We had high hopes for Cafe on the Abbey, but our visit was not a pleasant one. Based on other reviews it may be an anomaly? So perhaps we'll visit again, however, if there weren't so many positive reviews we would never go back. Our coffee flight was probably the worst we've ever had. They were supposed to be iced but came out lukewarm and burnt tasting. We couldn't taste a difference in any of the flavors-likely because it was so burnt tasting that's all we could taste. Neither of us liked our food. My husband's pancakes were dry and he said they tasted like they had been microwaved. My healthy bowl tasted like mostly old/not fresh ingredients. The Brussel sprouts were supposed to be shaved, but were instead halved and appeared/tasted like they were from the prior day. The Parmesan cheese was also prepackaged and not freshly grated, and for the price we paid ($50+) we didn't expect to be served food low-quality food. The only picture I took was of our coffee. Our server did the bare minimum. They weren't rude, but also weren't friendly. We ran out of Cholula sauce and she grabbed one from another table with people sitting there. Overall a very poor experience. Based completely on this one experience we would never return. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Coffee flight - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

Went for a quick holiday brunch date and enjoyed the cute cozy atmosphere and yummy coffee creations tailored for the season. It had been a while, so we couldn't remember if we should start at the counter, or grab a seat when we first walked in, but a server saw us right away and invited us to find any seat if we were eating in. Our server was attentive and we were able to pay from our table. The food was quick and good, and breakfast and lunch items were both available. We ordered the Stacked Eggs Benedict Omelette and the Pick-Four Omelette. Both came with fruit (grapes), and the "pick four" came with toast. My husband got a black coffee from the coffee bar (and one to go), and I went with the Gingerbread Cookie hot coffee drink. It even included a cute cookie man on top! read more

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Went there for Sunday breakfast. Just want simple breakfast with daughter. I ordered pick 3 breakfast. Just over easy eggs, bacons, biscuits and gravy. Daughter ordered breakfast burrito with fruits. She had fruit latte. Surprised with total price of 49 dollars but to tip made it 56 dollars for simple breakfast for Two people lol. Thank you read more

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Great place for a get together with friends on a lazy Saturday. Or if you're in the mood to read a book, it's a great place to just lay back. read more

Ordered a Breakfast Grinder this time and it was tasty. The service was good enough and the atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to eat a meal. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Latte - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

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Stopped in for some coffee on our way home from Camping. I will definitely go back to check out their food menu! The staff were very nice and helpful and my coffee was out super fast! The whole vibe of this gem is amazing! It is small but so stinking cute!!! read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Large Chai Latte and a Honey Pistachio Latte - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

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We highly enjoyed breakfast on the patio. Our server was kind and attentive. We had kiddos and she didn't blink twice to accommodating high chairs and extra napkins. Our coffee flight was amazing. Never had macha but now I am addicted! read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

Great little breakfast spot in Columbia. I love how they've incorporated the historical aspects of the convent building into the cafe. Very cool slice of local history. The food was excellent. I had an omelet with cheese, bacon, onion and mushrooms. It was a big omelet and quite delicious. The waitress was excellent. Definitely would go back! read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Build your own omelet - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

The best biscuit and gravy we have had! Cool little spot amazing staff and even better food! Steak sandwich was great the breakfast grinder amazing and again you must get the biscuit and gravy! read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Full Biscuit and Gravy - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

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Food was incredible and the price was unbelievable. So fair priced for the massive portions you get! We both had to take home a Togo box. Also it's super cool this is in an old convent, the hanging mugs for self serve coffee are also adorable. The service was amazing as well, the waitress was very friendly, the cook had our food out in no time and it was piping hot and mouthwatering. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

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The Cafe on the Abbey always delivers. Love the ever changing menu . Can order breakfast and lunch. Breakfast served all day. Sandwiches, wraps, soups, omelets....great variety for brunch dishes. Homey space with bakery offerings and self-serve coffee bar. Can't wait for weather to permit eating outside. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Veggie omelet, gf bread and hrapes - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

I love Cafe on the Abbey! They are a regular spot my friends and I go to on the weekends for brunch. Their coffee is always on point and far exceeds Starbucks, the food is great, and staff is always accommodating and kind! I highly recommend the barista breakfast - it's basically a choose 3 or 4 of whatever you want. I always get eggs, bacon, American fries, and biscuits & gravy. The Abbey's biscuits and gravy are the best! They're an absolute must try. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Iced vanilla latte with oatmilk - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

Great food, TERRIBLE service. I've been before and waited for 10 minutes to be sat while the servers sat and talked to customers and eventually left after being ignored. This time, we finally were sat (at a dirty table) and the server seemed like they couldn't care less about us. Great food though! read more

