By Gray Chapman
Tucked away in the richly historic neighborhood of Cabbagetown, the Carroll Street Café is a true hidden gem of a restaurant. The Café is situated in the middle of the neighborhood’s main drag, adjacent to the original Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill. This secluded spot is not just a “breakfast joint” or a “dessert place” – with everything from gourmet omelets in the morning to caviar tapas in the evening, the restaurant satisfies hungry customers all day (and night) long.
The brunch menu reads like a “best-of” list, with all the favorite breakfast usuals turned up a notch or two. The Belgian waffles are sweetened up with strawberry butter, and creations like smoked salmon benedict are a huge hit. But the café is great even if you’re just there for the coffee—plenty of people show up with a few dollars and a newspaper, and hang out for a couple hours enjoying the small town vibe of Cabbagetown. Sit outside and enjoy the fresh air (on an Atlanta street that’s miraculously traffic-free), or head inside and admire the artwork hanging on the walls in their monthly art shows.
For those in search of something different for dinner, Carroll Street Café combines the rustic European ambience of a place like Cafe Intermezzo with the innovative menu style of Apres Diem. The prices are very reasonable, given the level of service, quality and atmosphere that diners enjoy. The big chalkboard on the wall displays the tapas specials, with exotic gourmet selections prepared by the chef.
Luckily for the night owls, the café stays open until midnight on weeknights and until 1 a.m. on weekend nights. A full selection of coffee beverages and dessert drinks are readily available to be paired with any of the café’s tempting desserts displayed under the counter. Dessert offerings change daily, but if you’re lucky, you’ll go on a night when the Cappuccino Mousse is available—it’s a sweet tooth’s dream come true. Candles light the room full of intimate small tables and comfy loveseats, offering an environment suitable for any date. Carroll Street Café also offers weekly events, with live music on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as an art exhibition that changes by the month.
True to Cabbagetown style, Carroll Street Café has a friendly atmosphere that one would be hard-pressed to find in the busier areas of Atlanta. While you’re there, be sure to take a stroll around the neighborhood. The rows of colorful bungalows have rich histories, as does the huge Cotton Mill complex. The six-block area is a great place to spend a weekend afternoon, especially the spacious Cabbagetown Park. Check out the rest of Carroll Street while you’re there – you may be surprised with what you find hidden in this charming neighborhood.
