Review A Cafe Etc - Brighton

Carol and her beautiful staff have been amazing during our stay. They have great coffee and all the treats are home made…. Yum!! The breakfasts are generous size and delicious Make sure you call in and say hi and enjoy the hospitality ❤️

Okay breakfast with terrible coffee. One third of the coffee was froth for latte and the rest tasted only like milk. Also "no exemptions" sign for mask when clearly stated exemptions applied by law in their shop, someone sounds like a hypochondriac in there.

I was asked to pay cash because the on line banking wasn’t working. I don’t see how this is my problem. (sort it out or give away free coffee because we are almost in a totally cashless society) The front door has a sign on it saying “hold the handle up to keep the door closed”. Go figure! Why not fix the door handle. A clear lack of attention to detail. I don’t think I will be back and sure the people sitting at the table next to us will be. The staff definitely don’t care and are there to punch the time clock only.

Three and a half average stars is not at all reflective of our experience today. The coffee was creamy and the lamb and mango salad was really a deconstructed yiros. Sooo delicious! My friend had eggs benny and asked to replace the ham for tomatoes; no argument, no attitude, no extra cost. We will definitely be back!!! ❤️☕️🥗

Great place for breakfast and brunch. Food was great, I loved the beef burger, decent size and the patty was well flavoured. Lots of Marilyn Monroe decor, service could be better.

Their Chai latte was really good and orange poppyseed muffin. Been there for lunch in the past and it hasn't been up to usual standards. Garden at the back is beautiful and chill.

Horrible Eggs Benedict, the bagel was so tough I couldn't cut through it. The order also came out wrong. Took it back and they gave me a steak knife to use, still couldn't cut through. Horrible service. Coffee wasn't bad.

I came here to cool my thirst on a lovely morning only to be disappointed by the rude staff. They were older ladies and grumpy as. I have come here twice. The first time was by accident and it was intense with memorabilia of Norma everywhere I cried! Hence coming back a second time wanting to meet the owner but turns out she was one of the rude ladies so I didn’t bother. If I died and came back and saw that there was a cafe dedicated towards my life- I wouldn’t want it being anything like this. The energy was dull and whilst observing the customers for quite a while, they seemed to have no interest in their surroundings. I will say though, the memorabilia in the little room was incredible. And the outdoor area is beautiful. Pitty the energy isn’t! Haven’t tried the food as I’m told it’s good- but I don’t think I’ll be going back now. N.J.M 💚

We knew the reputation of this popular cafe, but were really disappointed this time. The Eggs Benedict had under-cooked eggs, soggy toast and the hash brown was soggy and cold in the middle. We were given a partial refund, My daughter was unwell after eating part of this breakfast.  Won't be back.

Fabulous Theme Cafe that will surprise.<br/> A Cafe Jetty Road Brighton SA, must have the largest Marilyn Monroe Memorabilia Collection in Australia, even their calling card is an authentic copy of Marilyn's, California driving license.<br/>We have been dining at this Cafe for a number of years, there breakfast menu is wonderful and diverse, and is always consistently good. <br/>After an absence of twelve months we were back for another repeat breakfast.<br/>We both enjoyed a large plate loaded with scrambled eggs, good size bacon rashers, mushrooms, tomatoes, sausage and toast. While enjoying two very good coffee's, we sat back relaxing in comfortable deck chairs under the sun umbrellas outside on the kerb. Reflecting on such a wonderful, well prepared meal we had just enjoyed, along with our coffee. Reading papers supplied and free Wifi. Once again the service could not be faulted. A Cafe is the place, for food or just a coffee, and consistently good.

We gave this place a second chance after coming here years ago only because all the other cafes were full. Coffee was appalling, scalding hot and flavourless! We were not able to drink it. The poached eggs were over cooked and the spinach was sad. One boy serving was lovely which was there only saving grace. Feels like a roadhouse meal/coffee on Jetty Road, Brighton. Close it down and let someone else who cares about food and customers have a go! We asked for a refund for coffees and apparently it's just how the boss makes them.

