Cafe 3:15

Cafe 3:15, situated at 1212 El Camino Real in San Bruno, CA 94066, USA, presents itself as a Hong Kong-style cafe, aiming to capture the essence of "tea time," as suggested by its name which alludes to fifteen minutes past three o'clock in the afternoon. This establishment offers a variety of dishes that are characteristic of Hong Kong cafes, blending Chinese and Western culinary influences. However, based on customer reviews, the experience appears to be somewhat mixed, with some dishes receiving positive feedback while others have been met with less enthusiasm.

One initial review noted that while the food was "OK," it wasn't considered "great." This suggests a level of satisfaction that doesn't necessarily equate to exceptional quality. The reviewer also pointed out issues with the availability of certain noodle types, with yellow egg noodles and wide rice noodles being out of stock during their visit. Only thin rice noodles or packaged ramen noodles were available as alternatives. Furthermore, the absence of wontons on the menu was surprising to the reviewer, given their common presence in many Hong Kong cafes. This might indicate a deviation from the typical offerings one might expect from this type of establishment.

Despite these shortcomings, the reviewer found some dishes to be satisfactory. The popcorn chicken, priced at $8, along with the BBQ duck and BBQ squab, were described as "fine." This suggests that their roasted meat and fried snack options might be among their more reliable choices. Notably, the sizzling rib eye steak spaghetti with black pepper sauce, priced at $20, was highlighted as the "best out of the bunch." This dish represents the fusion aspect of Hong Kong cuisine, combining Western ingredients like steak and spaghetti with Asian-inspired black pepper sauce, and it seems to be a standout item on their menu.

Other pasta dishes, however, received less favorable feedback. The curry fish spaghetti reportedly didn't taste good after it cooled down, implying that it might be best enjoyed immediately upon serving. The baked spaghetti red dishes were criticized for lacking the desired "baked flavor." The reviewer suggested that this dish would benefit from being slightly burnt on top to enhance the tomato taste and infuse it more into the pasta and pork chop. This detailed feedback provides valuable insight into areas where the preparation might fall short of expectations.

The double pork chop dish, priced at $16, was described as "interesting" due to its preparation method. The top pork piece was prepared in a tonkatsu style (breaded and fried), while the bottom piece was baked. The reviewer felt that the baked portion should have been cooked longer, indicating a potential inconsistency in the cooking process. Overall, the initial assessment of the food quality appears to be varied, with some dishes being decent while others could benefit from improvement.

In terms of service, the initial review stated that it was "fine," suggesting an adequate but not particularly noteworthy experience. However, an updated review a year later paints a different picture. This more recent feedback highlights a significant issue with understaffing, which has reportedly led to slower service. Adding to this concern, the restaurant now "kindly request" a minimum of fifteen percent gratuity as a "reminder," even with the slower service. This policy change, coupled with the decline in service speed due to staffing shortages, has understandably led the reviewer to state that their likelihood of revisiting might decrease. This recent feedback raises concerns about the current service standards at Cafe 3:15.

Another review, posted after peak hours on a Sunday, offered a slightly more positive perspective on the food taste, describing it as "authentic," particularly for the milk tea, a staple in Hong Kong cafes. This suggests that Cafe 3:15 might excel in some of the more traditional Hong Kong beverages and dishes. The service during this off-peak time was reported as "good," contrasting with the later experience of understaffing. The reviewer also noted that the situation might be different during peak hours, likely due to the lack of staff and the volume of takeout calls and pickups, indicating that the dining experience could be inconsistent depending on the time of visit.

For local users in San Bruno, Cafe 3:15 presents a mixed bag. If you are looking for a Hong Kong-style cafe and are particularly interested in trying their milk tea or perhaps their sizzling rib eye steak spaghetti, it might be worth a visit. The BBQ duck and squab, as well as the popcorn chicken, also seem to be acceptable options. However, potential diners should be aware of the reported inconsistencies in the quality of some dishes, such as the baked spaghetti and the double pork chop, and the potential for slower service due to understaffing, as highlighted in the more recent review. The mandatory gratuity, regardless of service speed, is also a factor to consider.

Given the varying experiences, local users might want to manage their expectations. If visiting during peak hours, be prepared for potential delays in service. It might be beneficial to inquire about the availability of specific noodle types before ordering. For those prioritizing authentic Hong Kong flavors, the milk tea seems to be a strong point. The cafe can be contacted at (650) 636-4380 or +1 650-636-4380 for any inquiries or to place orders. Located at 1212 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066, it is accessible to those in the area seeking this particular style of Chinese-Western fusion cuisine.

In conclusion, Cafe 3:15 offers a Hong Kong cafe experience in San Bruno with a menu that includes a mix of familiar dishes. While some items like the milk tea and sizzling rib eye steak spaghetti have received positive feedback for their authenticity and taste, others have been criticized for preparation or flavor. Recent reports of understaffing and slower service, along with a mandatory gratuity, are important considerations for potential customers. Local users interested in exploring Hong Kong-style cuisine may find some appealing options here, but it's advisable to be aware of the potential for inconsistencies in food quality and service based on the available reviews.