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Borderline Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Diners Breakfast & Brunch, Diners [Edit]
18510 Detroit AveLakewood, OH 44107
(216) 529-1949
- Hours:
Wed-Sun 7 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
31 reviews for Borderline Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Another personal favorite is the stuffed french toast." In 9 reviews -
"The Borderline serves breakfast with a southwestern twist." In 6 reviews -
"Bacon avocado eggs benedict are worth the trip." In 7 reviews
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Mark S.
Lakewood, OH
4/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Everyone else can brag on the food. What really makes this place shine for me is the cosy, intimate atmosphere. You feel like you're dining with friends and family.
Kelly is a hoot and does her best to get to everyone in perfect order.
Don't come here if you don't want a 'social dining experience'. Don't come here if you are in a hurry. Come here to chow on superior breakfast and lunch items with old and new friends.
And, eat, enjoy and get out because there's usually someone waiting to take your place. -
Review from Sarah Z.
Cleveland, OH
4/1/2012
Breakfast with a twist.
This place is perfect for what it is. A small hole in the wall but the food is DELICIOUS!
We have been four or five times but this place became an instant favorite. It's a little small so it's best to go early but even at 10:30 it is worth the 30 minute wait.
We have yet to be disappointed but we have our favorites. The chorizo breakfast tacos are really the best on the menu. Corn tortilla, chorizo, scrambled egg, cheddar cheese, and homemade salsa with some lime cilantro sour cream. But if you have more of a sweet tooth when it comes to breakfast they will not disappoint. They have 2 types of stuffed french toast. I recommend the classic stuffed french toast with berries. Not to sweet just enough.
My husband and I get both and split because it's too good to miss the savory or the sweet.
Avoid like the plague:
Not having cash. They are old school.
Hit or miss:
Getting a table right away
Don't miss:
This Lakewood gem. -
Review from Michael S.
Lakewood, OH
4/1/2012
I'm not going to pile too much more on top of the heaping (well-deserved) praise that this fantastic little cafe gets already. It's one of our family favorites for Saturdays after we finish our shopping at the WSM.
Agree with numerous reviews that the option to pay with a credit card would be nice, but you can scrape together the loose change from your couch and manage to get a darn good meal, so I won't complain too much. -
Review from Arun M.
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
This one came to my mobile app as the best breakfast place in Cleveland area open on Sunday morning at 7:30 AM.
I would have liked to disagree with the reviews but I can not. This place is awesome. It has the feeling of a homely place. I walked in and was asked to sit where ever I would like. It was not that packed so I can not say anything about how busy it can get, I was there at 7:30 so it was early Sunday morning and people has started coming in when I was leaving. I was looking for something and the waitress lady told me where the restrooms are, I did not have to say a word !! As soon as I came back she asked me if I would like some coffee. I like to drink tea and it was served promptly. They do not have a great selection of teas, just usual Lipton tea bags, but they served it with the selection and hot water and refilled my hot water a couple of times too !
I had the veggie eggs Benedict, which is the first time I had eggs Benedict in my life and I will be ordering more of this dish for sure. I just ordered because it was first choice on the menu. It was awesome. The staff is very friendly. Sitting arrangement is nice in a small cafe like environment.
The most important thing I noticed was that the waitresses know most of the customers present in the cafe and they were extremely friendly. Food is great and the environment is nice.
It is surely the five star cafe in Cleveland. -
Review from Bethany P.
Euclid, OH
4/23/2012
This is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Cleveland. It is small, and often crowded, and you need to bring cash as they don't take credit cards. None of this deters me from going there. I am a native Lakewoodian, but live on the East side now. I still find myself driving over to the west side for breakfast here. The thing that keeps me coming back is the banana pancakes-they are just like my mother used to make, and my favorite breakfast food in the whole world. But according to my fiance, the juevos rancheros are worth the trip as well. The prices are great, the people are friendly, and the food is fantastic. It's a tiny and simple place, but they are fantastic. I would definitely plan ahead if you are going to come here-make sure you have cash and come early! But even if you have to hit an ATM, or wait 30 minutes to be seated, this place is absolutely worth it!
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Review from Mike B.