I stopped in to Cafe on the Abbey on a weekday morning and it's a nice, quaint little restaurant on the grounds of a large church in Columbia, IL. The food that I ordered was I believe called the Crazy Benedict but don't quote me on that since the menu is constantly changing (and don't remember exactly). The dish I had consisted of two over-easy eggs served on top of biscuits & gravy and layered underneath was a delicious grilled country ham that I chose instead of sausage or bacon. The dish came with a side of American fries but fruit is an option as well. However as far as service it was a little off-putting at first that when I first walked in I stood in a line at the counter that I thought I had to order at then go get a table, but that wasn't the case and I waited in line for a long time before the cashier told me that I can be seated to order food for dine-in so no biggie and I sat down but then waited for at least another 10 minutes before someone got to me just as I was getting ready to leave. After ordering my food I went to a get a cup of the regular self-serve coffee so I grabbed a cup and they were totally out of regular coffee in both of the large coffee thermoses. So i was told more coffee was on the way but my order came out and I was halfway through eating my breakfast and the waitress then brought me some freshly brewed coffee and it tasted very good and also I was able to take a to go cup of coffee with me so not too bad. Also, they have some delicious looking baked goods like cinnamon rolls, cakes and gourmet coffee in a display case as well but was too full. So I hope to make it back to Cafe on the Abbey sometime and have lunch next time since i now know the ropes. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Eggs Benedict but with over easy eggs on sausage & gravy plus ham with American fries. Very good! - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

Loved this place! Great local spot, delicious food, & great staff. Would highly recommend! Will be back!

It's a Good day when you go to have lunch with your daughter and the cafe serves Breakfast All Day!!! Breakfast for Lunch!!! The Breakfast Burrito was so good!! You get to pick 4 ingredients you want!! I had Sausage, cheese, mushrooms and peppers!! It comes with Salsa but I added gravy!!! The fruit was fresh and sweet!!! My girl had a Breakfast Sandwich on an Everything Bagel... egg, sausage and cheese... we shared the gravy for Dunking. I did ask for 1 pancake which they were happy to bring out.. now it was small and really wasn't the Best..so next time I will skip it!! This little cafe is only open for Breakfast and Lunch... and serves Brunch on the weekends so the menu will change. They also sell coffe, specialty coffees pastries and Keto Friendly Bake Goodies.. If you are in the area... Stop on.. you maybe seated by strangers (as it is small) but that's the fun part about a small town place!!! read more

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Food was far from great French toast was dry and no flavor. Bacon was undercooked. Pancake looked doughy but needed a steak knife to cut. Others in party said omelette was good but a restaurant that can't make pancakes and French toast is a place to avoid. Service was good so maybe worth trying it for lunch...but I won't read more

Small sit-down cafe in an old convent next to a church with a religious theme. Have paintings of nuns enjoying food and a menu with names like "Heaven on a Plate" cake. Farm-to-table, and have a service mission (coordinates with several members of the community). Have a pretty basic and small menu, and they change their brunch menu monthly. Although I was underwhelmed by the options available, I was very impressed by the high quality of their ingredients. Large outdoor patio Lots of pastry and coffee options that you can purchase at the counter Service was incredibly speedy read more

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Upon arrival finding the handicap ramp was kind of hidden and hard to negotiating the 2 doors with a wheelchair..inside it was cozy, not much room to get around.. Not many seats. The wait staff was friendly and helpful since this was our first time here. She ordered the baked potatoes soup which was delicious, with the quiche and croissant. The quiche seemed s rewarmed and croissant stale. I had the Belgium waffle with crispy bacon, strawberries and cream on the side. I got what seemed like a regular waffle and ONE piece of bacon. The coffee was good. read more

Great service, welcoming staff, beautiful shop. Steak and egg breakfast was a great choice, and the potatoes were perfect. Will be back!

One of the most god awful breakfast I've had in at least a couple of years! My wife had three pancakes and sausage. The pancakes had to have been sitting around for a while and the sausage was cold and had no seasoning. I had the Monte cristo breakfast sandwich with potatoes. The egg and the ham was hot ,bread was not at all and the potatoes....terrible and ice cold. To top it off the coffee ( self serve) tasted as if they ran water through a second time. Servers need to serve and quit the visiting! They've got a lot of fixing to fix this cafe. Differently not worth the $$$ for cold unseasoned food and no since of pride for what they are serving . read more

Love the breakfast burritos here and the iced vanilla lattes!! Great place to stop in if you live local or stopping by!

