What should I order at Cafe Central?
Cafe Central
Puntas de Filete
Mentioned multiple times as a standout dish featuring succulent steak pieces with roasted green chile and jalapeño au jus, accompanied by silky whipped potatoes and perfectly cooked vegetables, praised for its symphony of flavors.
Ribeye Steak
Highly recommended for its amazing taste and perfect serving temperature, noted as one of the most delicious dishes by reviewers.
Wagyu Steak
Described as phenomenal with exceptional flavor and tenderness, leaving a lasting impression despite its higher price.
Rack of Lamb
Frequently highlighted for being tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, served with complementary whipped potatoes and vegetables, making it a divine choice.
Pork Chop
Praised as possibly the best pork ever eaten, juicy with a crispy exterior and tender center, highly recommended alongside the lamb.
Duck Breast
Recommended especially when ordered rare, noted for great flavor and excellent pairing with jam and black rice.
Smoked Green Chili Soup
Described as rich, flavorful, and uniquely delicious with just the right amount of spice, making it a perfect way to start a meal.
Grilled & Fried Calamari
Stands out for its perfect blend of textures, tender inside and crispy outside, making every bite memorable and showcasing the chef's attention to detail.
Crab Cakes
Mentioned for having a tasty spicy kick and being a delicious appetizer choice.
Lobster Pasta
Recommended for its excellent and filling qualities, appreciated by diners seeking something different.
Escargot
Noted as very good with a smooth texture, though a minor wish for cheese addition was expressed.
Seafood Platter
Recommended as a great alternative to steak, offering a fresh option with scallops, lobster ravioli, and salmon also mentioned positively.
Salmon
Highly praised by a salmon enthusiast who found the preparation exceptional and flavorful.
Beet Salad
Highlighted as a favorite salad with perfectly cooked beets and goat cheese that complements the earthy flavors well.
Mussels
Mentioned as an incredible appetizer when ordered alone, indicating quality and flavor.
Chocolate Cake
Frequently mentioned as a delicious dessert and part of personalized celebrations, leaving a sweet impression.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Cafe Central
Southwestern-accented, eclectic fine dining in refined dining room, gated courtyard or luxe lounge.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Valet parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Cafe Central known for?
Cafe Central is especially known for its Chilean sea bass and green chile soup, along with steakhouse-style dishes like ribeye, wagyu steak, and puntas de filete. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the live piano music and wine list as part of the experience.
What dishes are most recommended at Cafe Central?
The most often recommended dishes include the Chilean sea bass, crab cakes, green chile soup, and tres leches, with strong praise also going to the wagyu steak, ribeye, lobster pasta, and rack of lamb. Reviews describe the seafood and steaks as flavorful and well prepared, with the crab cakes noted for a little spicy kick.
What is the atmosphere like at Cafe Central?
The atmosphere is described as historic, cozy, quiet, romantic, and upscale, with a refined dining room, gated courtyard, and luxe lounge. Reviewers say it feels fancy and special, which makes it a fit for anniversaries, business dinners, and other special occasions, though live piano and singer performances can make it livelier at times.
Is Cafe Central good value, and what is the price range?
Cafe Central is in the $50 to $100 price range, and several reviewers say the prices are reasonable or not as expensive as expected for the ambiance, service, and food quality. One review specifically said a wagyu plate at $125 felt worth it because of the flavor and tenderness, while others felt the overall experience justified the cost.
Do you need a reservation or is there anything to know about timing?
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and reviewers mention that food can take a while during busy periods, especially on special-occasion nights. If you want a quieter conversation, it may help to visit when the live singer and pianist are on a break, since the music can get loud.
Is parking available at Cafe Central?
Yes. Usually somewhat difficult to find a space, Valet parking is available.
Does Cafe Central have vegetarian options?
Yes, Cafe Central offers vegan options.
Is Cafe Central kid-friendly?
Yes, Cafe Central is good for kids.
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