Citizen Cafe

Citizen Cafe
2403 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
http://www.thecitizencafe.com/


We'd driven past Citizen Cafe for almost a year (since it opened), before deciding this morning that we might as well give it a try. And we're glad we did.

I was immediately impressed upon entering; classic wood tables with clean white tablecloths and fabulous lighting. Surprisingly elegant after walking in from the bustling and slightly run-down 38th Street.

The menu seemed to offer a good variety without being too overwhelming and the service was just what we wanted - polite and prompt but not too intruding. After the waitress answered our litany of questions, we ordered a Pulled Pork Hash and an Organic Scramble (with bacon, shrooms and Gruyere). The food didn't take long and our taste buds were happy with the offerings. (Although we did spot someone who ordered the Brioche French Toast with fresh berries and felt a tinge of jealousy.) The pulled pork was inventive and delicious with golden beets, cubed potatoes, red peppers and blue cheese, topped with a fried egg. The scramble was complimented well with hash browns and generous serving of fresh fruit. The serving sizes were just right; not too stuffed but not leaving hungry. And the price was more than fair; just under $20 with two entrees and coffee.

All in all, we were pleasantly surprised to have found such a gem so close to our house. We asked to see a dinner menu to check out the fare before leaving, and it didn't take us long to decide that we would be back.

Great for: dinner for couples, brunch with friends, lunch with parents in town visiting
Prices: Affordable - entrees range from $6-$10 for breakfast, but go as high as $17 for dinner
Ambiance: Cozy and elegant
Drawbacks: You have to ask for water, and lack of real ketchup (the chef makes his own and it was a bit watery for my taste)
Recommend?: Yes

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