City Cafe
| Address: | 408 Main Ave, Northport, AL 35476, USA |
| Phone: | +1 205-758-9171 |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 4AM–3:30PM 4AM–3:30PM 4AM–3:30PM 4AM–3:30PM 4AM–3:30PM Closed Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 17
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A Private User
I really do not know how I would have survived college without City Cafe. As a student there the 1990s- I remember when you could get your meat, 4 veggies and your sweet tea and cornbread for under $3.00. It wasnt abnormal to eat there at least two times a week, but it was probably more like 3 most weeks- Monday, Wednesday and Friday were the best days and I LOVED the fried green tomatoes and the mac and cheese. The servers got to know your face and I still have servers, there are still a few there that date to my time at The Capstone, who have recognized me and my squeeze when we sit down before I say anything to them. That takes you back for a few moments to the day and then we sit and catch up on life a bit and they ask me when they can start expecting to see children with us? City Cafe is really better than a lot of meat and vegetable places I have visited over the years and it is always a part of a trip back to T-Town every chance I get and the food is still pretty much the same as it has always been. It is an essential experience even more so, I believe, than that bar-b-que and rib place that will remain nameless now located on the other side of the bridge from downtown Northport. We just LOVE IT!!!!
JO
Jon Engineer
Pros: Great food Amazing staff and atmosphere Tuscaloosa Original Cheap Great historic location Cons: Seating and waiting on table is "first come, whoever is closest first served" Long wait during lunch hours Only open early morning to 2pm or so Personal Experience: I have eaten here numerous times during my years as a student at Alabama. It is by far the best meat and 3 around and has the nicest staff as well. Great southern cooking and a menu that changes every day of the week. Referring to my cons, the seating is dictated by the customers, so the line traverses the entire restaurant and the front is towards the back section. The majority of the time, that good ole southern hospitality is present and people let whoever is in front know when a table frees up; but Ive seen people walk in and snag a seat just as someone gets up one too many times. Just something I would consider regulating better, but hey.. it works and they do great business. Definitely not a big issue.
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A Private User
All things considered this is my favorite restaurant ever, and has been for years now. The people are great, wonderful service; the food is outstanding and the prices are unbelievable. Meat-and-threes are normally really expensive these days (around $12 per person at most of the ones Ive been to across the South) and this place is still around $7 a person, drinks included. They have a different menu each day but you can always rely on the best catfish around which is available everyday. Theres usually a bit of a wait as they are crowded every moment they are open, but the atmosphere makes the wait enjoyable, almost an essential part of the City Cafe experience.
VA
Vance Olmstead
Took a while go get an order, refills before food arrived had to be asked for. Waitress was unfriendly. Order was for scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, sausage and sausage gravy with biscuits. Eggs were overcooked with no cheese. When brought back eggs were still overcooked. The gravy had no sausage so when that was brought up they brought one (with attitude) with a broken up sausage on top of it, and left the check to insinuate they want us to leave. Very unfriendly! Poor service! Food unsat! Had to go to the front to ask for a to go box, and by time I was back she took my food. She wasnt that quick with service!
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Doug Wilkerson
I think people who see all these rave reviews go there expecting gourmet cooking. Its not. Its good food, its cheap, and its an experience. City Cafe is an institution. I survived on it 25 years ago in college--meat and three with sweet tea for under 4 dollars as I recall. Hasnt changed much. Some of the same staff remains. Its as much of a landmark as Dreamland BBQ. Its an experience. Dont go expecting interesting interpretations of Mac and Cheese.
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Stacie Moreland
Food was awesome. Waitresses are the rudest people I have ever met. We were scared too even ask for refill of drink. Then when asked for to go cup because needed to take meds. She said ,"is there anything else so I want have to make another trip" thing is she wasnt even our waitress, and first time asked her for anything. But overall the all were rude and we werent only ones noticed.
MA
Mary Ann Montz
Not what it used to be. Last visit ,I was disappointed. New owners need attitude adjustment. I dont mean that ugly but......its just not the same and I imagine just a matter of time Wish I had the investors it would be à dream come true , to own my own place. I have plenty of experience and desire but it wasnt Gods will. So I do wish them every success.
MA
Marla Hickman
After reading the great reviews for this place, we were very disappointed. Although the food was quickly delivered, it was just okay. The service was not very good either as we had to ask for more drink. The sign outside advertised dessert they didnt have...so although cheap, it wasnt what I was hoping for based on the rave reviews.
MI
Michelle Poague
The chicken fried steak and fried green tomatoes are amazing! We order lunch every Thursday and are always delighted and immensely satisfied with the quality of our food! The staff is friendly and food is ready quickly. At Ashley furniture, we wait with anticipation all week long for our favorite Thursday lunch!
KA
Kayla Morris
i think city cafe is the best hole in the wall i have ever been too. the food is great, the service is awesome, and im a server. i love the t-shirts. the prices are awesome as a student you cant eat that cheap for a good home cooked meal anywhere but there.
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Wesley Bowers
If you are looking for a hometown no frills eating at Grandmas house experience then look no farther than the City Cafe in downtown Northport, AL. The pricing is unbelievably reasonable and the wait staff is just like being served by your beloved Aunt Sue.
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Amanda Reyes
Excellent breakfast and lunch that is much loved by locals. It is a bit of a dive, but the waitresses are friendly and the food is good. It is my favorite for a classic Southern meat-and-three (or four or five!) lunch. Also, really cheap.
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Sam Scheidler
Perfect restaurant for a college town, 5 bucks never bought so many plates of food. Tasty southern diner food (not gourmet by any means, but good), salt-of-the-earth servers, a lot of character, and crazy cheap prices. Love this place
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LaFaye Mickens
Stumbled up on the gem while visiting Tuscaloosa Alabama for the very first time. The service was Awesome out server Kim was very friendly. The Food was Great!! The Biscuits are to die for!!! Cant wait to visit again!!
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Becca Tindol
Pretty good cafe, prices are great!! Super affordable. The food is good for the price, the sides arent exceptional, they just arent seasoned very much but they are still good. I enjoy coming here, always good service
MI
Michael Dillard
Its an institution. It must be done. An affordable "meat and three" with charming service. Your sweet tea will be topped off even if youve only had one sip. "Teas to go?" is a phrase commonly uttered.
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Nick Cannon
If you like a meat-and-three plate this is the place for you, the decor is a little dated but the staff is friendly add in fast service, great prices, and good food you cant go wrong with City Cafe
