Mikhael's — Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

I expected good food, I did not expect to be entertained. I went for an early breakfast to Mikhael's Restaurant. The building is unpretentious, to say the very least, a concrete block and brick affair that looks like it may have been there forever. It is one of those locations that is easy to drive past. It is on a busy street and sits in a neighborhood location, not surrounded by other retail or restaurant businesses. But it is definitely worth finding! I'll get to the food later. Right now, I want to write of the entirely authentic interior and the one of a kind dynamo of a waitress, Amber. The interior could easily serve as a set for a television show or movie about a diner. It has such an iconic style. Not the kitschy chrome and red leatherette, black and white subway tiled styling that one so often sees in "retro" diners, but a spare, bare bones, scrubbed for decades look that instantly strikes one as authentic and genuine. When I walked in, shortly after they opened at 6:00, I noticed that all of the patrons were older men, a crew of gruff, good natured codgers that could have come straight out of central casting. And then, a millisecond later, I noticed Amber, the blond, cheery, chatty, ultra high energy waitress hustling about the room, tossing a quick word or laughing at a joking comment from one of the regulars. She is a treasure. I have met a lot of diner waitstaff over the years, and it would be hard to count their number. But out of the thousands, Amber stands out like a shining beacon. Her effervescent personality, the obviously caring relationship she has with the regulars, the sparkling, positive energy she brings to the proceedings, all unmatched in my experience. It was a joy to watch her moving briskly from table to table, inquiring about one gentleman's health, asking another of their plans, reminding yet another about an upcoming appt. As I said earlier, I could have been watching a rehearsal for a play entitled "Waitress." I was so enchanted by the performance in front of me I almost forgot about the food. I suppose I should mention the food. It was in keeping with the setting, classic American diner. Omelets, shipwrecks, hash, 'cakes, French toast, steak and eggs... the only departure I noticed was the offering of Greek style eggs and a gyro omelet. I chose a shipwreck (as I so often do), consisting of American fries, sausage, bell pepper, jalapeños, and American cheese. I love shipwrecks, and I loved this one. The potatoes were well crisped, which I consider essential to good American fries. The veg and sausage were well distributed and chopped to what I would call a medium fine consistency, and the American cheese squares were blanketing all with their melty goodness. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the hot sauce, not just "the" hot sauce but "their" hot sauce. Quite often, one will find a house hot sauce that is simply privately labeled Tabasco. That is definitely not the case here. This sauce had a lot of body, with a rich, darkly flavored heat including lots of big pepper flakes. Absolutely yummy, in fact, so good that I asked the ever-present Amber if the sold bottles they do, and I bought one without hesitation. I absolutely adored my visit to this completely genuine, beloved neighborhood eatery, and I would go back even if they stopped...

I read the below review about the rejection of a service animal. I have a service dog ( HAD ) for the deaf for my wife. Should I walk into this restaurant and be rejected and questioned like his, this place will be sued pursuant to title III of he federal ADA Act. Tap on attachment You will regret this behavior…that is a promise. Attn owner or Manager, you better read up on the Federal ADA act especially title III, or your future as a business will be short lived…Promise..

ADA Title III: Public Accommodations

Title III covers businesses and nonprofit service providers that are public accommodations, privately operated entities offering certain types of courses and examinations, privately operated transportation, and commercial facilities. Public accommodations are private entities who own, lease, lease to, or operate facilities such as restaurants, retail stores, hotels, movie theaters, private schools, convention centers, doctors’ offices, homeless shelters, transportation depots, zoos, funeral homes, day care centers, and recreation facilities including sports stadiums and fitness clubs. Transportation services provided by private entities are also covered by title III.

Public accommodations must comply with basic nondiscrimination requirements that prohibit exclusion, segregation, and unequal treatment. They also must comply with specific requirements related to architectural standards for new and altered buildings; reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures; effective communication with people with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities; and other access requirements. Additionally, public accommodations must remove barriers in existing buildings where it is easy to do so without much difficulty or expense, given the public accommodation’s resources.

Courses and examinations related to professional, educational, or trade-related applications, licensing, certifications, or credentialing must be provided in a place and manner accessible to people with disabilities, or alternative accessible arrangements must be offered.

Commercial facilities, such as factories and warehouses, must comply with the ADA’s architectural standards for new construction and alterations.

Complaints of title III violations may be filed with the Department of Justice. In certain situations, cases may be referred to a mediation program sponsored by the Department. The Department is authorized to bring a lawsuit where there is a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of title III, or where an act of discrimination raises an issue of general public importance. Title III may also be enforced through private lawsuits. It is not necessary to file a complaint with the Department of Justice (or any Federal agency), or to receive a “right-to-sue” letter, before going to court. For more information, contact:

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Disability Rights Section Washington, D.C. 20530 800-514-0301 (voice) 1-833-610-1264...

The food is amazing, the people are amazing and the service is down right excellent!!! I walked in thinking I had more money on me but no I had $9.92 I had a water and I do believe it was the hangover buger (had egg) with crackle cut fries. I was full happy and had no more room for food. My meal was just shy of $8 so I was still able to leave just a small tip. I went back in a few weeks later they recognized and where happy to see me again. That time I was able to tip better

2 years later and this is the only place in cedar rapids, Marion and the Iowa City area that can actually cook an onion when requested and not put cheese on an item The very first time around every...