Mustard Seed Market & Cafe

This was my first visit.
We arrived around 2:30 Saturday afternoon and planned on having drinks in the upstairs café. It wasn’t particularly crowded, but we had to look around to find a table that had been wiped off.
Three of us (party of four) went to the bar to place drink orders. A beer, a glass of wine, and two Bloody Mary’s. $ 28. They were a bit slow putting the Bloody Mary’s together, but what irked me is when the guy waiting on us hurriedly stuck his fingers into the olive jar to grab olives and stick them on a toothpick. Twice. (What irked me even more was that I didn’t have the nads to say something to him about it.) I took the drinks back to the table and warned the others, then set my olives aside.
I can’t swear that he didn’t wash his hands, but I had just seen him take my friend’s credit card and close out our bill, handling a pen, etc.
Yuck. I don’t think I’ll be returning there anytime soon.

This place is really great; good wholesome food and reasonably priced drinks with a great modern atmosphere. Summer dining on the patio is a real treat.

This review is not based on the food, which is generally really good-​this review is for everything else. As a vegan who is allergic to wheat, my restaurant choices in Akron are pretty limited, which is why I was so excited to have this location right down the street. Unfortunately, I usually end up driving to the Montrose location because it has a bigger menu and much better service with no attitude.
The top issue I have experienced here is rudeness and attitude from one of the staff members. It has been the same person both times.
The first time both my husband and I had to go with our third choices of hard cider and wine, because they were out of everything else. This was early on a Friday night. Wouldn’t you be all stocked up for the weekend? Anyways, after we finally found drinks that were actually available for purchase, this person said to the cashier, right in front of us, without making any apologies, «Make sure you charge them the extra $ 1.50 for the glass of wine» (we had already been rung up with my FIRST choice of wine, which was less expensive). Seriously??? Anyone who knows about good customer service would have comped that $ 1.50 or even offered the glass of wine for free after we had to go through all that just to get a couple drinks. We brought friends and ordered a bunch of food, so it seems ridiculous that anyone who knows the business wouldn’t have at least offered that. Or just an apology!
There have been some other more minor issues until the last time I was there. This time I ordered a drink and some food around 10:30am on a weekday. This same person took my order and then changed her mind and told me that the kitchen was closed while they switched over to lunch. Again, not even an apology, just attitude, like SHE was doing ME a favor by even talking to me. Huh? I’m sorry, but if the sign says you are open, you are open.
So I’m sitting there waiting about 10 minutes for my drink, and meanwhile the guy at the next table gets food brought out to him. Say what? Not a nice thing to do to a hungry customer with limited dining options, who would like to be a loyal patron.
As a former owner of a successful vegan/​gluten free bakery in Los Angeles, I have experienced how grateful and loyal a vegan customer can be when they are lucky enough to find a business that caters to them. I would be that person at Mustard Seed Highland Square if they acted like they actually wanted or needed my business.

Stopped in last Saturday afternoon with some friends for a quick bite. I’ve got to tell you, I was impressed!
The restaurant is upstairs, accessed by either stairs or the elevator. I had heard we could purchase things from the store and take them into the restaurant so we went directly upstairs to secure a table and check out the menu. There were quite a few people in the restaurant but the place is big so there was no trouble grabbing a table. We all decided to return to the lower level and try the self service food. I helped myself to a large cup of hot potato soup ($ 3.49) and a slice of pizza ($ 2.49). Upstairs I ordered something I almost never have, a 12 ounce milkshake (for $ 4.50). For less than $ 11.00 I had a very satisfying meal.
The potato soup was above average, very flavorful and containing actual chunks of bacon. The pizza was also above average. It wasn’t dried out like happens so often with by-​the-​slice. And It had a very nice taste to it. The shake, served in a tall, thin glass was also good. So all in all, It was very filling.
None of us had eaten there before. So, any questions we had going in were answered by the staff in a friendly and helpful manner, almost like they were giving advice from their personal point of view. The menu items are a little bit pricier than the self-​serve options, and literally anything in the store can be taken upstairs to be eaten. Single serve chilled bottles or cans, a bottle of wine, a salad or soup bar, cheeses, food plates, you name it, are among your choices. A microwave provides the ability to heat things if it isn’t warm enough for you. The outdoor patio or the lit inside fireplace, depending on the weather, will be the most popular spots. Not sure if they offer mixed drinks.

