Definite neighboorhood institution. Perfectly exemplifies the diversity of Mt. Vernon. Finally complete with new renovations, updating the old car showroom into a sexy mod fabularium. Menu has gotten a recent injection of imagination and verve, with an upmarket swing in the entrees. Brunch is consistently solid. Sandwiches and salads are a particular favorite, with emphasis on freshness and flavor. Bright and airy cafe side invites working meals. Dessert case is invariably tempting, as is the bar. It's hard not to linger.

5/22 - Update - City Cafe has hired a new Chef who has abandoned the entire old menu. Bye Bye Pesto Chicken. They have reduced the cafe space to expand the restaurant. Word of mouth says that they plan on converting to a fine dining establishment with plates starting at $30. Had to reduce my rating.


Frequent City Cafe in the morning for Java and a dessert. They just remodeled and the new layout stinks. There is only one coffee fixins' bar and one trash can--often not ideal (there used to be two). Their pastries are pretty good--sometimes the pound cake is a bit stale/dry. Coffee is great but I hate their espresso drinks. I love their frozen cappachino out of the churn during the summer (if they have it ready). Yogurt parfait is one of my favorites but sometimes the kitchen staff doesn't have it available in the morning. Depending on their mood they may or may not make one special. This is a good place to see all sorts: hotties to weirdos. Staff is friendly once you get to know them. People who laptop for hours on end are annoying but they started limiting time based one purchases so that should cut down. I do recommend City Cafe.

I just moved right across the street from City Cafe and have been 3 times in about a week. The first time we went for happy hour and sat in the restaurant section. I got a pair of Stellas (2 for 1 drinks at happy hour) and my fiance and I split some calamari and buffalo shrimp. Wonderful food, wonderful drinks, wonderful atmosphere ... plus, right across the street.

The second time we went with my fiancé's parents for brunch. I got some excellent potato pancakes with eggs and sliced ham. Wonderful.

Then we went last night for dinner. Their crab and artichoke dip is the best I have ever had. And for dessert, they have a huge selection - from which I chose my favorite, bread pudding. Incredible bread pudding that looks more like just bread than bread pudding, but has wonderful texture and flavor ... best bread pudding in the city (best of the 5 or so places I've tried, at least)

While this place is generally pretty good for lunch (and gets bonus points for having smoothies), I just wanted to put it out there that they have the worst Bloody Mary in the city. Beware.