Delaware Cafe — Restaurant in Town of Bethlehem

It was Monday, Memorial Day 2025. My wife and I decided to go out early to eat a sit down breakfast before the annual Memorial Day Parade in Delmar, N.Y. We stopped at three places but all closed. I asked someone where we can go to eat breakfast near the Four Corners. A young lady said that there is a relatively new place at the Delaware Plaza called Delaware Cafe. As we walked in my wife was already impressed by the decor and atmosphere. The color combinations, the photographs of local historical places, how clean the dining area is, all aspects in order, and the warm and friendly smile welcome of the waitresses. The waitress sat us at a two seat table where we would have to seat opposite each other. I asked Ariana, the waitress if she can move us to a table so that my wife and I can seat next to each other. Very politely she changed our table. Ariana, with a great disposition, friendly and great smile asked us if we wanted something to drink. We asked for two fresh black coffees. She came back with the coffee in mugs that had Delaware Cafe on its side. My wife loved the coffee mugs, including the coffee! My wife ordered the Vegetable Omelette and I ordered a basic breakfast with sausage, two medium-well eggs and rye bread. As we waited we noticed that a young man, Miguel was very busy taking care of the tables that costumers had finished. Took away all used dishes, left sparkly clean the tables and set the tables for the next costumers. Not a moment waisted! I spoke briefly with Miguel in Spanish and congratulated him on his great work ethic. Our order came and we were both satisfied with our meals. Ariana, the waitress came by to offer more coffee and to ask if everything is ok. We had a brief cordial chat with Ariana about her background including about her grandfather still working on his garden. We asked her if we can speak to the manager. Waited a brief moment before Ron, the owner came and greeted us warmly. We said how impressed we are by the service, atmosphere and food. I stated how Miguel the Bus Boy and Ariana the Waitress are doing a great job! Without hesitation the owner invited us to the kitchen to show the work in progress. A welcome surprise, as this is the first time an owner of a restaurant has invited us to a kitchen at work. Shows great confidence! My wife has been an owner of restaurants in the past. She always tells me the signs of a good restaurant; the kitchen is in good order and spotless, the bathrooms cleaned and well kept, the service is courteous, accommodating, respectful and the costumers are satisfied with the food. This shows the dignity of the establishment and respect for its costumers. We talked about our backgrounds, running of a restaurant, gastronomy and the responsibility of an establishment 24/7! Before we left, Ron gave my wife a Delaware mug as a gift! She was so happy. We congratulated him on the way he manages his Delaware Cafe and it's a reflection on his dedication and a hard work ethic. We will return and be good ambassadors of the...

Wonderful home fries and beautifully prepared Eggs Benedict with the most perfectly poached egg and tasty Canadian bacon. Just-right portion sizes; not too much food, not too little. My companion's Benedict included a gorgeously plump English muffin. As I cannot eat wheat, my eggs were placed on less fancy, gluten-free bread. That was the only disappointment. Service was attentive but did not hover, as the coffee mugs are large enough that wait staff don't have to come around every three minutes to refill them. The best part of all was the cleanliness. The glass windows and doors were noticeably fingerprint- and smudge-free when I first entered the cafe, and the interior also shone. Importantly, it wasn't clean simply because it is a new establishment. The staff member who cleaned off the table next to us was incredibly thorough, methodically wiping down every inch of its top surface and sides, as well as every seat. It sounds over the top to say it, but the ketchup bottles actually sparkled, and the salt and pepper shakers wore no grease. I complimented the owner on the attention to these details. This was an unexpectedly great breakfast experience and I will be returning to try other items on their menu in the future. Although I was so busy enjoying my meal I didn't think to take photos of the place or our plates, know that it was fresh food, well made, and presented with care. And other people's dishes looked equally good. Also, you can buy one of their mugs to take home with you! Go....

I’ve been a regular at Delaware Cafe since the day they opened. It used to be my favorite little hidden gem — the kind of place that gave off cozy, welcoming vibes with fresh food and friendly faces. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same anymore.

The atmosphere that once made this cafe special is completely gone. It used to feel like a true community spot, but now it feels chaotic and uninviting. Most of the original, kind staff have left, and it shows. There’s a new girl who has worked here for a few months now and is always in the back or on her phone when I am here rather than actually providing decent service. Meanwhile, another sweet staff member seems to be the only one holding the place together, picking up all the slack. The turn over rate for front of the house employees here has been a disaster, where there kitchen was a solid foundation with a happy little couple up until recently.

The quality of the food has gone downhill as well—the freshness and consistency just aren’t there anymore. It’s disappointing to see a place that once had so much potential slowly lose its charm.

Honestly, with places like Uncommon Grounds, Starbucks, and Tipsey Moose opening up nearby, we’re starting to look forward to supporting new businesses in the area. I’m not sure if we’ll be returning to Delaware Cafe anytime soon, and that’s really sad to say after being such a...