There are lots of choices for cafes in Brighton, and this one seems a pretty middle of the road kind of place. <br/>The Marilyn Monroe photos all over the walls does add a sense of fun to the decor, unfortunately not a trait shared by the staff here who seemed disinterested. <br/>The thing about cafes is that very few of them provide food that stands out, and I'm not a coffee drinker, so friendliness of staff , decor and ambience become important distinguishing characteristics for me.<br/>The decor and ambience, with some nice 70s/80s music in the background met the mark. <br/>In terms of the food and drink, the green tea I ordered (spring morning) was fine enough.<br/>I also ordered a smoked salmon bruschetta with marinated tomato, sour cream and capers. This dish was warm and tasty, and considering I was pretty hungry made for some pretty good eating.  The capers, sour cream and tomatoes complemented the smoked salmon. The bruschetta was okay but a little chewier rather than well toasted and I wasn't sure whether the tomatoes really were marinated. It seemed like warm, regular diced tomato to me. Overall I rate the dish a 3.5. <br/>Not a bad place to stop by for some food, but doesn't really stand out.

I chose this cafe from the many places that are located along Jetty Road. It looked interesting because of the Marilyn Monroe memorabilia but I doubt that it is the best cafe on the strip. The person who took my order seemed a bit disinterested but this was made up for by the friendly barista who delivered my iced coffee and the man who brought out the Eggs Benedictine.<br/> <br/>The service was fast and the food delivered very quickly. The poached eggs were correctly cooked and the spinach was wilted well. However, the sauce was very dense and although edible I have had better. Also the sesame bun on which the eggs were served was very hard and I chose not to eat it all. The iced coffee was 'old school' served with what seemed to be canned cream. There was nothing wrong with it - I just would have preferred to have had the option not to have had the cream but I was not asked.<br/>This place is ok but not amazing. If it wasn't for the friendliness of the barista and the serving staff I would have rated it lower. There is a lot of competition in this part of Brighton and I intend to go back to check out other cafes but doubt if I would give A Cafe Etc another go. <br/>Summary: Service ok; food average. Easy parking - if you go away from the beach a short way you will find plenty of parking that does not have time limits. Worth a try? Perhaps but I won't go back again.

Had a coffee here yesterday after morning after a long walk along the beach, to be honest the coffee was horrible my girlfriend couldn't even drink hers and she even drinks instant at home. I just can't fathom how a cafe can't get coffee right???

A good place to pop in for a quick bite to eat when you're catching up with friends. Lots of variety on the menu with your standard cafe offerings. On the day I went I ordered the gluten free zucchini slice with salad which was a bit average and was clearly pre cooked and reheated. It came served with a side salad that looked a bit sad. My husband had a pasty with a similarly looking salad. Probably a bit overpriced for what you get but maybe we just got them on a bad day. The friendly and polite staff may lure me back again.

Decent for a casual catch up, quick coffee, and lazy beach days. They do a yummy freshly squeezed orange juice that I've had a few times. I've previously tried their mango and lamb salad - beautifully done. <br/>Service has been nice and efficient although they are consistently busy. A good cafe on the busy strip.

Is this the worst coffee in Australia?<br/>My soy flat white was undrinkable, and definitely not something that could be considered a flat white. <br/>My friends cows milk flat white was way too hot and generally unpleasant. <br/><br/>PLEASE HIRE A TRAINED BARISTA. IT IS NOT DIFFICULT TO MAKE GOOD COFFEE.

Went in on Saturday morning for brunch with my partner, big mistake! Ordered breakfast and coffee and struggled to find anything they'd done right. The scrambled eggs were completely overdone, the beans were stone cold, the tomatoes weren't ripe and the mushrooms were like bullets. To top it off, somehow the toast was both burnt and soggy with butter! Clearly prepared by someone who just doesn't care about what they're cooking.<br/><br/>Oh, and the coffee was burnt. Definitely never coming back.

