Don't bother, just go to Denny's. We wanted to go to Toast on Market but we were hungry and the wait was too long. The 8 reviews on Yelp were good, though I'm always weary trusting star ratings from that few people. I got the roast potato hash - it tasted like it was cooked haphazardly then dunked in grease. There were about 4 grapes and two cubes of apple on the plate as the most unsightly garnish I've ever seen. As it turns out the piece of apple was the best part of anyone's meal. My boyfriend got the chicken salad as per someone's suggestion. I'd call it a mayo salad. So foul. And so it went around the table of six. Granted the staff were very nice and their cake looked good, but it was like a wannabe hip diner with an ihop grade of food.
(2)
Sara C.
We love to go to the Cafe for lunch! The food is very good and the service is good. When you order a sandwich the best way is to order there #3 combo. It comes with a cup of soup, half a sandwich, a side and a cookie. I was worried that my husband would not be full with only 1/2 of a sandwich but the portions are huge. The only down side is they are not open on Sunday or past 4pm.
(4)
Adam C.
Looking for another place for a late breakfast so we decided to try this place based on the reviews. The location is not too far from places we go all the time, just off Barrett. Inside is much nicer and larger than expected. I had the biscuits and gravy, as I always do to get a feel for how good the food will be overall. I say don't put it on the menu unless you do it well, and most places just throw biscuits and gravy on the menu to have it on the menu. I will say the biscuits were better than expected. It comes with 2 whole biscuits cut open and piled on top of some chunks of sausage. It looked amazing when it came out, and with the first bite I realize they took a shortcut. The gravy is most likely from a powder mix, definitely not made from scratch from what I could tell. If it is made in house, it sure tastes very bland and needs to be improved. My problem with this, make your own gravy, it's not that hard and at $6 I would pay for it every time. Gravy from a powder mix, I will pass every time. So expectations decreased slightly based on this, but the tomato dill soup made up for it. Basically a heavy cream mixed with tomato soup, but it works for me. We had the strata del giorno and french toast. I thought the strata was very flavorful on the first bite. It is kind of a heavy dish so I would recommend the grits or fruit instead of potatoes. The potatoes were good, but too much to go with this. French toast looked amazing, it lacked something in flavor I could not put my finger on. I think they should try a few different variations, maybe stuffed with cream and berries, and a few other ways and see what goes over best. I think adding a hint of bourbon to what they have already might be what it needs. Overall I liked the meal, left full and willing to come back for lunch next time. I would try breakfast again, maybe omelette and grits next time. Lunch menu looks great can't wait to try it. I say 3 stars as the final decision will be made after a few more visits. Oh and the cakes, we are definitely going back to try one of the cakes on display at the front door, they looked awesome and we heard they are very good
(3)
Anna D.
This is a very nice place close to downtown with delicious food. The menu seems quite extensive and portions are huge. I tried the dill tomato soup. It was delicious. I also had the strata which was nice. It came with a side salad which was odd to me. It was two leaves of lettuce and three half slices of tomato. That is not exactly a side salad but more of a garnish. I also got a slice of Italian cream cake to go. It would really serve 2-3 people. It was delicious. I would certainly go to the Cafe again. Oh. Parking is ridiculous but worth finding a spot to eat there. Wait time at 12:30 was ten minutes although they sat me sooner.
(5)
Sarah H.
Before this place moved to its current location they did not even serve breakfast. It was at this time that I fell in love with the food at The Cafe. I don't even think of it as a breakfast place for this reason. This review is based solely on their lunch menu that made them popular enough to move to their newer location. This is one of the few restaurants that I have so many favorites that it makes deciding what to order difficult. A few of my favorites include the Edwardian, which is basically a turkey club but the turkey is cooked and sliced in house so it's always very fresh tasting and the bacon is always crisp which I love on a sandwich. There is nothing worse than chewy soggy bacon on a sandwich. Another of my favorites is the Pimita. The Pimita it a pita crust topped with their homemade pimento cheese, crisp bacon, fresh tomatoes and sliced red onions which is baked until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. It can be a little bit greasy but it is so good that that doesn't matter. I also love the Queen Anne. This is a sandwich made with their homemade Benedictine spread with crisp bacon and sliced cucumbers. I always get a side of their pasta salad with whatever I order because I love the flavor. It it lightly dressed and doesn't have an over abundance of "stuff" in it. A good pasta salad can stand alone with just it's pasta and dressing and this one can. The small amount of veggies and things in it don't add or detract anything from it. Another must for me every time I eat at The Cafe is their chili. It is some of the best I've eaten. It's perfectly seasoned and I love that it's topped with cheese, green onions, and banana peppers. Overall I could eat here twice a week for lunch and maybe never get sick of it. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews on their breakfast items so I don't recommend The Cafe as a breakfast location but for lunch I will send people their way every time!
(5)
Leslie S.
The cafe has a wonderful atmosphere and tasty food. We love the tomato dill soup and the fresh bread. They have combination selections that are hearty portions and come with a side and yum chocolate chip cookie. The prices are reasonable and the servers are very attentive. Best local lunch spot in the city!
(5)
Kelly Y.
I am so glad I finally got around to checking out The Cafe! No wonder it stays busy all the time. The Cafe does lots of things right: The decor: it is like a less flamboyant version of the late Lynn's Paradise Cafe. But it is no less eclectic and fun. I love the various chandeliers and happy colored walls. The space is so bright and airy it just screams: lunch! The food: it is not the fanciest or the trendiest of fares, but much attention is paid to every plate of salad and sandwiches. I can't say enough about the freshness of the salad. There were no browned edges on the lettuce or shriveled carrots from a bag. I'll go out on a limb and say they chop veggies every day in house. I know because I prep fresh salad for hubby just about every day. I *LOVE* their Strata alla Cucina!! It is like a slice of quiche minus the crust. It is seasoned perfectly. The custard is tender; the veggies are soft. There is just enough cheese to summon the umami from all of the ingredients. I can eat a whole pan of this! And then there is that giant slice of Italian cream cake. It took our breath away when the server dropped it off in front of us...this just can't be right...that's so much cake and so much goodness! I don't usually like icing or cake, but this combo worked for me. It took hubby and I two tries before we finished the slice. It was definitely the favorite part of hubby's meal. I can't wait to come back to try more items!
(5)
Leslie W.
There are times I wish I could add a half star, cause this would be one of those times! I have followed The Cafe from its location in the antique mall in Germantown (a block from my old place) to their current location across from Louisville Stoneware (original Highlands/Irish Hill). The food has stayed consistent and the menu is varied. However, my order tends to be the same each time. Their portions are large and the food always tastes fresh and homemade. Because we arrived at noon, we could have chosen brunch items but we went for lunch standards. I've never had anything here that I didn't like. There are just things I crave and must have. I usually go for one of the four combination lunches as you get to sample multiple items and it includes a fresh, chocolate chip cookie. One of my addictions here is their tomato dill soup - which I'll eat year round unless it's blistering outside. Being late July and unbearably humid, I skipped soup this visit. The tuna salad - whether you get it in a tomato, on a cold sandwich, or opt for my favorite, the tuna melt (dubbed the King Charles) - is sublime. No matter how many times I have it, I still can't figure out what makes it so freaking tasty! Today, I had the #4 which comes with the Chippendale (house) salad, half a sandwich (the open-faced, King Charles, of course), a side, and a cookie - all for under $11! The Cafe's pesto ranch and Asian sesame dressings are amazing. Either one will compliment your greens. The sizable salad was topped with onion, chopped nuts, and apple slices. Delicious! The half a King Charles consists of two, huge slices of French bread topped with the aforementioned (crack) tuna with Swiss cheese melted on top. I have them hold the tomato, cause warm tomatoes are disgusting. I went healthy and chose the fruit cup for my side, but you could pick pasta salad, fiesta bean salad, or chips if you want. My ultimate weakness at The Cafe is the homemade desserts. The bread pudding has soothed me on many a cold days and the strawberry cake is beyond words. Really, I tear up just thinking of it. Specially cakes often sell out quickly, so order that right after your drinks. They sold out of the seasonal strawberry today, which I took as a sign from my waistline. Only two drawbacks are the parking, which is limited (and can get insane at busy times), and the fact that they are only open until 4 pm (closed on Sun).
(4)
Lauren H.
I love the food at The Cafe! Whether it's brunch or lunch, everything I've had from here has been wonderful. Most recently, I tried the Huevos Rancheros for breakfast. They were to die for! I was served a massive plate of flavorful goodness. It was so good that I couldn't stop eating, and despite being more calories than I need in a day, I licked that plate clean. Aside from the awesome food, the service is great too. They make you feel like an old friend. The restaurant is decorated very eclectically, creating a homey vibe. The restaurant is in a bit of a strange location, but definitely worth the trip.
(5)
Zachary H.
The food took ages but the waitress was very nice and offered us free bread and cake while we waited. I wish I could remember her name so I could mention her here! I had an omelette with sausage and a side of fruit. The omelette was more of the country style with large browned curds on the outside. It was good enough but I prefer French style. The sausage in it was excellent and there was no shortage of cheese. The fruit was a highlight. You get a large side and quite a few different kinds. It was a nice change from the small cup of fruit that usually comes on the side with these meals. The prices were very competitive. I believe my omelette was just under 8 dollars. I look forward to going back and trying more things!
(4)
Bethany Z.
Damn,,, that was a great brunch! I couldn't decide between three dishes. I thought my meal was great and then I tasted my husbands sandwich ( the reuben).... Wowza , it had such a great Monterey sauce instead of the usual way a Reuben is made. I think he won the best meal award but nobody was really a loser. We saw people ordering huge slices of strawberry cake and we didn't want to be left out. Turns out it's homemade and maybe the best thing I put in my mouth today!. The service was great and they also sell Amish jams and peanut butter . It was great, the only thing I would change is that they should sell momosas. It would be a nice touch.
(5)
Bob T.
After complaining as I do to my friend about the dearth of delicious breakfasts in Louisville, she suggested "The Cafe." "Which cafe?" I asked. She snickered and said "Turn south under the railroad overpass on Broadway." Now I can claim two Five Star places for breakfast in Louisville! Attentive service started at the front door. Polite, efficient and customer-focused. We had a few things to discuss before we were ready to order. Our server let us finish our conversation and noticed when we set the menus down a second time. She knew the menu intimately and guided us to excellent selections: Michele ordered "Strata del Giorno." WIth the appearance of a hearty tasty dish, this was served with a generous portion of mixed fresh fruit. Michele was delighted and carried home what she couldn't finish. I had "Huevos Rancheros alla The Cafe." Almost up to the standards of the Huevos Rancheros at Con Huevos, this was a deeply flavorful hearty serving. We lingered a bit after our server cleared. I noticed how tame the ambient noise was. Even though there are a variety of hard surfaces to reflect noise, conversations seemed to disappear in the tall ceilings. Background music played unobtrusively. Although this location is close to a busy thoroughfare, in a light industrial area, and just out of the shadow of a heavy rail overpass, outside noise did not intrude. The decor is bright and airy. There is outdoor dining space as well. I'll be back.
(5)
Amy C.
The perfect place for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Food is always good ...even as a to-go order. Their bread pudding and tomato dill soup keep me coming back for more!
(5)
Sarah C.
So glad we decided to enjoy brunch at The Cafe this morning. Deciding to show up before 11 was a great idea! No wait at all. I ordered an omelet and the roasted potatoes. Their roasted potatoes are the best! Cooked perfectly with just enough seasoning on them. Also ordered at our table was the strata del giorno and hotbrown. Both looked delicious. The strata del giorno is a solid pick! It was so fluffy and light while also having a nice richness because of the cheese. Yum! Our server was overly nice and attentive. I always get a friendly vibe when dining at The Cafe.
(4)
Pamela K.
