I finally made my way to Borderline Cafe, and it did not disappoint! It was everything I needed in a small local diner with good breakfast food. A few things to note if you decide to try it out: there are no reservations. Seating is first come, first served, and a line forms outside in the benches. Hop in line and expect to wait about 15 minutes. Very casual and smooth! Also, they take card but would appreciate if you paid cash to cut down on credit card expenses. You get a fun treat if you do! I started my breakfast with some freshly brewed coffee that they kept topping off throughout the morning. I also get some fresh fruit and the strawberries were sooo sweet! Get the fruit, because it's a nice snack while you wait for your meal to come out. For my entrée, I ordered two buttermilk pancakes and a side of eggs scrambled with cheese and the home fries. The pancakes were fluffy and the syrup was nice and thick. I loved how the eggs came out. They were cooked perfectly with cheddar cheese. And the home fries stole my heart. How a restaurant prepares their home fries sets the tone for me anywhere. They were seasoned very well and I could tell that they are a great foundation to the entrees on the house specialties menu. I will be returning to try some of the savory dishes very soon! read more

Borderline Cafe - Buttermilk Pancakes, scrambled eggs with cheese, home fries, fruit bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

First time trying this restaurant, every time I visit Cleveland I plan on coming back. This is a small café that really caters to your needs. The customer service level was excellent, my coffee was refilled five times without asking. We ordered the food, it was delicious. So many different flavors in the huevos verde. Yummy!!! read more

Borderline Cafe - Huevos verdes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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Great vibe, delicious breakfast and very friendly waitresses! I had 2 huge pancakes, order of bacon cooked perfectly and a fried egg. My wife and friend split an order of eggs Benedict topped with guacamole. Delicious! read more

Good for breakfast only. Basic breakfast was good. Home fried potato's were very good. Good rye toast. Service was excellent!! This place is clean and casual. Good local home rest. read more

Stepping into this restaurant felt like stepping into a small town cafe, I was greeted so warmly and though the place was small it was not cluttered at all and I got to whiteness the staff very often chat with their customers, greeting them by name and asking if they want their "usual" It seems like a very community oriented cafe! very homely, so so kind. I love restaurants like this, so personable and really made my day! the decore is fun! I got to sit in an alcove with cool chicken pictures on the walls! hot chocolate is always a win! Tastes the same as my childhood! My eyes went immediately to the Chipotle Bacon sandwich, ooooooohhhhhh SO GOOOD!!! I am one to alway eat half and save the rest for later but I sat and devoured the whole thing! The bacon is realllllly good!!! I will definitely be coming back here, I'm just sad I found this cute little cafe a few weeks before I move out of county (Price was REALLY good! food was delicious and service was spectacular!) read more

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I came for the stuffed French toast, and it was well worth the trip! They were busy on a Saturday morning but we snagged a 2 top pretty quickly. The dining area was pretty basic but we had the window table which was nice. If you plan to visit, bring cash and you'll get a free homemade cookie to go! read more

Borderline Cafe - Banana walnut stuffed French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

One of the best (chorizo) breakfast burritos I've ever had and my son was very happy with the philly eggs benedict

Fantastic little spot in walking distance to our VRBO staff was perfect. Food was amazing enthusiastic not over-the-top very friendly. My husband had the Southwest omelette I had the veggie must get sourdough bread for your toast. The potatoes having an amazing spice mix on them that are just absolutely fantastic. Impressive little gem. read more

Food is great quality diner type food. And just what you want on a weekend morning when you can treat yourself. All of the breakfast dishes were great (been here twice and had pancakes, breakfast burrito and regular breakfast dish with eggs/toast). One thing that makes you want to come back and enjoy the experience is the service. Joe and Kelly (forgive me if names aren't correct) are great. Joe has been my primary server on both visits and he not only calls everyone friend he treats you like a friend. I'll be back again! read more

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Thank you for letting us know why your family owned business has been around for over 30 years. From the moment we walked into the Borderline Cafe; we immediately felt the warmest of welcome extended to each and every customer walking through the door from Rae and Joe. We loved the "Hi Friends" and other pleasantries extended as guests entered. The service was with a smile and the food made with love. Our breakfast tasted just as good as the service. Everything we ordered was delicious and coffee was hot and refilled before my cup was empty. If you are ever in the Cleveland area, beeline it to Borderline. They will help you start your day off right. read more