A Cafe, has the largest Marilyn Monroe Memorabilia Collection in Australia, even their calling card is an authentic copy of Marilyn's, California driving license. We sat outside on comfortable retro wood & canvas chairs, enjoying two large lattes, a huge slice of Baklava and a beautiful warm soft delicious fresh made muffin. Very relaxing watching the crowd walk past us, great place if you are a people watcher. Inside has comfortable seating configurations, with the walls adorned with photos of Marilyn. Even though popular and busy, we found the service excellent. For us this was a great find and we will definitely return for breakfast.

Had a nice experience here many years ago so thought I would take my daughter there for brunch. BIG MISTAKE!<br/>The place is tired; staff inattentive and food pricey.I should have known it was not popular any more, because the place was almost empty at lunch time on a Saturday. I ordered eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes and ended up with that, plus bacon - the woman serving me was too busy chatting to her colleagues instead of listening to her customer. I am sure I was charged for the bacon I did not order. This plus $11.90 for ONE crepe for my daughter! Ridiculous...  <br/>Couldn't wait to leave!  <br/>Never again!

Transports you back into time.. It's a very pleasant Cafe.. The bacon and eggs on toast is yummy.. I go there with my dad quite a few times.

The owner lady clearly hates her life. It was a beautiful day and I was in a good mood until I stepped foot into this cafe. I was ignored but still stood there waiting with a smile on my face, and then when finally being served just got attitude and rudeness for no apparent reason, it wasn't even busy. I walked out without completing my order and will definitely not be going back.

Only ordered their drinks (smoothies), very fast service and the smoothies tasted alright. Very nice setting sitting under the sun surrounded by cool decor, Munroe themed.

BrightonBeau and I agree that the only consistency at the ridiculously named A Café Etc is the poor service and extraordinarily rude staff - the owner, in particular.   (Note to Carol:  Don't bite the hand that feeds you!!!)  As locals we are well aware that very few other locals would bother to eat here.  Sticky unwiped tables, overpriced average food, staff bad attitude, and the whole place could do with a good clean.  Why would you bother?

Terrible food and service!!<br/>Will not be back and we are locals!<br/>Should've read Urbanspoon

TERRIBLE How is this place still in business?. Yet another review that will mirror most of the others.<br/>How this place is still open after all this time is beyond me. I bet they don't have a lot of regular customers, because once you've been you wouldn't be rushing back.<br/>We went in (not my choice!) with friends for coffee/cake. My cake came out first and the waitress (very rudely) just stood there at the table and said "CAKE?". Then the other 3 came out and she just slammed them on the table. The cakes were very average, bordering on stale.<br/>Coffee's were next, all disgusting. Burnt flavour and way too hot. I had soy, which was awful and I left it.<br/>This place obviously survives on tourism and the fact it's in a nice spot, because the staff are the rudest I've ever come across.

WARNING Don't eat here!! I.... WARNING Don't eat here!! <br/>I am astounded that businesses like this actually manage to exist!! So much about this place is wrong and you only have to scroll down and read previous comments to see what I mean. Service was terrible, the menu is uninspiring and coffee confused! I ordered the frittata which was bland, rubbery and overcooked. They use cheap soy milk and charge 60c extra for a latte vs a cappuccino even though they serve both in the same type of mug? I've never had coffee anywhere where they vary the price between latte, cappuccino and flat white? The owners clearly have an affect on the miserable staff. This may have been a hit in the 90s but the owners have clearly lost their touch (if they ever had it). Sell up please!!!

Rude staff, disgraceful food. My partner and I visited this cafe yesterday to get a banana smoothie each. Despite having heard negative reviews about service, and the cafe being at least 30 degrees inside, we ordered takeaway cups.<br/><br/>A lady walked out and slammed our cups on the table without saying anything. Both smoothies were terrible - huge chunks of ice and no banana flavour. They may as well have been a cup of milk. For $7.50 each.<br/><br/>We approached the counter and told the lady that we couldn't taste the banana, assuming she would fix them. Instead, she yelled at us that there are 3 frozen bananas in the smoothies and that she wouldn't put more in. After telling her that we can't taste any, she aggressively grabbed a cup and started drinking from it, saying 'I'll drink it then'. When I asked her for our money back, she said no and reiterated that there were 3 bananas in the smoothies. We told her that it didn't taste like banana at all and that we wanted something to be sorted out. At this point, she threw $15 into my partner's hand and told us not to come back. Let's just say we won't be.<br/><br/>I've never been treated with such disrespect for no reason and had someone so unwilling to fix an issue with their food. Don't waste your time or money.

