Food Nearby: Café Manhattan Features Retro Repast

Burgers, fries and shakes never go out of style, especially at the Cafe Manhattan whose 1950’s theme provides dinner with a side of nostalgia.

Decorated with chrome, glass block walls, neon and Formica topped tables Cafe Manhattan’s dining room is a retro refit for what once was an A&W Root Beer stand.  Root beer is still on the menu along with an assortment of classic diner fare. Topping the menu, the half-pound burgers that are cooked and dressed to order. Carnivore burger picks are the Uptown Burger, topped with bacon and melted sharp cheddar cheese, and the traditional Patty Melt.

Beyond the expected Reuben, Grinder/Italian Sub and versions of grilled chicken, there are 19 sandwiches to savor. Pastrami, a seldom-seen delicacy on menus is used to create the Manhattan's Carnegie sandwich, built with melted Swiss on grilled pumpernickel.  Braunschweiger  also makes an appearance, thick sliced and layered on French bread with bacon, lettuce, red onions and tomatoes to become the Manhattan Club while white cheddar, tomatoes, avocados and sprouts are transformed into the ultimate grilled cheese, The Liberty.

Appetizers, soups, salads and pizza complete the menu with the pizza combos rating honorable mention.  The pizza standout designed for the gourmet palate is the Central Park, a garlic and olive oil base, with artichokes, calamata olives, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella cheese built on a New York style crust.

To satisfy the sweet tooth consider sipping a phosphate, egg cream or malted milk from Manhattan’s soda fountain. Root beer floats and Brown Cows (a float with chocolate syrup added) features locally made Fitz’s root beer. Ice cream can be ordered dipped into a dish, a cone or served as a sundae. Chocolate lovers should consider the house ice cream specialty - the Manhattan Works Sundae, a fudge brownie topped with vanilla ice cream drenched in hot fudge and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

Cafe Manhattan is located at 9992 Lin Ferry Road. Call 314-849-4143.