Saturday, December 31, 2011

Save the best for last - The Coastal Cafe

Well another year has come and gone, just like that!

I haven't been reviewing lately and I would like to apologize. sometimes life just gets in the way. I have been eating out quite a bit but it's been with friends and I don't want to be bothering them with my constant note taking and picture snapping while trying to enjoy a simple meal. Many dishes have been enjoyed and others not so much, so I wanted to end it on a positive note at a place I am quite fond of, The Coastal Cafe.

While in Halifax today gathering supplies for a much anticipated three course fondue this evening, we decided to make our last stop of the year at our favorite breakfast place in Halifax. Of course I speak of none other than the gastronomically amazing Coastal Cafe!

If you haven't been here before, well you can't be my friend! (But seriously, go before I delete you from Facebook). 

Tucked away in a  little building on Robie Street, this tiny little place has got lots of punch for it's size. Although small, the restaurant makes the most of the space available. There's one very long bench on the main wall with tables for two and four.  Along the front window there's a bar style counter with seating for 4-5 people, nice for people watching. There's a couple of other tables on the other side of the room just before the cash. A special note for cat lovers, so is the Coastal cafe! There's a couple shelves with pictures of cats. I was once told they are pics of the dockyard cats, but I forget to ask every time I'm in there. I will find out some day. 

To get food at the coastal, you go to the counter, not your typical restaurant rules apply here. When available, you grab a table first then head up to the counter to order your meal. There's a couple copies of the menu on the counter if you want to return to your seat and take a moment to decide on what you want. Trust me, with all the amazing choices, it sometimes takes a while. I should note that most days you won't have much choice for seating and you may have to stand a wait for a few minutes before a table becomes available. Not to worry, the wonderful staff will hold your order until you get seated so the meal isn't waiting for you. And it's so worth the wait!

When deciding on your meal, make sure to take a quick glance at the specials board located just above the coffee station. The special was both mine and Gary's choice today. Who could go wrong with fried chicken and eggs!! Now that I have your attention, let's proceed to the food!

Whenever I explain the Coastal's food to people I say "Breakfast kicked up a notch" because that's what it is.  If I want bacon and eggs, well I'm gonna stay home and cook it. If I want fried chicken or duck gravy poutine with my eggs than I go to the Coastal.
Gary and I usually go for separate meals and share but today we were both intrigued with "The Durty Bird" special on the board. Two eggs with buffalo chicken, bacon andHavarti on an english muffin with hash browns.


Aside from squirting the yolk of one of my fried eggs all over my jacket, it was the best tasting thing I've put to my lips in a while! Aside from all the other ingredients there was also some kind of wonderful guacamole style spread on the bottom. Gary asked if gastronomical was a word  because that's how he felt about it. And the hash browns are tossed with fresh herbs which tastes just wonderful. So much flavor, so much variety, and such a reasonable price. You just can't beat it!

I'm originally from Newfoundland and I'm still somewhat new to this city, so I try a new restaurant every time I'm in Halifax, trying them all will be a challenge but I'm up for it! This is why I usually don't return to the same place twice, not because I didn't enjoy it but simply because I have so many other places to try! Only one restaurant gets return visits and has also become a tradition in bringing all CFAs (come from away) here. The Coastal Cafe. Just. Try. It.

2 x Durty Bird 12$ea
2x Coffee 2.25$ea
Total 32$ ...Money Well Spent

The Coastal
2731 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3K 4P1
(902) 405-4022


Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday - 8-3 (Breakfast Until 2pm, Lunch 11-3)
Saturday - 8-3 (Brunch Only)
Sunday - 10-3 (Brunch Only)