Rude staff, obviously don't want your custom. This is the second time I've eaten/had coffee here. Both times staff were unfriendly - this time I was left waiting to order while a staff member was on a personal phone call. I then asked for a cloth to clear a table completely smeared with tomato sauce. Again ignored. Lots of other cafes on the strip so won't be back again.

Amazing!. The beef burger was amazing, so many delicious ingredients in one bun. Quick service when it was extremely busy. Fresh orange juice was a hit. Great prices, a huge variety of food. I would definitely eat here again . Omg the chocolate muffin was to die for!

When our scalding hot coffees came out in dirty mugs we knew we were in for an average breakfast. The breakfast reminded me of the kind of bacon and eggs that get served in a country road house. Super disappointed. Never going back. It's not surprising that the staff don't ask the question 'how was your meal'

Average got a iced chocolate and the chocolate sauce tastes like the one from coles very cheap,my mum got a Affogato which they just dumped iceream into a cofee.they need to improve the quality of their food.

Happy with service and atmosphere but was disappointed with what I ordered. On the menu it said 'low fat bagel with eggs and spinach' but what I got was an english muffin, not even toasted properly!! When the waiter came to our table he even said 'who ordered the bagel?' So there is obviously some confusion at this place with what a bagel actually is. A bagel is NOT the same thing as an English muffin!! I could have had that at home, I was looking forward to a bagel :(

The attitude of the staff and especially the owner is horrible. There was a mixup with our breakfast order and I had to fight to get a refund and was told it was my fault. We ordered two breakfasts, one had a couple of alterations, the owner took our order and didn't read it back to us so I was very surprised when 3 meals were brought out, it was clear there had been a mix up when we ordered and we had been charged for 3 meals, when I asked for a refund the owner continually said we had ordered those meals and it wasn't her fault they weren't want we had ordered. Her attitude was awful, and she kept walking away from us like she hoped we would just give up and leave. When I insisted on being refunded for the breakfast we hadn't ordered she dumped some money in my hand without saying anything, short changing me in the process! Will not be returning ever, such a bad experience!

What a waste of space in a good location. Quality of food is so poor I could have got a better lasagna from coles supermarket. Salad is bland and boring ....coffee terrible . Why do people go there??? Location is good however there needs to be other cafes in the strip to give these people a wake up call. Perhaps a new chef ?? Won't venture there again.

Coffee is always burnt, milk always burnt, and texture is horrible, witnessed staff scooping over frothed milk onto the top of my latte. Food is terrible too. Bad place in a good spot.

DREADFUL. I ordered the lamb salad. Big Mistake. The lamb was pre cooked yiros meat, bought in a bag, the salad had no dressing and everything on it came out of a can or bag. The staff attitude was poor, coffee was burnt and the food quality is low. At least I know not to go there again.

Brekkie. Glad that all the negative people don't go back we were able to get a table in the sun and had a great coffee n breakfast served by happy staff who even asked if we needed pics taken...

"Dairy Free" cake came served with cream..... The staff really let our experience at this cafe down. They were unfriendly and short tempered when receiving our order and when I asked whether they had any gluten-free & diary free foods the girl behind the counter said that the nut slice was both gluten and dairy free. LUCKILY another girl came out from the kitchen at that moment, overheard the conversation and told us that actually it wasn't dairy free, and the only item which was both was an almond and orange cake. We ordered some and when it arrived at our table I was shocked to see it on a plate with CREAM beside and on top! I asked that a different slice be brought out with no cream and the waitress agreed to with a scowl on her face. The girl brought out the cake and dumped it on the table without so much as a smile or an apology. Worst of all it was clearly the same piece of cake which had just had the cream scraped off it!! For someone with a serious dairy allergy this is unacceptable.. Not impressed at all and will definitely not be returning.