Wow! I can't believe I never knew this was here. Tucked in a little nook off Broadway. Fabulous breakfast and the lunch menu looked great too. We tried the meatless (has mushrooms) and meat in (bacon) strattas. Both were full of delicious custard-ness, spinach, tomato and flavor. Potatoes were great and hubs liked the grits. (I really just don't do grits... Northern girl at heart) service was outstanding, very friendly snd gave recommendations and why, not just a "I like this" response. Lots of things to look at while you wait (which wasn't long). Outdoor seating was also available and looked inviting! Several small celebrations were going on so I imagine they take reservations, however I didn't ask. I did see that they had take out box lunches available on the menu as well as soda and ice. So if you're looking for a road picnic it may be a place to stop! We will return.
(5)
Brenda R.
Great deal is the half sandwich (larger than the regular size size elsewhere) and a side, and a delicious cookie. Some of the best chicken salad I've ever had - has fresh apple slices. Mango tea is nice. Don't miss out on dessert! The cakes are generous size and always delicious. We have used them many times for catering and it's always been good. Box lunches are marked with names, everything is i cluded, and great prices.
(5)
Sabrina G.
I love this place! The breakfast is delicious, they have lots of great sandwiches and salads for lunch, they have a patio in the summer and a wonder fireplace in the winter. We always sit in Tonya's section and she is so on the ball. The deserts here are to die for too and the owner is so nice. Parking can be an issue at lunch time because this place gets pretty packed but FYI they take reservations and it can be worth it to make one for sure.
(5)
Emily W.
I struggled over the decision between 4 or 5 stars, but the quality and consistency of the food here beat the long wait and crowds I'm used to seeing on a Friday at lunch. Typically, my visits to The Cafe are with my coworkers for lunch. We almost always make a reservation but we recently decided we should try out eating a later lunch at 1 since it clears out around that time. The tomato soup is NOT to be missed! It's my favorite menu item and I've attempted to make it myself at home (just not the same...). I've enjoyed all the sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items I've had here...never been disappointed by any menu items! I still have yet to try the cake, though. That will need to happen in the coming weeks!
(5)
Sean C.
I wandered in on a whim one day when I happened to be awake before noon. I had the Huevos Rancheros. Eggs, potatoes, chorizo, cheese. Best breakfast I've had in years, and the leftovers were awesome at about 1am. I think I'll have to go back today and have a sandwich! Check this place out, awesome friendly people!!
(5)
Amanda C.
You can't go wrong at The Cafe. My mom and I decided to have a midweek lunch date here, and it never disappoints. If you are limited on eating time, I would recommend getting there by 11:30 am or waiting until 1:00 pm. We got there about 12:30 and only had to wait a few minutes for a table. The service is excellent and efficient. I had the roasted veggie sandwich (minus the mushrooms) and pasta salad. My mom had the meatless strata (similar to quiche) and the soup of the day, which was creamy mushroom and spinach. She is a mushroom lover and thought the soup was wonderful. This is definitely a crowd favorite, and their menu offers something for all taste buds!
(4)
Mike J.
We stopped at The Cafe on a trip to Atlanta. This place is GREAT! Here's the thing...I love sandwiches. Every member of the family got something different and everything was really good. My favorite was the Art Deco. It was the best BLT I EVER HAD! The sides were just Ok. A bag of Lays Chips...really? This place was Mos Def worth the road closure that delayed our arrival.
(4)
Donna R.
Driving through Louisville and based on previous reviews, wanted to try someplace locals know. Food and service was fantastic. I got the grits with eggs, bacon, cheese and tomato. Could only eat half of it. They gave me coffee to go. The owner came over to talk with me once he found out I stopped in during my travels. Super nice gentleman. Decorated in refurbished antiques, this place has charm and is wonderful.
(5)
Helen S.
Ok. This is an excellent place to meet friends and business associates for lunch. Their salads are out of this world. Their chicken salad and pimento salads are extra fantastic!!! Their desserts are out of this world. Soups are delicious. Great atmosphere and service. Service can be hit or miss depending on how busy they are. Go. Enjoy and stop at Louisville Stoneware across the street if you have time.
(5)
Josh B.
The sweet potato cinnamon roll is a great way to kick off a brunch here. I was pretty basic and got the oatmeal but it was still delicious. The prices are good and so is the service. They have lots of baked goods which look amazing. I believe a lot of the baked goods are Amish made which means they're insanely good and definitely worth trying!
(4)
Michelle P.
If you're traveling far and want to have a quirky but charming atmosphere to dine in, have no fear! This place is off the main roads a bit east of I-65 and while it looks like it's in the middle of nowhere, it's pretty nice on the inside. They serve breakfast food and sandwiches, which from what I tasted wasn't anything special but does hit above par as far as sandwiches go. Had the William and Mary and some "sweet" tea. Service is great even though it was peak business for them--noontime. If I ever stop through again I'll definitely give it another go and try something else by them.
(3)
Robert P.
Make no mistake about it, this is THE CAFE. The Cafe is located in an industrial area with Louisville Stoneware, parking can be difficult, and they get little to no foot traffic, but the place is packed. Develop a good restaurant and people will find you and come. We have been here twice in late morning, both times I got sausage gravy and biscuits with roasted potatoes and the Mrs. got an omelet. Let's talk about the biscuits, soft, fluffy some of the best I've ever enjoyed, complimented with milky smooth gravy with chunks of delicious pork sausage. The potatoes are roasted with the skin on and onions, roasted perfectly a little crunchy brown. The potatoes come with ketchup, but I didn't think ketchup would enhance the flavor, however I did dredge a few through the sausage gravy. The Mrs. had an omelet with cheese and portobello mushrooms. The omelet was cooked perfectly, crescent shaped, fluffy, with the right amount of cheese and mushrooms, so the omelet was not over powered. The omelet comes with fruit, grits or roasted potatoes. Additional omelet add ons are ham, bacon, mushrooms, etc. The breakfast menu includes various egg dishes, waffles and oatmeal. The lunch menu has three or four soups, the tomato dill soup is particularly popular. You can get 1/2 sandwich of your choice and soup. There are ten to twelve sandwiches on interesting bread with one side a fiesta bean salad, potato salad, fruit, fritos or doritos. Who in their right mind would choose fritos or doritos. The sandwiches are stacked high, look good and interesting. You could easily share a sandwich, get an additional side, then you might have room for dessert. The cakes look great, three tiers high, with a generous cut, easily enough for two or three people, The restaurant is divided into two areas, separated by a fireplace. Indoors they can get my guess 200 people or more, by noon on Friday they were full. During good weather you can eat ouside on the patio, probably seats 100 or more people. The tables and decor is no frills, but with this quality of food, who cares. Our order was taken quickly and the food arrived 10 minutes later or less. All servers are pleasant and efficient. They had better be, as hundreds of meals and take outs are served daily. I would change nothing about The Cafe and can't wait to go back,
(5)
Diana L.
Only good things come from this kitchen, good hot fresh affordable food. Try one of the specials croque-madam, or the Belgian waffle.
(5)
Kelly P.
I love to eat. I'm a girl who never orders a salad, unless it's the first course of three. I'm also the girl who never orders something like dry toast, or oatmeal, for breakfast/brunch; but, let me tell you, this place has the best baked oatmeal I've ever had! It's totally worth the oatmeal alone to check this place out! And, if you're not an oatmeal fan and cannot be swayed, you're in luck, because this place has plenty of other delicious fare to sate you. They have one of my favorite brunches in town, and the prices simply cannot be beat. My second choice on the menu is a simple egg sandwich, which I order on a croissant, along with a side of skillet potatoes. I have to cut the sandwich in half to be able to handle/eat it. No matter what you order you'll get a dish brimming with food, usually for around six bucks! They also have a dessert case in the back and keep a few sinful looking cakes in the front just next to the hostess stand so you can't miss them when you walk in the door. It's hard to leave this place empty handed, no matter how stuffed you are from your meal.
Very impressed with The Cafe! Hard to believe that a restaurant could be successful in this totally unassuming location, but when you pull up and see the cars packed up-n-down the street and filling two parking lots, you can immediately tell there something special going on inside. This place so reminds me of the small specialty restaurants back in Western Kentucky. Kind of makes me want to bring my Mother the next time she comes into town! So nice to step-back in time and have a great meal. You can feel the pride and passion in the food. I opted for the Rubino (a NY style corned-beef and slaw sandwich), which was the perfect size and full of flavor. Next time I'll save room for a slice of cake, or at least order one to go. They are mammoth-sized portions!
(4)
Grace H.
All around awesome. The atmosphere, service, and food is all wonderful. Just make sure you make a reservation because they are always packed. The noise level isn't too bad, tables are a bit close together but not uncomfortable. Five stars, go here, you won't regret it!
(5)
Danny F.
Great food and amazing service. It's like eating at your Auntie's kitchen. There is a wide selection on the menu and plenty of seating. The bake goods were delicious. The soups were interesting and homemade.
(5)
Latrice S.
I drove to Louisville, KY from Indianapolis for a work meeting and was desperately looking for food. I checked my fav travel sites for a recommendation nearby. I found a spot that was deemed a local favorite and set my GPS, but when I got there the place looked really sketchy. I passed The Cafe on the way and decided to go there instead. I am sooo glad that I did! I sat down and the very helpful waiter (I hate that I can't remember his name) asked me "how hungry are you?" I told him I was starving, then he took my menu and said "Allow me to bring you something." I did. For the first course he brought me a small cup of chicken pot pie soup (let that sink in for a sec). It was so good. Very flavorful but not too thick or salty. Then he brought me their "famous" chicken salad sandwich on wheat. This was the eat chicken salad sandwich I have ever tasted. It was creamy and somehow crunchy, both sweet and savory. I can hardly describe it's awesomeness. Along with the sandwich was their bean salad. Also very good. It was a cold salad with mixed beans, onions, celery and herbs that kind of reminded me is a broccoli salad but with beans. I was very surprised at how good it was. Finally, we topped it off with a generous slice of their homemade chocolate cake. Now I said I was hungry, but I didn't expect all of this food. I was stuffed! Guess the cost of this little food adventure? Only $13 bucks. Whaaaat?! I HIGHLY recommend eating at The Cafe if you are in it around downtown Louisville. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Matthew E.
Great food! Wonderful service! Wish I had a place this great nearby in Philly !
(5)
Catosha S.
Very good service. Love the southern hospitality. Took moms coat off as we sat down. Never ran out of tea or coffee at our table. Very cute inside. Were from out of town "Ohio". Our food was very good. Something for every and had gluten free options. This place is a diamond. If ever vacationing here I will def be back.
(5)
Phil B.
The Cafe is my mom's favorite place in Louisville, and it is all around good, most of the food in my opinion is just average. I really like the Tomato Basil Soup, it truly is one if the best soups I have ever had, but it isn't enough to warrant more than three stars unfortunately. The tables are very close so it is hard to have a conversation with any expectation of privacy. It has a lot of potential, but it just hasn't done it for me yet and I've been coming for years with my mom.
(3)
Katherine D.
We were in from out of town and decided to try this place out... we were not disappointed! It was a bit of a drive from where we were staying but it was so worth the trip :) Amazing food, great atmosphere and excellent customer service. The owner seated us and shared the story of the restaurant with us! So friendly... we look forward to coming back next year!
(5)
E B.
Always a great experience at the Cafe! The food is always delicious. Do yourself a favor and try the tomato dill soup!
(5)
Kristen P.
The Cafe is one of my favorite brunch places in Louisville! You really can't go wrong when ordering here. I love the French toast and biscuits and gravy, with a side of bacon! The strata's are amazing and HUGE! The atmosphere is super cute and there is outside seating for nice days. The desserts are delicious too. If they have strawberry cake, you better order it as soon as your sit down because it will be gone in a flash.
(5)
D W.
Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, they upped the experience. It appears they have increased the size of the sandwiches. It's been a couple of months since I've been here (usually because at lunch I can't find a place within a block to park) but I'm one of those people who always orders the same thing. So, imagine my surprise when I ordered the Art Deco (BLT with guacamole on it) and it came out about twice as thick as usual! LOTS of bacon. Great flavor. My lunch partner ordered the Queen Anne Benedictine sandwich and hers appeared bigger, to the point where she had to take half with her. Usually she can eat the entire sandwich at lunch. Each of our bills were about $12. Good work Cafe team! Save room for the huge slices of desert cake. The Italian Cream Cake is fabulous.
(5)
RJ K.
I went here a couple weeks ago with my wife. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. We shared what I think is the biggest piece of strawberry cake I've ever seen. The one thing to keep in mind is this place doesn't serve alcohol. Not a big deal but some brunch goers like their Bloody Mary. I would definitely recommend this place. Great food at a great price!!
(5)
Sara T.
I'd been here several times before but the past few months a committee from my church has been meeting here early in the morning to talk and plan. It's been a wonderful place. The inside is warm with pretty tables of different sizes -- always with small vases with flowers. The menu has a lot of variety and quality. My favorite is the baked oatmeal but there are a lot of other choices. They have wonderful sandwiches for lunch. The owners are very friendly and kind, always coming by to say hello when we are there as a group. It's always been a fun place to meet a friend for lunch and it's become a great place to gather to get things done together.
(4)
Ed F.
Grabbed a quick bite to eat here with my buddy after spending all morning at Churchill Downs museum and horse racing track. It was absolutely packed to the walls by 1pm -- we actually called them from the road to put our name on the list, and after a 20 minute ride, we walked in just as our name was called -- with all ages represented among the patrons. The sexes, however, were not so evenly distributed, as my buddy and I were 2 of only about 10 men in the entire place, and there was easily 200 people in the dining room. He had identified this restaurant as an "estrogen filling station", but he had eaten their before with his wife, and particularly enjoyed the sandwiches, so he thought I would, too. I did -- ordering the William and Mary (thinly sliced corned beef w/ Swiss cheese on rye) -- with cole slaw and a sweet tea. Didn't need to worry about a to-go box, because I scarfed that baby on site. It was tasty, and a healthy sized portion, too. Parking is a little of a challenge though, with a small lot surrounding the building that was packed like sardines, and a larger lot blocks away in a sketchy warehouse district was a little inconvenient to walk from and to after our meal, but I guess better than no parking at all.
(3)
Kerri M.
Food was bomb! Service on point! Decor very cool, eclectic kind of like walking into a antique store with random stuff! Big fan!
(5)
Erin K.
Everything from The Cafe is great, their service is great and their food is great but I can not talk about The Cafe without mentioning my favorite dish - the Victorian. It's house made pimento cheese (my all-time favorite indulgence) with fresh tomato on their walnut wheat bread. It is Heaven and I order it everytime. When I am craving pimento cheese, I either make it myself or head to The Cafe!
(4)
Joe C.
I visited "The Cafe" for the first time this morning. I ordered their breakfast special (two eggs scambled, sausage patties, potatoes, and toast). Although everything tasted ok, my overall view is that it was nothing special. In addition, when the server brought the check back to the table after scanning my credit card, she just put it down and walked off to address other tables. A "we appreciate your business, come and see us again" would have gone a long way. Again, the service and food gave me no reason to return to this place, especially given all of the high quality restaurants in the Louisville area. Save your money...
(2)
Michele B.
Went here for the first time recently. It did not disappoint. Food very well prepared. really glad to be able to get breakfast at non breakfast hours. Prices reasonable, servers very friendly. Very eclectic feel to the place and in a rather odd location, almost creepy, but it somehow works. One small area of improvement would be to make sure to keep the cake serving table clean and neat. My husband and I went late one day (3pm) and the table was an absolute mess, crumbs everywhere and just looked disheveled. Not what you want to see immediately upon entering an establishment, even an hour before close. Other small issue (for us) is the closing time. 4pm is just too early. We are not early risers and would love to see this place open til at least 5 or 6pm especially in the summer. Again, that matches our schedule, not most people who have 9 to 5 jobs. Despite these very small issues, we look forward to going back many times. (PS we did get cake to go, even though the table was a mess, and it was absolutely delicious and fresh. Blueberry lemon cake is to die for.) Go after lunch to beat the crowds.
(4)
Julie P.
I went here with my family when I was in the neighborhood at Louisville Stoneware (Very close to it!). WE were immediately drawn to the gorgeous dessert case, adn the beautiful Tuxedo and Italian creme cake while walking to our table. We went on a monday around 3pm. We had a party of 6, and were able to within minutes get sat and waited on quickly. I'm always surprised when I place can refill my drinks as fast as I drink (water), but they were able to do so. I had a delcious hot brown, and then had a small bread pudding for dessert. My nieces had the tuxedo cake which I tried and was very good and rich frosting as well. I would defineatly come back, great service and phenomenal food.
(4)
Leigh W.
I've had a lunchtime love affair with this place for years. Once you've tried the tomato dill soup, you'll be hooked too. I'm even more enamored with this established since they moved from their spot in the antique mall to a standalone location. They renovated a long-since-abandoned warehouse for their current spot, turning a once-blighted corner into a sunny spot near East Broadway. I've tried so many items on their breakfast and lunch menus and I've never been disappointed, but my favorites are the Pimita (hold the bacon) and the Queen Anne (again hold the bacon). If you're a first-time visitor or an old timer like me, the best bet is a combo. I like the #3 - a half sandwich, cup of soup, a side and a cookie. When they say "half sandwich," they really mean a whole sandwich with a little corner cut off. I've always wondered what they do with those little corners. For your side, go fiesta bean salad every time. And you'll love polishing off the meal with an ooey gooey chocolate chip cookie. If you like desserts, they have some amazing ones, all made in house. Again, I've never had one I didn't like. Sal Rubino, the owner, and his amazing team have done it right, as evidenced by the packed house that I see every time I go. If you want to get in and out quickly, I highly recommend a reservation.
(5)
Joe D.
Yup if your hungry this is the place to eat. I ordered a half sandwich and cup of soup and couldn't finish it all. If you go you have to try the tomato dill soup. It is very tasty and surprising light for a tomato soup. Add the Art Deco BLT which has a guacamole spread and thick cuts of bacon. The sandwich would have faired better with a larger spread of guacamole and it could have had more onions and lime in it but overall it was a nice change from mayo. The Cafe's idea of half a sandwich is to cut a corner off of a full sandwich. I swear it is comical to see this so be sure to try a half and half when you go. Overall, very tasty, good quality and pleasant atmosphere. If the meal doesn't do it for you be sure to walk through one of those doors that are on the walls...it may lead you to Nirvana:)
(4)
Jessica S.
The Cafe is one of my favorite lunch spots because of the fresh ingredients, unique decor, and delicious food. The Tomato Dill soup and Italian Creme cake are must haves!
(5)
Robin B.
I've been frequenting The Cafe for years, since it was located in The Louisville Antique Mall, on Goss Ave. Family run, just about everything is homemade, fresh & delicious. I order the same thing every time, Louis IV (awesome chicken salad sandwich) with a cup of tomato dill soup. The atmosphere is homey yet elegant as you're surrounded by antique light fixtures & artwork. The location next to the train tracks is one of the best parts of your dining experience. While there it feels like you've stepped back in time. Close to downtown & Highlands.
Boss Man RAVED about this place so on my next lunch date I checked it out... Atmosphere was loud... not their fault... just lots of children that day. Corner table was nice and our waters stayed full. We ordered a "make your own grilled cheese" and a roast beef sandwich. I was not impressed with their side order selection (which is better for my waistband) so I ordered sliced apples and my friend had the pasta salad (very small portion) Grilled Sourdough looked AMAZING and I was happy with my French Bread. The sandwiches were large and I took half of mine home so that we could split some of this beautiful cake we kept seeing on EVERY table. Italian Cream Cake w/coconut & pecans & cream cheese frosting should be a dream. This was about a B- due to the fact that I never think there are enough nuts in anything and the frosting was SO sweet it was almost inedible. The cake was fluffy and the serving size was LARGE. I will more than likely return and test out these eggs that everyone says are butter-tastic which I have a feeling I will like. I am also interested in trying their soup. *Best part about the experience was the services. She wasn't overly amazing just enough to get us happily taken care of and left us alone which for a lunch I am very happy with. Hoping to bump this review up to a 4 after my next visit.
(3)
Tucker G.
Delicious! Got the tuna melt, and left full and completely satisfied. Waitress was very sweet. Definitely a place I plan to make a regular stop.
(5)
Ann D.
This place is a hidden gem. I went here with my family and we were all satisfied with the food and service. You get a lot of food for a great price. The staff were very polite. I've recommended this place to friends and they even said they would go back.
(5)
Carolyn H.
Food is consistently wonderful with vegetarian and vegan options. Very nutritious too. Desserts for the indulgent, always find a way to get me a table, even when they're busy and service is good and efficient. $10 or less for a fantastic meal. Omelettes for omnivores, Asian salad is high calorie but YUMMY and the grilled veggie sandwich with bean salad is my favorite vegetarian meal! Loud atmosphere - FYI - if you have trouble with that.
(5)
Tim S.
This place was featured on a local TV show "Secrets of Louisville Chefs", so the wife and Iwent on a Sat. Afternoon. At first we were kinda freaked out by the location. Its in a creepy industrial part of town, but once you walk inside you forget all about that. The inside is charming and elegant. The 1st thing I noticed was the dessert display case up front ! They also have a nice outside dining area! The real bonus was the food and the service! Both were fantastic and the cafe is officially one of our favorite places to dine!
Excellent 'Ladies Who Lunch' type place, but not limited to the ladies. It's busy, so parking in their lot may be impossible, but there is street parking and an additional lot on the next corner - free. Service was great, ambiance friendly and sort of artsy. Not open for dinner, pity. Two friends and I went for lunch and each got different sandwiches. They were big enough to share, and all were delicious. One friend got dessert and the waiter brought extra spoons so we could have a taste. Delicious. I would have loved to try a piece of one of the scrumptious looking cakes, but my spoonful of my friend's bread pudding was great. I am looking forward to an opportunity to return.
(5)
Jim G.
An enjoyable environment for both breakfast or lunch. For me, it's usually the former on Saturday and the latter on weekdays.
(4)
Jason M.
Maybe it takes more than two lunch visits, and I know some people who love this place, but I still have yet to be impressed. Though I do enjoy their tomato basil soup, I find their sandwiches to be a little dull in flavor and the outside patio area "unwelcoming". Not that I wouldn't pick it if I had to choose between it and a fast food joint... I will more than likely eat there again, preferably inside to avoid the unattractive view of the old train bridge located behind it, not to mention the loud roar when it passes by.
(3)
Samantha E.
So many delicious options to choose from and all very reasonably priced! The Art Nouveau Chicken Salad was delectable and the pesto ranch dressing was sinfully amazing! The outdoor patio was lovely on a sunny, breezy day :D
(5)
Jason R.
The food and atmosphere are awesome. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed some light salads and sandwiches. The pesto ranch dressing is a must try.
(5)
Jim S.
Some of the best chili around. I order a side of Benedictine spread to go with the fresh rolls. All sandwiches are excellent although they need to improve their side item selections. Tortilla Chips? Really? Sides are the only reason not giving them 5 stars. LOVE the Italian cream cake.
(4)
Andy C.
The only thing keeping me from 5 stars is the practicality of this place. Great food, many options, the people are always nice, and the old warehouse turned cafe aesthetic is perfect! It's also tucked away in a very unassuming area- which keeps it cozy. They also have a great outdoor area! It is exactly what I want to leisurely wake up to on a weekend morning. But, there lies the problem- they aren't open on Sundays, which for a brunch place is ridiculous. I really hold that against them, as I do any resteraunt that closes on Sunday. So, if it's Mon- Sat, do yourself a favor and check this place out... If you can find it.
(4)
Jules Wolfers D.
This is where I try to go when at work. If you can ask, they can get you gluten-free bread. That's a win! Their Hot Brown dish is so delicious, and yummy!
