Vanguard Kitchen - Newark

Captive audience alert lo. We had a few hours to kill so we stopped here for breakfast at 6 am. We sat at the bar and let me tell you the fruit flies were a con... read more Captive audience alert lo. We had a few hours to kill so we stopped here for breakfast at 6 am. We sat at the bar and let me tell you the fruit flies were a constant irritation as I was swatting throughout my meal. The ordering app did not allow for notes (such as no foam on latte). Couldn’t figure out how to clear my flight info from screen. The latte was forgotten until we receive our food and reminded the staff. But once it arrived it was actually very good. The pancakes were filling and nicely crisped on the edges.

Hungry I had a ceaser salad here. The 15% gratuity pay up front was a dubious. This was apparent during the plea for water. Begrudgingly waitress gave me water,... read more Hungry I had a ceaser salad here. The 15% gratuity pay up front was a dubious. This was apparent during the plea for water. Begrudgingly waitress gave me water, ask for lemons, which was another reminder asked at the start. Salad came out was bland but reasonable supermarket grade lettuce. Like the anchovies. Asked for more dressing, waitress said it’s already mixed in… but did get it for me after pre nudges. $23 for mediocre salad, bad service was not my way to start the trip.

The food was just mediocre at best. Only one staff member was attentive, and I had to ask for water before I received any. Additionally, the bar tables weren't... read more The food was just mediocre at best. Only one staff member was attentive, and I had to ask for water before I received any. Additionally, the bar tables weren't very clean, and I had to deal with a lot of fruit flies buzzing around.

Restaurant was absolutely EMPTY but hostess made me sit at the bar because tables are for groups of 2 or more . Horrible ordering system is a deterrent. Food is... read more Restaurant was absolutely EMPTY but hostess made me sit at the bar because tables are for groups of 2 or more . Horrible ordering system is a deterrent. Food is good in taste, quality and portion size.

If ever a place took advantage of a captive audience, it was this place. People are nice enough. Seats are comfy enough Food nice enough but no more. Almost cle... read more If ever a place took advantage of a captive audience, it was this place. People are nice enough. Seats are comfy enough Food nice enough but no more. Almost clean enough. Smudged tablets to order cafeteria fare at fine dining prices. $5 for a flat Coke. Not a Coke, a flat Coke. But obviously if you're reading this, you have already fallen prey to the trap, as we did. Waiter duplicated our order, seemingly without noticing. Food arrived relatively quick.