Thought it was ok!. Saw the reviews and poor rating but gave it ago anyway... It was nice... I had Mousaka and Mrs T had the Tuna Mornay... No complaints... Vibe was ok... And the service was really good... Nice people ... Although I find the whole Marilyn Munro thing a bit much... Why not call it Munros then?

Seeing so many negative reviews over the years from a local of mine is hard. I always give it a chance - keep on open mind. Every time I am left disappointed. I wanted to share as I want this place to improve as it is close to me and has potential is there is more love. Full breakfast - stale commercial bread, sausage dry, no bacon was on my plate and I had to ask in peak time, no salt and pepper on table and when I found so there was no actual salt in the salt shakers. Coffee burnt. Spanish left uncooked - unsure why. Place may need a holiday and revamp of kitchen produce that can produce better food for our $20. I will return but may be longer again between visits. Still love the decor and cosy environment. I see the staff and community forgive this place for being average and come because it's convenient

Lovely little cafe. I often visit for lunch or coffee with a friend and I have to say I have always been pleased with the service and the food. The staff have always been friendly and the service quick and efficient. The food is well presented, filling and affordable. It would be better if the eftpos was less than a $12 minimum. I don't really carry cash around with me so I usually pay by card, not a problem if I am having lunch but then I sit chatting so long and want another coffee.

Diner from Canada. The worst Caesar Salad I have ever encountered. It was like eating raw bacon & eggs with a bit of lettuce. The rest of the table enjoyed their meal, but really, get a new Caesar Salad recipe, it was awful.

I have to disagree with all the negative reviews, I am a local and have ways found the service to be friendly and quick! Will go back again.

I'm Often Pleased. My girlfriend and I turned up on the doorstep of Cafe Etc powered by the paired drivers of caffeine withdrawal and hunger; as you may well imagine, the world was looking difficult at this point, but thankfully the solution was at hand. After pausing momentarily, and tacitly agreeing not to eat everything in sight, we ordered an Eggs Benedict, Muesli with banana, and banana bread, which now seems a strangely bananal meal. We also ordered three coffees. In hindsight, our intent to avoid eating everything in sight was only partially successful. <br/><br/>First off, the service was extremely quick. I think we may have received all of our orders within five minutes. The coffee was great, particularly the macchiato, which was quite well rounded and attractively tart. Similarly, the Eggs Benedict was enjoyable, comprising the usual palette of comfort. I can't really comment on the Muesli, as it seemed a retrograde step to move to cereals at this point; my girlfriend was happy, though she is attracted to fiber an unseemly amount. <br/><br/>In contrast to the slew of abysmal reviews on this site, I found my Cafe Etc experience very pleasant, and in fact, precisely what I needed at that point. I would certainly go back for both the food and service, and perhaps to catch sight of this apparently mythical rudeness. I am left wondering as to the veracity of some of this previous negativity amongst reviewers; perhaps they could do with a stint behind the counter, just for perspective.

This place is dreadful. Avoid.

Daniel. Has this CAFE changed ownership/staff recently? Previously good friendly service, on this occasion indifferent was about the best description I could give it. Will try one more time.

Worst Eggs Benedict of All Time. I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur of eggs benedict, and have tried many varieties all over North America and Australia. A Café etc... stands out as having the absolute worst eggs benny I have ever had. Bread was gross and tasteless, ham was unbelievably cheap (deli meat) and spinach over cooked. <br/><br/>I've been to this place a few times for coffee which was fine and I liked the interior alright, but the staff have always been unfriendly and, as stated, food is horrible!

Would not go back. Rude staff. And looking at other reviews this seems to be a theme for this cafe!<br/>Coffee as pleasant but barely warm.<br/>Breakfast was ok but nothing fantastic.

