4. Restaurants

Café Muse

418 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI, 48067
  • (248) 544-4749
  • Store is closed

Café Muse Menu

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  • Sonali B.

    I had been DYING to try this place, and BF is a good listener or mind reader and on a surprise day out, we headed here for some of the best breakfast I've ever had in Michigan. Cafe Muse reminds you of a warm French eatery. The intimate dining room is cozy and the servers are completely on the ball. From the minute we walked in, we received amazing service and attention beyond belief. I was overjoyed to be there and from the first sip of my hazelnut latte (although I considered ordering one of their bloody mary's), I knew it would be heavenly. BF ordered the white chocolate strawberry pancakes while I got a tofu scramble of zucchini, parmesan, and garlic. I had never ordered one before and figured this was the place. We sipped our lattes and coffees and dug into our meals. By the way, if you don't know what to order, ask your server - this is ONE place where their recommendations are fabulous and they're truly happy to answer any questions you have. We were both completely overcome with joy. The meal was amazing. We sampled eachothers dishes, ate our toast and potatoes, and relished bite after bite until we were full. I cannot wait to go to Cafe Muse again and tell everyone I know to go there. I cannot say enough about it and I am not easy to please in the slightest. Two very happy customers left that day and cannot wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Heatherleigh N.

    Aside from the Portlandia-esque menu notes regarding the origins of your food (I don't particularly care where my fingerling potatoes were grown, but perhaps this detail keeps YOU up nights, and if so, no judgement, dude), this is a pretty killer brunch joint. I avoid it like the plague on weekends, as I can't take the line-out-the door action, but breakfast or lunch on a weekday is easy to get in the door. The seafood cheddar grits are the richest thing I've ever put in my mouth; you'll wanna share these with someone. Eat them all yourself and you may just have a heart attack on your way to the car.

    (4)

  • Nancy R.

    Food is fabulous! The grilled cheese is something to write about. Three types of cheese, basil, honey. Perfect. But the noise. Almost impossible to hear your partner. Even mid-week, 1pm...the wait was about 30 minutes.

    (4)

  • Alicia L.

    The menu is huge and filled with unique and creative (and seemingly healthy) goodies, especially of the sweet variety. The specials menu alone is two pages! This is one of those places where you tell the waiter to come back for you order several times and still never get closer to narrowing down your choices, too many things are appealing. I eventually settled on the grilled cheese (yeah yeah, but I HAD to) and my Dining Companion got one of the specials, fried eggs over corned beef. My grilled cheese was awesome, just as advertised. Even the orange juice was extra special and tasty, I powered through two large glasses and could have gone for more. Strange maybe, I know, but you never care about the little things like that until they are just perfection. The service was fantastic, from the hostess to the waitstaff. I didn't even mind the hour (or longer) wait, because they offered to call your mobile phone when the table was ready. And of course, it was definitely worth the wait. If I lived in the area, this would be the place to have my regular birthday brunch, it's just that kind of place that makes an occasion seem extra-special. On second thought, airline prices are going down....

    (5)

  • Jennifer L.

    Of course, I've heard the buzz around Cafe Muse for a long time now. Their regulars are walking advertisements! I didn't end up going until my mother got wind of the "Oprah grilled cheese" a considerable time after the word was out. My mommy loves her Oprah. So we made a reservation (good tip, yelpers!) and prepared for a taste bud dance party. I was feeling chilly, so I started out with the exotic mushroom bisque to warm me up. Wow! This is no ordinary mushroom soup, as the name would imply. Layers of mushroom and goat cheese, it was amazing. It also came with a piece of what I think was cranberry nut bread? Seriously moist, seriously good. I was already impressed. I had the cup, which is a pretty good size. The bowl must be huge. Then I got the short rib grilled cheese sandwich and mummy got the famous grilled cheese. When I got my sandwich, the plate had a lot of grease already pooled on it. Grease or Ammoglio sauce? I don't know for sure, but it was unappetizing. I picked it up like a girly girl, not wanting grease-sauce to run down my hands, and took my first bite. Flavor explosion! What a silly thing to say, but really, flavor explosion! Bam bam bam! There was a lot more meat than I was expecting, so much so that I couldn't really taste the cheese. It was fantasty (that's my new word for fantastic and tasty food. I need new descriptors! Go ahead, use it, it's fun!), but I'd probably knock off some of the meat so I can taste the cheese too. As for the grilled cheese... yep, it's really good! I loved the different cheeses, and the honey definitely adds that something something. That Oprah sure is reliable. The side chickpea salad was really good and crisp tasting. Mums raved about it. If anyone knows how to recreate it, please let me know so I can share it with her! I only have two complaints. I already mentioned the short rib grease... yeah short ribs are "juicy," but come on. The second is the service. With a line out the door, I'd expect service to move a little faster. I think what they need to do is staff up. We waited a good ten minutes between finishing our meals and getting the bill. I was ready to get out of there, and I'm sure all of the people waiting were ready for me to get out of there too! Interesting menu, great food, great atmosphere. This is a really special place, I wish I could get to it more often!

    (5)

  • zubin l.

    I am a big fan of good breakfast place and usually get disappointed when a brunch place cant live upto its image. Cafe muse is one of them. My complains a) Long wait (Its a minor thing - usually good restaurants have long wait time). I am beweildered by the fact that after we gave our number and left the restaurant to kill the 30 minutes wait time, they called us after few minutes saying that they can accomodate us if we dont mind sharing the table with 2 other strangers. Why would somebody spend 30 bucks on breakfast to share table with a stranger. b) Food was awful. I just dont know where to start. c) For the quality of food, its very pricey. Not worth it.

    (1)

  • Mary P.

    Tried the ever famous grilled cheese. Oh Oprah, you and your billion dollars weren't kidding. It was a delightful take on the good ole American cheese slice grilled cheese. I'm pretty positive I could make this at home using honey, the 3 cheeses and tomato with my choice of bread. It was good but it needed more tomato and whatever that herb was...I can't think of it at the moment. I'm usually too lazy to make food myself these days so I'll be back Cafe Muse.

    (4)

  • Ben M.

    We have given Cafe muse 4 tries and time and time again have been very disappointing. Breakfast was bland and disappointing, based on the menu it all sounded like it could compete with our other local favorites, but when it came to taste it fell way short. Lunch was the only time the food was decent enough where I didn't feel a need to complain, but its difficult to mess up an elevated grilled cheese. The two times for dinner were the biggest disappointments though. Reading the menu there were so many good options to choose from, in writing that is... We had a short-rib that was more of a roast beef texture and taste, compared to what one would expect from a rich short rib plate, no sauce could save the dried out meat. The risotto was truly watery and flavorless, from the menu we expected a rich creamy risotto full with wild mushrooms and fresh cheese, only to bite into what was an amateur attempt at a risotto at best (very very sad). The duck was cooked the correct med rare you would expect duck but overpowered by the rice side, leaving you very little actual duck flavor on your palette, very little actual seasoning on the duck itself. The skirt steak was the most edible though, the pesto was nice in theory but ended up having to scrape it off the meat as it clashed with my tastes. Perhaps the kitchen was out of salt and pepper the night we went in. I'm not writing this review to bash Muse, but just simply out of annoyance because I want to like their food! I just cant.

    (2)

  • Emily B.

    So I have to say, I have not been back yet since my bad experience, but I have to give credit where credit is do. Very shortly after I posted my review, the owners sent me an email apologizing for the experience that I had and stating that they have had a staff meeting about it. It was their first weekend open with the expanded restaurant and they were not prepared for the volume. I have posted many reviews on Yelp, both good and bad, this is the first time that I can recall that an owner has taken such measures as to contact me and assure me that the issue has been addressed. It really shows the strong character of the owners, the pride they take in their work and you can only hope that this is reflected by their employees. I look forward to going back and giving them another shot.

    (4)

  • Jaffar S.

    Just went for late breakfast or brunch.......All I can say is Great service...Great Food. The service is outstanding, they make your dining experience one that makes you leave with nothing less than a big smile. The food is very fresh and local. I normally don't give out 5 stars, but today it was perfection from the moment we walked in. Excellent breakfast menu that almost takes you to another city(Chicago, Los Angeles or Toronto)....not your typical bacon and eggs breakfast place. Although I'm sure if that's what you want they can and will deliver with a smile. Again, Great place for breakfast. Check it out!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Todd S.

    I give Cafe Muse a four+ star for breakfast and brunch, but a 3 star for dinner. We went to dinner here last night and the results were mixed. They're trying to the fancy cocktail thing. They pretty well with my GF's choice - the Green dragon. It was a tasty, refreshing, interesting mix. I had one of their rye drinks and was disappointed in its lack of character. The food was okay. The soups and salads were well done. The famous grilled cheese? Overrated in my book. It was pretty greasy which hid any taste that was trying to get out. My GF gave it a somewhat better review. The service was not very good, but the waitstaff was apologetic so no loss of scoring. Overall, it's an above average choice for Royal Oak. Still, we'll probably just stick to visits during the day.

    (4)

  • LaTrisha L.

    I've been a fan since they opened. I've been for private parties as well as for brunch and dinner. The food is creative, fun and delicious. The portions are always perfect. It's not a place where you'll leave with leftovers, but you will leave SATISFIED. I've tried multiple dishes here and I keep coming back. The owners are wonderful and I've had the pleasure of meeting both of them. The attention to detail for the food is really nice. I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • N C.

    Happened to be in Royal Oak and decided to stop in and have lunch. My daughter had the chicken salad and loved it. I had the tuna sandwich and wasn't thrilled. I did however love my grandsons BBJ, so did he.

    (3)

  • Ron C.

    Okay Westside , you've done it again! Friday morning I was at an appointment in Shelby at 23 & Schoenner, but scooted over to met my gal at Cafe Muse, to see what all the YELP HYPE was about. wow! WOW! From the moment we walked in the atmosphere and presentation was Awesome A+ Met a very happy & personable hostess, who showed us to our table and inquired " how will this be"? A+ Then "RACHEL" the server extraordinaire , bounced onto the scene "Hi I'm Rachel, welcome to Cafe Muse ! ! !" we said thank you for the warm welcome an d mentioned it was our very first visit, she smiled , applauded & jumped and said " I Love first time guests" she encouraged us to look over both menus, as it was 11am and we could choose either, she said "Once you decide breakfast or lunch I can guide you further" A++ We chose the grilled cheese sandwich as an appetizer, words truly can not express how great it is / was and the sheer simplicity! A++ Then for our entree's My Wife chose the,Baby Spinach with Amish Gorgonzola, Walnuts & Dried Cherries Salad with Chicken A+ I chose the Grilled Hanger Steak Sandwich with Ammoglio Sauce and Provolone Cheese on Multigrain A++ it came with cold marinated couscous A+ [ note I have made couscous at home & never liked it until Friday] This side dish was so amazing ! Rachel encouraged us to order the Homemade Butterscotch Pudding , but there was simply no room. All in all Cafe' Muse EXCEEDED my expectations, we are plotting our return visit , and we have 3 friends coming in from Seattle & this will be a destination for sure.

    (5)

  • Meg K.

    Creative menu that promises more than it delivers. I've eaten here three times - grilled cheese, turkey burger, salmon omelet - and that's been my over all experience. The fresh basil and honey on the grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious touch - I've copied it at home.

    (3)

  • Jackson R.

    I went to Cafe Muse with some friends from high school I hadn't seen in awhile. One of my friends had been there before and suggested it, saying they have great grilled cheese that was featured on Oprah. She posted a picture of the grilled cheese on my facebook, and it looked heavenly. So we get there and put our name in. The waiting area for a table was a little awkward. There was a curtain blocking off a little corner by the door like they might have in the entrance to a room in a Dr.'s office exam room (except the curtain was fancy) with a little seating for while you wait. It wasn't uncomfortable, just weird. It was a Friday for lunch but we didn't have to wait too long so the awkward waiting area wasn't a problem. When we got seated, we had a table near the window, that was actually right next to the curtain. We were then realized the genius of the awkward curtain waiting area, because it did not feel like we were next to the door at all and made it a really cozy spot with a nice view So when we ordered, the only question really was whether I was going to have chips or pasta salad with my grilled cheese and what kind of bread. I chose multi-grain bread and pasta salad. The grilled cheese was heavenly. I could not have dreamed up a more delicious sandwich. The bread was great. Grilled to the perfect crispiness and not too greasy. The sandwich had 3 cheeses--fontina, havarti and mozerella--and also a little tomato and basil. The tomato was really fresh and sweet. But the kicker was the fact that they add a little honey inside the sandwich. I will always put honey in grilled cheese after that because it was heavenly. The sandwich was perfect and surprisingly light for a grilled cheese. The pasta salad was also delicious. It was pretty simple, but the dressing was good and it had some sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Really light and perfect with the grilled cheese. One of my friends got the exact same thing I did, the other got a sandwich that had sandwich with turkey, pesto, fontina cheese, lettuce and tomato that looked really good (even though I don't eat meat). They also had a toasted peanut butter, jam and mascarpone sandwich, which sounded amazing and I'd love to try next time, if i can bring myself not to order the grilled cheese or find someone to split both. According to my friend, they have great breakfast too, which they serve all day. Everything looked great, and they had the breakfast menu separated into "sweet" and "savory". I also noticed they have vegan options, which I always appreciate since I used to be vegan and just moved from Portland, where vegan options are much easier to find than they usually are here. So it was an overall great place to eat and I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Heather L.

    Cafe Muse is a favorite of mine. Although I have to admit, I ALWAYS order the grilled cheese (and honey is now a staple in our homemade grilled cheeses!) with some sort of soup or salad side and a green tea with cinnamon and cardomom. Yesterday's soup was exotic mushroom bisque, and from previous posts, you will know I am a lover of the 'shroom. The side salad was cold curry basmati rice with fruit, the 3 friends I was with opted for a side salad instead, boy was that a mistake on their part. My only complaint was the rice was a little clumpy. For dessert we split a butterscotch pudding which was very good. My only complaint with this visit is that our service/server was not as good as what I have come to know at Cafe Muse, but the meal was FABulous!

    (4)

  • Sara G.

    My muses are usually Euterpe and Polyhymnia, but earlier today they were replaced by Gastrolioppe, Lunchfastia and Cappuccino. I can't believe I finally made it here! Cafe Muse has been on my list for a while but its hours of operation made it somewhat prohibitive (funny how when I weekend on this side of town, I never get going until 2pm). They're a bit pricey but the food is fresh. I ordered the smoked salmon gruyere scramble. The free range eggs were creamy and fluffy. Free range does make a difference. The slab o' salmon (not nova) came served on top (I thought it was going to be mixed in). The atmosphere didn't move me when we first arrived, but fortunately by the time we had finished our meal, the crowd had changed substantially. For a minute there I thought I was in B'ham. Another great personal touch: one of the owners came and chatted with us about our dining experience and inquired if we had any fabulous NYE plans...which we do now (we didn't at that moment). Their coffee and espresso were quite excellent and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they heat their cream/milk. Veddy nice touch. Tootsie rolls and mints come along with your check. Sweet!

    (4)

  • Traci A.

    Today was my third time at Cafe Muse - and they consistently exceed my expectations! I had the Ammoglio Sauce Scramble with Fresh Mozzarella (made with Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic & olive oil) which came with a portion of fingerling potatoes, fruit and multi-grain toast. The ammoglio sauce was fresh and really flavorful. I can never pronounce it though - but the waiter was kind enough to correct me - in a nice way. :) My friend Ann had a cream of tomato soup with a salad of Organic greens and goat cheese which she enjoyed. During my first visit, I had Cafe Muse's famous Grilled Cheese: havarti cheese, honey and tomato (revered by Oprah's best friend Gayle) and it lived up to its reputation. The only mediocre food we've had during one visit was the steak and eggs - my husband didn't care for the marinade on the meat. Cafe Muse does a fantastic job of thinking about all the details. Everything feels high-end - but for a reasonable price - from serving really nice teas with honey on the side - to the heavyweight cutlery and cloth napkins. One other detail I love is that - even though there is almost always a line to wait for a table - Cafe Muse will take your cell phone number and call you when your table is ready. This allows you to walk around the streets of Royal Oak and enjoy yourself, instead of standing in a crowded line. On some occasions, my husband and I go across the street to Gayles and have a coffee during the wait, which makes it go quickly. But the wait is always worth it.

    (4)

  • matt o.

    NOTE - this is a dinner rating only. Breakfast is 4-5 stars every time. So I love the dinner menu. Has tons of innovative dishes with local and exotic elements BUT they haven't quite got the execution down. Here's the run down... Chanterelle appetizer was very good - local micro bulbs were tasty and unique. Short ribs were a little overcooked and dry. Gnocchi was way too dense but had a very nice sauce. Salted butterscotch pudding had a strange texture, a little grainy. It's not the same level a their flawless bfast but I'm sure will improve. They are only 3 wks into serving it. I will be back for dinner but will probably wait a bit. Service was great as always, although a little salesy. I think they are still seeing how economically viable a dinner service is.

    (3)

  • Theresa T.

    I just want to start by saying that I was here for dinner, unlike most of the people reviewing this place. And btw, I'd love to go back for brunch if I have the chance. Everything we had was GOOD! Appetizers, good (stuffed dates if you want your bacon and sausage, plus a hint of their famous grilled cheese in appetizer form). Coffee, good. All 3 entrees, delicious (so they were duck, lamb and rabbit). Butterscotch pudding with toffee, whipped cream and sea salt--definitely memorably delicious though not sure if I would've said "life-altering" like our server did. And their service was great~they were super attentive although it could have been especially so since they weren't busy. The place itself is very cute and the atmosphere is nice for a night out but I could see where the size of the place could be a problem if it was busy. Overall, worth coming to multiple times if you are willing to pay for some good food and have good company. I'm putting in that it's "classy" because a customer in there while we were there was openly and loudly complaining that of the many beers and wines they have, they don't have Bud light...in case this matters to anyone reading this.

    (5)

  • Hilary D.

    So much was right tonight...service was smooth and elegant, waiter looked like James Dean. Bread was warm and almost bisquity... hot date appetizer beautifully spiced... Burger perfectly cooked with my favorite brioche style roll...lamb shanks :excellent:.... very few quibbles... but here goes... sooooo easy to make your own catsup to go with the quality of the rest of the meal.... nothing worse than the old heinz squeezed out a jar ice cold... seems like a small detail... but trust me it counts... only other real negative... noise levels horrible... no way around it I guess... but this was just what we were looking for a small original restaurant, with excellent food, moderate prices, charmingly quirky decor. and handsome , charming.waiters.. can't wait to go back!

    (4)

  • Rachel E.

    Wonderful place with a great menu, good service, reasonable prices and cute atmosphere. Brunch was fabulous, though I liked the savory brunch dishes much more than the sweet ones of what I had. On my visit... I really liked how they took our names and phone number and called us when a table was ready. It was great to be able to walk around town instead of staying within 100 ft of the restaurant. Plus we were seated way before they said we would be. Service was good, though the waitstaff were clearly kept very busy by the crowd during brunch. The food is all local and fresh and (I believe) organic. Which made the food really really awesome. Plus, they have mimosas with FRESH SQEEZED orange juice and really fantastic bloody mary's (try the pickle juice one if you like zesty dill pickles!). Everything was awesome and I have no complaints at all. If I'm ever back in the Detroit area, I will be coming back FOR SURE.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    Food is always amazing, service is usually good! Love this place!!

    (4)

  • Marco D.

    I'm officially on the lam after a string of really crappy breakfast experiences. I am actually writing this a month after the fact. Better late than never. I went to Cafe muse for Breakfast. Here is why Cafe Muse separates itself from boutique breakfast places. It isn't trying to be a eclectic place for people to indulge in every once i a while. The menu is creative but is very simple. And thats where they do it right. The service was good and attentive. We sat outside, which was good because the dining room was jammed with patrons. So we got a great meal and some nice morning sun. The website had a photo of Gail, Oprah's "friend" wink wink nudge nudge - but that didn't detour us from trying the Muse. Cuz we brave like that. I got the cinnamon raisin french toast which came with real maple syrup. Which is good because I am a maple syrup snob. We also got a special of the day french toast. I think it was some kind of "turtle" french toast. It was decadent and fat inducing goodness. We got home and it was siesta time. I'll be back. werd.

    (4)

  • JP R.

    As a foodie, I was scared to be assigned to a work project in Troy, MI. Quality food, great service, comforting ambiance, this place has it all. They have something for everyone on the menu and are not afraid to make edits that will accommodate any request. Consistency is the key to success in the restaurant business and this being our second trip here, Cafe Muse has amazingly pleased my palate and made the trip to Detroit a lot easier.

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    I was excited to finally try this place out after hearing many good things from fellow Yelpers and friends. It did not disappoint! We got extremely lucky in that we got a table on a Saturday morning with about a 5 minute wait. It was so hard deciding on a dish, but I ended up ordering a crab meat with english muffin and eggs on top...a delight! I also loved the sweet potato mashed as an different breakfast potato. My friends both ordered the huvero rancheros and loved it! I cannot wait to go back and try more things.

    (4)

  • Kathleen L.

    Cafe Muse always hits the spot!! I travel a lot for work and I enjoy coming home and eating at Cafe Muse. I love the variety of specials they offer with fresh ingredients and the friendly and prompt service.

    (5)

  • heather t.

    First off after being seated at our table we were not greeted by any waitress for at least 15 minutes. I did order the grilled cheese and I could have made it better. Awards? I don't see it. They didn't even have a tomato soup option. That's like no peanut butter to accompany the jam on a sandwich. I also had the pasta salad of the day- very few noodles, too many dried tomatoes and unreal amount of garlic. Would I come back? Eh not in my top 10 places to return!! Disappointed

    (2)

  • M S.

    Love, love, love this place. Numerous breakfasts and brunches, all warm fuzzy memories! Took my parents one time and they loved it too. The famous grilled cheese is delish, the steak and eggs are decadent, the salmon and gruyere eggs are to die for. Brunch is one of my favorite, bonding-y-est meals, and brunch at Muse, with its delicious eclectic and fanciful menu is extra special. Cons: fingerling potatoes often too oily for enjoyment. Wait times can be long. The truffle oil (which is a menu staple) can often be excessive, and not in a good way. In fact, the eggs are often too heavy to enjoy, and I can't fathom why. I'm all for rich food, but it shouldn't get in the way of enjoying my (pricey) meal. I also find their coffee could be smoother. That being said, I still give the place 4 stars - another star once those issues are addressed :)

    (4)

  • Julia A.

    My day is usually so boring without coffee, specially espresso, I have found Cafe Muse through an ad, it looked nice then i decided to give it a visit and I'm so glad that i did. I tried brownie Cake, which was very delicious with ice cream, then I had the most amazing espresso i ever had in my life, now i can't stop going there again and again, it was awesome and highly recommended

    (5)

  • Ragan D.

    Breakfast is great. I have had it several mornings in a row recently. Everything tastes really good. I went there with my two-year-old and 5-month-old. I felt bad because it says on here that this is not the place to take kids. However, everyone there was very friendly with me and the children and they do have a children's menu so I am not sure why it is not listed as kid-friendly. It is a small, very nice restaurant so of course you wouldn't expect kids to be running crazy, but they don't mind children at all. I appreciate that!

    (4)

  • yakob j.

    Can i think of any better brunch in Royal Oak, i think not. I've been going to Cafe Muse since it opened, I love the cafe style eatery, one of a kind in Royal Oak. I love to bring friends here. Lots of N/A drink options, and the coffee is always perfect. Food is great but the menu is small, but that's to be expected for such a small operation. Servers are very friendly although it's often very busy ( especially weekends, and especially in the summer). The Manager/owner is a great guy with a huge smile. This is my number one spot in downtown R.O., and has been for a while. I suggest the Salmon Scrabble, the Salmon sandwich, Fruit covered Vanilla Bean Waffles, or the French Toast . Flour less Chocolate Cake is pretty tasty too. p.s. They give you a twizzler or tootsie roll on the check presenter, now isn't that sweet! : )

    (4)

  • Michelle L.

    All you really need to know: order the grilled cheese (regular or short ribs). If you go with another person, just order both and share. Their other items are delicious as well, but really the grilled cheese is the best. I've had brunch as well, but nothing seems to measure up to the grilled cheese. I could write more, but none of it matters really...just get the grilled cheese ;)

    (4)

  • Nina B.

    Went here for a second time this past weekend.....had to wait 20 minutes for a table for 2 on a Sunday morning, which wasn't terrible, considering the wait for some other breakfast places in the area on Sunday. We got a cozy table indoors this time due to the heat. I found their interior to be charming and relaxing. Once we were seated, everything sped up from there. I ordered their cappuccino, which they make to perfection. This time, I decided to try the scramble with the chicken sausage and gouda. This turned out to be an excellent choice. The gouda gave a special "kick" but was not overwhelming. We did order a side of bacon, which came after we had already finished eating breakfast. We told the waitress to cancel the order for the bacon when we noticed that it never came. She did, but the chef "wanted us to have" the bacon anyway, and didn't charge us for it, which I thought was a nice touch. Once again, Cafe Muse did not disappoint when it came time to fresh, delicious food and excellent service.

    (5)

  • victoria z.

    I go to cafe muse at least once a week! My loves, 1. they have a nice selection of vegan options. 2. I have never had anything disliked from cafe muse. 3. the service is always prompt 4. they have an amazing selection of beverages,I love their peach nectar with a cup of coffee. I love their specials! Normally when I go I order a coffee ( they steam your creamer) , a glass of peach nectar, and the plain jane scramble. This comes with slice of toast, eggs with chives and cheese mixed in, and either garlic fingerling potatoes or sweet potatoes. I am a huge fan of the sweet potatoes. Other dishes my friends would recommend, the chicken salad, the Ammoglio eggs, which is served with fresh Mozzarella, and basil. Also we tried the potato pancake special on Wednesday and it was heaven. It was two rich potato cakes, laying beneath a fried egg. It was complex in flavor, and didn't leave you feeling heavy. The only reason's I'm not giving muse a 5, are for their limited seating, and the bread. Although they use good quality fresh bread, they only offer sour dough, rye, and multigrain, and all three options are very though and almost too crunchy to eat, they also only give you one slice of bread with your meal, but a huge thing of jam or nutella, which is always way more then you can put on the bread given. I would also like too say I continuously support cafe muse, for their use of local ingredients, as well as organic, or free range ingredients. I also love the jam they use, bonne maman. Over all if you are looking for a great breakfast, or lunch this is the place to go! I love bringing my vegan friends, and meat eating friends a like because there is something for everyone. Try it you won't be disappointed!

    (4)

  • martha r.

    I have edited my last review of Cafe' Muse, after hearing from the owners regarding a" little issue" -which my guest and I considered major. I have since removed that detail (out of professional courtesy and kindness on my part). As, for now the edited part will remain as such. I am a woman of my word-- I have even given them a solution to the problem. Twice; on the day when the problem was brought to their attention and by email response. I will be returning to Cafe' Muse--to give them one last chance. If the problem still exists, I will be Yelping for all to see . Here's hoping it was a truly isolated incident. You will be reading about it here.

    (2)

  • Adam K.

    Cafe Muse was one of those places that makes Yelp.com awesome. I was in Detroit for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals and wanted to find a good place for breakfast/lunch, err...brunch...I guess. So, I whipped out my blackberry, went to yelp.com (mobile version) and typed in "breakfast." I like to compare the star rating (obviously) and the total number of reviews. Cafe Muse was rated a 4.5 and had a decent amount of reviews. So....Cafe Muse was where we went! Upon arrival we requested a table outside, unfortunately there was a wait involved but the hostess kindly asked for my phone number and said she would call me as soon as a table became available. Sure enough, 20 minutes later our table was ready. We were seated immediately and a server promptly came up and took our drink orders. My friend got an iced coffee or whatever and I decided to enjoy just a regular old cup of coffee. I can honestly say that my coffee was awesome! I would love to comment on my friends iced coffee but instead of drinking it, she decided that it would be better off filling her purse than quenching her thirst.... The staff at Cafe Muse could not have been more attentive during our little accident. They brought about a million and a half napkins and all was well......except for an unfortunate blackberry. The food was absolutely spectacular! I ordered the steak and eggs which was amazing. The steak was cooked to perfection and the eggs had some snooty-named cheese mixed in and was equally as tasty. I forgot what my friend had but she loved it as well. All in all, our experience at Cafe Muse will never be forgotten, and if given the opportunity, I would return in a heartbeat. A true 5 star restaurant!

    (5)

  • Barb C.

    I was thinking about the restaurant's name: Cafe Muse. Whose muse? The chef's? Owner's? Does the muse speak through the food, or the total experience? From what I could perceive, it's a total experience muse that encompasses the menu and the ambiance. The decor was smart yet kind of understated -- not too frou-frou, which is what I feared after I heard about the menu. I did not get the grilled three cheese sandwhich of high acclaim. I ordered a mushroom scramble with truffle oil and boursin cheese. The eggs (fresh) were light, high, and not overly dry. They also had a buttery taste, which I was told was probably due to the heavy cream in them. The mushrooms were delightful sauteed in truffle oil, with just a hint of wine. The entire dish included a sprinkling of fleur de sel. The finginerling potatoes were smoky and almost meaty. When a chef or owner has a vision, and the vision comes through in the dining room, it's a beautiful thing. This restaurant is not terribly expensive, just masculine enough for comfort, serves its fantastic breakfasts all day long, and in all ways follows its muse. It's a beautiful thing.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth M.

    Fantastic place for breakfast! Best tofu omlette i have ever had!! Good: Great staff, great food, great environment. Great place to take a med. sized group. Very nice decor Great chai tea latte. Bad: Prices are a little high - they could easily come down a buck or two on the standard menu items. There will be a wait! prepare for it!!

    (4)

  • Jennifer B.

    I will admit that I first heard of Café Muse because I have a friend that loves Oprah, and the first time we were here I ordered the grilled cheese solely because of the "Oprah connection." So I guess I should say "Thanks, Oprah!" because I loved the grilled cheese and everything else I've had here since then. I always try to convince my friends to go after 11 (when they start serving lunch) just so I can have the grilled cheese - that is how awesome I think it is. But when we go earlier and I have to order off of the breakfast menu, I haven't been disappointed. Everything has an interesting twist - basil and honey in the grilled cheese, ricotta and lemon pancakes, salmon and gruyere in the scrambled eggs. This is not the place to come if you just want 2 eggs over easy with bacon and hash browns. They do get crowded on the weekends, but I think they take reservations now.

    (5)

  • Denise C.

    Recently went to Cafe Muse for dinner to celebrate a birthday with friends. Top-notch experience. I've been there before for dinner and breakfast, and never left disappointed. Muse is excellent, hands down. The mushroom soup is to die for and the mains were great! Great scallops with risotto this time, great vegetarian special last time. My other half had duck the last time, and said it was perfect, this time had sockeye salmon on sweet potatoes. The pairings of foods are really interesting... see later for desert. Quantity-wise, the portions were right-sized (I'm not a fan of getting a ton of food for a sit-down meal, only to feel compelled to take half of it home....). Dessert, the butterscotch pudding with chocolate and sea-salt was interesting (nice pairing - I haven't had sea salt on dessert before) - so good, in fact that we've not had anything else on the desert menu! Maybe next time we will try something different... if they are out of butterscotch pudding :) Service was also excellent - attentive, knowledgeable, polite and professional - Beth, I think? For the class of food, the prices were also very reasonable... considering we had a couple of bottles of wine (from their great wine list). Add to all this that a lot of the food is locally produced! In my opinion, Cafe Muse is the best food in Royal Oak, and right up there in the best in the Detroit area.

    (5)

  • SJ S.

    The original locale was cozy, and the new place allows for even more diners, still keeping that warm atmosphere. Breakfast at the old place was the best in Royal Oak and I've heard great things about their lunch. So a girlfriend and I -- with toddlers in tow -- decided to meet for a Friday lunch. Local business people filled the majority of seats, but we had no wait for a table. We both ordered brunch. They even had a gourmet kids menu (expect to pay a lot more than typical kid places. But, hey, your kid deserves a good meal, too.) They use the best gourmet ingredients. Not just any old omelet or sandwich. Service is always friendly and it's nice to see the owner present and checking to make sure everyone is happy (employees and eaters).

    (5)

  • Rodney H.