(4)
Rachel M.
A friend and I had breakfast here and it was good! I will be going back to try more things! I had the grit scramble, and it was under-seasoned but not bad at all. We also had the bread pudding, a cinnamon roll and biscuits and gravy which were all really good. The place is adorable and I look forward to going back!
(3)
Daphne A.
I want to like this place a little more than I do. As far as atmosphere, I have to say that I really really enjoy the space! Its spacious and quirky, with an edge of elegance. I really love the decor. I visited once for breakfast and it was just OK. Nothing particularly flavorful or unique. Yesterday, I went for lunch and it was packed! We were still seated right away. Lots of sandwich options - I went for the Kentuckian with the fiesta bean salad as my side. My dinning partner got the Art Deco and pasta salad. She reported that her sandwich was good and the pasta salad was standard. I enjoyed that the fiesta been salad was something different - a little tangy, cold, beans. The sandwich maybe would have been better grilled? I can't quite place my finger on what could have made it better. Kati tried the bread pudding and it was the best thing we had that day, and I tried the Italian Creme cake. Icing was really rich and it was a generous portion. I sorta wish I would have tried the Strawberry cake instead. I'm willing to give The Cafe one more shot and hopefully I can find something that will bump this up to 4stars of me!
(3)
Bob H.
My wife and I visited The Cafe recently; her second , my first time there. We can not say enough great comments about our experience . Greeting , service, food quality, and overall ambience were superb. Thank you Sal, Cindy, and the entire staff .
(5)
Michelle K.
Love this place. Great food....never ordered anything I didn't like. Staff is great & love the mix, match decor. Breakfast can be ordered all day & the breakfast special is one of my favorites.
(5)
Chris C.
This place gives you fantastic service, healthy portions, phenomenal sandwich, soup, and side combinations and all for less than $15 meal, drink, tip and all. I have made a relative tradition of coming here when I have to work weekends. One of my favorite places to eat in all of Louisville because of the food, service, and atmosphere. Total and complete package!
(5)
Ronald B.
FANTASTIC food! You will not be disappointed with any of their entree's. They are each prepared fresh -- even the chicken in the salad is made upon order. I recommend you try the tomato basil soup with French bread ---- wow oh wow! The desserts are huge, so plan to share. Fun atmosphere and great customer service.
(5)
Megan F.
After multiple brunch visits here, I've determined that The Cafe is really a diner in "cafe" clothing. Like E.C., I too have found my scrambled eggs to be insanely buttery and shaped like an omelet without the fixings. It's reminiscent of food I'd eat at Twig and Leaf. It's not too expensive, so I wasn't horribly offended. I find their intentions curious--they seem to be going for more of a sophisticated kitchy feel to the atmosphere. However, the food doesn't match that. There are butter packages presented on the plate. For a restored abandoned warehouse, the place looks pretty cool. I just wish the food measured up. Note: They are not open on Sundays.
(3)
Enid C.
I went with no expectations, and came out extremely satisfied. We sat outside. It looks like a Lynn's wanna-be with mismatched patio furniture and rainbow umbrellas, but it's a large and pleasant space. I didn't notice what the inside was like. I got the breakfast special: 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, choice of fruit or grits or potatoes, and "Italian toast." My dining partner got the egg sandwich. We both requested biscuits for our bread option even though they weren't listed as such and were graciously accommodated. After ordering we received a bread basket, containing some slices of generic white bread and what the server called "walnut wheat croutons" which tasted like stale and slightly toasted bread. It seemed like they were trying not to throw out old bread. Two things I loathe at restaurant breakfast are overcooked eggs and undercooked bacon. The Cafe did not misstep here. My scrambled eggs were moist, and came as a folded half moon shape, like an omelet with no filling. Maybe that sounds weird but I liked the neatness of it. Quantity-wise it looked more like 3-4 eggs than 2. One thing to note is that at first bite it was obvious that copious amounts of butter were employed here. It's not my usual choice, and maybe that's why they weren't dry, but they sure tasted good. The eggs came topped with four crispy curls of bacon that shattered between the teeth. Nothing fancy, no thick-cut/black-peppered/maple-glazed bacon here, but again the execution was perfect. I had a pile of fruit on my plate, like 2 cups' worth. I counted seven different types of fruit which was a little schizophrenic for my taste. Like the "croutons" in the bread basket, I got the feeling the kitchen was using stuff up before it went bad. But I still ate it all. I got two biscuits. Crispy edges, tender fluffy middles. I love biscuits, and these were not exceptional, but again, it was a basic version done well. (Do you sense a theme?) The egg sandwich came with cheddar cheese on 2 (!) biscuits instead of one English muffin. The grits were what you'd expect (note to whomever: grits are supposed to be coarse. One might even say...gritty). They came with a sprinkle of shredded orange cheddar on top. The fruit garnish was minimal, maybe 1/4 cup of fruit. Upon receiving our bill, I was pleasantly surprised to note there was no upcharge for the biscuits. As we walked out we saw a server cutting a slice from a towering (like 10 inches tall) Italian Cream Cake that looked really tempting. Service was friendly and attentive without being annoying. Very well done. For the price I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Steve B.
Just had a wonderful and plentiful breakfast here. And prices are really good. Great value, great location, great atmosphere. The staff is friendly too. I've been looking for a go-to breakfast place and I just found it! The lunch/dinner menu looks great too and the atmosphere seems good for a date night with my bride.
(5)
Carolynne M.
So on a rainy Wednesday morning, we head out to try The Cafe. It is situated in an odd location, off the beaten path and not really near anything except what I think was a pottery place across the street. The interior looks like someone took an antique store and transformed it into a restaurant. Everything is sort of mismatched, and multicoloured, and crazy-quilt like. There are multiple chandeliers hanging of every size, shape and style. I wanted to order the Strata Al Cucina, which sounded delicious, but it is basically a quiche that is premade so I could not have it without onions like I had hoped. Instead I went for the Egg Sandwich, which was two scrambled eggs topped with Cheddar cheese served on an English muffin. I chose grits and bacon as my sides. The grits were good and thick, but had a coarse consistency as well as an odd sweetness that I had never tasted before. Not that it stopped me from eating them. Coffee was strong, hot and replenished often. There is an outdoor dining area that looked nice, and the staff was efficient but business like. There was not a lot of smiling or humor with them that day. The bathroom was a little scary so beware if you need to use it.
(3)
Andy M.
There is nothing much to say about The Cafe other than good Coffee and damn good Biscuits and Gravy. It's kind of hard to catch the vibe of a place when it's totally empty. The Cafe is a fairly large restaurant, but other than one other table, we were the only people there. The place looked like an empy wedding reception hall. The food was good, but I reserve the right to do another review when the place busy. Until then, three stars it is.
(3)
John L.
We've lived her for 23 years, and just discovered this great place? Thank you Yelp! We just had a wonderful lunch here. Even though it was BUSY, our waitress and service were excellent. Plenty of selections on the menu, and some of the portion sizes are large. You have to save room for the desserts. The cakes and pies are fresh baked on the premises, and are to die for!! Two of us easily shared the one giant slice of Tuxedo Cake. We will definitely return.
(4)
Valerie P.
If I plan to travel outside of the Southwestern United States I really need to learn to eat my breakfast without salsa. I should have known by the blank look from my server there was zero salsa on the premises. I never comment on the decor of a restaurant, but it seems this place is going for a European vibe and must be a part of the re-gentrification of the Smoketown/Germantown neighborhoods. Despite not have salsa for my eggs my breakfast was good and my server was attentive. I would not say this is the best place I have had breakfast, but the decor does add a lot to the experience. I did enjoy the salt and pepper collection at the back entrance.
(3)
Andrea M.
The food was great but the service was pretty bad. We were seated quickly and drink order was taken promptly. Took forever for the meal, spilled water on the table and forgot to wipe it up or bring us anything to wipe it up with. After our food arrived half the order was missing, then our waitress cleared our plates but never brought our check. We waited 10 minutes then flagged her down she laid the check on the table and walked away. If the food hadn't been amazing this would have been a total miss. Also the chandeliers were disgusting! Cobwebs and dust caked on them hanging right over the tables.
(3)
Anne S.
This was my first time going to the cafe. The atmosphere was vibrant but the chairs seemed to be on their last legs with chipped wood and an unsteady wobble, not to mention uncomfortable. I got the roasted vegetable sandwich which I thought sounded good. Instead I got something so completely inedible. Greasy onions were slathered all over, it would easily be mistaken for a kentucky hot brown onion. The eggplant on it was so grey and tough it could not be bit through with multiple attempts. I didn't notice any mushrooms but the French bread was soggy from the slick ooze of the onions. It was probably the worst veggie sandwich ever. I can't speak for their other item menus because I know I won't be back.
(1)
Lydia A.
My favorite place to eat in Louisville, and the one place I crave when I'm miles away or out of the country is The Cafe. Contrary to what someone said below their chicken salad is incredible, the grilled hash is a life changer and the service is out of this world! I'm not sure what restaurant Alexandria went to, but it wasn't The Cafe. If only one restaurant existed I'd pray for it to be this one, it's where hospitality meets an extraordinary dining experience.
(5)
Cinimod S.
Its a good place with good food and good service and good deserts. They get a little inventive with the menu but its pretty standard food for the most part. The portions are generous and the prices are good, so all in all its pretty good.
This place honestly was one of the best breakfast/brunch experiences my hubby and I have ever had. The decor was cute and the waitress was very nice. Most importantly - the food was to die for and the coffee was great. We were passing through Louisville on a road trip and decided to look up a breakfast place and The Cafe had the reviews- hands down. It was a dreary morning when we went in (raining like crazy) and there were only 2 other tables sat, but it kind of made the experience a little more novel because it was nice and quite. If we ever pass through Louisville again- we def know where we're having breakfast!
(5)
Jason R.
I had to give this place four stars for the chicken salad sandwich. If they had better sides, it would be 5 stars. Some of you may know this place as The Cafe in the antique mall, it has since moved right by Louisville Stoneware. The chicken salad is called the Louie the XIV and it is one of the best I have had. A very large variety of sandwiches and homemade soups as well as some great desserts. It is a great lunch spot, but it does get busy. They also have a breakfast menu, but I have never tried it. If your looking for a break from Subway, Jimmy Johns and Quiznos, this is the place!!
(4)
Joan M.
Great breakfast menu- love the oatmeal (and its less than 5$), the strata with meat, the tomato dill soup especially. And who doesn't like a lunch box with a cookie? They are especially nice about letting us order past the breakfast hour. Cool ambiance- lots of character. Good coffee, too.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Alexandria K.
Don't bother, just go to Denny's. We wanted to go to Toast on Market but we were hungry and the wait was too long. The 8 reviews on Yelp were good, though I'm always weary trusting star ratings from that few people. I got the roast potato hash - it tasted like it was cooked haphazardly then dunked in grease. There were about 4 grapes and two cubes of apple on the plate as the most unsightly garnish I've ever seen. As it turns out the piece of apple was the best part of anyone's meal. My boyfriend got the chicken salad as per someone's suggestion. I'd call it a mayo salad. So foul. And so it went around the table of six. Granted the staff were very nice and their cake looked good, but it was like a wannabe hip diner with an ihop grade of food.
(2)Sara C.
We love to go to the Cafe for lunch! The food is very good and the service is good. When you order a sandwich the best way is to order there #3 combo. It comes with a cup of soup, half a sandwich, a side and a cookie. I was worried that my husband would not be full with only 1/2 of a sandwich but the portions are huge. The only down side is they are not open on Sunday or past 4pm.
(4)Adam C.
