821 Cafe

821 Cafe Restaurant Review:

Like the love child of a well-worn, down-home coffee shop and a New Age health food eatery, 821 Café feels right, whatever your mood. Sandwiches and subs are non-judgmentally sided with your choice of french fries, vegan chili, herbed orzo, fresh fruit, coleslaw or potato chips. Breakfast is served until 4:30 p.m. and all day on Tuesday (a lox bagel or Nutella-stuffed french toast pairs well with the mimosas). Entrées run from pastas and vegan stuffed portobellos to pan-seared pork medallions; there’s an ample beer selection; and chalkboard specials might be vegan tofu ceviche over rice with cilantro (the beer-battered buffalo tofu sandwich has been promoted to permanent menu status) and chocolate cheesecake. The counter is great for chitchat, or there’s a rack of magazines with practically as many selections as Barnes & Noble, if you’d rather keep to yourself. Service is swell, too; a friendly waitress brings water even if you’re just sipping coffee from one of the mismatched mugs. There’s also free delivery. Stumped by the café’s name? It used to be two doors down (at 821 W. Cary St.), but moved up the block to accommodate more guests.