Stopped by Cottage House Restaurant in Cleveland and this place is exactly what you want if you're…read morelooking for a solid, no-frills Southern breakfast.
First off, the setup is super easy. You walk in, grab a tray, and you've got options. You can go through the hot bar and get served right there, pay, and be on your way... or order off the menu, sit down, and they'll bring the food to you. Very simple and efficient. The inside is spacious with plenty of seating, and there's also outdoor seating if you want it. Parking is easy too, which is a big plus, especially compared to the chaos you'll run into closer to Helen.
Food wise, I always judge breakfast spots by the chicken, egg, and cheese biscuit... and this one held up. The chicken was tender, the biscuit was soft and fresh, and overall it was a solid start. The surprise for me was the hashbrown casserole. It came out good, but once I added a little salt, the flavor really popped. Definitely worth getting. The pancakes were also done right... nice crispy edges with a soft, fluffy inside. That's exactly how pancakes should be.
Menu wise, they've got everything you'd expect from a Southern breakfast spot... biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, sausage, country ham, pancakes, omelets, and even lunch style items like burgers and plate meals if you come later. They also have a Coca-Cola fountain, which is always a win. Service was friendly, especially for early morning, and the whole place just has that comfortable, old-school home cooking feel. There is also a drive thru if you don't feel like leaving your car.
Overall, this is a great spot if you want a good breakfast without the crowds. Simple, tasty, and easy.
