Café Verde resides in a quaint two-story row house in Phillipsburg, NJ, on the banks of the Delaware River.
Over time, several readers have recommended it. This morning, just as we were discussing where to go for breakfast, I received an amiable email from yet another reader noting Café Verde as a favorite. Providence. So, on this blustery April morn, my husband and I drove across the bridge to New Jersey. It was worth the drive. The restaurant delivered on all we’d heard.
The downstairs dining room looked quite cozy. We would have gladly taken a seat there, but I’d heard that the upstairs had a view of the river. We chose a table on the second floor, overlooking the Delaware. In addition to the pleasant view, the room was comfortable and pretty, painted in soft greens and blues. Attractive art work from area artists adorned the walls. A homey feeling enveloped us.
Our friendly waitress soon brought glasses of water, and large mugs of black coffee with creamers. She then disappeared to give us time to look through the menu. The café offers a good selection of omelets, French Toast, pancakes, and sides. We both chose the French Toast, made from thick Challah Bread.
When we first arrived we’d been alone upstairs but, while there, a family arrived, then a few other couples and friends. It struck me as the perfect sort of restaurant to bring friends from out-of-town for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Quiet and comfortable but with a unique local flair.
We were just finishing our first mug of (sensational!) coffee when our meals arrived. M. had ordered French Toast Deluxe
– three pieces of Challah French Toast, two eggs, a slice of ham, bacon, and one piece of sausage. He also asked for a side of toast for his eggs. I chose two pieces of French Toast and a side order of bacon. We agreed that the French Toast was among the best we’d eaten. Light, thick, rich. M. said the ham, sausage, and bacon were all choice quality, and well-prepared. His eggs were large and poached just as he likes them, hot and runny. Our coffee mugs were refilled at just at the right time. The waitresses were friendly and attentive. All in all, a perfect meal in a gracious setting.
The total bill came to $24.50 (plus tip). We ordered too much, though, and the portions were large. For the first time – ever – we brought home leftovers from breakfast.
Still, it re-heated well, and was as scrumptious for a late lunch as it had been this morning.
As a final aside, I found this You Tube video about the restaurant. (Click in center to run. )
Café Verde is located at 60 S. Main Street in Phillipsburg, NJ.
My sincere thanks to Carol, and to other readers, for directing us to this charming café. I hope you will comment with your experiences.
Sara








6 comments
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November 6, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Doug
While working in Phillipsburg with the AARP/Today Show Cafe Verde treated us like family.
The wonderful food and warm atmosphere was a treat. As I stopped to report to Jane Pauley and her production team I wished for another meal. Thanks Michelle!
November 20, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Brien Lee
Visit Cafeverdenj.com for menus, pictures, artist backgrounds, and their upcoming music showcase schedule. Plus see a brief video from Sarah Donner’s recent appearance.
June 8, 2009 at 9:00 am
HCW
Can’t wait to try this restaurant. Friends have told me the food is very good.
April 8, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Gina
They serve a nice lunch. It sounds like breakfast is just as nice. Thank you for your blog.
April 7, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Sara
Thanks for your comment, bda, and for the info on the hours. Good to know. Fresh seafood sounds fantastic! Looks like we’ll be going back for dinner sometime soon.
April 7, 2009 at 2:53 pm
bda
Great job on the review, very well written. I think that video was made just a few months after they opened.(Oct. 2007) The hours have changed some- Sun-Tues 8am-2pm/ Thurs-Sat 8am-9pm closed Wed. My favorite is the blueberry pancakes made with fresh blueberrys inside. (can only eat the short stack) Last fall they made pumpkin pancakes with walnuts as a special. GRREAT!! I have never seen a three egg omlet the size of these. Most places I have been they are a flat 3 x 6 inch strip of egg and filling, dosen’t even come close. Don’t forget about dinner– I know this is a breakfast site– but may I say the freshest seafood anywhere and you will be taking some home.