Terrible experience. Went today to see if this cafe had improved since our last visit a few years ago.waited more than an hour for our breakfast order after people served after us got theirs.complined and asked to see the manager, they refused to speak to us! Will definately not be going again.

Terrible!. After being served by a rather rude woman, our table had been taken as they have no table numbers or organization. Our food then came out cold and incorrect! when telling a waitress some of our food was missing we got no apologies and they never brought out the correct order! Terrible food and service! sad state of affairs when the best tasting piece on food is toast.

Cute Cafe could improve cust. service. I have been to A Cafe Etc quite a few times, it's such a unique and arty cafe with pics of Marilyn M everywhere you look. The coffee and hot chocs are nice- tastes very organic. It's quite large so there is a lot of choice where to sit and if you want a bit of sun with a beach view there is outdoor seating.<br/>I do find, however, that the waiters always seem like they are in a rush.. they get a tad impatient when you ask them questions about products.. not rude but giving the impression they want to be somewhere else! Besides this Cafe Etc has great food and is a cute little place to take your friends

Save your time, energy and money. I was excited to see bagels on the menu, so you can imagine my disappointment when said bagel showed up in the shape of a burnt, sesame seed burger bun! Staff are disorganised and frazzled. Hot drinks were the only positive we took out of our visit.

Avoid at all cost. Good location, Ok coffee bad service. The lady behind the counter could do with a smile. Food took ages to come out, and the eggs weren't properly scrambled and tasted terrible, the fried eggs were undercooked and slimy. Very disappointed.

We ordered gluten free toast and after double checking twice that it indeed was gluten free we ate it. It was normal wheat toast. We gave the toast back to the waitress. No apology or acknowledgement. Really disappointed as we often visited this cafe and loved supporting a small business.

Por customer service, poor quality coffee. Very poor customer service and terrible quality coffee. I was greeted at the counter by a lady who's first words were "what do you want". I ordered a take away coffee which appeared faster than it took to complete the transaction which seemed a little unusual given that an espresso coffee takes a minimum of about thirty seconds to make. The coffee was of an extremely poor quality, so much so that I threw it in the bin. <br/>I have never experienced such bad customer service or bad coffee.<br/>I would highly recommend that people avoid this "cafe" at all costs.

Laughably terrible. I should have been suspicious by the amount of tables free when looking for a breakfast spot at around 11am on Sunday morning. My wife decided to have 'Eggs Benedict', and I had the full breakfast. I ordered them from probably the most miserable, disinterested waitress I've ever encountered.....or so I thought, until the other lady came out and literally dropped our food on our table. What a treat we had in store. The Eggs Benedict consisted of two fried eggs on a couple of burger buns with some token herbs. It was repulsive. The full breakfast was no better. Undercooked fried eggs, the cheapest coles sausage you can buy and some ropey old bacon. How this place gets any business is a mystery to me. AWFUL.

I must commend the service,when Anita makes my coffee ready by the time I reach the end of the que to pay and order.It pays to be a regular...

Worst service experience ever!. My partner and I ordered our meals and I ordered a coffee, and she chose to have a water. I sat in the outdoor area while she went to pour herself a cup of water, only to realise that the plastic cups smelt bad, perhaps due to being stacked while still wet and developing musty bacterial growth inside. In itself, not a huge setback, she simply requested a glass from one of the staff, who informed her that they were not allowed to give glasses out for water, at which point my partner asked to speak to the manager.<br/><br/>A few minutes later the manager/owner appeared and proceeded with a very agressive tone to outline the costs associated with providing glasses and spring water to "people like you who won't drink from plastic", and including irrelevant comments about "poverty in Africa" and how my partner should "spend some time in a cancer ward". At which point we chose to request a refund and make a hasty exit. While this was happening the irrelevant comments and aggression continued with statements like "I feel sorry for you being with a woman like that" while she moved her arms wildly and demanded that we leave.<br/><br/>Fortunately there's plenty of other places to get a great coffee (I had a long black - no burnt milk for me) without the having to deal with a whole lot of crazy lady.

