Steven Turner
09.03.2025
We usually enjoy going to GRO in Irvine. It's always been expensive, but the food - and especially the cakes - were always worth it.
We visited again, earlier tonight. It's a dog friendly place and we had our cocker spaniel at the nearby beach for a few hours, so we figured we'd get some food there.
It was our first visit back since we took our last cocker spaniel, the day before she went over the rainbow bridge. The staff were fantastic that day, giving her free sausage and ice cream, really spoiling her on her last day. They didn't even charge for our food!
However, tonight was different. Although our order was taken quite quickly, it actually took over an hour for our food to be delivered and the fries were served cold.
We also ordered a pupacino for the dog, which never appeared. The bowl of water we also asked for took at least 20 mins to get to us.
I wouldn't have said they were particularly busy, so it was a bit baffling why the food took so long. Our server didn't even check in with us during our wait - my wife had long since finished her coffee and was in need of another drink.
People had come in after us, ordered takeaway food and had their food provided well before we were given ours.
We did receive an apology from our server when she finally came to clear our plates, and she also took the cold fries, pupacino, and our drinks off the bill.
However, this experience soured our memories of how well we'd been treated the last time we were there.
It's doubtful we'll be back.
Graeme Hunter
06.03.2025
Lovely wee place and very popular/busy.
It's like a tardis inside, so dont be deceived. There's plenty of room.
They do take out too...
Sarah Packman
28.02.2025
Love GRO, a great place to meet with friends/family. The food is always delicious and always generously proportioned. I love the decor, which feels cosy with stringed warm white lights everywhere. The only thing to be aware of is the long wait for food. We waited 35min's. The food is worth the wait though.
I wish more cafés would follow Gro's lead of allowing dogs inside their cafe's, they are members of our family after all.
A must to visit, and if I lived nearby, I'd definitely be a regular. Highly recommend.
Allan Speirs
27.02.2025
Visited this afternoon, went to front of house where I was ignored. Tried asking one of the staff behind the counter for help was told someone would be with me soon. After waiting some more I turned on my heel and left.
Unfortunately not the first time the service has been of a low standard.
The attitude seems to be we, the paying customer, are lucky to be granted access. Went to the HAC instead, lovely staff, unpretentious and a lot more reasonable £££
Oldwulf
22.02.2025
Came for brunch/lunch today. Food really good, service on the slow side but given how INSANELY busy it was, (our table was at 1200 midday on a Saturday, so not a big surprise 🤷🏻♂️)
Nice atmosphere, we brought our wee dog, seems like everyone else brought theirs too. Was very lovely!
The only feedback point I have is on the furniture and fittings side, we had two very low seats at a small driftwood type table, would have been ok for just a coffee but seriously uncomfortable trying to eat a meal at it.
Will deffo come back, but will ask for an adult sized table and chairs next time… soooo many more things on the menu that we want to try 😋
Donna Proctor
19.02.2025
Great, cosy wee coffee shop! Always very busy but worth the wait and the cakes are unbelievable!
Bryce Nobbs
18.02.2025
Usually got to wait for a table at the weekend. But we'll worth the wait
Samira Ismayilova
16.02.2025
I was recommended to visit GRO and had high expectations. When we arrived, we were told that a table for two would be available in 30 minutes. After waiting, we checked back, only for the manager to give us an attitude and say we needed to wait another 30 minutes. Since we were already there, we ended up waiting a full hour.
When we finally got seated and placed our order, it took another hour for the food to arrive. In total, we spent two hours just to get burgers. I don’t mind waiting for good food, but the manager’s attitude was ridiculous—she acted like we should feel lucky to even be there.
Overall, very disappointed. The food was okay, but you can definitely find better burgers elsewhere without the long wait.
John Carden
15.02.2025
Yet again another long arduous wait for food.
Do not ever go here if you are in a hurry.
Take out time seems to average 40 mins. Even then the order will be wrong
Shannon Millard
02.02.2025
One of our favorite places in Irvine! So many options for breakfast, lunch or a wee sweet treat! We came last on a Saturday and there was a two hour wait for inside seating or 30 mins for outside. So plan ahead as it gets busy so come early for a wander on the coastal path before. We gladly sat outside under their heat lamps and blankets. Popular spot for dogs and babies.
Amanda Monahan
29.01.2025
Food and staff were great! We even took home some of their baked goods.
Place was busy for a Tuesday morning in January so I can just imagine what it is like on a weekend and during tourist season.
Would recommend if you’re in the area.
To the owners: If you’re looking to expand, come to Belfast! We would be your regulars!
Keith Mcmillan
26.01.2025
Food lovely and extremely well priced. Dogs are welcome and have their own selection on the menu. Nice warm, friendly atmosphere. Well worth a visit.
Karen McG
23.01.2025
I can understand all the good reviews, but, personally, I think GRO is overrated. My coffee was okay but I didn’t care for the blueberry pancake stack. The pancakes were way too thick and stodgy and they are very mean with their portion of maple syrup. Also, had I wanted extra, there would have been a charge of £2. These things come automatically in other places. And the music is just a bit too loud. Saying that, the staff are very good.
Edward Johnstone
21.01.2025
A bit over priced
Maia campbell
18.01.2025
Waited almost an hour on our food. Wasn’t even busy.
Janus Fashion
16.01.2025
Absolutely brilliant, the best 👍
CarolE Dickie
12.01.2025
Staff are always welcome and happy to help. Food is delicious and good quality. 👍
David Hawk
12.01.2025
Food is great and the staff are generally all fantastic, but for a coffee shop, no one seems to know how to make coffee. I remember when it first opened and the coffee was great, it was so nice to have a place that did a proper espresso. But it's went downhill over the years, to the point that it seems like the training is done in house by people who have learned how to use an espresso machine from someone who doesn't understand it. The fastest way to ruin a good coffee is to brew it badly, and that's what is happening here. I had an Americano the other day that tasted like it was a reused puck. It was so weak it was almost clear.
I really recommend that you look into some proper barista training, it's chemistry, not simply pouring a mug of filter coffee.
Freddie Lauritzen
12.01.2025
A gem of a coffee and food place on the Irvin Harbour. Very busy, but quick service and lovely atmosphere.
Me Piace Magnà
11.01.2025
Great food and great place, definitely recommend.
Marja Ahava
06.01.2025
Super tunnelmallinen. Hyvää ruokaa ja ystävällinen palvelu.
