Very Cool, Hip, Awesome Place
I went to Terence Allen for breakfast the other day (had a great breakfast burrito and coffee for under five bucks) and was so impressed I went for dinner the next night. In fact, I've been four times in the last week and a half.

First, the space itself is amazing. Terence renovated what was previously an eyesore in downtown South Orange (a comic book shop and art supply store) and created a colorful and modern "eatery." The space is full of original artwork and has French doors which open up onto a big courtyard for a wonderful outside dining experience (although its next to a parking lot, the fence keeps out most of the car-related distractions).

More importantly, the food was great. I had a pulled pork burrito that was awesome. The best pulled pork I ever tasted. The burrito was huge and stuffed with rice, beans, fresh veggies, cheese, guacamole, green salsa (it was hot) and sour cream. The prices aren't cheap, but for what you get, definitely reasonable, under $10.

Also, Terence is really friendly and answered all my questions about the food and the building itself.

I highly recommend this new(ish) South Orange treat, and am looking forward to trying the lunch and dinner entrees which change daily.    [12 Apr 2007 17:36:16]

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Recommended Dishes: pulled pork burrito

     ­Pat S.   

Not Worth the Hype
I read someone's review of this Terence Allen place and decided to give it a try. I was really open to the experience. But let me tell you: The place was not worth the trip there. First of all, management is trying to do so many different things with this place that its just a mishmash of ideas throw together in this space they call an eatery. It really reminded me of the food court at a bad mall.

The owner should really focus on serving good quality food at a good price, instead of trying to interact with all of the customers and push his catering business on them. Terence kept coming over and telling me about his catering business when really all I wanted was a good cup of coffee. The veggies were old and disgusting. And the prices were ridiculous. I just couldn't believe what this place charges for everything! I will never go back there.    [10 Jun 2007 13:29:49]

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     ­Frank P.    

Amazing
The only word that comes to mind when thinking about this place is amazing! Everything about the restaurant is great. The food was delicious and the service was friendly and so helpful. I highly recommend going.    [26 Sep 2007 22:02:22]

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Recommended Dishes: chicken quesadilla

     ­Jenny   

Good Stuff
The place has a great vibe, and the food is spectacular. All of the salad ingredients are super fresh, and every time I've been there (at least a dozen or so), they've varied slightly, so you can make a new salad, wrap, or whatever with all of the ingredients you love. I love sitting out back, but alas, it's getting cold. Indoors is awesome, too, though, and the artwork for sale is lovely. Plus, the staff is always super friendly. Hope it lasts a long time!    [30 Oct 2007 17:13:12]

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Recommended Dishes: salads, quesadillas, a 'blue plate special' of chicken with veggies and rice

     ­Jess   

Very Arrogant Service, Questionable Pricing
My wife and I went to Terence Allen Catering & Eatery for lunch. We ordered Hamburger and Philly cheese steak sandwich, both of which were on the printed menu. The dining area was very clean and nicely painted with lime green. It reminded me of restaurants in lower east side Manhattan.
We expected the food to be served in quickly (it was lunch time on a weekday after all). After waiting for about 25 minutes, my wife told the manager that we'd been waiting for 25 minutes. He replied: "not quite 25 minutes". I wish we knew that in this restaurant, customers are expected to wait patiently for a long time.

We ended up waiting for the food for at least another 25 minutes (without an apology). The hamburger was undercooked and too salty. The cheese steak sandwich was OK, but I could not help noticing that the restaurant owner was trying too hard to be creative for the food they serve (fusion style food?)

Anyway, the problems did not end there. We realized we did not receive our side dishes that we were supposed to get (I think they were veggie chips and something else). We asked about the missing side dishes and then he told us that they did not have them and he would not charge for the side dishes (If we did not ask, we would've been charged full amount).

Obviously I would not visit there again, and I would not miss the food they serve. It was very, very disappointing.    [28 Jan 2008 22:48:20]

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     ­Kaku