We came here for Valentine's Day with a large party and the service wasn't the best so we planned on giving them another fair shot and boy was that the best decision.... Cafe Trio is most definitely a hidden gem! The inside was very elegant, quiet, and had great ambiance. The pianist was also a great add on to the experience. The wait staff were nicely dressed and were all super sweet. Ross, our waiter had the bar make us our own wine which was just wine and juice mixed to get to the specific taste we wanted. I note this because not a lot of restaurants will go this far to accommodate but Cafe Trio did and it was just delicious. Let me tell yall about this grilled salmon. Absolutely delicuous! It was grilled thoroughly and still kept its shape. You can tell they put a lot of attention to their dishes because I only mostly came back here for the salmon and it was even better than the first time I had it, in fact even more delicious! The gnocchi ricotta was also delicious. Soft, pillowy, and just melts in your mouth after biting into it. My husband enjoyed his pasta, which they added mushrooms to because he doesn't eat meat. At the end of the night, I had them surprise my husband with a cake and they added a candle to it so that we may commemorate our 2 years. Honestly this place is great and the food speaks for itself. They have a new menu coming out and I'm already making plans on coming back to try it out. read more

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I made dinner reservations to celebrate BD at the Cafe Trio, a place I always come to when visiting KC. I was looking forward to enjoying the taste of their seafood lasagna, and crab cakes, the same dishes I order every time. To say the least, my heart broke when I was told this once high vibrational, relaxing space is under new management/ownership, totally new menu, and no more seafood lasagna:( All great things really do come to an end. Cafe Trio, management and staff, your energy, your creativity, and your food will be very much missed!!! We did stay, I ordered the halibut, a few bites in, it started tasting good. Still I mentioned to our waiter, that the new management should reconsider putting seafood lasagna back on their menu along with other choices. I see the potential, it'll just take a few years for all to adjust to the change. read more

Cafe Trio - Halibut with rice - New American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This is more of a 3.5-3.75 star revieWe came here with a vendor. The restaurant was cute and the service was really good. The reason I'm not giving 4 stars is that I just didn't find the menu that interesting. I usually run into issues where multiple things sound good and I end up ordering two things, or suckering someone into sharing two dishes with me, but there weren't enough things I wanted. I ended up with a salad which I will say was fresh, and I really appreciate how small cut the lettuce and kale was. Salmon was cooked well but lacked seasoning. The flatbread appetizer was fine but I didn't need seconds. read more

For nearly 20 years, Café Trio was one of my favorite Kansas City restaurants. It wasn't simply a place to eat--it was where coworkers became lifelong friends, where celebrations were held, and where groups kept coming back year after year because the food, atmosphere, and hospitality made it special. After the restaurant changed ownership in late 2025, I had hoped the changes would be positive. Unfortunately, my last visit has confirmed that the Café Trio many of us loved has quietly disappeared. On my most recent visit, four friends arrived for Happy Hour around 4:30 on a Friday. The Happy Hour menu was excellent, and our server, David, was outstanding--professional, personable, and the only reason this review isn't a single paragraph of utter disappointment. The restaurant, however, was astonishingly quiet. Not elegant. Not relaxed....Empty. It was so unusual that I asked David where everyone was. After spending more than $250, our group decided we'd enjoy one final cocktail on the covered patio overlooking the park, where Argentine soccer fans were celebrating before the FIFA semifinal weekend. The patio was largely empty, making it seem like a simple request. Instead, a manager (Brad) informed us the patio was reserved for diners. (We had just spent over $250 dining there.) We politely offered to move/leave if dining guests arrived; the answer was still no. We were essentially told that policies mattered more than customers. Great restaurants don't build loyal customers by rigidly enforcing rules that serve no one. They build loyalty through judgment, hospitality, and making guests feel valued. An experienced manager would have looked at an almost-empty patio, recognized recent diners who had just spent hundreds of dollars, smiled, and said, "Enjoy your drinks." Instead, we left. Ironically, we took our business elsewhere that evening and found another restaurant that, although not full, had something Café Trio has apparently lost warmth, energy, and genuine hospitality. What saddens me most is that this isn't a review about one bad experience. It's about watching a restaurant I've enthusiastically recommended for nearly two decades slowly become unrecognizable. Café Trio has lost its soul. read more

