Chat-A-Whyle is as five stars as Broome County can get. Of course, I have a lunch weakness for soups and sandwiches. Seriously, if you add pumpkin or some spicy kick to my meal, you can basically guarantee that my stomach has found my heart and fallen in some sort of foodie love! Maybe it's my tastebuds intense infatuation that has left me swooning over Chat-A-Wyle, or maybe it's their classic, vintage inspired decor and continually impressive, affordable menu options.
I have yet to try anything on their menu that disappoints or leaves me wondering what went wrong. Always made with seasonal, fresh ingredients that consistently match the description, I actively seek out at least one gathering of friends at this locally owned, gorgeously decorated eatery.
Let me break it down for you, oh-doubtful eater:
1. Yes, the location is further out than most find satisfactory. But, I promise--fingers crossed, kiss my elbow, all the jazz--that it is worth the journey (ten miles, up hill, both ways--just kidding). Take a bike, enjoy the stroll!
2. Rave, swoon, drool! The food is entirely appetizing. Yes, please use a cranberry mayo on my turkey sandwich. Oh, you have vegetarian options (how rare for this area). And, my god--is that autumnal inspired soup with sweet cinnamon garnish. Chat-A-Whyle, you just get my flavor pallet.
3. Plastic dolls, 50's style metal dining tables, housewife with humor--I am pleased by your decor. I am inspired by your many vintage pieces, lining wooden shelves, invading my roomy dining space! I love! Granted: I must also include constant commentary and photo logs with companions during my visit; but, I love!
4. Service: This can be the one flaw. It's really hit or miss on the sweetness of your server and, I suppose, you could look at it as you are really just "one of the family" but I just prefer to ignore any bad service and let the delicious food wash my memory clean, absorbing all my gooey-brain matter with noms that make any interaction nearly invalid.
5. This place is perfect for any get together. BUT: Make reservations. Mother's Day plans? This is the perfect place to take Mom, Grandma, Nana, who-have-you female. Ladies catch-up? We'd like the booth in the back and please keep coffee coming! I would say that it's more of a femme type place. You may want to keep your nascar, hunter's dinner party to that dive bar down the street...but, hey, anyone can enjoy a tasty sandwich!
Enjoy, foodies! This place is for you.