A small sign is taped to a whiteboard perched on the mantle. The sign reminds those in the house that “Game day homemade snacks are in the cooler.”
Take a look around and you’ll see seven small tables spread across the wooden floor. An open layout leads to two other rooms also filled with local art and happy people eating brunch after church.
Despite appearances, this isn’t a family affair at your grandmother’s house; this is the small town atmosphere of The Sugar Kettle Cafe, established in 2009, located in Daphne, Alabama, serving up “Southern cooking with modern flair” at affordable prices.
When I arrived at the cafe, I entered through the back door and walked through a hallway, turning to find my breakfast companions already seated by a window. It struck me immediately that we were literally in a small house. Although repurposed, it still had its laid back, family-friendly vibe. Glancing around, I noticed signs informing guests of the soups and sides of the day. I was handed a menu that was so extensive it was a little overwhelming—really the only drawback of my experience.
Despite appearances, this isn’t a family affair at your grandmother’s house; this is the small town atmosphere of The Sugar Kettle Cafe.
We ordered almost immediately, and our food was delivered to our table exactly 10 minutes later. During this time, we sipped on the cafe’s coffee ($1.99, refills included). My companion informed me that his black coffee was better than the coffee he drinks at home every day. This was news to the table as he makes at least two pots of coffee a day. Our friendly server informed us that the coffee was Leroy & Hill, and promptly brought him a refill.
Those joining me for brunch regularly visited the cafe, and informed me that the fried chicken was divine. Glancing around, I could see that almost every table had some form of chicken gracing their plates, so I took them at their word.
They ordered the Southern Fried Chicken plate, which comes with two sides and a bread of your choice. They chose baby lima beans, green bean casserole and cornbread. ($8.99 for dark meat, $9.49 for white.) Another one of my dining companions ordered the fried chicken as well, choosing mashed potatoes instead of lima beans. The chicken, a hearty wing and a thigh, was “not overly greasy,” and the mashed potatoes were creamy and clearly whipped up in house.
The green bean casserole was the perfect consistency, with just the right amount of cheese. Crunchy almonds were scattered on top of the casserole, making it unlike any green bean casserole we’d ever tried. The cornbread had just the right amount of sweetness, and was “better than Cracker Barrel’s,” according to my friend. This brought a bout of giggles upon the table, as she has been a server and devout fan of Cracker Barrel for two years now.
My meal, Chicken and Waffles, ($9.99) was two hand-breaded chicken tenders served on a homemade Belgian waffle, with two ounces of pure maple syrup, whipped cream and famous onion bacon jam. Upon ordering, my server informed me that I had made a “great choice, sweetie.” (Obviously this article was written a few years ago for an opinion writing class, pre-vegetarian and pre-whereveritlands days, hehe.)
I was a bit nervous about what onion bacon jam was, but when my food arrived and I took the first bite I was delighted. The waffle was fluffy with just the right amount of crispness on the ridges. Powdered sugar was sprinkled on top, reminding me of funnel cake. The chicken was the lightest fried chicken I’ve ever had, practically shredding on my fork. This made it easy to eat, whether you wanted to pick it up like a sandwich or cut and dip it.
The onion bacon jam packed sweet and salty into even the tiniest of forkfuls and paired perfectly with both the chicken and waffles, as well as the other toppings. The bacon and caramelized onions brought on the salty, while the jam, “made in the back with sugar, syrup and things like that,” (clearly a secret recipe, despite my prying) brought on the sweet. It was so good I passed the small jar around the table, bringing on exclamations of “I’ve never had anything like that before!”
The cafe has a breakfast menu, a lunch menu, a kids menu, daily sides and specials, days of the week entrees, a “lighter starts” menu, as well as a holiday menu and a game day menu, so there are plenty of choices for any palate. Dine in, pick up and catering are available.
Dessert is on the menu as well, and diners can choose from Peach Cobbler, Triple Berry Cobbler, Pumpkin Cake or Butterfinger Pie (all $3.99), although I doubt they’re ordered often, due to the fact that none of us could fathom eating another delicious bite by the time we finished our entrees. Maybe next time.
The Sugar Kettle Cafe
✮✮✮✮
Four Stars, would recommend to friends, food and service are genuinely good, plenty of charm and atmosphere.
Address: 1015 Daphne Ave. (County Rd. 64), Daphne, Alabama, across from Target.
Phone: (251) 626-5657
Hours: Breakfast: 7 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Sunday; Lunch: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday – Friday
Online: www.sugarkettlecafe.com