RESTAURANT REVIEW
The Briarfield Cafe
Maumee cafe serves up warm atmosphere, comfort food
12/11/2013
Grilled chicken sandwich.
Alaska Pollock, all-you-can-eat Fridays.
The Briarfield Cafe is the kind of place where everybody knows your name, and if not your name, then at least your order.
Our waitress couldn't figure us out after a few moments of small talk. She finally figured out that we were newbies at the cozy cafe and proceeded to chat and explain the house specials.
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★ ★ ★
Address: 3220 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee.
Phone: 419-865-7260.
Category: Casual.
Menu: American.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Wheelchair access: Yes.
Average Price: $-$$
Credit Cards: AE, Dis, MC, V.
Web site: thebriarfieldcafe.com.
Diners piled into the restaurant, located in a small plaza off of Salisbury Road, for all-you-can eat fish on a recent Friday night. The atmosphere was bright and cheery.
We had to try the fish dinner ($7.95 and $8.95 all-you-can-eat on Friday), Alaskan pollock, served with potatoes — baked, mashed, or fries. We ordered ours fried and thoroughly enjoyed the two thin, but lengthy fillets, covered with a salty and crunchy coating that had the texture of beer batter and the flavor of breading.
We also tried the chicken sandwich ($5.95), a grilled chicken breast smothered with cheese and served on a warm bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion. The sandwich was decent, but nothing to write home about. The meat was juicy, but flavorless and a little tough.
By our second visit, the waitress from our first visit was waving and smiling at us as if we were old friends. Although she wasn't our server this time, she still stopped by the table to welcome us back.
We ordered breakfast, which is served all day along with lunch and dinner items, which include surf & turf, meat loaf, liver and onions, and a number of sandwiches. The cafe also serves a number of homemade dishes, including many soups, bread, and homemade potato chips that rival any store-bought brand.
OBJECT747f70b2-4861-475a-9cf1-50e9fd13a58dWe ordered the kitchen sink omelet ($7.45), pancakes ($4.25), and cinnamon swirl french toast ($5.25). The omelet was loaded with ham, sausage, green peppers, onion, mushroom, home fries, bacon, and tomato mixed with warm gooey cheese and tucked inside of fluffy eggs. The dish was light, but filling and served with a side of hash browns or home fries.
The pancakes and french toast didn't come with any meat or eggs, which was disappointing and made the meal a little expensive. The pancakes were as thick as they come, but were stiff and tasted like flour. Not even the syrup could mask the taste. The french toast, cinnamon swirl bread dipped in a sweet homemade batter and dusted with a cinnamon and sugar mixture, was warm, moist and just right.
Overall, the Briarfield Cafe serves comfort food in a comfy atmosphere.
Contact Bill of Fare at fare@theblade.com.
Star ratings are based on comparisons of similar restaurants. The Blade pays for critics' meals.