    Cafe Muse has been on my top try list for a very long tie & finally the right occasion Happened. Very busy on a late Sunday morning but with impeccable Friendly service. Great happy noisy atmosphere & every table seemed to have good looking food on it. Cafe Muse has an extensive & Very good breakfast & lunch menu. We ordered a specialty of the house The grilled 3 cheese on sourdough with beet salad & a BLT on whole wheat with beet salad. The Grilled 3 Cheese was sweet tasting & yet savory & The Sourdough bread was very Good, i also liked the little side dish of Beet Salad. However the BLT was far from good enough. Kraft Cheese Single slice??? Is too much to expect real cheese to be used? & The sandwich was served with Cold Bacon. Surely the point of a BLT is hot Bacon complemented by Cold Lettuce & Tomato. If not for the BLT a solid 4 star experience & i look forward to a return visit sooner rather than later.

    (3)

  • Yikes T.

    Finally: a really good meal, nice ambiance, and good service. Would definitely go again. Shrimp salad had nice sized shrimp on delicious bread. The warm goat-cheese salad was terrific. Skip the rice pudding though -- it was pretty awful unless you like under-cooked rice.

    (4)

  • Anne H.

    This is our favorite place for brunch. And it's now our favorite place for dinner. I think they just started serving dinner and when we dined there we were blown away at the meal we had. The staff is great and the sommelier really knows his wines without being pretentious. They have things on the menu that are different, but not so different you're scared to try them. It's a place where you feel like they genuinely care about the clientele and the food. It's not a place to get fed, the prices are about the same as Forest Grill, Eve etc... One thing I'd love to see is a bar. It would be a fun place to have a drink.

    (5)

  • Paul K.

    Arguably, the best food in the downtown area. The next poor--or even average--meal that I have there will be the first. The service is attentive, the ingredients top notch, and there's always something worth trying on the wine/beer list. (Additionally, my wife is vegan, and there is never a shortage of options for her, as well, particularly for brunch/lunch). With their recent expansion to dinner service, Cafe Muse has only gotten better. Their "Duck Two Ways" (grilled breast served atop a duck leg and sausage cassoulet) is a great place to start. MY wife opted for polenta with roasted root vegetables and farro. Everything was perfectly prepared, served piping hot, and left you asking for more of their--also tasty--whole grain bread to clean your plate. Just go. Now.

    (5)

  • Amy B.

    So much good as already been said about this place (and it is as good as the full reviews say) what more can I add except this: Sandwiches are $7-8. So why are you still eating at Panera?

    (4)

  • Chris L.

    I've been going to Cafe Muse for a few years now and I'm so happy they moved from their original spot. When they were by the railroad tracks, going there in the winter was impossible - whenever someone opened the door it felt like old man winter farted on your face. Now, it's in a much larger space, which, like a previous reviewer mentioned, makes it a little less intimate, but I think the trade off is worth it. Food wise, I've always been a huge fan of their vanilla bean waffle with fresh fruit and whipped cream. My standard though is the exotic mushroom scramble with boursin and truffle oil. I also usually get a side order of their sausages, which are tasty, too. I have yet to try order anything else, because I love those two dishes so much. I can't recall ever having any service issues here. Waiting for a table can get crazy long on the weekends, but they can take your phone number so you can walk around if that's your preference.

    (5)

  • MichiganFoodie S.

    As many people have already stated, the grilled cheese is phenomenal. It would be even better if they had some tomato soup to go with it. Regardless, the creativity and freshness of all the dishes here is refreshing. If you are into tea, I also recommend their green tea with honey. The ambiance is nice, price is on the higher end, and service is usually mediocre - but they have lots of interesting vegan/vegetarian options. Unfortunately, on multiple occasions my meal has not been so great - usually when I go for dinner. The Coq au Vin a got a couple days ago was nothing but bones - to the point I was unable to eat my meal. If you do decide to try Cafe Muse, stick with the tried and true options off their brunch menu: grilled cheese, sweet potato hash, and green tea. I will be back to try the cinnamon raisin french toast others have raved about.

    (4)

  • Henry B.

    Heyo! It's a hidden sliver of a restaurant on Washington. I didn't see it the first time we went there. I picked the place for 10 of us to have lunch because it got a lot of good reviews on Yelp. Tip #1: Make a reservation if you plan on going. The place is not that big and it tends to fill pretty quickly. Tip #2: Don't go here if you're looking for typical food. This is place you want to go to try out more unique menu items. You can't even get a ceasar salad here. Tip #3: Don't be in a hurry here. You have to make time to have their award winning, Oprah-approved grilled cheese sandwich, followed by a cup of Earl Grey tea, and maybe dessert. This will get you the full experience of the atmosphere and time to appreciate the flavors that Cafe Muse has to offer. You MUST go here if you're a foodie and you want to slow down the day a bit.

    (4)

  • Ann M.

    Best brunch and lunch place around.

    (5)

  • Brent A.

    Really impressed with the whole package. Food was tasty from a diverse and intriguing menu. Service was top notch, attentive, and knowledgeable. Wait was longer than I'd like but given the amount of business they do with the brunch crowd that's understandable and excused.

    (5)

  • Kelly S.

    Great food - have been to Muse a couple dozen times for lunch and breakfast. Good for kids, they shaped the pancake like a dinosaur, which she still talks about. The grilled cheese is awesome for lunch and for breakfast I always order something with berries, because they are always so fresh!

    (4)

  • Melanie S.

    Brunch today with a party of four. Should have called ahead for a reservation because the wait was estimated at 1.25 hours. Fortunately waited only 45 minutes. Since it was pleasant waited outside and asked for a cappuccino. It never came which necessitated a second request. It came and it was delicious. Table opened and we had mascarpone filled french toast, simple scrambled eggs with chive, steak and eggs. The toast was fresh and wonderful. All of the food was great and this place has the best coffee outside of my kitchen! Highly recommended! Call for a reservation so you won't be disappointed. They do have a bar and alcohol. serves until 3pm then reopens in the evening with an entirely different menu. Definately all three meals should be explored. Great service staff.

    (4)

  • Tina T.

    I honestly don't see what all the hype about this place is. We tried to eat there once and couldn't get in at lunch time because there weren't enough servers so they weren't seating all the tables. The next time we went in, the highly regarded grilled cheese was my choice dish and it was in fact pretty delicious but the service was slow and horrible. The last time I went in, I got the crab and macaroni and cheese and it was just okay, I would not order it again. The service was again mediocre at best. However, the decor is cute, the bathrooms are clean and unique. The soaps, etc are a nice touch. I am open minded to trying more of the food as I am certain its tasty but the service so far has just stunk!

    (3)

  • Cassandra H.

    Try it. It doesn't disappoint. Enough said.

    (5)

  • Milton G.

    All I can say is excellent excellent excellent from the waitress to the food. I had Rachell as my waitress and her customer service was excellent I had the stuffed French toast and it was very tasteful and the presentation of the dish was very well prepared, my wife had the short rib sandwich and it was absolutely delicious a must have. The bathroom was very clean and the dining area was very clean also this is a place you must visit and get Rachell as your waitress she really knows her stuff and very friendly.

    (5)

  • Matthew D.

    Tried out the new location and it was good... it has lost that small, you're in on the secret, type atmosphere that the other one had. but growth is a good thing, so i was on board with it. They moved from a great small spot to a great large spot. The seating is somewhat tight but not cramped, we sat at a two seater next to another two seater with a couple who's conversation we never picked up on... something I'm very aware of and nervous about when I sit anywhere but a booth. doggie treats greeting you outside the door is always a friendly touch.

    (5)

  • Christina C.

    Do yourself a favor - call ahead for reservations!!! My boyfriend and I love cafe muse. The only gripe I have is from our last visit there. We put our name on the wait list and were told 35 minutes. An hour and 5 minutes passed and we were finally sat. My opinion - don't save tables of 4 for a party of 4 to come in (no reserved sign.) Sit everybody in order to save yourself from hungry and grumpy clients. Gripe aside, I love their creative flavor pairings and often order something from their special of the day list. If not special of the day, their salmon scramble is super tasty.

    (4)

  • Tomas T.

    They had me at Hello. This was one of my favorite restaurants in Detroit area. The Ingredients are spectacular. I had the grilled cheese and my friend at the mac and cheese cooked with truffle oil. The food was amazing. This restaurant is located along the hustle and bustle of Royal Oak and when you walk in you can see just how crammed people are willing to get to eat great food. You walk in and literally are almost standing on top of people. There is no room to wait, but the food is well worth the discomfort. The portions are perfect sized and you literally will close your eyes to savor each bite of food. This place is something else. I am interested to see what happens when they move to their new location. I assume it will not be good, because every restaurant I have been to that moves to a much bigger location, turns out to be a losing proposition. but for now, the food is so worth the trip. but only if you have taste.

    (5)

  • Kit C.

    Great, great meal. Visited for the second time last night. I cannot gush enough about the food and the setting. First things first, the hostess greats you with actual warmth and a great attitude. While there were only 2 of us she was happy to let us sit at a four top. The menus are chock full of great things. The grilled cheese appetizer is excellent. Just enough to get you wanting more. And unlike many other places, the appetizers are quite cheap. Our drink orders were timely taken. And happy day they serve Valentine's Vodka. The martini was beautifully prepared with great blue cheese stuffed olives. I have paid up to $18 for good vodka, so the $8 for the Valentine's was cheap and appreciated. For entrees I had the lamb. Hands down the best lamb i have had in a long time. Cooked rare as I requested, the lamb chops were meaty and tender. Seriously delicious. My guest was also very happy with his meal. Cafe Muse is obviously a labor of love. I appreciated the esprit de corps of the entire staff. This is a friendly place, which is nice since RO can sometimes be to cool for school .

    (5)

  • Kimberly J.

    Why is this place so highly acclaimed? Everything about it is cheap and third-rate from the goopy and underdone food to the cheap mimosas and the horrendous decor. Perhaps the main reason why we won't return is the surly waitress who completely put a downer on our brunch mood. We had to constantly ask the bus boys or other waitstaff to find her for the most basic things (ordering, bringing our drinks, and the check... she disappeared for thirty minutes after a runner brought our food and never came to ask if everything was alright. Another waiter brought the sides that she forgot). The place was only half full and there were several other waiters attending to the tables around us. The change for our bill came out to slightly over 20%, so I told her to keep it (I always tip 20%) and she just stuffed it in her pocket and walked away. No 'thank you'. She's a thicker girl with dark hair, tattoos, and a sour puss look on her face. She probably won't be in the service industry much longer. After that experience I'm now happy to brave the lines at Beverly Hills Grill or Original for better food and service. Yuck.

    (1)

  • Tina G.

    overpriced for what you get, not going back

    (2)

  • Jess T.

    Cafe Muse has intrigued me since we moved to Michigan, I mean they have one of the best sandwiches in America. We had friends come and visit for a weekend and I thought we should go to Cafe Muse for Sunday brunch. Even though it was Sunday around 11:30/noon we did not have to wait as long as I thought we would. I had the plain jane scramble and thought it was quite good, the toast and jam were equally good. Dustin had the famous grilled cheese and a cup of tomato curry soup. The grilled cheese it what you would expect, its a trio of good quality cheese with a little extra love from the tomato, basil, and honey. But the general consensus was that the tomato soup stole the show! It was a spicy tomato curry broth with potato and other veggies - This they should have on the menu all the time! Its a little pricey to go often, but you can definitely tell that your money is going to high quality ingredients.

    (4)

  • Sarah G.

    Awesome. Food was absolutely wonderful. Just as a precaution; it is /very/ busy, so service can be a little bit slow, but it's well worth the wait for the fantastic food. My family sampled a wide variety of items on the menu, and we loved every bit of it. I would highly recommend Cafe Muse.

    (5)

  • Nancy S.

    My daughter brought me here for mother's day brunch. Ridiculously expensive and the food was cold and not that great. She spent so much money that I felt guilty for not liking it and pretended I did. No wonder she was easily able to get reservations when she couldn't at her other favorite spots.

    (1)

  • Guillermo K.

    Terrific place for brunch and lunch. Good service, good food. Short rib sandwich, seafood grits -- delicious.

    (4)

  • Melanie J.

    I am slightly obsessed with brunch and Cafe Muse is my absolute favorite place to fulfill this obsession. I typically make it a point to try somewhere new each weekend, but I find myself drawn back to Cafe Muse time and time again. The menu offers perfect breakfast and lunch options, but I always go for breakfast (although I would like to try the grilled cheese someday). My favorite menu option is the exotic mushroom scramble with boursin cheese, but I have tried several of the specials as well like the huevos rancheros scramble and the granola pancakes. I have never had something that I didn't like. The eggs are so fluffy and dreamy; I have never experienced such egg perfection. (They are enhanced with ingredients such as cream and milk, so the lactose intolerant beware.) I typically do not enjoy flavored iced tea, but their tropical fruit iced tea has won me over. They also have a fabulous collection of hot teas that are always delicious. Although the new location does not feel quite as quaint as the original, it still offers that warm and fuzzy ambiance (with half the wait). The ingredients are fresh and unique and the staff is always right on. As much as I would like to keep this place to myself, it's a place that everyone should visit.

    (5)

  • amanda z.

    Went there today again for brunch. We had not been there sense they opened the new side which looks beautiful. The service and all the staff and food are always fantastic. We were a little dissapointed however in one thing, which I never thought I would be able to say about Muse. It may sound petty but one of the reasons I like going there is for the great coffee drinks, especially the cappuccinos. Today we were pretty dissapointed because we both ordered a cappuccino and they looked as if they were a shot of espresso. They used to put them in normal nice big coffee mugs that would take me my whole meal to finish, now it was served in a little tiny cup half filled with foam and three sips of actual cappuccino which I finished before my meal came (which always comes perfect and very quickly by the way). When I asked the waitress about it she said that has been a common complaint lately and she gracially took them off our bill without us even asking. When we left we went across the street to get coffee. I really wish they would change that back because I would not order it again and it is the only complaint I have ever had about Muse, but otherwise this is still my absolute favorite place to eat.

    (4)

  • Audrey C.

    Best grilled cheese!! A great place to go for lunch with friends or a dinner date.

    (5)

  • Troy D.

    Just brilliant. Five star service, food, and a overall experience. Would recommend getting reservations if you are planning on trying it for dinner, as everybody seems to know how awesome it is. Expect to drop some coin, but you will not be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Kalyn M.

    Now THIS place is really something special. The quality of the food is impeccable. The atmosphere is very cute, sophisticated and romantic. The menu is refined yet understandable by the every day person. I've been here many times and have never been disappointed. Perfect for all meals. Prices are fair. The waitstaff is great. Reservations definitely recommended unless you want to wait a while. That's not always a bad thing seeing as how it's surrounded by cute shops and boutiques.

    (5)

  • Chad B.

    Very overrated. Oprah, who eats about anything, recommended the grilled cheese and is the only reason this place gets any hype. All they did was add honey to the grilled cheese, which in my opinion tastes like garbage. I can make a better grilled cheese with Wonder Bread and sliced American cheese.

    (1)

  • Sarah L.

    Seriously, the best brunch in town. Everything I've had has been delicious. A long review seems unnecessary since everyone seems to agree here. Cafe Muse is the BOMB. They get busy fast though, but they do take call ahead for seating so don't let the crowd stop you.

    (5)

  • Diane P.

    As a Muse regular since the early days (well before Oprah), we can't imagine beginning our Saturday morning without a stop at Cafe Muse for cappuccino and one of their fabulous breakfasts. Everything is brilliant, from the imaginative specials to the menu regulars. In the years we've been going, we can honestly say we have been very satisfied with every meal. Lately we've been ordering from the regular menu, to become reaquainted with the incredible eggs, oatmeal, yogurt with fruit and granola, and that waffle with fresh fruit and real whipped cream and maple syrup - it's all wonderful. But the specials are incredible, too! Who knew there were so many ways to make waffles or flavor eggs. There's nothing boring about a Muse breakfast. The nice touches, from the peaceful decor and music, the quality flatware and simple white stoneware in pleasing shapes (nothing shows off good food like white dishes!), to the water and dog treats outside for the passing parade of dogs walking with their people - it's just all top notch! This is a cafe where you can really taste the owner's love of quality food and feel welcomed like family (better than family, actually). We won't miss a Saturday!

    (5)

  • Andy O.

    The area has a lot of good restaurants to offer, but I have not been this pleasantly surprised I don't think since I've moved to the area. The food is outstanding, the service was exceptional, and the overall experience was pretty perfect. They have a nice wine list, nice MI craft beer menu as well. I would recommend this to anyone to try. The executive chef came to different tables including ours to ensure that everyone was satisfied or to see what he could do to help. He clearly has a passion for his business and that was a nice added bonus. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Chris W.

    As I've mentioned in other reviews, I'm a breakfast kind of guy, usually I'll go out for breakfast on the weekends and not eat again until dinner. So I'm reviewing Cafe Muse on those terms. I didn't find CM through Oprah, a website or a free newspaper, I actually just stumbled across it on bike around downtown Royal Oak. They were closed at the time but that let me look at the menu on the window, and it looked amazing. I took one of my friends there and she got an omelet with the garlic potatoes, which looked, smelled and tasted amazing. As good as her omelet tasted, they paled in comparison to my marscarpone cheese stuffed french toast with pears in a reduction on top. AMAZING! The restaurant itself was a little cramped but we put our name in and they said they would call my cell phone when our table was ready, what a novel idea...real customer service. From what I see CM has moved to a new, hopefully bigger, place and I will surely be back over and over again. Love it

    (4)

  • Kaylee H.

    The new location.. a skip and a jump south on Washington... seems to be worlds larger than the building Cafe Muse made their mark in. Cafe Muse exerts an ambiance of wholesomeness the moment you walk in the door. The intimate setting, nourishing and sophisticated cuisine, and the attentive wait staff really make the experience what it should be: relaxing and refreshing. A tip: skip the chips and always try the salad of the day. Yet to be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Cheryl T.

    This is one of my favorites places for brunch. Love the atmosphere, the owner is always there checking on you, and also working his butt off. And the food. Oh my god, the food. I have 3 favorite breakfasts here, and it's always hard to decide which I'm going to get. The Ammoglio (sp) scramble is to die for, light fluffy scrambled eggs covered in a tomatoey-garlicky sauce, fingerling potatoes, and multigrain toast. And I always order the chicken-gouda-apple sausage links. Or there is the lemon ricotta pancakes. Light, fluffy, insanely delicious. And then the vanilla bean waffle with fruit. It's light and airy, the perfect amount of crispyness, and fresh berries complete it. (although I always order it without the whip cream) If you get there after noon on Sunday, make sure to order a Mimosa as well! There's usually a wait, but they do call ahead seating, which is nice. Or if they are busy they can take your cell phone number as you stroll around Royal Oak & call you when your table is ready. They are now offering dinner, which of course, we had to try. More on the pricey side, but worth every penny. I had the hoisin lamb chops, which were melt in your mouth incredible. Seriously good stuff. I have never had a bad meal here. I adore this place.

    (5)

  • Jennifer K.

    I was worried I would be disappointed, the other reviews here set my expectations high. I was NOT disappointed. The heading said this was not a kid friendly place, I brought my three month old and five year old to test the theory. They have a kids menu (small but still) with dinosaur pancakes! Now any place that offers to make pancakes in any shape beside roundish is a kid friendly place. Granted no crayons or cartoony placemats but seriously my son thinks those are a waste of time. The nitty gritty; My son ordered the vanilla bean waffle with fresh fruit and whipped cream ( 100% pure maple syrup on side) and a peanut butter flavored chocolate milk. He loved it!!!! My husband ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry maple syrup, the apple chicken gouda sausage, and apeach italian soda. The pancakes were excellent, very lemony and not overwhelmingly sweet. The sausage was good too. I wish it had more of a sear on it to give it a crunch. The italian soda was good, just good not excellent. Good peach flavor, a little too sweet. I ordered the exotic mushroom scramble with boursin cheese. It came with some perfect slices of pink grapefruit, pineapple, orange, and cantaloupe. Ooo and buttery rye toast with a side of cherry preserves. The eggs were prepared perfectly, fluffy and moist. The boursin on top is where the orgasm comes in. The exotic mushrooms were a bit woody and just an after thought. Also, the egg portion seemed a bit too much. I could have done with another piece of toast. ;) The cappuccino was very good. Wet and tasty without being too bitter. Turns out I didn't need the cute brown sugar lumps. We had a hostess, drink girl, and server. A little confusing. Also the time it took to receive our food seemed a little long but the server (I think it was the server) reassured us twice that our food was on the way. The atmosphere was dark but not dim and nicely decorated. Overall, I would go here again (with the kids). The menu has rotating specials that keep the menu fresh and some exceptional standards that keep you craving back. Well done Cafe Muse!

    (4)

  • Monica J.

    Love this place! Great food, great service, great concept!

    (5)

  • LaMonica W.

    If you want elegant unique , yet very comfortable food for breakfast. THIS IS THE PLACE. My best friend and I went to Cafe Muse after reading a review in the Metro Times. I am a big fan of Cotswold Cheese and buy it frequently, and my husband used it in his eggs. So imagine my surprise when I read the review that Cafe muse serves Grilled Hangar steak with scrambled eggs with Cotswold cheese. Well this alone was worth the trip. So we went. Waited ,and was seated.. here's where you have a MAJOR PROBLEM. The MENU... OH MY WORD. Each selection sounds so amazing, that choosing is difficult. Sweet breakfast or Savory..what do you choose? Well..being that my bff and I have hearty healthy appetites..we found the perfect solution. Each of us orders a savory dish for ourselves. And we share a sweet. And I tell you.. it was the most awesome breakfast EVER IN LIFE. Since my bff and I have made MANY...and I mean ..MANY subsequent visits I will have to just tell you about some of the dishes I have had. The Grilled Hanger Steak with eggs scrambled with Cotswold cheese...AMAZING. The steak is cooked rare, so you may want to ask that it be cooked a little more to your liking. I like mine medium, not too bloody, but with a little "Moo" left in it. The eggs are perfect. Scrambled to perfection. Not too hard, not too soft or runny. The zesty chive to the double gloucester cheese gives the perfect touch . contrast that savory flavor with Ricotta and Lemon Pancakes with a Housemade Blueberry Maple Syrup, and you get that perfect sweet counter balance . I'm all about the balance. The soft sweet delicate pancakes adds a jolly touch to the kid in you that always want the sweet pancakes in the morning , without giving you a sugar rush. Another visit had me trying the Smoked Salmon Scramble with Gruyere & Chives. This dish gives you the feeling and flavor of health with a little decadence . The smoked salmon is light and flaky .. The gruyere cheese makes the eggs tasty and adds to the perfection that the cook has obviously mastered in their treatment of eggs. We countered the savory this time with their absolutely dynamite French Toast Pound Cake. Okay..I need to know..who is the person who thought to coat a thick slice of sweet pound cake in a egg /milk mix, pan fry it... dump powdered sugar on it, and serve it with a side of Hickory smoked maple syrup?.....YOU...ARE...A GENIUS! ..To create this sugar BOMB ( which I LOVE..I have a notorious sweet tooth)... and add that smoky maple flavor with the syrup is simply this restaurant's effort at WORLD DOMINATION...They will win if they keep this up. "How about sides ?" you ask..Chicken, Apple & Gouda Sausage ...Uhh... Bacon-naturally cured. nitrate free. hickory smoked. And those are just the regulars. That's not including delectable "SPECIAL" concoctions like CHEESY LOBSTER GRITS... which I believe is Cafe Muse's effort to dominate my very soul. ... Well..they got it there. I could actually go on and on..but I won't bore you with words .This place is to be Experienced . Ohh..did I mention the Banana's Foster French toast with Nutella?..No... Well that should help you. Cafe muse only has TWO DOWNSIDES.1~ The small intimate space means you will have to wait. This is very hard on one's psyche when you know there are delicious Cheesy Lobster grits awaiting you. But you wait because you know you won't be disappointed. And 2~ Once you have anything on the breakfast menu.. you may never make it to the lunch or dinner menu. I know I haven't. . I even hear and have read they are renowned for their famous and unique Grilled cheese. I'll get there one day.. Just... not right now. My friend and I frequent Cafe Muse regularly . So much so that the owners know we are there just by looking at the orders in the kitchen. And they actually come out and speak to us all the time. So you can imagine that when not just the staff, but the proprietors acknowledge and welcome you, that this place's elegance and unique quality never feels too pretentious or bourgeois. This is the place to go for breakfast.. PERIOD! I have yet to be disappointed .

    (5)

  • Jeffrey B.

    A true Fancy Breakfast Thursday it was today at Café Muse. I am honestly amazed that I lived mere blocks away from CM and never dined there until today! We arrived about 11 am and were greeted (after walking past a heavy curtain/pseudo airlock) by two friendly staff members. Coffee came quickly and was served with warm cream and sugar cubes! Usually I drink my coffee au natural but decided to splurge on just because it was FBT. While waiting for our friend Madelyn, Ryan and I had a lot of time to peruse the main menu, as well as the additional beverage menu and specials menu. They had a peanut butter hot chocolate which I am more than curious about as well as a butterscotch pudding with a crème chantilly that I wanted to try but couldn't even consider after my meal. I decided to order a scramble off of the specials menu consisting of sundried tomatoes, spinach, and feta. Nothing too exotic for me but still sounded amazing. Served with fingerling potatoes and toast it seemed like it would be a nice assortment of flavors and show off their treatments of breakfast standards. I also ordered a cup of Tomato Lentil soup, which I had to ask the server, "Is it tomato soup with lentils? Or lentil soup with tomatoes?". The answer was that it was a tomato based soup that was more akin to the flavor of a cabbage soup but sweeter. Not exactly what I was thinking, but decent enough flavor but I wish it were creamier. I suppose I should have considered that tomato soup doesn't have to be Campbell's creamy magic. My scramble was very visually appealing. The ingredients were fresh and the plate was even garnished with assorted fresh fruit. The flavor of the eggs was kind of weird. We decided collectively that they must add a lot of cream or something to the eggs because they were really fluffy and the flavor wasn't as intense as I normally would desire; I couldn't quite explain it any other way except that they almost reminded me of mass-produced eggs--you know, the kind you find in a trough at the HoJo brunch? I think I would have chosen to do it differently but can kind of see what the restaurant was going for. My friends had similar feelings about the eggs too. The fingerlings were kind of greasy and not really flavorful--they are there to be the supporting actor to the main dish. I was happy that my server told me the good people of CM now are allowed to supply ketchup to their tables! Ketchup is almost like my ambrosia--I put it on everything. The toast was a single slice and served with a jam that was beyond fabulous into the realm of amazing-extraordinary-extragalactic! I think on my next visit I will give in to pancakes. I usually just want more variety with my breakfast choices but they did have a carrot cake pancake special that sounded good. Ryan had a potato-rosemary waffle topped with sausage gravy, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese that he said was stupendous! Maybe he didn't say stupendous but it was something like that. I thought the lemon ricotta pancakes topped with a homemade blueberry maple syrup sounded really great too. Oh! And the grilled brie sandwich with fig jam! I really think that sounds like a true taste of Heaven--like a kiss from George Michael or a hug from Dolly Parton. I say if you have time during the week, go in search of your muse at Café Muse. You may even meet Terpsichore or Euterpe! Keep in mind they are a little pricey, but delicious. And when all is said and done, it's only about 3 or 4 dollars more than everywhere else.

    (4)

  • Noelle G.

    I really wanted to love this restaurant since we love What Crepe across the street and the whole little European cafe is generally a great concept, but the service was horrible and the food was just OK. My husband and I are both vegan and loved that this restaurant offered options for us for a nice dinner out on Valentine's Day. But not only was the hostess dressed in ripped jeans and completely rude, our server, Angela was absent at best and not very helpful with menu options. We overpaid for a blah meal and terrible service. The restaurant wasn't even that busy given it was Valentine's Day and the staff was still inattentive and seemed almost annoyed with the couples dining that day. I should have known given that I had earlier selected the "contact us" link on their website to ask about vegan options and NEVER GOT A RESPONSE. Fine, if you don't want people to contact you via email, but then don't have a contact link on your site! I do not recommend this place...especially for vegans trying to find a new option. There are much better places to go. Needless to say, we won't be back.

    (2)

  • J. M.

    Finally got to try this place after all the buzz I've heard and think that it was well worth the wait. The service was efficient. We went on a Saturday afternoon and had a 45 minute wait--just enough time to check out the near by stores. A definite must try is their soup Curried apple squash w/coconut milk. The salmon sandwich was very tasty. I was very impressed with there environmentally conscious menu. I will be back to try more:)

    (5)

  • Lisa M.

    With so many reviews for Cafe Muse, I feel like this is probably unnecessary, but I love their brunch so much I just had to say something about it. While they are typically busy, I loved that they took our cell phone number and called us when our table was ready. This gave us the option to walk around downtown RO for a bit instead of cramming into the small space inside or waiting right outside the restaurant. The service might be a little confusing, one person takes your drink order, another takes your food order, but wow, their Exotic Mushroom Scramble is daydream worthy. If you like mushrooms, you need to try this. I also love their sides - mashed sweet potatoes have become a bit of an obsession for me for the past couple of years and I thought their's was decent, as was their multigrain bread. Every time I walk past this place (which is quite often) I start to crave this!

    (5)

  • Haroun K.

    I think this place would warrant 5 or 6 or 7 stars in the context of Detroit, but irrespective of this, I think it is just a little overrated. It is definitely a cute, quaint little cafe, with a cute, quaint, tasty menu. But I was not really overawed. My grilled cheese sandwich was fine, but it was definitely not the best grilled cheese sandwich in America, let alone in the 10 mile radius. The iced green tea is quite good, and I did appreciate the chocolate mint patties after the meal. But the service was really slow, which I didn't find whimsical or continental. And it is kind of cramped inside, so if I return, I would probably ask for the patio. I do think the area ought to have more places like Muse, but I don't think I will become a frequent diner here.

    (4)

  • Joyce B.

    Let me start by saying I have been to Cafe Muse for breakfast/brunch only and my first two experiences were fantastic! When I went today however I left less than pleased. I love Cafe Muse's food. The waffles are delicous covered in fresh friut not some sticky preserve. The potatoes and toast are always great. The eggs are moist and make you realize how many other places overcook their eggs into rubber. My husband and I like the spicy bloody mary's and mimosas(they are served in more of a wine glass than tiny flute). The prices are fair for the quality of food you are getting but it does add up fast! Today i spent about $21 for just myself without tip on one bloody mary and a scramble. In my experience the food has ben consistent but the service has not. Sam was my server the first two times I tried Cafe Muse this summer and he was great! Today however I walked into a quiet Cafe Muse around 10:30am and the hostess said, "Can I help you?" No table for one? Or where would you prefer to sit? Just can I help you. I said "Yes, I would like to eat." It was slightly awkward not to mention my waitress didn't seem the least bit happy to be there. My drink and food came out rather quickly and were great but here is where things get annoying, my waitress just kinda disappeared and stopped coming out the the patio. After she brought my food she popped out once to check on me and that was it. I had planned on ordering more toast but when she didn't come out I said forget it. Nothing is more irksome then watching the table next to you get fantastic service and being checked up on while you wait for your waitress to decide to resurface. I eventually had to ask the other tables server (the only other table occupied on the patio) for a box so I could go. My waitress brought me my check then said "Oh do you want another drink?" See asking if I wanted anything else would have been a great question about 15minues ago and before you brought me my check. The other tables waitress dropped off my box and took my card and check. Then a third waiter brought me back my card and said "I was told to bring this to you." REALLY? I am one person at a table and it took three different people to get me in and out of Cafe Muse with breakfast. Disappointed to say the least. Big fan of the food but service clearly depends on who you get.

    (3)

  • COM P.

    Went for lunch, around 1pm--Wed (about 2 weeks ago). The menu choices are solid... I was impressed with the variety. Portion sizes are appropriate~ not huge. I ordered the mushroom soup-- SOOOO good. My husband had the sliders... also delicious. The cole slaw was ho-hum. The potato salad was ick-- undercooked potatoes and not seasoned. I should admit-- my husband is a chef, so we're picky about food. But I also care about service--and the service here was actually close to bad. People stalking us to take the plates away--but we waited almost 1hr. and 10 minutes to get a refill on a coke (seriously-- an hour) No silverware after the food arrived, we waited quite a while for the check, and it was post-lunch rush--so it wasn't busy at all. Our waitress was the one to recommend the potato salad--and twice had to return to the table to tell us something wasn't available~ so maybe it was just her (although it was a different server who asked if we wanted a refill... then never came back. we finally flagged down the hostess). So, three stars-- for a creative menu and some solid eats, but don't let the rave reviews make you think you'll get "Oprah-quality" service when you sit down.

