Q’s Corner Café — Restaurant in Columbia

In 2014 I lived in Albany, NY, and every day as I walked to work I passed no less than three little counter-style, carry-out shops that always smelled like frying bacon and as quick as you wanted you could get a tasty, no-frills hot breakfast sandwich to fuel your day. I've lived in Columbia three years now and I have often lamented that there doesn't ever seem to be anywhere to get that sort of bacon, egg, and cheese (and before 8am? forget about it!) such as you might want to snarf down before work or pick up quickly as your hauling your family out of town on a road trip. NO LONGER! Q's Corner Cafe has provided me with the crispy bacon-gooey cheese-fried egg-hot bread sandwich that I've been craving for three years. I see that they have other menu items as well, but I'm going to need at least five more of these before I venture further in to the menu. My only question: was there coffee? I didn't think about it when I was ordering (too excited) but I would have happily paid money for a very...

We finally tried this little spot, and since it was our first visit, we kept it simple. We ordered a meat empanada and a cheese-with-guava empanada — both were absolutely delicious!

Coming from Brazil, where empanadas are huge, these were definitely on the tiny side, but at $6 for two, the price felt reasonable. The meat filling was incredibly flavorful, and the dough was just right — thin, perfectly fried, and not at all greasy.

The cheese-and-guava empanada, though, is the real star. It’s a must-try. I have no idea what cheese they use, but it pairs perfectly with the sweet guava. I’m thrilled I can get them here now instead of making them myself.

I did have to remove one star for the customer service. The girl at the window seemed annoyed with us for some reason. We took maybe 3–5 minutes to look over the menu since it was our first time, but her attitude wasn’t exactly welcoming.

There are about three tables outside, but some umbrellas or shade would make the seating much more...

First, it took FORTY-FIVE MINUTES TO GET MY FOOD.

While the food was "good", (and extremely hot), it took FOREVER for them to make it. So if you're in a rush, please save this place for another time, or call in your order for pick up. They have 4 (family size) outdoor picnic tables. And like 6 parking spots. The menu has no prices, so there is that.

The guy who took my order was nice, as well as the person who handed me my food. So, customer service was on point.

I got the chopped cheese, and two empanadas - 1 beef and 1 chicken. It cost $21 and some change, not including tip. The sandwich was cut in half and wrapped up separately (which I love) so your other half isn't getting cold while you're eating. Also, it came with two sauces, a green one and an orange one that tasted like a more seasoned BigMac sauce. Both were pretty good.

I would call in my order for food, but not go here and sit and wait to get...