Inside: Café Corner

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One of the greatest things about Harrison West's little neighborhood secret, Café Corner, is that it is what it says it is—a café on a corner (to be specific, the corner of Third and Pennsylvania). The food and atmosphere continue with this honest approach, with a large deck that's charming to sit on, and food that lives up to its promise as great deli grub.

Food: Café Corner serves typical deli-style meals but with a fine dining spin that is fairly approachable for the average deli-goer. Brunch at Café Corner is served all day and has menu options like French toast with cinnamon, nutmeg and chocolate ($5.95) and a truffled egg sandwich made with white truffle oil-infused eggs, Finnish Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms served on nine grain bread ($6.95). Try the "Hens in a Basket" for an adult remix of a childhood favorite—eggs served how you like them in the center of thick sourdough bread with sides of apple smoked bacon and hash browns.

There are several items on the menu that are tried and true, so feel free to explore the long list of sandwich options risk free here. For lunch, we recommend trying the raspberry turkey sandwich, served cold with turkey, bacon, mixed greens, mayo and raspberry vinaigrette on nine-grain bread ($7.95). Aside from brunch, all sandwiches come with a side of kettle-cooked potato chips, adding a good crunch to the plate.

A few other adventurous items worth checking out are the pesto avocado sandwich with "goat cheese, avocado, cucumber, sprouts and walnut pesto on old world loaf" ($8.95 and it's vegetarian friendly) and the fig and prosciutto sandwich with "dried Calimyrna figs, prosciutto, provolone cheese, balsamic vinegar and white truffle oil, grilled on old world bread" ($8.95). They may sound unique, because they are, but if you're thinking of trying some new flavors and at an affordable price, Café Corner is the place to do it.

The deli boutique has recently extended its hours until 9 p.m., leaving a window of opportunity open for a new dinner menu. Right now there are daily and weekly specials that keep things interesting, like a weekend special that includes the Spring Bling Omelette-a healthy dose of fluffy eggs loaded with "local ramps, Hungarian bacon, mushrooms, and Amish Swiss cheese."

Libations: Café Corner pours café favorites like Stauf's coffee, espresso and specialty coffee drinks. Most of the other drinks here are outsourced beverages like Izze, Tradewinds iced tea and canned soft drinks. Try the sparkling grapefruit Izze with brunch for a fruity, fizzy drink that isn't just your average cup of juice.

Décor: This corner deli may be small, but the décor is mighty for the amount of space the decorators had to work with. Inside there are a few cozy-looking tables lining the window with warm, terra cotta-colored walls, colorful photographs and lots of light streaming through the windows. The kitchen takes up the majority of the interior, along with the ordering counter and several coolers for all of the canned and bottled drink and salad options.

The spacious deck is where the best seating is at, especially considering the fact that the amount of space taken up by this outside dining area is probably larger than the whole interior of Café Corner. There are plenty of tables and mammoth umbrellas to keep you refreshed and relaxed. The main part of the deck is kind of open to everyone's view, but if you sneak to the part of the deck along Third Avenue things magically become more of a romantic, European setting.

Service: Everyone at Café Corner is super friendly and open to easily adjusting menu items to fit the likes of customers, and it's great that there is usually a weekly or daily special offered from owners and brothers Jon and Pete Nowak.

The café service is a bit Panera-like. Order your food at the main counter and then take a numbered place card to any seat that looks particularly comfy. Don't forget to pick up silverware, napkins, salt and pepper, and ketchup along the way-those things are all self-serve and are located near the main door both inside and outside of Café Corner. The cooks will bring your meal to you, and all that's left to do is eat and swoon. Afterwards, don't forget to drop your empty dishes and anything else unused back at the door stations where you got them.

Crowd: The miniature deli doesn't exactly allow seating for a crowd, but the people you'll find at Café Corner typically live and/or work in the area and are generally neighborhood-y types who walk or bike over. There is a small parking lot on site, but the people who drive to Café Corner tend to be professionals who are on lunch breaks. During the week there is about a 50/50 distribution of professionals getting a deli-style lunch and other younger people and moms who stop by to catch up or read a book in solitude. On the weekends Café Corner is über popular for people who brunch.

Depending on where you sit at Café Corner, this restaurant can be a good destination for either a moderately sized group or for parties of one or two. There's generally a friendly, laid-back atmosphere about the place that makes you want to sit around drinking delicious coffee for hours.

Insider's tip: After a long night out (or in), hit up Café Corner after regular hours when it is transformed into the Late Night Eggs headquarters. The inside eating area will be closed during the Eggs hours, but there is a counter in the doorway where you can place your late night breakfast orders, or call in to order delivery.

Another great thing to check out is Café Corner on Twitter, @cafecorner, where there are regular updates about weekend and daily specials, extended or shortened hours and general updates about the restaurant. There are also printable coupons available on the Café Corner Web site for deals like $1 off any hot sandwich, and these are updated regularly.

Bottom line: Café Corner brings a European café feel to Columbus' neck of the woods, with friendly service, innovative sandwich menus and independent owners who keep things interesting yet comfortable at all times.

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