Sidewalk Cafe 

“Had I known you served food like this, I would have been coming here. I’m a little disappointed.” She grinned, happily forking down once more on her lightly seared ahi tuna. It wasn’t long after that she began plotting her next visit to the café around the corner from her apartment.

Sidewalk Café is just the right amount of cozy, quaint meets sass. Perfectly located in Addison Circle, the vibe is friendly and welcoming. It’s not your everyday café. A person could come in for a cup of coffee, and leave having enjoyed a fabulous glass of wine, live music or even a little karaoke.

The restaurant is the epicurean vision of owner Sue Richter, a former food and travel writer. After purchasing the eatery in December, Sue decided to make a few changes by incorporating her own culinary influences and love of wine onto the menu. Having served on the wine counsel for two years in California and her best friend being owner of three wineries, she knows a thing or two about vino. “Wine is just a thing I’m really passionate about,” she explained.

The menu hosts several Mediterranean food familiars like hummus, gyro and Greek salad. There’s also room for spontaneity, like the popular chicken Philly or the new lamb sliders which were featured at this year’s Taste Addison.

We were seated outdoors on the sidewalk of Sidewalk Cafe. It only seemed right. Although the comfy looking bright orange chairs inside were a little tempting too.  The weather was warm with a tinge of cool, making me forget that it was Texas in May. My friend and I began with a couple of bubbly happy hour bellini’s and lettuce wraps. Chef Tony ditches the standard iceberg, using romaine instead and topping the large deep green leaves with juicy chicken breast chunks, honey roasted cashews, sesame seeds, and apples all cooked up in Mediterranean spices. Easily the best and most filling lettuce wraps I’ve ever eaten. Still in the mood to consume something on the lighter side, each of us opted to try the seared ahi tuna. We decided on sides of roasted potatoes broccoli and mixed veggies.

The food arrived quickly, placed on colorful plates that felt reminiscent of being home. Splitting the fish, it was tender, bouncy and juicy. The broccoli and mixed veggies maintained a nice hearty crunch, while the roasted potatoes had a welcoming burst of rosemary. To pair with our meal, Sue suggested the Scarbolo Pinot Grigio. Typically not a fan of pinot grigio, it surprised me, ending with a subtle sweetness that delicately complimented the tuna.

In the next 12 months, Sue hopes to open another location in Ft Worth where she’d like the menu to be a little more tapas and wine forward. Until then, she’ll be focused on her Addison Circle location, a place where people can go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, have a little wine, tasty food and simply take a load off.

Lightly tapping my tummy, I was full. But not stuffed. So, for a finale, we enjoyed two Sidewalk Café Signature Martinis, a coffee inspired cocktail that pairs Baileys, Café Patron, Godiva Chocolate liqueur and espresso. It was just the right amount of sweetness to round out an evening well spent on the sidewalk of a café. TXmb

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Where to find them-  5030 Addison Cir, Addison, TX 75001

Phone- (972) 661-8171

That whole parking thing- It’s all about meters or underground parking here folks. Just stay aware of the signs so that your vehicle will not get towed and you should be fine.