Keke's Breakfast Cafe, 1523 W. New Haven Ave., West Melbourne, FL, 32904
5 Stars
Chain Restaurant Review
#1 Pancakes in Brevard County
A smile crept over my face as I glanced again at my random name generator. Keke's Breakfast Cafe was still blinking up at me like an old friend. I have eaten at this splendid breakfast operation many times in the past, and one thing always holds true: I have never once had a bad meal. The owner of this franchise keeps a watchful eye over everything and could make ANY restaurant successful. He demands perfection 100% of the time. When he is not there, his son takes over and things tend to become a bit sluggish on the service end, but never on the edible end. All I can say is that the food is more than worth the wait.
This local Florida chain has over 55 locations throughout the Sunshine State and was acquired by Denny's back in 2022. Don't let that scare you off, though. Keke's is still separate (at least so far and on paper) and swears to maintain its "made by hand" commitment. I can assure you that this is the case at their location in West Melbourne. Braden is our server today, and she does an outstanding job. She is on point, knowledgeable, and possesses a rather congenial personality. Well done, Braden. I asked her for one Greek omelet and one order of Chocolate Chip Pancakes. Sitting back and relaxing a bit, I snapped a few pics and enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere.
Braden soon returned with my grub, and I would be doing a disservice to the cook if I didn't mention the fact that I was practically salivating by the time she put it down on the table, as everything smelled so incredibly delightful. First up on the Big Boy's palate was the Greek Omelet. Consisting of fresh baby spinach, diced tomato, along with some Athenos brand feta cheese delicately folded into three beaten eggs impeccably cooked...it was breakfast mana. The home fries were just as flawlessly cooked and presented and were some of the best potatoes of this variety I have had. The toast was a sublime golden brown and tasted like, well, wheat toast.
As hard as it was to put my fork down, I did have a job to do, so I forced myself to move on to the other dish I ordered. Pausing for a moment, if you will, take a peek at those pancakes and tell me they don't look appealing. Not only were they grilled to an ideal color and texture, but the flavor was literally to die for. What can I say other than I would eat these every single solitary day for the rest of my life and be quite content? Not to decollate anyone here, but.....
Big Boy says, "If you don't like the food here, the...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at this fantastic restaurant and I must say, their attention to detail and commitment to flavor is truly unparalleled. From the moment I took my first bite, I knew I was in for an extraordinary culinary journey.
Let me start by raving about the lemons. These vibrant, plump lemons were bursting with freshness. As I squeezed their tangy juice over my dishes, the citrusy aroma filled the air, instantly awakening my taste buds. The lemons provided a delightful zing that perfectly complemented the various dishes I enjoyed throughout my meal. They were undoubtedly a refreshing addition, elevating the flavors to new heights.
Next up, the pepper and salt. It's remarkable how such simple condiments can make all the difference in a dining experience. The freshly ground pepper added a subtle hint of heat and depth to every bite. Its aroma wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses. The salt, on the other hand, enhanced the natural flavors of the ingredients, ensuring each dish was perfectly balanced. The restaurant's careful selection of premium quality pepper and salt truly showcased their commitment to offering only the finest ingredients.
Now, let's talk about the straw paper. It may seem like an unusual item to review, but this restaurant goes the extra mile to ensure every detail is exceptional. The straw paper, adorned with an elegant pattern, added a touch of sophistication to the dining experience. It was a small but noticeable detail that showcased the restaurant's commitment to aesthetics and creating a memorable atmosphere.
And finally, the hot sauce. Oh, what a revelation! This restaurant's homemade hot sauce was a flavor bomb like no other. The rich, fiery sauce packed a punch, infusing my taste buds with a delightful heat that left me craving more. Each drop of this condiment provided a tantalizing burst of spiciness, perfectly enhancing the flavors of the dishes I enjoyed. It was a culinary adventure in itself, adding an element of excitement and a kick of flavor that took my dining experience to a whole new level.
In conclusion, this restaurant deserves all the accolades it receives. Their attention to detail, from the vibrant lemons and premium pepper and salt to the elegant straw paper and mind-blowing hot sauce, showcases their commitment to creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. If you're searching for a place that takes your taste buds on a thrilling adventure, look no further. I highly recommend trying their magical combination of flavors. You won't be...
Read moreI recently visited Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Melbourne, Florida, and while the experience had its positives, the food itself was a bit of a letdown.
First, the atmosphere was great—the place was bright, clean, and had a welcoming vibe. It was also extremely busy, which I took as a good sign. Despite the crowd, the service was excellent. The staff was friendly, attentive, and efficient, making sure we were seated and served in a reasonable time.
Now, onto the food. I ordered Eggs Benedict, expecting the classic poached eggs with a rich, velvety hollandaise sauce. Unfortunately, what I received were over-hard eggs, which completely changed the texture and experience of the dish. I was disappointed, as Eggs Benedict is all about the perfectly runny yolk, and this version missed the mark entirely.
For my side, I decided to try grits for the first time instead of hash browns, thinking it would be a great Southern breakfast experience. That turned out to be a mistake—the grits were completely bland, lacking any seasoning, butter, or flavor. It felt like eating plain, unsalted porridge. To make things worse, we ordered fresh orange juice, expecting that classic, vibrant Florida citrus taste. Instead, what we got tasted nothing like fresh-squeezed juice—it was more like something from a carton, which was really disappointing given that we were in Florida, known for its amazing oranges.
On the bright side, I did get to try my wife’s hash browns, and they were absolutely delicious—crispy, golden, and full of flavor. The pancake was also quite good, fluffy, and cooked just right. It’s clear that they do some things well, but unfortunately, my main meal wasn’t one of them.
All in all, while the food wasn’t what I had hoped for, the great service and nice atmosphere made up for it somewhat. I wouldn’t write them off completely, and I’d consider giving them another shot next time I’m in Florida—hopefully with better luck...
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