    (3)

  • tamika j.

    Cafe' Muse is great for breakfast, brunch. On my days off, after taking my daughter to school. I treat myself to a tasty brunch once a month. (when I'm lazy and refuse to go home and cook it for myself) The service from the staff gets five stars! I can't remember my waiters name, but he recommended the turkey/apple sausage. It has great taste for those of you who don't like pork breakfast meat. The list goes on and on of delicious foods. Just go and sit and have a bite to eat, you won't regret it! :)

    (5)

  • Otis M.

    Found this place by trying their special grill cheese sandwich at arts, beats and eats. That was super tasty. So we went in for brunch one weekend which was awesome. The menu has traditional and non traditional choices. Belgian waffles, egg dishes, etc.,. Followed that on with a dinner one night before attending drag queen bingo. The dinner menu was consistent in offering a mix of mainstream and unique items. Rabbit Ragu, Steak Frittes.,. Our food was delicious, the bar offers great choices of beers, wines or mixed drinks. The prices at this place are reasonable, not inexpensive but not outrageous. I like this place.

    (5)

  • Samir N.

    This place is kind of pricy but worth every penny. Fortunately, we got there early on a Sunday morning before the crowds show up (and before many of the surrounding businesses opened up). Brunch may be my favorite meal of the day and this place solidifies my sentiment. The fingerling potatoes are delicious. I remember ordering something of the specials to satisfy my sweet tooth but cannot honestly remember what it was. I am an idiot, but I do remember it being rather tasty.

    (4)

  • Jen F.

    This is my third time eating at Cafe Muse and I have been impressed each and every time. This time we came for breakfast at about 10am on a Sunday. It was a nice day, so we chose to sit outside - plus there was no wait for outdoor seating. I ordered the Exotic Mushroom Scramble and Mr. ordered the Carrot Cake Pancakes. The eggs were by far the most delicious eggs I have ever tasted. I have no idea how they get the eggs to be so soft and buttery (probably butter - but who cares!). I chose the fingerling potatoes and rye toast as my accompaniments - sheer perfection. The coffee was hot and good enough that I didn't have to add cream or sugar. His Carrot Cake Pancakes were great as well. I'm not a fan of the raisin, but the rest was great. Syrup wasn't even required. I also loved that our food was delivered by the chef/owner (I recognized him from Oprah). Well Done Cafe Muse!

    (5)

  • Dave W.

    Saw the great reviews of this place so I gave it a try for an early morning business meeting. Had breakfast here earlier this week.. I had the salmon scramble and it was excellent. Service was good, although we were the only ones there.

    (4)

  • Dee T.

    If I could give it half off, I would, but since I can't, it's...one off only for the poor layout of the entry. I, too, am fond of cozy and intimate big-city restaurants, and think that the cramped quarters of the front and back dining rooms are on point, but the space designated as a waiting area is just awkward and the door should be rehung to swing out instead of in (yes. I have waited in line enough times to have thought this out. I spend time thinking about such things when I am waiting in line). I could potentially consider borrowing a further fraction of said star for the price scale, which is indeed keeping with that big-city feel. Portions are just a tad into too-small territory for the price, but just a scoche. I'm not typically into gluttonous portions, but for brunch, I am always into digging into something hearty and restorative (as we invariably brunch after a long night of swilling something bad or other). But on to the good stuff. The food here is really amazing. The ammoglio is indescribable and on eggs...forget it. The cheese sandwich is TRULY that good, and if you've read my previous posts, I can't even really do cheese. Salads are served with piquant dressings (I recently had a basmati rice salad served with champagne vinaigrette - tdf!), soups are satisfying, the breads are toasted to perfection. Would be an ideal place to while away a few hours on Sunday morning, were it not for the eyes of hungry patrons piercing you and entreating you to go. Yeah, I've been there.

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    Our favorite place to have lunch. Great and unique eggs scrambles and very nice, spicey bloody Mary's....thanks god for the reservations now!

    (5)

  • Jonathan G.

    I love breakfast, I love coffee, and I love eating vegetarian. This place is right up my alley The finest in breakfast fare, without having to special order or go broke. Cafe Muse is the jawn.

    (5)

  • Vie A.

    Very quiet, pleasant and relaxing place...food was good. Not too pricey. Tea is excellent, fresh orange juice, great service!! Would love to go again for breakfast!!

    (5)

  • Mandy Y.

    GO here! So yummy! Just ever since it has been on Oprah, it is ALWAYS busy! But I love the food and I will always go! They have expanded and move across the street but still popular!!

    (4)

  • Kristine Z.

    I been here a few years ago. My sister was in town and she wanted to try their breakfast buffet. All I can say is that it was one of the BEST and upscale buffets I have ever had. Delicious food and not to mention their service was excellent. If you are ever in Royal Oak and can afford a nice meal I recommend you give Café Muse a try.

    (5)

  • Sharon K.

    Cafe Muse is an exceptional place to dine! The presentation and the taste are superb! The atmosphere is perfect, and the staff is wonderful, too. I had a salad that was beautiful and yummy, from first bite to last. I will become a regular at this restaurant!

    (5)

  • Meghan B.

    Whenever we come to Michigan, one of the highlights is brunch at Cafe Muse. Love it!

    (5)

  • A M.

    Let me preface this by saying, this is not a review of the restaurant but rather the customer service because as a result of it I never finished making my reservation. I called inquiring if they had any vegan friendly food and I explained "No meat including fish, or animal by products such as eggs, milk and cheese..." The woman who answered the phone said that I could eat a fish dish (I think it was salmon that she suggested); I again reported that I was vegan and defined what that meant. She reported "some vegans eat fish." I've been vegan for 15 years, and eating fish is not even vegetarian let alone vegan. She clearly was uneducated, clueless, stubborn, and should not be answering phones representing the restaurant. It turned me off so much I couldn't even make a reservation.

    (1)

  • Chris V.

    I went to Cafe Muse with a party of 7 for a morning-after breakfast/lunch. As everyone else has been saying, Cafe Muse is a really cozy place, but somehow they found room for all of us in the back. The food hit the spot - just tame enough for the "dudes" at the table with enough zing to cater to a more refined palate. Everyone at the table was really pleased with the meal. The waiting staff were prompt, helpful, courteous, and friendly - even when dealing with a ton of dishes with a lot of picky eaters! Next time I'm in Royal Oak I plan on coming back for another dish!

    (5)

  • Nivedita P.

    this was my second visit here..I ordered the lemon blueberry pancake,the seafood chedder grits,the bangkok green tea and the famous grilled cheese sandwich...the pancakes were nice. i personally prefer "original pancake house" blueberry pancakes.the tea was good..it tasted like liquid toasted coconut.may be cuz i'm not that into grilled cheese sandwiches myself,i didnt really care much for the grilled cheese-it's nice though,nothing great....but i must say,the grits were mindblowingly good..so creamy and flavorful. dying to go back to try the other sandwiches.i luved the place-it's a great joint for brunch with family or friends.

    (4)

  • Rese D.

    I too love this place! As a native in San Francisco, I've been surrounded by so many great brunch restaurants. Accidently coming across this restaurant has been a major plus so far! There is hope for me to find good food in Michigan. I've already eaten here a few times and will definitely go back. I do agree, it is small, so it can be crowded. Otherwise, the food and service is great!

    (4)

  • Tony K.

    After having a near perfect experience for breakfast/brunch, our same group decided to try for dinner. We were shocked to find bland food masked in great descriptions, and not so hidden high prices. Was completely amazed at such a difference - again, the dishes SOUNDED incredible, but were less than average.

    (2)

  • Brandon B.

    Cafe Muse is a food gem in a city that is consistently becoming less and less interesting in terms of food and nightlife. I have only been there once, but I plan on definitely going back. The service was fantastic, as my friend and I were greeted by an enthusiastic host and server. Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, offering a ton of suggestions, and I literally wanted to try EVERYTHING. I settled on their famous Grilled Cheese and it was honestly one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. My one complaint, well two actually, is that the side salad of chilled rice and fruit was a bit out there, and not very good. Also, do not expect to necessarily leave "filled", I was definitely still a tad hungry. Overall, though, this place rocks. Next time, I am trying their breakfast. Highly recommend it!

    (4)

  • Christine R.

    It is a rare and beautiful thing when a restaurant comes along with a menu so good that I don't get past reading the second line and I already know what I want. Cafe Muse is this place. So simple it first appears with its handful of tables, and small menu. Once you order, you will know what I mean. The food blew me away. The ambience is relaxing, the waiters were polite, the prices are beyond reasonable. Marscapone stuffed french toast smothered in pears?! Are you kidding me? This was amazing. I am already planning another trip back asap to try to raisin pancakes, grilled cheese and ALL the desserts (most likely not all in one trip). I cannot say enough about how happy my tummy was leaving Cafe Muse. My hubby was equally happy, which is a bonus because he will be willing to drive back to Royal Oak to try more excellent dishes.

    (5)

  • Danielle F.

    The grilled cheese is the main attraction and a very good one at that. My only knock besides decor (come on, they can do better!) is that both times I was there it was horribly smokey (buring smell) from the kitchen. It was not pleasant to inhale while trying to enjoy the great food. Hopefully they solve this problem ASAP!

    (3)

  • Emily E.

    I haven't been back yet (though I do plan to return) but was contacted directly by the owner via message on this site. I appreciate his attentiveness to the problem and willingness to resolve any issues. Thanks Cafe Muse!!

    (4)

  • Daniel R.

    A nice little specialty place in Royal Oak that is famous for great breakfasts or brunches. Hours are limited but a nice place :)

    (4)

  • Viet N.

    In this world, there are two types of breakfast places -- "boy" places, and "girl" places. This has nothing to do with the customers, but rather the image of the restaurant. I think it's fair to offer the following general trends: - Your stack of pancakes is the size of a snow tire. (BOY) - All of the cheeses are foreign. (GIRL) - The floor is sticky. (BOY) - Coffee is served in a French press. (GIRL) - Sugar is presented in packets. (BOTH) - You have your choice of Splenda, raw sugar, organic raw sugar, organic honey, and fair-trade honey. (Definitely GIRL) You see where I'm going with this, right? Cafe Muse is squarely in the "XX" world of breakfast. I've been here once before, and ordered some variant of the grilled cheese at a group breakfast. It was okay, but I wanted to come back with a friend to really give Cafe Muse my full attention. That meant ordering the scramble with boursin cheese (see above!) and truffle oil, along with carrot cake pancakes. This was the real deal now. And...I'm sad to say that it was not very memorable. Yes, truffle oil makes everything better. I wager that if I started a restaurant serving bacon fried in truffle oil, vegetarians would re-classify themselves as ovo-lacto-bacono. But compared to my meal at "Mercat" earlier, which made me want to cry, this one just added a hint of flavor to otherwise cheesy eggs. Should I give 5 stars for a place with decent cheesy eggs? Survey says...no. Carrot cake pancakes were also a creative idea. They did smell like carrot cake at first, but the taste was disappointing. I was hoping for more. In summary, I guess what I wanted was bold flavor, but went to a restaurant that seems to pride itself on homeopathic flavor. At least the floors were very clean.

    (3)

  • Corky L.

    Been wanting to go here for quite awhile. So disappointed!!!! My husband ordered the Frisée salad that was so tiny it was laughable - for $7.00! then his entree was the organic chicken which was a little 1/4 chicken - $21.00! Are you kidding? our waiter seemed embarrassed and offered to 10% off our bill...nice gesture. The people next to us asked about our entrees with a look of "are you serious" that's your dinner?...I recommended they pass on the chicken but said to go for the shorts ribs as they were very good and a reasonable portion. As we left, we noticed the couple ordered a dessert that looked as though they split it but they said they each ordered their own!!! Sorry, this place really missed the mark...needless to say we're crossing this place off! *maybe they should stick to breakfast & lunch.

    (2)

  • Pete D.

    My wife loves this place. DONT ask me why I don't understand it. Small portions high prices for food that's well OK not bad but you will walkaway looking for meal. I did like the buffalo mozzarella and grilled asparagus. The grill cheese sandwich was ok but it not the largest culinary challenge. I may not be the right person (male vs female) to review this cafe. Ok good luck.

    (3)

  • susanna f.

    FINALLY! My search is over for breakfast joints who offer REAL maple syrup! One would think it would be a given, but not quite! When I asked the waitress if it was available fully expecting to be yet again disappointed, she pulled it out of her apron as if it were the only option! SO REFRESHING! I loved every minute of my vanilla bean waffle...fluffy and crispy texture! Topped with REAL, fresh whipped cream and locally grown berries. THIS IS HOW BREAKFAST WAS MEANT TO BE! ! ! ! ! ! I will be back!

    (5)

  • Maria B.

    I know it's not even been a week since my last visit & review, but i already went back here today! : ) The food was calling me, and there are plenty of items left to choose from off their deeeeeeelish menu. I decided to try their organic beef sliders with an onion marmalade topped with melted Gruyere cheese with a side of quinoa salad...yum!!!! And i know today was in the 90s, hot, uncomfortable, muggy, but the soup du jour (tomato-basil bisque) was singing to me and i couldn't pass it up..heheheee. I'm glad i ordered b/c it was absolutely amazing! Another plus was the fact that the place wasn't tooo busy and we were in & out within 30 minutes!!! Food fast, homemade fresh dishes, attentive service, amazing menu, and i'll def be going back here soon!

    (5)

  • Jon B.

    The diamond in the rough of Royal Oak. Quaint, casual, friendly, somewhat cozy, and simply amazing. I have not had the pleasure of trying everything on the menu (...yet...) but have worked my way through enough of their treats to know it's a magnificent eatery. As this is our new go-to for brunch, my favorite is definitely the Pancakes with Apple & Pear Compote accompanied by a wonderful cappuccino. The compote brings out so much more amazingness that I never knew existed with pancakes & syrup. I must admit, I was slightly disappointing with their World Famous Grilled Cheeseses; it was very good, but I don't think it quite lived up to the hype (though what could, right?). Since moving back to the D in May, this is by far my new favorite restaurant in Royal Oak and Birmingham. Everything is simply exquisite. I stake my first born child's life on that claim. If you don't like it, I'll let you know when we have a child and it's yours.

    (5)

  • Bess R.

    Went a few weeks ago on a Saturday for brunch and really enjoyed ourselves! We made a reservation a few days in advance, which I would highly recommend since it was super busy. A few little tables outside, and fairly small interior. Service was good and quick, but a little stressful with all the servers rushing around. We ordered a few brunch cocktails, and could have used some time to sip them and chat...but got our food a little too quickly. Some got soup to start, and then got their meals like 2 min later. Seemed like we were rushed with our meal overall. Food was great. Don't remember what everyone ordered, but all enjoyed their meals. I had the chicken and andouille gumbo - delicious! Coffee and drinks were tasty too. Food reminded me of some of my favorite neighborhood restaurants in Chicago - nice! Will definitely be back for the food...but maybe they need to work on the timing of their service.

    (4)

  • Robert J.

    My friend and I recently visited Cafe Muse. Allow me to add myself to the chorus of people extolling the virtues of Cafe Muse's 3-cheese grilled cheese. You've got sourdough, four cheeses (mozzarella, fontina, and havarti), honey, tomatoes, and basil. Fantastic! It's so tasty and so well balanced. Savory provided by the cheeses. Sweetness comes with the honey. There's bit of acid from the tomatoes. You've got herbs for that extra complexity. It's so good that we tried to replicate the sandwich at home. The exotic mushroom scramble with Boursin cheese and truffle oil has been great for years. It's a simple dish executed perfectly with impeccable ingredients. How could it go wrong? Well, I suppose that could happen many ways, but none of those apply here. It's a great dish, and it has been for years. Cafe Muse is one of the best breakfasts in Metro Detroit.

    (4)

  • Sue H.

    Best grilled cheese ever

    (4)

  • Jocelyn D.

    10 +++. Service, reservations, food, overall a can not miss experience! LOVED the whole experience. Waitstaff was top drawer, food was out of this world. They made dining fun. Can't wait to go back. Defiantly make reservations, and with Open table, call because this site said they were booked and they were not.

    (5)

  • Sarah G.

    Shhhhhhh.....lets keep this place on the down low!!! Although, I guess thats kind of a hard thing to do when Oprah and Esquire magazine have both written about it. They just moved down the street to a larger space...and what a great space it is! Beautifully decorated...even down to the tin ceilings in the bathroom. You know what makes me happy? When places have "nice" soap in the bathroom. Not that crappy bad smelling soap that makes you upset that you have to wash your hands. Well here...they have nice, expensive, lovely smelling soap. Than makes me happy :) (ahh...its the little things in life). This is the kind of place that you want to be a regular at. Seriously I think I could eat here every day. Lets start with the staff. The waitress was incredibly friendly. She always had a smile on her face and was more than happy to suggest her favorites. She was super quick...even with a busy lunch crowd and always kept our waters full. Now to the main event...the food. My friend and I must have sat in silence and stared at the menu for a good 10 minutes. We just could not decide what to eat. So many fabulous choices...so little time. Everything sounded delicious. I ended up having breakfast for lunch because how could I turn down stuffed french toast with a pear topping. My friend had the famous grilled cheese with a cup of their soup of the day (today an extremely fresh sweet potato bourbon concoction). Everything was AMAZING. I literally licked my plate clean. The minute I left the restaurant I called at least 3 friends to tell them that they HAVE to come here for a meal...oh wait, wasn't I the one that wanted to keep this place on the down low? oh well. In the words of the Terminator: "I'll be back".

    (5)

  • Marie S.

    Everything is fabulous here. Best coffee in town. If Weston A Price were alive today he would eat at Cafe Muse. Pasture fed meat, fresh farm eggs, HEAVEN!

    (5)

  • Alex M.

    My boyfriend and I recently stopped by for brunch. While the food was pretty good, the service definitely could have been better. We were greeted by a less than friendly hostess, our waitress rushed through our order, talking at the speed of light- obviously in a hurry- and we were kept waiting a good 10 minutes for our check after the plates were cleared... and the place wasn't even that crowded. I had the salmon scramble with toast and while the jam was deliciousss, the salmon was super salty, ick! Even so, I'll probably come back to check out other items on the menu, but I'll cross my fingers we get a different server. ;)

    (3)

  • Stephen D.

    A cozy spot in Royal Oak. My friend had carrot cake pancakes which she loved but couldn't finish. I had a tuna sandwich which was good, I don't know why I went so boring. The lunch menu was varied and the service was fast. Negatives: The waiter was nice but forgot our coffee. The hostess was not friendly, barely acknowledged our existence which is the exact opposite of the role she was paid to perform. Ambiance very nice overall. A little bit of chatty buzz going on but you could make conversation.

    (4)

  • Jonny P.

    WOW! This is quickly becoming one of my favourite spots (after a slightly rocky beginning). Went for lunch on a Monday afternoon and had my socks blown off with by the food. Split the braised short rib sandwich and a bowl of the mushroom bisque. The bisque was still on point, just as memorable as my first encounter. The short rib sandwich was one of the best plates I've had this year. The menu seems ever changing which will definitely keep me coming back for more!

    (4)

  • Adam P.

    i've seen rave reviews of this place, and made a special journey crosstown to give it a try. Yes, it was a Saturday morning (actually close to noon-ish), so the accumulation of folks in the entrance didn't come as a surprise. When told that the wait would be "about 30 minutes", we provided my name & ph.# (they said they'd call when our table was available). After killing some time at various nearby merchants, it was nearing the 28 minute mark; so we returned to Café Muse to check on table status. The woman told us that "for some reason" we weren't in the computer (!), but that she "remembered where* we were in the queue, and that there were four parties waiting to be seated ahead of us (?!) even as we reminded her that the forecast was "30 minutes". They assured us we would be seated "as soon as possible" - which involved waiting an additional 27 minutes for a table. There followed a number of varied apologies and explanations/justifications - and it seemed at this point that they put in our order promptly and the food arrived very quickly. However, when my Carnitas Pork Empanadas Scramble arrived with only one empanada (I looked over to a neighboring table where they delivered the same dish with two empanadas), I basically decided they had lost the game. The food was unique and flavorful (very generous egg portion, great texture and composition)...but they flailed and sank in the service, consideration, and consistency that would invite or encourage a return visit. They gave us a free dessert; but at that point it was mere farce.

    (3)

  • mallory s.

    BEST restaurant in Royal Oak. I've had at least half of the breakfast/brunch menu and the Exotic Mushroom Scramble is AMAZING! If you like boursin cheese, truffle oil, and mushrooms - you will love this. As far as lunch goes - the Smoked Salmon Sandwich is my favorite. Not too fishy with the most perfect bread and saucy/spread. The restaurant has great service, love the atmosphere... even when they say the wait for a table is an hour, it's usually less, and well worth it!

    (5)

  • Emi R.

    This place is spectacular. I've been here multiple times, and everything I've eaten has been spectacular. Their brunch is really something to write home about. They have great sweet and savory options. There's a regular menu and a bunch of weekly specials, and both menus are great. I went today for brunch with my mom, and we both ordered from the savory menu. I had a smoked salmon scramble with gruyere and chives, which was divine. The salmon isn't mixed in, but grilled and sliced on top. That way, the salmon is really allowed to shine, but you can still cut it up and mix it in. Also, grilling the smoked salmon was a great flavor. My mom had a steak and eggs dish, and the steak was grilled perfectly, also sliced on top of her eggs. The eggs themselves are also delicious; light, fluffy and creamy all at once ... somehow. Breakfasts are also served with fingerling potatoes that are divine; really tender and well-seasoned. A nice alternative to hash browns. Their coffee is also excellent, both the espresso and the regular brewed. And so's the toast. And the turkey bacon. I also have to commend them for excellent service. Yes, the place is packed, but it's one of the best restaurants in Royal Oak, and they definitely handle it well. The staff is always very nice, and it's nice that they call you when there's a wait rather than giving you a buzzer and making you stand right outside the door. In short, this restaurant is one of my favorite places in Royal Oak to eat.

    (5)

  • Kellie B.

    The setting is absolutely beautiful. From what I've been reading this is their second location in Royal Oak, down the street from my college which will make the setting for many a delish breakfast. Reminds me of a teahouse but a little more comfortable. I got the crab and gouda scramble and was positively layered with crab..just how I like it. I ordered the sweet potato with garam masala...very impressive side dish! Just enough spice. The chicken gouda sausage was delish and worth the price of adding on to my breakfast. Everyone should should have a chance to eat a breakfast like this. I felt like a queen --- just without my crown. Try the specials and let the chef really amaze you with something special. Even the carryout box was unique and lovely.

    (4)

  • Mark W.

    I look forward to trying their breakfasts, because my two dinners were simply outstanding, My T-Bone was fantastic, and the half-rack of pork ribs sous vide'd for 36 hours before seared with a hoisin sauce was terrific. Due to work, I know I'll be back to the Troy area. Cafe Muse will be on my list for return visits. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Rain M.

    OMG!!! This place should be called Cafe A-muse-d! Like everyone says, I recommend any of the grilled cheeses. A note to all chocolate lovers, get the the graham cracker crusted French toast w/ chocolate and blueberry mascarpone. The food is very delicious and unique. The service is wonderful. When you order the food, I feel like the food is served to you at the perfect timing. You don't have to wait too long, but the food is also not cooked too fast. I am amused with Cafe Muse.

    (5)

  • Andra J.

    Favorite breakfast place in the Detroit area.

    (5)

  • Tiffany N.

    First thing first, if you decide to come here for Sunday Brunch, you should definitely call ahead to reserve a table! That being said, Cafe Muse is my go-to-brunch-place in Detroit Metro. They have a wide variety of your run-of-the-mill brunch items, but with a gourmet twist. (Instead of bacon, they have nitrate-free prosciutto bacon, vegan muffins, homemade jams, etc.) I ordered the smoked salmon egg scramble with Gruyère cheese and the bf got the prosciutto bacon egg scramble with goat cheese. My dish was delicious! The portion was quite big: 4 eggs(!), cut fruit and a small salad. I liked how it was just the right amount of saltiness. Sometimes the combination of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon is a bit too salty, but they made it just right! The ambiance was very cute. I like how they are going with the Parisian feel. Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Cafe Muse and next time I think I will try their vegan muffins.

    (4)

  • T W.

    I like that they serve organic food, so its more than just OK. I went during lunch time on a weekend, so naturally, it was 30-40 minute wait for 2 people. I ordered the mac and cheese with crab meat. I didn't care for the crab meat but I must say I'm glad it was real crab. The dish itself is a blend of three cheeses and was a creamy delicious. Completely overpriced, yes, but it was my kind of good. Husband had the grilled cheese with short rib, which he calls "interesting." We had no idea what the short rib was, whether it was in the sandwich or on the side as a bone-in meat. It was in the sandwich without bone, kinda strange, and not our favorite dish - but the flavors were good, just not good together. Will come again and try other dishes to re-evaluate.

    (4)

  • Scott L.

    Excellent food, LARGE selection of beer and wine!

    (5)

  • Stephanie C.

    Cafe Muse may be among the highest caliber restaurants in metro Detroit. Had to be said. It's been my favorite brunch spot since the first time I tried it -which incidentally happened to be on a first date. He got points for originality. The quality here is top notch. I'm not sure what sort of magic they weave with eggs but they're always fluffy and perfect. You can't go wrong with any sort of egg dish or special though the Exotic Mushroom Scramble with Boursin Cheese is just killer. Still, I'm a fan of the Orange Rum Raisin or Lemon Ricotta pancakes - light, fluffy and wonderful for breakfast. Not too sweet. For lunch, yes, the famous Grilled 3 Cheese with Tomato, Basil and Honey is transformative. But so is the Shrimp Salad Sandwich on Cheddar Bread. I also love the Tossed Organic Greens with Warm Goat Cheese and Poached Pears. Even the iced green tea is special; it's steeped with cinnamon, orange and cardamom. You can't help but feel special dining here. It's baked right into the menu.

    (5)

  • Matthew K.

    Today I had a fever for food, and my prescription was for Cafe Muse. Yes, I am shamelessly plugging Cafe Muse yet again. Why? Why the beef not?! Ok, I'll still list my reasons below. First, when I came in at 2:15, the place was STILL full. Even though there were only 2 of us, they still offered to seat us at a table for 5. We declined since we (Mama K and I) are the patient and practical type. We waited less than 5 minutes and were seated anyways, but the brownie points earned through their demigod like customer service made me all warm and fuzzy. Second, there is not a lot of turnover at Cafe Muse... at least as far as I can tell. With that in mind, you start getting to know the servers and how awesome they are. For example, I haven't been there in months and THEY STILL remember me. Groovy! With that said, they also made sure our water and coffees were constantly filled. Third, the food never disappoints! My Mom ordered the crab and something scramble while I kicked back with a Grilled Cheese and Short-rib sandwich with a Chickpea salad. My first bite was like having every person in China attending an all-out rave in my mouth. Yes, it was that good. The salad was also a nice accompaniment, and paired nicely with the savory and rich sandwich. My only problem with Cafe Muse is that it is not like a huge chain like P.F. Chang's or Denny's, creating obscene portions with dismal excuses of ingredients, and contributing to the obesity of Americans everywhere... oh wait, that's a good thing. Go eat at cafe muse sometime soon before we blow ourselves off this planet; your taste-buds will thank you.

    (5)

  • Fiona V.

    Always good... Never AMAZING-- but good. I'm a fan.

    (4)

  • Rac C.

    Everything here is incredible !! My favorite things to order is their fresh cran-orange muffins, the coconut curry soups, and their exotic mushroom scramble. I've tried pretty much their entire menu and enjoy every single thing. It's great food, reasonably priced, wonderful cozy atmosphere and they have amazing service.

    (5)

  • Jenny Z.

    delicious food. I had the salmon with eggs, whatever it was called, and the jam and toast it came with was amazing as well. I really like this place, it's a little pricey, certainly not a bargain place, but well worth it. I think the food is high quality, and decor looks great. Overall, I would definitely return here for breakfast/lunch. Dinner looks a bit overpriced for me. Note: we had to wait 30 minutes to get in on a sunday (lunch time), I would recommend reservations for popular times.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    Cafe Muse isn't really a cafe in the sense of coffee and tea. It's a great, quiet place to grab lunch (or breakfast, in my case) and read a book. I like Royal Oak in the morning. I'm so used to the hassle of the nights, the screaming drunks, the cops, the vomit in the middle of the street... Mornings are different, and Cafe Muse caters to that. I heard good things about everything on the menu, and I just had to give it a try. The only other place I've had such a great breakfast was at Angelo's in Ann Arbor. That's saying a lot! The Rum Raisin Pancakes were absolutely delicious. I haven't had rum in a breakfast dish before... let alone pancakes. It won't get you drunk, but it'll definitely put a smile on your face! Unfortunately, the pancakes are all I have to go by. However, it made my day off, and that's good enough to make it a place I want to visit again and again.

    (5)

  • Jon S.

    My wife and I went here for lunch today, and while the food was great, our server was really inexcusably slow and unhelpful. I told her when she first came over that we'd never been there before and that it was my wife's birthday. She said she'd come right back after dropping off a check to "give you lots of attention." Since I wasn't actually asking for attention, but just some help with the menu after signaling that we wanted a great experience there, I thought that was a bit odd. But then she didn't actually come back and give us any attention. She did come to take our drink orders, but then immediately left as my wife was trying to get a food order out of her mouth. It ended up taking 25 minutes after being seated for her to bring us two bottles of beer, and well over 40 minutes to get two sandwiches out. While the sandwiches were delicious, it would've been nice if she had explained any of the 4 or so different menus instead of leaving us alone for 20 minutes to figure out what we wanted. Not only that, but a table right behind us was seated later, ordered more food, and got their food earlier. Also, two different desserts with candles came out while we were there, but when it came time for us to order dessert--or maybe hear about something special they do for birthdays--she just said they were out of the brownies I asked about and tried to upsell me something more expensive. So, yeah, good sandwiches, but I won't be back with my wife. (I might be back without her, but only because I can stiff waitresses who tick me off when she's not there to stop me.) Edit: the owners contacted me within a half day of my review, and offered the appropriate things to make amends. So the service we received is probably not par for the course. I'll update with a new review if my wife wants to go back and give them another chance.

    (2)

  • Ferris B.

    This place is amazing! Whatever you love for breakfast should be here but in a little more bourgeois fashion. My friend and I sat outside as usual, definitely cramped outside, but the weather was beautiful. We did have to wait about 20 minutes as this place does get busy on Saturday and Sunday mornings so it may be better to wait until 1 or 2 pm the next time we go. I ordered the infamous grilled cheese, which was good with its grilled olive oil drenched bread but did not meet the hype amassed on Yelp. My friend had what was believed to be called the Walnut Pancake...amazing! I would definitely recommend their pancakes but I'm excited to try to their omelette next. A little pricey but worth it!

    (5)

  • Grace L.

    The ammoglio sauce scramble was my go to, but I feel like the quality of the food has been a little inconsistent since they've opened for dinner. The mimosas are always great, and the grilled cheese is excellent. I'm also a big fan of their rich, creamy mushroom soup.

    (4)

  • Stefanie N.

    Had lunch here with a friend and all that hype definitely does not disappoint. The place is amazing for brunch! Been here a couple of times. Last time around, I ordered the short rib grilled cheese and it was probably one of the best grilled cheese I've ever had!

    (5)

  • Lauren M.

    Waited 45 minutes for food I didn't finish because of the taste. To be fair to cafe muse, i ordered wrong. The lemon ricotta pancakes were the texture of baby food, barely tasted like lemon, were smothered by cinnamon (which shouldn't have been used on the dish at all), and the blue berry syrup didn't taste like blueberries. Additionally the pan meal bacon was so salty i literally couldn't eat it. I use brines when cooking pork--i understand the technique they are using for this side-- they are just missing the mark in a big way. All that being said, the server was amazing and prompt ( she saved them from getting 1 star) And she comped me the bacon without me asking. Atmosphere is perfect for brunch.

    (2)

  • Valerie G.

