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Antique Row Cafe
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
3002 Adams Ave(at 30th St)
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 282-9750
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 10 pm
Sat 6 am - 3 pm
Sun 6 am - 3 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
221 reviews for Antique Row Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Killer omlettes and let's not forget the french toast." In 21 reviews -
"ARC has got AMAZING biscuits and gravy." In 11 reviews -
"This is actually my neighborhood breakfast spot." In 10 reviews
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221 reviews in English
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Review from paul k.
San Diego, CA
4/7/2012
Busy as expected on Sun morning. But they give you coffee and muffins while you wait. How cool is that!
Old school interior and I think owner has Marilyn Monroe fetish, but that's all good!!!
Portions are huge and prices reasonable.
Huge +++++= Chorizo Scamble
not so + = Montre Cristo, not well balanced. -
Review from Amiee L.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2012
So, thought I'd share with you the outrageous and unacceptable experience that has happened to me not once, but the last two times I've gone here; the last of which will be the last time I EVER spend money in this dive.
So, they are open until 2 or 3 on Sunday afternoon and they serve off the breakfast menu that entire time.
Two times in a row now, I have gotten up early and headed over before Noon (yesterday we were there at 11:15am) for breakfast. When we got there, we had to wait 30 minutes for a table (no exxaggeration). Then, both times, I order biscuits and gravy, only to be told, "Oh sorry....we just ran out!". WTF! I get here early; you make me wait to order, and then, before Noon, you have the face to tell me not once, but two times...that you ran out of freaking biscuits? Where the hell is the cook from? The local mcdonalds?
This time I was so upset that my friend when to talk to someone who worked there to ask if they could make me one and the conversation went like this:
My Friend: Hey, my friend has come in here twice for biscuits; actually, they are the only reason we came here, and you were out both times. Can you make some more?
Employee: No, because it takes an hour
My Friend: Wow, well, it sucks that we are here so early and there aren't any left.
Employee: Well, we don't want to make too many so they go to waste.
My Friend: Right, like I suppose it would be with all the food you make, but if you're running out this early, I don't think you're making enough.
Employee: Sorry mijo...maybe next time your friend could call ahead or come earlier.
My Friend: OR, maybe you could just make enough to last the morning next time.
OUTRAGEOUS! I show up and you make me wait, and now you want me to call ahead???WTF...isn't food ordering your problem as an employee? Why are you trying to create work for me just because I want to eat at your establishment? Why don't you plan better? Obviously, if you've run out two times in a row...your numbers are off and you're pissing off your customers.
Long story short; enjoy the $60 I spent there on Sunday, because it will be the last of my money you ever see. With all the restaurants that are closing lately, you would think people would learn. Thank goodness you saved that $1.50 on a wasted biscuit; too bad it cost you a regular customer. -
Review from Jazell S.
San Diego, CA
4/29/2012 2 photos
A great spot. I'm very picky when it comes to going out to eat and this place hit the spot. My boyfriend, son and I came here after church. As expected on a Sunday morning there was a wait. But I like the fact that they had chairs outside, coffee and muffins to eat and drink while we waited.
When we got inside the decor is awesome. My seven year old son loved the pictures and memorabilia on the wall. Be warned, I think the owner has a Marilyn Manroe fetish. :) The food was great, i ordered the cinnamon roll french toast. -
Review from Michael B.
San Jose, CA
5/20/2012
Ok, so I have been to this place several times now and the first couple of times the food was ok but as of today, I will never eat here again.
First, we get there and there are 4 tables outside available and one with sun. We ask to set in the sun and are told that is for a VIP guest. Huh, VIP at a first come first server breakfast place. Odd.
Second, we site inside and order our food. When it comes the hashbrowns were mush, the fruit was bad, the guacamole was day old in the omelet and then we find a food label in our omelet about halfway through eating it. What is the first thing you worry about when you find a fruit sticker in your food? For us, we immediately start asking if they wash there food before they prepare and serve it. The waitress then, didn't do them any favors. She tried to say the cooks just didn't see it and brushed us off as if it was no big deal. She didn't even apologize.
That final straw came when we got our bill and they tried to charge us full price for the omelet which we did not finish. On top of trying to charge us, we overheard them debating how much of the omelet we had eaten to decide if they wanted to make us pay for it.
They did remove it from the check but only after the waitress gave us a disgusted look for even asking not to pay.
