Cafe Grace — Restaurant in Princeton

My experience didn't start off well since the restaurant was closed at the hours that should have already been opened someone should have been in the dining room. It was after 4 p.m. when they reopen in the afternoon I had to walk around the restaurant to the rear of the restaurant to find two Cooks and a server sitting on the ground smoking cigarettes. I ordered the hot beef sandwich and what I got was what's some charred, well overcooked, meat that could barely be chewed. I asked the server if this is normal? She said it wasn't they were having a new pot roast coming out of the oven. Apparently she said they sold me what was left of the old one and she said there's a new fresh one that's going to be done soon. But after chewing on that first one for so long trying to down it because I was super hungry didn't have any Faith to try it again. From reading the reviews it seems like people really like it which is why I came here. However, my first experience was a bad one. The waitress even took the bill the cash register instead of saying there's no charge right away she took the build the cash register and then she end up coming back after a few minutes and she said I'm not going to charge you for it. I appreciate that but that shouldn't even be thinking about it when you know it came out burned. I'm not from Princeton I just been working here for a few days. Maybe one day I will give it another shot but what a horrible first impression. You can see the pictures of the burnt meat it was hard like...

I have food pictures but decided to spare you because I forgot to take them until we'd half devoured our delicious breakfasts. My husband and I were staying at the Hotel Knox (we were in town for the Summer Concert Series:Dave Matthews Tribute Band) and I'd noticed this cute little place as we were coming and going. We didn't have any plans this morning and decided on a leisurely breakfast since it was storming. I looked the Cafe up to see their menu and my decision was made when I saw they had Eggs Benedict (one of my husband's favorites). I had a hard time deciding because there were so many great looking things on the menu. I decided on a Denver Omelette (I traded the green peppers for mushrooms) and did the upcharge to trade my toast for a pancake. My husband loved his benedict. My pancake was exactly how I like them (I don't know how to explain that) and so was my omelette (zero browned egg on outside). The trade for mushrooms really elevated it though because their mushrooms are superb. Even my Diet Pepsi was great (extra crispy). My only critique is that I would have preferred shredded cheese to the American that was in my omelette.

Our server was efficient and friendly. The atmosphere was cozy. If I lived there I'd be a regular!

P.S. In case a worker from that day (7/19/25) is reading this ...we were in there when that insane lightning and thunder clap happened that scared everyone half...

Relaxed, pleasant atmosphere with great service and, oh yeah, THE FOOD!

I got a side salad and the pasta Lafayette. First, that side salad really brought it. It had a kind of tangy-sweet, herbed cucumber and tomato relish that added so much. I think the French dressing was house-made because its flavors were perfectly balanced. I don't think I've ever loved a side salad so much in my life.

I've never eaten a dish like the pasta Lafayette. The combination of Cajun and Italian really worked. The mussels were extremely tender, not at all what one expects in central Illinois LOL. The chicken, shrimp and andouille sausage were also just right: flavorful, tender and each contributing to the creamy, comforting wholeness of the dish. Kudos!

My husband got the ravioli with tomato and asparagus. He loved it, but conceded that I won this round of the...