    Just returned to Cafe Muse for breakfast - I was not disappointed. As it was a Monday morning, it was quiet - and we were able to get the table by the window and good service as well. Can't compain about that! This time I started with a glass of OJ - which seriously was the best I've had in a while... it almost tasted like I was drinking a mimosa, but I for sure ordered just OJ. I ordered the Ammoglio Sauce Scramble with Fresh Mozzeralla, accompanied by garlic sauteed fingerling potatoes and sourdough toast. The ammoglio sauce was amazing - and the portion was big enough that I couldn't finish my breakfast. The potatoes were perfectly done and the sourdough was similarly delicious. While I had wanted to ordered the stuffed french toast, I am not sad that I ignored my sweet tooth this time. My husband opted for the Specials menu and the sweeter side of things - ordering Chocolate Chip and Blueberry Vanilla Pancakes with Chantilly Creme. I think the Chantilly Creme is supposed to be fancy whipped cream or something - and as I sit down to write this review, I realize that it was absent from the plate. The server brought regular syrup to the table with the pancakes, but it seemed a shame to ruin the pancakes with boring old syrup... and they were a bit too dry without the "chantilly creme" or something. Luckily the server was able to get us some piping hot house-made blueberry syrup... which made the dish a million times better. With the exception of the missing chantilly creme - we were both extremely happy with our food and the service and are looking forward to return for the stuffed french toast sometime soon. :)

    (4)

  • C B.

    The corn and pancetta soup was amazing as was the gnocchi. Perfect portion of gnocchi for not having any leftovers. My husband had the game hen, which he didn't love, he felt it was quite dry. So overall a great meal for me, a good one for my husband. I do feel it's a mite overpriced,but I would go here again to try something else in a heartbeat.

    (4)

  • John D.

    Cafe Muse is one of the bright spots of Royal Oak. It is one of my daughter favorite places. Our servers timing was impeccible. The food is always top notch, and of course the touch of honey on their famous grilled cheese sandwich is a brilliant innovation. Everything is very clean, and you can tell the owner treats the staff very well because of their general happy selves. There is even a table outside with some treats and a bowl of water for our four legged friends that pass by. This is crazy decadent, but I had them make me up a carry out of mac and cheese for dinner to-nite...can hardly wait! Looks like I'll be starving myself next week...enjoy!

    (5)

  • Emily L.

    I came here for breakfast on a rare day off from work, figuring that Cafe Muse would be less crowded on a weekday. The boyfriend and I arrived around 10:00 and found that there were three or four parties seated inside. Apparently there's outdoor seating in the back as well, but it was too hot out for me to consider. The decor did not appeal to me - European-inspired with random modern touches - but it's not like I was there for the decor. I liked the menu of weekly specials - lots of things to choose from. FYI, the weekly specials are posted on the website as well. I decided to get one of the specials - "chicken apple sausage with Gouda cheese and chives" ($9.75). I wasn't sure why the menu didn't mention eggs at all, but our server confirmed that this was a scramble, not just sausage and cheese, haha. The scramble was very good, but also extremely rich. It was like eating a light puffy cloud of egg, sausage, cheese, and a ton of butter and cream/half and half. Each forkful tasted light and delicious, but then my stomach and heart kept telling me to stop eating or else risk cardiac arrest. I wasn't able to finish the scramble, partly because of guilt-induced chest pains, but mostly because the creamy eggs were incredibly filling. The scramble came with either garlic sauteed fingerling potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon. I opted for the fingerlings, which were quite good. Breakfast also included lightly buttered toast (choices included rye, multigrain, and another one I've now forgotten), cherry jam, and some fruit (orange slice, red grapefruit slice, pineapple, and cantaloupe). All of these were tasty and also served as a good placebo to counter those guilt-induced chest pains. The boyfriend got the "buttermilk pancakes with an apple pear compote" ($7.95) off the regular menu. The pancakes looked good and came with maple syrup. I'm not sure if they were worth $7.95, though, as they were kind of small. All in all, Cafe Muse is a little pricier than I'd ordinarily pay for breakfast, but the price was reflected in the care they put in their dishes. Everything was well made and delicately presented. I don't know if I can order another scramble again, though; it felt like eating pure fat, in super delicious form. I really want to go back and try the lemon ricotta pancakes, and I suppose I should try that famed grilled cheese as well. Also, a minor complaint. The silverware was really big and heavy, whereas the plates were really light and small. An 11"-long butter knife and a 1"-wide thimbleful of jam do not go together well. hahah

    (4)

  • Kim L.

    I come here about once a month to have breakfast with friends. I am never disappointed. The menu selection is diverse with an equal choice of sweet & savory items. The waitstaff is always friendly and they will let you substitute items if the selection isn't exactly what you wanted. It is pricey, so once a month is just right. If you get pancakes or french toast ask them to heat your syrup otherwise they bring it cold (yik).

    (5)

  • Colleen Z.

    Brunch with girlfriends on a Saturday morning. It was the first visit for all four of us. We were able to make reservations because we had a party of 4. We ordered many items on the menu in order to share and taste a number of dishes. We tasted the mushroom bisque (amazing), the seafood grits (crab sweet and perfectly cooked), scramble with spinach and feta, ricotta, lemon and blueberry pancakes, the famous grilled cheeses sandwich, and the eggs and mozzarella with ammogolio sauce. Everything was really good. The eggs were really fluffyand perfectly cooked. Each dish was full of different tastes that blended well together. Portions were generous and our server Rachel was great.

    (4)

  • Alicia K.

    I am very disappointed after reading all these reviews. We had the steak and eggs, an the pear stuffed French toast. We also had coffee, pear nectar and hot chocolate. I guess after eating at What Crepe? a few doors down, the bar is set too high. The portion sizes were very very small. The hot chocolate didn't even taste like chocolate. The pear juice was ok. The coffee was identical to the Starbucks French press, if you like that sort of thing. The garlic fried potatoes weren't even fully cooked, but there were only a few tablespoons of them so it didn't matter much. The eggs were very good, and that would be this place's only good point. The french toast was awful. Three thin slices that were dry, cold and covered in cinnamon. Yucky texture. I guess I didn't expect something that says it's stuffed to mean that there are a few pieces of fruit laying on top. It was only edible covered in syrup. The steak was ok. Thin with lots of fat and raw in the middle. The waitress, alison, was not attentive. She only came to see us for our order, to serve our food, and to bring our bill, period. Blah. Stick with What Crepe? and you won't be disappointed. This place is why I don't let my husband pick where we eat lol.

    (1)

  • Julie C.

    Shared a turkey pesto sandwich + chips and (menu-noted: Oprah recommended) grilled cheese + 3 bean salad for lunch. And I definitely understand the hype behind the grilled cheese. Slices of tomato were grilled in the center with the cheese, and it was perfectly crunchy with a hint of honey. I only wish it was served with some soup instead of a choice of salad or chips. That would have been superb. The turkey sandwich was average, and I thought the prices were a bit high. However, our server was great and I'd come back again.

    (4)

  • Kristin G.

    Let me start off by saying, "I love you Muse and my town wouldn't be the same caliber without you." Let me continue by explaining why the taking back of the fifth star...the food is consistently fantastic. That's not what the star is taken away for. It has been numerous times when I have ran into strange service experiences at Muse and it's starting to get on my nerves. I was patient the first few times when they first moved since I know how growing pains go...but I just don't get why they have it setup the way they do. Why do I have a different person for every job? One to seat me, one to take my order, one to bring water, one to bring the food over? I have had numerous experiences where my drink order shows up after the food or right when the food is served. Communication between the waitstaff seems non existent. Why do they over complicate this? Why can't one person do the order, drinks and food placement? It's frustrating as a customer to get several offers for someone to take your drink order. It's not that hard, people...get it together! In addition to this, Muse is a pretty small place. Why the blue tooth earpieces?! I mean, really?! Seems a bit overkill for such a small place. I realize they get busy but...wow. Just getting frustrated with how things always seem to not go smoothly when all I order is an iced tea and a sandwich. Muse, if you're listening: get the service organized. You're quickly losing one of your most loyal devotees...

    (4)

  • Eric P.

    Three stars for effort. I'm updating my review to reflect my experience at dinner the other night. I went with a friend of mine (admittedly, it was for Valentine's Day, but didn't really have much to do with the day), banking on the fact that they would have some interesting specials going on, or something. Long story short, I was underwhelmed with my entree, which the menu describes as "Taragna polenta with roasted vegetables, farro and smashed sweet potatoes" [sic]. Everything was exactly as described, but was completely unremarkable. I don't really even have anything specific to say about it...it was just kind of bland and...blah. The soup I had preceding it, however, was quite good. Mushroom with goat cheese and "basil essence". That, I would get again. On the other had, my friend's dinner was all around pretty good, I must say. He ordered the Arctic Char and had the curried apple squash soup, and he quite enjoyed all of it. (I only had a small bite of the fish, so I don't really have anything firsthand to say about it.) The wine selection was also relatively extensive and not obscenely priced, which is always good. Just be mindful of what you order if you go. The meat dishes may all be excellent, but neither of us really eat meat (i.e. pescevegetarians, more or less), so I have no idea whatsoever. In spite of everything, though, I would still suggest it. A place that can do so well with everything else must certainly be able to do spectacularly well with dinner.

    (3)

  • Daisy C.

    Vanilla Yogurt Parfait It was the first time blueberries had ever exploded in my mouth. The strawberries were warm & they melted. Have you tried the raspberries? The yogurt had the perfect amount of sweetness. Granola would have ruined the mood.

    (5)

  • Robert C.

    Yes, I had the "Oprah" grilled cheese (the Grilled Three Cheese sandwich). Yes, it was delicious. Cafe Muse, however, is worth visiting for reasons beyond Oprah's recommendation. The menu offers seasonal items and breakfast all day long. There were so many items that I wanted to try, which means I will absolutely return to Cafe Muse. The food was good, the atmosphere is comfortable (though a bit loud and crowded, and the service was good. Drinks arrived promptly, and the food arrived shortly thereafter (which surprised me given how crowed it was on a Friday afternoon). I definitely recommend Cafe Muse. And, yes, I recommend the grilled cheese sandwich for its creative use of honey.

    (4)

  • Badrul F.

    Really good food. Service was good, everyone had a pleasant demeanor. Place is packed during lunch hours of any day--provides a great atmosphere. Would recommend to all!

    (5)

  • Jenn M.

    I am sure everyone knows about the grilled cheese sandwhich. It really is as good as everyone makes it sound. I have been back several times with friends who have never been. The service was great and the wait was very short for going during lunch. I also love that they will call you on your phone when your table is ready so you can keep shopping. Would definatly go back.

    (5)

  • Patrick R.

    How come a host/hostess tend to seat people in groups when the restaurant is half empty? We have been to Cafe Muse on many occasions and there could be 5 open 2-tops and they squeeze us next to other people? Depending on the patrons we are sharing the tight space with, this can make for an unpleasant experience. As I type, I realize the other people may feel the same about me!! Anyway onto the real review: We are breakfast people - love a gourmet breakfast and this place is as good as it gets. The food is top nothc, the waitstaff attentive and the space is clean - albeit on the smaller size. This makes a perfect recipe for a good restaurant. The space is big enough that you are not too uncomfortable but small enough to know that you are at a restaurant in which the people really care about you. I have seen the owners plucking a toddlers eggs out of the carpeting in order to keep the place looking good. In my book, that means that they are doing the same with the food in the kitchen and since I am borderline OCD - I LOVE THIS PLACE! Some of the excellent things I have had from the menu include: Organic Coffee (Cafe au Lait) Lavazza Coffee - my favorite. Ammoglio Scramble - a flavorful twist on boring eggs. Plain Jane Scramble - plain is a bad adjective for this as it tastes great. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes - YUM. Grilled Cheese - all I can say is that it is as good everyone brags about. Another thing I love is that they have Stevia sweetener packets for the coffee. I was slightly tempted to give this place a low rating in hopes to scare off people so I do not have to wait in a huge line next time, but I just couldn't do that to this place. It deserves 5+ stars. I am looking forward to trying dinner soon there.

    (5)

  • Kristin Y.

    HANDS DOWN best resturant in Royal Oak, simple menu and to die for grilled cheese sandwich, adding the bar was just a bonus!!!!! Was in for best friends birthday couple weeks ago, of course they were a packed house as they always are but outstide of the slower service from how busy it was the food makes up for anything that could go wrong!!! I havent tried dinner yet but the breakfast is amazing, last visit had the roasted red pepper, spinach and goat cheese scramble, I am craving it writing about it again!!!

    (5)

  • Jean K.

    I admit I had high expectations for brunch at Cafe Muse. I had researched it on Yelp ahead of time and when I mentioned it to friends in Royal Oak, they all said the food was awesome but that it also gets really busy. So I was prepared for the wait. Which wasn't that bad. They said 20 minutes but it was more like 10 and they'll take your mobile and call you when they're ready, so it's totally okay to wander away. We were down at Barnes & Noble when they called. Things got a little strange after we were seated. Someone came and took our drink orders. Then someone else came by again to take our drink orders. A little confusion due to Sat brunch crowds? After perusing the delicious sounding brunch menu, we finally settled on what to order. Unfortunately, when ordering the eggs benedict the waitress explained that they didn't do poached eggs but could do the eggs any other way we wanted it. Excuse me for being pedantic but I'm pretty sure the definition of eggs benedict includes poached eggs ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eg… ). If they weren't really going to poach eggs then it should have been listed as eggs "benedict" or eggs benedict-style. Things got weirder because then the waitress explained that eggs benedict take too long to make and so the chef won't make them but they are happy to do them any other way to give the same runny yolk. Okay, so I'm not the greatest at poaching eggs but it does not take that long to make. I think what the chef is trying to say is that it's not efficient to make eggs benedict because you can't make a big batch at once since no other dishes come with eggs benedict, and you have to make them one at a time in a big pot of water which takes up a whole burner on the stove. So...we order them anyways but sunny side up or whatever they recommend as the closes approximation. We also get the stuffed french toast with cream cheese and cherries. We are trying not to let the whole eggs "benedict" thing get us down (only fans of poached eggs will understand). When the food comes, it looks delicious. Unfortunately it looks better than it actually tastes. The eggs not poached are okay. However, the sausage patty is not an improvement over the standard ham or bacon. I'm not even sure what happened to the hollandaise sauce. It looked normal but had no flavor. The french toast is okay on the edges but in the middle the amount of cream cheese is way too much. I end up scraping most of it away. All in all, great effort but I didn't think the food quality was much better than a fancy at home brunch. However, -1 star for not understanding eggs benedict. If you think that's too harsh, the waitress told us she just explained it to someone else. If you have to explain something as self-explanatory as eggs benedict then something has to change.

    (2)

  • James M.

    I really do lille this place and I should note that I've only been here for dinner. I would give the appetizers, the service, and the drinks 5 stars. The problem is every entree I've had here has just been ok, 3-4 stars. The food tends to be under seasoned. However, the best part about this restaurant is the bartender/sommelier guy. He really knows his stuff and he has a true passion for it. He's always out talking to the customers giving his recommendations but is never pushy. I've learned a lot from him in the two or three conversations we've had. I'd give him 6 stars, especially since he doesn't even have a proper bar!

    (4)

  • Jean S.

    I had scouted out this restaurant when looking for a new place to brunch with my friend on a Saturday morning. I ogled the menu the day before and was sure I would never be able to decide what to order when we got there. Everything sounded so fresh and delicious! We arrived on a beautiful Saturday morning at around 10:30 a.m. and, while the restaurant appeared to be quite full, we were seated immediately on the little outdoor patio in front. We did wait just a little bit to be greeted by our server, but as my friend and I had a lot of catching up to do, we really didn't notice. After struggling to come to a decision on what to order, I suggested that we order one savory dish and one sweet dish and share them. We ordered the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Housemade Blueberry Maple Syrup, the Lump Crab & Gouda Scramble with Tomatoes and Basil and a side of nitrate free hickory smoked bacon. The eggs came with a side of sourdough toast and homemade jam and fingerling potatoes. She had a chai tea and I had coffee with a splash of vanilla. The eggs were like nothing I've ever tasted before. There were large chunks of crab in the mix and the tomatoes, cheese and basil just set it right to perfect. The potatoes complemented the meal so well that I wanted more, but I had to remind myself that I was sharing, after all! The toast was an afterthought and I never got around to trying the jam. The pancakes were think and very moist on the inside, due to the ricotta. The lemon was not overpowering and the syrup was just the perfect amount of sweetness. I only wish the pancakes were just a bit thicker. The bacon was cooked to perfection, but like the bread, was not the focal point of the meal and therefore easily forgotten. The coffee and tea were just right as was the service. I really enjoyed my first trip to Cafe Muse and can't wait to return. I hope to be able to try everything on the menu eventually!

    (5)

  • Betsy A.

    Fellow Yelper and bff Valerie G., myself and our usual third lunch companion decided to venture away from the office for lunch today. The weather was nice out and minimal supervision at work warranted a long lunch. We were originally going to go to Pronto, but Valerie thought of Cafe Muse and since neither her or I had been there before, it didn't really matter what the third wheel thought. As we were walking to Cafe Muse I thought that we should start having Fancy Lunch Thursdays (this idea may have come from Fancy Brunch Thursdays that Yelpers Ryan L and Jeffrey B started...) our traditional 9-5 job doesn't allow for brunch. So a new tradition may have been born today. I ordered the Grilled Hanger Steak sandwich on sourdough with ammoglio sauce (no idea what that is, but it was tastey) and provolone cheese with the chips (which were the homemade type of chips). This sandwich was awesome! I could probably eat it once a week and love it every time. I thought $9.75 was a bit pricey for a sandwich, but I got over it. I had a bit of the quiche of the week, which was chedder, brie and apples, it was sweet, but pretty tastey as well. We got there a little before noon and we were quickly sat. However, it got busy about 12:15-12:30 and people were waiting for a table. I would say the service was adequate, I wouldn't rave about it. There was a dessert on the menu, I don't exactly remember what was in it, but I do remember I wanted to try it. So I will have to come back and try it. The breakfasts also looked pretty good and I am not a breakfast person, but I think I might try something. Our Fancy Lunch Thursday ended with a walk down Washington to Shine for some browsing and to waste more time before going back to work.

    (4)

  • Renée D.

    The only complaint I have ever had with Cafe Muse is how hard it is to get in! On weekdays in RO they are always the only place with a wait, and it's usually a lengthy wait. This week I tried twice to get in (wasn't willing to wait the estimated hour) before having luck on the third trip. It was still packed at 1:30 when we went but they had let us call ahead. Have been several times and the food is never anything short of excellent. Their menu has a lot of vegetarian options and the staff is informed on what is vegan and what is vegetarian (although it's usually clear from the menu). On the last visit my bf had the grilled cheese, which is every bit as good as Oprah said. I got the portabella, ammoglio, and mozzarella sandwich, which was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. The mushroom bisque with goat cheese soup was excellent as well. We've only received good service here, as stated early the only thing I would change is make other people forget about it so the wait times are shorter!

    (5)

  • damian a.

    I had the famous grilled cheese. it was good, but i wouldn't get it again. Don't let that dissuade you from getting it if you like grilled cheese. My expectations were high and it didn't quite meet them. I had the beet salad with it, which was great. Also, their espresso is awesome. My wife had some breakfast omelet thing. I can't remember which one it was, but it was delicious. Service and atmosphere are great, and the wait wasn't nearly as long as I expected (protip: there are a couple big chairs in the back of the dining room that you can sit in to wait if the front entryway is crowded). there was a ton of stuff on the menu that looks interesting and we'll definitely be back to try some more.

    (4)

  • Don K.

    Food was excellent as far as brunch goes. It was reminiscent of plates that would be served at high end hotel restaurants around the world. Service grade A which is hard to find these days in Michigan including mine haha ^^; Now the interior decor could use a bit more richness. It was nice and neat nothing wrong with that but every place needs something to work on. I give it five stars because I like to gauge it relatively to similarly categorized restaurants in area. For royal oak or Michigan as a matter of fact, I give it five. Compare with the likes of Vegas, NYC, SanFran, etc etc hmm, maybe four. Because same fine quality of food without the frills and thrills for nay, an arm and leg.

    (5)

  • Chris P.

    My girlfriend and I are huge breakfast/brunch goers, and we always appreciate a range of thoughtful choices, good execution, and solid service. We found that Cafe Muse exceeded our expectations in every arena (including a few things we hadn't thought of), and while I wouldn't say that the experience was flawless, so much was intrinsically 'right' that it earns a rare fifth star from me. Here's the way it went down - We ordered the following: Me: - Cappuccino - Exotic mushroom scramble with Boursin and truffle oil (with peanut sweet potatoes and sourdough toast) - Side of chicken, apple and gouda sausage She: - Cappuccino - Apple Juice - Steak and eggs - Cotswald cheese scrambled eggs with grilled hanger steak (with garlic sauteed fingerling potatoes). First off, our waitress was kind and attentive, and we followed her recommendations for our meals to good effect. We each sampled each others' entrees, and in both cases, the eggs were perfectly done, fluffy, light, not too runny, and quite rich without being overbearingly so. In my case, the mushrooms were well cooked and served atop the scramble (not mixed in as I expected, but that only resulted in a better presentation), and the truffle oil was not overbearing and didn't ruin the consistency of the eggs. Fantastic. There were a nice surprise of a few wedges of fresh fruit (grapefruit, pineapple, etc. - all shockingly sweet and far tastier than what I'm used to finding at Detroit-area markets in darkest January), and my sweet potatoes were similarly well-judged - not cloyingly sugary and nicely self-contained in a ramakin-like container. The sourdough was well toasted, albeit a bit skimpy (a smallish solo piece), so if you're a toast lover, you're going to want to order extra, especially in light of the surprisingly tasty cherry jam. Even the cappuccino was really well done (Lavazza, judging by the branded cups) with plenty of foam and nice cubes of brown and white sugar on the table. Once our caps were finished, the waitress offered to fill up our cups with regular black coffee, which was a nice surprise. If there was a clunker on my plate, it was the side order of chicken, apple and gouda sausage. Well, it wasn't a clunker, exactly, as the single, hot dog-link sized sausage was well prepared, it just didn't have much taste or spicing. Given how filling my entree was, it also wasn't necessary. My ladyfriend raved about everything, and she *knows* her hanger steak. We both go for rare meat, and they happily obliged her - a pleasant surprise for something short of a steak house, because a lot of places don't have the confidence in their meat (or their chefs, perhaps) to truly grill rare. She even complimented that the apple juice was unusually good. Alright, so the meal was great, but how about the rest? We read about long wait times from our fellow Yelpers, so we called ahead. We arrived 10 minutes early for our noon reservation, and they actually apologized to us that they were 'running about 10 minutes behind." They needn't have been so apologetic - we were seated at our table at noon (to the minute!) after sitting for ten minutes in the odd but welcome little waiting area in the back of the smallish but well appointed dining room. Nice touches that we weren't expecting: 1) Not only did we have an attentive, helpful, and courteous server, what appeared to be the manager or owner came over and asked us how our meal was (he seemed to be doing this with everyone in a very genuine fashion). 2) It wasn't simply that the bathrooms clean, they were also well-designed, quite high-end and rather homey. 3) Artfully contemporary table settings. This may seem like goofy minutia, but we genuinely liked the style and solidity of the coffee cups, glasses, sugar holder, the cutlery, and the take-home boxes. Other stuff to note: If you're not coming on the weekend, be sure to bring coins for parking, CALL AHEAD, especially if you're a big party - we only noticed one large table. The seating is quite tightly packed and the entry way can bog down with waiting parties, so if you're claustrophobic, this might not be the best place for you. We will absolutely, positively be back. Other than perhaps Ferndale's Fly Trap, this might be our favorite breakfast spot in the Metro D... and I wouldn't be surprised if it supplants the 'Trap because it has a much deeper menu and everything we saw on neighboring tables looked tempting. Cafe Muse has an interesting and adventuresome menu, yet to their credit, the food, the staff, and the atmosphere are accessible and friendly, not at all stuffy or off putting. Just go!

    (5)

  • Shannon H.

    It's a good sign when I want to order every single item on the menu. (I went with our waiter's recommendation of the shrimp salad sandwich. AMAZING.) Small, cozy place without feeling cramped. Local, natural ingredients without being overly fussy. Cheerful service that was neither too aloof nor too manic. Delicious food in reasonable portions. You must visit this place.

    (5)

  • Vania S.

    Been there a few times. Food is good, not great, just good. Service is good, not great, but good. Iced tea is ok, not good, just ok. Grilled cheese is good, but oh so overrated!! Worth a try, just don't expect to be blown away.

    (3)

  • Raphie B.

    I was totally underwhelmed with this place. I ordered the sweet corn chowder to start, which was far more sweet than I would have ever expected. As in, it didn't just contain sweet corn, it contained sugar. It also didn't seem the least bit creamy, despite the waitress mentioning that it had cream in it. I adore me some corn chowder, and this was a total disappointment. The soup came with bread on the side, which as tasty, but was some sort of dessert-type cake (pumpkin cake, maybe? with raisins, etc). It was good, but not what I want with soup. At all. My friend, who ordered the tomato lentil soup (and really enjoyed it) got the same bread. So weird. My sandwich was the "famous" grilled 3 cheese and while it was good, the honey was a bit overwhelming. A little bit to balance the basil and cheese would have been great, but the sandwich, again, was oddly sweet. My friend ordered the portabello sandwich and when she let me try it, it was (surprise!) dressed with a very sweet balsamic vinegar. I love balsamic vinegar, but this was too sweet and not vinegar-y enough. Don't know why they go so over-board with the sweet, or maybe we just ordered an unusually sweet selection of items. Service was fast, but not outstanding. I'd go back to try one of the breakfast dishes. They were tons of people eating egg dishes (at 4 pm - should have been a hint), so I'd give them another shot to try one of those... I nearly forgot the side of fingerling potato salad with gorgonzola and dill - this was, by far, the standout. It was super tasty. It was also, however, the "salad of the day", so I assume it's not available all the time.

    (2)

  • Colleen D.

    In my search to brunch in each and every brunch place in metro detroit, I do love this place and have definitely been a repeat customer. It can definitely get busy on the weekends, so if you can swing a weekday brunch-date, that is best. Their stuffed french toast is really good, if you have a sweet tooth. The Ammoglio Sauce Scramble is also yummy. One of the last times I was there, my friend and I took his 2 year old niece. They have a kids menu, but probably not the best place to take a kiddo that small (unless you are cool with feeding them sugar packets to keep the quiet...)

    (4)

  • F T.

    Cafe Muse has the best food in Royal Oak without question. I think they would win a challenge against any place in Michigan. Combined with terrific service and a real commitment to being "green", Muse is my favorite place in town. There is an obvious lack of plastic throughout (no straws), and they use biodegradable to-go containers. If only the rest of Royal Oak and Michigan could follow their lead! There are always good veg options, and I would highly recommend the Exotic Mushroom Scramble. Muse just added a bistro and liqour license a few months ago, but sadly have yet to learn what to do with it. My brunch bloody mary tasted like pure tomato juice and it took 2 small pitchers of "hot sauce" before it was palatable. I'm still not sure it included vodka. Either way it was not worth the $7.50. My partner's mimosa was the color of straight orange juice and lacked the flavor or bubbles of champagne. The food is always top-notch - certainly not what you'd expect to find in Royal Oak or Michigan. The drinks are terrible, but the food and service still mean that I cannot it give less than 5 stars.

    (5)

  • Sarah H.

    I am a bit of a grilled cheese and mac n cheese snob and when I heard that a restaurant I would be near had an infamous grilled cheese sandwich, how could I resist? Upon arriving I was delighted by the atmosphere and the staff was very accommodating even with the packed house. I ordered the infamous grilled cheese and was not disappointed. We also happened to order the mac n cheese with crabmeat and was devouring that as we kept eyeing the other orders passing by us to their fortunate dinners. This is worth the trip, and I would make the trip again just to sample the other dishes we saw. My only disappointment was the dressing on the greens that came with the mac n cheese. Not great, but hey, I wasn't there for the balsamic dressing.

    (4)

  • Rod B.

    it was a beautiful saturday morning and we decided to have breakfast, we ordered the egg scramble with smoked salmon - it was perfect, and the stuffed cinnamon toast - it was ok and expensive for 3 slices of 'toast' for 8.50, that was too pricey. Overall, I was giving it 3 stars but the attentive service made it to 4, not to mention the secondary male server prancing his way to refill coffees, I feel like I'm watching Project Runway, and I love it, it adds flava to the place ;-)

    (4)

  • Barbie M.

    can i add like 100 more stars here please!!! cafe muse is the best at everything. service, food, price, coffee!! really truly you could not get any better!!

    (5)

  • Caroline C.

    They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If so, you can strap me up, lock me down, and ship me off to the looney bin. After hearing ravings of Cafe Muse from everyone in the Metro-Detroit area, I've been there three times for dinner, and once in a last-ditch effort for brunch. All visits were, sadly, disappointing. The grilled cheese two ways was not Oprah-Everyone-Gets-A-Car! worthy, and the pumpkin veloutte I had on another occasion was over salted. As for the entrees, the rabbit, duck two-ways, and scallop dishes I tried were all underwhelming - the confit of duck leg was the saddest, most shriveled little leg I've ever seen, and the scallops were undercooked to the point of being blatantly raw inside. My dining companions have experienced undercooked risotto, underseasoned beef, and a lackluster sfuffed pasta dish (if memory serves me correctly, it was ravioli). All in all, both the flavors and technical cooking side of the food left something to be desired. The only saving grace was the mushroom and toast appetizer, which could easily rank as some of the most tasty morsels I've EVER had. Brunch was slightly better, but my exotic mushroom scramble tasted so overpoweringly of butter that it was hard to eat, and defeated the point of ordering it with just egg whites. This is one restaurant that will drive me certifiably insane in my quest to obtain that elusive amazing meal universally experienced by everyone (except for myself and those that are unfortunate enough to dine with me on the occasions above). Sadly, I know once my goldfish-like short term memory kicks in and my bank account recuperates I'll be back again like an abused housewife - maybe 5th time is the charm??

    (2)

  • Karol C.

    Love Cafe Muse! If you haven't tried it, you should. Breakfast options are fabulous and tasty. For lunch, have the grilled cheese and their mushroom soup.... Amazing!

    (5)

  • Tiffany D.

    This is an updated review since Cafe Muse has moved, gained a liquor license and has started the dinner menu (soft open). They've kept the charm, the friendly service, and the standout food. The rotating specials menu include the world-famous grilled cheese with braised short ribs. I got it on the multi-grain bread and this sandwich melts in your mouth. I would not shut up about this sandwich for three weeks after. I wanted to order three more (and not be judged for it). Also special mention on the specials menu: the lobster grits. Do not miss those. The Thursday afternoon we went the crowd was steady but not crowded, and the mimosas were perfect. I felt like my waitress was my best friend. I WANT TO MOVE INTO CAFE MUSE. And I haven't even been for brunch yet.

    (5)

  • Lauren D.

    Ahh delicious. We had to wait for a table of course on a Saturday morning but the lovely hostesses took a cell number and called us when available so we could walk around the little downtown. I had some kind of lovely egg scramble with pancetta and basil and gruyere. Service was great even though the food did take a little long to come out. I was a little sad that I couldn't have a mimosa as it appears they don't have any alcohol but it was a great meal all the same. Highly recommended!

    (4)

  • Doug M.

    Great atmosphere! Love the local and organic ingredients. Will be back soon and many times.

    (4)

  • Jennifer R.

    Had birthday lunch here with my daughter and a girlfriend, and was so impressed with the food, decor, service, everything! Loved the grilled cheese; the honey makes it a standout. My daughter loved her dinosaur pancakes and I thought the atmosphere was just great. Would have received five stars, but didn't love their tomato soup...seemed like a fluke, however, because everything else we ordered was outstanding. Can't wait to return!

    (4)

  • Juanita C.

    Not possible I think to have a bad meal here. But best to make reservations. The place is worth standing and waiting for but a little planning ahead gets you in.

    (5)

  • Joshua Y.

    Visited for lunch one day with 4 others from work. The Grilled Cheese was very good (thanks for the suggestion Yelpers!). The Basmati Rice Salad was also excellent! This place is a great addition to the Washington + 4th area.

    (4)

  • Detroit M.

