Oakwood Cafe

The Oakwood Bistro Restaurant Café

‘Oh, hey you’re in early today, well before closing time. Hey, welcome back. Nice to see ya’, chirps a voice from just inside the dining area. ‘You could sit off there to the side or you could sit in this freshly wiped table. A little wet, but clean.’ The ever so friendly Kendra, over at the neighbourhood café, typically will greet as you come in the door.
She has been doing it for 18 years of the café’s 25-year existence at 666 Osborne Street and she is pretty well synonymous with this eatery. They are open from 9 am to 3ish pm every day except weekends at which time hours extend to 8 pm in the evening. I have benefitted from that 3 ish thinking back a time or two ago. There is no rushing the customers here.

So, I did take my place at the freshly wiped table, a little damp as it was but it dried very quickly. As I sat myself down, paper in hand, I noticed the background music taking me back to days gone by with “oh little Jeannie.’ Yes, Elton John has followed many of us, especially us boomers, over the years. It was a lively breakfast crowd practically every table was filled. There was a group of young twenty somethings looking like they were on a breakfast break from work. A quiet couple beside the window, another along the wall just beyond the doorway. A few Spanish speakers at a table socially distanced away. Although the rigors of social distancing are in place, signs of the mask do not appear to be enforced, amongst staff, unlike in some restaurants. It was hardly any time before Kendra had a menu in my hand and had an order taken as to what I would like to drink. She was a performer scurrying from one table to the next. ‘Here’s your coffee’ and off to the next table. God help her, but she did not have us waiting long.

When she stopped to give me a refill, I asked her name at which point with her jovial smile and good humour, says she, tongue firmly planted in cheek ‘if it’s for a compliment it’s Kendra, but if it’s a complaint I’m Erin. I still actually need a little more time to decide and so the scurrying continued. Another customer to greet, another order to take and another bill to settle. She complimented several menu items as if each were all can’t misses each one in its turn worthy of a try before the customer was sold. Soon enough it was back to me.

After getting some clarification, I felt certain that my choice would be satisfying. I love Benny’s as the menu refers to them. In no time at my table, I had my two eggs benedict with the white well done, the yoke runny coated with hollandaise sauce over top a bed of cut up salmon on English muffins and a side of baked cube breakfast potatoes. As I pierced through the egg, salmon and English muffin the yolk came oozing out blending with the oh so fine rich creamy hollandaise sauce - a show stopper, a winner to be sure. Along with that, I had my two toasted buttered ryes with marmalade on the side. Now, that was a breakfast of champions as far as I was concerned, a good fill to kick start the day. Oh, here comes Kendra on a scurry with some more hot coffee. Mmmm delicious as another fork goes in having another look at what Pallister has to say about Phase 4 and the further loosening of the grip covid19 has had over this province. Hmm could do with a good movie over at the cinema soon.

Can hear customers settling their bills just behind. ‘That was really good’ says one. ‘We’ll be back soon’, says another. Another scurry around and here’s your bill for when you are ready. Oh, yeah, bill is similar to that place I had brekkie with my brother last week.

Before taking leave I check in ‘bye Kendra’ ‘have a nice day’. Typically, leave taking is part of the dining experience. ‘Do I know your name?’ she asks. ‘I can now put a name to your face’, says she.

With all that said, the meal in front of you is just a snapshot of the bigger picture. No doubt, you will find your experience as part of this bigger picture time well spent. I am sure you will love the food and the neighbourhood vibe at the Oakwood Café.

Very nice place, normally not one to try the borscht but I was definitely surprised with the flavor. Staff is friendly and definitely deserving of a tip. Want a nice place for a lunch date? This is a great choice

I love beets and this lovely little cafe does a lot with one of my favourite veggies. Really truly home cooked food, no shortcuts here! Fresh borscht, beet salad, fabulous chili with lots of veggies and not to many beans! Delicious desserts and very friendly service. Even better because it is licensed and a parking lot out front. Enjoy this neighbourhood gem!

As institution. This place executes everything flawlessly, from tasty food, to impeccably homemade desserts, to exceptional, attentive customer service. Best burgers in town - hands down. Very accomodating, and breakfast all day.

Had the basic 2 egg breakfast with 2 pancakes on the side. Found the ham to be very salty and not the best quality. Black vinyl covers on the table reminds me of the old way of table decor.
Attentive, friendly safe. Very nice selection of breakfast. Check out the menu online.