Amazing Burger - Torch Lake Cafe, Central Lake, MI

Torch Lake Cafe

Name: Torch Lake Cafe
Address: 4990 US Highway 31, Central Lake, MI, United States, 49622
Telephone: (231) 599-1111
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

76 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Torch Lake Cafe currently offers seating on a first come first serve basis.

Torch Lake Cafe is a delicious whole hearty, family friendly restaurant. In the Winter Season we have amazing nightly specials and live music Wednesday-Saturday Evening. Featuring Leanna Collins, Ivan Greilich, Lee Malone, Mother Brothers, Jon Archambault, Joe Willson, True Falsetto, and every third Sunday of the month we feature a Jazz Band from 2-5.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

9:30 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Breakfast Daily 8:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(231) 599-1111
Website
http://www.torchlakecafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Scott Steger
Catering
We’re honored to be a part of your celebrations. Our catering and events team will curate a menu especially for your occasion, from small, intimate occasions to large weddings, cocktail parties and corporate events. We’ll work closely with you to design the right food and service options, from passed hors d’oeuvres and small plates to buffets and seated occasions. We are proud to work with premiere local event venues to bring the Torch Lake Cafe experience to you.
Private party facilities
Whether you’re enjoying our indoor and outdoor event spaces and private rooms, or we’re bringing our fresh, local flavor to you, our seasoned and professional event team will help you define every aspect of your occasion. Select from our private event room for up to 50-75 guests, our indoor and outdoor space is spacious and vibrant and we would love to accommodate you. If you are planning an intimate wedding or a large celebration, we’ll bring your vision to life in our warm and inviting restaurant. Your guests will feel welcome and at home in our casually elegant atmosphere, inspired by the beautiful natural landscape of Torch Lake. Our skilled, in-house team will help tailor every detail of your ceremony and reception in our indoor and outdoor event spaces, or cater our market-fresh menu at your desired reception location.

Location
4990 US Highway 31, Central Lake, MI 49622
Neighborhood
Charlevoix
Cross street
M88
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

The TLC Breakfast*$9.00
Two eggs any style, home fries, Plath's bacon or sausage patty, and choice of toast
French Toast$8.50
Cherry bread served with vanilla cinnamon sauce
Belgian Waffle$8.00
Golden waffle, fresh berries, and whipped cream
Breakfast Sandwich$8.50
Fried Egg with Plath's sausage patty, American cheese, served on an English muffin
Mooncakes$8.50
Three giant pancakes served with wild cherry sauce
Meat Lovers Scramble*$10.50
Three scrambled eggs with Plath's ham, sausage, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Served with home fries and choice of toast
Veggie Lovers Scramble*$9.50
Three scrambled eggs with mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Served with home fries and choice of toast
TLC Scramble*$10.50
Three scrambled eggs with Plath's bacon and sausage, and green peppers, onions, and Colby-Jack cheese. Served with home fries and choice of toast
Biscuits and Gravy$9.00
Housemade biscuits and sausage gravy made with Plath's sausage and Spanish chorizo
Housemade Corned Beef Hash*$10.50
Michigan corned beef with potato hash, two eggs any style, and choice of toast

On the Lighter Side

Bagel & Lox$10.50
Lox, cream cheese, capers, and red onion on a toasted bagel
Yogurt Parfait$8.50
Greek yogurt, seasonal fruit, wildflower honey, Michigan granola
Oatmeal*$7.00
Steel cut oats with brown sugar, walnuts, and Michigan dried cherries

Breakfast Sides

Toast$2.00
Mooncake (1)$3.00
Michigan Hardwood Maple Syrup$2.50
Plath's Bacon or Sausage$3.50

What 76 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.2Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