    Great food and great atmosphere. It does get busy, so I recommend putting in your name & phone number and heading to Lilly's Seafood next door for a fantastic make-your-own bloody mary. The grilled cheese and the portabello/buffalo mozarella sandwiches are both delicious. Their daily soups are excellent (similar to the flytrap) - I specifically liked the curried tomato & corn soup. The coffee is good and the fresh squeeze juice refreshing. I hate breakfast food, but I hear breakfast is also good. I know they have recently expanded their lunch menu. This is a great place to go on a date, to bring out-of-town guests or take your family.

    (4)

  • Brandon C.

    This quaint little neighborhood joint featured on Oprah really knows how to please a foodie. The employees are about as great as their food, which tastes delicious and elegant without being pretentious. While famous for their grilled cheese, I have yet to have anything on the menu that hasn't impressed me. I also recommend their hot chocolate and whole wheat & braised apple pancakes with homemade granola. It's a great place to slow down your day and really take a breather while enjoying the atmosphere, company, and fantastic food.

    (5)

  • Emlee D.

    I returned for the second in hopefully a long sequence of visits to Cafe Muse and was even more enthralled than my first encounter. In my two visits, I have had the peaches and cream French Toast (in the summer), the apple sausage, the Huevos Rancheros, hot chocolate and have nothing but raves about all of them. Portions are perfect, the flavors are fresh and spot-on, and everything looks beautiful. The only drawback is that it is too hard to decide what to order--there are lots of appetizing options for breakfast (served all day) and lunch (after 11am), both on the regular menu and the specials. The setting is very nice, comfortable for chatting with your party, and the waitstaff are attentive, helpful, and competent. Prices are very reasonable. Muse makes me want to get back to Detroit very soon!

    (5)

  • CJ R.

    Fantastic food! Cafe Muse was rated as having one of the best sandwiches in America by both Esquire Magazine and Oprah. I highly, highly recommend the Grilled Cheese Sandwich! The Nutella toast is also delicious. Everything is prepared to perfection. This place gets busy and we usually call ahead to reserve a table. They also have a couple of outdoor tables in the summer, which is a great way to enjoy a sunny day in Royal Oak.

    (5)

  • s. h.

    Ate here a year ago for yummy breakfast. This time went for dinner. Food and service were both stellar... Everything we ordered from appetizers thru espressos and desserts was inventive and delicious. My only complaint is there was a festival going on when we were there and the street was closed. The folks running the festival would not let us in without paying admission which we were not willing to do. We called the restaurant and they basically said "too bad." We appealed to a police officer standing nearby who escorted us to the restaurant. We would have appreciated being informed of the festival when we made our reservation.

    (5)

  • Kat T.

    Excellent!! Just like the cozy NYC restaurants. This place is so charming and the food is amazing. I went for brunch yesterday and ended up walking out with food to go for dinner too! I stuck with the vegetarian dishes this visit. We tried the mushroom sandwich and the famed cheese sandwich - this was written up in Esquire magazine also as one of the best sandwiches ever. We also tried the salad w/pears and goat cheese and the tomato saffron soup was to die for. I was amazed at how the tomatoes in the soup were not mushy at all. Last, we took home the fantastic crab meat macaroni and cheese (which I hear is going to become a permanent menu item soon and I hope so) and the rice pudding. This rice pudding is so thick and even a little chewy but in my opinion, it was the best I ever tried. Staff was amazing and friendly. It is nice to see a place where everyone helps out rather than only waiting on "their" tables. This place is great. It is kind of funny too because you'll see people walk in and leave because they are so freaked out by the small space. What those non-traveled peeps don't know is this type of space is very common in major cities. I just love it!

    (5)

  • Bill S.

    Breakfast is fantastic. Had the french toast with sweet cherry cream cheese with a side of sausages. Delicious. I'm coming back for more!

    (5)

  • K Z.

    This place is charming and the food is super yummy! You may have to wait for a table b/c it is pretty busy but the wait is well worth it.

    (4)

  • Michael P.

    This was my first time at Cafe Muse. Had the short rib grilled cheese - combination of the cheese and short rib was a great twist on the sandwich. The meat was extremely tender. I've always been looking for another good restaurant in Royal Oak and will definitely return soon.

    (5)

  • Tara B.

    I hesitate to add and critique this restaurant here for fear that it will attract even more people to this cute, petite, amazing restaurant. Feeling depressed with the food in Michigan, I finally found a restaurant with the quality and innovation I can frequently find in San Francisco and Seattle. The breakfast dishes are amazing...we can hardly resist the ammoglio scramble every weekend we are there. All the sweet dishes are tantalizing too! It can get crowded so call ahead for a table.

    (5)

  • Cherice J.

    Perfect example of how Yelp works wonders. I had an interview scheduled a couple of days ago, and the interviewers wanted me to pick a place to eat breakfast in the Southfield area. Well...I didn't know of too many options in Southfield, so I suggested we go east into Royal Oak. Well, long story short, I saw all the great reviews for Cafe Muse and the rest was history. I really enjoyed the ambiance here, although it was a bit cramped and small. The food was excellent and looked pretty (if that matters). I had the Vanilla Bean Waffle with a side a fruit.. very very good. In fact, I really wanted to eat the whole thing but I WAS being interviewed and had to talk a lot. Another person ordered the french toast, and she definitely enjoyed hers. The coffee here was pretty good too, I must say. Definitely 4 stars for me!! ( I don't give out 5...)

    (4)

  • Matthew E.

    Who can resist what Oprah tells you to do. While I feared a clientele of 40 - 50 year old women going through menopause and reading the latest Dr. Phil book, I was pleasantly wrong. The place is tiny, I mean like 10 tables tiny but luckily they take reservations. The service was ok, nothing special but by the time the food comes all of a sudden you forget about the subpar service. I had the grilled cheese, I mean all these raves about it it must be good. And man was I blown away. Each bite I took I assumed it was mislabeled how could this just be cheese and bread? I poked at it chewed smaller bits and wondered how this little place in Royal Oak has achieved national recognition for melting cheese between bread, but they have and you understand why after tasting it. Id love to go back and try some of their other dishes and will hopefully do so on my next trip home.

    (5)

  • Alfred K.

    I love love love love love this place and the Oprah/Gayle stamp of approval is no surprise. The owners are very hands-on and they appear to genuinely care about our experience at the restaurant everytime. The food is great - my favorite is the scramble with truffle oil, although obviously the grilled cheese can't be missed. The shrimp salad is also great, and the desserts, wow the desserts! Never expected the desserts to be great at this tiny little place that probably doesn't have its own dessert chef, but they are awesome. Wowza. Now I want Cafe Muse but they're closed on Mondays. Crap!

    (5)

  • d c.

    Everything was delicious and the service was on point.

    (5)

  • Toni C.

    So I finally got around to going to this place, it took me long enough. I ordered the exotic (I think that's what it's called) mushroom scramble and I can honestly say that it had a flavor unlike anything I've ever ate in my life. I think it was the combination of the type of cheese used and the truffle oil which I've never had before. Wow, amazing. I don't know how I could ever go here again and not be able to order that. :) So yeah food there is 5+ stars. The atmosphere on the other hand is kind of weird. The place has high ceilings and a lot of little tables set up with no booths so it wasn't as cozy as I was expecting (I never went to the old location). It had a cafeteria feel to it with it being so open. I was also expecting it to me more of a garden, french, bistro-ish look instead of the neutral textured painted walls. I can get over that though for the food. Hey, I can just wait for a table outside.

    (4)

  • lisa p.

    i went to Cafe Muse for the first time today. this place was such a cute little place. it felt very European and cozy. the atmosphere put me in a good mood right away. the waitstaff was very friendly and helpful in deciding what to get. i had Exotic Mushroom Scramble with Boursin Cheese & Truffle Oil, which impressed me every bite i took. a friend of mine had Stuffed French Toast with Mascarpone and a 5 Spice Pear Nage, which was also good, but i favored my dish. if i didn't have my dish, i would've been very impressed with hers. i had taken Grilled Three Cheese and Short Rib Sandwich home for my husband, which i took a couple bites of. i was more than impressed by this as well! i ate it cold but it was still amazing! i am definitely going back, and if they were open past 3 PM, i would've gone right back. i'm taking my family there tomorrow to try other dishes.

    (5)

  • Ziggy Y.

    Pretentious food that is average at best. The setting somehow manages to be both casual and stuffy. The food, like my limited interaction with the waitstaff, has zero personality. I'm reminded of grade school when my mom used to pack me lunches with delicious Chinese food. I hid the food from my classmates because they called the food weird or gross. I just wanted my mom to make me a sandwich with white bread and peanut butter and jelly. Kids would comment that my food smelled funny. Of course, the truth was that my food had a smell, and theirs did not smell because their food was bland and flavorless. I'm reminded again of the part in Gran Torino where some Hmong diviner tells Clint Eastwood that Eastwood is depressed because his food is boring and without flavor. Cafe Muse makes American brunch food in the worst sense of the word. Someone dissed truck stop brunch, but at least that stuff is greasy and salty. I had the eggs with smoked salmon, the eggs with some tomato/garlic/somethingosmething sauce, a parfait, and french toast with pears (yes, all in one meal), and it was basically like living the childhood I never had, stuffing my face with white bread jelly sandwiches in some kind of hoity toity private school cafeteria that sought some measure of "authenticity" by, oh i don't know, exposing the pipes. There's no reason to go back to Cafe Muse.

    (3)

  • moxy m.

    today i scooted my butt to royal oak to finally try out cafe muse. the atmosphere is super quaint and pleasing to the eye. i do have to agree that the tin ceilings really add charm. i started off with an iced green tea with cinnamon and while unsweetened, was still tasty. my friend had a steamed chai tea that was really great. the tables are equipped with a salt and pepper grinder, in which i am a huge fan, and an adorable little sugar bowl with what looked like homemade brown and regular sugar cubes. i ordered the cream of tomato soup. . absolutely delicious, you can tell it's housemade. it was served with a chunk of sweet, [tasted like] walnut or banana bread and the soup topped with a dollop of pesto. i also had the famous three cheese, grilled cheese on sourdough and that was fantastic too. the menu said honey was an ingredient and i would have liked to taste the sweetness a bit more but i enjoy honey. lastly, i tried the baby spinach, gorgonzola, dried cherry and walnut salad. this was not so delicious. the salad was tossed with their "house" vinaigrette and i'm not sure if that was the problem but after a few bites i noticed the taste of soap. i don't know if they use one of those vegetable wash soaps or what but i had my friend taste the salad as well and he noticed it straight away. our server was kind enough to take it off the bill though she seemed a bit confused. the cleanest salad ever would be my only gripe and that isn't enough to stop me from headin' back for another grilled cheese.

    (4)

  • Kathy J.

    Fresh ingredients, delicious & unique menu options, a super friendly staff...this is 'hands down' our favorite breakfast spot in the area. It's often difficult to find a breakfast place that doesn't taste like a "greasy spoon"...but Cafe Muse is anything but a greasy spoon! We love to start the morning with some fresh brewed lattes & browsing through the specials for the week. There are ALWAYS new and different menu items that include locally grown produce & fantastic flavors. This is a family favorite for all of our out of town visitors. If you are going on the weekend, a bit of advise...use the call ahead feature or make a reservation. CM is very popular on the weekends!

    (5)

  • Jill B.

    Truly Impressed. I will start by saying that Cafe Muse has left me with nothing to complain about, (doesn't happen often with me), to say the least. My husband and I stumbled across Cafe Muse for the first time this weekend. We love to dine out, and always like to try new places. I am always a skeptic, and VERY hard to please. I almost never leave a place without critiquing it, or simply finding something to complain about. It was refreshing to say the least to find a restaurant that uses high quality products, and a skilled Chef. They will be successful for many years to come in my opinion because of these facts; Simple menu-with variety, and creativity. Quality products- organic, humane, fresh- and it all shows in the taste!! Portions- the perfect portions that leave you satisfied, yet not feeling sick from over-eating. Espressos&Teas- great variety, quality products once again, delicious espresso!! Quick and efficient staff! Reasonable$$ for organic/natural products. I had the Ammoglio Scramble with Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic & Fresh Mozzarella accompanied with fingerling potatoes and multi-grain toast with jam. My husband had the French toast with dulce de leche and nutella. The flavors on both dishes were 100% on key! Great job to the owners, and I highly recommend this place to any and all.

    (5)

  • cookie p.

    I recently moved to Michigan and I have been having a hard time finding quality restaurants here in Michigan. The state seems to mainly have chain restaurants. My boyfriend and I went to Royal Oak recently and found Cafe Muse. This has so far been the best dining experience since I've been to Michigan. We will definately be back again and again. I had the vegan black bean burger and he had the artichoke, asparagus omelete. Both were delicious. The staff was friendly and knowledgable about the food. The food was fresh and home made. I have alot of dietary issue and there were several items on the menu that were within my restrictions also. The only problem with this place was that you had to wait 1/2 hour for table, but that goes to show that everyone wants to eat here because its so good. I think they should expand and get a larger place so that they can accomodate more customers.

    (4)

  • Sherry K.

    Everything on the menu could be my favorite - but I can't seem to get away from the award winning Three Cheese - the honey makes it amazing! The chef is always around and the other owner is there to solve any issue that may arise. My niece is addicted because they serve the best hot chocolate every time and refill the whipped cream on top - even in the middle of summer. Their FB posts are so tempting they keep you wanting to stop by more than once a week. It looks like they are starting dinner - going to be a real problem for me!

    (5)

  • Matthew A.

    Cafe Muse offers some of the best breakfast around. I hear their grilled cheese is pretty good, too.

    (4)

  • David C.

    good food, not so good service, and a bit pricey. is that how Oprah likes it? i'd go back though...

    (4)

  • Hannah H.

    Well, I see that Yelp reviews are read by some establishments! I truly appreciate the Manager from Cafe Muse reaching out to me and wanting to know the exact reasons why my last trip wasn't the "sublime" experience it should've been...so kudos to Greg! That just made me a big fan of your establishment for caring!

    (4)

  • jack n.

    Muse is a nice cafe, great for breakfast or brunch with a small, but well-planned menu. Light fare, and prices reasonable enough to not be trendy, but not "cheap" either. I guess if prices were raised I'd go somewhere with an expanded menu. (Hear that guys...don't raise prices or else you loose me.) My recommendations are the "yoghurt" with granola and berries or a bowl of steel cut oatmeal. It's not every day that you find a place with such well-done simple menu items. You'd think anyone could pull off yogurt and granola, but sadly... it took Cafe Muse to get it right. The service I've experienced there has been, well...lacklustre. They get the job done without showing any sign of personality, sadly. On the plus side I can't actually complain about the service because I get my coffee refills and the food comes out the correct temperature. But they make me want to ask, "Do you need a hug?" Lay off the lithium :-)

    (3)

  • Molly E.

    omg grilled cheese...thanks for the suggestion Oprah!

    (5)

  • Foster B.

    This was the first time that we ate at Cafe Muse since it moved from its original tiny digs. We knew it was trendy and expensive and brought the cash to handle the fee. Unfortunately the cafe didn't live up to expectations. It is very trendy, bare bones chic in an old building with a lot of class and warmth. Service was unenthusiastic and inattentive which, at these prices was disheartening. The least you can do when you hold me up for good food at exorbitant costs is smile when you take my money! Food was superb. I had the Restaurant Week special which was homemade Fettuccine and an exotic mushroom mix that was so rich I almost fell off my chair. Kudos for presentation of the food and compliments to the chef. The dessert was a "meh". However I expect to get value for my money! While the food was excellent it was horribly overpriced. Ginny's entree was a microscopic serving of 6 or 7 tiny ramps and maybe an ounce of a superb mushroom mix served artfully on a huge plate with a colorful swatch of tomato compote. No complaints about the quality of food but the amount served for $19 would equal the price of printer ink if measured in ounces and no, I didn't want fries on the side. Lest we be accused of being gourmands, let me say again that the food was exquisite but for the same price or less you can be much better served even at tony Lucy's next door or What Crepe across the street or Inn Season down on Fourth.

    (3)

  • Tia E.

    Cafe Muse's delicious food is the reason for our return business up to this point, but is simultaneously the worst service I have ever had anywhere.Our experience this time around was particularly bad but rather than writing an essay about the horror, i really wanted to touch on the carelessness of the waitstaff and providing basic polite courtesies--- as this has always been consistent. Don't expect your food for at least 45 minutes (we waited 90 this time) and don't expect to see your server after he/she takes your drink order. You're basically ignored and customers kept getting up looking for their servers. We asked after an hour where the food was and the server said "the food will get here when it gets here." Nice. While I can't promise you'll have a rude waiter, I can confidently advise you to eat a snack before you come if you really want dinner to take minimum of two hours. Don't say I didn't warn you!

    (2)

  • Myrtle M.

    I'm sad about this, but I have to update my review. I don't know what happened, but ever since the second half of the restaurant opened up, there seems to be a major lull in service. My husband and I have been here three times within the past couple months and had to wait 15 minutes to place a drink order, which is pretty absurd. The food is still pretty great, but the service has definitely taken a dive. If you can sit in the original section of the restaurant, try to. It's much more charming and warm. I don't know why they opened the new side without having any art on the walls or really any decorating charm whatsoever. It feels incomplete and cold, and now Cafe Muse is like two completely different restaurants: One a sweet French cottage cafe, and the other, a snooty, icier version of any other restaurant. The shame!

    (3)

  • Jill W.

    My husband and I went here for lunch today. He had the turkey pesto sandwich and I had the turkey burger. We both had the spinach salad as our side. My only complaint was that the spinach was wilted. Crispy would have been better. The turkey burger was served open face on a grilled piece of bread. Hubby said the sandwich was tasty. We'd definitely go back. Vegetarian and vegan options were also available,

    (4)

  • Michael T. R.

    Good food and nice service, but the wait on a Sunday morning was 20 mins, so call in advance. Small and loud, so no privacy. For a brunch it was PRICEY, but I think thats because the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. Two entrees with sides, oranges juices and coffees ran us about $40. I'm from Washington, DC, so I know about expensive brunches. I dunno if it was worth it.

    (3)

  • Torrie M.

    So, I finally found my way into the illustrious Cafe Muse and it did not disappoint. The restaurant itself is very quaint and makes you feel at home. I ordered the rasberry lemonade which tasted very good and even came with two rasberries on top. For lunch, I had the 3 cheese grilled cheese with chips...and I thought I was the grilled cheese master, Cafe Muse just put me to shame. The bread was perfectly grilled, the cheese melted in my mouth and the sweet tomatoes were a refreshing surprise. I can't wait to go back and try the flour less chocolate cake, and some of their breakfast goodies!

    (4)

  • myrrisa h.

    Ok sorry guys, but really? I am shocked at how everyone thinks this place is so great. I had actually forgotten that i have been here a couple times (because of other friends wanting to go), so i have tried several items on the menu. They are sub par, wannabe exciting sandwiches that are just average. This place is always packed too! Just because Oprah ate a grilled cheese sandwich here does not make it the most amazing dish ever invented. It really gets me when a place like this gets a slightly higher rating than a place like Forest Grill! These are all items I can make at home and the ambiance to me, is like the food, average. I really do not like being this harsh but I am truly surprised by its rating. Lets get real people. This is just a gimmicky sandwich shop with a couple spinach leaves, roasted bell peppers and goat cheese thrown on the side. I will add here, that the service has always been very good and the servers and owners are willing to work with you if you have a special request! They do have excellent customer service.

    (3)

  • Lax C.

    YUM!!! On a visit to Detroit from Cleveland, I met a friend here for brunch. It was great! We were able to make reservations the same day. I had some freshly squeezed OJ. My friend had an iced chai tea. She ordered the smoked salmon scramble, which looked great and she definitely enjoyed. I ordered the Ammoglio scramble.. Mmmmmm.. Order it! Seriously!. I got fruit on the side. It was a garlic, tomato, basil and olive oil sauce. I would definitely go back. The shops around there are pretty cute as well.

    (4)

  • Daniella B.

    Stopped in for a girlfriends meet-up on Saturday morning. The place was pretty lively but not too loud to meet and talk. I enjoyed bacon, seafood grits and coffee. The bacon was cooked to perfection and the coffee was great! The seafood grits weren't as great as I hoped, but I had a great time and will go there again. Maybe I will try some of their entrees on my next visit.

    (3)

  • Nick B.

    Always heard about this place but never went. Never felt super compelled to and don't often wander down Washington. But when we found out one of our favorite bartenders was going to open up shop here, we were game. It was such a treat to have him helping us again after a brief time off. He also has big plans for the place and I can't wait to hear more. It needs a bar to fully appreciate the talents of this individual but you come for the food right. The menu wasn't bad. I wasn't impressed with my entree which had a starch (rice or risotto) that really lacked any interesting character. The apps were very tasty and the drinks were outstanding. Will come back again especially for the drinks and will probably give the food another go-around.

    (4)

  • Dan P.

    Went here for dinner on a Saturday night. Wait staff was not attentive. Food took an hour and a half to arrive. Hamburger was really dry...it desperately needed more sauce.

    (2)

  • Dil F.

    Everything was super: staff, soup, breakfast, and sides. The menu is kinda fancy, but you don't need to dress it (i looked particular slummy today, and they still sat me... in the very back mind you, but I actually liked it back there, where I could stare at everyone while they ate). Their french toast had spiced pears on it, a little overboard with the powdered sugar and cinnamon, and they served it with maple syrup in an olive oil dispenser that was half-broken so it took a few decades for the syrup to pour, but holy toledo was it delicious. The french toast was light and almost airy, but it's served up with mascarpone cream and that strikes the right balance. Yummy. Also had the "exotic mushroom bisque" :D funny name for amazing cup of soup! also loved it and the soft/warm cranberry bread it was served with. Side of bacon was also a hit. And the woman working my table was superb at keeping my eat on. A *little* pricey coming up from the city, but you're all probably used to that :) I'd go again for sure.

    (4)

  • Jessica C.

    This place lives up to its reputation. Everything I've had there has been really tasty, and now that they've moved to a larger location it's not as hard to get into. One dish I remember from a long time ago was a gorgonzola potato salad that was stupendous! I haven't seen it on the menu as I believe it was a speciality thing that week. The grilled cheese is pretty good - but don't overlook the rest of the menu either. The service is good, and during warmer weather they always leave a water bowl and dog treats outside for dogs passing by (I don't own a dog - but if I did I feel like I would be really impressed by this).

    (4)

  • Erica M.

    Stopped in here on for the first time on a Sunday at the tail end (and I mean the taaaail end) of brunch service. Some restaurants would have turned us away, but Cafe Muse welcomed us with open arms. The host seated us right away and advised that we had about 5 minutes to get our order in. The waitress, on the other hand, seemed less than enthused about having one last table to tend to before she could get the H E Double Hockey Stick outta there. There was no deliberating. Husband ordered the sliders special and a hot chocolate (nice combo, hon) and I knew I HAD to try the grilled cheese. I asked if they could give me a side green salad instead of chips or potato salad. The waitress said "we don't do a side salad, but we can do mixed greens on the side with balsamic." Perfect, I'll have that. Let me tell you...people are not exaggerating about the grilled cheese. The addition of the honey and basil makes you want to stand up and yell, "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THIS!?" It's not like it would be that difficult to recreate at home, and I have to admit, I just might. But I have to give credit where credit is due. Cafe Muse, this grilled cheese is a good idea. My mixed greens salad had a few tomatoes added in, and aside from the fact that it was a little heavy on the dressing, it was a nice compliment to the sambo. In other words, the waitress who said "We don't do a side salad," brought me...a side salad. Husbands hot chocolate was rich and decadent- too sweet for me, but he loved it. I didn't try his sliders but he said they were solid. Although the waitress' attitude wasn't the best, we didn't really feel rushed or anything, which was nice. The rest of the menu has us very curious to see if everything else is just as good as our meal that day, and we'll definitely be back to find out.

    (4)

  • J B.

    Had the Short Rib Grilled Cheese for brunch. It was phenomenal. The short ribs on the sandwich were melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the cheese was creamy, yet stringy and still not overpowering. Perfectly grilled. Great service, too and only a 10 minute wait at 11:15 a.m. on a Sunday. Would highly recommend.

    (4)

  • Allen L.

    Pros: - lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry Just perfect. Well balanced, not too sweet or tart. - Whole Wheat Pancakes with Braised Apples - super staff from the hostess answering the phone to the owner who is on the floor working - attention to detail - (even the bathrooms were beautiful; cork flooring) Cons: - the 45 mile drive from Ann Arbor preventing me from having breakfast or lunch here every week Truly exceptional attention to detail. Food was delivered piping hot, coffee was constantly being offered, plates cleared. Yet, never felt rushed. Loved that an owner was on-site and working.

    (5)

  • Liz P.

    Went here for the first time tonight for Royal Oak Restaurant Week. I found the service to be fine (re: some of the other reviews on here) and the food was great. I got the spinach salad, which was just okay (not a huge soup or salad fan), the half roasted chicken which was a huge portion, with fingerling potatoes, and the homemade chocolate pudding for dessert, which was more like chocolate topping but very decadent. The bread was great too - tasted like walnut bread or something. I will be back to Cafe Muse to try their famous grilled cheese sandwich at some point.

    (4)

  • Wendy C.

    This is a wonderful place for breakfast or brunch. Interesting menu that consists of refined twist of classic breakfast items such as egg scramble and pancakes, some are executed exceptionally well (read Janelle W's review on exotic mushroom egg scramble, oh so airy, almost of souffle texture) while others are still very good but less memorable. Service is friendly and efficient. I also appreciate the small details in decor, whether be the euro antique style light switches or the lotions and dried lavender bunch in the washroom. You can tell they try hard to provide you with an overall experience. Nice. I'd definitely go back if I am in the area.

    (4)

  • R W H.

    Another fab breakfast. The seafood grits!! And I don't eat grits. Delicious! Mushroom omelet w truffle oil. Always a great time and delicious food!

    (5)

  • Chanell S.

    It's been some time since my last visit to Cafe Muse and I feel the distance has tamed by disgust and disappointment. I have, in fact, no proof that the coffee was the sloppy seconds of another customer. All I have is my common sense, and a now clear understanding of what coffee with cream in it tastes like. With that said, I also have compassion. The humor of my last review may have gone too far seeing that I don't have concrete evidence (perhaps I shouldn't have used so many caps?). It just felt so right at the time. While I don't believe in editing away the honest feelings I had about the experience, I am providing this update to note that the owner sent and me a nice note on Yelp and I feel he is sincere. I appreciate that and wish their business well. They have really great food. Even if the incident did happen the way I felt it had, it was probably a mistake and not something that would happen again. I know, I know... I'm a sucker for a second chance (well technically I still won't go back, but figuratively speaking)

    (3)

  • Jennifer C.

    Breakfast: My husband and I shared a waffle and the smoked salmon scramble. I loved the smoked salmon. I found the salmon to be pretty filling, whereas the waffle really wasn't. I did enjoy the lightness and butteriness of the waffle. If I was just ordering the waffle again, I would have to order a more savory side. They serve locally roasted coffee that was pretty good. We ate inside but there is a small patio you can also use. I had good service. I would definitely come back to try some of their other menu options.

    (4)

  • Paula W.

    Their grilled cheese is AMAZING! I love how most of their ingredients are grown in Michigan.

    (5)

  • Kelly K.

    The food is still 11 stars in my books - went here yesterday with my parents and got to experience the divine dish that is cinnamon raisin french toast. TRY IT. It is ridiculous. However, our server was horrible. I would knock a star off, but the first time we went the service was so great, I can't justify 4 stars yet. I'll give it one more shot before I take a star away. But seriously, when you don't take an order for 20 minutes, don't bring straws (when your customer asks for one), don't ever come by to check on us, don't bring us any refills (thankfully there was a waitress who did her job AND our waitress' job) - you really should NOT be a waitress. Oh! But you remembered to drop the bill off! Good job.

    (5)

  • Audrey M.

    Very average food and very overpriced. The menu didn't have many choices at all. I don't like giving bad reviews but the only positive thing I can comment on was our server.

    (2)

  • Tom L.

    Living in the general RO - Ferndale area, I've been told by dozens of people that I had to go to Cafe Muse. For some reason, I didn't. As a history guy, I was once told that i had to watch the movie Amistad. I bought it, and took about five years to watch it...I just had to be in the right place. Forgiving the horrible comparison between a movie about slavery and delicious flavor pallet that was Cafe Muse, the effect was the same...I was so unbelievably glad it happened. Yesterday, with a large group of friends, we went to Cafe Muse for a brunch. Being an early riser, breakfast had already happened. That's not always enough to keep me away, but today, the lunch menu was calling. Don't worry breakfast...i tried you...i liked you...and I will certainly be back to explore our relationship further. There were about 10 of us, and the ordering was diverse...cinnamon raisin french toast, beef sliders, seafood, mushroom soup, pancakes, vanilla bean waffles...nothing looked bad. I was stuck, and couldn't decide between about three or four things on each menu. I was surprised at the complexity of the menu. Though obvious that there were only a few key ingredients, there was such diverse use of them...and it was impressive. The carrot cake pancakes were high on the list, but when I asked my waiter what he suggested, there was no hesitation. The hanger steak sandwich. Lunch starts at 11, and it was 11:30...there was no passing this up. I didn't know what hanger steak was, and I like to cook. Alton Brown never talked about this one...at least, not in any episode I watched. So too my iPhone I went, and I found out this one is called the "Butcher's cut" because it was often reserved by the butcher for its unique and full flavor, and difficulty to process. The cut attaches to the diaphragm of the cow, and has to be carefully cut and marinated, and requires removal of some connective tissue to make it edible. Add to that it must be cooked just right, or it will be overcooked into a chewy form of beef jerky (yeah...the glory of instant information is....well...glorious!). Let's just say that the recommendation was perfect and the steak sandwich was right on. The beautiful and tasty steak was between two pieces of artisan bread and drizzled with ammoglio sauce, a Sicilian sauce with tomato, garlic, basil, olive oil that are seasoned with salt and pepper...again, simple and well done. A thin slice of provolone topped it...and it was perfect. The meat was cooked to a medium rare, and I cannot begin to tell you how tempted I was to order a second. The show stealing appearance was by the accompanying apple and pear cole slaw. The slaw was apples, pears, three varieties of raisins, sliced almonds, and bit of honey and apple cider vinegar...and it was awesome. I'd like a bowl next time...and a very large medicine spoon...wake me up when I'm finished. Yet...let me tell you why I was disappointed. I know, right...disappointed you say? if you're there for breakfast, and have an insatiable sweet tooth, as I do, order the cinnamon raisin french toast. Holy hell...this was amazing. One of my friends was gracious enough to offer me a bite, and it was game changing. It was just eggy enough, just cinnamonny enough...and amazingly good. With warm syrup served in a drizzling bottle, it was a work of art. This masterpiece could only tempt me to two bites for fear that I might devour the plate it was served on. This is the real deal folks...order it wisely, for once you've crossed this threshold, there may be no point of return. The reviews around the table were consistent, and they were good. The service was great and the ambiance was pleasant enough, even for a place that was clearly trying to fit as many people in it as they could. My lovely wife told me that the naturally cured bacon, lettuce and tomato, that was anything but your mom's BLT was incredible. And, so went the table...a mix of the daily specials and the regular menu items....and so grew my list of things to have next time. Oh yes...I will be back to visit you my sweet...and you will be mine. It took me a while, and I'm sorry for that, but I shall return, and return soon!

    (5)

  • Big D.

    Great food but slow slow service. They like dogs outside (water and cookies available). Prices are pricey.... The coffee is great!

    (3)

  • Justin A.

    I went to this place on a Saturday afternoon around 1:30ish and it was a 45 minute wait. Not too bad considering the time of day and the fact that there are plenty of places to kill the time in Royal Oak. I also appreciated that they call you via cellphone instead of getting those vibrating hockey pucks things that light up. I ordered the exotic mushroom bisque and it was delicious and mushroomy, just as I had expected. It also came with a delicious pumpkin? bread with dates. Killed it and on to the next course. For the main entree, I got the short rib sandwich with the salad of the day, which happened to be couscous plus a side of nitrate free turkey bacon. First off, the couscous was delicious and I am not that big a fan of it to begin with. It was well seasoned and yada yada yada. Now the sandwich... there are any number of superlatives I could use to describe it. It was incredibly creamy and meaty and the bread was nicely toasted and buttery. Incredible. One qualm I have about this sandwich was it was a little greasy or maybe it was the ammoglio sauce, but it is a very small qualm. The bacon was good, but not worth it. I should have known that it would be from Whole Foods. Overall, just like a bear goes to the woods to take a sh*t, I will most definitely be back at Cafe Muse to eat.