All in all, a total fail on the food, the service and a big fail on knowing whether it is a safe place to eat. -
Review from Diliana kehaulani G.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2012
the wait line is a little bad at times just because the place is so good its always packed when i go there...
the food is so good ive had everything from steak and eggs belgium waffles(my fav)pancakes u name it ive probably tried it from there and have never been disappointed the service is excellent everyones really nice and gives off a great homy feeling.p.s. def reccomend tony the tiger french toast yum!! -
Review from Kassandra R.
San Diego, CA
5/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Amazing Good Food for a great price!
Go on weekday mornings they have a special menu sweet prices there :) -
Review from Rick S.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2012
This is crap food especially for the price and the service isn't anything to write home about. I eat out all over San Diego all the time and decided to give this place a shot...ooops.
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Review from Krissy L.
San Diego, CA
5/6/2012
Absolutely delicious breakfast food that is served all day. They also serve Boyd's coffee..YUM!
Cute knick-knacks and decor also! Uuber vintage feel. Big portions and reasonable prices just keep me comin' back! -
Review from Leo I.
3/18/2012
A solid 3 stars. I'd come here again.
A lot of interesting memorabilia floating around everywhere can function as conversation starters.
For food, I think I had the irish burrito..something like a croissant with stuff in it. That was simply mediocre. The biscuits and gravy were pretty good though, and I have no complaints about the pancakes. Service was attentive (they were really slow) and I overall enjoyed learning of this new spot. -
Review from May V.
San Diego, CA
4/7/2012
Came here for brunch for the first time and I was stoked. When we got here i'd say around 10ish we were seated right away. The crowd was mild, but luckily there was another room with bunch of seatings.
WHAT SHE ORDERED:
I am a fan of chicken fried steaks and I was glad they have it in their menu. Ordered it. Tasted it. Demolished it. All i can say was that it was tasty & filling. It came w/ scrambled eggs, biscuit, and hashbrowns. Ofcourse, those were just complimentary sides so there were other options you can pick from (pancakes, fruit salad, salad, sunny side up, etc)
SERVICiO:
The service here is beyond typical. The lady that took our order would call us "dear", "sweetie", etc.. she was sweet. Don't mess w/ these ladies because if you try to outsmart them.. you'll lose. I'm pretty sure they've been working here for years and years and pretty much-- they know their stuff.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's lookin' for a place to eat for breakfast or lunch. they have some good stuff!
& oh yes, i believe before 10pm theres breakfast specials for price of $4.99. oppose to after 10pm the regular price are $8+. -
Review from Kari P.
San Diego, CA
3/23/2012
This is my go-to spot whenever someone mentions they want a good FAT breakfast. The dishes here do not disappoint. Whatever I get I make sure to order the home style potatoes WELL done because I like 'em burnt. It's a little neighborhood diner with 50s decor...plenty of Marilyn and Elvis memorabilia. So why must they ruin it with Steelers jerseys everywhere? BOOOO! Anyhoo, i can look passed that for a good honkin' breakfast plate. The service is hit and miss. My last visit here the waitress felt the need to vacuum at 1:30pm. I exchanged "Seriously?" glances with other patrons....but we still kept eating. I just couldn't help but think of all the dust and dirt that was being thrown in the air (& on my food) from that vacuum. Thanks for the cleanliness honey but could ya wait til the place was emtpy?
Nevertheless, I'm still comin back. The breakfast croissant is my ultimate greasy pleasure. -
Review from Alexis K.
3/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's a solid breakfast place that has good, not especailly wonderful food.
My mom loves this place and I'll gladly go with her when I'm in town, but it's average. -
Review from Amy M.
San Diego, CA
3/4/2012
We came in for a late breakfast and the wait wasn't bad - only about 10 minutes. Nice of them to have coffee and water out while we waited. Our waitress was nice and friendly - I appreciate the casual attitude. Frosted flake crusted french toast and waffles with bacon inside? Yes please! When she brought our food out, I was definitely confused - why 4 plates for the 2 of us? I'm so used to over priced small portions at so many local eateries, but the portions here are HUGE! We both ended up incredibly full with half of our food still on the plate. I think we will definitely be in for breakfast again, but only on days when we can take a food coma nap afterward.
P.S. They have 3 options for potatoes - I had the hash browns and he had the home style. I definitely recommend the home style. I had serious potato envy after I tasted his. So crispy and delish! -
Review from Jade K.
2/16/2012 2 photos
From the name Antique Row Cafe and the logo of some soldier, you don't really know what you are in for. But once you pass the chalkboard of the daily specials, you get wow-ed by the CAKES and antiques from the 1950s! (Though there was a Beatles lunchbox that I thought was vintage, found to be Made in China and made in 2008.)