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This has been our friend's group go to for celebrating birthdays, special times, or just have a wonderful relaxing evening with great food, atmosphere and live piano music. Cafe Trio is no longer has any of those things other than piano music. The menu which use to hold many favorites, making it hard to decide, now had all of us searching for something to order. The once vibrant inviting atmosphere is no longer relaxed but feels tense and businesslike. It's sad that a restaurant can totally lose is charm, character and good food. We will miss Cafe Trio, but don't plan to return. read more

Went for brunch and enjoyed the blackened salmon and the chicken fried steak. Good sized portions, very generous. The brunch potatoes were cooked inconsistently but had good flavor. The Bloody Mary I got was perfectly spicy, the old fashioned tasted watered down. The service was consistent, but did take long on check backs and took awhile to get our bill. The patio is gorgeous and even though it's close to a busy intersection you can't hear the traffic. Well priced, will try again for dinner as the night life seems enjoyable and the menu looks great read more

My brother took me here for dinner last night and I have to say this place was a pleasant surprise. I started off with their Signature old fashion cocktail. This is a little bit stronger than most and not quite as sweet as others I have had. Overall, it was a nice change from other old fashions and the drink was very well prepared. Next came the appetizers that we ordered and I have to say these were the star of meal. The flatbread was excellent with a hint of sweetness from the fig marmalade that tempered the lemon and acidic flavors of the vignette. The goat cheese was very well balanced, without a hint gameness. The calamari was also very unique. I've had calamari many times from other restaurants before and they usually fall into one of two flavors, 1) flavorless, just fried and without much seasoning, or 2) a little tangy and sweet. Those that fall into the tangy sweet all have a similar taste, the only difference being as to whether degree of tanginess or sweetness. The calamari we got were tangy (not overly sweet), but not the usually tangy that I have had before. For me, the seasoning of calamari, although falls into second category of tangy, it was uniquely different from others that I have had before. The finally was my entree, a miso halibut served with forbidden rice. I have to say this is my first time having forbidden rice and I was pleasantly surprised. The texture reminded a little bit of couscous or orzo but when bitten, also reminded me a little bit of mung beans (much smaller version of it). Anyway, the rice for me was very good and the halibut was cooked perfectly, and nicely charred but as I told our waiter, I thought the halibut lacked flavoring. I am sure it was seasoned, but I couldn't taste it. My two other dining companions tried it and said they couldn't taste any seasoning as well. I'm not saying the fish was "bland" as I've had fish before that were had to much salt or other seasonings from the sauces in which the fish is served with, but this halibut wasn't like that, which I guess is what surprised me. Overall, the fish was good very well and the forbidden rice was very nicely paired with it, but because the rice didn't have it's only flavor profile and the halibut lacked some of its own flavor, I have to say the dish overall was very "muted". Which isn't bad, but it was unexpected for me. Our waiter David was engaging and provided great suggestions and provided great service throughout the evening. If I am back in KC again, I would definitely visit again to try some of the other items on the menu. read more

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Excellent date spot with happy hour menu-- great location off the Plaza. Live music! What more could you ask for?

Happy Halloween. Best decorations ever. We had Happy Hour at the bar with $5 glasses of Pinot Noir and a Trio of Crostini, whipped ricotta and roasted tomato with balsamic, goat's cheese and warm bacon vinaigrette, sauce romesco with manchego read more

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This is a really fun and enjoyable restaurant located in a wonderful part of KC, next to Mill Creek Park and the American Century Investment complex. I consider this review a 4.5 stars. For starters, the staff - - really great and friendly people. So many helpful and happy souls. Patrick at the bar stands out. Next, the Happy Hour menu (4pm-6pm) is spectacular! Great food and drinks with significantly reduced prices. If you like dry martinis you have to try one here! I ordered a Spinach & Berry Salad with Salmon. The spinach was so fresh and the salmon filet was huge. All for under $19 on the Happy Hour menu. Cafe Trio is worth visiting. read more