Looking for another place for a late breakfast so we decided to try this place based on the reviews. The location is not too far from places we go all the time, just off Barrett. Inside is much nicer and larger than expected. I had the biscuits and gravy, as I always do to get a feel for how good the food will be overall. I say don't put it on the menu unless you do it well, and most places just throw biscuits and gravy on the menu to have it on the menu. I will say the biscuits were better than expected. It comes with 2 whole biscuits cut open and piled on top of some chunks of sausage. It looked amazing when it came out, and with the first bite I realize they took a shortcut. The gravy is most likely from a powder mix, definitely not made from scratch from what I could tell. If it is made in house, it sure tastes very bland and needs to be improved. My problem with this, make your own gravy, it's not that hard and at $6 I would pay for it every time. Gravy from a powder mix, I will pass every time. So expectations decreased slightly based on this, but the tomato dill soup made up for it. Basically a heavy cream mixed with tomato soup, but it works for me. We had the strata del giorno and french toast. I thought the strata was very flavorful on the first bite. It is kind of a heavy dish so I would recommend the grits or fruit instead of potatoes. The potatoes were good, but too much to go with this. French toast looked amazing, it lacked something in flavor I could not put my finger on. I think they should try a few different variations, maybe stuffed with cream and berries, and a few other ways and see what goes over best. I think adding a hint of bourbon to what they have already might be what it needs. Overall I liked the meal, left full and willing to come back for lunch next time. I would try breakfast again, maybe omelette and grits next time. Lunch menu looks great can't wait to try it. I say 3 stars as the final decision will be made after a few more visits. Oh and the cakes, we are definitely going back to try one of the cakes on display at the front door, they looked awesome and we heard they are very good
(3)Anna D.
This is a very nice place close to downtown with delicious food. The menu seems quite extensive and portions are huge. I tried the dill tomato soup. It was delicious. I also had the strata which was nice. It came with a side salad which was odd to me. It was two leaves of lettuce and three half slices of tomato. That is not exactly a side salad but more of a garnish. I also got a slice of Italian cream cake to go. It would really serve 2-3 people. It was delicious. I would certainly go to the Cafe again. Oh. Parking is ridiculous but worth finding a spot to eat there. Wait time at 12:30 was ten minutes although they sat me sooner.
(5)Sarah H.
Before this place moved to its current location they did not even serve breakfast. It was at this time that I fell in love with the food at The Cafe. I don't even think of it as a breakfast place for this reason. This review is based solely on their lunch menu that made them popular enough to move to their newer location. This is one of the few restaurants that I have so many favorites that it makes deciding what to order difficult. A few of my favorites include the Edwardian, which is basically a turkey club but the turkey is cooked and sliced in house so it's always very fresh tasting and the bacon is always crisp which I love on a sandwich. There is nothing worse than chewy soggy bacon on a sandwich. Another of my favorites is the Pimita. The Pimita it a pita crust topped with their homemade pimento cheese, crisp bacon, fresh tomatoes and sliced red onions which is baked until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. It can be a little bit greasy but it is so good that that doesn't matter. I also love the Queen Anne. This is a sandwich made with their homemade Benedictine spread with crisp bacon and sliced cucumbers. I always get a side of their pasta salad with whatever I order because I love the flavor. It it lightly dressed and doesn't have an over abundance of "stuff" in it. A good pasta salad can stand alone with just it's pasta and dressing and this one can. The small amount of veggies and things in it don't add or detract anything from it. Another must for me every time I eat at The Cafe is their chili. It is some of the best I've eaten. It's perfectly seasoned and I love that it's topped with cheese, green onions, and banana peppers. Overall I could eat here twice a week for lunch and maybe never get sick of it. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews on their breakfast items so I don't recommend The Cafe as a breakfast location but for lunch I will send people their way every time!
(5)Leslie S.
The cafe has a wonderful atmosphere and tasty food. We love the tomato dill soup and the fresh bread. They have combination selections that are hearty portions and come with a side and yum chocolate chip cookie. The prices are reasonable and the servers are very attentive. Best local lunch spot in the city!
(5)Kelly Y.
I am so glad I finally got around to checking out The Cafe! No wonder it stays busy all the time. The Cafe does lots of things right: The decor: it is like a less flamboyant version of the late Lynn's Paradise Cafe. But it is no less eclectic and fun. I love the various chandeliers and happy colored walls. The space is so bright and airy it just screams: lunch! The food: it is not the fanciest or the trendiest of fares, but much attention is paid to every plate of salad and sandwiches. I can't say enough about the freshness of the salad. There were no browned edges on the lettuce or shriveled carrots from a bag. I'll go out on a limb and say they chop veggies every day in house. I know because I prep fresh salad for hubby just about every day. I *LOVE* their Strata alla Cucina!! It is like a slice of quiche minus the crust. It is seasoned perfectly. The custard is tender; the veggies are soft. There is just enough cheese to summon the umami from all of the ingredients. I can eat a whole pan of this! And then there is that giant slice of Italian cream cake. It took our breath away when the server dropped it off in front of us...this just can't be right...that's so much cake and so much goodness! I don't usually like icing or cake, but this combo worked for me. It took hubby and I two tries before we finished the slice. It was definitely the favorite part of hubby's meal. I can't wait to come back to try more items!
(5)Leslie W.
There are times I wish I could add a half star, cause this would be one of those times! I have followed The Cafe from its location in the antique mall in Germantown (a block from my old place) to their current location across from Louisville Stoneware (original Highlands/Irish Hill). The food has stayed consistent and the menu is varied. However, my order tends to be the same each time. Their portions are large and the food always tastes fresh and homemade. Because we arrived at noon, we could have chosen brunch items but we went for lunch standards. I've never had anything here that I didn't like. There are just things I crave and must have. I usually go for one of the four combination lunches as you get to sample multiple items and it includes a fresh, chocolate chip cookie. One of my addictions here is their tomato dill soup - which I'll eat year round unless it's blistering outside. Being late July and unbearably humid, I skipped soup this visit. The tuna salad - whether you get it in a tomato, on a cold sandwich, or opt for my favorite, the tuna melt (dubbed the King Charles) - is sublime. No matter how many times I have it, I still can't figure out what makes it so freaking tasty! Today, I had the #4 which comes with the Chippendale (house) salad, half a sandwich (the open-faced, King Charles, of course), a side, and a cookie - all for under $11! The Cafe's pesto ranch and Asian sesame dressings are amazing. Either one will compliment your greens. The sizable salad was topped with onion, chopped nuts, and apple slices. Delicious! The half a King Charles consists of two, huge slices of French bread topped with the aforementioned (crack) tuna with Swiss cheese melted on top. I have them hold the tomato, cause warm tomatoes are disgusting. I went healthy and chose the fruit cup for my side, but you could pick pasta salad, fiesta bean salad, or chips if you want. My ultimate weakness at The Cafe is the homemade desserts. The bread pudding has soothed me on many a cold days and the strawberry cake is beyond words. Really, I tear up just thinking of it. Specially cakes often sell out quickly, so order that right after your drinks. They sold out of the seasonal strawberry today, which I took as a sign from my waistline. Only two drawbacks are the parking, which is limited (and can get insane at busy times), and the fact that they are only open until 4 pm (closed on Sun).
(4)Lauren H.
I love the food at The Cafe! Whether it's brunch or lunch, everything I've had from here has been wonderful. Most recently, I tried the Huevos Rancheros for breakfast. They were to die for! I was served a massive plate of flavorful goodness. It was so good that I couldn't stop eating, and despite being more calories than I need in a day, I licked that plate clean. Aside from the awesome food, the service is great too. They make you feel like an old friend. The restaurant is decorated very eclectically, creating a homey vibe. The restaurant is in a bit of a strange location, but definitely worth the trip.
(5)Zachary H.
The food took ages but the waitress was very nice and offered us free bread and cake while we waited. I wish I could remember her name so I could mention her here! I had an omelette with sausage and a side of fruit. The omelette was more of the country style with large browned curds on the outside. It was good enough but I prefer French style. The sausage in it was excellent and there was no shortage of cheese. The fruit was a highlight. You get a large side and quite a few different kinds. It was a nice change from the small cup of fruit that usually comes on the side with these meals. The prices were very competitive. I believe my omelette was just under 8 dollars. I look forward to going back and trying more things!
(4)Bethany Z.
Damn,,, that was a great brunch! I couldn't decide between three dishes. I thought my meal was great and then I tasted my husbands sandwich ( the reuben).... Wowza , it had such a great Monterey sauce instead of the usual way a Reuben is made. I think he won the best meal award but nobody was really a loser. We saw people ordering huge slices of strawberry cake and we didn't want to be left out. Turns out it's homemade and maybe the best thing I put in my mouth today!. The service was great and they also sell Amish jams and peanut butter . It was great, the only thing I would change is that they should sell momosas. It would be a nice touch.
(5)Bob T.
After complaining as I do to my friend about the dearth of delicious breakfasts in Louisville, she suggested "The Cafe." "Which cafe?" I asked. She snickered and said "Turn south under the railroad overpass on Broadway." Now I can claim two Five Star places for breakfast in Louisville! Attentive service started at the front door. Polite, efficient and customer-focused. We had a few things to discuss before we were ready to order. Our server let us finish our conversation and noticed when we set the menus down a second time. She knew the menu intimately and guided us to excellent selections: Michele ordered "Strata del Giorno." WIth the appearance of a hearty tasty dish, this was served with a generous portion of mixed fresh fruit. Michele was delighted and carried home what she couldn't finish. I had "Huevos Rancheros alla The Cafe." Almost up to the standards of the Huevos Rancheros at Con Huevos, this was a deeply flavorful hearty serving. We lingered a bit after our server cleared. I noticed how tame the ambient noise was. Even though there are a variety of hard surfaces to reflect noise, conversations seemed to disappear in the tall ceilings. Background music played unobtrusively. Although this location is close to a busy thoroughfare, in a light industrial area, and just out of the shadow of a heavy rail overpass, outside noise did not intrude. The decor is bright and airy. There is outdoor dining space as well. I'll be back.
(5)Amy C.
The perfect place for breakfast/brunch/lunch. Food is always good ...even as a to-go order. Their bread pudding and tomato dill soup keep me coming back for more!
(5)Sarah C.
So glad we decided to enjoy brunch at The Cafe this morning. Deciding to show up before 11 was a great idea! No wait at all. I ordered an omelet and the roasted potatoes. Their roasted potatoes are the best! Cooked perfectly with just enough seasoning on them. Also ordered at our table was the strata del giorno and hotbrown. Both looked delicious. The strata del giorno is a solid pick! It was so fluffy and light while also having a nice richness because of the cheese. Yum! Our server was overly nice and attentive. I always get a friendly vibe when dining at The Cafe.
(4)Pamela K.
Wow! I can't believe I never knew this was here. Tucked in a little nook off Broadway. Fabulous breakfast and the lunch menu looked great too. We tried the meatless (has mushrooms) and meat in (bacon) strattas. Both were full of delicious custard-ness, spinach, tomato and flavor. Potatoes were great and hubs liked the grits. (I really just don't do grits... Northern girl at heart) service was outstanding, very friendly snd gave recommendations and why, not just a "I like this" response. Lots of things to look at while you wait (which wasn't long). Outdoor seating was also available and looked inviting! Several small celebrations were going on so I imagine they take reservations, however I didn't ask. I did see that they had take out box lunches available on the menu as well as soda and ice. So if you're looking for a road picnic it may be a place to stop! We will return.
(5)Brenda R.
Great deal is the half sandwich (larger than the regular size size elsewhere) and a side, and a delicious cookie. Some of the best chicken salad I've ever had - has fresh apple slices. Mango tea is nice. Don't miss out on dessert! The cakes are generous size and always delicious. We have used them many times for catering and it's always been good. Box lunches are marked with names, everything is i cluded, and great prices.
(5)Sabrina G.
I love this place! The breakfast is delicious, they have lots of great sandwiches and salads for lunch, they have a patio in the summer and a wonder fireplace in the winter. We always sit in Tonya's section and she is so on the ball. The deserts here are to die for too and the owner is so nice. Parking can be an issue at lunch time because this place gets pretty packed but FYI they take reservations and it can be worth it to make one for sure.
