Sweet Maple Cafe

"The University Village community hub warrants a visit for many exceptional dishes, including breakfast tacos, country scrambles, holiday French toast, home fries, and Southern-style fried catfish nuggets that are only available on Fridays." - Samantha Nelson, Eater Staff

"This neighborhood institution has been around since 1999, and seems perpetually swamped until 1:30pm (when Sweet Maple Cafe closes)—for good reason. The brunch staples, like egg scrambles and home fries with perfectly crisped edges or creamy cheddar grits and sweet biscuits, are as comforting and homey as the service and warm, old-timey space. Whatever you order, make sure it involves table pancakes. They’re fluffy and tender, with the barest hint of a crust that holds up under any topping, even the ultra-sweet and thick cinnamon roll glaze." - veda kilaru, adrian kane

"This neighborhood institution has been around since 1999, and seems perpetually swamped at breakfast and lunch—for good reason. Outfitted with wooden chairs and checkered vinyl tablecloths, Sweet Maple Cafe feels like an old-timey diner so thick with nostalgia, you could peel it off the walls like paint. But the brunch staples, like egg scrambles and home fries with perfectly crisped edges or creamy cheddar grits and sweet biscuits, are as comforting and homey as the service and warm space. Whatever you order, make sure it involves table pancakes (you can get a half stack if you’re flying solo). They’re fluffy and tender, with the barest hint of a crust that holds up under any topping, even the ultra-sweet and thick cinnamon roll glaze. Just know that Sweet Maple Cafe is only open until 1:30pm and it can get packed on weekends, so head to University Village early and try and grab a seat on their large covered patio." - Veda Kilaru

"Sweet Maple Cafe has carved out a niche as one of the city’s best all-day cafes. The breakfast sandwiches come on sweet milk biscuits — the egg and Swiss cheese comes with sausage or country ham. Feeling hungrier? Add a fried chicken breast. And for folks looking for a lighter option, a cholesterol-free egg is also available." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"Battle the throngs of college students and University Village locals to snag a table at this home-style cafe on Taylor Street. The rewards — hearty scrambles, customizable omelets, fluffy pancakes, home fries, and corned beef hash — are worth the effort. Online orders can be placed here." - Jeffy Mai