76 Reviews

b
barbarar
Northern MI
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2021
overall3food3service3ambience3
They weren’t open!! Gave me a reservation when they were closed!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Columbus
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing! Food was superb and service to match large group on the porch and everyone absolutely loved it!
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RS
RonS
Cincinnati
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was a great experience. Dasa our server was excellent and the rest of the staff was also great. Food was scrumptious.
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JW
JamesW
Dallas
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2020
overall2food2service2ambience2
Got there at 6:50 for a 7:00 reservation for our anniversary, as noted on our open table reservation. Ordered drinks and food by 7:00. No bread or crackers on the table. After about 10 minutes our waiter came back to tell me they were sold out of my order. I reviewed the menu again, and when I made my choice they were once again sold out! Sold out of 2 of maybe 8 entrees at 7 pm. Picked my third choice. Now, we waited until about 7:50 before our food arrived, and when it came it was barely warm. We told the waiter at this point we were too hungry to send it back. To his credit when he brought the bill he told us he had mentioned it to his manager and they did adjust our bill. No mention of our anniversary by anyone. Too bad, the menu looked good but slow, cold food, poor service and sold out of 2 entrees at 7 pm means we probably won’t go back.
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PD
PaulD
Phoenix
48 reviews
vip
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Nice selection of food and apps...Wine list is surprisingly drinkable.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2020
overall3food5service2ambience2
Requested a table outside. Showed up prior to our reservation. Hostess told us It would be a wait still. We reserved an outdoor table and i wrote It was my moms 60th birthday dinner. Hostess checked back and told us it would be 10 more mins 20 min later she goes to seat us INSIDE. We mentioned we reserved outside and she said “oh i know, it’s too hot outside so we’re going to seat you inside now” which we did NOT want. It was much hotter inside than outside. (Was 72 out and multiple ppl were sitting outside when we got there) Food was excellent but we were all put off right away to her knowing the entire time we requested outside and speaking to us multiple times and not telling us until she’s already on her way to the table inside that she is completely not fulfilling our reservation request. No one ever mentioned my mother’s birthdays and hostess was completely rude to be honest so why did we bother making the reservation for outdoors and the special occasion when she clearly doesn’t care. I’ve worked as a server and hostess for years and this hostess was one of the rudest I’ve encountered. Food was excellent and our server was great. However, hostesses are first face anyone sees when entering hour establishment and we almost left after we were seated because of how she handled this. Don’t allow people to make reservations and Special requests when you’re hostess can’t pass that info on or even apologize for not being able to even fulfill ur reservation request. If she would have told us right away we’d be unable to sit outside instead of waiting 20 min past our reservation to tell us this entire thing could have been avoided.
2 people found this helpful
S
Shannon
Columbus
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Could not have asked for a better night! Excellent food and service -and live music was perfect!
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C
Chillaxing
Grand Rapids
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience4
So happy to sit down at a restaurant again. They did a nice job preserving safety, wait staff all masked and tables removed to space patrons out further. Both indoor and outdoor seating were available. Food was delicious! Missed the live music and dancing which are typically part of the fun at TLC, but grateful that they re-opened.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Memorial Day
Is this helpful?
EB
EricB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great value for food and drinks were great. My wife and I were there for Anniversary and had great experience. The Live music made our night!
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JN
JeffN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my wife and my first time dinning there, the staff greeted us with smiles. Our waiter was exceptional, very knowledgeable about the menu items. We chose the prime rib, cooked to perfection. The restaurant manager was very kind, he came by our table throughout our dinner making sure everything was perfect and it was. The music was wonderful, not too loud so we could still have a conversation. We will definitely let our friends know this is an exceptional dining experience, we will definitely return.
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CM
CliffordM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Greeting was nice service was polite and professional - answered all my questions and glad to see traditional menu still available Wondaful building with an interesting history.
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CS
ConstanceS
Detroit
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious! Entertainment was awesome. Ahi Tuna special was fabulous
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JK
JamesK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
The quality of the food was high. It is clear that this restaurant wants to provide a quality eating experience that people can afford. I liked the menu choices and feel that there are many options available for any palate.
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B
Bubbles
Northern MI
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience3
Valentines Day
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D
Datenight
Northern MI
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great night, we will be back.
Is this helpful?
MG
MichaelG
Detroit
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious, Nate our server was amazing
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MG
MichaelG
Detroit
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant, the food was very delicious ( we had the elk tenderloin and the whitefish) impeccable service, the manager was very charming with an accent, very pleasant experience overall. The downside of the experience was the music at 8pm veryyy loud. Please turn it down.....and we would love to see a better wine list with Michigan selection. Please support local wines like most of the restaurants in the area.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pleasant. Good food
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food and excellent service.
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JN
JayNine
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The updates to the atmosphere and food were a pleasant surprise! Our group of 8 appreciated the professionalism from the door to the table to the food presentation. Bravo! When we told the waiter some of us were splitting dishes, to our delight, they were served already split. The beet salad was light and absolutely delicious! Paired with the salmon, it was a perfect meal with plenty to take home for a first class leftover lunch. The music and dancing opportunity was also a pleasant surprise though the tip jar on the end of his guitar seemed a bit tacky. (We weren't sure if, when he followed some of our party out the door, if he was just having fun, or seeking more tips.) Overall, we loved our evening and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exquisite meal at a decent price in an open country-like atmosphere.
