Cappa’s Trackside Kitchen a Melrose Cornerstone for Breakfast and Lunch

There’s a reason why  (affectionately known in this writer’s family for years as the “Choo Choo Restaurant”) is number one in the hearts and stomachs of breakfast and lunch lovers. 

Owned and operating for the past twelve years by the eternally effervesant—even at 5 a.m.—Revere resident, Deborah Penachio (and until recently, her late husband), Cappa's is on the rounded corner of Grove Street, facing the railroad tracks, one block away from the West Wyoming Avenue commuter train stop. This trackside kitchen is open almost everyday year-round (except Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year's Day), weekdays 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekends 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., serving countless meals—and endless cups of coffee (at no extra charge)—off a well-stocked menu for breakfast and lunch.  

Bacon and eggs for breakfast are a given, but why not splurge for something special? The prices are very reasonable. Try the Eggs Benedict ($7); roasted pepper, provolone, and sausage Omelette ($6.50) served with homefries and toast; or one of the crowd favorites, the Freight Train ($8): three eggs any style, homefries, toast, your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham, and—we’re not done yet—French toast or pancakes. Phew!

If you fall for the sinfully delicious Carmel Pecan French Toast ($6.50), you can make your confession at St. Mary’s across the street, Catholic or not.

Service in this down-to-earth, super friendly, family-owned restaurant makes one feel at home. Over the years, Deborah, her daughter, Charlotte Osgood, niece Caprice, and Deborah's twin sister, Donna Colella, have watched many a Melrose family grow before their own eyes, from sparkly-eyed newlyweds, who later bring in their babies, to grown families, along with circles of friends—older men, Melrose moms—who meet regularly for an early breakfast, some every morning.  Or for lunch. Formerly a cash-only business, Cappa's now accepts Mastercard/Visa (not American Express).

Choo choo yourself over if you haven’t been.

• Where: 1 Grove St, Melrose | 781-662-7200
• Price range (entrees): $2-$10
• Noise Level: 3, Crowded and bustling. It's family style sitting sometimes, so you can be elbow-to-elbow, but it's not too noisy. Patrons respect your privacy.
• Kid-friendly rating, 1-5: 5, Plates can be adjusted to smaller portions, if needed. Also served with a side of fruit.
• Romance rating, 1-5: 1
• Special menus: No. There are separate menus for breakfast and lunch.