Cottonwood Cafe — Restaurant in Oakdale

Cottonwood Café Some people eat to survive while others eat to live; the line between the two, is not a thin one. Some of the largest factors that go into how good a meal will be is the amount of love and passion put into a dish. At the Cottonwood Café, there is no question on whether Jay the owner/chef has a passion for the art work he has created because you can taste the love in every bite you take. Every single ingredient on his well-dressed plates from the entrée to the salad to the soup are so clearly thought out. The first dish I had the privilege of eating at this underappreciated hole-in-the-wall restaurant was a chicken mango grilled cheese with bacon and avocado, a dish I continue to return to. Every part of the sandwiches served here are planned to a T, all of the sauces are hand-made with select local ingredients, all of the produce used including the fruit served with every dish is always perfectly ripe, as I said, clearly thought out. But the sandwiches are not the only dishes that deserve a spot light because everything served here is absolutely amazing. The soups here are hand-made to deliciousness (and dippable) I have trouble choosing between the roasted red pepper and Thai soup. The entrees are to die for, I also have trouble believing I will ever eat a more delicious, succulent rendition of Chicken Parmesan in my whole life. Every bite you take is a masterpiece in its own way because that is the way it was designed. Not only is the food so beyond that of the local competitors the atmosphere and owners make going to the Cottonwood Café an experience that should not be neglected. Every time you take precious time out of your day to visit, in my opinion the best restaurant in the area, your time is treated as such. This isn’t a franchise or place you can visit in nearly every city or state. Every experience you have here is new because not only is the food made to feel important but so are you. You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate what Jay puts in front of you, all you have to do is have taste buds. Honestly I could go on for pages and pages about what makes this restaurant so amazing and how the food just sweeps you off your feet but the best way to find out is to go yourself, I promise you it will...

It's Mother's day..My youngest Son and his girl came down from Sonora..there's no where to go out to eat.. but a few places are doing take out today.. ( because of this darn Covid19).. Our faves were not...So we decided to try a new place...This Place! We ordered 4 sandwiches...it's the first time EVER that EVERYONE was completely satisfied and boasting this to be our "new" favorite place! My husband and son both had Tri tip.. They couldn't say enough about the awesome chipolte flavor. My daughter in law to be had Turkey cranberry pesto and usually doesn't finish an entire sandwich..but did today! Myself..being bold an adventurous...and also a Chef and sandwich slinger from Waaaay back... I did a blind order.."please have the Chef create for me the sandwich he/she would have for his/her own lunch...Can I just say..OMGoodness! Since I didn't order a name or number I will describe it...the most tasty, moist, thin sliced chicken with just a hint of rosemary. Served on a toasted Panini with Fresh crisp greens..thin sliced red onion and an awesome pesto! The French fries were seasoned just right that they needed no catsup or ranch! Even the passion tea was fresh tasting and NOT bitter...some places don't brew fresh daily..this place DOES! SO...for the first time EVER...from Me...a Chef and culinary graduate from 1980... The lady who ALWAYS sends her steak back cuz it's never right! Basically...the bold broad who makes you "prove" that you ARE and have the right to call yourself a Chef.. I give this Classic but Unique Joint...

Food- My wife, mother-in law, and myself come in here periodically. The food is usually pretty solid. That said, the new pre-order Indian food they’re offering is exceptional. We ordered Butter chicken, Cheese and potato curry, lentil soup, and samosas for the Super Bowl and it was just fantastic. Super nice having this option in Oakdale. Would highly recommend. DON’T FORGET YOUR COOKIES!

Service- try to remember, this is a Cafe not a full service restaurant and you’ll be fine. You order at the counter and the food comes to you. You might have to grab a fork or knife yourself but that is the deal at most cafes. The owner is very kind and you can tell he truly cares about what he makes. He’s especially awesome if you get him talking about the food.

Ambiance- We came in and were pumped to see the updated look. They epoxied the tables and got some colorful stools. Really makes...