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Long waits. Excellent breakfast. Try to get the seat in the window if possible. It adds to the experience of having a good home cooked meal. While we all should be able to take our time, eat, and chat; be a team player, don't linger--eat, and be on your way. read more

Borderline Cafe - Sign by the front door - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

We have never had a bad experience here. Outstanding food, once again. Please keep the amazing waiter...he calls everyone friend...and he obviously means it read more

I cannot believe I waited so long to come here!!!! It was so good! I got a pressed sandwich basil tomato and the banana nut fresh toast with side home fries. My sandwich was so good!! With a side of hot sauce! Perfection!!! The banana nut fresh toast was amazing! Each bite was delicious- the cream was the best part didn't need any syrup! The home fries were too charred for me. Pay with cash for an extra sweet treat! And I will definitely come back here, maybe even tomorrow! Just a fair warning - there is limited seating and we had to wait outside for our table (20/25). read more

the atmosphere made you feel welcome right away and the staff were warm and friendly, greeted us once we went in and sat us at our table within seconds. They brought us waters and coffee, no wait and it was pretty crowded. They seem to always make you feel welcome and that you are home. Great place and will make this a staple. read more

Just try getting into this heavenly breakfast & lunch place ! Well known around this area for delicious food . Love it !.

This place is a sweet, funky little casual restaurant with a great menu and excellent customer service. Looking forward to our next visit to try more on the menu! read more

Borderline Cafe - Steak and egg sliders + pumpkin stuffed French toast...YUM! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

This place surprised me. If you're planning to come here, keep a few things in mind: 1) you wait in line outside to be called in (no list, no call ahead seating), 2) the menu items are large portions so order a half portion if you're worried about that and 3) it's no longer cash only! After waiting for 45 minutes outside, I got to have Sunday breakfast here. I tried the huevos rancheros verde with chorizo, a side of home fries and the special stuffed pumpkin French toast! All were great and I would get them all again. read more

Borderline Cafe - Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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My family and I chose Borderline Cafe from Yelp reviews while spending a morning in Lakewood, OH. It's a small place with not a lot of tables, but a hard-working staff taking great care of their customers. We had a late breakfast/ early lunch. I ordered the Cuban sandwich pictured here, and it hit the spot. Quality meats, tasty mustard and pickles, and melt cheese. As a side I chose the tots, and just couldn't help myself and added some queso. While the queso was good, the tots already well-spiced, so it wasn't necessary. All around a great meal. Bring cash for a discounted bill. They accept CCs, but they pass on the fees which is perfectly understandable. Enjoy this place if you haven't already. read more

Borderline Cafe - Cuban sandwich with queso tots - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

I finally went to this local staple to the area after living down the street from it for 9 years! It's a small, busy place so unless you get there when they open expect at least a little bit of a wait. I think my friend and I only waited about 15 minutes thankfully and the weather was nice because you do have to wait outside. We were seated in a small alcove with two other two top tables - it was cozy but not cramped. I had such a hard time deciding what to have! They have so many delicious sounding items on the menu and a lot of the items you can do a half or whole order of. I had a whole order of the banana nut stuffed French toast and a side of sausage. The server did warn me a full order of French toast is pretty big - it was more than I needed. It was so delicious! The filing really was the star of the show but the actual French toast was soft yet crispy. One of the awesome things about Borderline is they have coffee from 'Ready, Set, Coffee' which is a local coffee shop I haven't tried yet. They also prefer if you pay with cash but they do accept card. BUT if you do pay with card you get a complimentary homemade cookie! I don't know if it's the same every day or if it changes but I was given what I think was a chocolate dipped coconut shortbread cookie - it was so yummy! I will definitely be returning because I have so many things I need to try on the menu. read more

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There is always a long line- for a VERY good reason!! Absolutely delicious food, cozy environment, and very friendly and attentive staff. It's owned by two sisters. This is one of my all time favorites, and I'm always excited for the chance to go again. read more

I got the stuffed French toast and it was fantastic!! Service was quick and the ambiance was beautiful. I especially enjoyed the decor.

I've been coming here for 25 years. Love the people; love the food. Completely unique breakfast/brunch menu.