Attempted to eat here whilst on holiday with my husband and dog, well I should haven't even bothered to sit down as we were firstly ignored and then when my husband went inside for a menu he was rudely told to look at menu on wall.<br/>Is the owner so stupid to not read these reviews? One word people - bye!

I am regular customer of Cafe Etc,mainly in the mornings on the weekends as I like their coffee and it is always hot.Staff have always been an issue but as a regular I get served promptly.Sometomed you can get a conversation out of them but only on a good day.There is a new young lad who is trying his best to display customer service. But at least you can sit outside with aview of the ocean and a free paper.

Thanks to whoever decided to empty half a bag of grated cheese over my meal. Dust.

Surly Service. Having been to Cafe Etc many times, and always enjoying the food, my Sister and I met for breakfast and were so disappointed with our experience that we will likely never return. One of us held an outdoor table while the other ordered. Staff openly refused to briefly delay the order until the second order was placed. Due to this, one coffee and breakfast came 10 minutes before the other. Small bickies at this point. The two hairs found in one meal prompted a replacement, which was appreciated. <br/><br/>What bumped our experience from 'bad luck' to 'not coming back' was the wait staff. A polite query about the absent coffee, ordered with one breakfast, prompted an exclamation of annoyance and exasperation from our wait staff. Upon leaving, our departure was greeted with a completely unnecessary "See-ya..." dripping with tween contempt. <br/><br/>It is a shame that the proprietors have hired such a poor representative for their themed restaurant. I doubt we will be back.

Not as good as last time. We have been for breakfast on a few occasions and always thought it was really good. We again went this morning after the last visit about 5 weeks ago which was excellent, this morning however was very poor, scrambled eggs were tasteless no seasoning or butter maybe. The Vego breakfast also a bit bland...........have they maybe changed the chef..........willl go again and hope its back to normal.

I thought this place was great. Maybe they've read the reviews and tried to improve. Staff was friendly, coffee was good and the muffin squares were delicious. Place was packed too (Sat @ 11am).

Blatantly rude staff. I just experienced the worst customer service today, I left a silver child's spoon at A Cafe Etc yesterday and went back to collect it today only to find the staff were completely unhelpful. They said to me 'its just a spoon and to go and buy another' followed by 'there are bigger problems in the world like the current killings in America' and even went as far to call me crazy and tell me they are not spoon theives (felt like I was dealing with children). I was gobsmacked and utterly dumbfounded that this should be their response rather than simply having a quick look for it (they were not busy and could have afforded a few minutes) or taking my phone number should it turn up!

Ah....the Memories. I am laughing at the reviews and marvelling at how this place is still operating! We beat a hasty retreat fr this cafe ages ago, for EXACTLY the same reasons outlined here. I am sure they take their training from Fawlty Towers. Staff obviously take their cue from the owner: surly, rude and abrupt. This cafe has history for being the original, alternative cafe down south. Now the cafe's reputation has just gone south.

The Breakfast Nazi. When we go out for a breakfast we want to enjoy the time. NOT at "A Cafe Etc " though. We were there the other day, my husband was humiliated in front of other patrons because he did not order fast enough at the counter. To top it off when the surely owner came to our table to deliver something a few minutes later, she again humiliated him in front of more patrons by telling him to shut up! What sort of manners does she have? My husband NEVER goes out of his way to be difficult. Service industry is there to enhance people's lives not to make them a misery! breakfast Nazi - no more breakfasts for us at your cafe. Stick that!

Like most of the reviewers are saying, the milk is continually burnt and i suspect re-heated, which in turn, impacts on the coffee! Not much point having a premium coffee blend, which Rio is, if staff can't be bothered using a damn thermometer!! 3rd time for me this weekend and probably the last!!

Average!. This place was Average at best. Coffee was weak and way to hot. The eggs had shell in them and the service is poor.