    (5)

  • Carol D.

    This is our favorite place for breakfast in Royal Oak. The wild mushroom scramble served with fingerling potatoes is one of my favorites, although I am often tempted by one of the daily breakfast specials. The service is professional and the ambiance pleasant. I have enjoyed my lunch and dinner experiences, but breakfast is by far the best.

    (4)

  • Nicole A.

    Food was good the first time I went to CM. When we went on Sunday....what a disaster. Not the food...the service! We waited for twenty minutes (2 of us) and there were 7-8 tables open the entire time. NO ONE was being seated. The hostess was just taking names but not sitting anyone. They were not under-staffed....just disorganized!!! When standing in line, the people next to us said it happens all the time. Oh well, we'll just go during "non busy" times I guess.

    (2)

  • Sam B.

    I've been wanting to try Cafe Muse quite some time just for the fact that I've heard great things about their grilled cheese sandwich. I finally had a chance to go last Saturday afternoon and it did not disappoint. We went in around 1 pm and there was no wait. We were seated and the place was much bigger than I expected. I was greeted happily and the place looked very clean. It had a unique vibe that made it stand out. I got the famous grilled cheese while my girlfriend got the Turkey Pesto sandwich and we decided to split the sandwiches. The grilled cheese lives up to the hype! It was crunchy, cheesy, and not to heavy! It tasted great and the little bit of honey is a nice addition. The turkey pesto sandwich was also very fresh and good but I liked the grilled cheese more and would order it again. They have a very cool menu that I would like to check out for breakfast now that I've tried the famous grilled cheese! If you are in the Royal Oak area in the early afternoon, I'd definitely check this place out!

    (5)

  • Elibe E.

    Cafe Muse is legit and worthy of the hype. The breakfast menu is excellent. If you are an early-bird, try to get in here when they open - beat the rush! The space is pretty small and cramped, you may be waiting 1+ hrs on weekend mornings. This is one of my favorite places to eat in metro Detroit.

    (4)

  • Chris C.

    I love Cafe Muse! This place is amazing. I want to try everything on the menu, but I can't bring myself to order anything other than the Exotic Mushroom Scramble. It was the first thing I ever ordered here, and I fell in love with it right away. I have however taken bites from other plates of my breakfast/brunch company and loved those dishes as well. The stuffed french toast and vanilla bean waffles are delightful! They pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients, and even though the prices are a little higher, the quality of the food is evident in every bite! They also have delicious coffee drinks and cocktails to make the perfect breakfast complete! I always come here on Sundays, and make sure you make a reservation, because it is always packed on the weekends. I love you Cafe Muse!!

    (5)

  • Ellie K.

    My guest ordered the grilled salmon sandwich on sourdough and really loved it, especially the carmelized grilled onions. I had the veggie lentil, black bean sandwich on whole wheat bun. It doesn't get any drier. I really should have requested ketchup just to be able to gt it down. Left the top of the bun on the plate as it was dry and tasteless. My salad garnish had no dressing so I assumed it was meantto go on the sandwich, add moisture. The vegan carrot cake dessert was wonderful. Would have been better had I received my espresso with the dessert, not so far ahead of it. You really can't let your espresso sit around like a cup of brewed coffee. Therice pudding was, well, should it be that chewy? Fresh fruit topping was fabulous. For the price paid ot was disappointing.

    (3)

  • Michele S.

    While visiting Michigan on business my co-workers and I happened upon Cafe Muse. I was very impressed with menu and quickly learned they have fantastic staff! We ordered the truffled chips, dates, gorgonzola flat bread as shared appetizers. Two of my co-workers order the short ribs, one the filet and I had the gnocchi, everything was delicious.

    (5)

  • Ray B.

    Fresh, tasty, nice experience. It was quick and not more than other places, I would promote it all day long.

    (4)

  • Cyndi T.

    Just ok for dinner. Steak was fine, chard was over salted & too heavy. Corn soup was fine, but not amazing. After reading all the reviews, really surprised it wasn't better. Maybe lunch & breakfast is more their forte.

    (2)

  • Yi S.

    The only reason they are not getting a Five star was because the tables were so close together, with all the different conversations going on around us, it was really distracting. I ordered Fried Vegan Tofu on a bed of Arugula Salad with chopped walnut, with a side of mashed Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Fruits, and Sour Dough Bread with jam (Currant, maybe?). EVERYTHING was delicious and well done! I would highly recommend the restaurant for a more high class dinning experience. With the higher prices, it would definitely be a special occasion place for me.

    (4)

  • Annette J.

    Okay, you got a 5 star out of me. If only for the grilled cheese sandwich. It has a reputation for a reason--it is GOOD. Gooey cheese with some tomato and HONEY. I've had honey on many a savory before but I have to admit I've never thought to put it on a grilled cheese and now I'm hooked. Love it. The wild mushroom soup made with goat cheese is also pretty stellar. I needed to add a bit of salt but other than that--fantastic. A great soup/sandwich combo that I find myself craving on a regular basis. I swear one day I will come in and actually order something off the breakfast menu but until then I'll happily munch on my lunch/dinner choices!

    (5)

  • Jaime S.

    While this place is small and always busy, I really appreciate that they take your phone number and call u when your table is ready. I'd much rather peruse the neighborhood than get in the way waiting. The food is delicious, they change up the menu to reflect seasonal produce and flavor availability. Great to split a sweet and a savory item w/your plus one. Friendly staff, clean and always enjoyable.

    (5)

  • Sandra M.

    after having my friends telling me that their food was great I decided to stop by for breakfast. boring decoration and service average and slow. Took a while to get coffee when was only a few tables taken. I ordered the stuffed French toast witch was horrible. I felt like I was eating on a comet island but with a higher price. Bread was cheap and I could have made better at home. Never again !

    (1)

  • Qian Y.

    My friend came from NC to visit me, so I thought it will be nice to bring him here for a brunch. He ordered the "smoked salmon scramble with gruyere & chives," and he is quite disappointed with this dish because the salmon was too salty and overpowered the other ingredients. My girlfriend ordered the "turkey pesto with fontina & lettuce and tomato"; the taste was well balanced, however, the bread tends to be too dry. I ordered the "Grilled 3 Cheese", and I thought it was as good as always. Finally, we had the signature dessert - flourless chocolate cake. This time, the cake is not as moist and we had before. The service we got on this visit is unsatisfying. Our waitress is always out of sight or chatting with her co-workers; so for several times, we had to ask help from other waiters/waitress.

    (4)

  • Ryan L.

    Wow. 52 reviews already? It's clear that Cafe Muse has been blessed by the benediction of Oprah. I don't know what else to say that hasn't already been covered but here are my two cents. Go during the week when it's not as busy. Go one time to try the famous grilled cheese, but always go back another time to try something else. There is so much great food to choose from including the weekly specials. Lunch is served after 11am, but breakfast is served from open to close. Why four stars? It's too busy on the weekends to be enjoyable. Also, it's too expensive for what you get. There are other places in the area that do breakfast or lunch just as well. Oh, and my mother says that Toast has better grilled cheese than Cafe Muse.

    (4)

  • Mim M.

    nice modern decor. we got french toast and the exotic mushroom scrambler. both were pretty decent, but nothing spectacular. the white sangria was lacking alcohol though.

    (3)

  • Hannah L.

    I love this place. There's not much more that I can say. The drinks and food are great. The prices are fair. I like being in a classy, intimate environment full of well to do and well-dressed people. If you have a date you want to impress, definitely take them here.

    (5)

  • Maggie H.

    Oh, Café Muse, how I love thee. Let me count the ways: 1) Your super yummy fancy-schmancy eggs. Salmon, gorgonzola, truffle oil, gruyere, chives, etc. 2) Your amazing sides. Chicken, apple, and gouda sausage. Garlic fingerling potatoes. Steel-cut oatmeal. 3) Your health conscious menu. Nitrate free meats, homemade jams, whole wheat pancakes, organic greens. Ok, so I am no poet, but Café Muse is amazing food. I say get the mushroom scramble and chicken sausage. Also, I have to respect their food belief system (no growth hormones, organic, etc). Drawbacks: Getting a table can be tough, but you can make a reservation and the food is worth the wait. Also, when it gets busy the service is mediocre, don't expect anyone to be overly friendly or attentive.

    (4)

  • Leslie K.

    I have actually been going to this place for years. I usually get the grilled cheese. If it's your first time, get it. As a note: I have their phone number saved so I can order them on my way home from work, or church, or really any time I need some comfort food. The place is small, but doesn't feel overcrowded. The decor is warm & inviting. Nothing kitschy, but very classic. The servers are all well informed and seem to know a lot about the food as well. The prices are a little steep but you pay for the quality of the food and creativity of the chef. Recently, we went here for dinner and this experience needs to be shared. The server invited us to take our time and really peruse the menu since it was our first dinner here. We ordered an app, which I can't recall now, but it was very good. For our main course we ordered the lamb chops. After a little while, the server came out to apologize: the chef felt he had overdone the chops and rather than feed us something sub par, he scrapped them and wanted to start over, as long as we had the time. As someone who knows that lamb is best served medium, I can truly appreciate his concern and his discerning sense of what is right & wrong in the food world! Even the manager came over to apologize, and invited us to have dessert on the house, if we had time to spare. Well, there's always time for dessert! I did explain, however, that we had 4 week old twins at home and it was our first time out of the house since the boys were born so we could not linger too long. At that, our server inquired who was watching them and said perhaps we could bring dessert home to Grandma for her help. My husband had already decided to buy dessert for my mom, but our server brought it out already boxed up and that was comped for us too! In all, I couldn't be happier with my (many) experiences at Cafe Muse. I may even move them up into the speed dial section of my phone. It's just that good.

    (5)

  • Marcie M.

    I am visiting Sarah G. in Michigan.....I have now visited her in Chicago, NYC and Huntington Woods, MI. Let's just say...she moves a lot and she loves food, so whenever we are together, we do a tour of her favorite eateries and gain 10 lbs. each! Today we had short rib grilled cheese on sour dough bread, mushroom bisque and pumpkin bread at Cafe Muse. Unfortunately I didn't get to eat in the restaurant, since we all have little babies and it's just too hard, but the take out was INCREDIBLE! I'm so jealous of all the good food outside of Indy!! My mouth is still tasting the short ribs and though it was a little on the greasy side, it was PURE PERFECTION! I would definitely eat there again and I assume on my next trip, it will be on our list! It was absolutely amazing. The one less star is for price. It was nearly $15 for my meal and I just think that is a bit much for a soup and sandwich....however, it was DEEEELISH, so whatever, I'm on vacation!

    (4)

  • Susan J.

    I finally made it to Cafe Muse yesterday and it was a delightful experience! My friends and I were seated within about 10 min of our arriving. The owner came to our table and gave us some history of the place and made his recommendations on what to order. We really appreciated that personal touch! I ordered something off the specials menu - the short rib and grilled cheese sandwich. I had it on multigrain bread. OH MY GOD. Seriously the best thing I've eaten in forever. I will definitely return to experience the rest of the menu. Great ambiance as well.

    (4)

  • Stephanie H.

    I usually go here for breakfast which I have to admit I thought was a little to fussy... The ingredients were fresh and good just a little pricey and to much going on for breakfast for me. Good food but for breakfast I am a fan of simple.... On Saturday I stopped by Cafe Muse for dinner.... Absolutely wonderful. The food was well seasoned, tasty and unique. For an appetizer I had the stuffed dates, dates stuffed with chorizo and wrapped in bacon with a simple ragu. It was three perfect little bites great size for an appetizer. Not too much, not too little. They were cooked perfectly and they came to the table pipping hot. For dinner I had the ribeye with smashed red potatoes and grilled asparagus.... Again, delicious! Steak was cooked perfectly and the sides were tasty as well. My dining companion had the apple, soup with walnuts coconut milk and cranberries... Very good unexpected and different. It was delicious... While I will pass on lunch here I really enjoyed dinner and look forward to returning... The only downside to this place is that it is small and when the door opens no matter where you are sitting you feel it but hey... a small price to pay for such delicious food.

    (5)

  • Marie A.

    I've been going to Cafe Muse almost every Sunday for years now with my in-laws for brunch. We have a standing reservation because we've been going there for so long! I love the coziness of the restaurant. You instantly feel like having a cup of tea or coffee (both are great) to go along with the warm fuzzy feelings inside. :) Their brunch is fantastic. The ingredients are always fresh and they use nothing but the best. My favorite is their vanilla bean waffle topped with fresh berries (fresh whipped cream on the side, thank you!) My husband is vegetarian and doesn't really like to eat eggs as a main star of a meal, so years ago Greg started making dishes with tofu as inspired by my hubby! Now you can replace eggs with tofu in any egg dish and they usually have a vegetarian or vegan special. (Their moist, flavorful muffins are vegan, too!) My mother-in-law almost always orders their quiche of the day and is always happy with it. Honestly, you can't go wrong. And their portions are what meal portions should be. You feel satiated without the guilt. We also enjoy chatting with the staff. Dave, the co-owner, is seriously one of the nicest people I've encountered. We also love how friendly and personable Sam is and our favorite waitress is Lindsay! :) We've been there for dinner just a couple of times, and it's been divine..we need to go back for more!

    (5)

  • Christina B.

    Needed to plan a funeral reception having never been to the area and living 300+ miles away. I emailed back and forth with Greg, the chef, and Cafe Muse allowed me to select a menu that everyone raved about! Every single person in our party of 18 loved their food! The space is a bit small and a bit loud but we had a nice time. Parking was a little tricky on this particular Thursday afternoon and we had to park a couple of blocks away and walk but it was worth it! The service was very attentive and the prices were great! The customized menu (including personally chosen quote and tribute), delicious food and cute ambiance was really the light at the end of a sad day.

    (5)

  • Dana D.

    I came here for "brunch" with my boyfriend's family. Brunch was invented for people who wake up too late to have breakfast because they were out doing coke all night. So as I legitimately assumed, the family drug party probably didn't end until 5 am and that's why we arrived at the cafe at noon for breakfast- that's right, breakfast, not brunch, despite the hour. Cafe Muse caters to these kind of functional people. You can feast on scrambled eggs or a sandwich at what would normally be lunching hours. Not only is this a plus, but their menu is phenomenal; A GOURMET MEAL WITHOUT THE GOURMET PRICE. Here's a list of some things I tried here: -Ghettoblaster beer- Total Wine doesn't carry this piece, so when I read the name I thought the Awesome Gods had called out to me. And, it was really good. -Strawberry blonde beer- eh, good for girls that like fruit in their ale. -Mushroom and goat cheese soup- more like a puree. Consisted of 90% mushroom, and 10% essence. -Hangersteak sandwich- in Miami this is called churrasco, I basically went to Michigan and had a churrasco sandwich. I'd go back, but I live in Florida... and the in-laws don't do drugs, I think...

    (5)

  • Amelia A.

    Elegant and delicious! Not cheap, and portions are on the small side, but that means you'll have room for dessert ;-)

    (4)

  • A B.

    I wanted to love being at Cafe Muse (for the first time) as much as I loved the grilled cheese but the evening was a disappointment. In a half-full restaurant, we waited for our drinks, we waited for our food, we waited for the waiter, we waited for the waiter, we waited for another drink, we waited for our check, we waited for the credit card to be taken...you get the idea. The bread (while we waited to order) was delicious but we did NOT wait for the girl fluttering about to take our bread plates as those were swept away quickly while we still had bread in our hands! (Now, had the waiter we waited for have a little charisma or even a few smiles, or some sort of nicety, our experience may have been elevated to perhaps "moderately enjoyable.") As for the food, I found the grilled cheese to be amazing (and not overloaded with cheese, yay) but half of my six large sweet potato fries were raw. The décor was charming all the way to the bathroom. The prices were high which is to be expected; I imagine rent is pricey in the area. So, overall: great grilled cheese, "okay" other food, dreadful wait staff (I just hate when being in a restaurant bothers the restaurant employees), slow service and I'll have to find another person to go back to try again because my sister (whose food was not good and was treated as if it was her problem) isn't so easy going. She's a goner.

    (2)

  • Libby T.

    Short ribs on a grilled cheese sandwich is the most gluttonous and amazing idea ever executed in my mouth.

    (4)

  • David C.

    Not bad. Good scallops. Menu was a bit eccentric for my taste. Seems like they are trying really hard to stand out, but at the end of the day, the food was good but did not blow me away.

    (3)

  • Samantha L.

    This place was amazing. Seriously, this was the single best brunch I've had in forever -- and I've been trying to find a bacon waffle with almond butter ever since. I even bought a waffle iron and tried to duplicate the recipe so I could have it in Colorado. A food loving friend of a friend recommended we go here, and everyone in our party (from all over the place) was awed by the fantastic food. Also, the area around it was super cute and not something we expected to see in Detroit. Definitely would go back if I'm ever even remotely near the area.

    (5)

  • Kiera S.

    Very good food. Loved the lobster and cheese grits. Not to mention the mimosas were on point.

    (4)

  • Tymm R.

    Have been many of times and consistently had an amazing experience. After being in last night, Lindsay pushed my love of Cafe Muse over the edge. On top of great service and environment, the food is out of this world too!!!

    (5)

  • Arthur C.

    Moderately nice tasting food at a cheap price - hard to come by. Driving around on an unusually early morning for my wife and I, we drove past cafe muse, there was an open parking spot, bingo bango (cheers Mickey Redmond).. We walked in and were immediately greeted by the hostess. As other reviewers have stated, the place is quite loud, so we decided to take a table on their outdoor arrangement and with the recent addition of warm weather to the state, this was a no brainer. Our waitress, who sounded quite familiar to the infamous Amy that I've read about in other reviews brought our waters and returned shortly to take our order. I got the Ammoglio Sauce Scramble, my wife got the vanilla bean waffle. The good was excellent, however Amy seemed to avoid us, asked everyone around us the usual wait staff patron banter, but the only other time we saw her was when she gave us our bill half way through eating. She seemed mad that we were eating at her work while she was hungover. Anyway besides that b i t c h the food was great and when we got the bill..20 bucks, same price as your local coney flavor but way better food, avoid the waitress Amy and you'll be set to jet. Adios muchachos

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    I was excited to try Cafe Muse but I was disappointed by the food. I ordered the short rib grilled cheese and my boyfriend ordered the blt. Our server suggested the blt and it did not live up to expectation. There was nothing special about this blt. The short rib grilled cheese was ok. The middle of the sandwich was cold and there was not very much cheese for a grilled cheese. Our server did give us the sandwich for half off which was very nice!

    (2)

  • Heather B.

    Grilled cheese was really good! Waiter was very nice and attentive. We would go back :)

    (4)

  • Brett C.

    I wish I could give more stars! Cafe Muse is one of the finest eating establishments in Michigan. We have been going to Muse for years and have never had a bad experience here. Recently, Cafe Muse hosted our Wedding Rehearsal dinner last week and they did not disappoint. Everything was absolutely amazing. The food was top notch and the service was well executed. We eat brunch here at least once a week and try and stop by and visit the bar on the weekend. The menu is constantly changing, making each trip unique. The craft cocktails and beer make it an easy decision as to where we like to spend our time when we go out. If you have never been and are curious as to whether it is worth your time, make the trip and I promise you will not be let down.

    (5)

  • Bonnie W.

    I went here for a girls' evening out. The food was overall pretty good though I felt a bit overpriced for what I was getting. But of course you are paying for the trendy atmosphere. They had a nice array of drinks. The menu was pretty good. What was actually extremely annoying was our waiter. He was very friendly and knowledgable but he felt the need to have entire conversations with us, asking us all what we did for work, etc. Seeing as we were all trying to actually hang out together as kind of a mom's night out (which as one can image can be rare) it was actually really frustrating to us. I would go back again, but honestly, if I had the same waiter experience, that would be the last time.

    (4)

  • Adrian W.

    I come here just about every Friday. Every meal is good. I usually prefer Steak and Eggs or either the savory waffle with fruit. It's AMAZING! But whatever you decide to get make sure I get the eggs. Literally the best eggs in the world. Lol

    (5)

  • Matthew H.

    Fantastic place, fantastic food, love the atmosphere, super friendly staff (and owner), hands down my #1 choice of places to eat in Royal Oak by a mile. YES it can get very busy... calling ahead on weekend peak times is highly recommended! But its ohh so worth the wait... I love a good breakfast, and this place does breakfast with a vengeance. The array of dishes offered isn't huge, but the menu is constantly changing which gives you something new to try every week, but keeps enough old standbys around just in case. I have never had a bad meal, bad service, or felt anything other than bliss after eating here - probably 20+ times in the last year. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Kenny K.

    Sunday brunch. They brought the wrong muffin to the table and we ate it and commented on how wonderful it was before we realized that it was the wrong muffin. When the waitress realized the error she brought over the correct muffin which was also great. The waitress (Rachael) was amazing. Loved all 4'11" of her. We had the famous grilled cheese sandwich which was incredible although I could easily eat two for a meal. The carrot cake pancakes were also a big hit along with the salad and the breakfast tortilla. The prices seemed fine for the meal we had. We are all good eaters and the portions are not large at all. I will be back again.

    (4)

  • Agnes L.

    It was so hard for my friends and I to decide what to order...I honestly wished I could have gotten small bites of every dish. I absolutely LOVED how the menu broke down into "Sweet" and "Savory." If we weren't in a group of three, I would have done the usual split-one-of-each-best-sweet-and-savory-dish routine. So I chose my fav of the two - savory and also went with a fav type of brunch item (anything that combines seafood and eggs). Prepare for EXTREME detail of my eating experience in 5...4...3...2...1: *My absolute favorite part: It was actually the wheat toast (healthy option 1). It seems to always be the forgotten side/throwaway item, but not when it's done right. The bread tasted and looked artisan with a thick crust and chewy middle with just the right crispness from toasting and slathered with melted butter. A tiny dipping size bowl of berry jam next to it was the best sweet complement that my friends and I already we could even eat alone. *Other stellar sides: I enjoyed the medley of sliced fresh fruit included grapefruit (healthy choice already made for me!), pineapple, orange and melon. And I especially adored the sweet potato mash (healthy option 2, as opposed to fingerling potatoes) with a spice combo of cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla reminding me of the holidays. These more sweet sides went well with... *The star of the show: Smoked Salmon Scramble with Gruyere and Chives (did not go with the healthy option of subbing out eggs for egg whites or tofu, but appreciated those offerings). The eggs were incredibly fluffy and rich from the cheese...so decadent! The salmon was tender and plentiful. However, it did taste a bit salty for me and I would have liked some sort of sauce on top. In the end, because of the hip space and support of local products, I will definitely make this a brunch destination for a bachelorette party that I am planning in the area later this summer. It also doesn't hurt that they take reservations, as few brunch places do. And I MUST return for the lunch menu, considering how famous the grilled cheese sandwich is.

    (5)

  • Richie R.

    Decent place but not in the class of Fly Trap, Mae's or Toast. The lows: You can't consider a place legit when they use powered/pasteurized/eggs from a carton. I want REAL eggs, the kind that are cracked. The fingerlings potatoes were terrible. Slightly overpriced & overhyped. The highs: Nice decor, seafood grits were the BOMB, good friendly service. Conclusion: I don't see myself going back anytime soon. I'll hit Recipes, Toast, Fly Trap or Mae's instead.....

    (1)

  • Darren D.

    Great food and has the best craft cocktails in the area. Highly recommended that you visit this fine establishment.

    (5)

  • Kent W.

    Excellent had the smoked salmon scramble was just perfect. Grilled cheese was great too

    (5)

  • Rachel M.

    Loved it. Was on my way back home and decided I would stop in here and try it out. Glad I did. I was by myself, which is always nice when a single woman can go grab a bite to eat without being bothered or asked where her date is. Pretty little place, not very busy, attentive waiters. I ordered the gnocchi with a half portion of the scallops. I am a fan of eating small portions of many things so the half portion option was VERY exciting. Gnocchi was rich, small portion but understandably so once you take a bite. A "regular" looking portion would be entirely too much. Served with an egg yolk on top, which was new to me... but I busted the egg and dived right in. YUM!!! Then as soon as it started I was finished - and happy. Next came the scallops. They were served with "forbidden risotto". Another taste experience that was new to me, and happy to be come acquainted with. Scallops were perfect and paired with some unique tastes that made my mouth (and tummy) very happy. All in all, I wish I lived closer to Royal Oak, as I'd probably be in here WAY too much. I will be back soon... and MAYBE I'll be nice enough to bring a date next time... maybe not.

    (5)

  • Jenn A.

    FINALLY we were able to make it into this place! We went on a busy Saturday afternoon over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Luckily we timed it just right and were able to grab a table, but you should be prepared to wait just a bit as we saw that we slipped through in the nick of time. I went with a light lunch an opted for the soup of the day which was a corn and pepper chowder/bisque or sorts and it was very very good. It came with a side of fruit bread that they made there and it was also very good. My boyfriend got the BLT and he loved it. We are eager to get back for brunch next time, quite a few people around us were enjoying that, and everything we saw looked amazing.

    (5)

  • Christine T.

    A great spot with fantastic breakfast choices. The truffled eggs with mushrooms was a highlight, huge portions big enough to share.

    (4)

  • Mande B.

    Wow. Delish. My girlfriend spent one afternoon treating ourselves to lunch and nail therapy while the men played golf, and this was our restaurant choice....boy was I happy that it was :) We had to go with the grilled cheese and the exotic mushroom and truffle oil scramble just because of all of the other yelp suggestions. Where to start... the grilled cheese was absolutely amazing. Perfectly toasted, lots of cheese and finger licking good!! The mushroom scramble was just as tasty! I like truffle oil as much as the next, but some restaurants I have been to lately have gone truffle oil crazy, but not Cafe Muse! The scramble was perfectly seasoned and wasn't too heavy on the truffle oil. The only thing that wasn't amazing about our meal, and this is so minor, was the toast served with the scramble was pretty hard. But... we slathered it with nutella and the problem was pretty much solved! I will absolutely be returning to this gem in the future!

    (5)

  • Samantha D.

    This place was definitely not what people made it out to be. My girlfriend and I went here for breakfast and were extremely disappointed. Both of our silverware had food stuck on it...not just one utensil but all of them. We both had ordered a meal of which included eggs. They took FOREVER to come out. We finally got our food and there were a few bees flying around outside so we asked to be moved inside. I finally took a bite of my omelet and it was undercooked! I was already annoyed so I paid my overpriced tab and left. The best part was leaving and both of us became immediately nauseous to the point I had to pull over on 696 and toss my cookies. The only reason I even gave them two stars was for the service and beverages. Never going there again!!!

    (2)

  • William C.

    Consistent, Gourmet Breakfast Reading my reviews of breakfast places, one thing is clear: The coffee is always CRAP! Not here my friends, oh no. The coffee is probably the best in the city, at least the best I've had. I would come just for the coffee. My faves on the list: EVERYTHING, ha. Seriously, EVERYTHING is good. All of it. but perhaps the little diamond in the non-rough is the grits with crabmeat and lobster scent.( whatever that is) It's hidden away on the little sides menu. Get them they are awesome. Since there is no perfect place on Earth, I do have to say although the Lemon Ricotta pancakes are light, some of the other pancakes ( the carrot cake for example ) are a bit heavy. This is only a warning since if you eat them you will need a nap. It's a bit on the pricey side, but good value means getting your money's worth, and you definately get your money's worth eating here. Obviously I only come here for breakfast. Not avoiding it for lunch.dinner. just never had the chance nor the inclination

    (5)

  • Andi O.

    Love this place for brunch. Limited menu but impressed with quality & unique takes on traditional favorites. No surprise, the grilled cheese is my favorite. Four stars instead of five because of high price point, especially on coffees & beverages.

    (4)

  • Andy S.

    Delicious breakfast. She got the cheese eggs which were awesome. I forget what I had, something with meat in it though and I remember it being spot on. Cool space too. We tried to go here on a weekend and there was a long wait but on a Monday morning we were seated right away and everything was very tasty.

    (5)

  • Chrissie N.

    Excellent Food! Met my sister there for brunch today. I had the stuffed french toast and my sister had the vanilla bean waffle and we were both very pleased. Very cute place! Great ambiance! Wait staff was extremely nice (especially when I accidentally broke a glass!). Will definitely go back! Be sure to bring quarters for the parking meters!

    (4)

  • Andi J.

    I usually don't write reviews but I wanted to on this restaurant. I wasn't impressed. The food is mediocre and the servers aren't too friendly. If you want good food for a less expensive price, go anywhere else but here. I left still feeling hungry. It's more so one of those cafes where people who want to feel trendy go to.

    (2)

  • Randy G.

    So far, three different breakfasts and each one was a home-run or at least a triple. Each dish is well thought out, the flavors compliment each other well, clever flavor combinations, and each dish was truly unique. The atmosphere is very nice and elegant, but not enough where you have to dress up. Remember, it's just breakfast. The first breakfast was the Orange Yogurt Pancakes. These hotcakes had a nice hint of orange zesty flavor. Not too much, but definitely enough were you knew it was there. It was accompanied with candied pecans and a sharp cheese on top, but I don't remember the name of it. The cheese by itself I thought was too sharp, but when eaten with the pancakes and a little syrup, it was a perfect combination. The portion was a little small, but I guess it's better that I don't over eat. Good portion control I guess. A standard menu item is the Exotic Mushroom Scramble. It's a wonderful scramble for mushroom lovers. The mushrooms are earthy, oily, and with a touch of truffle oil, the eggs are mushrooms are a great combination. It's not your ordinary mushroom and eggs. It also came with a sweet potato mash, which I've now tried twice. The mash is slightly sweet from the potato, but it can be a tiny bit bland. They are creamy, blended well, but just missing something. The Ammoglio Scramble is also a stand item and right up there with the mushrooms, it's a great combination of flavors. The sauce on the eggs is tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. I would compare it to a "salsa and eggs", but much better. The only weak part of this dish is that the ammoglio sauce is cold served on top of the hot eggs. If you like the contrast of temperature, it's perfect for you. If you think the temperature is going to through you off, just wait a minute or two and the eggs will do all the work to heat up the sauce. By the way, the scrambled eggs are probably one of the best I've had so far. They are cooked perfectly, fluffy, and they don't have a strong eggy flavor. Some how they soften the flavor, brilliant.

    (4)

  • Mike B.

    Had breakfast with brother and niece and Nolan her 1 year old. The service and the food was excellent. Alyssa was excellent she went above and beyond helping us with a 1 year old infant. With cafe muse being busy. I will be back again.

    (5)

  • Brittany P.

    Kinda obsessed with this place...I absolutely LOVE everything that they offer for breakfast and for lunch. For dinner, not so much. Dinner isn't that great. You can't go wrong with anything they have on their breakfast menu...I got the smoked salmon sandwich and my gosh, I could eat that every day. Delicious and the bread was homemade!

    (5)

  • Shannon S.

    Birthday lunch here today! Fabulous! A truly unique dining experience. So much on the menu, so little time :( The richest experience with all of the flavors of this day. I had the Grilled Hanger Steak Sandwich with Ammoglio Sauce and Provolone Cheese, what a melty delight to have in your mouth~! Excellent service!

    (5)

  • Gus M.

    What can I say us YELPERS don't lie :) Awesome experience here. Great service and since everyone was ranting and raving about the grilled cheese I had to get it. Hands down the best grilled cheese sandwich I have ever had bar none. My little brother ordered the BLT which was great but nothing can top the amazing combination of cheeses that they used. Bravo!!!! Cafe Muse you guys did a great job, and the ambiance is very nice too. If your in the area stop by hear and eat you will not have any regrets.

    (4)

  • N P.