But super cool decor! As for food, I would recommend the Irish Croissant ($8.95
Buttery croissant filled with corned beef, scrambled egg, spinach, and a touch of hollandaise sauce, served with our special homestyle potatoes.)
& my French toast (see pictures) was pretty unique! It was called Tony the Tiger (a daily special so may not be available at all times) .. French toast covered with frosty flakes! I don't want to ask how many calories it was but it was good! This dish came with potatoes and eggs (ask for their special Monterey Potato Cake!!) so I was stuffed! Me and my party of 3 all had a box of food to bring home and (the french toast isn't as great the next day :T)
Overall, I'd come back! It's on a different side of Adams Ave. I usually go to for food but it's close to the Before I Die art installation and there's a mural on the side of the restaurant that is cool to check out! -
Review from An Y.
2/14/2012 3 photos
This little secret place is easily overlooked from the outside, but step in and you'll find yoself transported back to the 50s! Old school telephones, vinyls, vintage barbies everywhere, and James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, John F Kennedy plaster the walls. Awesome atmosphere if you like all things old school and retro.
Not sure why the reviews I'm reading are totally focused on the food. The setting is a huge part, and I say they get major points for all the props.
The food comes in big portions, none of us could finish. I ordered a Mexican steak quesadilla (daily special) - it was just ok, mainly b/c I'm not a huge fan of steak, so that was just my bad in ordering it. My friends' food looked good though (croissant sandwich, french toast). They've got a pretty extensive menu.
This is somewhere I would take friends from out of town or other visitors for a casual meal, b/c of the interesting decor. Wouldn't go back necessarily on regular occasions just for the food.
Price paid - $13. -
Review from Sean K.
San Diego, CA
3/31/2012
Service was a little slow to start, but once we ordered food arrived in literally 5 minutes. Unfortunately the speed of how fast the food was cooked showed on how poor the quality was. I had the pancakes and breakfast potatoes(which were OK). My girlfriend ordered a chicken salad sandwich and garden salad and was very disappointed.
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Review from Pat B.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
5/11/2012
We walked to this wonderful restaurant this morning. We are visiting from Lake Havasu City, Az. and we needed a dog friendly place because we are traveling with our springer spaniel. Everyone was so nice, service was great and the price was right.
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Review from Heather Anne B.
San Diego, CA
4/12/2012
Yum! I absolutely love this place. Sometimes there's a line which is not unexpected, but they always have coffee when you're waiting so that is a big plus. If I have to wait outside with a hungry boyfriend, at least he can get some caffeine in him. The food here is so good and the portions are gigantic but affordable. I almost always order eggs and hashbrowns with a biscuit and gravy on the side, and I can usually skip lunch afterwards. Wait staff has always been friendly, and the decor is so cute. They also serve lunch and dinner here, but I've never eaten any but breakfast. I don't know why anyone would want to. Triple extra bonus points since this place is literally a 30 second walk from my front door.
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Review from Jaime B.
San Diego, CA
4/7/2012
I can't believe I've lived in San Diego for eight years and today was my first trip here. The food was delicious! My eggs were perfectly cooked, the toast generously buttered and the hash browns were the best I've ever had! The service staff makes you feel at home. They're kind and attentive. I will definitely be back again soon!
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Review from Mike D.
San Diego, CA
4/22/2012
Apparently, you can skip ahead of everyone waited to be seated if you're friends with the hostess. #frontofthehouseFAIL
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Review from Temenah C.
Irvine, CA
1/19/2012
I love hole in the wall places and this is just about as hole in the wall as it gets. Since we normally hang out in DT SD it was nice to head over to University Heights and hang out with real people.
I had an omelette that came with guacamole on top. Normally, I'm a little sketch about guacamole. I mean, some restaurants throw some avocados and some other business together and force you to believe it's guac when in reality it's avocado dip or guacamole light. This, my friends, was guacamole plus. Just the right amount of spice.
I definitely will make this a regular place. I also had a latte which was realllly good. My only complaint is that I wish they had low fat or nonfat milk to put in the latte. -
Review from Stephanie A.
San Diego, CA
3/9/2012
Nothing special... the avocado on my salad was brown, ugh!
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Review from George P.
National City, CA
10/26/2011
Dropped by here last week and I really enjoyed my visit. I didn't realize there was another location besides the one I've gone to a few times (Lemon Grove), but I think I'd prefer this one now. It has pretty similar decor, but a different/interesting layout.
