I don't usually do this - giving verdict on first paragraph of the review. But consider this as TLDR version. Patio Cafe is one of the best week-day lunch experience I have had in recent years for such an affordable price! When I say experience, I meant in relation with price range, service and food!
The Patio Cafe & Bakery opened it's doors not too long ago at the same complex as Sichuan House, Panera and Home depot. I know it's a big complex but to locate it - it's closer to the Sichuan house. If you are coming from pleasant hill rd and medlock bridge intersection, then take right on first light after crossing the intersection. You will see it right away, straight ahead.
Since their opening it has been steadily gaining popularity among locals, which can be witnessed by showing up at lunch time. You will see long line of people waiting to order food, either for pick up or to dine there. Don't get discouraged by long lines here - go ahead and join the line, you won't be disappointed.
They have very simple no nonsense decor inside. It's fairly large inside, with number of tables and chairs and I think it can easily seat some 50 patrons at a time. So you go in, join the line, put in your order, pay for it and get your number. Then find a table and wait - food will come looking for you!
I am very IMPRESSED by their SERVICE - I mean, they always have long lines during peak lunch time but never once I have seen a grumpy face or rushed service from employees who takes orders. They are extremely patient and treated me like they are more than happy to accommodate my diet needs. That's amazing to pull off with such long lines and also such affordable price point.
That brings us to the MENU - they don't have printed out menu as far as I know but you absolutely cannot miss the black board full of menu items just above the counter. If you are new, there are so much to look at and make up your mind - I find the long lines help to give you that time.
They have wraps, salads, egg/chicken/tuna salad sandwiches, deli meat sandwiches, hot sandwiches, soups and combos!! And they always have some Quiche as well. I have summarized their menu in two lines but don't mistake - they have extensive list of items on each category! And not to mention their baked goods - cupcakes, cookies, scones, meringues - you name it they have it!
And for PORTION SIZE, lets just say that whatever you order you won't leave hungry. For example, I ordered their 'The Favorite' from the combo section for $7.95. Let me list what I got with that. A cup of soup(I asked for chicken noodle) with roll, three finger sandwich(Pimento cheese, chicken salad, cucumber cream cheese), a fruit cup, one mini-muffin with pink sauce. (All plates comes with complimentary mini-muffin) All this for just $7.95!!!! In fact, the expensive item in their menu is $8.95!
The soup was comforting and tasty! And as for those finger sandwiches, they were good enough but not nothing to write home about. But the point here price-taste ratio is excellent!
I have also tried their pastrami with sauerkraut on rye - it was again a solid and I really liked the pungency of Sauerkraut(if you are into it).
VEGETARIAN? VEGAN? Yeah, they got you covered. Food allergies? Let them know, they have some for you as well.
They also have BAKED GOODS that you can order with lunch(or light dinner) - it ranges from $.75 to $ 1.95 - again everything super affordable and some of the items are surprisingly good. It's not going to give some top-notch bakeries run for their money, but they are blurring the lines close with their price point. Everything is baked and made in-house for most part, I was told.
They are also open until 8 pm on weekdays - so that you can take care your health and eat light for dinner as well on weekdays. They are closed on Sundays and open only until 4 pm on saturdays.
At the end of the day I am happy for a local restaurant that gets service, price and food right. To me, it's not always just about food taste - it's the experience that's important and at what price point.
Considering all this,
5 well deserved stars. read more