Castle Cafe — Restaurant in Castle Rock

I can't believe I didn't come here sooner. I kept wanting to try it but never prioritized it with so many yummy options in the area. However I have been missing out. From the very start when they brought out the Parker rolls, which are more like big fluffy pieces of bread, I was in love. I also really enjoyed the French onion soup with mushroom which isn't an addition I think I have had in a french onion soup but it was a nice compliment. I just think that it should come with more spoons because everybody at the table needed to try it haha. Then for the entree we both got the chicken fried chicken. I think my husband really liked it because after I ate about half of mine he finished that after having had a whole portion of his own as well. People with high metabolisms are lucky they can eat whatever they want haha. My daughter ordered off the kids menu and her burger looked pretty good for a kids meal. They also honored her extra cheese request which most places forget or we order online and they don't have that option so she was really happy about that. The service was really nice. Not only our server was very kind and attentive but the food runner was a really nice guy as well. I also like the ambiance. It is in an old building and it gives a nice historic nostalgia. There's also a lovely painting on the wall. Next time I will have to ask more about the history. They have a little paper about it but there's more I would like to know. I guess it all revolves around the Parker family? Because the painting said Parker on the signature and the rolls were Parker rolls. I will have to learn more. They also have honey that they serve with the bread and that is so yummy. We also loved our desserts. I thought that my husband would need a to go box for his apple pie but he kind of laughed at me because he ate all of that as well. I got the black bottom banana cream pie and it was to die for honestly. A lot of people don't like banana cream pie but this is worth trying. I think the chocolate bottom gives it something extra special. They also have coffee to serve with dessert so that is nice. Unfortunately the restrooms were out of order but hopefully they will get them fixed soon. All in all I thought it was a lovely experience and I look forward to coming back honestly for the bread alone it is worth coming back for haha. Next time I think we will try the famous...

The Castle Cafe has been one of my favorites for home cooking for roughly 15 years.

I will make a 45 minute trip just to eat here when I don't feel like frying chicken myself.

Tonight there was a short wait when we arrived (only twenty five minutes or so) at prime dinner time.

We were greeted with a smile, and the ladies asked for my number and sent me a text letting me know we would be buzzed when next.

We waited in the area out front patiently until buzzed. Then we followed the lady to the booth that fit five of us comfortably.

I keep in mind they were busy.

We had one gentleman approach the table saying he would be back in a moment, and then less then a minute later another server came over and basically said she would be damned if that's so and that no one was going to take her table.

So she proceeded with our drink orders and I went ahead and placed an order for appetizers. The spinach and artichoke dip was absolutely delicious, and the smoked trout was amazing.

When the drinks arrived we placed our dinner orders. Knowing it would take 30 minutes for the cast iron fried chicken.

Our soups and salad came before the appetizers, which was fine because we were hungry. The apps arrived shortly after and then the main course.

When the appetizers arrived we then placed a to go order that consisted of three items.

We all tried different dishes from the menu. Everyone left with full stomachs and no food complaints.

When we were done boxing up what we couldn't eat we decided to share two slices of strawberry rhubarb pie.

The only thing I think could have been better would be if the server was a little more attentive with the discarded plates. Making room for when the entrees came.

All in all dinner was amazing and my family made another...

Overall, this is a very nice place for dinner. We have been going here for many years, almost exclusively for the pan fried chicken. It's a great go-to when you have guest in from out of town, because the location has some great history to share. The chicken meal is a shareable, family-style meal with "endless" sides and rolls. My one MAJOR complaint is the disgusting "seasonal vegetables." First of all, it's been a VERY long season for this vegetable medley, as they have not changed the selection for as long as we've been visiting, which is over 20 years. Don't bother even asking for a substitute, because they have never had one. Please, Castle Cafe, for the love of all that is good and decent, change it up already!! How about something simple like corn, peas, asparagus, green beans, or anything other than this squash/carrot/broccoli/bean/corn abomination!! I'd be willing to bet this all comes from the frozen food section, and they just steam it. I'm OVER it! The desserts are also hit-and-miss. Sometimes they have a cobbler or a particular pie, but sometimes they don't. The selection is usually very good, but you never know what's going to be available. Lastly, I'm not convinced the soups are anything other than straight out of a can, especially the clam chowder. Again, the selection varies, so you'll find out when you get there what it's going to be that day. I wish they would keep the soups and desserts a little more consistent, and the vegetables with...