Nestled in the quirky and eclectic Cabbagetown neighborhood of Atlanta, Carroll Street Cafe has been serving up brunch and coffee for years. After a recent visit, revisiting a spot I’ve frequented occasionally, it’s time to offer a fresh look at this neighborhood staple. While Carroll Street Cafe manages to be “passable,” it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Atlanta’s truly outstanding brunch destinations.
Carroll Street Cafe occupies a somewhat unusual location, bordering Cabbagetown and sharing space with other businesses. The interior is divided into two distinct sections: one designed as a classic coffee shop, the other resembling a dining tavern. Despite these different vibes, a unified menu, décor, and service style tie the two spaces together.
While not a place I eagerly anticipate visiting, Carroll Street Cafe serves adequately when convenience or a change of scenery is desired. My recent brunch experience mirrored past visits – consistently decent but never truly impressive.
The menu at Carroll Street Cafe feels somewhat scattered. For brunch, it meanders between contemporary American dishes and traditional breakfast fare, with nods to Canadian and Mexican cuisine. This diversity could be seen as a strength if the execution were more refined. Instead, it highlights a general sense of mediocrity. The ingredients don’t taste particularly fresh, and it’s apparent that dishes aren’t made from scratch. Basic cooking techniques prevail, and while the menu might boast terms like “demi-glace,” the overall impression is one of simplicity, perhaps relying on pre-prepared or frozen components. This isn’t to say the food is bad – it’s generally edible and meets basic expectations. However, it consistently falls short of being memorable.
Certain dishes at Carroll Street Cafe stand out, though not always for positive reasons. The lox plate, for instance, is a letdown for anyone familiar with quality lox, like that from Zabar’s. The lox itself tastes pre-packaged and varies in quality, sometimes resembling smoked salmon rather than true lox. A particularly frustrating aspect is the stingy use of single-serving cream cheese packets.
The red beans with poached eggs are a safe, if unexciting, choice, and something I’ve ordered repeatedly. However, even this dish suffers from inconsistencies. The beans are undeniably canned, the poached eggs vary in doneness, and the guacamole and pico de gallo taste pre-made. During my last visit, one poached egg was overcooked, the other undercooked. The flavor is acceptable, but lacks any real distinction. A more reliable option is the Shrimp and Grits. While the grits are described as jalapeño-cheesy, the flavor is quite subtle. They are not the best shrimp and grits in Atlanta, but they are satisfactory.
Service at Carroll Street Cafe is typically attentive and pleasant. Many staff members have a personable, laid-back demeanor, contributing to the cafe’s overall atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed, reminiscent of a blend of slacker, beatnik, and hippie culture, which aligns with Cabbagetown’s general character. Cleanliness is generally good, though occasional minor lapses with dishware can occur.
Considering the price point, Carroll Street Cafe is an acceptable option. Our recent brunch for six came to around $15 per person before tip and drinks, including a shared order of shrimp and grits. For breakfast and brunch, Carroll Street Cafe doesn’t compete with top-tier spots like Atmosphere, Thumbs Up, or El Gato Bizco. However, it serves as a decent alternative when seeking a different brunch location in the area. Dinner here, however, isn’t particularly compelling. Like other Apres Diem restaurants, Carroll Street Cafe shines more as a late-night spot or coffee bar, offering a relaxed atmosphere and occasional live music.
Food: [rating:2/5]
Service: [rating:3/5]
Vibe: [rating:4/5]
Overall: [rating:2.5/5]
Address: 208 Carroll St SE Atlanta, GA 30312 // Phone: 404.577.2700
