South Arm Cafe

158

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6 months ago

I crave this place when I'm back home in Chicago. The bread and cinnamon roll are out of this world! The service is always spectacular. Now if I could only get some bread sent to me weekly LOL! Looking forward to my next trip up north to stop in! read more

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Steven E.

178

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2 years ago

Today, food was great, service fair and the wait was incredibly long. Understand the waitstaff are terrific. With this influx of people, no one could keep up. Pro Tip: No Saturdays. Small town of approx. 2,300. Like Mayberry, the town has few options to sit down and enjoy a nice meal. The eatery only has a dozen tables. Small kitchen with probably one cook. Pack some patience. I bet we come back next Saturday! 06/24 read more

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Tim C.

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10 months ago

Popular local spot and the only place we found for breakfast in E Jordan. But glad we wandered in. Busy and might be a wait so be patient. Friendly staff. Must try the cinnamon bread toast. read more

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Rhoda B.

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10 months ago

Had to ask waitress for more coffee my cup was empty that never happens, finally had to ask another waitress for coffee. Overpriced for what you receive had biscuits and gravy to much baking powder. Friend had western omelet, ham onions and peppers not even cooked. Not overly impressed. read more

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Ro J.

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2 years ago

Nothing fancy about place at all, but have good basic food Service is normally good and have a good menu they are open for bfast and lunch and anytime we've gone they have been busy read more

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Jennifer B.

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5

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1 year ago

Oh my goodness, the cinnamon bread is out of this world. PERFECTION! We had an omelette with Country Gravy and it was delicious. The service was great! Smaller type diner so be patient if it is busy as seats will be hard to come by, however well worth a wait. read more

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J. L.

29

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2 years ago

Affordable food, great service. We had the South Arms Special omelette. The homemade wheat bread was terrific.

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Annette A.

78

189

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5 years ago

Excellent food in a small local place. Tried the cinnamon roll as we saw on google reviews that is a must and it was definitely worth it. I had a burger which was good and what one would expect from a diner burger but the stuffed cabbage soup stole the show. I should have gotten a bowl and not just a cup. My son got the chicken pesto wrap and thought it was excellent as well. Good friendly service too. If you are in the area this is a nice place to get a good solid meal. read more

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Tammy M.

Elite 24

63

310

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5 years ago

Came in Sunday morning to a very crowded restaurant but luckily there was one table for us. The menu is pretty extensive and I love the fact you can order one piece of french toast, which I did. The french toast I ordered with the homemade bread. You can definitely tell it's homemade bread, yeasty and thick. I would have preferred the bread be soaked a bit longer in the egg but it was very good. Hubby ordered the sunrise burger and the egg was wonderful. The burger had a delicious taste as well. The potatoes were ordered crispy and they came crispy. My sister ordered the skillet and that too was delicious. Everything came out hot. As I mentioned they were pretty busy so our waitress did a good job of checking on us. We walked here so not sure about parking and for the three of us we spent $40 (without tip). Good place to grab some breakfast! read more

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Topher C.

22

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3 years ago

Locally owned and operated- house made bread, cinnamon rolls, (the best anywhere), terrific soups, sandwiches and wonderful breakfasts. The locals love it but everyone is welcomed. Support your local businesses. This one is a gem. Staff is super friendly and helpful. read more

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Chris H.

47

583

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8 years ago

Formerly Darlene's! I am happy to say everything is still the same. Just a new name and owner! Darlene decided it was time to retire and I say good for here. The food it still excellent. The Cinnamon Rolls are still phenomenal and still the best I've ever had! As far as I can tell the switch over went perfectly. Still a 5 star to me and they'll still see me many times in the future. read more

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Michelle B.

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4 years ago

I am extremely disappointed in the way we were treating this morning. We were in town for a wedding and the waitress told us there were too many of us (11) and asked us to wait outside. My husband told her it was raining and she then go wait in your car. That's a terrible way to treat customers. read more

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Pat J.

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3 years ago

Best local breakfast in all of Charlevoix county. Locally owned which is a huge plus. Menu is solid but I often just order what I want and they figure it out. Cinnamon rolls and homemade breads are top notch. Sometimes it gets busy in there so you might have to be patient to get a seat. read more

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Julia B.

50

26

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3 years ago

Food was very good here . Service was as good as you would expect. This is a cool little place for breakfast or lunch in East Jordan.. I'd eat there again read more

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Shellie B.

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4 years ago

Great home cooking. Pleasant staff and chef. Great food especially the homemade cinnamon rolls and homemade made bread. Excellent coffee. Breakfast choices are plentiful. Never disappointed food served hot read more

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Rebecca H.

0

11

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5 years ago

The breakfast was amazing!! The homemade bread is so good! We definitely will be back!

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James W.

173

28

70

8 years ago

This little cafe really carries East Jordan's Reputation. Amazing food and great wait staff. There biscuits and gravy where delicious!! Sausage gravy is very close to Bob Evens Style which was a great surprise. Partner had the Western omelet saying "It was really good, I'd get it again" Overall great experience and a MUST place to stop by passing through. read more

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John. B.

27

10

2

5 years ago

We love this diner. Quick, delicious, lot of variety.

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Ashleigh M.

