American TV show host Fred McFeely Rogers used to say, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”
While the man more commonly known as Mr. Rogers was referring to the community he lived in, his line perfectly applies to a particular neighborhood in Cebu City.
Somewhere tucked in the heart of Banawa is a warm and cozy hangout spot where you can enjoy some of the most irresistible breakfast meals and souffle pancakes on the island. Welcome to The Neighborhood Cafe!
This underrated cafe in Cebu has been recommended by Cebuanos for years, thanks to its low-key yet homey vibe that makes for a great time to have coffee or brunch.
Whether you’re alone or with friends, you’re sure to fall in love with the atmosphere at The Neighborhood Cafe.
WARM AND COZY AMBIANCE
The cafe is located along Fortich Street within the suburbs of Banawa. Around the area, you will also find other hidden gems like La Casa Vieja and Porterhouse Meatshop & Cafe.
It’s right on the side of the road, so it’s hard to miss. There’s a small parking area available if you’re bringing a private vehicle with you.
Once you enter the cafe, you will immediately get a feel of its cozy ambiance. Bring a book, your laptop, or chat with friends – the place is comfortable enough for you to not be in a rush while enjoying your meal or coffee.
The Neighborhood Cafe has two dining areas, one indoors and another outside. While the al fresco area is great for some fresh air, there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere inside the cafe.
Earth-tone walls and vintage furniture, paired with relaxing music, add to the rustic ambiance that not many coffee shops can pull off.
So you might as well enjoy the experience while you’re there.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD CAFE BESTSELLERS
As mentioned, the cafe is famous for its souffle pancakes. Their Facebook page claims to serve the city’s fluffiest pancakes, and for a price of Php200 to Php400, you can experience their sweet and savory options.
Souffles are known for their soft, jiggly texture, which are fun to eat. Although they’ve become a huge hit over the years, not many cafes or breakfast restaurants offer this irresistible treat.
Just look up “souffle pancakes near me” and see how many establishments pop up.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, The Neighborhood Cafe would definitely be a great start.
The Cookie Dough souffle pancake is one of their bestsellers, with two fluffy pancakes drizzled in caramel syrup, topped with a scoop of whipped cream and a Lotus Biscoff cookie.
It also comes in plain flavor, which you can enjoy with maple syrup. They also have one that is served with bacon and eggs on the side.
Cool it all down with any of their signature drinks like their Italian Soda. This comes in different flavors, namely cucumber, peach, and raspberry.
For light snacks, you can try out their in-house empanadas.
Speaking of signature drinks, The Neighborhood Cafe has a selection of coffee that you can order hot or cold. They also have cold brew drinks that come in different flavors, such as plain white brew, caramel, and mocha.
Below are some photos of The Neighborhood Cafe menu.
For the food, you can order quesadillas or fries as your appetizers. Their mains include Hungarian, bangus, fried chicken fillet, and more, all of which come with rice.
There is also pasta, pizza, and sandwiches for you to choose from.
Whether you’re having a cup of coffee or a delightful breakfast meal at The Neighborhood Cafe, you’ll definitely want to come back for more.
Customers have praised the cafe for its food, drinks, service, and cozy vibe. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling in love with everything that the cafe has to offer even during your first visit.
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
White Heart Lane, J. Fortich Street, Banawa, Cebu City
Operating Hours:
9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
You can commute to The Neighborhood Cafe by taking any jeepney passing through Banawa, like a 06B from Carbon or a 12L from Ayala Center Cebu. Tell the driver to drop you off at Alliance Church and then walk to White Heart Lane across from The Courtyards.
The cafe is located right next to Porterhouse.