Jaclyn’s Pick:

Lemon Tree Cafe
7614 Main St., Ralston
Fare: Brunch
Cost: $52 for two drinks and two meals
Reservations: It doesn’t appear they take reservations, but limited seating available

Greetings, Eaters and Readers!

Well, it’s a tale as old as time. I wasn’t sure where we should eat for January, so I pulled up my list from “As seen on Omaha Food Lovers (OFL).” Knowing we were meeting for lunch rather than our usual dinner, I narrowed my choices to breakfast joints. And I had seen Lemon Tree Cafe serving up mouth-watering dishes on OFL for years. It was time.

So we bundled up for the -1 degree weather and headed to Main Street in Ralston around noon on a Saturday. There were just two tables available to pick from – a sign that business was good.

Iced Coffee (price not listed for iced version … between $3-5)

Forgetting for just a moment that the metro area was being blasted with sub-arctic wind and temps, Martha asked the server if they had an iced coffee. In hindsight – she doesn’t know if his quickly concealed surprise was because they don’t usually offer it or if no one else was wanting iced coffee on such a cold day. All the same, he said “I can make something up, no problem” and crafted a simple but delicious iced coffee with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. She drank every drop.

Chicken Fried Steak Burrito | Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuit (These came to about $18, but don’t ask us the split … we can’t remember.)

A few hours before our brunch date, I saw Lemon Tree’s Facebook post about their specials. This particular day’s highlights included a chicken fried steak burrito which caught – and kept – Martha’s interest. She looked over the menu when we got there, but stuck with the burrito and a jalapeño cheddar biscuit on the side – another item featured on their ‘today only’ board.

Despite not asking the server for any info nor having a picture to go off, Martha envisioned something handheld. What was delivered was a giant, smothered creation that filled the plate. Martha even held up her forearm to the burrito because it was comparable in size and length. The ‘smothering’ was a delicious gravy that featured a few large chunks of sausage. Cutting into the burrito, Martha found potatoes, scrambled eggs, red peppers, cheese and of course – a large piece of chicken fried steak. Every bite was warm, fresh, soft and delightful.

She took a few bites of the jalapeño cheddar biscuit, but mostly focused on the burrito — it deserved her full attention. She’s glad she got the burrito but already thinks about the menu full of other items she hopes to enjoy on future visits.

Monte Cristo ($14.50) – French toast sandwich with ham, turkey, smoked Gouda, house jam and house honey mustard

I had analysis paralysis when it came to choosing my meal. It was between the strawberry stuffed french toast or the monte cristo. I unfairly forced the decision upon our waitress, who had an equal amount of indecision. She ultimately steered me toward the latter, mentioning its perfect sweet and salty balance.

My first bite in, I promptly told Martha, “Well this is how I want all future monte cristo sandwiches from now on!” And took turns dipping my forkfuls into the house strawberry jam and honey mustard. Both were perfect compliments to this delightful breakfast sandwich.

Final Bites

After seeing one rave review after another on OFL, we’re not surprised to share the same sentiment. This charming little cafe has won the hearts and bellies of Ralston locals and neighboring visitors alike. Two very satisfied forks up!

Cheers!
The Good Bite Gals

Want to stay up to date? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.