Gateway Cafe Serves Up a Satisfying Meal

As a couple exited the newly opened , located in the heart of Gulf Gate, the man called over his shoulder to the restaurant staff, "It's delicious."

It's a sentiment that's surely repeated day after day inside this little eatery.

The crisp white walls are accented with sage green, red and black furniture and accents that give the cafe a modern country kitchen feel. The menu is stuffed with delicious-sounding egg dishes, sausage and gravy, and other breakfast staples that are served all day (Gateway Cafe's hours include Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). Sandwiches, soups, homecut fries and wraps are served in the afternoon. 

The specials board is a one temptation after another — chocolate peanut butter pancakes, roasted red pepper asparagus feta scramble, beef & cheddar on an onion roll, chicken fingers and home fries. All under $10 and most under $7, as it is with the majority of the regular menu, too.

The signature lunch dish, the turkey sandwich on a pretzel roll, delivers one satisfying bite after another. The freshly pulled turkey is expertly roasted and paired with melted cheese, thick bacon, tomatoes, avocado and a not-too-tangy cilantro mayonnaise. 

The homemade pretzel roll is soft and easy to eat, yet substantial enough to stand up to the hearty fixin's inside. The sandwich is offered with simple yet savory French fries, potato salad, coleslaw or chips (hint: don't deny yourself the fries).

Owner Terry Shick opened Gateway Cafe in April and says business is picking up, especially among the Gulf Gate locals. "Everybody's just been very friendly and the local businesses have been very welcoming," she told Patch. Shick ran similar restaurants in Buffalo, N.Y., before relocating to Florida about 10 years ago.

She operates Gateway Cafe with her daughter Rachel Hicks, who runs the grill while Shick does the baking. They're building up their dessert menu to include a variety of made-from-scratch pies and cakes (apple, banana, carrot and others) to pair with their breakfast and lunch offerings. 

Gateway Cafe is located at 6551 Gateway Ave., and provides carry out and will deliver to local spots (like Gulf Gate bars). 923-6293.