to the guys there and they said to wait for the waitress. The waitress took my order, I said rigatoni and pointed at the bottom of the menu and asked for the garlic soup because it comes with the pasta. She charged me $18 for the pasta but it says $17 on the menu. Also charged me $2 extra for the garlic creams soup even though it costs the same as the other soup? Whatever I just wanted to order to go and leave. After waiting 30 minutes to pay I get my food and leave and have to come back because they got my order wrong! I know the guy checked too and he kept asking me if I ordered the rigatoni and looked at the food and didn't say anything. Then the waitress came quickly swiped my card two times and just said asked for another payment. So I paid cash and got some change back. I left already and looked at the food in the car and had to drive back because it was a completely different pasta! Different meat different pasta. It was the shrimp fettuccine so no way I could have accidently ordered it. When I came back the waitress argued to me about my order someone had to jump in to confirm I wanted rigatoni to actually give me a refund. Even when I gave back the 2 dimes so I don't have to carry around change the waitress was being petty and gave me back the quarters and slammed the register saying she already closed it read more

Service was good considering there was one server and one cook a perfect combination I had the penne pasta W/ prawns very garlicky creamy sauce and the spinach make a perfect combination. Next I had their signature garlic cream soup .. a 10+ . If your a garlic lover this is the place . read more

Garlic City Cafe - Cream of garlic - American Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Garlic chicken & eggplant panini will rock your world! Stop here hungry! The potato salad is terrific too! read more

Garlic City Cafe - Garlic Chicken and Eggplant Panini will change your life! One of the best sandwiches I had! - American Near Me - Gilroy, California

Had the grilled chicken and eggplant sandwich, and my wife had the Fettuccini Putanesca and also the garlic soup. Everything was excellent! It took a while for the food to be prepared, but the wait was worth it. Service was really good. read more

The food was fresh, delicious, and unforgettable. My wife and I will be back. I suggest the garlic city omelet with pancakes, savor every bite. read more

Service was a bit slow for lunch but the food was very good. I love garlic, so this was right up my alley.

The quality of the food was horrible. Super salty and they got our order wrong. We could not hear the waiter as she spoke very low and mumbled. Would not recommend for the price and quality of the food was not worth it. . read more

Driving through the garlic Capitol we yelped garlic and this establishment popped up. We stopped off for lunch and ordered a couple salads and garlic fries. Salads were huge, well prepared and delish, but those garlic fries! Shhhaaawing! They were the things dreams are made of. Stinky, garlicky breath dreams, but SO good!!! read more

Garlic City Cafe - Garlic fries - American Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Was super hungry and was trying to find something light to eat before meeting with friends. I had the cream of garlic soup and a cup of hot tea. The soup was really good and hit the spot I needed. I'm not from Gilroy and was passing through... but this really feel like home. Friendly servers and totally recommend. Ps. I was so hungry I forgot to take a picture of the soup before this‍. read more

Unfortunately..... First, something positive: We've been going here for 10yrs having excellent meals 2-3 times a week! The food is possibly the best in all of Gilroy. The chef (and owner) is an excellent cook, everything is made to order & delicious. It is a family run cafe and everyone is working hard to do a great job. Now, the negative: The owner's wife who waits tables is "hit or miss" but always very nice. On July 6th at 1pm I went in for lunch where I was sat outside. I was greeted by the owner's wife - we had brief pleasantries, I complimented her then ordered my usual Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wrap (menu screen shot attached). Within a short time, she returned with the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich (not a wrap or chicken). I very humbly and kindly alerted her that this was the wrong order. To my shock and dismay, she got visibly upset (no yelling) and accused me of ordering it. I said: "I ordered the BBQ chicken wrap". Then in a hostile & aggressive manner she snapped back saying; "Well you said BBQ, and that's what we have!". I said: "Yes, the wrap has BBQ as well, look at the menu." I then said; "I also ordered a wrap not a sandwich, chicken not pork and I've been ordering this same wrap for 10yrs." She continued to debate me while standing at my table trying to make this my mistake! At this point I became agitated (not yelling) and said: "We have been coming here several times a week for 10yrs, shame on you for treating me so badly. I can't believe you are treating a customer like this, especially a loyal one. We have been excellent customers and have always supported your business." She continued to argue that I said "BBQ"! Which I did because that is what the wrap is called! At this point she was either very confused or stubborn and made no apology or offered any alternative such as the correct order. So, I said: "I cannot believe you are treating me like this and continuing to argue with me. I don't deserve this after years of loyalty. This is it, we will never be back." I then reached into my wallet to pay for HER MISTAKE. She got flustered and walked back inside. I followed her, went to the counter where her husband was cooking. I called him by name and said: "(Name), we will never come here again! We have been loyal customers. Shame on you for treating me so terribly. I then held a $20 bill above my head and continued saying: "Here! Here is your money for an order I never placed! Clearly this is more important than my business or loyalty so keep it. I then placed the $20 bill on the counter and exited. As I did, I looked at the wife and said: "Shame on you (name) for treating a customer this way." I would like to add that during COVID they were struggling and doing business from the entry to their cafe like a food truck. We came weekly to support them! We'd even eat on the sidewalk out front so others could see they were in business! We've also used them to cater several events over the years. We even gave them a housewarming gift when they got a new home!!! This review is only about the terrible and completely inappropriate treatment I (we) received from one of the owners. While we wish them success, they have lost a loyal long-time customer permanently. We will never return, nor can we recommend Garlic City Cafe. read more