1 person found this helpful
CK
ChristinaK
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2019
overall3food2service5ambience5
Very over priced for the amount of food you get...
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DD
DouglasD
Detroit
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
We have enjoyed the Torch Lake Cafe since it opened. The menu changed this year and became a little more upscale and pricey. As a result we have not frequented TLC with our family (kids and grands) this summer. We did however enjoy dinner there this weekend as a couple. The food, service and entertainment did not disappoint! The only negative was that on our arrival they tried to sit us at the worst table in the house. We had booked on open table and initially we were seated at a two top directly next to the hostess stand where people stood to wait for seating. We waited a little longer to sit at a much better spot.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2019
overall4food3service3ambience5
Torch Lake Cafe was a pleasant surprise. Their house specialties were amazing! Especially the TLC Chowder. However, some of the pasta dishes left a bit to be desired. We absolutely loved the live music and the fact that they were able to seat our large party of 11! Overall, we recommend Torch Lake Cafe.
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h
hungrykathy
Detroit
15 reviews
vip
2.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2019
overall2food1service2ambience3
We enjoyed this restaurant for many years,but they seem to have lost their footing. Our server was pleasant, but not very quick with drink refills. The food was disappointing. We both ordered perch, a past favorite. It was heavily coated in beer batter and so over cook that some pieces were inedible. We looked for a manager to express our disappointment with, but could not find anyone who seemed to be in charge. Also it appears that the no “eating pizza” rule is still in place. That is insane! Not a very family friendly atmosphere. We know many neighbors who have gone back lately and everyone is disappointed by the food. Not going back any time soon.
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EB
ElaineB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, cozy place, and the top point is the music, whit Ivan Leonna. Good to dance, sing and have fun. From your Brazilians fans
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Elk tenderloin-excellent!
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PT
PegT
Grand Rapids
126 reviews
vip
4.0
126 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2019
overall4food3service5ambience5
First of all, we had outstanding service. Our server checked on us frequently, and answered questions well. The smoked fish appetizer is great. We ordered the whitefish with farro and chard, which was superb, and the flank steak. The flank steak did not seem like flank steak. It was too tall and round, and did not cut like flank steak. We asked our server about it and he said it was actually top sirloin. That really muddied our visit. Kicking ourselves that we did not send it back. The wine list has lots of Michigan offerings by the glass, and a few from other places.
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MT
MaryT
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
We have the best of abocado gaspacho soup I had ever keep tasted! I highly recommend it. Nice ambiance and décor. To bad it's not actually on the Lake with a view!
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RB
RichardB
Detroit
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Prompt and courteous service. Excellent meals. Enough food boxed for the next night's meal at home.
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K
Kathleen
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I was really impressed with the wait staff. Wow, amazing service & hospitality. Great manners and timing. Food was terrific.
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RA
RosemaryA
Detroit
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place. The atmosphere is fun, service was great, and food was wonderful.
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M
Mary
Detroit
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2019
overall3food3service5ambience5
Cheese curd appetizer was frozen in the center, perch was heavily battered and hamburger was under cooked. We have always been pleased in the past with our entrees but the four of us found our meals mediocre at best! Our waiter, however was wonderful!
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F
Fooled
Grand Rapids
62 reviews
vip
4.0
62 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2019
overall4food3service5ambience5
There was no one in the restaurant when we arrived, but it was a md afternoon reservation. But with that said my comment to the hostess was first our name and my comment that I guess we didn’t really need a reservation. I got thinking about that comment later wondering if she realized we had a reservation through Open Table? Her English was broken and I didn’t understand much of what she said. Our waitress was good, I expected the food to be better but would return when in the area again to give it another try. They have spent a lot for ambiance and had an outside walkup bar, decor was cool.
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WM
WilliamM
Detroit
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2019
overall3food3service2ambience4
Too gourmetish and fancy for the area. A $33 elk entry won’t fly in the long run. Menu is not in sync with the tourist crowd nor for kids fruit flies are abundant
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s
susana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Glad as locals we still have option for good food at fair prices.
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TL
ThistleburrLady
Indiana
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience3
The absolute best of both worlds! The variety of the menu had something for everyone from creative, fine cuisine to bar favorites like the Olive Burger, a staple up north. (Pair with duck fries.) The rainbow trout had a lovely mahogany finish. Quite Instagram-worthy! Portions are generous. Compliments to the chef and the staff! Don't know how you do it all day but I'm anxious to try breakfast and lunch.
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S
Sweets
Indiana
42 reviews
vip
3.0
42 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience4
Our diners had Perch Platters and And Burgers. Main course was good , fries were 🥶.
1 person found this helpful
M
lynnM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2019
overall5food4service3ambience2
It was very loud in the restaurant. There must be a way to cut down on the overall noise of the building. We couldn't even talk to each other at the table without feeling like we were yelling to be heard. Our service was fairly good, but didnt tell us of the evening special, which I would have had, had I known. The Elk steak was very good, a friend ordered that, cooked perfectly. Enjoyed the perch, but had lots of small bones, be careful when ordering that entree.
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PV
PamVC
Phoenix
36 reviews
vip
2.0
36 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2019
overall2food2service3ambience3
The food was just not very good, and somewhat different than the menu descriptions. We won’t be back.
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FAQs