Cafe Trio - The best martini ever - New American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Our party of four recently had dinner at Café Trio. The food and cocktails were excellent, and our server, David, was outstanding--friendly, attentive, and genuinely made our dinner enjoyable. Up until the end of the meal, everything deserved five stars. After paying our bill of more than $250, we wanted to stay, order another round of drinks, and move to the nearly empty patio. The restaurant was not busy, with plenty of open tables both inside and outside. We were told that patio tables were reserved for customers ordering food and that we had to sit at the bar. A server kindly checked with the manager, Brad, but instead of trying to accommodate us, he simply repeated that it was "policy" and said we would not be served if we sat at a table. There was no effort to explain the reasoning or offer any alternative. What disappointed us most wasn't the policy itself--it was how it was handled. We had just spent over $250 and wanted to continue supporting the restaurant by ordering more drinks. Instead, we left feeling unwelcome and unappreciated. It's unfortunate because the food, drinks, and our server were all excellent. However, one poor interaction with management overshadowed an otherwise great evening. Customer service doesn't end when the dinner bill is paid. Sadly, because of the way this situation was handled, our group won't be returning. We hope Café Trio reconsiders how it treats customers who simply want to stay and enjoy their evening. read more

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I love going to this fun restaurant during the Holidays. They decorate for each one. During the winter the outside patio is covered and heated. There are bad tables here. HH last until 6pm make sure you get there for fun drinks. Sorry no pictures of my amazing beet salad with salmon. read more

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Have been eagerly waiting for our reservations tonight for this Halloween pop-up. I love Halloween and the decorations did not disappoint they are so freaking cool. I ordered me a Blackberry Martini to start off the night and I've could've had three or four more of them very good. We ordered Caesar salad I had heard a lot about their Mac Daddy mac & cheese so we ordered that. Let me say I am not much of a mac & cheese person but this mac & cheese was the bomb. After dinner we ordered dessert we had the gooey butter brownie cake if you are looking for something sweet this is your dessert. Our service was great and the ambience and decorations were very welcoming. What a fun evening we had. read more

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The good: -dirty martini was excellent -short rib along with the polenta and green beans was a perfect combo. they all matched each other so well -the featured dessert which was a peanut butter mousse thing was great The less than good: -the vibes inside just seemed weird -our waitress was kind of odd. she took our drink orders one at a time, like she'd take one and then leave and come back and then do another. read more

Cafe Trio - featured dessert - New American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Walked here from the Cascade hotel. Got a nice quiet booth, ordered beers and light meals. My flatbread really hit the spot and my partner's steak was perfect. Got a creme brulee for dessert, which was nice. Waitress was very friendly and helpful. Overall a great choice in an area full of chain restaurants. Would go again if I find myself in that area of KC. read more

We ate inside at the bar for happy hour. All of our choices were really good - the crabcake, the flatbread, the slider, and the short rib tacos. The drink specials are an awesome deal, especially if you are gathering for a celebration with friends. The service was what you would expect - professional. read more

10/10 if I could! Enjoyed a wonderful meal with a friend on a Tuesday (half price wine) and left full and happy! I have loved this place forever and it did not disappoint. Great good, great service! And love a piano moment. The mussels, were perfect and delicious. And the goat cheese flatbread was great! I had the salmon pasta and my friend had the seafood lasagna. Could not get enough! The White Diamond is my favorite martini there and of course enjoyed a crisp glass of wine. Finished with a s'mores bread pudding and skipped out the door. Always love the decor and looking forward to the holidays! read more

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Great food and a great outdoor spot when the weather is nice. Beautiful decor. Looks like it has recently been redone.