A wonderful little breakfast spot in Lakewood. It will always be busy because the food is good.

Borderline Cafe is truly a wonderful hole in a wall breakfast place. It is easy to miss the front door which is right next to West End Tavern and Insomnia cookies. You can park either right in front of the restaurant using the meters (which are free on the weekends btw) or park in Blackbird's parking lot and walk over. My boyfriend and I have visited this restaurant many times and have brought guests from out of town here as well. Anything ordered here tastes great and the prices are very reasonable! My go-to order at Borderline is the belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream and a side of their home fries but I'm more of a sweet than savory breakfast type of person. The home fries are a must! I believe their special for the fall season was the pumpkin cheesecake stuffed french toast which I was very tempted to order but I personally can barely finish my simple waffle. Our server, Ray, is the best there is! She is such a kind person. Also, don't forget to pay in cash! If you pay in cash, they give you a free cookie due to helping decrease all the extra fees they pay per year to credit card companies (apparently they pay about $15,000 a year). read more

Borderline Cafe - Buttermilk Waffle with strawberries and whipped cream and a side of home fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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I go to Borderline often. It is a veritable unicorn of a restaurant! The owners are just phenomenal human beings, and all the wait staff are like neighbors and friends. borderline is one of those restaurants that isn't pretentious and is salt of the Earth. The food is off the charts delicious. I especially love the veggie breakfast quesadilla, and my grandson would pay a small ransom for any of their pancakes. If you've not been there, you must not live around here! Highly recommend. read more

Loved this little unconventional diner! First and important to know, there is absolutely no lobby and it's a bit of a pain in the ass to wait for a table in the winter. It's a game of shuffling around the tiny entryway to let people in and out. There also doesn't seem to be a list or notification system. You wait, squished between a door and strangers or ??? I'm not sure. Took a star for that. Otherwise, the food is very good and pretty interesting. They have a mix of things I might come up with trying to pull random leftovers together (hard shell breakfast tacos) and just delicious bites like the sliders I ordered. My friends had the tacos and really liked them, btw. Bonus points - the coffee is really good and servers were on top of everything AND the walls are painted egg yolk yellow. Love it. read more

Borderline Cafe - Shaved steak sliders - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

Great restaurant for breakfast. I had the Lobster and Brie omelette. Not something you readily find in the area, It was excellent and large portioned. Our server Darion K was very friendly, outgoing and did a super job. I highly recommend this place. read more

Borderline Cafe - Great server!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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Not the breakfast experience I wanted to have here. My husband and I LOVE breakfast, we go every weekend and have been vying to eat at the Borderline Cafe for a few years...yes that long. The line to get in is usually super long and it's cash only. Well today was the day, 8:00 am was perfect, no wait, walked in and we were seated immediately. Our waitress was pleasant, not too fussy and took our order. The vibe and atmosphere are casual and eclectic all rolled into one. The menu was awesome, a good 80% scratch made, inventive funky food, Tex Mex seemed like a running theme. So we decided on few things... we like to eat. I ordered the basic, eggs toast and home fries, my husband the chorizo tacos (3) and we shared a waffle with candied pecans and homemade whipped cream. Well the basic was just that...too basic. Over medium eggs cooked a little too hard, cold potatoes and the toast was mehhh. My husband liked the tacos, the chorizo was well seasoned and the portion was great. The waffle was good, not fabulous or great, it was missing something, vanilla or cinnamon...it needed something, but the pecans a cream whipped cream made up for it. You never know, it might be worth a second visit, maybe my expectations were too high. read more

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Yelp always helps me find the best spots. Was drawn to this place from the pictures. There are not many tables, but was pretty busy and I now know why. The food was WONDERFUL! I had the pumpkin French toast and it was hands down the best French toast I've ever had. Friend also had the chipotle breakfast sandwich and said it was 10/10. Highly highly recommend! And if you can, pay with cash. read more

Borderline Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

I LOVE borderline cafe. It's small and inviting atmosphere is the best. My coffee cup is never low, and the food is fantastic each and every visit. They even give you a free cookie if you pay with cash!! read more