Coffee is awful. Extremely bitter, far too hot and comes with that burnt milk taste. On the plus side, the coffee is so hot that it will burn your tongue and you won't have to taste how terrible the food is.<br/><br/>I think the staff know how bad this cafe is as they all seem to be walking around with an aura of depression. It's like at any moment one of them will break down in tears at the thought of bringing another horrendous dish to yet another unknowing customer. That would at least explain the surley nature of the employees. Fear not staff of A Cafe Etc! We now know better and will strive to avoid your establishment in the future!

Very dirty tables and no cooking at 2.30 pm even tho advertise all day breakfast! Just sickly sweets so i had just coffee. Very weak watery which the owner said wld be the best in town. No way

Average at best. This is a pretty decent cafe judging on the price, decor and location. But I'm going to have to point out that EVERY SINGLE TIME I have been to this cafe (which is often as I live nearby) they staff are unbearably rude. As in, beyond 'having a bad day' rude. I once overheard an elderly customer being asked if she was really allergic to gluten or if she was just trying to be a difficult. Shocking.<br/><br/>If the food was outstanding, I would still return... But it isn't. The coffee is hit and miss, poached eggs hard and the toast cold. <br/>I sincerely hope they do some hiring/firing at this place.

Good Value Brunch. Went with group of 10 & had late brunch. Overall the service was good with consistent quality of food & drinks. It is not overpriced. Great place to go on a mild summer's day for outside dining. If you are a fan of Marilyn Monroe you will want to dine inside.

Service with a Snarl. Best muffins out! Brilliant hot-chocolate, but is the hideous service you receive really worth it? The waitresses all have a sullen nature, even the older women who work here. The decor inside is gaudy, but kind of cute. Marilyn Monroe takes the spotlight with faded and yellowed posters, pictures and newspaper clippings covering the walls. It really is a shame that the service is so darn awful!

If only the service matched the food!. This cafe is aesthetically pleasing. But as soon as I reach the counter, I remember why I always leave thinking I'll never come back. The staff are not only the rudest and most abrupt I have ever come across, they are poorly presented and seem to hate having customers to serve! The cakes and muffins (which are ordered in from elsewhere) are beautiful! But the burgers, focaccias and other mains are average. Atmosphere is lovely especially in the warmer months, but I question whether it's worth the bad service.

Pretty good. We love the outdoor courtyard in summer as it's cool and quiet. The lemon semolina cake is divine and the "big" coffees are enormous, The staff are competent, if not particularly friendly - they always seem in a rush, even when the place is quiet. That said, it's a relaxed place and you don't feel pushed out the door if you want to linger over a latte.

Breakfast. Having visited this cafe numerous times for brekkie I've noticed one consistency. The staff are consistently surly and unfriendly. Ordering anything that deviates from the standard menu i.e. can I have my eggs flipped, gets rolling eyes and an inaudible tut. My last experience didn't deviate from the norm except that as we were the first to arrive, they wouldn't let us in prior to opening but didn't extend the courtesy of telling us when they had opened, it wasn't obvious and we were sat waiting outside! They had also added yesterdays sausages to our brekkie; yes hardened, wrinkled and extremely dry. Don't think I'll be eating there again in a hurry!

A Cafe Etc is located towards the end of Jetty Road in Brighton. They offer a decent selection of meals which include baguettes, foccacias, bagels, salads, crepes, pizzas, and a breakfast menu. For those with a sweet tooth, they also have a small selection of sweets on display.

What I like most about this place is that everything is as unassuming and unpretentious as its name.

The food menu was carefully handwritten on a blackboard leaning against the main counter, offering a mixture of hearty sweet/ savoury breakfasts, while the list of beverages were mounted on the wall. Next to the counter in its own glorified corner was a tall cake display cabinet. Luscious looking cakes swirled lazily behind squeaky clean glass.

A Café Etc is at 67 Jetty Rd Brighton on the South Side somewhere between Ninos and the Edge Delicatessen . Whoever set up this café was a serious collector of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. It is everywhere and the huge mural of Marilyn is on the wall