This place was down the street from our hotel. I was starving after my flight from Seattle. We requested whatever was available for two people. We sat inside and bonus pianist was playing. Also happy hour anywhere not just sitting at the bar.the food was more than amazing, I wish I didn't get so full I only ate a piece of the fig & goat cheese pizza. DELICIOUS We told all our coworkers, they went on diff nights and loved it too read more

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Cafe Trio is located near the KC Plaza. Cafe Trio is elegantly decorated for the Christmas holiday. Live music from the piano in the dining room is a classic touch. Happy Hour menu provides a way to enjoy many menu options at a reduced cost. I highly recommend the "Frosty" beverage from the choice of Blondie drinks. Trio Crostini was very tiny vs the Trio Dip with Taters option. I enjoyed the Mushroom and Swiss burger with taters/dip. Garlic Aoili dip is amazing and I asked for a side to dip fries and put in my burger. Dessert was a brownie with vanilla ice cream and optional caramel drizzle on top. Winter Wonderland on the back side of Cafe Trio allows for a view of the beautiful KC Plaza. Parking is available for free but during Happy hours it is very cramped space. Street car can be used to park remotely and walk over to it. Service staff are so attentive to detail and knowledgeable about menu items. There is a coat rack that's not visible from dining area but it's super convenient during winter time to hang up your coat. It is located in the hallway near bathrooms. Love the epic decorations! read more

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TLDR, go for happy hour, sit on the patio, ask for Richard. The details, this place is well known for decorating for the holidays. I had to check out the Halloween decor, random hands, creepy dolls, and a giant spider and it's web weave is way through the dining room. Even outside of the holidays, the Happy Hour is Fantastic, we did 4 small plates, a few drinks and dessert. The fried salmon bites, delivered just enough salmon flavor and a sweet teriyaki, the steak fries, perfect sized for dinner for one or to share, the Mac Daddy was my favorite, KCs top rated Mac and cheese did not disappoint. The piece de resistance was Richard, he took an already fun evening to the next level. read more

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Always a solid happy hour spot but loved the seasonal touch with the Halloween decorations this time! They even had someone on the piano mixing in some Halloween songs. Definitely recommend the cosmo to drink - did I mention it's only $7 during happy hour?! My friends got the Blondies frozen drinks & said it tastes just like Blondies in Mexico. We munched on apps of hummus & flatbread which was the perfect snack. The hummus is nice & light. The flatbread was *chefs kiss*. read more

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We went for our anniversary PLUS a Halloween themed pop up they had going and it was great! I have not been when it was not in theme, so I'm of no help as to what it's like normally. The waiting staff is great, the food is great and well priced for it being downtown. read more

I know this is a local favorite, but I was not especially impressed, and have no plans to rush back. I was excited for the Monday all night happy hour on the celebrated deck, especially because the weather was unusually cool for August. I reserved a table for what I thought was going to be 6 people, but people invited friends, so our party swelled to 10. I didn't think this was a big deal, but the host couldn't accommodate the larger party. The restaurant is busy, I get it, we made it work by having the extra people sit at the bar. Patrick, the bartender, managed our food and drink orders with alacrity. Not many GF options and the menu is not marked to indicate what I can have. I thought the short rib "tostadas" were likely to be safe - 3 tortilla chips topped with meat perched on some shredded cabbage. (Why put the cabbage *under* the chip? Bizarre.) My dining companions seemed happier with their choices, one got the mussels, another the famous Mac & Cheese, another got a lovely spinach salad. Once a few of the friends had left, I joined the rest of the party at the table. Patrick brought over my bill (I had tried to catch his eye several times while I was at the bar and others were settling their bill, but he overlooked me for whatever reason). Someone else's drink had been added to my bill. I asked the waitress who had been serving the table if she could let Patrick know there was a mistake on my bill. She said there couldn't be an error because she didn't serve me. What? The error was not her fault, but I didn't in any way suggest it was. I took my bill back to the bar and had it corrected, but I was completely taken aback at her response. I brought a bunch of guests to this business and I made the best of the seating situation, and the waitress couldn't be bothered to help sort out a small error at the end of the night? I don't consider myself a diva, but there are a lot of places I could be spending my hard-earned money and I prefer to spend it where I feel like a valued customer. read more

