Jason R.
Yelp
3.5
Today was my first experience with American Girl and the Cafe. I attended a birthday party in their private room. The party was to start at 2PM, but the host ran a little late, by only a couple minutes, but it seemed to throw the entire event off. Right before we entered the room for the party, the girls were allowed to either use their own doll or could borrow one. From the moment we entered, everything seemed rushed. To pick our drink, pick our food option, the cupcake portion for the kids, the clean-up , and it was very obvious. When you're spending a substantial amount for a party, you shouldn't have to feel that way.
The space itself was decent and arranged pretty well for the kids, but in my opinion, I couldn't justify the amount for what you actually receive. The food was just okay as one person didn't like their macaroni and cheese entree, but they were willing to replace it with a burger. I went with the bow tie pasta, which was edible, but that's as far as I could go. I cant speak for any of the other adults to see if they enjoyed their meals though.
Once the party was over, we made our way upsatairs, so a few of the girls could get a hair appointment for their dolls. A few of us didn't have a doll, so we purchased one. I purchased the Melodie Ellison doll, at her request, I did like that all the dolls on the lower level, had a backstory and explanation of who they were. Everything upstairs and downstairs was very neat and they have employees everywhere, to assist with questions and/or your purchase.
I would give the store party a 4.5, but the party/cafe portion a 2.