Golden West Cafe

Golden West Cafe Restaurant Review:

Whether you arrive bright and early for breakfast with the kids or after dark for drinks at the Long Bar and edgy indie bands, the Golden West Café has a fresh, unique vibe. Chef/owner Thomas Rudis' basic recipe of funky décor --- an aged mural of palm trees, menus in kitschy LP sleeves, flea market finds galore --- and eclectic cooking at very decent prices make a winning combination. The menu is based on the flavors Rudis loves. From New Mexico come dishes like huevos rancheros and frito pie, both served with his lush green chile sauce. Asia inspires the Vietnamese salad of warm grilled shrimp over cool rice noodles with crushed peanuts and nuoc mam sauce. Even desserts can have a twist, like chocolate cake with an espresso frosting. Be forewarned: The frozen margaritas pack a wallop.