Cafe Trio - Dirty martini - New American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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One of my favorite places to go around Christmas time! Decorations are beautiful and the vibe is so cozy. Server gave us great food & wine recommendations. I had the blackened grouper and my bf had the seafood lasagna. We also had the short rib arancini for an appetizer and it was one of my favorite things we had! The blackened grouper was 10/10. read more

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Cafe Trio is one of those local restaurants that has a really intense fan base. Like ride or dies that will not stand to hear a negative word about it. So I think I had a bit too high of expectations going in. Don't get me wrong, it was a good, solid meal. Great service. I loved that there was live piano music, but it wasn't too loud. Really enjoyed my wine and the wine list in general. My friend got the tomato soup with a little grilled cheese. Super cute. And for her entree the veggie risotto which I tried a bite of and really enjoyed. The waitress encouraged me to go with the salmon angel hair pasta and it was good. With enough to take home. I've heard rave reviews about their holiday decor so I might need to come back for the holidays. read more

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Went here for their Monday All Day Happy Hour! They were super packed around 6pm - only bar seating was available when I arrived. I've been a couple times throughout the years, and the portion of food (especially the steak) has gotten smaller, but that's not super surprising. I love the enclosed patio and all the lights decorated for Christmas! It makes for a very cute, very fun place for Happy Hour. The Chocolate Blondie was a delicious drink :) read more

Cafe Trio - HH Steak Frites - New American Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

My second visit with friends on our 1st date out. Seating was unsatisfying!!!! Could nit reach floior and i am 6'1". Split the broasted chicken with mashed potatoes. Chicken was dry!!!!!. Even the keg and thigh was dry. Thats hard to do. Brine your chicken. I am reluctant to go back based on this disappointment. read more

Love the back deck at Cafe Trio for the holidays. Schedule early as the tables go quickly! Super fun to do a HH and watch the sun set and the plaza lights come on! There are heaters in the deck and they do clear tenting and so it's very comfortable and so beautiful! read more

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This place was adorable. The food was so good, and the service was great! We had a table for 6 and enjoyed the holiday decor, pianist, and variety of choices. The pork chop was phenomenal! Great place to look at the plaza lights and grab a drink and a bite to eat. Highly recommend! read more

This was our first visit --beautiful day and great space to dine outside. Entire restaurant decorated for the season--will be interested to see the winter holidays! Food expertly prepared; extensive drink options. Left with happy taste-buds!! Only reason star lost.....as I walked to powder room, noticed every table outside of our server's area with a basket of bread ..... something we were not offered --does one have to request this? Otherwise a wonderful Visty--plan to return. read more

I would have given it 5 stars if it wasn't for the host. Rude guy, a real turnoff, and could have spoiled the whole experience for us, but the food is amazing. Good-sized portions and quality ingredients and taste. The atmosphere is nice whether inside or on their enjoyable patio. I will be back (despite the host). read more

We were staying near St. Luke's hospital and found Cafe Trio on Yelp. It was walking distance from our hotel so we had carry out. It happened to be half price wine night so waiting at the bar was a pleasure. The piano playing was another nice addition. The food was excellent, so good I went back the next night! The place has a nice local restaurant feel. Didn't get to the patio but it looked inviting too. read more

I've loved & supported this restaurant since they opened & even worked at the first location 14 years ago. Friday, we had a reservation for 5:00, & almost all of us had situations that made us late. The host haughtily reprimanded us & told us they needed the table by seven. We apologized for being late & said of course to kick us out whenever they needed to. As it turned out, the restaurant wasn't even busy with lots of empty tables, so they only needed a two top. Our server was kind enough to move it away from our table for the 7:00 reservation & we stayed at our table. Unfortunately, it was the same table number for their check. The server said the checks got a little messed up because of it & came back to verify what we had. But when my credit card was run, I noticed I had 2 extra drinks on my credit card receip. No big deal, mistakes happen & our server was kind in spite of us being late. I nicely asked about the 2 extra drinks, then the manager came to the table very accusatory, insinuating that we did drink them. When I tried to explain that maybe they just belonged to the two top that was separated from us at 7:00, the manager got irritated & said that was our fault because we were late...so my girlfriend just paid the $24, for 2 drinks she didn't drink, because she just wanted to be done with it. This was not the servers's fault & yes, we were late, but the manage's attitude was off-putting, as we weren't complaining, just trying to figure out which tab they belonged. I felt humiliated in front of my friends because I didn't want to pay $24 for drinks I didn't drink, & would be embarrassed to show my face in there again. I guess maybe that's what they were going for. ‍ Anyway, I still left the same tip I would have on the bigger amount, so at least they couldn't complain about that. read more

