Café Escandón

I presume that’s a “play on words” for the English word “Yummy” which is exactly what this place is. It’s another ComaBeba “Super-Secret”. A place that’s laid-back, cool, isn’t talked about much in online reviews and doesn’t get much press, but has an ultra-comfortable ambiance (albeit a bit quirky) and really good food.

It’s the antithesis of the trendy chains. We don’t usually praise these “antique tea cup” kind of places but the knick-knacks, antiques and odd items lining the walls are what give this place its personality. Oh, and by the way. Most everything on the shelves and walls is for sale.

So, if you’re wanting to buy a vintage Smith Corona typewriter, a “chia” pet or a coffee cup sporting a stylistic image of a masked Mexican wrestler while you’re eating your eggs or sandwich, they have you covered.

It’s open early for breakfast at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Closes at 10 p.m. Then on Sundays, opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.

They have two pages of breakfast items, including waffles and eggs served every way imaginable. Some with special sauces like a Mornay or Hollandaise sauce. Or if you prefer, go local with some chilaquiles.

I’ve had almost everything on the menu. Sandwiches. One of the salads. And almost every type of breakfast they have on the menu, from chilaquiles to their version of the Croque Madame. And save one occasion when the bread on the sandwich was a bit dry and crumbling, everything has been outstanding.

Other than the one mishap with the bread on a sandwich the panini-style sandwiches are great. But even better, they are served with a trilogy of homemade potato chips made from standard, sweet and dark purple heirloom potatoes. These were the best potato chips I’ve ever tasted.

That Green Tea cake you see with the little dip of vanilla cream? That green tea taste shines through. Unique. Yume, yume, yume!

Music is a weird mix of folk tunes, jazz tunes, and new-age electronic. All very peaceful and relaxing. This is a great place to sit and read a book or a magazine, browse the big worldwide web, or just watch people walking by on the sidewalk. All the seating is indoors, but the entire front wall is floor to ceiling glass so it has an outdoor feel.

The service can be about as laid-back as the ambiance. I was approached immediately after sitting down at one of the array of mismatched tables. They sort of hang around at the counter watering the chia pets until someone waves at them. My plate wasn’t cleared from the table for about 10 minutes or so after I finished the meal once or twice. But oddly, I didn’t really care.

Prices are rock-bottom low. A super value for such a pleasant ambiance and quality food.

We liked it enough to add it to our list of Super-Secrets. Just you I and know about this place. Shhhh! Let’s keep it our secret.