If you love garlic this is a good place to try. I was passing the area with my friend and we decided to try this place! Very good if you love your garlic! I got the pesto chicken sandwich. I added bacon and avocado absolutely delicious. The potato salad isn't my favorite so won't be getting that again. I would highly recommend it at all! read more

This place isn't much to look at... needs fresh paint and new lighting. But the food was great! I had the garlic city burger, garlic fries and cream of garlic soup (the reason for visiting Gilroy) and all were worth eating again. read more

They have a wide variety on the menu! Lots of yummy choices, was hard to choose. We got, Cuban sandwich with garlic fries, turkey club, California omelette, and the Joey scramble. The portions are huge!! We will definitely making the drive to come back! Service was great! Cute little whole in the wall place . read more

Best place to eat in gilroy always happy customer. Love the pastas and dessert. Very kind and friendly. read more

Always drive by the garlic capital of the world (INO) and never really ate garlic here. Was NOT disappointed by this cafe. Came for lunch on a Saturday, it was winding down as they close for a few hours and then open for dinner. I loved how we sat down and were able to order immediately and get our food shortly after. We were in there less than an hour. Very prompt, especially since we were in a hurry too. Clean, audible when conversating, and delicious. I ordered the shrimp pasta (forgot the entire name) and it was delicious!! My husband lo ed his cuban sandwich as well. Total came out to about 47 (I had a drink and he had a smoothie as well)....but our food was delicious, quick service, so we can see ourselves coming back with friends/family. read more

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The other weekend I was driving through Gilroy and thought why not stop and see what's to eat? I found this place and I am so glad I did! I ordered the French Dip on garlic bread and it was amazing. May have been the best French dip I've ever had. They absolutely load it with meat. I'm not kidding, I could have made two sandwiches with the amount of beef. The garlic bread bun was insane. I knew Gilroy was the garlic capital of the world but I didn't think the garlic bread would be THAT good. It was. Even the fruit that came on the side was fresh and yummy. Overall great sandwich! read more

Under staffed, but good food for the price, can never go wrong here! Has a bit of everything.

Great food! I always have a good meal here. My favorite is there garlic soap and any of there salads.

30 minutes for 2 burgers..... Still waiting.... And waiting..... And waiting. It's not like we ordered well-done.

Great food in downtown Gilroy. I enjoyed the garlic topped burger. Everyone in the family was satisfied. They have outdoor seating too.

Way to go in Gilroy! Everyone in our group got a dish with garlic. Otherwise, what's the point of eating in Gilroy right?? The Garlic City burger was one of a kind. The burger itself consists of a pretty good burger's ingredients + their signature roasted garlic. I would say the garlic completely transformed the burger. I loved the strong taste of garlic on each bite. They were soft and not spicy at all. The side of garlic fries were also really good. The whole dish just nailed it. The only improvement was the service. It took forever for our food to come out. I think they were understaffed. We really wanted to try the garlic soup but they were out too. read more

Garlic City Cafe - Garlic City Burger - American Near Me - Gilroy, California

Food is fantastic! Service is REALLY good. I would definitely recommend this establishment. The French fries were crisp. The chicken is juicy. It's breast. And it's juicy! It's a hidden jem. read more

The food here is good. We ordered the Gilroy Garlic burger , shrimp pasta and, Alfredo. All thee dishes no complainde, but just like many other Yelp reviews said, the server owner lady has little attitude. She's kinda rush with order and seems impatient. She is not nice. I know she is the owner because there was a picture of her and her husband there. I'm unsure if that is just her personality but it makes the experience a little bit unpleasant. The restaurant is small, cozy and standard clean. Maybe because family business so you may need to wait for a long time for food to arrive. I guess maybe just come here for the food but ignore or don't give too much expectation for services. read more