Enjoyed a fantastic happy hour at Cafe Trio. Came in around 4:30pm and we got a table right away. The room didn't start picking up until around 5, and we were greeted by some lively piano soon thereafter. The happy hour deals drew us in, drink specials were reasonable ($7 martinis, $6 wine by the glass, etc.), and there were tons of delicious food options. Ordered a couple rounds of drinks, a caesar, side of mashed potatoes, and burger w/ fries to share. Everything was filling, tasted great, and well-priced. They also made one of the best extra dirty martinis with blue cheese olives Service and ambiance were a 10/10. read more

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Elegant and relaxed dining just a short walk from the Kansas City Marriott. They had an outdoor area, but we enjoyed an inside table. Very nice service and excellent food. The wine was also very good. Highly recommend read more

Not a bad meal but for the price it was not a standout. Service was friendly but aloof: she got the job done but nothing special. Nice outdoor seating but we were inside, which is dark and where a piano player drowns out most conversation. The best thing was the happy hour menu of small plates. We ordered starters of the shrimp flatbread, muscles, fried chicken livers, and hummus. The flat bread and livers were outstanding, absolutely the best thing we had. Tasty, piping hot, fresh, and well executed. The muscles were also good but the hummus, however, was bland and stogey...simply not good. As to mains, the seafood lasagna just did not work: too heavy and too much going on. And my friends were not thrilled by their choices: scallops (which were ok but the sides did not work) or the salmon with angel hair pasta (salmon was dry and overcooked). Very well executed cocktails, but otherwise not worth going out of your way in a city filled with great restaurants. read more

This was my first time here in what feels like years! We didn't have a reservation and showed up around 7:45pm the hostess said there was nothing available or we could sit at the bar. We opened up their reservation system and saw there was a reservation for 8:15 but she refused to seat us for that even when we said we'd wait for it. A few moments later spots opened up at the bar. The hostess was completely rude and acted like our party was a burden after offering us to sit there. After being set the hostess and one of the bar tenders were whispering, chatting it up about something but with that being said we proceeded to sit at the bar and wait a good 15+ minutes for anyone to even acknowledge our presence. After 20 minutes or so the other bartender greeted us and offered us drinks. The other bar tender came around finally asking for our drink order, though we had already ordered. We had serval drinks, which were good! We started with short rib arancini, personally packed everything- bland. We also ordered the Mac and cheese, short rib, salmon, loaded mashed potatoes, and corn risotto. Short rib was tender, mashed potatoes were nice! Risotto was alright. The vegetables with the salmon were great. The Mac and cheese was a large portion. Overall, fine food with less than impressive service. read more

Cafe Trio is a favorite spot for happy hour in the plaza area. Their happy hour drinks and bites are fairly priced. The mac daddy is delicious and is a pretty good sized portion! The last time we visited, we sat outside on the patio. The outdoor patio has plenty of shade, a nice breeze, and a wonderful view of the park. The servers are always friendly and on top of their game. If you're not sure what you're wanting to eat or drink, ask their advice, they've never steered me wrong! read more

Definite five star experience. I have been living under a rock on some places and Cafe Trio is one gem I just haven't visited yet. Love this place- it's quaint, with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere and Candace at the piano adds an extra touch of class with her great selection of jazz and other favorites from the diners. Somebody went all out and decorated the place for Halloween- so cool. The food is delicious and prepared so well from the curated menu. I ordered the grilled salmon on angel hair pasta and it was delish. The tomato soup and mini grilled cheese is tasty. Others had the filet and scallops and commented favorably on that dish. Our server took good care of our table and helped us with wine selections and the menu. I'll definitely be back! read more

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