Amber Road Café: My Favorite Canton Restaurant

Do they serve breakfast in heaven? If St. Lawrence (patron saint of food and cooking) is flipping pancakes in Jesus’ kitchen, how much does he charge for a stack? If I don’t like the answers to these Big Questions, I might rethink my plans to cross through the pearly gates someday. Because I’ve got my own little breakfast heaven, or at least a haven, right here in Canton. And I’m not alone. One of my favorite parts about this favorite retreat is that I always see a friendly face when noshing at .

A recent poll on Facebook revealed a common thread among many ladies who lunch locally. No matter what the selection, the kitchen at consistently delivers a celestial creation. Folks mentioned the fluffy, sweet muffins, the rich hot chocolate, perfect, chewy bread for sandwiches, amazing egg dishes, and coffee deep, dark, and strong.

Phantom Gourmet recently dined at Amber Road. I was surprised to read that his favorite picks are mine as well. The buttermilk pancake stack with caramelized bananas is worth a drive from the ends of the earth. And if you are not into sweets at breakfast, the options for customizing your personal Eggs Benedict (choices range from roasted vegetables to lobster) would please the pickiest of Benny critics. Potatoes may be a root vegetable, but the home fries are not of this earth. If nothing on the special board intrigues me at lunch, I always go for the Pilgrim Sandwich. Thick turkey slices, amazing homemade cranberry sauce and stuffing on grilled multigrain bread, with a cup of hot gravy for dipping. Amazing.

But back to the specials – be sure to check those boards. Delicious flavored iced coffees, smoothies of the day, and creative omelet selections are just a few of the daily changing items not to be missed when making The Big Decision.

Alas, Amber Road Café is not a perfect place for everyone. Many feel it is too expensive to enjoy on a regular basis. This is not to say that folks seem to find it overpriced –people seem to agree that you are getting what you pay for –mint sprigs on a gorgeous fresh fruit plate in January, anyone?

But weighing more on customers’ minds is the stare-down they feel while lingering over a second cup of coffee. Amber Road is not a big place, and unfortunately there is not a good waiting area established near the front door. If you’re not in for lunch by 11:30 on a weekday you will be stuck waiting with literally nowhere to stand. Weekend breakfasts conjure up even longer lines.

Amber Road Café is closed on Mondays. Plan ahead so you won’t have to wait too long. Otherwise, get ye a Nutella and Banana Crepe, and enjoy!