Rivalry Cafe — Restaurant in Media

This is delayed but we went to Rivalry Cafe last week. All I can say is that this is a hidden gem that’s about to shine for everyone to see. (It’s the old On a Roll)

We had the pulled pork sandwich, the pot roast breakfast bowl, the crab cake sandwich, Caesar salad & the chicken salad sandwich. Don’t miss the banana bread either, it was the best we’ve ever had! Each and every thing we ordered was beyond expectations! The honey mustard is homemade and luckily sold by the bottle because it has s phenomenal.

First, the quality of the food is top notch. This is a huge thing because many restaurants don’t count on this as important or that customers will notice. This is very clearly not premade, Sysco foods but rather made in house from scratch with care. From our table we could see how the chefs were carefully & diligently working on our orders and that matters!

Second, the service and atmosphere are unmatched. Yes, it’s a breakfast/lunch cafe but it has a warm, welcoming feel to it and the staff only helps elevate that. The dining and cooking areas are immaculately clean, not a crumb on the floors or sticky tables like so many other places. The woman who took our order, I believe her name was Kellie, was so sweet, she helped give recommendations when we couldn’t decide and accommodated the changes & additions I made to my order. That should be expected in a restaurant but it is NOT common!

Rivalry on State - I’m not sure what the “ On State” means but it doesn’t change anything about our experience- should not be missed! There’s something for everyone and this will absolutely be our new...

Rivalry Cafe is a new lunch (or breakfast) standout in downtown Media, and it's easy to see why. Their food is exceptional, but the service truly elevates the entire experience.

Let's start with the star of the show: the crab cake sandwich. It's, without a doubt, a must-try. The crab cake is packed with flavor, and the quality of the crab meat is evident in every bite. It's perfectly seasoned, and the texture is divine. It's the kind of sandwich you crave long after you've finished it.

Beyond the regular menu, Rivalry Cafe also boasts fantastic specials. It's always worth checking what they're offering, as you're likely to discover a new favorite.

One of the things that makes Rivalry Cafe so special is their all-day breakfast. This is a game-changer, especially for those of us with little ones. My baby absolutely loves eggs and cheese, and it's a huge plus that I can get that for her any time of day.

The staff at Rivalry Cafe are incredibly nice and accommodating. They go above and beyond to make you feel welcome, and they're more than willing to customize your order to your exact preferences. This level of service is rare and truly appreciated.

Finally, I have to mention their homemade banana bread. It's simply the best I've ever had. It's moist, flavorful, and the perfect way to end a meal (or enjoy as a treat any time of day!).

In short, Rivalry Cafe offers delicious food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're there for the crab cake sandwich, the specials, or the all-day breakfast, you're sure to have a memorable dining experience. Highly...

This place made us feel right at home. We were in a bit of a rush but still decided to dine in—and I’m so glad we did. From the moment we walked in, the staff was incredibly welcoming, and the atmosphere had such a warm, neighborhood vibe.

The chef even came out to ask how everything was—something you don’t see often anymore. It felt like they genuinely cared.

We’re visiting from Chicago and honestly wish we had more spots like this back home. The breakfast sandwiches were unbelievable—the Philly-style American cheese they use? You can’t replicate that! Perfectly grilled, gooey, and packed with flavor.

Also loved the French toast sticks with strawberries on the side—crispy outside, soft inside, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Such a gem. We’ll be back anytime we’re in town.

📍 Pro tip: Even if you’re short on time, sit down and soak it in—it’s worth it. In and out...