"We visited Lo Gottis Soul Cafe in Iowa City for a spontaneous date night and were excited to support a new local soul food spot. The place has a great concept, strong potential, and a wonderful drink menu with great deals, which we definitely appreciated. While we made a reservation in advance, it wasn’t necessary—the restaurant was empty when we arrived around 6 PM. We were warmly welcomed and seated right away, and the initial interaction with the server was pleasant. However, things quickly began to feel a bit unorganized. Within a few minutes, we were told one menu item wasn’t available yet, then shortly after informed that cornbread wasn’t available either. This disrupted the flow a bit, but we remained optimistic. We received our drinks and appetizers in a reasonable amount of time, and both were very good. However, after that point, service became inconsistent. There was no check-in from the server to see how we were doing or if we needed anything else. We waited nearly 45 minutes if not more for our entrées, receiving our food after 7:15 PM—even though we ordered shortly after arriving around 6:30pm. Our meals were delivered by someone else, and again, no one came to follow up or ask how the food was. There were some service oversights that impacted the overall experience: • We were not given plates for our appetizer—only napkins. • Our table was never cleared of empty glasses or dishes. • After asking for a water along with a second drink, I received only the drink not the water • The music was very loud, making it difficult to have a conversation or place our order comfortably. That said, the food and drinks were very good, and the restaurant has great potential with the right tweaks in customer service and overall dining experience. The owner clearly has a great vision, and we genuinely hope this feedback helps the team grow and thrive. We drove over an hour to dine here, and while the food was satisfying, the service and atmosphere could use some improvements to match the quality of the menu. Wishing the team continued success!"

"First thing I asked for was my drinks which was water and an alcoholic drink. I never got my water. Also I waited more than an hour for my food n got overcooked fish. Still Never got my water. Definitely not worth it. Very unprofessional."

"Great food..fun music and clean space.only 1 server doing his very best to bartend and wait tables. He did a great job. The catfish is 10 of 10...and yummy mac n cheese! Will be back!"

"Ive visited twice and I feel you gotta go somewhere a couple times to write a review right ? Our server both times was top notch ! Super accommodating and helpful! Food was a wait but honestly I don't mind just because this is a new business and it takes awhile for a business to make a routine and get it right . Our food was hot both times & FLAVORFUL! I definitely recommend giving it a try even tho you might wait a little extra time then someplace else ! Be patient be mindful the food is worth it 😊"

"Came into the restaurant, the bartender proceeds to take my order, but says she won't take payment until the food was done. Sounded good to me. An hour later, still sitting at the bar waiting for my food. I ask what's taking so long, whole time they never even made my food let alone put the order in the system. Literally sat in front of them as they ran in circles not knowing what the hell was going on in their own store. First time, and last time. Terrible"