The Alley Cafe

I tell you what this place really did earn all of their five stars! This visit started off rough with when we arrived for our reservation which was made two months in advance. We told we had to sit in the lounge. I expressed my dissatisfaction as what if our entire group was not of age? And that wasn't the experience I was looking for. They let us know we could wait for a table in the dining room. Still frustrated the bartender was nice enough to get us a round of drinks on the house and our soon to be server made sure to save us the last basket of garlic bread. We waited about 15 and were seating in the dining room. The ambiance was exactly what we were looking for, live music and old school design. Both the server and the bartender were very apologetic for the mix up and really wanted to make sure it was made right. We started off with the steamer clams and OMG thee best steamers I've EVER had! I don't say that lightly either. The flavor of the broth was so good we all dipped our bread in after. Then came the main course. I got the halibut with Alfredo and the flavors were great! Everyone else was also very pleased with their choices as well. The night ended up being the perfect dinner and after we were finished up the bartender and the server wanted to assure we were pleased with our experience. Would for sure come back here again and might even stop by for more steamers before we leave town.

Do not go here during COVID-19. We walked in and she looked at us like what are you doing here. We asked if we can order drinks, she said the bar is really lacking inventory (felt like she wanted us to leave). We stayed to order drinks and appetizers, so easy, you would think. The drinks were really bad, really strong and no flavor. They almost had no appetizers, so we ordered $17.00 of coconut shrimp (6 pieces), they were ok. Most the things on the menu weren’t available, and they wouldn’t tell us until we tried to order, get a new menu or tell us what your out of. Horrible Service. Felt like we were not wanted. There are so many good places in Leavenworth, I do not recommend this place at all. So disappointed. If you don’t like to serve people and make their day better then maybe don’t be in the service industry.

Beyond Excellent Restaurant! Very few times can I say a restaurant is perfection, and our experience here was exactly that! Everything ordered was delicious and cooked perfectly, even the side dishes and the bread. Food was served hot and was delivered quickly by charming waitress. It was so wonderful that even though I was stuffed, I could not pass up dessert knowing it was likely to be amazing as well.... I was not disappointed, the cherry chocolate red wine cheesecake was to die for and I couldn't help but find enough room for every last bite. One of my best dining experiences I have had!

So, Covid messed with our chi. We had expectations of a fine meal and wine and dessert, at an actual table indoors, but not too be in WA state. 13 days on the road and back to WA political reality. Anyways, after we swallowed that pill, the folks at the Alley made us some delicious dinner. Ceasar Salad and Chicken Oscar to go. They went out of their way to make sure we were all set to enjoy this meal and we went outside on a beautiful Leavenworth night and are at a table that another closed out restaurant had waiting and available for us to find. The food was great and the people were great. Hopefully, when you go the full experience will be available for you.

Wife and I have been to this cafe many times over the last 10 years. The last 3 years it seems to have gone downhill a bit. Our dinner recently was served on cold plates and food was not enjoyably hot. Quality seems to be lacking but sure could be easily improved I'm sure. On a Posative note, cafe has cozy atmosphere and a 3 member jazz group played the night we were there. Nice.