(5)Emily W.
I struggled over the decision between 4 or 5 stars, but the quality and consistency of the food here beat the long wait and crowds I'm used to seeing on a Friday at lunch. Typically, my visits to The Cafe are with my coworkers for lunch. We almost always make a reservation but we recently decided we should try out eating a later lunch at 1 since it clears out around that time. The tomato soup is NOT to be missed! It's my favorite menu item and I've attempted to make it myself at home (just not the same...). I've enjoyed all the sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items I've had here...never been disappointed by any menu items! I still have yet to try the cake, though. That will need to happen in the coming weeks!
(5)Sean C.
I wandered in on a whim one day when I happened to be awake before noon. I had the Huevos Rancheros. Eggs, potatoes, chorizo, cheese. Best breakfast I've had in years, and the leftovers were awesome at about 1am. I think I'll have to go back today and have a sandwich! Check this place out, awesome friendly people!!
(5)Amanda C.
You can't go wrong at The Cafe. My mom and I decided to have a midweek lunch date here, and it never disappoints. If you are limited on eating time, I would recommend getting there by 11:30 am or waiting until 1:00 pm. We got there about 12:30 and only had to wait a few minutes for a table. The service is excellent and efficient. I had the roasted veggie sandwich (minus the mushrooms) and pasta salad. My mom had the meatless strata (similar to quiche) and the soup of the day, which was creamy mushroom and spinach. She is a mushroom lover and thought the soup was wonderful. This is definitely a crowd favorite, and their menu offers something for all taste buds!
(4)Mike J.
We stopped at The Cafe on a trip to Atlanta. This place is GREAT! Here's the thing...I love sandwiches. Every member of the family got something different and everything was really good. My favorite was the Art Deco. It was the best BLT I EVER HAD! The sides were just Ok. A bag of Lays Chips...really? This place was Mos Def worth the road closure that delayed our arrival.
(4)Donna R.
Driving through Louisville and based on previous reviews, wanted to try someplace locals know. Food and service was fantastic. I got the grits with eggs, bacon, cheese and tomato. Could only eat half of it. They gave me coffee to go. The owner came over to talk with me once he found out I stopped in during my travels. Super nice gentleman. Decorated in refurbished antiques, this place has charm and is wonderful.
(5)Helen S.
Ok. This is an excellent place to meet friends and business associates for lunch. Their salads are out of this world. Their chicken salad and pimento salads are extra fantastic!!! Their desserts are out of this world. Soups are delicious. Great atmosphere and service. Service can be hit or miss depending on how busy they are. Go. Enjoy and stop at Louisville Stoneware across the street if you have time.
(5)Josh B.
The sweet potato cinnamon roll is a great way to kick off a brunch here. I was pretty basic and got the oatmeal but it was still delicious. The prices are good and so is the service. They have lots of baked goods which look amazing. I believe a lot of the baked goods are Amish made which means they're insanely good and definitely worth trying!
(4)Michelle P.
If you're traveling far and want to have a quirky but charming atmosphere to dine in, have no fear! This place is off the main roads a bit east of I-65 and while it looks like it's in the middle of nowhere, it's pretty nice on the inside. They serve breakfast food and sandwiches, which from what I tasted wasn't anything special but does hit above par as far as sandwiches go. Had the William and Mary and some "sweet" tea. Service is great even though it was peak business for them--noontime. If I ever stop through again I'll definitely give it another go and try something else by them.
(3)Robert P.
Make no mistake about it, this is THE CAFE. The Cafe is located in an industrial area with Louisville Stoneware, parking can be difficult, and they get little to no foot traffic, but the place is packed. Develop a good restaurant and people will find you and come. We have been here twice in late morning, both times I got sausage gravy and biscuits with roasted potatoes and the Mrs. got an omelet. Let's talk about the biscuits, soft, fluffy some of the best I've ever enjoyed, complimented with milky smooth gravy with chunks of delicious pork sausage. The potatoes are roasted with the skin on and onions, roasted perfectly a little crunchy brown. The potatoes come with ketchup, but I didn't think ketchup would enhance the flavor, however I did dredge a few through the sausage gravy. The Mrs. had an omelet with cheese and portobello mushrooms. The omelet was cooked perfectly, crescent shaped, fluffy, with the right amount of cheese and mushrooms, so the omelet was not over powered. The omelet comes with fruit, grits or roasted potatoes. Additional omelet add ons are ham, bacon, mushrooms, etc. The breakfast menu includes various egg dishes, waffles and oatmeal. The lunch menu has three or four soups, the tomato dill soup is particularly popular. You can get 1/2 sandwich of your choice and soup. There are ten to twelve sandwiches on interesting bread with one side a fiesta bean salad, potato salad, fruit, fritos or doritos. Who in their right mind would choose fritos or doritos. The sandwiches are stacked high, look good and interesting. You could easily share a sandwich, get an additional side, then you might have room for dessert. The cakes look great, three tiers high, with a generous cut, easily enough for two or three people, The restaurant is divided into two areas, separated by a fireplace. Indoors they can get my guess 200 people or more, by noon on Friday they were full. During good weather you can eat ouside on the patio, probably seats 100 or more people. The tables and decor is no frills, but with this quality of food, who cares. Our order was taken quickly and the food arrived 10 minutes later or less. All servers are pleasant and efficient. They had better be, as hundreds of meals and take outs are served daily. I would change nothing about The Cafe and can't wait to go back,
(5)Diana L.
Only good things come from this kitchen, good hot fresh affordable food. Try one of the specials croque-madam, or the Belgian waffle.
(5)Kelly P.
I love to eat. I'm a girl who never orders a salad, unless it's the first course of three. I'm also the girl who never orders something like dry toast, or oatmeal, for breakfast/brunch; but, let me tell you, this place has the best baked oatmeal I've ever had! It's totally worth the oatmeal alone to check this place out! And, if you're not an oatmeal fan and cannot be swayed, you're in luck, because this place has plenty of other delicious fare to sate you. They have one of my favorite brunches in town, and the prices simply cannot be beat. My second choice on the menu is a simple egg sandwich, which I order on a croissant, along with a side of skillet potatoes. I have to cut the sandwich in half to be able to handle/eat it. No matter what you order you'll get a dish brimming with food, usually for around six bucks! They also have a dessert case in the back and keep a few sinful looking cakes in the front just next to the hostess stand so you can't miss them when you walk in the door. It's hard to leave this place empty handed, no matter how stuffed you are from your meal.
(5)Samantha D.
WOW! What a nice restaurant! It is a hidden gem in Downtown Louisville! We had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated because the restaurant was packed (that is always a good sign). The food was great and service was good. What caught my attention the most was the decor, you truly feel like you have traveled to a Parisian café! I will most definitely return!
(4)Jonathan N.
Very impressed with The Cafe! Hard to believe that a restaurant could be successful in this totally unassuming location, but when you pull up and see the cars packed up-n-down the street and filling two parking lots, you can immediately tell there something special going on inside. This place so reminds me of the small specialty restaurants back in Western Kentucky. Kind of makes me want to bring my Mother the next time she comes into town! So nice to step-back in time and have a great meal. You can feel the pride and passion in the food. I opted for the Rubino (a NY style corned-beef and slaw sandwich), which was the perfect size and full of flavor. Next time I'll save room for a slice of cake, or at least order one to go. They are mammoth-sized portions!
(4)Grace H.
All around awesome. The atmosphere, service, and food is all wonderful. Just make sure you make a reservation because they are always packed. The noise level isn't too bad, tables are a bit close together but not uncomfortable. Five stars, go here, you won't regret it!
(5)Danny F.
Great food and amazing service. It's like eating at your Auntie's kitchen. There is a wide selection on the menu and plenty of seating. The bake goods were delicious. The soups were interesting and homemade.
(5)Latrice S.
I drove to Louisville, KY from Indianapolis for a work meeting and was desperately looking for food. I checked my fav travel sites for a recommendation nearby. I found a spot that was deemed a local favorite and set my GPS, but when I got there the place looked really sketchy. I passed The Cafe on the way and decided to go there instead. I am sooo glad that I did! I sat down and the very helpful waiter (I hate that I can't remember his name) asked me "how hungry are you?" I told him I was starving, then he took my menu and said "Allow me to bring you something." I did. For the first course he brought me a small cup of chicken pot pie soup (let that sink in for a sec). It was so good. Very flavorful but not too thick or salty. Then he brought me their "famous" chicken salad sandwich on wheat. This was the eat chicken salad sandwich I have ever tasted. It was creamy and somehow crunchy, both sweet and savory. I can hardly describe it's awesomeness. Along with the sandwich was their bean salad. Also very good. It was a cold salad with mixed beans, onions, celery and herbs that kind of reminded me is a broccoli salad but with beans. I was very surprised at how good it was. Finally, we topped it off with a generous slice of their homemade chocolate cake. Now I said I was hungry, but I didn't expect all of this food. I was stuffed! Guess the cost of this little food adventure? Only $13 bucks. Whaaaat?! I HIGHLY recommend eating at The Cafe if you are in it around downtown Louisville. I will definitely be back.
(5)Matthew E.
Great food! Wonderful service! Wish I had a place this great nearby in Philly !
(5)Catosha S.
Very good service. Love the southern hospitality. Took moms coat off as we sat down. Never ran out of tea or coffee at our table. Very cute inside. Were from out of town "Ohio". Our food was very good. Something for every and had gluten free options. This place is a diamond. If ever vacationing here I will def be back.
(5)Phil B.
The Cafe is my mom's favorite place in Louisville, and it is all around good, most of the food in my opinion is just average. I really like the Tomato Basil Soup, it truly is one if the best soups I have ever had, but it isn't enough to warrant more than three stars unfortunately. The tables are very close so it is hard to have a conversation with any expectation of privacy. It has a lot of potential, but it just hasn't done it for me yet and I've been coming for years with my mom.
(3)Katherine D.
We were in from out of town and decided to try this place out... we were not disappointed! It was a bit of a drive from where we were staying but it was so worth the trip :) Amazing food, great atmosphere and excellent customer service. The owner seated us and shared the story of the restaurant with us! So friendly... we look forward to coming back next year!
(5)E B.
Always a great experience at the Cafe! The food is always delicious. Do yourself a favor and try the tomato dill soup!
(5)Kristen P.
The Cafe is one of my favorite brunch places in Louisville! You really can't go wrong when ordering here. I love the French toast and biscuits and gravy, with a side of bacon! The strata's are amazing and HUGE! The atmosphere is super cute and there is outside seating for nice days. The desserts are delicious too. If they have strawberry cake, you better order it as soon as your sit down because it will be gone in a flash.
(5)D W.
Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, they upped the experience. It appears they have increased the size of the sandwiches. It's been a couple of months since I've been here (usually because at lunch I can't find a place within a block to park) but I'm one of those people who always orders the same thing. So, imagine my surprise when I ordered the Art Deco (BLT with guacamole on it) and it came out about twice as thick as usual! LOTS of bacon. Great flavor. My lunch partner ordered the Queen Anne Benedictine sandwich and hers appeared bigger, to the point where she had to take half with her. Usually she can eat the entire sandwich at lunch. Each of our bills were about $12. Good work Cafe team! Save room for the huge slices of desert cake. The Italian Cream Cake is fabulous.
(5)RJ K.
I went here a couple weeks ago with my wife. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. We shared what I think is the biggest piece of strawberry cake I've ever seen. The one thing to keep in mind is this place doesn't serve alcohol. Not a big deal but some brunch goers like their Bloody Mary. I would definitely recommend this place. Great food at a great price!!
(5)Sara T.
I'd been here several times before but the past few months a committee from my church has been meeting here early in the morning to talk and plan. It's been a wonderful place. The inside is warm with pretty tables of different sizes -- always with small vases with flowers. The menu has a lot of variety and quality. My favorite is the baked oatmeal but there are a lot of other choices. They have wonderful sandwiches for lunch. The owners are very friendly and kind, always coming by to say hello when we are there as a group. It's always been a fun place to meet a friend for lunch and it's become a great place to gather to get things done together.