    It's been a few months but I wanted to add a review. Cafe Muse is a good place to go for breakfast or brunch. Was the service perfect? Not really, a little slow but nothing bad. Is the variety of the menu good enough for people with particular food needs (vegetarian, non vegetarian)? Mostly, although I'm always happy with more vegetarian choices. Is it pricey? Yes, the coffee is more expensive than I would have expected. Is it too crowded? Very, but if people are pleasant that can be fun too as it gives the place a nice atmosphere with everyone enjoying the food. But it's really 4 stars for me because the food was very good! I like the sweet and non sweet separation. I tend to like sweet foods at nicer restaurants and Cafe Muse did not disappoint. I had delicious lemon pancakes here and also brought friends who enjoyed some of the omelets and meat dishes. It's pricey and there are other equal or better brunch options according to others. To me, it's worth a try if you are in the area. I'll be back and will sample more in the future and will update the review if needed.

    (4)

  • Shane H.

    I came here on a tuesday for brunch. from the outside, the cafe seemed hole-in-the-wallish to me. but as soon as i walked in i was a bit overwhelmed with this faux-euro style decorations and slightly fancyness. I showed up in a goofy sweater and my bf was wearing a domo shirt, we both felt very underdressed. Not to say that you have to come in here ALL THAT fancy. But it'd be nice to jcrew yourself a bit with a splash of vintage kate spade, just sayin'. Maybe because I haven't read for awhile, their menu could get a bit complicated. When I was trying to decided with everything they have on the menu I was having doubts that this place would have a 4.5 star on yelp. (vegan burgers, whole wheat toast with nutella just sounds like whole-foods-ish to me). And the rest of the menu were just worded weirdly for some reason. Then we finally decided to go with their house mac-'n-cheese and the skirt steak sandwich. I found myself in awe as soon as the food got on the table. It's been a long while since I've seen simple american food been presented with such grace and style. And of course, everything tasted so delicious that I can't describe in any words. Definitely coming back when I feel fancy again.

    (5)

  • Ashley A.

    As my boyfriend read me some of the menu choices, I wasn't completely convinced but my mind was soon changed. This restaurant is so nice on the outside and inside. It made me feel as if I was in a little Paris cafe. The food was prepared quickly, the waitress was very nice and attentive, and the food was phenomenal. I highly recommend the turkey burger!

    (4)

  • Jonathan S.

    Probably the best restaurant in Royal Oak in terms of ambiance and food quality. The atmosphere is intimate and warm. They added dinner about two years ago and I think they are now just catching their stride. They do an amazing brunch and it is worth the wait (in the warmth of summer). I recommend the grilled cheese, yes, but get the variation with braised short ribs. They usually have some pretty good beers on tap. I went in there a couple months ago and they had PumpKing on tap for $5.

    (5)

  • Aman S.

    Wonderful experience. Went for breakfast, the eggs were delicious, as was the French toast. I'll definitely go back again!

    (4)

  • Eowyn K.

    I first went to Café Muse at their tiny original location. The food was so good I've been going ever since. They know how to handle eggs. There are a variety of scrambles and each has light and fluffy eggs. I really like the smoked salmon scramble and the wild mushroom scramble. If you are reading reviews about Muse you have heard about the Grilled Cheese. Yes, it is that good. They also have a variation that includes rib meat which is also mouth watering, but the original will always be my favorite. If you are in the mood for something sweet rather than savory try one of the French toast or waffle items. There is also a specials menu and a separate drinks menu, something that has confused people when I have brought them for the first time. I saw a couple complaints about the service. I've never experienced bad service here. Our server has always been attentive and if they are busy another staff member has stepped up. When they first opened at the new location we laughed about being over served (at least four staff asked us about drinks). The chef has come out to check in on the food and was friendly and seemed interested if we were enjoying our meal. I like the ambiance but some of the tables are a little to close together. It does however allow you to spy on what other people have ordered while making your selection. I have never been for dinner and have heard it is expensive. Brunch and lunch are more reasonably priced.

    (5)

  • Virginia C.

    There is a 30-45 minute wait for brunch on the weekends, but the Stuffed French Toast with Mascarpone and a 5 Spice Pear Nage alone is so worth it. The service is great - but because of the crowd.. I do feel a little rush to finish my meal.. Will def. still be back!

    (4)

  • Jen W.

    Awesome food! Great potential to be an awesome place to hang out.. But HORRIBLE SERVICE! just to get a coffee takes 15 min. Don't even bother asking for a refill

    (2)

  • Megan R.

    Had high hopes, but was not impressed. My friend and I went for lunch and I was given a glass of water with lipstick caked on the rim. I had read reviews here on yelp before we went, including the one that mentioned being served a dirty coffee cup, and I now feel leery of how well their dishes and silverware actually get cleaned on the whole. My friend was really looking forward to this and so we did not leave. I mentioned the glass to our waitress and she quickly got me a new, clean glass of water. I had the raspberry lemonade which was actually very tasty. My friend had a dirty chai which was also good. We each got the ever-famous grilled cheese and I thought there was much to be desired. Our sandwiches looked nothing like the picture on Cafe Muse's yelp homepage (caption says "'Best Grilled Cheese in America' -Esquire"). Our sandwiches were paltry in comparison to the one pictured. There was one tomato on each half of the sandwich. Just one! I was hoping for the glorious double-layering of tomatoes pictured, or at least a satisfying grilled cheese, but it was just a thin layer of cheese(s), basil, and that one lone tomato slice. Oh and a hint of honey. I am not sure what sandwhich Oprah had, but I have a hard time believing that one was it.

    (1)

  • Bunny K.

    Great atmospher & location. Food was underwhelming. Expectations ran high after all of the great reviews but weren't met. Moldy strawberries in fruit salad sort of turned everyone off to breakfast:(

    (2)

  • Maggi W.

    I was excited to try this place based on their online menu. I thought the offerings sounded unique and scrumptuous. Unfortunately, their manu writer is probably the most talented person on the staff. The food did not live up to the descriptions. I can only base this on our first visit and what I ordered and tasted of my lunch companion's food. Who wouldn't want to order a short rib grilled cheese sandwich. That sounded so amazing. The good: there was plenty of short rib and it was done well. The bad: I had hardly any discernable cheese, so I couldn't fairly call this a "grilled cheese" sandwich. When I picked it up to eat it, it was dripping in grease or some kind of liquid and the bottom part of the bread (I ordered sourdough) was soaked. It was served with a a side of cold rice salad, a weird option and it tasted weird. Cold rice, cabbage and a few pieces of cherry tomato. Hmmm. I left most of it. My companions ordered the "exotic" mushroom soup, and the pumpkin squash soup. I tasted both and neither was seasoned and were extremely bland. I would have had to add a lot of salt and pepper. I might try the place again, but I wish it had lived up to my first expectations. PS: the metered parking on the street is extremely expensive. We kept feeding it coins and the timestamp hardly moved. Find a parking structure if you plan to spend much time in Royal Oak.

    (2)

  • Fern G.

    ***Disclaimer***To be fair, let me say that I haven't eaten here yet. I'm reviewing the service I received when I called to order a carry-out. The first time I called it was 4 pm and the gentleman on the phone said they're closed until dinner. He asked me to call back and order my carry-out at 6 pm. He said they take carry-outs as long as you call at or after 6 pm. I changed my mind that night and ended up eating somewhere else. The next night, which happened to be Valentine's Day, I called at 6 pm as instructed by the guy on the phone, and tried to order a carry-out. The girl that I spoke to was extremely rude. There was no customer service, no "I'm sorry but we're not accepting carry-out orders," no "have a nice day", nothing! She said they "weren't taking carry-out orders" in an angry/annoyed/how dare you bother me, tone of voice. I tried explaining that the day before, the guy who spoke with me on the phone said I could do so any day as long as it's at or after 6 pm. She said, "Well, we're busy, it's Valentine's Day, so we're not taking any carry-out orders." Then she basically hung up on me. Not going to be eating here even if hell freezes over. Such a shame too since I'm a proud foodie and spend plenty of money in local restaurants.

    (1)

  • Joe C.

    A pleasant surprise in this part of town ha... grwat food with great decor, honestly something I didn't expect to find here~~ reasonable price as well!

    (4)

  • Josh S.

    This place is always a solid bet. The grilled cheese and butterscotch pudding.....serious. Ask for Lindsay.

    (5)

  • Ally B.

    Breakfast at Cafe Muse: A treasured experience for those in the know. This place is always jamming, and that's a great thing because Royal Oak needs more restaurants that are clearly doing it well enough to generate an hour-long wait. Make a call-ahead reservation or use OpenTable to cut the line. If you don't want to stand around, leave a number and walk around, the host staff will give you a call. Or grab a drink at the bar while you wait if that's an option. Yes there are several menus to peruse, hang in there, a little light reading never killed anyone. The smaller menu will be the weekly specials. They change every Friday so get 'em while they last (the sweet specials are ALWAYS on point). The larger menu would be everything that Muse has had on the menu since forever, and it's all pretty darn great. Breakfast is broken down into three categories. Just remember your S's: 1) Sweet: Your waffles, french toast, pancakes, all served with 100% Real Maple Syrup. Sugar Free is available upon request. 2) Savory: Egg scrambles containing the freshest ingredients and cheeses you won't find at Leo's! 3) Sides: THREE kinds of BACON! Seafood Cheddar Grits! Steel Cut Oatmeal! Okay that last one might sound a bit too healthy but it is seriously delicious nonetheless! Also, don't forget to check both sides of the menus. The coffee drinks are located on the back of the beverage menu--don't miss out on the caffeination domination that is Great Lakes Coffee. If an association between a certain former daytime talk show host and a famous grilled cheese sandwich is what brought you in the door...just wait...get the short rib edition (it's on the lunch specials menu, always has been, always will be). It will change your life. You'll be like Oprah Who? Muse expanded from a walk-in-closet sized venue, to the seating area of the restaurant that is on the south side of the building...then added the bar and seating area located on the north end of the building. They're obviously doing something right to garner that much success. So come in hungry, but definitely not hangry--good things come to those who wait! Now you've had the crash course...lucky for you the test is open book :)

    (5)

  • Sheila M.

    Aptly named. I feel like this place is the muse for all aspiring "good" brunch places anywhere. I love how they serve just the right portions of quality food, filling my stomach juuust right and satisfying my tastebuds so I don't feel like I need to patch up the wanting spaces with bread and/or another lukewarm forkful of mediocre hash browns. I got a simple scramble with cheddar and chives, fingerling potatoes, and a toasted slice of rye with orange marmalade. My friend and I sat around in our little summer dresses and ate daintily. I am so not a dainty person, either, but that's just what this place does to you. It makes you a BETTER PERSON. Ok, I'm done overselling. But seriously, it's good. It was on Oprah.

    (5)

  • Theresa U.

    This place is easy to miss, but should not be missed! Came here for a lovely breakfast last week. Quaint and cozy, not good for the masses. They won't fit. Love the decor. Love the cute fancy menu. I enjoyed the stuffed French toast with marscapone cheese with pear nage. My bf enjoyed the plain jane scramble with garlic fingerling potatoes. Yum Yum Yum! I want to try the whole menu!

    (5)

  • Andrew S.

    If you don't go here, you are seriously missing out. The food is gourmet and delicious for a very reasonable price. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all to die for. The atmosphere is really laid back and decorated really tastefully.

    (5)

  • Benita M.

    My five-star review is for their brunch. I've been here for lunch and dinner too but lunch was a low 4 stars with dinner being a solid 3. I can't say a whole lot that hasn't already been said, but if you're a local and haven't eaten here yet, definitely make brunch a priority. I usually get the exotic mushroom scramble, which has the fluffiest eggs, and comes with delicious toast and the most amazing jam. Every so often, I'll switch it up and get one of their daily specials. Once it was a great eggplant dish with their ammoglio sauce, which was so good I wish it was a regular menu item. I've had a couple of the sweet dishes and they've also been good, but in my mind, it's the savory where they really shine. Get one of the egg dishes so you also get the potatoes and toast, both simple but worth it. I also love their regular coffee, and the chai is delicious as well.

    (5)

  • Valerie K.

    A great venue in Royal Oak. This place is a more upscale, but not too pretentious place for any meal in Royal Oak. Now that they've expanded, the space is a little more comfortable and not so cramped. This is especially important on the weekends, when Cafe Muse really gets busy. The staff here is attentive. I was a little irritated with the hostess during our last visit. On a Friday morning I was hoping for a little distance between our table and the next - and even requested we not be seated directly next to another couple. This seems like common sense to me: if it's not a busy time of day and you have the opportunity, why not give diners some privacy? She re-sat us, but quickly seated another couple directly next to us. Just a nit pick, but worth mentioning. Also, even though there is a lot of space, the acoustics are challenging. With just about a quarter of the restaurant full (if that), the noise level was quite loud. And of course - the regular Royal Oak parking nightmare. Expensive meters or deck parking; par for the course here. The food is really good (although not excellent). I don't get the hype around the grilled cheese. It's just a grilled cheese if you ask me. I think this is more about the press it's gotten with Gail and Oprah, but I suppose you have to try it - just to say you did. The breakfast is also very good; gourmet but not 'weird'. I had cinnamon raisin french toast and my boyfriend had the stuffed french toast with mascarpone. Both were yummy, and it was nice to be able to top it off with a bloody mary. Overall, Cafe Muse is definitely a place to visit, if only to get away from the chain restaurants and have a little bit of a more upscale dining experience.

    (4)

  • J B.

    This place really holds up to its reputation. The food is all around excellent, the lemon ricotta pancakes are divine and redefine what a pancake should be. They have excellent coffee drinks that come out quickly and served hot and the servers don't even flinch when you order one! The staff is super friendly and professional. Add this place to your go-to restaurants!

    (5)

  • Ellie F.

    If you want to read about mac & cheese, look elsewhere! This lactose-intolerant bird doesn't care about that. I got a black-bean burger (not really a burger), and it was DELICIOUS. It was not what I expected at all, but was so much better. Flavorful, light, not covered in cheese... bravo, Cafe Muse. The peanut butter hot chocolate is worth a try. In the winter, I'm sure it's more exciting. This place really makes me miss Michigan!

    (5)

  • Lori K.

    From all the yelp reviews I thought for sure this would be a hit. It was terrible. We went here for brunch. First off our server. I guess since we had a baby our server took it upon himself to be chatty natty, oh I was a premie, I had brothers and sisters 11 and 13 years apart, oh you should place your baby on the dryer to calm them down...when we first walked in he said, oh good he is sleeping so he'll be quiet. He kept intruding on us, we couldn't even enjoy our meal. We just wanted him to leave us alone. This is supposed to be a nice restaurant. We think he belonged at Cedar Point or a Water Park. The food was such a let down. The waiter recommended the stuffed french toast, they were four pieces of bread, I could have made that at home. I left hungry. It was wonder bread. There was no stuffed anything. What a waste of money. One positive, we had ordered the short rib sandwich and it was delicious. But you have a few chips to serve with it? Um, no. I suggest Russell Street Deli, Brooklyn Street Local, Toast, Fly Trap, anywhere but here!!

    (1)

  • Bernardo M.

    I would never go back to cafe muse. I went here for dinner with a couple of friends and my girlfriend's dad, who had just got off a plane from china. I was the first to arrive so I order a glass of wine with one other friend. My server asked for my id which is of course his job but then spends the next 5 minutes inspecting, bending, and turning it over. I assure him it's not fake and he continues to look it over. After that charade we wait another 5 minutes bf he comes back WITHOUT the wine only to ask for my id again. I thought he must have been joking. It was embarrassing for him. Anyway, finally the wine arrives and I must say one positive thing that the Cabernet was amazing. Next the final two guests from our party arrive. We order a spread. We ordered the charcuterie and brussel sprout salad for an appetizer. Well the charcuterie was sparce. Two types of meat and a cpl pieces of toast. No options and really not meant to be split between two people let alone four. Then we waited for our entrees. Three of us ordered the monkfish priced at $26 a plate and one order of the steak. Well our second appetizer arrived with our entrees. The brussel sprout salad was so flavorless and disappointing. I honestly was shocked how dry and plain it was. And the monk fish was horrible. For $26 a plate I expect flavor and presentation. The fish had zero flavor and was served over some type of soupy potato mash. I thought the pairing was more due to laziness than culinary experimentation. We had creme brûlée and bread pudding for dessert which was probably the best part. Overall, I was disappointed by the service in the beginning and horrible expensive food only dug cafe muse deeper down a hole that I will not be returning to. If you like over-priced bland food then this is the place for you.

    (1)

  • Julian B.

    Tried the famous Grilled Cheese. I got it carryout but highly disappointing after wanting to try it forever. The pics on this page did not look like the sandwich I received. Taste was solid but not sure why all the fuss.

    (1)

  • Dea A.

    Life lesson #1: never trust someone who committed Yelpicide to fill out a comment card. Life lesson #2: as fantastically miserable this craphole known as Detroit is -- there are some places that make you feel like everything is going to be alright -- Cafe Muse is one of them. I visited this delicious place 3 times in the past month. This is one of those places that serves you your well-known favorites but makes them NEW again. And that's just what keeps me coming back for me. Every time I visited it was during rush -- but unlike most places service does NOT decline when they are busy. Dare I say, they thrive on pleasing the hungry masses with chipper attitudes, frequent coffee re-warmings, and maybe TOO often litmus testing of your happiness? If they did it any differently, it just wouldn't be the same. Their employees bring a sense of warmth, comfort, and familiarity that all breakfast joints ought to have. I have to admit -- I'm scarred for life from Detroit Breakfast House's version of "stuffed French toast" where it came out in a CUBE stuffed with a stick of creamcheese and topped with canned pile filling. I can't think of anything more revolting to wake up to (OK ... maybe Dick Cheney is more disgusting to wake up) than this block of horribleness. But Cafe Muse's stuffed French toast is delicate! And delicious! And no canned pie filling to be found! It's stuffed in a way where you can't figure out exactly WHERE the stuffing is coming from -- but it's stuffed! I assure you! I LOVE waffles. And they are one of the places that makes a damn tasty Belgian waffle. I just wish they would experiment with the batter a bit like they did with their amazing arrray of pancakes (carrot cake pancakes anyone?). I also LOVE the fact they have a ton of seasonal specials! And they ALL sound amazing! My list of wins: Lemon ricotta blueberrry pancakes (made me a believer in pancakes again) Waffle anything with smoked salmon on it the exotic mushroom orgasm stuffed French toast the hazelnut hot chocolate (sooooo amazing) this quinoa salad with olives, artichokes and capers -- I NEVER EVER had a salad taste SO PERFECT Mehs: I just can't love their turkey or regular bacon. Their regular bacon just isn't special enough for me. They need to steal the Pancake House's supplier because their bacon is still king. 3 cheese grilled cheese -- I don't get it. I get it, but I don't get it. I think if I were to order this again I would ask for no tomato. I have no idea why but warm/hot previously raw tomatoes are really gross to me. Especially if they are out of season tomatoes. Things that amaze me: They actually pay attention to their comment cards. I have no idea how they have a photographic memory, but Vikram is easy to remember. Yelpicidist Aaron K filled out the comment card one meal -- and put down Vikram's name AND said he wanted more toast. So next time we come in, the CHEF walks out our meal and says (nicely) "here is the extra piece of toast you requested." And I'm like "We requested what now? Uh...." Chef: "On the comment card, you said you'd like an extra piece of toast." V and I are sitting there staring at the extra piece of toast we both never commented on scratching our heads as to what just happened. How did they know it was US to requested it? We never said anything! How do they know who WE are?? We are both carnivores, we don't need no stinkin' toast to fill us up -- it was the gone rogue vegetarian! We were a little embarrassed and ate the extra piece of toast out of obligation while cursing Aaron K's name. The owner frequently is around asking question about how you like it and how they can improve. I LOVE that. He said that they will be getting a booze license soon (hopefully by summer 2010). And they will NOT have bottomless mimosa (*super sad face* but they gotta turn tables I understand). Also they will soon start serving dinner too! I get a lot of attention here. I have to admit, I really like it. I just wish I wasn't so lazy and went here sooner! THREE years of delicious Cafe Muse food I could have been eating and I totally missed out. Don't let that happen to you!!! *** Extremely carnivore, vegetarian AND vegan friendly **** (If you're anorexic, sorry, this place isn't for you.) RESERVATIONS: Yeah, kinda works like Red Coat Tavern -- you call ahead to put your name down on a list if needed (they will tell you if there is a wait or not).

    (5)

  • Janet R.

    I took my daughter to Cafe Muse on Sunday for brunch. We were told we had a 30 minute wait. 15 minutes later we were seated. However we were seated at a table for 6 rather than two and we sensed the waiter was a little irritated at the hostess for seating us there. The service was okay, nothing special, a little slow, little eye contact from the waiter. The food came out quickly enough though. I had the vanilla bean waffles with fruit and my daughter had the french toast. Both were delicious. The side of bacon (nitrate free mind you) wasn't cooked long enough. We both had fresh squeezed orange juice but the waiter brought us a large though we didn't order a particular size. It was too much to finish. Our bill totaled $38 plus tip so a little pricey for breakfast for just the two of us. Overall, it was good but I would not rush to go back.

    (3)

  • William M.

    Fantastic Service!!! I had stopped in for a treat after lunch and got the Butterscotch Pudding and It was very good. I have heard about other food that is really good here and I would check it out. Hope this helped!

    (4)

  • Michelle C.

    Café Muse is a great spot, no question, but server, Lindsay M. makes it the best spot! Every time I eat there, I order solely off her recommendation. I love being able to trust her knowledge, expertise and taste! It has paid off every time.

    (5)

  • James D.

    This is one of the busiest spots in Royal Oak on a saturday or sunday morning and for good reason. The food is delicious and there is a wonderful list of different breakfast options. The coffee is excellent as well. Service is about on par with all other restaurants, though admittedly they are quite quick in getting your food to you even if it's busy. Decor and ambiance is generally lovely and they don't jam too many people in here so that you get overwhelmed with chatter. All in all, an excellent first starting point for brunch (if you can get in)...

    (4)

  • Kadian M.

    This is one of our FAVORITE brunch dates. My husband and I get the Cappuccino, and any of the weekly specials ..... Out of this world!!!! Charming atmosphere, flavors for days, and a really nice place to go for a date :)

    (5)

  • Bella M.

    I don't know if Café Muse has changed owners or chefs but the grilled cheese was not as good as I remember from a year or so ago. The sandwich had tons of cheese, too much actually, and I really couldn't taste the good flavor of the honey. The side of pasta salad tasted like it was from a mix or a grocery deli counter. Boy the dining choices in Royal Oak have really become very average.

    (2)

  • Steve T.

    Detroit's most overrated restaurant? Despite living around the corner, for some reason I had never made it to Cafe Muse. I know the wait times at breakfast used to be very long. We finally went there last night for dinner and were very disappointed. We had the gorgonzola flatbread (terrible) along with two sandwiches. The hamburger du jour was small but very good. The "famous" grilled cheese was nothing special at all so somehow they either changed their recipe or others don't eat out much. You can easily make better at home and at $11, you can probably make enough for the whole family. I have a feeling this restaurant has "lost it's way" recently. It's highly overrated and overpriced and we won't bother going back. The service was very good.

    (2)

  • Christine F.

    This, my friends, is a great spot among a sea of chain restaurants in Metro Detroit. I love people that love cheese. The people at Cafe Muse certainly love cheese, as I would quickly find out. I ordered a glass of Pinot Gris and perused the menu. My husband and I started with a cheese plate, and I ordered a watercress and frisee salad and ricotta gnocchi. The service was incredibly nice/attentive. My husband was pleased with the beer selection. Now, I know the drill with cheeseplates. You usually pay $10 for three 1.5" squares of cheese. You shouldn't have an expectation of huge portions. Well, Cafe Muse blew my cheese suspicions out of the water. Their cheese plate was really quite large and bountiful. There was a blue, a cheddar and something else. They were good cheeses - not the best ever, but good. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this plate. My watercress and frisee salad was great. There was a good amount of watercress and frisee with a light pineapple vinaigrette and goat cheese fritters (warm, creamy balls of fried goat cheese, OH MAMA). So good. Again, they went heavy on the cheese. Not complaining. My gnocchi was a small plate, but big on flavor. There were pillowy ricotta gnocchi balls in a buttery sauce with prosciutto, peas, pecorino and an egg yolk (mostly raw) on top. I love bursting egg yolks (it's like bubblewrap but it tastes better), so I popped it mixed it in with the gnocchi. So good. Very rich, though. I can see why they give you a small serving. This place is really great and they definitely have some talent in the kitchen. We will be back next time we are in town.

    (4)

  • Erin K.

    This menu is much more unique than one you will find at other restaurants in the area. Their lemon ricotta pancakes with homemade blueberry maple syrup was great and they have a nice selection of breakfast beverages. Also good is their grilled cheese which sound weird (it has three cheeses plus tomato, basil and honey) but is amazing! The only downside is that the portions are not large, but I feel that the prices are a little high for the amount of food. And most breakfast items are not served with sides, so a decent breakfast for 2 can cost up to $40, but it is worth the splurge every once in a while.

    (4)

  • Caleb M.

    Great brunch spot.

    (5)

  • Rachel S.

    I found the food at Cafe Muse to be wonderful. I stopped by for breakfast and they had a good amount of options. Each option had combinations of fruit and breakfast items such as toast, waffles, and such that made my mouth water. There was a sweet section and savory section, satisfying all types of customers. The combinations of food were unique and delicious. I tried one item from sweet and one item from savory and could not have been more satisfied! However, it was cold in there, so bring a sweater!

    (4)

  • Wendy S.

    One of the worst meals I've had in a long time. First, while the server seemed like a nice-enough guy, his service was subpar. Slow. Inattentive. Lacking. Same for the busboys. While this is rarely a huge problem, it does throw off a bad vibe for a nice meal out. Second, my meal was awful. I had the tuna. No flavor. Zero. Accompanied by the polenta (which is a weird side for rare tuna, but the waiter said it was awesome) which was too thick and flavored with parm and ? It looked like yuck on a plate...and tasted the same. Finally, the martini I ordered was the worst on metro Detroit. I order a lot of martinis around town...I know. I won't be back.

    (1)

  • Jeff M.

    The Grilled 3 Cheese Sandwich (Fontina, Mozzarella & Havarti) with Tomato, Basil & Honey will be a thing of legend. This is no joke. I thought the best grilled cheese was one I had at Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery. I didn't think it could be topped. But this is better. MUCH BETTER. It's scary good. You might end up ordering more than one. What's excellent is that we showed up for a Saturday morning brunch. TECHNICALLY the Grilled 3 Cheese isn't served until after 11 AM (lunchtime). But if you ask nicely, they can make it happen. And you should make it happen. There are no flaws here, really. This is exactly the cleansing and filling breakfast one needs, say, after a long night of excessive drinking. This not only hit the spot, it patched the other ones (ulcers). This is menu is solid through and through. An omelet, either with mushrooms or smoked salmon, are executed beautifully. Pea meal bacon is as much buttery as it is bacony. Their bread is excellent too. Fresh. In general, expect large quantities, whether you like it or not. It's spacious, modern, and cozy. Service is prompt and entertaining. I mentioned the portions are large. As a result, the tables might seem small. Think of the perfect grilled cheese. It's here. Think of the perfect weekend brunch spot. It's Cafe Muse.

    (5)

  • Susan M.

    Have only been here sonce but it was good and fresh. Service was helpful and told us what he usually got and why. I will def be back when in the area.

    (4)

  • Julie C.

    This place is really quaint. They have a delicate cocktail list, a more amped up lunch menu and a delectable dessert menu. I would love to come here for dinner. The lunch food is pleasing.

    (4)

  • Sam G.

    I have absolutely no idea what all the fuss is about! We didn't give the famous grilled cheese a try but now I'm thinking we really should have. My best bud and I did order THREE MEALS and TWO SIDES between the two of us, though (we get excited and want to try everything). The menu is phenomenal. Everything looks delicious. But man is the food disappointing. The "french toast stuffed with mascarpone and pear nage" was nothing more than watery cream slathered between two slices of standard french toast with some tasteless fruit something-or-other. Nooooo! All that salivating for nothing. Also had the "exotic mushroom scramble"... eh? Neither exotic nor particularly tasty. And we had some special which, as you can tell by my lack of title for it, was equally unmemorable. Something really meaty... The service was pretty decent and we sat outside, which I liked since the inside seemed a little dark and fancy shmancy for a summer brunch. For the price and for the hype, this place is definitely a miss for me. Note: The owners did respond to my review and I really appreciate the care for their customers and business. Next time I'm around I'll have to give it another shot.

    (2)

  • Vania S.

    Been there a few times. Food is good, not great, just good. Service is good, not great, but good. Iced tea is ok, not good, just ok. Grilled cheese is good, but oh so overrated!! Worth a try, just don't expect to be blown away.

    (3)

  • Raphie B.

    I was totally underwhelmed with this place. I ordered the sweet corn chowder to start, which was far more sweet than I would have ever expected. As in, it didn't just contain sweet corn, it contained sugar. It also didn't seem the least bit creamy, despite the waitress mentioning that it had cream in it. I adore me some corn chowder, and this was a total disappointment. The soup came with bread on the side, which as tasty, but was some sort of dessert-type cake (pumpkin cake, maybe? with raisins, etc). It was good, but not what I want with soup. At all. My friend, who ordered the tomato lentil soup (and really enjoyed it) got the same bread. So weird. My sandwich was the "famous" grilled 3 cheese and while it was good, the honey was a bit overwhelming. A little bit to balance the basil and cheese would have been great, but the sandwich, again, was oddly sweet. My friend ordered the portabello sandwich and when she let me try it, it was (surprise!) dressed with a very sweet balsamic vinegar. I love balsamic vinegar, but this was too sweet and not vinegar-y enough. Don't know why they go so over-board with the sweet, or maybe we just ordered an unusually sweet selection of items. Service was fast, but not outstanding. I'd go back to try one of the breakfast dishes. They were tons of people eating egg dishes (at 4 pm - should have been a hint), so I'd give them another shot to try one of those... I nearly forgot the side of fingerling potato salad with gorgonzola and dill - this was, by far, the standout. It was super tasty. It was also, however, the "salad of the day", so I assume it's not available all the time.

    (2)

  • Colleen D.

    In my search to brunch in each and every brunch place in metro detroit, I do love this place and have definitely been a repeat customer. It can definitely get busy on the weekends, so if you can swing a weekday brunch-date, that is best. Their stuffed french toast is really good, if you have a sweet tooth. The Ammoglio Sauce Scramble is also yummy. One of the last times I was there, my friend and I took his 2 year old niece. They have a kids menu, but probably not the best place to take a kiddo that small (unless you are cool with feeding them sugar packets to keep the quiet...)

    (4)

  • F T.

    Cafe Muse has the best food in Royal Oak without question. I think they would win a challenge against any place in Michigan. Combined with terrific service and a real commitment to being "green", Muse is my favorite place in town. There is an obvious lack of plastic throughout (no straws), and they use biodegradable to-go containers. If only the rest of Royal Oak and Michigan could follow their lead! There are always good veg options, and I would highly recommend the Exotic Mushroom Scramble. Muse just added a bistro and liqour license a few months ago, but sadly have yet to learn what to do with it. My brunch bloody mary tasted like pure tomato juice and it took 2 small pitchers of "hot sauce" before it was palatable. I'm still not sure it included vodka. Either way it was not worth the $7.50. My partner's mimosa was the color of straight orange juice and lacked the flavor or bubbles of champagne. The food is always top-notch - certainly not what you'd expect to find in Royal Oak or Michigan. The drinks are terrible, but the food and service still mean that I cannot it give less than 5 stars.

    (5)

  • Bess R.

    Went a few weeks ago on a Saturday for brunch and really enjoyed ourselves! We made a reservation a few days in advance, which I would highly recommend since it was super busy. A few little tables outside, and fairly small interior. Service was good and quick, but a little stressful with all the servers rushing around. We ordered a few brunch cocktails, and could have used some time to sip them and chat...but got our food a little too quickly. Some got soup to start, and then got their meals like 2 min later. Seemed like we were rushed with our meal overall. Food was great. Don't remember what everyone ordered, but all enjoyed their meals. I had the chicken and andouille gumbo - delicious! Coffee and drinks were tasty too. Food reminded me of some of my favorite neighborhood restaurants in Chicago - nice! Will definitely be back for the food...but maybe they need to work on the timing of their service.

    (4)

  • Robert J.