Torch Lake Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (231) 599-1111.

Torch Lake Cafe is rated 4.2 stars by 76 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

9:30 PM

Order delivery or takeout

4990 US Highway 31, Central Lake, MI 49622

Additional information

Cross street
M88
Neighborhood
Charlevoix
Hours of operation
Breakfast Daily 8:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Scott Steger
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.torchlakecafe.com/
Phone number
(231) 599-1111
Catering
We’re honored to be a part of your celebrations. Our catering and events team will curate a menu especially for your occasion, from small, intimate occasions to large weddings, cocktail parties and corporate events. We’ll work closely with you to design the right food and service options, from passed hors d’oeuvres and small plates to buffets and seated occasions. We are proud to work with premiere local event venues to bring the Torch Lake Cafe experience to you.
Private party facilities
Whether you’re enjoying our indoor and outdoor event spaces and private rooms, or we’re bringing our fresh, local flavor to you, our seasoned and professional event team will help you define every aspect of your occasion. Select from our private event room for up to 50-75 guests, our indoor and outdoor space is spacious and vibrant and we would love to accommodate you. If you are planning an intimate wedding or a large celebration, we’ll bring your vision to life in our warm and inviting restaurant. Your guests will feel welcome and at home in our casually elegant atmosphere, inspired by the beautiful natural landscape of Torch Lake. Our skilled, in-house team will help tailor every detail of your ceremony and reception in our indoor and outdoor event spaces, or cater our market-fresh menu at your desired reception location.

Torch Lake Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

Main

The TLC Breakfast*$9.00

French Toast$8.50

Belgian Waffle$8.00

Breakfast Sandwich$8.50

Mooncakes$8.50

Meat Lovers Scramble*$10.50

Veggie Lovers Scramble*$9.50

TLC Scramble*$10.50

Biscuits and Gravy$9.00

Housemade Corned Beef Hash*$10.50

On the Lighter Side

Bagel & Lox$10.50

Yogurt Parfait$8.50

Oatmeal*$7.00

Breakfast Sides

Toast$2.00

Mooncake (1)$3.00

Michigan Hardwood Maple Syrup$2.50

Plath's Bacon or Sausage$3.50

What 76 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Torch Lake Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Torch Lake Cafe restaurant rated?

Is Torch Lake Cafe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information