(4)Ed F.
Grabbed a quick bite to eat here with my buddy after spending all morning at Churchill Downs museum and horse racing track. It was absolutely packed to the walls by 1pm -- we actually called them from the road to put our name on the list, and after a 20 minute ride, we walked in just as our name was called -- with all ages represented among the patrons. The sexes, however, were not so evenly distributed, as my buddy and I were 2 of only about 10 men in the entire place, and there was easily 200 people in the dining room. He had identified this restaurant as an "estrogen filling station", but he had eaten their before with his wife, and particularly enjoyed the sandwiches, so he thought I would, too. I did -- ordering the William and Mary (thinly sliced corned beef w/ Swiss cheese on rye) -- with cole slaw and a sweet tea. Didn't need to worry about a to-go box, because I scarfed that baby on site. It was tasty, and a healthy sized portion, too. Parking is a little of a challenge though, with a small lot surrounding the building that was packed like sardines, and a larger lot blocks away in a sketchy warehouse district was a little inconvenient to walk from and to after our meal, but I guess better than no parking at all.
(3)Kerri M.
Food was bomb! Service on point! Decor very cool, eclectic kind of like walking into a antique store with random stuff! Big fan!
(5)Erin K.
Everything from The Cafe is great, their service is great and their food is great but I can not talk about The Cafe without mentioning my favorite dish - the Victorian. It's house made pimento cheese (my all-time favorite indulgence) with fresh tomato on their walnut wheat bread. It is Heaven and I order it everytime. When I am craving pimento cheese, I either make it myself or head to The Cafe!
(4)Joe C.
I visited "The Cafe" for the first time this morning. I ordered their breakfast special (two eggs scambled, sausage patties, potatoes, and toast). Although everything tasted ok, my overall view is that it was nothing special. In addition, when the server brought the check back to the table after scanning my credit card, she just put it down and walked off to address other tables. A "we appreciate your business, come and see us again" would have gone a long way. Again, the service and food gave me no reason to return to this place, especially given all of the high quality restaurants in the Louisville area. Save your money...
(2)Michele B.
Went here for the first time recently. It did not disappoint. Food very well prepared. really glad to be able to get breakfast at non breakfast hours. Prices reasonable, servers very friendly. Very eclectic feel to the place and in a rather odd location, almost creepy, but it somehow works. One small area of improvement would be to make sure to keep the cake serving table clean and neat. My husband and I went late one day (3pm) and the table was an absolute mess, crumbs everywhere and just looked disheveled. Not what you want to see immediately upon entering an establishment, even an hour before close. Other small issue (for us) is the closing time. 4pm is just too early. We are not early risers and would love to see this place open til at least 5 or 6pm especially in the summer. Again, that matches our schedule, not most people who have 9 to 5 jobs. Despite these very small issues, we look forward to going back many times. (PS we did get cake to go, even though the table was a mess, and it was absolutely delicious and fresh. Blueberry lemon cake is to die for.) Go after lunch to beat the crowds.
(4)Julie P.
I went here with my family when I was in the neighborhood at Louisville Stoneware (Very close to it!). WE were immediately drawn to the gorgeous dessert case, adn the beautiful Tuxedo and Italian creme cake while walking to our table. We went on a monday around 3pm. We had a party of 6, and were able to within minutes get sat and waited on quickly. I'm always surprised when I place can refill my drinks as fast as I drink (water), but they were able to do so. I had a delcious hot brown, and then had a small bread pudding for dessert. My nieces had the tuxedo cake which I tried and was very good and rich frosting as well. I would defineatly come back, great service and phenomenal food.
(4)Leigh W.
I've had a lunchtime love affair with this place for years. Once you've tried the tomato dill soup, you'll be hooked too. I'm even more enamored with this established since they moved from their spot in the antique mall to a standalone location. They renovated a long-since-abandoned warehouse for their current spot, turning a once-blighted corner into a sunny spot near East Broadway. I've tried so many items on their breakfast and lunch menus and I've never been disappointed, but my favorites are the Pimita (hold the bacon) and the Queen Anne (again hold the bacon). If you're a first-time visitor or an old timer like me, the best bet is a combo. I like the #3 - a half sandwich, cup of soup, a side and a cookie. When they say "half sandwich," they really mean a whole sandwich with a little corner cut off. I've always wondered what they do with those little corners. For your side, go fiesta bean salad every time. And you'll love polishing off the meal with an ooey gooey chocolate chip cookie. If you like desserts, they have some amazing ones, all made in house. Again, I've never had one I didn't like. Sal Rubino, the owner, and his amazing team have done it right, as evidenced by the packed house that I see every time I go. If you want to get in and out quickly, I highly recommend a reservation.
(5)Joe D.
Yup if your hungry this is the place to eat. I ordered a half sandwich and cup of soup and couldn't finish it all. If you go you have to try the tomato dill soup. It is very tasty and surprising light for a tomato soup. Add the Art Deco BLT which has a guacamole spread and thick cuts of bacon. The sandwich would have faired better with a larger spread of guacamole and it could have had more onions and lime in it but overall it was a nice change from mayo. The Cafe's idea of half a sandwich is to cut a corner off of a full sandwich. I swear it is comical to see this so be sure to try a half and half when you go. Overall, very tasty, good quality and pleasant atmosphere. If the meal doesn't do it for you be sure to walk through one of those doors that are on the walls...it may lead you to Nirvana:)
(4)Jessica S.
The Cafe is one of my favorite lunch spots because of the fresh ingredients, unique decor, and delicious food. The Tomato Dill soup and Italian Creme cake are must haves!
(5)Robin B.
I've been frequenting The Cafe for years, since it was located in The Louisville Antique Mall, on Goss Ave. Family run, just about everything is homemade, fresh & delicious. I order the same thing every time, Louis IV (awesome chicken salad sandwich) with a cup of tomato dill soup. The atmosphere is homey yet elegant as you're surrounded by antique light fixtures & artwork. The location next to the train tracks is one of the best parts of your dining experience. While there it feels like you've stepped back in time. Close to downtown & Highlands.
(5)phil m.
It's probably been 6 months or a year since I've been to The Café. It is refreshing to know that the quality and service have not changed. Food is always fresh and interesting, nothing way out there, just good choices and combinations. Breakfast or lunch have been, for me, enjoyable. If you live in the area, give it a try, but try to avoid peak times as parking can get tight. When you get done, drive down to Market Street, and walk around NULU and check out the many, unusual shops. Makes for an enlightening day.
(4)Annie S.
Boss Man RAVED about this place so on my next lunch date I checked it out... Atmosphere was loud... not their fault... just lots of children that day. Corner table was nice and our waters stayed full. We ordered a "make your own grilled cheese" and a roast beef sandwich. I was not impressed with their side order selection (which is better for my waistband) so I ordered sliced apples and my friend had the pasta salad (very small portion) Grilled Sourdough looked AMAZING and I was happy with my French Bread. The sandwiches were large and I took half of mine home so that we could split some of this beautiful cake we kept seeing on EVERY table. Italian Cream Cake w/coconut & pecans & cream cheese frosting should be a dream. This was about a B- due to the fact that I never think there are enough nuts in anything and the frosting was SO sweet it was almost inedible. The cake was fluffy and the serving size was LARGE. I will more than likely return and test out these eggs that everyone says are butter-tastic which I have a feeling I will like. I am also interested in trying their soup. *Best part about the experience was the services. She wasn't overly amazing just enough to get us happily taken care of and left us alone which for a lunch I am very happy with. Hoping to bump this review up to a 4 after my next visit.
(3)Tucker G.
Delicious! Got the tuna melt, and left full and completely satisfied. Waitress was very sweet. Definitely a place I plan to make a regular stop.
(5)Ann D.
This place is a hidden gem. I went here with my family and we were all satisfied with the food and service. You get a lot of food for a great price. The staff were very polite. I've recommended this place to friends and they even said they would go back.
(5)Carolyn H.
Food is consistently wonderful with vegetarian and vegan options. Very nutritious too. Desserts for the indulgent, always find a way to get me a table, even when they're busy and service is good and efficient. $10 or less for a fantastic meal. Omelettes for omnivores, Asian salad is high calorie but YUMMY and the grilled veggie sandwich with bean salad is my favorite vegetarian meal! Loud atmosphere - FYI - if you have trouble with that.
(5)Tim S.
This place was featured on a local TV show "Secrets of Louisville Chefs", so the wife and Iwent on a Sat. Afternoon. At first we were kinda freaked out by the location. Its in a creepy industrial part of town, but once you walk inside you forget all about that. The inside is charming and elegant. The 1st thing I noticed was the dessert display case up front ! They also have a nice outside dining area! The real bonus was the food and the service! Both were fantastic and the cafe is officially one of our favorite places to dine!
(4)Ashley D.
Just had a great lunch at The Café! This restaurant is in an industrial building right off Broadway. It's close to the Highlands and downtown and the food is awesome (mostly the desserts, but more on that later). The Café was once located on Goss Avenue, in the Louisville Antique Mall. My mom and I went all the time when we were antiquing. They were always busy. When the Antique Mall moved so did The Café. Now they are beyond busy, but the service is always top notch. There is almost always a wait so if you have time constraints this might not be ideal. I went with two coworkers today at the beginning of lunch rush (11:30). They still had a few tables available and we got our choice of inside or the patio. I usually prefer patio seating because restaurants are too cold, but the only downfall of their patio is the sometime smell. I don't know what it is, but my office is down the street and most days there is a terrible stench in the area. We were seated inside and our server immediately came and got our drink order. The drinks came out quickly and she brought warm French bread and butter with them. One of my coworkers ate three pieces of bread because it's so tempting, but make sure you save room for the entrée because the portions are huge! Two of us got a salad with wild caught salmon and the other got a house salad. The salmon salads were gigantic and served with Asian sesame dressing, apples, golden raisins, and pecans. I got feta on mine. The salad itself was terrific, but I wasn't crazy about the wild caught salmon. We were only able to eat half our salads because there was so much food. Now the best part... dessert! They have different options daily. Today's cake choices were Italian cream, tuxedo and strawberry. They also make a great turtle brownie. I have tried the cookies, but they look yummy too. I am a chocoholic so I got the tuxedo cake and I'm in a blissful sugar coma now! The slices are insane, so I'll have more than half left for later.
(4)Jan H.
Excellent 'Ladies Who Lunch' type place, but not limited to the ladies. It's busy, so parking in their lot may be impossible, but there is street parking and an additional lot on the next corner - free. Service was great, ambiance friendly and sort of artsy. Not open for dinner, pity. Two friends and I went for lunch and each got different sandwiches. They were big enough to share, and all were delicious. One friend got dessert and the waiter brought extra spoons so we could have a taste. Delicious. I would have loved to try a piece of one of the scrumptious looking cakes, but my spoonful of my friend's bread pudding was great. I am looking forward to an opportunity to return.
(5)Jim G.
An enjoyable environment for both breakfast or lunch. For me, it's usually the former on Saturday and the latter on weekdays.
(4)Jason M.
Maybe it takes more than two lunch visits, and I know some people who love this place, but I still have yet to be impressed. Though I do enjoy their tomato basil soup, I find their sandwiches to be a little dull in flavor and the outside patio area "unwelcoming". Not that I wouldn't pick it if I had to choose between it and a fast food joint... I will more than likely eat there again, preferably inside to avoid the unattractive view of the old train bridge located behind it, not to mention the loud roar when it passes by.
(3)Samantha E.
So many delicious options to choose from and all very reasonably priced! The Art Nouveau Chicken Salad was delectable and the pesto ranch dressing was sinfully amazing! The outdoor patio was lovely on a sunny, breezy day :D
(5)Jason R.
The food and atmosphere are awesome. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed some light salads and sandwiches. The pesto ranch dressing is a must try.
(5)Jim S.
