Jeff O.
Yelp
I had modest expectations for this restaurant, given its simple name and its small-town setting, but those expectations were far exceeded in pretty much every way.
For one, the cafe is well-kept and charmingly appointed, with flowers and twinkling lights on its front patio and tin ceilings in its spacious interior.
Also, the service is congenial to the point of seeming neighborly -- my wife and I felt right at home, despite being Americans just passing through town. The friendliness deserves extra credit because we showed up 30 minutes before closing, i.e., during that window of time when restaurants are technically open but also frequently staffed by workers who huff and puff at anyone who dares to enter as closing time draws nigh.
Regarding the food, I've got nothing but high marks for the fish and chips, which stayed impressively crisp even though we ordered takeout and only started eating back at our hotel. As is common around Nova Scotia, the fries are big and battered, like thicker versions of the dearly departed fries that Burger King sold back in the day.
We also got a large kale Caesar salad, which was embellished nicely with a fistful of crunchy spiced chickpeas. The greens ended up being like 50% romaine, but they were fresh and enjoyable.
I'll add that the restaurant has a nice selection of nonalcoholic craft beers, which was a pleasant surprise for my wife and me, since we're currently living the teetotaler lifestyle.
All in all, Brownstone is very solid and definitely a Main Street standout in Antigonish.