REVIEW: The Squirrel Cage
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Categories:
Cafe,
CANADA,
Coffee,
Downtown,
European,
Italian,
Local,
ONTARIO,
WINDSOR
The Squirrel Cage
1 Maiden Lane
Windsor, Ontario Canada
Phone: +1(519)252 CAGE (2243)
TYPE OF RESTAURANT: Modern European-Style Cafe
ATTIRE: Business Casual
PRICES: $7 Panini $5 Soup/Salads
$$$
PAYMENT OPTIONS: Cash, Mastercard, Visa, Debit/POS
HOURS:
Monday - Friday 8am -8pm
Saturday 1-9pm
Sunday CLOSED
RESERVATIONS? Yes. walk-ins welcome
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE? Yes, fully available
VEGETARIAN? Yes
VEGAN? Limited.
GLUTEN FREE? No.
And try I did, once a week since the day it opened. :) This place is simply incredible. A caliber of cafe, nearly non-existent in Windsor. Walking through the patio, you can instantly tell this place is a whole different experience. The patio adorned with enough potted plants and trees to make you feel you are in a courtyard. As soon as you enter the front door, this place is instantly placed into a league of its own. You would never know this place used to be a hair salon. Owners John Ansell and Steven Thompson have definitely kicked this place up a few notches with their own renovations showcased on their Facebook page. The environment is incredibly welcoming, the music well selected, and every last detail is covered. From the reclaimed barn wood that composes the tables, to the organic soap and dual-flush toilets this place brought true urban modern feeling to the old-fashion, stuck in their ways local scene. The local art showcased on the walls is an especially cool touch.
While the food is somewhat limited to panini, soup and salad; the quality and combinations are delicious. In my many recent visits, I've tried: the Veggie Panini, The Italian, Cream of Spinach (soup of the day), and a sesame bagel with cream cheese for my morning breakfast run. Difficult to choose a favourite, but the aioli in the Italian was so tasty. Their cafe lattes are pretty decent too.
RATING:
Quality of Food: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
About time! That is the best way I can describe this new addition to Windsor and Essex County's culinary scene. The hype was heightened by a Windsor Star article showcasing the future opening of this unique cafe in Windsor's barren downtown. I couldn't wait to give this place a try. A co-worker of mine went opening day for lunch and couldn't stop ranting and raving about it. I definitely had to give it a try.
And try I did, once a week since the day it opened. :) This place is simply incredible. A caliber of cafe, nearly non-existent in Windsor. Walking through the patio, you can instantly tell this place is a whole different experience. The patio adorned with enough potted plants and trees to make you feel you are in a courtyard. As soon as you enter the front door, this place is instantly placed into a league of its own. You would never know this place used to be a hair salon. Owners John Ansell and Steven Thompson have definitely kicked this place up a few notches with their own renovations showcased on their Facebook page. The environment is incredibly welcoming, the music well selected, and every last detail is covered. From the reclaimed barn wood that composes the tables, to the organic soap and dual-flush toilets this place brought true urban modern feeling to the old-fashion, stuck in their ways local scene. The local art showcased on the walls is an especially cool touch.
While the food is somewhat limited to panini, soup and salad; the quality and combinations are delicious. In my many recent visits, I've tried: the Veggie Panini, The Italian, Cream of Spinach (soup of the day), and a sesame bagel with cream cheese for my morning breakfast run. Difficult to choose a favourite, but the aioli in the Italian was so tasty. Their cafe lattes are pretty decent too.
What truly takes this place to a whole different caliber is the service. Each and every time I enter the place, I am always greeted with a genuine smile and the friendliest service. Both these things are something missing from most establishments in the area.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Squirrel Cage to anyone in Windsor's downtown core. I heard rumours that there are plans to apply for a liquor license, which could definitely secure this place as my new local. Sorry Twisted Apron, there is a new kid in town ;)
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2 comments:
So happy for the owners. I watched the progress on Facebook and so much hard work went into it! I am on my way this week with a friend from Chicago, can't wait! :)
I'm confident it won't let you down. Safe travels :)
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