Some of the best chili around. I order a side of Benedictine spread to go with the fresh rolls. All sandwiches are excellent although they need to improve their side item selections. Tortilla Chips? Really? Sides are the only reason not giving them 5 stars. LOVE the Italian cream cake.
(4)Andy C.
The only thing keeping me from 5 stars is the practicality of this place. Great food, many options, the people are always nice, and the old warehouse turned cafe aesthetic is perfect! It's also tucked away in a very unassuming area- which keeps it cozy. They also have a great outdoor area! It is exactly what I want to leisurely wake up to on a weekend morning. But, there lies the problem- they aren't open on Sundays, which for a brunch place is ridiculous. I really hold that against them, as I do any resteraunt that closes on Sunday. So, if it's Mon- Sat, do yourself a favor and check this place out... If you can find it.
(4)Jules Wolfers D.
This is where I try to go when at work. If you can ask, they can get you gluten-free bread. That's a win! Their Hot Brown dish is so delicious, and yummy!
(4)Rachel M.
A friend and I had breakfast here and it was good! I will be going back to try more things! I had the grit scramble, and it was under-seasoned but not bad at all. We also had the bread pudding, a cinnamon roll and biscuits and gravy which were all really good. The place is adorable and I look forward to going back!
(3)Daphne A.
I want to like this place a little more than I do. As far as atmosphere, I have to say that I really really enjoy the space! Its spacious and quirky, with an edge of elegance. I really love the decor. I visited once for breakfast and it was just OK. Nothing particularly flavorful or unique. Yesterday, I went for lunch and it was packed! We were still seated right away. Lots of sandwich options - I went for the Kentuckian with the fiesta bean salad as my side. My dinning partner got the Art Deco and pasta salad. She reported that her sandwich was good and the pasta salad was standard. I enjoyed that the fiesta been salad was something different - a little tangy, cold, beans. The sandwich maybe would have been better grilled? I can't quite place my finger on what could have made it better. Kati tried the bread pudding and it was the best thing we had that day, and I tried the Italian Creme cake. Icing was really rich and it was a generous portion. I sorta wish I would have tried the Strawberry cake instead. I'm willing to give The Cafe one more shot and hopefully I can find something that will bump this up to 4stars of me!
(3)Bob H.
My wife and I visited The Cafe recently; her second , my first time there. We can not say enough great comments about our experience . Greeting , service, food quality, and overall ambience were superb. Thank you Sal, Cindy, and the entire staff .
(5)Michelle K.
Love this place. Great food....never ordered anything I didn't like. Staff is great & love the mix, match decor. Breakfast can be ordered all day & the breakfast special is one of my favorites.
(5)Chris C.
This place gives you fantastic service, healthy portions, phenomenal sandwich, soup, and side combinations and all for less than $15 meal, drink, tip and all. I have made a relative tradition of coming here when I have to work weekends. One of my favorite places to eat in all of Louisville because of the food, service, and atmosphere. Total and complete package!
(5)Ronald B.
FANTASTIC food! You will not be disappointed with any of their entree's. They are each prepared fresh -- even the chicken in the salad is made upon order. I recommend you try the tomato basil soup with French bread ---- wow oh wow! The desserts are huge, so plan to share. Fun atmosphere and great customer service.
(5)Megan F.
After multiple brunch visits here, I've determined that The Cafe is really a diner in "cafe" clothing. Like E.C., I too have found my scrambled eggs to be insanely buttery and shaped like an omelet without the fixings. It's reminiscent of food I'd eat at Twig and Leaf. It's not too expensive, so I wasn't horribly offended. I find their intentions curious--they seem to be going for more of a sophisticated kitchy feel to the atmosphere. However, the food doesn't match that. There are butter packages presented on the plate. For a restored abandoned warehouse, the place looks pretty cool. I just wish the food measured up. Note: They are not open on Sundays.
(3)Enid C.
I went with no expectations, and came out extremely satisfied. We sat outside. It looks like a Lynn's wanna-be with mismatched patio furniture and rainbow umbrellas, but it's a large and pleasant space. I didn't notice what the inside was like. I got the breakfast special: 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, choice of fruit or grits or potatoes, and "Italian toast." My dining partner got the egg sandwich. We both requested biscuits for our bread option even though they weren't listed as such and were graciously accommodated. After ordering we received a bread basket, containing some slices of generic white bread and what the server called "walnut wheat croutons" which tasted like stale and slightly toasted bread. It seemed like they were trying not to throw out old bread. Two things I loathe at restaurant breakfast are overcooked eggs and undercooked bacon. The Cafe did not misstep here. My scrambled eggs were moist, and came as a folded half moon shape, like an omelet with no filling. Maybe that sounds weird but I liked the neatness of it. Quantity-wise it looked more like 3-4 eggs than 2. One thing to note is that at first bite it was obvious that copious amounts of butter were employed here. It's not my usual choice, and maybe that's why they weren't dry, but they sure tasted good. The eggs came topped with four crispy curls of bacon that shattered between the teeth. Nothing fancy, no thick-cut/black-peppered/maple-glazed bacon here, but again the execution was perfect. I had a pile of fruit on my plate, like 2 cups' worth. I counted seven different types of fruit which was a little schizophrenic for my taste. Like the "croutons" in the bread basket, I got the feeling the kitchen was using stuff up before it went bad. But I still ate it all. I got two biscuits. Crispy edges, tender fluffy middles. I love biscuits, and these were not exceptional, but again, it was a basic version done well. (Do you sense a theme?) The egg sandwich came with cheddar cheese on 2 (!) biscuits instead of one English muffin. The grits were what you'd expect (note to whomever: grits are supposed to be coarse. One might even say...gritty). They came with a sprinkle of shredded orange cheddar on top. The fruit garnish was minimal, maybe 1/4 cup of fruit. Upon receiving our bill, I was pleasantly surprised to note there was no upcharge for the biscuits. As we walked out we saw a server cutting a slice from a towering (like 10 inches tall) Italian Cream Cake that looked really tempting. Service was friendly and attentive without being annoying. Very well done. For the price I'd definitely go back.
(4)Steve B.
Just had a wonderful and plentiful breakfast here. And prices are really good. Great value, great location, great atmosphere. The staff is friendly too. I've been looking for a go-to breakfast place and I just found it! The lunch/dinner menu looks great too and the atmosphere seems good for a date night with my bride.
(5)Carolynne M.
So on a rainy Wednesday morning, we head out to try The Cafe. It is situated in an odd location, off the beaten path and not really near anything except what I think was a pottery place across the street. The interior looks like someone took an antique store and transformed it into a restaurant. Everything is sort of mismatched, and multicoloured, and crazy-quilt like. There are multiple chandeliers hanging of every size, shape and style. I wanted to order the Strata Al Cucina, which sounded delicious, but it is basically a quiche that is premade so I could not have it without onions like I had hoped. Instead I went for the Egg Sandwich, which was two scrambled eggs topped with Cheddar cheese served on an English muffin. I chose grits and bacon as my sides. The grits were good and thick, but had a coarse consistency as well as an odd sweetness that I had never tasted before. Not that it stopped me from eating them. Coffee was strong, hot and replenished often. There is an outdoor dining area that looked nice, and the staff was efficient but business like. There was not a lot of smiling or humor with them that day. The bathroom was a little scary so beware if you need to use it.
(3)Andy M.
There is nothing much to say about The Cafe other than good Coffee and damn good Biscuits and Gravy. It's kind of hard to catch the vibe of a place when it's totally empty. The Cafe is a fairly large restaurant, but other than one other table, we were the only people there. The place looked like an empy wedding reception hall. The food was good, but I reserve the right to do another review when the place busy. Until then, three stars it is.
(3)John L.
We've lived her for 23 years, and just discovered this great place? Thank you Yelp! We just had a wonderful lunch here. Even though it was BUSY, our waitress and service were excellent. Plenty of selections on the menu, and some of the portion sizes are large. You have to save room for the desserts. The cakes and pies are fresh baked on the premises, and are to die for!! Two of us easily shared the one giant slice of Tuxedo Cake. We will definitely return.
(4)Valerie P.
If I plan to travel outside of the Southwestern United States I really need to learn to eat my breakfast without salsa. I should have known by the blank look from my server there was zero salsa on the premises. I never comment on the decor of a restaurant, but it seems this place is going for a European vibe and must be a part of the re-gentrification of the Smoketown/Germantown neighborhoods. Despite not have salsa for my eggs my breakfast was good and my server was attentive. I would not say this is the best place I have had breakfast, but the decor does add a lot to the experience. I did enjoy the salt and pepper collection at the back entrance.
(3)Andrea M.
The food was great but the service was pretty bad. We were seated quickly and drink order was taken promptly. Took forever for the meal, spilled water on the table and forgot to wipe it up or bring us anything to wipe it up with. After our food arrived half the order was missing, then our waitress cleared our plates but never brought our check. We waited 10 minutes then flagged her down she laid the check on the table and walked away. If the food hadn't been amazing this would have been a total miss. Also the chandeliers were disgusting! Cobwebs and dust caked on them hanging right over the tables.
(3)Anne S.
This was my first time going to the cafe. The atmosphere was vibrant but the chairs seemed to be on their last legs with chipped wood and an unsteady wobble, not to mention uncomfortable. I got the roasted vegetable sandwich which I thought sounded good. Instead I got something so completely inedible. Greasy onions were slathered all over, it would easily be mistaken for a kentucky hot brown onion. The eggplant on it was so grey and tough it could not be bit through with multiple attempts. I didn't notice any mushrooms but the French bread was soggy from the slick ooze of the onions. It was probably the worst veggie sandwich ever. I can't speak for their other item menus because I know I won't be back.
(1)Lydia A.
My favorite place to eat in Louisville, and the one place I crave when I'm miles away or out of the country is The Cafe. Contrary to what someone said below their chicken salad is incredible, the grilled hash is a life changer and the service is out of this world! I'm not sure what restaurant Alexandria went to, but it wasn't The Cafe. If only one restaurant existed I'd pray for it to be this one, it's where hospitality meets an extraordinary dining experience.
(5)Cinimod S.
Its a good place with good food and good service and good deserts. They get a little inventive with the menu but its pretty standard food for the most part. The portions are generous and the prices are good, so all in all its pretty good.
(3)Pete M.
The Café was a very pleasant surprise! While it's a little off the beaten path, it's well worth finding it. The atmosphere was very trendy, with a really cool mix of classy yet casual dining. The food portions were very good and the food tasted GREAT! I had a chicken parmesan penne pasta; the flavor reminded me of what my mom use to make. I would also recommend the mango tea, if you are looking for a refreshing drink. I'll be back for sure!!
(5)Shawday B.
This place honestly was one of the best breakfast/brunch experiences my hubby and I have ever had. The decor was cute and the waitress was very nice. Most importantly - the food was to die for and the coffee was great. We were passing through Louisville on a road trip and decided to look up a breakfast place and The Cafe had the reviews- hands down. It was a dreary morning when we went in (raining like crazy) and there were only 2 other tables sat, but it kind of made the experience a little more novel because it was nice and quite. If we ever pass through Louisville again- we def know where we're having breakfast!
(5)Jason R.
I had to give this place four stars for the chicken salad sandwich. If they had better sides, it would be 5 stars. Some of you may know this place as The Cafe in the antique mall, it has since moved right by Louisville Stoneware. The chicken salad is called the Louie the XIV and it is one of the best I have had. A very large variety of sandwiches and homemade soups as well as some great desserts. It is a great lunch spot, but it does get busy. They also have a breakfast menu, but I have never tried it. If your looking for a break from Subway, Jimmy Johns and Quiznos, this is the place!!
(4)Joan M.
Great breakfast menu- love the oatmeal (and its less than 5$), the strata with meat, the tomato dill soup especially. And who doesn't like a lunch box with a cookie? They are especially nice about letting us order past the breakfast hour. Cool ambiance- lots of character. Good coffee, too.
(5)