Ala Carte Cafe (Port Clinton, OH)

Follow the Locals… They Know Where to Go

Lake Erie calls to those who chase the sunrise. For those who love to fish and those who love to greet the morning with open arms, there’s a restaurant that opens at 4:30 am in the summer to offer food and fellowship.

Ala Carte Cafe in Port Clinton, Ohio, is a breakfast oasis, luring locals and travelers with ingredients and meals that seduce tastebuds and make customers rethink their definition of breakfast. So regardless of why you’re in the area, if you’re looking for a breakfast you’ll still be thinking about at dinner, then Ala Carte Cafe is the place for you. 

First Impressions

Pulling up at the curb, I see an unassuming restaurant with a crowd of people out front. Some are standing, some are sitting, and all of them are smiling and completely undeterred by the wait. There’s palpable anticipation. 

As my guest and I approach the door, an Ala Carte Cafe employee with a clipboard welcomes us and asks for our name. He writes down our party’s name and lets us know the wait time, which ended up being much less than he said. He makes us feel welcome and taken care of with his good demeanor and sense of urgency.

Only a couple of minutes go by before we hear loud clapping from a large group of men exiting the restraunt. The outside crowd and I watch as these men clap and laugh and make it known to all that their day started with an incredible meal and an incredible time at Ala Carte Cafe.

I learn that the only reason for the wait is that a local man’s daughter is getting married this same day, and he, as the bride’s father, had breakfast at Ala Carte Cafe with the groom and all the groomsmen, which took a number of tables. The bride’s father practically bounces out the door and tells the outside crowd and me that “today I’m getting a son” as he pats the back of the groom’s back. This father-of-the-bride is undeniably elated, and the fact that he chose Ala Carte Cafe on what seems to be one of the best days of his adult life makes me even more excited to try the food.

A Step Inside

One step inside, and I’m surprised. 

From the outside, I expect the typical Mom and Pop look. But Ala Carte Cafe felt youthful and modern in their color choices and decor while still possessing the welcome, homey feel you expect of a local favorite. Ocean blue, sunset orange, and rust-red walls. Jet black ceiling. A wall honeycombed with booths. Exposed bricks. Friday night specials on the wall– yes, they serve more than breakfast! Stocked bar and more. 

Whenever a restaurant surprises me, I know there’s a strong possibility of it joining the Positively Delicious food blog journey, and that’s how I felt as my eyes took in their first glance of Ala Carte Cafe.

The Menu

Ala Carte Cafe is southern grandma goodness to the max. My party of four gobbled the SMOTHERED BISCUIT (Menu Listing: “Smothered Biscuit with gravy topped with homefries, eggs, and shredded cheese”), CHORIZO COMBO (Menu Listing: “Chorizo scrambled with egg, served with homefries, beans, and flour tortillas”), BELGIAN WAFFLE, BACON, SAUSAGE, and drinks. When our food arrived at our table, our eyes widened as the scents and sights of our orders cocooned us. As soon as our excellent server excused herself from our table, we each took our first bite. Not only were expectations exceeded, but we also couldn’t stop eating. 

Ala Carte Cafe’s food tasted like a memory in the making– I didn’t want it to end, and I knew I’d think of it often.

Final Thoughts

Ala Carte Cafe is the breakfast of your childhood. GRILLED CINNAMON ROLLS, TRASH POTATOES (Menu Listing: “homefries, ham, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and cheese”), OMELETS, and SAUSAGE that tastes even better than it should.

Pictures of Ala Carte Cafe’s food do not do those morsels of deliciousness justice. Foodies know that one of the best ways to find hidden culinary gems is to follow the locals. Trust me when I say that Ala Carte Cafe isn’t just a local go-to; it’s a legitimate contender for your breakfast bucket list. 

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The following photos are courtesy of Ala Carte Cafe’s Facebook page:

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