I frequent mustard seed because I have allergies and need to eat gluten free and vegan. Thankfully the menu let’s you know what is gluten free, vegan, nut free, etc.
I have a problem with many places because I know I could do it better. Mustard seed just isn’t consistent. I have came here 3 times in the past 2 weeks. I asked for sauce on the side because I cannot have the oil in the sauce. Well they put the oil on anyway. And instead gave my girlfriend her sauce on the side lol. They said they would redo mine but it already took 45 mins. Wtf. So I said nah I’m fine. They said they would take care of it and I get the bill and it’s on the fucking bill. What happened to taking care of your mistake? Then you tell me you’ll give me free dessert lol. I told you I can’t eat the dessert and she still forces it upon me.
So I decided to come for breakfast. I get the oatmeal with coconut milk. There’s a freakin hair in my coconut milk. Lol I just laugh at places that can’t get it together.
So today I come back for the 3^rd time in two weeks and I arrive at 10:58am. The lady at the register tells me oh sorry we don’t accept orders during the hour we switch the kitchen over. It’s freaking 10:58 and she made us wait 2 mins to place our order. But she never came back and someone else took our order. I’m just on another level than mustard seed.
Inconsistent
Disrespectful
Expensive organic poop
If you want to be successful Mustard Seed, your going to have to be consistent and learn how to talk to customers.
P. s. The girl taking my order was stoned. At least if your going to get high, do your job right.
Until then I will go to EarthFare or WholeFoods!
I submitted my review then I got my food and it they put the sauce all over the food and they remade it within 5 mins. Lol 2 times in a row they don’t put sauce on side and 4 times in a row they consistently suck. So there aren’t inconsistent. They consistently suck at making food. Order what you want and get something else apparently.

Fabulous place, mixing style and design with friendly ambiance. I was hesitant to give it 5 because my food huevos rancheros, was somewhat tasteless. But, what the heck! Everything else including my juice was awesome. Clean, friendly staff, lots of sitting.
I will come more often!

Amazing healthy delicious food and fresh juices and smoothies. Try the salmon masala stir fry. Any of their veggie or fruit juices and smoothies, too. And their milkshakes are to die for. Also, come on a Friday or Saturday night for live music. The owners and people who work here are great people as well!
Sometimes to save money i get something readymade from the grocery store downstairs and bring it up to the café which they encourage.

So happy that this fabulous restaurant and grocery stores is in my neighborhood!
The selection in the deli and grocery store has improved dramatically since first opening I’m always able to find something delicious to eat for dinner!
Sales associates are helpful and very friendly
Restaurant services quick and delicious as well… Again major improvement from when they first opened! Did I mention great live music on the weekends? you must check out and support this local gem!

Such a cute location! Very friendly staff, and quick food. Everything tastes very fresh! Had the veggie burger which was great, it does fall apart a little but that’s typical of hand made veggie burgers. Coleslaw was great too, can’t wait to go again!

My biggest problem with the Café is consistency. Will I get the cashier that talks over me when I order or one that doesn’t? Will the same sandwich I get be perfect or will it be inedibly salty? Will the food runner ever come back after I asked for something? These are the thoughts that plague me as I decide whether it’s worth it to come here or not. When it’s good, it’s awesome. But when it’s bad, it’s BAD.

Love the feel of this place. It’s so lounge-​y (the interior, the music). There’s so much natural light coming in and I absolutely love that. I went here on an off peak hour so it was quiet. Ordered The Reuben (rye sandwich with turkey mozzarella and sauerkraut) and it was soo good. My husband ordered a BBQ Flatbread and it wasn’t bad either! Their organic coffee – also good. And staff is friendly. Definitely going back here, probably for dinner and drinks (though I heard it can get crowded). We’ll see But so far, love it!

Great addition to the area. Alongside the stores available options, the real value comes from the offered patio in the upstairs café. Cool atmosphere, and convenient when the weather cooperates.
As far as the food (in reference to the café) it’s ok. I ordered the beef burger, and was disappointed with the lack of flavor and the fact that I ordered it med rare and clearly received well done. Then when the check came I was surprised to see that i was charged $ 1.50 for soda water off of the gun NOT perrier or San pellegrino but off of the bar gun… meanwhile they have a free water station next to the bar? You can tell the staff isn’t very experienced, friendly yes, but not very attentive or caring.
I’ll hang there socially for the enjoyment of the patio, and shop the store for some things but the café menu is not something I would recommend.

I only had a couple beers on the upstairs patio, but it was very nice. Decent prices and one of the best outdoor patios in the Akron area. Can’t speak to the food or store yet.
Update: I still stand by the above comment, but I finally had their food. I got a house salad, beef burger, and side of coleslaw. The salad was okay, a lot of spinach and other dark green «healthy» stuff (gimme that iceburg lettuce), but I expect that at a pro-​organic place like the Mustard Seed (would get the salad again). Same thing for the coleslaw, it was filled with huge pieces of peppers, onions, cabbage, etc. They need to cut that stuff up a bit more (wouldn’t get the coleslaw again). Finally, the burger was okay. Nothing great nothing bad. I’ve been to other places like B-Spot’s where the taste of the meat was noticeably a better cut, didn’t really get that at the Mustard Seed. Overall, still pretty good and will go back.

Been here more than once. Prices are varied. Some better than other places, some way higher. Be careful shopping! Nice selection of unusual items but not a great deal of variety. More like a specialty market with no specific specialty! Weird but nice. That’s all for the market. The café is also good, but not great. Limited selections but the prices are pretty fair for what you get. Tasty but not outstanding. If you’re shopping here and are hungry, it’s worth the visit.

