Ames St Cafe — Restaurant in Elk Rapids Township

I've been here once before, and I remembered the food being average. Today they nailed it!!! I got the crab cake eggs Benedict with the house potatoes. The crab cakes were perfectly seasoned with a great texture. The eggs were perfectly poached with solid egg whites (I HATE runny egg whites!) and perfectly runny yolk. The hollandaise sauce was creamy and rich with just the perfect little punch of lemon. I could have nearly drank the hollandaise by the glass! The house potatoes were perfectly cooked. Tender on the inside, but not overcooked to the point of losing the great potato texture. They are slightly smashed and then deep fried for a perfect crispy crust. Lightly salted, and something I could seriously snack on all day. The portions were perfect leaving me satisfied, but not overly full and miserable. The staff was friendly with a bubbly happy presence. Our orders were taken quickly after being seated, and our food was prompt. We were offered refills on drinks appropriately, and never felt forgotten or neglected. Thanks for the...

I lived near two of the best brunch places in TC for ten years, I just moved back to Elk Rapids and I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to hear about about the cafe since all I had heard since moving was how amazing the food truck was.

Last weekend I was finally able to try out breakfast… expectations were met :) the focaccia w/ the Benedict is brilliant and the potatoes are out of this world. I’ve never had anything like them; crunchy and perfectly cooked. I think they’ve ruined regular ol home fries for me forever lol.

It’s going to be a popular spot w/ limited seating so factor that into your plans.

I was very concerned about the fiddle leaf fig and other plants right by the door getting blasted with cold air every time it opened; but maybe they’re more resilient than mine. That being said, maybe a double door / breezeway situation once they’re settled in would help keep everyone toasty on blustery winter days.

Looking forward to having a delicious new spot in town and within walking distance!...

The restaurant just recently opened and they're clearly struggling with some staffing issues which led to a wait, but they were upfront and apologetic about this. More importantly, the food was amazing. Often when you go out for breakfast it seems like the same food anywhere you go. But Ames St Cafe's menu, while small, is quite special. The breakfast burrito was the best we had ever had. The banana bread french toast was creative and a so delicious. The breakfast potatoes were excellent. And the sausage was full of flavor, unlike most bland breakfast sausage. My kids loved the pancakes and french toast on the kids menu. Bring a little patience and give them a try - you'll be...