Quietly opening at the end of last year at the corner of Byrne and Glanzman, the Marigold Cafe has become a welcome addition to the fabric of this south Toledo neighborhood with its cozy atmosphere and delicious food.
The new spot fills the void left by last year’s closing of the Mayberry Cafe, which operated in the same space for 17 years.
We stopped in late on a Saturday morning and had no trouble getting seated at a table for five in the narrow dining room, but our timing must have been lucky because the restaurant was filled to capacity by the time we finished breakfast. Seating includes booths, tables and a cheerfully decorated counter with classic diner stools.
Welcoming atmosphere
A significant portion of the paper menu is occupied by a mission statement for the restaurant that includes creating “a warm and inviting haven where the community comes together to savor the simple joy of a delicious breakfast.” This was accurately reflected by the clientele we witnessed during our visit, which ranged from families to older couples to individuals who greeted staff by name when they entered the door.
”We really pride ourselves on a welcoming atmosphere,” owner Lauren Klein said. ”I like the fact that some people on the weekends just want to sit and talk, and I like the fact that there’s a few regulars on the weekdays that come in and just talk to us. They become more like friends.”
Prior to opening the Marigold Cafe, Klein served as general manager of Uncle John’s Pancake House. She brings about 25 years of food service industry experience and a passion for breakfast to the venture, so putting the menu together came naturally. “I personally have always loved breakfast,” she said. “Breakfast for dinner was my favorite night of the week as a kid.”
Keeping it simple
Klein settled on a menu that is concise by design — all the breakfast offerings fit on one side of the paper placemat. On the reverse is a short lunch menu consisting of six entrees.
Klein explains that everything on the menu is meant to be customizable, meaning “if you see an ingredient, we can make it for you.” The “Hot Ham n’ Cheese” sandwich, for example, can easily become a grilled cheese or a grilled cheese with bacon. There is no true breakfast sandwich on the menu, Klein said, but they make plenty of those for customers.
The Marigold Cafe also offers monthly specials, homemade baked goods and milkshakes. ”I want it to be that neighborhood place but maybe a little bit elevated on the food,” Klein said. “I want to go as fresh as possible, serve as little things out of a can as I possibly can, and when I do put something out, it is homemade.”
Kid-tested and approved
While developing the menu Klein tested many of the recipes on family members and staff, including her son and another employee’s daughter. The batter for the pancakes, waffles and French toast is made from scratch and was perfected through feedback from the kids, as was the hand breading for the chicken tenders. “If we can appease a 6 and a 9 year old, I think we’re doing okay,” Klein jokes.
The kids menu includes an entree named after Klein’s son. My 9-year-old daughter heartily approved of the “Marcus Special” that comes with three chocolate chip pancakes topped with whipped cream and a side of bacon ($8).
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The rest of my family ordered from the main menu: one son chose pancakes (3 for $5) and another went with French toast ($6). My husband opted for the three-egg cowboy omelet ($11), which comes with ham, onion, green pepper and cheddar cheese. Our table also added several sides of bacon for all to enjoy ($4 each), which was prepared perfectly crispy as requested.
I must make special note of the decadent French toast sandwich ($11) that I enjoyed, which was a true standout and possibly my new favorite breakfast treat. Made from thick cut sourdough bread, the sandwich comes topped with egg, bacon and Swiss and includes sides of syrup and strawberry preserves. The flavors blended together perfectly and the sandwich came with a side of equally-tasty fried potatoes.
Bottom line
The Marigold Cafe is a pleasant spot to enjoy a relaxing family brunch on a weekend morning. Don’t be deceived by the small menu — the kitchen welcomes special requests and can customize any dish. The service was fast and friendly, the prices were reasonable and the French toast sandwich alone was delicious enough to ensure a return visit.
Marigold Cafe. 2155 S. Byrne Rd., Toledo. 419-214-0333.
Hours:
Open daily: 7am-2pm
The Short Course:
Online ordering? No
Carryout? Yes
Delivery? No
Outdoor Dining? No
Kids Menu? Yes
Changing Table? No
Booster Seat/High Chair? Yes
Reviews:
5 of 5 on Facebook with 16 reviews
4.5 of 5 on Google with 38 reviews
