Coastal Cafe
3 palms
Where: 739 North Drive, Suite G, Melbourne
Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
Call: 321-254-5678
Other: Be prepared to make choices at Coastal Cafe when it comes to bagel flavors, types of cream cheese, types of bread, sandwich toppings and condiments. Even though a sign above the counter jokes that it’s not served your way, it really is.
I always wonder how restaurants manage to survive in obscure office park locations, but Coastal Cafe has the answer: lots of good, inexpensive food. The eatery is on North Drive, off Sarno Road west of Wickham Road, in the Coastal Technology Center. The decor is clean, bright and simple, with a beach theme. The menu is uncomplicated, with items ordered at the counter. But it is hearty and pleasing, catering to customers seeking breakfast and lunch.
A friend and I tried a little of both, since breakfast sandwiches are available all day. There are bagels, bialys and muffins. My friend ordered a fried egg sandwich on croissant (you also can get it on a bagel or bread) with sausage (other choices: ham and bacon) and American cheese. The sandwich comes with a 14-ounce coffee, tea or soda for $3.50. It was much better than fast-food fare, but for a comparable price. You can add extra meat, cheese or egg for an additional charge; hash browns are 75 cents.
For lunch, you can get a Greek salad, chef salad or antipasto salad. There also is a tossed salad and chicken, tuna or egg salad platters. I opted for the sandwich route, and there are lots of those, too. Among the many offerings are Cuban, steak and cheese, fried tilapia, turkey club, hamburger, Italian sub, even liverwurst.
I got a Reuben ($5.95), which was served so hot, tendrils of steam rose from its moist center. Bits of sauerkraut dripped from its tasty innards as I took a bite. Normally, one gets chips or pretzels, but I upgraded to the fries ($1.75). They were just crisp enough and satisfyingly salty. Perhaps I shouldn’t admit this, but they also were great with the huge, homemade chock-full-o’-nuts brownie ($1.50) — rich chocolate, salty fry, what’s not to like?
There’s a $6.25 special every day — for instance, pulled pork sandwich on Wednesday and meatloaf sandwich on Thursday. They come with a “choice of veggies and condiments,” with a 20-ounce fountain drink or iced tea, and a choice of chips.
Coastal Cafe is a great asset to the neighborhood and to the workers nearby, for quick, good food served with a smile.
Contact Kridler at 321-242-3633 or ckridler@floridatoday.com.
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