0

1

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4 years ago

This unassuming little place had maybe the best cinnamon roll I've ever had. Pancakes and french toast were also really good. In fact, of our group of 7, I don't think a single person was disappointed with their food. Our waitress was also incredibly sweet!! If you are in East Jordan for any reason, I'm not sure you'll find a better breakfast spot! read more

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Grace D.

0

28

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5 years ago

I don't like to leave a bad review but after my recent visit I was not impressed. Our waitress was rude. The club sandwich and hamburgers we ordered were over cooked and dry. I can say that the kids loved the chocolate chip pancakes. (No other kids items) read more

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Mariya S.

98

90

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6 years ago

New Owners many Upgrades to our Staple Breakfast Destination of the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix. After Breakfast walk on down to the Jordan River Watershed and enjoy the Wildlife! Don't forget your binoculars! read more

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Mistri D.

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3

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6 years ago

I love the food here. The toast homemade is best. I kinda love everything So I can't recommend just one thing.

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Katie S.

0

5

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5 years ago

After reading the reviews, we drove 20 minutes just to come to this place. We ordered biscuits and gravy, sausage patties, bacon and cinnamon French toast. All of the food was lukewarm at best. The gravy was canned gravy and the biscuits had no taste. The bacon was thick sliced, but cold. The French toast was not dunked correctly and had tasteless egg just sitting on top of cinnamon bread. The syrup was watery. $22+ later with water to drink for both of us, not worth the price or drive... read more

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Colby L.

99

4

0

8 years ago

Small town café that exceeds your expectations. The onion rings are the best ever. Quick service with a big smile that makes you want to come back for more. read more

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M H.

0

12

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7 years ago

Stop here often. The food is good, however, today the waitress was out of it . So slow, even though it wasn't that busy. And we sat across from the kitchen door so we could watch them prep food. Not so good to see. Sort of like watching the kitchen staff at Waffle House's down south. My issue's were 3 of the waitress's that came out of the kitchen always had a mouth full of food they were eating. And the big issue I had was the wait staff helped finish the omelet's that had been cooked. They would unfold them, bare handed, add a handful of cheese, then fold them back up, and press them down, again bare handed, then put them in the microwave's. Then just walk out and continue waiting on people, no hand washing what so ever. Make's you wonder what else goes on back there ! Decided not to get a omelet today. Total lack of kitchen cleanliness and safety! read more

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Grace C.

0

2

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7 years ago

We stopped here on our way from Charlevoix to the airport. We had been in the area 5 days and had never found a great breakfast place. This was such a surprise delight! The omelets were gourmet quality with fresh vegetables! Home made bread options including plain and cinnamon. Great coffee and excellent service. If we were staying longer, I would go every day! read more

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Kristin B.

24

18

1

6 years ago

The waitress was really nice. All our breakfast was great with homemade bread. I can't wait to go back.

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Sue K.

1

31

8

8 years ago

Food was very good, we had club sandwich, burger and chicken wrap. Nothing special. Our server was very pleasant and our food was delivered quickly and hot. read more

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Chris M.

0

2

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7 years ago

I've been to all the breakfast spots near Boyne (Boyne Falls and Boyne City) and this one is the best. It opens early. The homemade cinnamon rolls are unreal. I like their omelets. The food is reasonably priced and the staff is great. It's so worth the drive from Boyne Mountain. I love it and have been going for at least 10 years. read more

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Sarah M.

0

3

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7 years ago

South Arm Cafe is a cozy little restaurant, I love the omelets, pancakes, and the bread is AMAZING! I love the service and I love that it is clean, cozy, and calm.... Defiantly be back soon! read more

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Dean T.

0

9

0

8 years ago

Wonderful little cafe/diner. Love their breakfasts and lunch. Great staff, timely delivery of your food. Glad to see it doing well especially with the new business developments happening in East Jordan. *** One very important suggestion to the new owners: please, please, please remove the carpeting and replace it. That would step it up several notches.*** read more

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More info about South Arm Cafe

101 2nd St
East Jordan, MI 49727
Directions
(231) 536-2801
Call Now

Hours

What time does South Arm Cafe open?

South Arm Cafe opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does South Arm Cafe close?

South Arm Cafe closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Payment methods

Does South Arm Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, South Arm Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does South Arm Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, South Arm Cafe serves alcohol.

Outdoor Amenities

Does South Arm Cafe have parking?

Yes, South Arm Cafe has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does South Arm Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, South Arm Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We have the best Cinnamon Rolls and homemade bread for MILES around. The recipe has been a town favorite for up to 50 years! Come try our amazing breakfast flare, and for lunch enjoy our personal favorite, The Fish Sandwich! Thick loins with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and our special house made "tarter". Fresh pattied burgers made to order! See you soon!

History

Established in 2017.

Originally known as The Cow, then Darlene's Restaurant and recently South Arm Cafe! We are so happy and excited to serve our surrounding community with the same favorite Cinnamon Rolls and homemade bread that have been a favorite for up to 50 years! We have added some great homemade sauces and fresh ingredients to all of our dishes! Everything you order is fresh and Michigan made/produced as much as possible. With more to come!

Meet the Business Owner: CJ - Jessica C.

CJ had a passion to own his own restaurant one day and Jessica had a desire to have her own business one day as well. Pairing together they were able to make their dream come true. Their goal is to give excellent customer service and fresh, quality, tasty meals for a decent price.

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