Well I’m not a hipster, so the café doesn’t hold anything particularly appealing to me. I believe this café has to make A decision on what it wants to be when it grows up. There is no doubt that the food is excellent. However to say that the décor is Spartan Is an understatement. The fact that you have to stand in line to get your food is ludicrous. And when you’re a 50 something such as myself, you come to expect a little bit more from a place that can create such culinary delights. Definitely not a place to bring the kids, but that is not to say I won’t be back with my wife. I guess I was just hoping for a better experience, not just good food.

This is a review for the café/​bar as well as somewhat of a response to other reviews.
Wow… the food is damn good. Similar menu to the fairlawn location. Anyone who complained regarding the prices should probably stick with McDonalds because for the quality the prices are quite reasonable. Akron is a great city, underrated as place to live, work, or hang out. The people are smart, interesting, and forward thinking and this place is tailor made as a place for them to enjoy. Especially those who share Akron’s best neighborhood, Highland Square, with the store/​café. Akron is however very close to little towns that are terrible for living, working, or hanging out. I guess my point is if you are coming up from Cuyahoga Falls and you are a stereotypical resident of CF you will not like this place.
There are some problems namely the set up of the restaurant, it makes no sense. Instead of getting a waiter/​waitress you order from a register without time to browse the menu. It is better than the fairlwan location as unlike at that location you receive your food in a timely manner. This place should certainly consider a more traditional set up.
Also, while the bar is open till midnight the kitchen inexplicably closes at 9pm. Like the set up this is frustrating and makes no sense. Especially because it seems like it is going to be a great place to hang out. My brother and I stopped in on a nice friday night and was very impressed with the relatively large crowd of good looking, smartly dressed, 20 and 30 somethings. Don’t get me wrong I will still spend most of my time at Highland Square’s excellent dive bars but I can see this as great way to change up an evening from the same olé’ and if you are in the market to hook up it seems like it might be a decent spot to try your luck.

I have both shopped here and eaten upstairs in their café. The store itself is small, but carries all the the organic products you need. The upstairs café is almost the size of the store itself, and it has a great patio. I thought the food was good and great quality, but a little pricy — It was $ 22 for a chicken caesar salad, small coconut thai soup, and a juice/​veggie combination drink.
The staff upstairs was friendly, but extremely unknowledgeable about the menu and food. I get this place is new and may be hiring new staff (so they get a little pass), but every time someone asked a question the answer was «sorry I don’t know» and no effort to go get an answer. For a place that’s based around quality of food and sourcing the staff should at least be trained and knowledgeable on each menu item.
I think Mustard Seed has more potential once they get running smoothly. I’d give 3.5 stars but they get 4 since their food and quality was good.

I love organic grocery stores, and I am all about giving back to local and small businesses, but… I feel as though this Mustard Seed stole my money.
My boyfriend and I went for Lunch. He had the Rubber City Melt and I had the Avocado BLT.
Ok, so here’s the run down of my bill.
Avocado BLT $ 10
REG BACON $ 3
Rubber City Melt $ 10
Truffle Fries $ 3.50
Iced Green Tea $ 2
I have no issues with the cost of ANYTHING on this bill, except for the regular bacon. They charged me 3 DOLLARS for BACON on a BLT? Really? If there is an extra cost for bacon on a BLT there should be something on the menu or the cashier should have told me.
The Mustard Seed is great. It is just EXTREMELY Overpriced. The store prices are a joke, when you can go to Earth Fare or Giant Eagles organic sections for Half the price. I am puzzled how they even get people to buy things. Highland Square is not a wealthy area.
I posted the picture of my receipt on the pictures sections.

This is a smaller version of the Mustard Seed you find in Fairlawn, but the simple fact I can walk to this location, load up on organic food, grab a drink, and bite to eat upstairs makes me love it even more.
This serves the Highland Square Neighborhood perfectly! The combination of organic foods, veggies, and café/​bar are a perfect hit. Price is always a factor when buying organic items, yeah it is higher and you will spend more, but well worth it!
This stores layout is a tad on smaller side but it does not stop me from returning as they have everything I need to keep my organic diet happy. The one item they might lack on is an actual meat department, but they carry enough packaged items, assuming packaged rather fresh, and that helps with the lack of that department. But again this serves me well as a location I can walk to daily and pick up a few items here and there.
What a great addition to the neighborhood.

A stunning jewel of a grocery store which should make some national buzz in the industry and breathe life into both Highland Square and Akron in general. I am so excited. The owner went all-​in with this place, combining a modern aesthetic with a neighborhoody ambience and shelling out the dough for incredible bonus features such as a beautiful patio, a green roof, an indoor fireplace, and a stage for live music. This is the kind of urban market-​slash-​neighborhood anchor point you’d expect to find on a hip street in Minneapolis or Portland, not in the Rust Belt.
Mustard Seed will always be pricy, but today’s shoppers and conscientious consumers have shown time and time again that they will spend the extra money to support local businesses and the ideals they believe in such as sustainability, chemical and hormone-​free meat and produce, and a scaled-​down, clutter-​free shopping experience. The centralized location also means that Akronites can dream of a life with fewer trips to wretched, soul-​sucking Fairlawn/​Montrose for their healthy grocery runs.
Great, great job to these owners, I salute you!