Cruz's Cafe — Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

I was running errands today, endless errands here and there, back and forth across town. In between one thing and another, I began to get hungry (those errands are hard work). Luckily, I was near Cruz's Cafe. Their menu is full of diner classics, many of which looked delicious as I scanned through the menu online. The Tenderloin, always a yummy go-to luncheon choice, sounded a touch heavy, likewise the Reuben, another fave. The Chicken and Goat Cheese Salad is scrumptious, but I was driving and hankered for something to wrap my hand around. A club sandwich? Now we are getting closer, homing in on the perfect errand running, on-the-go sammie, but not quite there. The Philly! An absolute hall of fame American diner classic… except that I am not much of a beef eater, darn it! So I called, and the phone was answered almost immediately by a voice so friendly I knew I could lodge a custom, off-the-menu request. Could they possibly make me a Chicken Philly? I needn't have worried. The response was an instantaneous “sure!” I happily chose a side of seasoned waffle (or criss cut, depending on one's culture) fries to accompany. I could not have made a better choice. The hoagie bun was the correct combination of softness and crustiness with the griddled crispy cut side just so. The fillings also did not disappoint. Cubed chicken (which I felt gave the sandwich a unique, hearty texture), the requisite grilled onions and peppers (diced to a medium fine), and cheese sauce in a quantity that provided the sandwich that gooey yumminess it is so known for, but without being so much that the whole assembly became a soaked-through mess. I would like to say that I daintily consumed this delectable lunch, but I did not. I managed, through an impressive display of willpower, to pause long enough to take a snap, then consumed it in increasingly messy bites, enjoying the contrast of the smooth, cheesy sandwich and the crispy, crunchy fries until it was, sadly, gone. A special mention about the staff, every single time I have gone, and there have been a good number, I have been impressed by the friendliness, and professional hustle of the folx who serve the lucky clients of this most excellent local...

I am all about trying something new and especially something local. We had yet to try Cruz's Cafe prior to last Sunday and wanted to see what the location brought with it given the highly touted reviews on Google/Facebook.

We arrived and it was pretty busy but we were seated within a minute or two of arriving. About ten minutes after arriving we were finally greeted by a server and drink orders taken (Coffee, OJ etc.). Roughly five minutes later our waitress (I believe her name was Fallon, but may be mistaken) arrived with drinks and a coloring book for my nephew and mentioned she'd be right back to take our order.

Another ten minutes or so pass, we then submit our order whilst also having empty drink cups. It wasn't until we pointed it out after our order was submitted that we got refilled coffee/OJ/water. I ordered the benedict sampler w/ side of toast while the other two ordered two hotcakes and an omelet w/ hashbrowns. Our experience went even worse after our order was submitted.

While we waited for our food four tables were seated, a table of two, a group of seven that split between a booth and a tabletop and another group of two (in that order). We watched the two at the high top as well as the group of seven get their food before us despite arriving around twenty minutes after us as well as submitting their order after ours as well. We were roughly one hour in at the point that we got there until we received our food.

I understand the business was busy, I get stuff happens. However, when you have an open view of the kitchen from the dining area and your waitress seems to be spending more time in the kitchen either standing off to the front left near the bar or somewhere else in the kitchen it just makes you wonder if it's not a fluke. All in all we spent an hour and a half or more seated at a table, way more then should've been needed...

Outstanding! My family and I came here for our first time on Monday the 13th. Given the time we arrived, we could have chosen either breakfast or lunch, and we opted for breakfast. However, with each menu option sounding more enticing and delicious than the next, making a choice on just one dish became difficult. I chose the Tex Mex Shipwreck. In short, picture a bed of french fries, with bacon, smoked black beans, eggs, green bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, steak strips, cheese sauce, salsa, guacamole and sour cream.

I've never had a plate that offered a different flavor profile depending on which side of the plate you chose. That was amazing!

The local coffee they serve is an excellent choice. It was the perfect blend. Not too watery, not too strong, and not too bitter. Just the perfect sweet spot in the middle of all three.

Our server was friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. As the saying goes, "If you love what you do, then you will never work a day in your life." That holds true for our server. She made turned a nascent and expectant experience into a joyous and unforgettable experience.

The overall look and feel of the place is quaint and nostalgic, decorated with black and white checkered tiles, 50's memorabilia, old street signs, etc.

We will be back. Personally, I want to go back as often as possible so as to try everything on the menu...