Sunday night I researched Austin Diners on the always trusty Yelp. Let me tell you, that search does not narrow down your options. I quickly found Cafe Java. It had everything I needed: wifi, coffee, an early opening time and a temping menu. The reviews furthered my excitement. I think Anthony E. said it best: "Great breakfast, coffee and wi-fi is a good way to start off the morning and this place serves it up home style." Simple. To the point. All I wanted. No need for excess or pretentiousness. I just wanted a good breakfast and I place to do some homework.
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| Cafe au Lait (photo: Annie Scott) |
I woke up early Monday morning, excited about how quiet it was in my normally boisterous apartment. I drove north up MoPac. I rarely venture outside of the bubble of West Campus so this was a stretch for me. When I arrived at the location I thought I had entered the wrong address. A lowly strip-mall, complete with cleaners and pizza parlors surround the barren windows of Cafe Java. I quickly took a double-take at the windows and made sure it was open at 7:30 am because the blacked-out panes made it look empty inside. Oh, how wrong I was.
I shyly opened the door and found a bustling diner that was completely full. I was greeted by a scurrying waitress who hollered, "Mornin' Sweetie, find any table thats open!" I nervously followed her instructions and found a quiet booth in the back next to two Austin sheriffs. I scanned the place. It was 7:30 and it was this crowded? I never knew people were always this productive, this early. There were business men checking their emails, hipster women obviously working on something resembling a thesis, nervous college girls waiting for their interviews to start and dozens of elderly couples enjoying their cup of morning joe. The walls were covered in independent and eclectic art work, some even being 3D. Autographed photos lined the walls, as did first dollar bills and family portraits. I could tell this place was family owned from the start. A mother and daughter were spotted bickering behind the counter and then giggling two seconds later as they greeted each customer with a smile and sincerity.
I was quickly handed a menu and in return I asked for a latte. I needed it...I hadn't been up this early in awhile.
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| California Omelette deliciousness (photo: Annie Scott) |
Ok, now lets point out the elephant in the room. Well maybe no to you, but to me this was a milestone. I was eating alone. In a restaurant. I don't do this often. I was feeling...how do you say it? Awkward. What do I do with my hands? Am I looking at my phone too much? Is it too soon to start homework? Should I pretend like I didn't already look up the menu online and act like I don't already know what I want? These are the questions that were haunting me. After a miniature panic attack, I gained some control and started on some French homework. The nice male waiter returned with my latte and asked me what I wanted. I pretended to be confused and peruse the menu but I think he knew what I was all about. I ordered the California Omelette (sticking to my roots) with a side of fruit and wheat toast. I continued with my homework and within what felt like three minutes (realistically probably seven) my food had arrived in all of its glory.
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| My work station (photo: Annie Scott) |
It was exactly what I wanted. Simple, not too heavy or rich and amazingly fresh. Avocado, tomato, sprouts and swiss cheese have never complimented each other so well. It was the perfect way to start a Monday, with a warm and tasty latte to boot. I quickly forgot about my eating alone phobia and enjoyed my meal peacefully while 80-year-old couples chatted and read the morning paper. I was with the regulars. The waitresses knew them all individually: knew their orders, how they liked their coffee and even asked about their kids and grandkids. One waitress even made a move on one of the sheriffs as he was paying his tab. "Do you guys work Saturday nights because you and your single friends should come to the party I'm having this weekend. Only bring the hot officers," she said in a not so subtle and extremely candid way.
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| Stalking the adorable regulars (photo: Annie Scott) |
That's how I knew this place was a keeper. It had personality. Not just delicious food and free wi-fi, but a family aspect that brought you back and made you feel welcome and important. But maybe sometimes the officers just come back to flirt.