The server who helped was very friendly and attentive, and while they didn't have my first choice to order (corned beef & cabbage...alas, it was not quite yet dinner hours), the food I got (2nd choice: belgian waffle w/bacon & eggs) was delicious.
Overall, loved this location and I'd definitely want to come back in the near future. -
Review from Dianne R.
San Diego, CA
10/1/2011
I love this place!!! I've been coming here for about 2 years now and they never disappoint. Granted... I might be one of those people that gets the same thing every time, but at least I'm consistent. LOL!!
So... you might be asking yourself... "What should I get?"
My answer: "The Belgian Waffle baby!!" It's the best waffle I have ever had. It's fresh. It's big. It's warm. What more could you ask for?
Bananas I say... Of course for you non-banana lovers, there is a slew of other fruits you can choose from. Plus, you can add eggs, bacon, sausage, whatever your heart desires, and I promise... You will love it!
There's an early bird special during the week if you can get yourself out of bed, or if your just coming home from a crazy night out. However you wanna look at it. I don't judge.
Mario, the owner, is AWESOME!! He'll talk to anyone who chats him up. This is a family owned establishment, so you'll see him get back in the kitchen, his wife waiting tables, and his son will work the register. I love that! There's something about supporting local businesses in San Diego, as opposed to the big chains, that really makes you feel part of the local economy.
Anyway, I'm rambling... Give it a shot....
Oh... BTW... They've been having a problem with the outside seating and flies. Weird! It was never a problem before. Be weary of the pesky creatures. If you don't want to share, do yourself a solid and eat inside. It will be much more of a pleasurable experience. -
Review from Karen C.
Mountain View, CA
7/28/2011
Food: 4 stars
Prices: 4 stars
Ambiance: 4 stars
Service: 5 stars
Parking: 2 stars
Great hole-in-the-wall cafe. When we arrived we were immediately seated, but when we left, there was a wait, so it could go either way. Very generous portions, so show up hungry and leave with a doggie bag. Everything on the menu sounded pretty tasty, so I'll be back again to try something else next time. -
Review from Vicki B.
San Diego, CA
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing Apple pie! Made in house from scratch and the flakiest crust ever!! (Sorry mom!)
Oh yeah..... the food is delish!!! -
Review from Danalee D.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 12/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Don't ever get their fish taco special! It barely has any fish in it! 95% lettuce 4% tomatoes, guacamole and tortilla 1% fish. Such a disappointment. Especially since all the waitresses were nice.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/18/2011
This place is just good. Diner style with a comfy homey feel. Breakfast and lunch are pretty… Read more »
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Review from Sara Y.
6/10/2011
Antique Row is legendary in North Park. I have been here quite a bit. Be forewarned; there is a bit of a wait on the weekends, so be prepared. They do have coffee, coffee cake and muffins available for waiters, and two people in our group sampled them and loved them!
Our waitress was super friendly and affectionate calling us "mija" and "senorita." And the speed? I would say about 8 minutes after we placed our order, breakfast for 4 was on the table.
I had a basic eggs and bacon, my buddy had the breakfast croissant, the lone male in the group had a breakfast scramble, and our "mom" had a chorizo burrito. The breakfasts are good, but I did not order anything amazing. I was pretty bummed that the toast looked like someone squirted a tiny bit of butter in the middle of the bread. Both me and the lone mail were pretty disappointed since we really had dry bread. But "mom" said that the chorizo was great - not too spicy, just mellow and hearty - and this is coming from a Mexican lady who whips up some amazing chorizo of her own.
All in all, the prices are fair for the food you are getting and you know you will get a good meal each time you come out here. Consistency is key!Listed in: Breakfast Fuel, Bacon-y Bliss!
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Review from Jordan K.
San Diego, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Sat at our table for 15 min and they didn't even bring us waters. Not cool man, not cool...
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Review from Tyson G.
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this place
Good for breakfast and lunch
Dog-friendly sidewalk seating
Friendly staff
I recommend:
Pancake sandwich
Turkey scramble
French dip
Spinach salad -
Review from Celin T.
8/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The fam and I come to Antique Row Cafe for breakfast at least once a month. It's our favorite breakfast spot in San Diego. The food is pretty inexpensive, the service is fast and friendly, the portions are huge, and the food is awesome. You can't go wrong with whatever you order from the menu. We've tried a few items but what stands out for me is the polish sausage and mushroom omlet and the humongous cinnamon rolls. YUM!!!!