Fantastic local coffee shop that offers wonderful breakfast menu. Worth the wait on weekend. Husband had Dillionger and he loved it. Fluffy homemade biscuits make this breakfast bowl delicious. Very filling! And I had crepes Benedict that were super yummy. And oh the coffee!! Just wish I had room for pastry. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

Cute, cute, cute! Love the decor!! Great space, ample parking, comfortable seating inside and outside, once the weather allows. Super friendly staff! I thought you ordered at the counter but they do have table service. Nice menu. Perfect size. Plenty to chose from. They also have a wonderful array of fresh made sweets at the counter! Hubs and I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast! He followed his up with a fresh pastry and said it was wonderful. We totally recommend the place. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

We stopped in while visiting this cute little town and stood at the register to order while 3 employees just ignored us. Then, rather than say "I'll be right with you" or anything at all, she barked at us to move so she could help the people behind us in line!! She yelled at them a snarky "What'd you want?" So we just left!! Won't be giving them our money! Too bad too - looked like a cute place. read more

Great breakfast, hefty portions and awesome coffee. Staff is wonderful and ya gotta love supporting local! Highly recommend.

This review is based solely on their breakfast. I don't usually associate being able to get a full breakfast at a coffee shop but this place provides all the standards (eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, etc) along with great pastries. Their pastries are all made from scratch. Then, of course, they have a full espresso bar. Based upon how good their breakfast items are, I'll definitely be back to check out their lunch as well! read more

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We've been here a few times lately. Today, we sat inside instead of on the outside patio. We kind of wished we'd braved the chill to sit on the patio. It was extremely loud inside-loud children screaming, and throwing silverware and plates on the floor. We decided to try inside this time because we've noticed there are menu screens on the wall with choices not on the menu. However, the screens weren't on, and the other choices weren't available. Of course, as we were leaving, they became available. One thing nice about dining inside is that the food was still warm when we were served. The first time we ate outside, our food was cold, even on a hot day. Great coffee, though. More choices inside than on the patio. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

Walking in you don't expect much but when you arrive you're greeted by helpful and wonderful service. We ordered omelets and they were absolutely to die for. While there isn't a ton of seating it's a must for experience and general dining. read more

Great food and friendly service! Great locally eater worth a try. You won't be disappointed.

Cute place. Thought it was somehow part of the church so I was eager to learn about it. I learned they have more than coffee, which is cool. But I waited at the counter for a while hoping to order coffee and even when she got to me, the woman behind the counter seemed a bit put out that I was there. I think she expected me to sit at a table and wait for a server, but I just wanted coffee and to work for a bit. Then the decaf was out, and when I let them know, she said they were closing soon, so no more coffee was coming. So, I paid $4 for a min existent cup of coffee, which isn't ideal. Then while I was sitting and working, the same person stood at a table and loudly complained that people aren't good tippers. Bottom line, she kinda ruined the experience / didn't seem particularly invested in customer service. Didn't try the food, but it looked good from a distance. Id say this is a restaurant, not a coffee shop. And make sure you're aware that they close at 2pm. read more

Love the Abbey! Great staff, great food, the best Chia tea lattes in the area! They do fantastic catering and special dinner nights.

Cute spot. I've been there twice. The first time it took a long time to get seated and no one came over to take our order, so I went inside to order. The second time was today, and I left because no one came over to seat our party. The food was good the first time but the service has been terrible both times I've been. Suggest ordering takeout instead of dining there. read more

We came for coffee and breakfast. Started with Cappuccinos very good. Then with dessert, double chocolate cookie dough, and finally veggie omelets. All very fresh and satisfying. Quick friendly service, even with all tables filled. read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Very cool art work - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois

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This is a beautiful place, a former convent turned into a cozy cafe. The place was busy when we walked in, but the servers were courteous and very pleasant. I ordered a cappuccino and the "Pick four" omelet, and couldn't be happier. The omelet was delicious and the coffee was outstanding. Cafe on the Abbey sports beautiful decorations and an outdoor sitting but we sat inside since it was a little cold. The service was excellent and the price is very reasonable. We highly recommend this place. read more

I have heard so many great things about this place from different people. So I was excited to come try it on NYE. I super bummed that no covid protocols where in place. It just makes me sick. Turned right around and walked out. Come people, do better! read more

Customer service is good. Food is creative. Always good stuff in the bakery. Keto friendly

From the almond milk frozen mocha chai latte with whip to the excellent breakfast and pop up Gourmet dinners on the lawn this is my fav eating in Columbia place. Dan just keeps growing those ideas to make more incredible read more

The food was very good. The service was excellent. Very crowded on a Sunday morning which is a good indication that it is a popular place and the food is delicious. Many menu options to choose from. read more

Lovely little coffee shop with a breakfast and lunch menu. They seem to be still working out the kinks and training new staff to prep for the warmer months and additional outdoor seating. Great addition to the downtown Columbia area to stop for lunch while checking out the little boutiques. Chicken panini was delicious and I appreciate places that offer healthy side alternatives to fries! read more

Cafe on the Abbey - Chicken pesto panini with pickle spear and side of fruit. You get to pick your own coffee cup - Bakeries Near Me - Columbia, Illinois