Updated - 12/1/2011
So I finally remembered to pocket some cash on a trip back to my hometown and hit up the borderline for breakfast.
Seating's at a premium yet they somehow manage to mash everyone in.
The arrangements are pretty frugal, the decor on par to a children's nursery, but I'm willing to overlook that three ways to Friday to have more of those DELICIOUS breakfast chorizo tacos that they had.
Another excellent Lakewood breakfast establishment!
PS - go to http://squareup.com and start taking credit cards. Are you trying to avoid taxes or something?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/28/2011
**BRING CASH**
Dear Borderline, it's 2011, people like me hate handling dirty money and prefer to pay… Read more »
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Review from Russa w.
11/13/2011
Cute and small, nothing too spectacular, but sometimes thats what you 're looking for, some place quite to enjoy some coffee or some delicious stuffed french toast (or a southwest breakfast pizza...)
portions are large and most items are offered in half sizes, so indulge, get a few 'small plates' and share. Read the inspirational quote on the walls, read the paper and talk to the wait staff. This place nice diner feel that is often missed in larger busier places....
Cash only, so plan accordingly -
Review from Terri D.
Rocky River, OH
3/4/2012
oh my borderline cafe.....good, yummy, delectable, and uber CHEAP!
they cater to a southwestern menu, (uh, duh....re-read the name)...but they are not over the top if you know what i mean with crazy southwestern flair.... their first page on the menu is full of their 'borderline' southwestern specialty dishes.
i always order the same thing.....cheesy scrambled eggs, add onions with a side of smoked sausage....(drooling right now, as i am starving writing this post).....comes with choice of toast/english muffin and includes homefries.
the boyfriend always orders the huevos rancheros...every. single. time. he raves about them. i have never personally tried.
honestly, everything on the menu that i have had, has been delish.
downside~they take cash only, which is sometimes a pain...and the wait is often out the door.....the inside of this establishment is not very large....in fact it is quite teeny weeny....but as another yelper stated....so worth it....
the waitress' are always super friendly and accommodating......oh and they are not open every day...just an fyi.....
if you are craving cheap, yummy breakfast or brunch, take your sweet ass over to borderline for some southwestern fare..... you'll be happily pleased and so will your belly! -
Review from Stephanie R.
Lakewood, OH
8/4/2011
This is the place I loooove to go for breakfast!
It might take some time for you to be seated, but it is worth the wait every time. It is a small place with no waiting room, but if it's nice weather to wait outside, or you have the time, you should stick it out! Make sure to bring cash. It's a hassle if you never carry it, but it is worth the extra trip to the ATM.
Nothing is too flashy here, but it adds to the small time charm. Paper menus display well priced southwestern brunch items as well as traditional breakfast classics.
The "basic" will get you a nice portion of southwestern home fries, toast, and eggs. It might not sound so special, but the home fries are delicious! Another personal favorite is the stuffed french toast. Best in town, never found better!!
Love this place. Great food, great service! -
Review from Peter W.
3/15/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I need to make a confession.
I have been meaning to try the Borderline Cafe for well over a decade and wasn't able to actually get my idiot self through the door until last week.
I suppose the price I pay for this foolishness is the years worth of delicious breakfasts that I wasted by eating my morning meals elsewhere.
The above suggests what I thought of the experience, and to state it a little more explicitly, both the food and the service were excellent. I'm not normally a wrap kind of guy, but throw in some eggs, cheese, and smoked sausage, and I'll play the part convincingly enough. Nothing against juevos rancheros, but it's great to see a broader take on southwest breakfast food than juevos rancheros. In fact, I was so befuddled trying to make a decision about which savory dish to order that I completely overlooked the sweet side of things. I'll guess have to go back, I've got a lot of lost time to make up for. -
Review from Heather B.
Avon, OH
9/8/2011
I had heard so much about this place that when it was my turn to pick where I was going to meet one of my eastsider friends it had to be here. Since I had never been their either, I did my research in advance. She had the southwestern breakfast quesadilla which was huge and I ordered the half order of the stuffed banana and walnut french toast.
