International Cafe Getaway

SACRAMENTO, Calif.- Looking for a nice getaway from the city, while in the city?  Then you need to check out Tower Cafe.


This cafe is located at 1518 Broadway.  Driving on Broadway, you might miss it.  It's a little hide-away behind some big bushes and trees.  At first, I didn't notice it, until I saw the long line of people standing on the sidewalk, at what looked like valet.


Parking is located behind the cafe.  On the walk up to the entrance, you will pass a cigar shop, a movie theater, walk through the secret garden and on the other side the entrance will appear.  The secret garden is the patio area of the Tower Cafe and just outside of the patio, is a beautiful European fountain.  Even in the rain, it was still spewing water.


Arriving at 11:00 A.M., the wait was estimated at 45 minutes.  Awnings were placed outside, so customers would not have to fully wait in the rain.  Everyone was in very close quarters, and even though the wait was long, everyone seemed to have a smile on his or her face.  I did over hear some young people say they should have gone to IHOP or Denny's because of the long wait.


As my classmates and I waited, we looked at the menu to see what we would like to order.  It was a overwhelming majority vote for breakfast food ONLY.  Some other items on the menu were: The Borracho Burger (The Drunk Burger), Thai Steak Salad, and Greek Omelet, among many other yummy choices.


We were seated about hour later.  Upset by the hour-long wait, cold and wet from the rain, this was not starting off very well.  Seated toward the right of the restaurant, the kitchen was next to us.  Looking around, the inside was full of color.  Many trinkets and decorations from Southwestern states, Mexico, Asia, Europe, and many other countries were everywhere.  Two painted pictures of Frida Kahlo hung on the wall, a Dia De Los Muertos skeleton doll was on the back wall of the bakery section, a bull skeleton behind me on the wall, and many fake colorful flowers.


The waitress, Dorrian, took our drink order very fast and was delivered timely.  Not short after our drinks came, a manager came to talk to our table and apologized for the wait and took care of our drinks for us (as in, she gave it to us for free).  I ordered the Seasonal French toast.


Maybe 10 minutes went by, then POOF! my food appeared.  The French toast had a fruit medley on top which consisted of apples, raspberries, and blueberries, with a dollop of cinnamon butter.  The French toast was so soft, the cinnamon butter added a sweet taste, while the fruit contrasted that taste with a tart flavor.  It had to be the best french toast I've ever had in my life.  No more fake French toast from IHOP and Denny's.


The Tower Cafe is a great breakfast spot with a crowd of all ages.  I saw a lot of babies, and a few kids.  Most of them were in amazement at the bakery section of the cafe, with cakes and cookies in the display window.  There was some diversity among the customers, but a lot of diversity among the Tower Cafe employees.


In total, my entire meal was $8.69, since the OJ was on the house.  All together, the food made up for the long wait and was well worth it.  I recommend this to anyone who loves good food.