Corner Cafe

Are you somebody who likes to spend 4 dollars on a watery cup of Tropicana? Do you want to throw down $ 8.50 on an egg sandwich? Then this place is for you.
Everything here is apparently locally grown and all that, but I’ve definitely seen places that do the same thing without charging the ridiculous prices that this tiny diner does. With so many options in Austin, this should be the last place you go.

service was okay and the breakfast was very bland. My husband went back to try the hamburger and he said it was delicious!!!

First off, I have to say that you can’t base a review on how small a restaurant is. That’s crap. This place is tiny and that’s one of its best qualities. It’s a popular place and for good reason: It has very good food. From the pancakes to the homemade biscuits to the homemade sausage to the grilled pimento cheese sandwich, this place is one-​of-​a-​kind for Austin. I love it. And I go there at least once a week.
If you really want to enjoy it, don’t walk up at 12:04pm for lunch. Go during an off time. Go for breakfast right when they open or have an early or late lunch. It’ll be harder to get pissed about stuff like lines, and easier to just enjoy the food and the humble diner atmosphere. Sit at the bar and watch the cooks cook. They’re some skilled S.O.B.‘s.

Just like everyone else, I try to support local businesses whenever possible. I drive by this place every day on the way to work and have stopped by 2 times and was beyond dissapointed. Read on for more
The place IS tiny and its seems very disorganized and not welcoming at all. I felt like I was walking into a very disorderly closet (perhaps of a young 23 yo boy). The main reason I stopped is that they often have a chalkboard sign outside that says fresh beignets (yum!) but when I tried to go in to order a couple they told me it was a 20 minute wait to make them. So I ordered a latte instead (which took about 10 minutes to make!) and was not good at all. But, I chocked it up to a bad day and one of the guys there was really apologetic and said to call ahead next time to pick them up.
A few weeks later, I did as he said and ordered 6. He said that they would be ready in ~15 minutes. When I arrived there were 2 guys in the back trying to get the machine working, but they said they said they’ve almost got it, if I just wouldn’t mind waiting a few minutes…
long story short, I walked out ~30 minutes later with the absolute worst beigents I have ever had in my life. Never going back.

I pass by on my lunch time walks, but it was only today that I finally stepped in. Blame it on the rain. I was taken aback by just how small it was inside. It feels more than a little cramped and their space cannot be larger than my living room. All in all, it’s probably pretty adequate for quick coffee runs for the various offices on the block.
Their sandwich menu seems pretty standard for a café. Nothing was jumping out, so I figured I’d go with one of the day’s lunch specials. I ordered the Turkey Olive Tapenade Panini and opted for a bacon addition. To make it a meal is an extra $ 1.85, and that includes one of their sides (various fruits, vegetables, chips, and things of that nature) and a drink.
My sandwich was fine, I suppose. The tapenade was very overpowering and I think that maybe some cucumbers or sprouts would have offset that nicely. It came on sliced wheat bread (more warmed than toasted), but I think that perhaps focaccia or something of that nature would have improved the overall effect. The plate came with a slice of lemon bundt cake, which was really just any regular grocery store bundt cake. Overall, It was an okay lunch.
I think they’ll have to step up their game as far as the food offerings go, but it’s not bad if you’re in the neighborhood.