While the place doesn't look like much, it has some fun quotes on the walls and the food and waitstaff were wonderful. A half order was the perfect size for the stuffed french toast and my friend got to take the rest of her quesadilla home for a second meal. The prices were excellent as well and really can't be beat especially considering the quantity and quality of the food. I would definitely eat here again and next time I am going for an omelet! -
Review from Andrea Z.
My husband and I are SERIOUS about breakfast. We're always trying new joints in search of the perfect AM plate. After today, Borderline Cafe is now solidly in our regular rotation.
For breakfast out, I often just order the basic eggs/toast/hashbrowns plate. Borderline makes even this simple standby fresh. The italian bread for toast is clearly homemade or from the bakery down the street - perfectly toasted and FANTASTIC. The homefries are seasoned really well - sooo yummy. Sean got the banana walnut stuffed french toast and that was great too. They really have a lot of southwestern style breakfast items and interesting non-standards that we can't wait to try. Breakfast quesadillas, steak and egg sliders? Yes, please!
The place is pretty small (about 10 tables) and there isn't really much room inside to wait so unless it's summer, I recommend going on an off hour. (Went at 10:30 AM on a Saturday and only waited about 15 min). Such a cute, homey little restaurant - you feel like you're eating in somebody's kitchen. Oh - and it's cash only - but only the best places are.
Definitely go check this place out.
YUM! Can't wait to go back. -
Review from Lydia B.
Cleveland, OH
9/3/2010
Oh my gosh. Breakfast does not get much better than Borderline. Just thinking about it sends me into a carbohydrate craving, and generic breakfast alternatives like Bob Evans and Perkins are deeply depressing in comparison.
Stuffed French toast -- amazing
Trail mix pancakes -- amazing
Omelettes -- amazing
I've also had some fruit salads that have been very good.
The hours are my only complaint. If they were open seven, or even five, days a week, and operated into the later afternoon, I would be much happier. Though I suppose all the waiting and anticipation for them to be open (and often, just to get in the door once they are open) makes it even sweeter to sit down for a meal there.Listed in: Five-Star
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Review from dawn v.
Bloomfield Township, MI
9/10/2011
Ok, so they don't take credit or checks and you're going to wait during typical breakfast hours, but it will be worth it.
The ladies are so sweet and the food so good.
The avocado eggs Benedict with bacon is amazing. Something about the house made guacamole with the cilantro, lime and bacon with the eggs... Yum!
My daughter had the stuffed French toast and it was delicious. (get a half order unless you're a big person)
They're doing something right because there's always a line! -
Review from Linda R.
Hudson, OH
11/5/2011
First time there - place was packed and the folks kept coming in - Friendly staff and what a yummy breakfast - fluffy chocolate chip pancakes and crispy bacon! The hash browns were fabulous! Cash only...and so worth the visit!
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Review from Mark M.
Jeromesville, OH
8/24/2011 10 Check-ins Here
Excellent breakfast, only had to wait 5 minutes on a Saturday morning. Bacon avocado eggs benedict are worth the trip.
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Review from Dave K.
Youngstown, OH
9/12/2011
A delicious, reasonably priced brunch spot. The menu is on the small side, and every item looks like a hit.
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Review from Dave C.
Denver, CO
10/16/2009
Many moons ago, Borderline was the Sunday morning brunch tradition for me and my high school sweetheart. More than a decade later, I still look forward to coming here whenever I'm in town.
My two favorites were (and most likely always will be):
1) "Strawberry Stuffed French Toast" : Strawberries on top, sweet cream cheese filling inside. Heavenly.
2) The Southwestern Omlette : Eggs, sour cream, veggies, salsa, cheese. Perfection.
If you're dining with someone who's not opposed to sharing, I'd recommend getting one sweet thing and one savory, and splitting for optimal flavor distribution.
The line is always out the door, and sometimes down the block on weekends. So get there as early as possible, or try a weekday for best results. -
Review from Mike C.
Washington, DC
6/3/2008
This is my favorite place to go for weekend breakfast!
They offer a variety of southwest-inspired breakfast options that always please. Every time a friend is in town, we take them here for a great experience. There is usually a wait going outside the door but it is certainly worth it.
Some of my favorite selections are the pita pizza, breakfast burrito, and breakfast quesadilla. The price is spot-on as well. Try it out! -
Review from Lynne B.