Go early or you'll never get in :) -
Review from Eric L.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012
This is one of my favorite spots to eat. I live in Pacific Beach and never hesitate to take a short drive to North Park to grab lunch here. Service is always outstanding and the prices are as affordable as they come. & the best part is the food is amazing. I love me some brown gravy and there aren't to many places in San Diego that even offer it let alone have some that taste good. I would highly recommend everyone to visit Antique Row Cafe. You won't be disappointed
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Review from Shannon M.
San Diego, CA
4/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Came here for breakfast of course!
I was seated in this teeny tiny booth in the back of the place. I wasn't too wild about the seating selection, but we had a view of Adams Ave., and it was very private and intimate being all tucked away in the corner.
I ordered a waffle with a side of bacon. The waffle is what you'd expect for a diner. Loaded with butter, and perfectly cooked. The bacon was some of the best I've ever had, and I'm a real big fan of bacon! The coffee was really good, and I never reached the bottom of my cup, as our server was on top of everything right away.
The real highlight of my visit though, was the Steelers decor inside. :) Being a burgh gal, it warms my heart and makes any place an instant favorite to see my hometown team given some love and respect.
Portions here are huge. So order accordingly. -
Review from Denise C.
San Diego, CA
8/29/2011
Flame away, but I like this place way better than Cafe 21 down the street. Bacon perfectly cooked, service was amazingly fast and ON IT. No lack of coffee refills, and everything you ask for is brought post haste. French toast was solid, and breakfast came with super juicy watermelon. Bonus! It seems to get crazy busy on the weekend, but I went on a Friday morning and had no wait.
It's diner style. There's tchotchkes everywhere and they don't have things stuffed with mascarpone or serve grilled prosciutto. But it's good breakfast at a good price. Bacon lovers rejoice. -
Review from A T.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2012
I appreciate the "ma and pa" feel of this place with its kitschy route 66 and 50's diner decor. We went for dinner, though I understand this place is known for its breakfasts. I had a chicken salad sandwich and was pleasantly surprised at the touch of curry flavoring. My husband ordered the beef stew and said it tasted home made with good ingredients. Service was friendly and welcoming. We'll go back for breakfast some time when I muster up the courage and patience to stand in that line.
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Review from Lauren L.
San Diego, CA
1/25/2012
This restaurant has that hole in the wall feel that makes you think it will have great flavorful food. While I loved the fact that they have many choices of potatoes for your plate, there were just a couple of thing I just didn't like. We got an omelette with onions and bacon and the bacon was not crispy enough by any means (oily, rubbery, etc.) and the onions were cut extremely unevenly. It looked like it was rushed and I got some HUGE chunks of onions, I'm talking a little bigger than a half dollar that I had to just put on the side of my plate. The potatoes were good, just of course needed a little more salt and pepper. Other than that, the food tasted fine, nothing special. I might go back and try something else on their menu because they sure as hell don't skimp on the food.
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Review from Don O.
San Diego, CA
1/18/2012 1 photo
Super friendly and they remember you...Food is great... as well the motif.
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Review from Annette C.
San Diego, CA
8/25/2011 1 photo
The best breakfast in San Diego (in my opinion)! And I am a big breakfast eater.
I must say that I never really ate biscuits and gravy. My daily breakfasts consist of the simple egg/ham and hashbrown staples, but once I tried Antique Row's homemade biscuit and gravy, I was absolutely freakin' hooked. Love handles are worth the sacrifice for these babies.
I've also tried the Antique Row in Lemon Grove expecting the same quality, however, it unfortunately did not compare. Completely different owners, I'm told. -
Review from Olivia R.
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here for breakfast and it was absolutely delicious. I ordered a corn beef hash egg white omelet and it was amazing. Perfect comfort food! The portions are large and can easily be split. My friend could only eat half his breakfast too. Oh and the coffee was yummy too! Go early if you don't want to wait.
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Review from Vanessa C.
El Cajon, CA
2/9/2011
What a totally awkward dining experience! We arrive at the restaurant and see that nobody is at the hostess stand outside so we walk in to check out the wait situation. We were told somewhat rudely that the hostess stand was outside (but hello, nobody was manning it!) and they would take our party # outside. We waited FOREVER, while the hostess gladly took everybody else in front of us, including parties who showed up 15 minutes after us. We finally walked up to her and asked her what the deal was and she acted dumb and said "ohhhhh, I didn't see you!" (she totally did) and took us right to a table.
We were already kind of over it but the food was alright, the memorabilia everywhere was a pleasant distraction and our actual server was super nice. Next time I will definitely go somewhere else on Adams Ave.
