The Small Cafe is Big on Flavor

Overview:  Housed in the former Russell’s location (remember them?) on Naples Island is The Small Café.  Opened in 2000 and situated in a strip mall,  sandwiched between a Laundromat and a market, The Small Café is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And, while its size certainly lives up to its namesake, The Small Café’s menu is rather extensive offering an array of comfort foods morning, noon and night. 

Decor:  There is nothing fancy about this diner, and that’s part of its appeal.  You can see everything in a single glance—the tables and booths, the counter, and the kitchen—no matter where you’re seated in this L-shaped restaurant.  Walls are sparsely decorated with the exception of a mirror and oversized clock, while the pass-through that divides the kitchen from the dining area gives guest a little glimpse into what’s taking place inside the kitchen.

The Food: The Small Café’s menu won’t win any prizes for culinary creativity, but the food is simple and good.  Like Russell’s before them, The Small Café also has a decent selection of burgers.  If they have a familiarity about them it’s because Chef Jose, who perfected the Russell burger while employed with the tiny chain, now works the grill at The Small Café.   You’ll also find a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches served for both lunch and dinner plus favorites like meatloaf and chicken.  You can’t go wrong with breakfast either.  An array of omelets and scrambles dominate the morning menu (which is actually available until 2pm) along with a few griddle favorites.  Daily specials are displayed on a blackboard, too.  Every weeknight brings with it some sort of deal.  Monday nights everything on the menu is $7 after 5pm, and kids eat free on Wednesday evenings.     

Service:  While the staff couldn’t be friendlier, they’re not exactly speedy.  Our order was taken quickly, but the remainder of our time here seemed to drag on.  My meal arrived several minutes before my son’s and, needless to say, I was finished with my eggs by the time his pancakes arrived.  Then we had to wait several minutes for our check to make its way to our table while our server filled condiment jars and busied herself with other tasks.  In the big scheme of things, this was a minor (or should I say small?) inconvenience.  I would still give The Small Café two giant thumbs up.

The Small Café

Address: 5656 E. Second Street, Naples Island
Phone: 52.434.0226

Website: www.thesmallcafe.com

Cost: $
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7am-8:30pm; Sunday 7am to 3pmDisabled Access:  Yes
Parking Info:  Parking in shopping center lot or on the street
Restaurant type:  Ultra casual
Restaurant attributes: Limited outside and counter dining, breakfast served until 2pm, daily specials, CASH ONLY