Elm Centre Cafe — Restaurant in Southbridge

When I search for Saturday morning breakfast after a long week of work, the first thing on my mind is “do they have hash?”. That makes the meal for me. I’m new to Southbridge and decided to venture out this morning with my wife for a breakfast hotspot. As a chef myself, I didn’t have my hopes up because I’m incredibly finicky. At each place I’ve eaten in the past, I’ve thought “meh…I could do better than this.” Upon arriving at Elm Centre Cafe this morning at 8am, a small place hidden in the back of Elm street, I noticed several cars already. We went in to find out that there was already a wait to be seated. That’s a good sign for me off the bat so their food must be good. My wife and I sat in the car with a pager and a couple of menus to peruse what we would be having. My initial reaction was explosively exciting because they have not only the canned hash…but they have homemade hash and a homemade chorizo hash. My mouth began to water. Our pager rang in 10 minutes, sooner than our projected 20 minute wait. That pleased me. We sat in a large booth and were greeted instantly for our beverage choices. The coffee was fantastic and the waitresses kept it full the whole time we sat there. I had an Irish Benedict with homemade chorizo hash and a side of their regular homemade hash. The waitress asked “would you like some hot sauce?” I said “yes please”. She followed up with two precious words that melted my soul…. “What kind?” I fell in love. This won’t be my last visit. Not to mention the artwork for sale displayed on the wall, which gave the place a sense of Southbridge community…and the police officers coming in the pick up their to-go orders…The open kitchen where you could see the cooks diligently preparing each meal with love…the highly competent, friendly and attentive waitresses… I can proudly and solidly say that Elm Centre Cafe served me the best breakfast I’ve ever had in my...

When my favorite dentist moved his practice from Marlborough to Southbridge, I considered finding a new tooth doc. I groaned at the prospect of driving an hour each way for every cleaning... But now, I have two reasons to look forward to my semi annual trips to the middle of Massachusetts.

1. I still have the best dentist in the state.

2. Right around the corner, Elm Centre Cafe is consistently one of the best casual restaurants I've had the pleasure of visiting.

It's an hour from home, but right around the corner from Southbridge Family Dental. (It’s also directly across from the fire station). Now, I look forward to having another reason to visit my dentist. How’s that for irony!

This place has the best kielbasa & chorizo, fabulous stacks of pancakes, enormous, fresh Chef's salads, and homemade soups and sides that will leave a smile on your face. The service is great and substitutions are always accommodated. The laborers, retirees, students and families sitting next to me are equally fascinating. It’s always an adventure accompanied by a fabulous meal at a very reasonable price!

Tell the owner (stocky) and co-chef (skinny) that I sent you. (Actually, they’re pretty handsome guys with sleeve tattoos). And introduce yourself to Jodi. A down home waitress with the best conversation this side of New York.

No matter your taste, this is the...

After waiting 15 minutes at another establishment "up on the hill" on the other side of town for a menu and at least a "good morning", I finally had enough and left frustrated... still hungry!!!! On the way home I still had a craving for a meat lovers omelet. I know of only 1 place that makes the absolute best omelet's!!! I opened the door and within seconds was treated with a warm smile and a friendly "good morning!". I sat at the counter, the chef again greeted me with a "good morning, how are you today?". I opened up and said I was frustrated with my previous experience. I told him my story and he says...what would you like this morning? Within a minute I had a hot cup of coffee in front of me, within 5 minutes I had a plate heaping with a meat lovers omelet, hash browns crispy just the way I like them and wheat toast. It was so much food I could only eat half of it and take the rest home for an afternoon snack. I really dislike knocking other places for their poor service but it was time to say something and to let everyone know that if you want a great atmosphere, exceptional service, an awesome well laid out menu and outstanding tasty food, this is the...