Was in Gilroy and stopped here to give it a try, it was as good as the reviews post. I had the garlic chicken sandwich w/ garlic fries and both were delicious. The service was great kept my iced tea full and my friend's water full , he had the garlic soup and couldn't stop telling me how good it is. If in the area this is a must stop. read more

Garlic City Cafe - Garlic chicken sandwich with garlic fries - American Near Me - Gilroy, California

Personally, not my favorite. Pro Juicy steak Large portions Friendly service Perfectly roasted garlic Con A bit too much gravy and pepper Slather over the food so does not give me that chance to reduce the amount on the dish A bit to mushy read more

Garlic City Cafe - Roasted Garlic appetizer - American Near Me - Gilroy, California

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5/7/21 Well well! If you read my reviews much you probably know I tend to dump on restaurants in far-out middle-of-nowhere places cause... well... yeah, they normally suck. I guess you could argue that Gilroy isn't really middle-of-nowhere cause property prices are still somewhat high, probably due to all the people who can't afford to buy houses in the Bay Area, so this would be next best. But, really, you're gonna have to drive a looooooong way to find more city comforts. Anyway, this review is about the restaurant so.... Yeah, as soon as we walked in my heart sank. Place is dingy, old, and just totally feels like a middle-of-nowhere i-dont-care-if-its-uglier-than-dennys... but we were driving of of town and were really hungry. This had to do. Then I looked at the menu... I thought this was GARLIC City Cafe? Like em, where's the garlic??? (For those not familiar garlic is The Thing in Gilroy, and they even have a garlic festival every year.) You've probably been to The Stinking Rose, and now THAT is a menu built on garlic. Alright, this place is not a cheap alternative to Stinking Rose, BUT......... well.... 1. Table Bread: Came hot with a nice crisp crust. Delicious at first. Though, when it cooled down, it tasted a lot worse than other breads served cold at other places. 5/10 2. Fried Artichokes $10.95 "with roasted garlic and aioli mayonnaise": Well, I guess I can't read, cause yeah, it did say there's garlic in the description. But anyway, when we got the dish and I took a bit, I was like HOLY F, it's GREAT, and ultra garlicky. Like seriously crap tons of fresh garlic all over. Roasted?--no. Not sure why the description calls it roasted. Basically chopped garlic, almost raw, just really bringing that garlic flavor home! And I LOVE the fried artichokes. Never knew this was a thing, but it totally works. Their batter is great too--light and crisp. 9/10 3. Seafood Linguine $20.95 "in a lobster cream, with clams, salmon, prawns, and scallops": I can't remember the details, but it was definitely great. Tons of not-overcooked seafood, tons of sauce. Oh, and it's also garlicky (and they didn't mention that in the description)! 3a. Clam Chowder: Their chowder is a bit different--very heavily thickened with potato for one. It also has a slight cheesy taste--not sure if I was imagining it? Didn't have much clam though sadly. My 1.5yr old kid loved it. 6/10 4. New York Steak and Crab Stuffed Prawns $26.95 "with a rosemary bergundy peppercorn demi-glaze over country mashed potatoes": Well I'll be damned. $27 for THIS??? WTF. When the monster plate arrived at my table I was like wow..... wowow.... the plating was beautiful, all stacked up and smothered in sauce with those stuffed prawns on top... oh my! Alright, yes, the steak was overcooked. Not medium-rare, but more like medium-well... but hey, it's like a $15 steak if you subtract all the stuff they got going on like the semi-crab-cakes, and for that it ain't bad at all! And despite the cooking temp, it wasn't dry. I love the sauce too--delicious, though kinda thin. Those stuffed prawns though, they're more like crab cakes with shrimp wrapped around honestly. They definitely used a lot of filler, but it's good tasting filler! I'd say these "crab cakes" are better tasting than about 1/2 of the ones I've had standalone at fancier restaurants. Not kidding. Anyway, this might have been the most value in a steak plate I've ever seen. Oh, and again, it's garlicky!!! 9/10 5. Salad: Just a boring supermarket salad. 4/10 6. Lemonade: Oh yeah, first time my kid is having lemonade!!! (not fresh--probably frozen stuff). Oh one thing of note: I think this is the first Italian restaurant I've ever been to that does NOT serve alcohol!!! Oh well. So there you have it. My normal stereotype of these places was proven wrong! The food is probably more 4/5 stars, but since this place is more than an hour away from any real city-slicker fancy food they definitely deserve something extra for doing so well for where they are... 5/5 #gilroy #steak #italianfood #italiancuisine read more

Was looking for a breakfast/lunch this fit the job. The service was slightly slow although seemed to be a busy time of day around 11:30am on a weekday. They have 4 staff... everything was good. For sure I'd go back again, just dont be in a hurry! read more

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