Beech Street Cafe

After a fulfilling 3.5-mile hike with a friend, our appetites were ready for action. Initially, we had plans to dine at Matthews Garden Cafe next door, but their willingness to accommodate two people and a stroller left something to be desired. So, we ventured next door and settled by the fountain in the outdoor seating area. Our culinary journey kicked off with the delightful indulgence of warm bread, impeccably paired with a truly delightful olive oil and balsamic vinegar duo. What followed was an unforgettable bruschetta - easily ranking among the best I've ever savored. The tomatoes burst with flavor, harmoniously balanced with just the right amount of garlic. The toasted bread, brushed with olive oil, elevated the experience to sheer perfection. Don't miss this dish. For our main course, we decided to share the pasta special of the day, Rigatoni Romana, and a pizza. The rigatoni arrived cloaked in a delectable pink sauce, escorted by pancetta and red onions. The flavors were spot on, although I did wish for a bit more crispiness in the pancetta. As for the pizza, we opted for bufalo mozzarella and added meatballs, mushrooms, and olives. The mushrooms did introduce a touch of sogginess, as expected, and the meatballs could have benefited from a tad more salt. Overall, the pizza was decent, though we couldn't help but wonder if it might have shone even brighter with fewer toppings. In summary, our dining experience was truly outstanding, with the bruschetta and pasta special stealing the show. It's worth noting that we customized our pasta with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper, which elevated its flavors even further. While the pizza had its moments, we couldn't help but speculate that a simpler approach might have yielded a more remarkable outcome.

Love this place for lunch. Great salads and sandwiches. Favorite is the sausage sandwich with peppers and onions at lunch only. Dinner is ok. Lots of space inside and outside on a lovely patio. The front inside room has a cheery fireplace which is wonderful in winter. Outside has umbrella s and heaters when needed. We have eaten here many times and done takeout.

One of my favorite places to meet my girlfriends for a lovely lunch or dinner in the Palisades. The patio is charming, intimate and has good vibes. The food is always consistent, staff is friendly and they let you sit and talk without feeling rushed out the door. Depending on the time of day, street parking is easy to find.