Ikea
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If you know Ikea, you know that it is the epicenter of bargains, and the cafeteria is no exception. Sleek modern décor and clean Scandinavian accents make it a pleasant place for a quick meal or dessert, all at excellent prices. The best part of all? You have lots of energy afterwards to roam around Ikea and shop till you drop.
Try the swedish meatballs, all-you-can-eat soup, and coffee.
Try the swedish meatballs, all-you-can-eat soup, and coffee.
Atmosphere
Housed in the middle of the huge blue and yellow Ikea stores (Ikea is the largest furniture manufacturer in the World) Ikea's cafeterias bring the same Scandinavian-style, no-nonsense approach that they use with furniture to the commercial kitchen; and, to the satisfaction of bargain hunters, and bargain eaters, everywhere, they deliver.
Although a typical cafeteria setting in essence, the Ikea cafe's are distinctively Scandinavian in style, with concrete floors, and lots of white and chrome that is both stark and clean, while at the same time, warm and comforting. In the seating area, blond wood tables are flanked by bright orange, green, or white plastic chairs, and set against dark grey walls and modern chrome pendant lights. Large oversized black and white photographs complete the look. The entire room screams the urban chic atmosphere that exemplifies Ikea.
Although a typical cafeteria setting in essence, the Ikea cafe's are distinctively Scandinavian in style, with concrete floors, and lots of white and chrome that is both stark and clean, while at the same time, warm and comforting. In the seating area, blond wood tables are flanked by bright orange, green, or white plastic chairs, and set against dark grey walls and modern chrome pendant lights. Large oversized black and white photographs complete the look. The entire room screams the urban chic atmosphere that exemplifies Ikea.
Service
Counter service and self-serve table busing with an explanation of why you should bus your own table to keep costs down. All no-nonsense, all tastefully done.
Food
The food at Ikea is hit or miss, with some dishes clearly better than others. The star of the menu, without a doubt, are the Swedish meatballs ($4.99) which come heaped on the plate, 15 of them, with mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, and a lingonberry sauce that was similar to cranberry sauce but less tart. The meatballs were small, impossibly soft and moist, with delicious flavor, kind of like mini meatloafs, and the potatoes and sauce made it a complete meal. Almost everyone in the cafe had a plate of these meatballs so, obviously, the word is out.
Next, we tried the salmon filet ($6.99), that comes with steamed vegetables or potatoes, and an apple glaze. The fish itself was OK, a bit fishy tasting, and the apple glaze tasted slightly of curry. The vegetables were overcooked, cold, and mushy. Overall, this was not the best dish.
Along with our entrees, we had a bag of excellent thick, crisp, Swedish potato chips ($1.39) and an elderflower juice drink that was similar to apple juice, but a little more flat-tasting, and a lingonberry drink that was very similar to cranberry juice.(a lingonberry is a mountain cranberry)
Also available is all-you-can-eat salad or soup bar ($1.79) where the salad is pretty generic, lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, and bottled dressing, but the soup is usually very good and, definitely a bargain. Soft, white, bread rolls are only $.39 and served with real butter. Coffee is also very good and only $1, and there is real half and half.
Ikea has other dishes and specials, including a $.99 breakfast of eggs, bacon and home fries, and organic pasta with tomato sauce for $1.99. All in all, a definite bargain!
Next, we tried the salmon filet ($6.99), that comes with steamed vegetables or potatoes, and an apple glaze. The fish itself was OK, a bit fishy tasting, and the apple glaze tasted slightly of curry. The vegetables were overcooked, cold, and mushy. Overall, this was not the best dish.
Along with our entrees, we had a bag of excellent thick, crisp, Swedish potato chips ($1.39) and an elderflower juice drink that was similar to apple juice, but a little more flat-tasting, and a lingonberry drink that was very similar to cranberry juice.(a lingonberry is a mountain cranberry)
Also available is all-you-can-eat salad or soup bar ($1.79) where the salad is pretty generic, lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, and bottled dressing, but the soup is usually very good and, definitely a bargain. Soft, white, bread rolls are only $.39 and served with real butter. Coffee is also very good and only $1, and there is real half and half.
Ikea has other dishes and specials, including a $.99 breakfast of eggs, bacon and home fries, and organic pasta with tomato sauce for $1.99. All in all, a definite bargain!
Cleanliness
Very clean, very sheik, even when busy.
Pros
Ikea's cafeteria is a great way to get a quick meal and an excellent price. Whether you are shopping at Ikea or not, the bargain is definitely worth it if you are short on time, or money.
Cons
The food can be hit or miss, so choose wisely. The dining are can be very crowded, especially on a weekend. Expect lots of energetic children.