Outstanding food and service! We were welcomed in with smiles and hot cups of coffee that went so well with our meals. I had the BBQ hash, and my husband had the huevos rancheros carnitas. We would definitely recommend this little cafe to anyone wanting a hearty breakfast/brunch, recommendations of fun things to do from locals, and a full belly. read more

Borderline Cafe - BBQ breakfast hash with toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

This place is great! Very small and yes you have to wait but so worth it!! We had an assortment or stuff - all of it was great. I will add pictures and tell what they are on the pictures. Not pictured is my chorizo omelet which was AMAZING Coffee was good Service was good Only complaints: they close at 1:00 and they take CASH ONLY read more

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I absolutely loved my breakfast at TBC! Have been driving by this place for a long time, and finally decided to stop by here for the first time. It won't be my last! As a newly minted Type 2 Diabetic ("Diabeetus", according to Wilford Brimley), I now realize that eggs should increasingly be in my diet. Had the veggie omelet and wheat toast, which was delicious. The coffee here was very good as well, and my server was very professional and friendly. Support your local 'mom & pop' eateries, folks! read more

The service was attentive without being overbearing. The food I had which was a waffle was delicious, and my compatriot had a breakfast quesadilla. We got there early, and are glad we did so we didn't have a weight. It is a small place, so come early or just be willing to cue up. It's worth cueing. By the way. Nice little breakfast spot. read more

My husband and I waited in a long line to enjoy our morning at Borderline, so we anticipated a delicious brunch. It WAS delicious, but nonetheless overpriced. read more

Small restaurant with great service and good food. I'd be lying if I said it was the best thing I ever had, but everything tasted fresh and the service was good enough to make this into a 4 star place. I ordered the carnitas and my bf ordered the breakfast burrito. What I got was not your typical carnitas. It didn't have any of the similar seasonings you'd expect to get with carnitas and it wasn't shredded. It was more like sliced pork roast. The salsa on top and the accompaniments were good enough, but I wouldn't call this carnitas. The burrito was tasty indeed but very small. I could have very easily ate two of them. With that being said, this is one of those places where the service really stood out. Definitely had that small town feel to it. Prepare to wait on the weekends. read more

Borderline Cafe - Bfast Burrito-good but tiny - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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First and foremost CASH ONLY ! Alright that is out of the way. Tiny spot kinda crunched together in two separate rooms the size of some peoples bathrooms. If you are trying to get away from people this is not going to be your place. It is busy and usually pretty packed on most days. The decor is bright southwestern theme and it coincides with the menu. I had a choice and I had a difficult choice on what to choose from the menu is extensive and everything sounded amazing, I decided to go with the breakfast tacos, well because where else can you get breakfast tacos. Tacos were absolutely flavorful fresh and not over cooked, a nice crunchy shell and eggs, who would have thought! read more

Borderline Cafe - Mmmmm tacos for breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

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Highly recommend! Best food, best staff! Always a favorite. I'd wait as long as we have to just eat here! It's always a struggle to decide what to eat because I always want everything! And an order of the stuffed French toast is always a must!!! A Lakewood staple that should be in your list of regular stops! Kelly, Joe and the entire Staff hands down are the best!! read more

I can't wait to come back here for more! This southwest inspired breakfast spot did not disappoint. Bring your $$$ cash since it is a cash only establishment. We went around 11 am on a Sunday and were sat right away. I saw lots of options I wanted to try so asked the waitress for help choosing, and went with the bacon avocado eggs Benedict. They were out of this world delicious. Bursting with flavors and textures I couldn't wait for the next bite. We shared the hash browns which were seasoned and cooked to the perfect crispness. The coffee was good, basic coffee with creamers, nothing fancy but satisfying. I got to get a taste of the chorizo breakfast tacos... YUM. Everything is so alive with mouthwatering flavors. This place has a casual relaxed vibe with bright yellow walls and southern decor. Simple with food that speaks for itself, get there and try the bacon avocado eggs Benedict! read more

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Nothing has changed, except some of the menu items, and I haven't been here in 7 years. Still the same AMAZING food and great hospitable service. The Chorizo Breakfast Tacos paired perfectly with HomeFries "con queso". This is one of Lakewood's best breakfast places and it's definitely worth a try if you're in the area. Hours are only 8am-12pm during the week, but it's well worth the drive, even if you're not near by! read more

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