Cafe Monte holds a special place in our hearts. It's been the backdrop for so many of our moments, big and small. Before kids, David and I would pop in for spontaneous date nights, settling in at the bar with a glass of wine and their absolutely amazing French fries. It was our go-to spot when we were in the area and wanted something casual but special, the kind of place where you could linger over a drink and catch up on the week.
But it's the postpartum memories that really stick with me. Our first outing alone after having Jamie was at Cafe Monte. I was still incredibly hormonal and ended up crying the entire time because I missed our baby so much. We lasted maybe 20 minutes, just long enough for me to have half a glass of rosé and some of those perfect fries before we rushed back home. Looking back, it's kind of funny, but in the moment I was a complete mess.
Then there was Jamie's first day of daycare, which I handled by picking him up early and bringing him straight to Cafe Monte for comfort fries. (Sensing a theme here?) There's something about their fries that just makes everything feel a little bit better.
While we joke about always ordering fries, the truth is everything on their menu is fantastic. The beignets are delicious and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar. The quiche is really good, with perfectly flaky crust. And I'm particularly fond of their salads, which are fresh and satisfying without being boring. Their cappuccinos are great too, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat. Whether you're there for a full meal or just stopping in for a snack, you really can't go wrong.
The service is consistently wonderful, especially when you have a baby in tow. They genuinely love the little ones and are always so accommodating. It makes such a difference when you're navigating life with a toddler and worried about disturbing other diners. They have high chairs available, and there's a changing table in the restrooms, which is such a relief when you're out with little ones.
I love the vibe at Cafe Monte. The black and white bistro chairs give it that classic French café feel, and the whole space just feels welcoming and relaxed. It's the kind of place where you can settle in and stay awhile, whether you're catching up with friends or having a quiet moment with your coffee.
We've experienced Cafe Monte in just about every way possible: girls' brunch outside with friends on a sunny morning, dinner dates with just David when we can snag a babysitter, family meals with Jamie where he inevitably tries to steal fries off our plates, cozy meals inside when it's chilly out. The space works for everything.
They also run great specials throughout the week that make it even easier to justify frequent visits: half-price wine bottles on Tuesdays, all-you-can-eat endless mussels on Wednesdays, half-price cocktails on Thursdays, and their Friday lobster dinner special starting at 5pm. Sundays are perfect for brunch or lunch, and the weekend crowd has a great energy.
Everyone knows Cafe Monte for brunch, and rightfully so. But don't sleep on their dinner service. It's genuinely excellent, with thoughtful specials and consistently good execution. The vibe shifts from the bustling brunch energy to something a bit more relaxed and intimate in the evenings.
Or honestly, just stop by for a quick snack. Sometimes we'll pop in just for a glass of wine and an appetizer when we're in South Park running errands. It's that kind of versatile neighborhood spot that works for whatever you need it to be.
However you experience Cafe Monte, you won't be disappointed.