#85 of 95 30A Restaurants

The Caf

The Caf - Southern Home Cooking Done Right
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

The Caf is a very unassuming restaurant but don't be fooled by its exterior and location. Known for its fried chicken and breakfast special, this Southern staple has been a hit with locals for many moons now. If you want something that won't hurt your wallet by the time you're ready to pay, it would be hard to find a more delicious option.

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

You might not think that a restaurant next to a gas station would be the best place to stop for a meal, but The Caf is a bit of a locals-only secret. This diner, serving up breakfast and lunch, is not only delicious but known for its excellent bargains. For vacationers watching their pennies or just for those who don’t want to splurge on their early meals, this could be the best possible compromise.

This is an old-country diner, meaning you aren’t going to find a lot of luxuries hidden in the decor. While the staff is friendly and happy to help, don’t expect full table service from them. When you walk up to the counter, simply give your order and wait for your food to come up. The menu is simple, fitting on a single blackboard that includes both food and beverages.

If you’re at a loss of where to start, here are some of our favorites:

Fried Chicken
Anything with the fried chicken has our seal of approval. When people come in, they’re ready for this Southern classic in all its glory. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Caf. Whether you order it alone or with sides, you won’t be disappointed.

Breakfast Special
You won’t have a lot of other options to order in the morning, so it’s a good thing that the breakfast special is universally satisfying. Eggs, two kinds of breakfast meats, grits, and a homemade biscuit make for an impressive meal at any time of the day.

Meat, Egg, and Cheese Croissant
When it comes to the breakfast sandwiches, most are just a play on what you can already find in the breakfast special. However, if you’re craving a croissant rather than a homemade biscuit (and you just want someone to assemble it all for you), this croissant combines all of your favorites into a full savory plate of goodness.

Chicken Tender Combo
When you’re not in the mood to deal with the bones but still want some fried chicken in your life, the tenders combo is an excellent compromise. The combo comes with a side of your choosing, which can round out the meal. This is an excellent choice for kids especially if they’re looking for something familiar.

Biscuits & Gravy
It just wouldn’t be a Southern restaurant if you couldn’t get biscuits and gravy. Satisfying no matter what time of day you eat it, it’s a tantalizing way to elevate your vacation to new heights. This flavorful combo is always better when it’s cooked from scratch, which is exactly how they do it at The Caf.

It’s always fun to find hidden gems no matter where you happen to be, and The Caf truly fits this description to a tee. It’s not only an entirely reasonable price for full plates of food, but it’s incredibly tasty to boot. This is a great place to come when you want good food without all the frills attached.

Insider Tips:
– This restaurant is close to a gas station so check behind the pumps before you move on.
– Known for its delicious meals, but less so for its ambiance. If you’re looking for a more scenic place to eat, the beach is just a few minutes away.
– This is a diner, but The Caf isn’t known for its coffee. If you’re getting breakfast, just keep in mind you’re coming for the food.
– The parking lot tends to get crowded, so keep this in mind when you’re searching for a space.