2/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I LOVE breakfast sandwiches. I don't know what it is but I just can't get enough. Their borderline wrap is great - it's scrambled eggs, cheese and your choice of meat wrapped in a tortilla and served with salsa. I substitute breakfast potatoes for the chips (who eats chips, anyway?) and always leave so satisfied. It's a pretty small place so try to time your arrival either early or late to miss the crowd.
Listed in: Eat Here and Be Happy
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Review from Jen M.
Cleveland, OH
2/27/2011
5 stars for the large container of maple syrup they serve with the trail mix pancakes! All kidding aside, Borderline Cafe is a very unassuming, tiny little cafe. The line was out the door when we arrived (9am on Sunday) and it's first come, first served. We got the cute little table in the window which was neat. I have to say their breakfast potatoes are incredible (and I've had some incredible breakfast potatoes over the years from great restaurants). The service is great and the food is everything the other Yelpers are talking about. Definitely a keeper. But don't tell anyone...because then the line to get in will be down Detroit Rd and around the corner...and I gotta have those potatoes!
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Review from Iyonna H.
Cleveland, OH
3/24/2011
My boyfriend and I went here for breakfast on our three year anniversary. I had the regular French toast (short stack), and he the banana pancakes. Both dishes were very tasty. The only downside to this place was the fact that there isn't much space...especially for a baby. Cute chairs though!
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Review from Justin S.
Lakewood, OH
2/15/2011
Definitely one of the best breakfast places on the westside! Most try!
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Review from alia l.
Cleveland, OH
1/23/2009
Oh Borderline, how I love thee...Best. Diner. Food. Around. (And shouldn't Cleveland be a place of awesome diners? And why isn't it? But I digress...) The Borderline serves breakfast with a southwestern twist. I have never - repeat - never, had anything short of yummy-licousness here. Their homefries are to die for (get 'em with cheese for happy arteries), the omelettes great, the quesadillas delightful. And, they are consistent in their quality and taste, but not in a chain restaurant kinda way. Their prices are cheap, and the servers are great. I only have one complaint about the Borderline: please, for the love of god, get some new carpet. I can hardly avert my eyes anymore. It won't stop me from eating there, but still, I beg.
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Review from Martin L.
Wooster, OH
8/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
Super breakfast, great strawberry cream cheese French toast, and good price. Very friendly atmosphere!
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Review from Henry F.
San Diego, CA
9/13/2009
The French toast is awesome! Very friendly wait staff, but the kitchen seemed a bit slow.
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Review from brian a.
Seattle, WA
12/14/2008
Shit! Only one review for the Borderline? I was there every weekend eating veggie breakfast quesadillas, sour cream coffee cakes, and that crazy stuffed french toast. Their hash browns are the best; sort of like a chunk of potato smashed down and cooked and seasoned just right. Incredible food.
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Review from gina g.
Independence, OH
7/11/2011
Cute place. The food was awesome, and our waitress was friendly. I would give more stars if they took credit cards and had a website. Those two things are normally enough for me to refuse to even try a place, but I'm glad I went and would probably go back.
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Review from Tim H.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Love this place. The breakfast pizza rocks! And the hash browns are really good too.
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Review from Bruce W.
Camarillo, CA
9/16/2010 1 photo
We are visiting from California and really appreciated the delicious breakfast and friendly service. We will be back next trip.
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Review from Zoe C.
Cleveland, OH
11/28/2010
This place has, hands down, some of the best breakfast food I've had anywhere. The menu/food is definitely 5++ stars quality, but the overall rating is tempered by the small space/long wait that you may have to deal with (anytime past 9:30 on weekends), temperamental hours, no liquor license for that mimosa/bloody mary you may want for Sunday brunch and the super-old/filmy plastic glasses they use for water. The service is very friendly, but you're going to wait for the breakfast goodness -- once it arrives, it is heaven! The best home fries ever, the perfect blend of crispy fried on the outside, soft on the inside, with just the right seasoning (I'm pretty sure smoked paprika is involved, but who knows) -- the stuffed french toast is also TDF, as well as the southwestern flair that sets the place apart from the ordinary greasy spoon. Show up early, beat the line and bring friends to share dishes so you can get both the savory and sweet dishes!
