Duke's Cafe is located in the office building at 100 Witmer Avenue, and is easy to miss without road nor large building signs anywhere in sight. Still, it is worth exploring until found because you are in for a treat for breakfast or lunch If you do.
This Black woman owned/operated kitchen caters primarily the tenants in the four story edifice, but were certainly happy to see an outsider there to check them out. I parked in the ample back parking lot and then walked the first floor halls until I found Duke's at the far left (east) of the building.
The space was clean with oldie soul music filling the room. I scanned in to order from my phone, but also could have just placed my order directly with Rai, the owner's niece who was a one person show this day. I ordered Cloud 9, a combination of a french toast sandwich filled with spicy sausage links, eggs, cheese and tasty sauce. With side cup of breakfast syrup, it was almost more than I could eat, but delicious all the way down. The cross section of textures and flavors made it both unusual and unexpectedly delectable. Half would have been enough for me, but I just couldn't leave anything behind or in a doggy bag when it was awesome right off the grill, and I had watched Rai prepare everything from scratch.
Well worth the morning cruise from home to try Duke's, even at 30 minutes. I'm told there is a second Cafe not far from this joint - definitely a credit to their work ethic and culinary success. Will track it down as soon as possible. read more
