Ah, City Cafe. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways....

City Cafe (located in downtown Indy at 443 North Pennsylvania Street) has slowly worked its way into my brain lately (kind of like those scary ear-worm things in Star Trek II but in a much more appetizing way) to become my breakfast spot of choice. I can be found dining on their scrumptious vittles pretty much every Saturday morning. Why can't I pull myself away? Here are just a few of the reasons:

1. The food, obviously. I especially dig their french toast (coated with crushed cornflakes!) and breakfast burrito.

2. Their specials are always a treat and rarely repeat. Hey, that rhymed! I'm a poet and didn't know it. Cool.

3. The Saturday cinnamon roles are so good that I would trade my TV for a lifetime supply.

4. The strong Hubbard & Craven's coffee makes a great way to wake up on lazy weekend mornings.

5. Many of the ingredients for their dishes are sourced locally. Now that's just a bonus.

6. The staff are attentive and friendly. The servers really bust their butts, and Brad and Nancy, the owners, are nearly always in the kitchen and dining room (respectively), ready and willing to answer questions.

7. The atmosphere is cozy and warm. During its busiest periods it can get a little cramped, but cramped in that "look at us, aren't we all just one big, extended family?" way not in the "I'm becoming claustrophobic" way.

8. They display interesting art. I've actually purchased some of it, which is a rarity for me and cafe art. Check out Josh Johnson's site for examples.

9. They also have an excellent weekday lunch menu with a different soup everyday (except Fridays when we get the always-delectable tomato-dill soup).

So, it looks like I love City Cafe at least 9 different ways. That's a lot of love - especially coming from me.