    My friend and I recently visited Cafe Muse. Allow me to add myself to the chorus of people extolling the virtues of Cafe Muse's 3-cheese grilled cheese. You've got sourdough, four cheeses (mozzarella, fontina, and havarti), honey, tomatoes, and basil. Fantastic! It's so tasty and so well balanced. Savory provided by the cheeses. Sweetness comes with the honey. There's bit of acid from the tomatoes. You've got herbs for that extra complexity. It's so good that we tried to replicate the sandwich at home. The exotic mushroom scramble with Boursin cheese and truffle oil has been great for years. It's a simple dish executed perfectly with impeccable ingredients. How could it go wrong? Well, I suppose that could happen many ways, but none of those apply here. It's a great dish, and it has been for years. Cafe Muse is one of the best breakfasts in Metro Detroit.

    (4)

  • Sue H.

    Best grilled cheese ever

    (4)

  • Jocelyn D.

    10 +++. Service, reservations, food, overall a can not miss experience! LOVED the whole experience. Waitstaff was top drawer, food was out of this world. They made dining fun. Can't wait to go back. Defiantly make reservations, and with Open table, call because this site said they were booked and they were not.

    (5)

  • Theresa U.

    This place is easy to miss, but should not be missed! Came here for a lovely breakfast last week. Quaint and cozy, not good for the masses. They won't fit. Love the decor. Love the cute fancy menu. I enjoyed the stuffed French toast with marscapone cheese with pear nage. My bf enjoyed the plain jane scramble with garlic fingerling potatoes. Yum Yum Yum! I want to try the whole menu!

    (5)

  • Andrew S.

    If you don't go here, you are seriously missing out. The food is gourmet and delicious for a very reasonable price. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all to die for. The atmosphere is really laid back and decorated really tastefully.

    (5)

  • LaMonica W.

    If you want elegant unique , yet very comfortable food for breakfast. THIS IS THE PLACE. My best friend and I went to Cafe Muse after reading a review in the Metro Times. I am a big fan of Cotswold Cheese and buy it frequently, and my husband used it in his eggs. So imagine my surprise when I read the review that Cafe muse serves Grilled Hangar steak with scrambled eggs with Cotswold cheese. Well this alone was worth the trip. So we went. Waited ,and was seated.. here's where you have a MAJOR PROBLEM. The MENU... OH MY WORD. Each selection sounds so amazing, that choosing is difficult. Sweet breakfast or Savory..what do you choose? Well..being that my bff and I have hearty healthy appetites..we found the perfect solution. Each of us orders a savory dish for ourselves. And we share a sweet. And I tell you.. it was the most awesome breakfast EVER IN LIFE. Since my bff and I have made MANY...and I mean ..MANY subsequent visits I will have to just tell you about some of the dishes I have had. The Grilled Hanger Steak with eggs scrambled with Cotswold cheese...AMAZING. The steak is cooked rare, so you may want to ask that it be cooked a little more to your liking. I like mine medium, not too bloody, but with a little "Moo" left in it. The eggs are perfect. Scrambled to perfection. Not too hard, not too soft or runny. The zesty chive to the double gloucester cheese gives the perfect touch . contrast that savory flavor with Ricotta and Lemon Pancakes with a Housemade Blueberry Maple Syrup, and you get that perfect sweet counter balance . I'm all about the balance. The soft sweet delicate pancakes adds a jolly touch to the kid in you that always want the sweet pancakes in the morning , without giving you a sugar rush. Another visit had me trying the Smoked Salmon Scramble with Gruyere & Chives. This dish gives you the feeling and flavor of health with a little decadence . The smoked salmon is light and flaky .. The gruyere cheese makes the eggs tasty and adds to the perfection that the cook has obviously mastered in their treatment of eggs. We countered the savory this time with their absolutely dynamite French Toast Pound Cake. Okay..I need to know..who is the person who thought to coat a thick slice of sweet pound cake in a egg /milk mix, pan fry it... dump powdered sugar on it, and serve it with a side of Hickory smoked maple syrup?.....YOU...ARE...A GENIUS! ..To create this sugar BOMB ( which I LOVE..I have a notorious sweet tooth)... and add that smoky maple flavor with the syrup is simply this restaurant's effort at WORLD DOMINATION...They will win if they keep this up. "How about sides ?" you ask..Chicken, Apple & Gouda Sausage ...Uhh... Bacon-naturally cured. nitrate free. hickory smoked. And those are just the regulars. That's not including delectable "SPECIAL" concoctions like CHEESY LOBSTER GRITS... which I believe is Cafe Muse's effort to dominate my very soul. ... Well..they got it there. I could actually go on and on..but I won't bore you with words .This place is to be Experienced . Ohh..did I mention the Banana's Foster French toast with Nutella?..No... Well that should help you. Cafe muse only has TWO DOWNSIDES.1~ The small intimate space means you will have to wait. This is very hard on one's psyche when you know there are delicious Cheesy Lobster grits awaiting you. But you wait because you know you won't be disappointed. And 2~ Once you have anything on the breakfast menu.. you may never make it to the lunch or dinner menu. I know I haven't. . I even hear and have read they are renowned for their famous and unique Grilled cheese. I'll get there one day.. Just... not right now. My friend and I frequent Cafe Muse regularly . So much so that the owners know we are there just by looking at the orders in the kitchen. And they actually come out and speak to us all the time. So you can imagine that when not just the staff, but the proprietors acknowledge and welcome you, that this place's elegance and unique quality never feels too pretentious or bourgeois. This is the place to go for breakfast.. PERIOD! I have yet to be disappointed .

    (5)

  • Sarah G.

    Shhhhhhh.....lets keep this place on the down low!!! Although, I guess thats kind of a hard thing to do when Oprah and Esquire magazine have both written about it. They just moved down the street to a larger space...and what a great space it is! Beautifully decorated...even down to the tin ceilings in the bathroom. You know what makes me happy? When places have "nice" soap in the bathroom. Not that crappy bad smelling soap that makes you upset that you have to wash your hands. Well here...they have nice, expensive, lovely smelling soap. Than makes me happy :) (ahh...its the little things in life). This is the kind of place that you want to be a regular at. Seriously I think I could eat here every day. Lets start with the staff. The waitress was incredibly friendly. She always had a smile on her face and was more than happy to suggest her favorites. She was super quick...even with a busy lunch crowd and always kept our waters full. Now to the main event...the food. My friend and I must have sat in silence and stared at the menu for a good 10 minutes. We just could not decide what to eat. So many fabulous choices...so little time. Everything sounded delicious. I ended up having breakfast for lunch because how could I turn down stuffed french toast with a pear topping. My friend had the famous grilled cheese with a cup of their soup of the day (today an extremely fresh sweet potato bourbon concoction). Everything was AMAZING. I literally licked my plate clean. The minute I left the restaurant I called at least 3 friends to tell them that they HAVE to come here for a meal...oh wait, wasn't I the one that wanted to keep this place on the down low? oh well. In the words of the Terminator: "I'll be back".

    (5)

  • Marie S.

    Everything is fabulous here. Best coffee in town. If Weston A Price were alive today he would eat at Cafe Muse. Pasture fed meat, fresh farm eggs, HEAVEN!

    (5)

  • Alex M.

    My boyfriend and I recently stopped by for brunch. While the food was pretty good, the service definitely could have been better. We were greeted by a less than friendly hostess, our waitress rushed through our order, talking at the speed of light- obviously in a hurry- and we were kept waiting a good 10 minutes for our check after the plates were cleared... and the place wasn't even that crowded. I had the salmon scramble with toast and while the jam was deliciousss, the salmon was super salty, ick! Even so, I'll probably come back to check out other items on the menu, but I'll cross my fingers we get a different server. ;)

    (3)

  • Stephen D.

    A cozy spot in Royal Oak. My friend had carrot cake pancakes which she loved but couldn't finish. I had a tuna sandwich which was good, I don't know why I went so boring. The lunch menu was varied and the service was fast. Negatives: The waiter was nice but forgot our coffee. The hostess was not friendly, barely acknowledged our existence which is the exact opposite of the role she was paid to perform. Ambiance very nice overall. A little bit of chatty buzz going on but you could make conversation.

    (4)

  • Adam P.

    i've seen rave reviews of this place, and made a special journey crosstown to give it a try. Yes, it was a Saturday morning (actually close to noon-ish), so the accumulation of folks in the entrance didn't come as a surprise. When told that the wait would be "about 30 minutes", we provided my name & ph.# (they said they'd call when our table was available). After killing some time at various nearby merchants, it was nearing the 28 minute mark; so we returned to Café Muse to check on table status. The woman told us that "for some reason" we weren't in the computer (!), but that she "remembered where* we were in the queue, and that there were four parties waiting to be seated ahead of us (?!) even as we reminded her that the forecast was "30 minutes". They assured us we would be seated "as soon as possible" - which involved waiting an additional 27 minutes for a table. There followed a number of varied apologies and explanations/justifications - and it seemed at this point that they put in our order promptly and the food arrived very quickly. However, when my Carnitas Pork Empanadas Scramble arrived with only one empanada (I looked over to a neighboring table where they delivered the same dish with two empanadas), I basically decided they had lost the game. The food was unique and flavorful (very generous egg portion, great texture and composition)...but they flailed and sank in the service, consideration, and consistency that would invite or encourage a return visit. They gave us a free dessert; but at that point it was mere farce.

    (3)

  • Sarah H.

    I am a bit of a grilled cheese and mac n cheese snob and when I heard that a restaurant I would be near had an infamous grilled cheese sandwich, how could I resist? Upon arriving I was delighted by the atmosphere and the staff was very accommodating even with the packed house. I ordered the infamous grilled cheese and was not disappointed. We also happened to order the mac n cheese with crabmeat and was devouring that as we kept eyeing the other orders passing by us to their fortunate dinners. This is worth the trip, and I would make the trip again just to sample the other dishes we saw. My only disappointment was the dressing on the greens that came with the mac n cheese. Not great, but hey, I wasn't there for the balsamic dressing.

    (4)

  • Rod B.

    it was a beautiful saturday morning and we decided to have breakfast, we ordered the egg scramble with smoked salmon - it was perfect, and the stuffed cinnamon toast - it was ok and expensive for 3 slices of 'toast' for 8.50, that was too pricey. Overall, I was giving it 3 stars but the attentive service made it to 4, not to mention the secondary male server prancing his way to refill coffees, I feel like I'm watching Project Runway, and I love it, it adds flava to the place ;-)

    (4)

  • Barbie M.

    can i add like 100 more stars here please!!! cafe muse is the best at everything. service, food, price, coffee!! really truly you could not get any better!!

    (5)

  • Caroline C.

    They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If so, you can strap me up, lock me down, and ship me off to the looney bin. After hearing ravings of Cafe Muse from everyone in the Metro-Detroit area, I've been there three times for dinner, and once in a last-ditch effort for brunch. All visits were, sadly, disappointing. The grilled cheese two ways was not Oprah-Everyone-Gets-A-Car! worthy, and the pumpkin veloutte I had on another occasion was over salted. As for the entrees, the rabbit, duck two-ways, and scallop dishes I tried were all underwhelming - the confit of duck leg was the saddest, most shriveled little leg I've ever seen, and the scallops were undercooked to the point of being blatantly raw inside. My dining companions have experienced undercooked risotto, underseasoned beef, and a lackluster sfuffed pasta dish (if memory serves me correctly, it was ravioli). All in all, both the flavors and technical cooking side of the food left something to be desired. The only saving grace was the mushroom and toast appetizer, which could easily rank as some of the most tasty morsels I've EVER had. Brunch was slightly better, but my exotic mushroom scramble tasted so overpoweringly of butter that it was hard to eat, and defeated the point of ordering it with just egg whites. This is one restaurant that will drive me certifiably insane in my quest to obtain that elusive amazing meal universally experienced by everyone (except for myself and those that are unfortunate enough to dine with me on the occasions above). Sadly, I know once my goldfish-like short term memory kicks in and my bank account recuperates I'll be back again like an abused housewife - maybe 5th time is the charm??

    (2)

  • Karol C.

    Love Cafe Muse! If you haven't tried it, you should. Breakfast options are fabulous and tasty. For lunch, have the grilled cheese and their mushroom soup.... Amazing!

    (5)

  • Jenny Z.

    delicious food. I had the salmon with eggs, whatever it was called, and the jam and toast it came with was amazing as well. I really like this place, it's a little pricey, certainly not a bargain place, but well worth it. I think the food is high quality, and decor looks great. Overall, I would definitely return here for breakfast/lunch. Dinner looks a bit overpriced for me. Note: we had to wait 30 minutes to get in on a sunday (lunch time), I would recommend reservations for popular times.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    Cafe Muse isn't really a cafe in the sense of coffee and tea. It's a great, quiet place to grab lunch (or breakfast, in my case) and read a book. I like Royal Oak in the morning. I'm so used to the hassle of the nights, the screaming drunks, the cops, the vomit in the middle of the street... Mornings are different, and Cafe Muse caters to that. I heard good things about everything on the menu, and I just had to give it a try. The only other place I've had such a great breakfast was at Angelo's in Ann Arbor. That's saying a lot! The Rum Raisin Pancakes were absolutely delicious. I haven't had rum in a breakfast dish before... let alone pancakes. It won't get you drunk, but it'll definitely put a smile on your face! Unfortunately, the pancakes are all I have to go by. However, it made my day off, and that's good enough to make it a place I want to visit again and again.

    (5)

  • Tiffany D.

    This is an updated review since Cafe Muse has moved, gained a liquor license and has started the dinner menu (soft open). They've kept the charm, the friendly service, and the standout food. The rotating specials menu include the world-famous grilled cheese with braised short ribs. I got it on the multi-grain bread and this sandwich melts in your mouth. I would not shut up about this sandwich for three weeks after. I wanted to order three more (and not be judged for it). Also special mention on the specials menu: the lobster grits. Do not miss those. The Thursday afternoon we went the crowd was steady but not crowded, and the mimosas were perfect. I felt like my waitress was my best friend. I WANT TO MOVE INTO CAFE MUSE. And I haven't even been for brunch yet.

    (5)

  • Jackson R.

    I went to Cafe Muse with some friends from high school I hadn't seen in awhile. One of my friends had been there before and suggested it, saying they have great grilled cheese that was featured on Oprah. She posted a picture of the grilled cheese on my facebook, and it looked heavenly. So we get there and put our name in. The waiting area for a table was a little awkward. There was a curtain blocking off a little corner by the door like they might have in the entrance to a room in a Dr.'s office exam room (except the curtain was fancy) with a little seating for while you wait. It wasn't uncomfortable, just weird. It was a Friday for lunch but we didn't have to wait too long so the awkward waiting area wasn't a problem. When we got seated, we had a table near the window, that was actually right next to the curtain. We were then realized the genius of the awkward curtain waiting area, because it did not feel like we were next to the door at all and made it a really cozy spot with a nice view So when we ordered, the only question really was whether I was going to have chips or pasta salad with my grilled cheese and what kind of bread. I chose multi-grain bread and pasta salad. The grilled cheese was heavenly. I could not have dreamed up a more delicious sandwich. The bread was great. Grilled to the perfect crispiness and not too greasy. The sandwich had 3 cheeses--fontina, havarti and mozerella--and also a little tomato and basil. The tomato was really fresh and sweet. But the kicker was the fact that they add a little honey inside the sandwich. I will always put honey in grilled cheese after that because it was heavenly. The sandwich was perfect and surprisingly light for a grilled cheese. The pasta salad was also delicious. It was pretty simple, but the dressing was good and it had some sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Really light and perfect with the grilled cheese. One of my friends got the exact same thing I did, the other got a sandwich that had sandwich with turkey, pesto, fontina cheese, lettuce and tomato that looked really good (even though I don't eat meat). They also had a toasted peanut butter, jam and mascarpone sandwich, which sounded amazing and I'd love to try next time, if i can bring myself not to order the grilled cheese or find someone to split both. According to my friend, they have great breakfast too, which they serve all day. Everything looked great, and they had the breakfast menu separated into "sweet" and "savory". I also noticed they have vegan options, which I always appreciate since I used to be vegan and just moved from Portland, where vegan options are much easier to find than they usually are here. So it was an overall great place to eat and I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Heather L.

    Cafe Muse is a favorite of mine. Although I have to admit, I ALWAYS order the grilled cheese (and honey is now a staple in our homemade grilled cheeses!) with some sort of soup or salad side and a green tea with cinnamon and cardomom. Yesterday's soup was exotic mushroom bisque, and from previous posts, you will know I am a lover of the 'shroom. The side salad was cold curry basmati rice with fruit, the 3 friends I was with opted for a side salad instead, boy was that a mistake on their part. My only complaint was the rice was a little clumpy. For dessert we split a butterscotch pudding which was very good. My only complaint with this visit is that our service/server was not as good as what I have come to know at Cafe Muse, but the meal was FABulous!

    (4)

  • Sara G.

    My muses are usually Euterpe and Polyhymnia, but earlier today they were replaced by Gastrolioppe, Lunchfastia and Cappuccino. I can't believe I finally made it here! Cafe Muse has been on my list for a while but its hours of operation made it somewhat prohibitive (funny how when I weekend on this side of town, I never get going until 2pm). They're a bit pricey but the food is fresh. I ordered the smoked salmon gruyere scramble. The free range eggs were creamy and fluffy. Free range does make a difference. The slab o' salmon (not nova) came served on top (I thought it was going to be mixed in). The atmosphere didn't move me when we first arrived, but fortunately by the time we had finished our meal, the crowd had changed substantially. For a minute there I thought I was in B'ham. Another great personal touch: one of the owners came and chatted with us about our dining experience and inquired if we had any fabulous NYE plans...which we do now (we didn't at that moment). Their coffee and espresso were quite excellent and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they heat their cream/milk. Veddy nice touch. Tootsie rolls and mints come along with your check. Sweet!

    (4)

  • Traci A.

    Today was my third time at Cafe Muse - and they consistently exceed my expectations! I had the Ammoglio Sauce Scramble with Fresh Mozzarella (made with Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic & olive oil) which came with a portion of fingerling potatoes, fruit and multi-grain toast. The ammoglio sauce was fresh and really flavorful. I can never pronounce it though - but the waiter was kind enough to correct me - in a nice way. :) My friend Ann had a cream of tomato soup with a salad of Organic greens and goat cheese which she enjoyed. During my first visit, I had Cafe Muse's famous Grilled Cheese: havarti cheese, honey and tomato (revered by Oprah's best friend Gayle) and it lived up to its reputation. The only mediocre food we've had during one visit was the steak and eggs - my husband didn't care for the marinade on the meat. Cafe Muse does a fantastic job of thinking about all the details. Everything feels high-end - but for a reasonable price - from serving really nice teas with honey on the side - to the heavyweight cutlery and cloth napkins. One other detail I love is that - even though there is almost always a line to wait for a table - Cafe Muse will take your cell phone number and call you when your table is ready. This allows you to walk around the streets of Royal Oak and enjoy yourself, instead of standing in a crowded line. On some occasions, my husband and I go across the street to Gayles and have a coffee during the wait, which makes it go quickly. But the wait is always worth it.

    (4)

  • matt o.

    NOTE - this is a dinner rating only. Breakfast is 4-5 stars every time. So I love the dinner menu. Has tons of innovative dishes with local and exotic elements BUT they haven't quite got the execution down. Here's the run down... Chanterelle appetizer was very good - local micro bulbs were tasty and unique. Short ribs were a little overcooked and dry. Gnocchi was way too dense but had a very nice sauce. Salted butterscotch pudding had a strange texture, a little grainy. It's not the same level a their flawless bfast but I'm sure will improve. They are only 3 wks into serving it. I will be back for dinner but will probably wait a bit. Service was great as always, although a little salesy. I think they are still seeing how economically viable a dinner service is.

    (3)

  • Theresa T.

    I just want to start by saying that I was here for dinner, unlike most of the people reviewing this place. And btw, I'd love to go back for brunch if I have the chance. Everything we had was GOOD! Appetizers, good (stuffed dates if you want your bacon and sausage, plus a hint of their famous grilled cheese in appetizer form). Coffee, good. All 3 entrees, delicious (so they were duck, lamb and rabbit). Butterscotch pudding with toffee, whipped cream and sea salt--definitely memorably delicious though not sure if I would've said "life-altering" like our server did. And their service was great~they were super attentive although it could have been especially so since they weren't busy. The place itself is very cute and the atmosphere is nice for a night out but I could see where the size of the place could be a problem if it was busy. Overall, worth coming to multiple times if you are willing to pay for some good food and have good company. I'm putting in that it's "classy" because a customer in there while we were there was openly and loudly complaining that of the many beers and wines they have, they don't have Bud light...in case this matters to anyone reading this.

    (5)

  • Hilary D.

    So much was right tonight...service was smooth and elegant, waiter looked like James Dean. Bread was warm and almost bisquity... hot date appetizer beautifully spiced... Burger perfectly cooked with my favorite brioche style roll...lamb shanks :excellent:.... very few quibbles... but here goes... sooooo easy to make your own catsup to go with the quality of the rest of the meal.... nothing worse than the old heinz squeezed out a jar ice cold... seems like a small detail... but trust me it counts... only other real negative... noise levels horrible... no way around it I guess... but this was just what we were looking for a small original restaurant, with excellent food, moderate prices, charmingly quirky decor. and handsome , charming.waiters.. can't wait to go back!

    (4)

  • heather t.

    First off after being seated at our table we were not greeted by any waitress for at least 15 minutes. I did order the grilled cheese and I could have made it better. Awards? I don't see it. They didn't even have a tomato soup option. That's like no peanut butter to accompany the jam on a sandwich. I also had the pasta salad of the day- very few noodles, too many dried tomatoes and unreal amount of garlic. Would I come back? Eh not in my top 10 places to return!! Disappointed

    (2)

  • Rachel E.

    Wonderful place with a great menu, good service, reasonable prices and cute atmosphere. Brunch was fabulous, though I liked the savory brunch dishes much more than the sweet ones of what I had. On my visit... I really liked how they took our names and phone number and called us when a table was ready. It was great to be able to walk around town instead of staying within 100 ft of the restaurant. Plus we were seated way before they said we would be. Service was good, though the waitstaff were clearly kept very busy by the crowd during brunch. The food is all local and fresh and (I believe) organic. Which made the food really really awesome. Plus, they have mimosas with FRESH SQEEZED orange juice and really fantastic bloody mary's (try the pickle juice one if you like zesty dill pickles!). Everything was awesome and I have no complaints at all. If I'm ever back in the Detroit area, I will be coming back FOR SURE.

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    Food is always amazing, service is usually good! Love this place!!

    (4)

  • Marco D.

    I'm officially on the lam after a string of really crappy breakfast experiences. I am actually writing this a month after the fact. Better late than never. I went to Cafe muse for Breakfast. Here is why Cafe Muse separates itself from boutique breakfast places. It isn't trying to be a eclectic place for people to indulge in every once i a while. The menu is creative but is very simple. And thats where they do it right. The service was good and attentive. We sat outside, which was good because the dining room was jammed with patrons. So we got a great meal and some nice morning sun. The website had a photo of Gail, Oprah's "friend" wink wink nudge nudge - but that didn't detour us from trying the Muse. Cuz we brave like that. I got the cinnamon raisin french toast which came with real maple syrup. Which is good because I am a maple syrup snob. We also got a special of the day french toast. I think it was some kind of "turtle" french toast. It was decadent and fat inducing goodness. We got home and it was siesta time. I'll be back. werd.

    (4)

  • JP R.

    As a foodie, I was scared to be assigned to a work project in Troy, MI. Quality food, great service, comforting ambiance, this place has it all. They have something for everyone on the menu and are not afraid to make edits that will accommodate any request. Consistency is the key to success in the restaurant business and this being our second trip here, Cafe Muse has amazingly pleased my palate and made the trip to Detroit a lot easier.

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    I was excited to finally try this place out after hearing many good things from fellow Yelpers and friends. It did not disappoint! We got extremely lucky in that we got a table on a Saturday morning with about a 5 minute wait. It was so hard deciding on a dish, but I ended up ordering a crab meat with english muffin and eggs on top...a delight! I also loved the sweet potato mashed as an different breakfast potato. My friends both ordered the huvero rancheros and loved it! I cannot wait to go back and try more things.

    (4)

  • Kathleen L.

    Cafe Muse always hits the spot!! I travel a lot for work and I enjoy coming home and eating at Cafe Muse. I love the variety of specials they offer with fresh ingredients and the friendly and prompt service.

    (5)

  • M S.

    Love, love, love this place. Numerous breakfasts and brunches, all warm fuzzy memories! Took my parents one time and they loved it too. The famous grilled cheese is delish, the steak and eggs are decadent, the salmon and gruyere eggs are to die for. Brunch is one of my favorite, bonding-y-est meals, and brunch at Muse, with its delicious eclectic and fanciful menu is extra special. Cons: fingerling potatoes often too oily for enjoyment. Wait times can be long. The truffle oil (which is a menu staple) can often be excessive, and not in a good way. In fact, the eggs are often too heavy to enjoy, and I can't fathom why. I'm all for rich food, but it shouldn't get in the way of enjoying my (pricey) meal. I also find their coffee could be smoother. That being said, I still give the place 4 stars - another star once those issues are addressed :)

    (4)

  • Julia A.

    My day is usually so boring without coffee, specially espresso, I have found Cafe Muse through an ad, it looked nice then i decided to give it a visit and I'm so glad that i did. I tried brownie Cake, which was very delicious with ice cream, then I had the most amazing espresso i ever had in my life, now i can't stop going there again and again, it was awesome and highly recommended

    (5)

  • Ragan D.

    Breakfast is great. I have had it several mornings in a row recently. Everything tastes really good. I went there with my two-year-old and 5-month-old. I felt bad because it says on here that this is not the place to take kids. However, everyone there was very friendly with me and the children and they do have a children's menu so I am not sure why it is not listed as kid-friendly. It is a small, very nice restaurant so of course you wouldn't expect kids to be running crazy, but they don't mind children at all. I appreciate that!

    (4)

  • yakob j.

    Can i think of any better brunch in Royal Oak, i think not. I've been going to Cafe Muse since it opened, I love the cafe style eatery, one of a kind in Royal Oak. I love to bring friends here. Lots of N/A drink options, and the coffee is always perfect. Food is great but the menu is small, but that's to be expected for such a small operation. Servers are very friendly although it's often very busy ( especially weekends, and especially in the summer). The Manager/owner is a great guy with a huge smile. This is my number one spot in downtown R.O., and has been for a while. I suggest the Salmon Scrabble, the Salmon sandwich, Fruit covered Vanilla Bean Waffles, or the French Toast . Flour less Chocolate Cake is pretty tasty too. p.s. They give you a twizzler or tootsie roll on the check presenter, now isn't that sweet! : )

    (4)

  • Michelle L.

    All you really need to know: order the grilled cheese (regular or short ribs). If you go with another person, just order both and share. Their other items are delicious as well, but really the grilled cheese is the best. I've had brunch as well, but nothing seems to measure up to the grilled cheese. I could write more, but none of it matters really...just get the grilled cheese ;)

    (4)

  • Nina B.

    Went here for a second time this past weekend.....had to wait 20 minutes for a table for 2 on a Sunday morning, which wasn't terrible, considering the wait for some other breakfast places in the area on Sunday. We got a cozy table indoors this time due to the heat. I found their interior to be charming and relaxing. Once we were seated, everything sped up from there. I ordered their cappuccino, which they make to perfection. This time, I decided to try the scramble with the chicken sausage and gouda. This turned out to be an excellent choice. The gouda gave a special "kick" but was not overwhelming. We did order a side of bacon, which came after we had already finished eating breakfast. We told the waitress to cancel the order for the bacon when we noticed that it never came. She did, but the chef "wanted us to have" the bacon anyway, and didn't charge us for it, which I thought was a nice touch. Once again, Cafe Muse did not disappoint when it came time to fresh, delicious food and excellent service.

    (5)

  • victoria z.

    I go to cafe muse at least once a week! My loves, 1. they have a nice selection of vegan options. 2. I have never had anything disliked from cafe muse. 3. the service is always prompt 4. they have an amazing selection of beverages,I love their peach nectar with a cup of coffee. I love their specials! Normally when I go I order a coffee ( they steam your creamer) , a glass of peach nectar, and the plain jane scramble. This comes with slice of toast, eggs with chives and cheese mixed in, and either garlic fingerling potatoes or sweet potatoes. I am a huge fan of the sweet potatoes. Other dishes my friends would recommend, the chicken salad, the Ammoglio eggs, which is served with fresh Mozzarella, and basil. Also we tried the potato pancake special on Wednesday and it was heaven. It was two rich potato cakes, laying beneath a fried egg. It was complex in flavor, and didn't leave you feeling heavy. The only reason's I'm not giving muse a 5, are for their limited seating, and the bread. Although they use good quality fresh bread, they only offer sour dough, rye, and multigrain, and all three options are very though and almost too crunchy to eat, they also only give you one slice of bread with your meal, but a huge thing of jam or nutella, which is always way more then you can put on the bread given. I would also like too say I continuously support cafe muse, for their use of local ingredients, as well as organic, or free range ingredients. I also love the jam they use, bonne maman. Over all if you are looking for a great breakfast, or lunch this is the place to go! I love bringing my vegan friends, and meat eating friends a like because there is something for everyone. Try it you won't be disappointed!

    (4)

  • martha r.

    I have edited my last review of Cafe' Muse, after hearing from the owners regarding a" little issue" -which my guest and I considered major. I have since removed that detail (out of professional courtesy and kindness on my part). As, for now the edited part will remain as such. I am a woman of my word-- I have even given them a solution to the problem. Twice; on the day when the problem was brought to their attention and by email response. I will be returning to Cafe' Muse--to give them one last chance. If the problem still exists, I will be Yelping for all to see . Here's hoping it was a truly isolated incident. You will be reading about it here.

    (2)

  • Adam K.

    Cafe Muse was one of those places that makes Yelp.com awesome. I was in Detroit for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals and wanted to find a good place for breakfast/lunch, err...brunch...I guess. So, I whipped out my blackberry, went to yelp.com (mobile version) and typed in "breakfast." I like to compare the star rating (obviously) and the total number of reviews. Cafe Muse was rated a 4.5 and had a decent amount of reviews. So....Cafe Muse was where we went! Upon arrival we requested a table outside, unfortunately there was a wait involved but the hostess kindly asked for my phone number and said she would call me as soon as a table became available. Sure enough, 20 minutes later our table was ready. We were seated immediately and a server promptly came up and took our drink orders. My friend got an iced coffee or whatever and I decided to enjoy just a regular old cup of coffee. I can honestly say that my coffee was awesome! I would love to comment on my friends iced coffee but instead of drinking it, she decided that it would be better off filling her purse than quenching her thirst.... The staff at Cafe Muse could not have been more attentive during our little accident. They brought about a million and a half napkins and all was well......except for an unfortunate blackberry. The food was absolutely spectacular! I ordered the steak and eggs which was amazing. The steak was cooked to perfection and the eggs had some snooty-named cheese mixed in and was equally as tasty. I forgot what my friend had but she loved it as well. All in all, our experience at Cafe Muse will never be forgotten, and if given the opportunity, I would return in a heartbeat. A true 5 star restaurant!

    (5)

  • Barb C.

    I was thinking about the restaurant's name: Cafe Muse. Whose muse? The chef's? Owner's? Does the muse speak through the food, or the total experience? From what I could perceive, it's a total experience muse that encompasses the menu and the ambiance. The decor was smart yet kind of understated -- not too frou-frou, which is what I feared after I heard about the menu. I did not get the grilled three cheese sandwhich of high acclaim. I ordered a mushroom scramble with truffle oil and boursin cheese. The eggs (fresh) were light, high, and not overly dry. They also had a buttery taste, which I was told was probably due to the heavy cream in them. The mushrooms were delightful sauteed in truffle oil, with just a hint of wine. The entire dish included a sprinkling of fleur de sel. The finginerling potatoes were smoky and almost meaty. When a chef or owner has a vision, and the vision comes through in the dining room, it's a beautiful thing. This restaurant is not terribly expensive, just masculine enough for comfort, serves its fantastic breakfasts all day long, and in all ways follows its muse. It's a beautiful thing.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth M.

    Fantastic place for breakfast! Best tofu omlette i have ever had!! Good: Great staff, great food, great environment. Great place to take a med. sized group. Very nice decor Great chai tea latte. Bad: Prices are a little high - they could easily come down a buck or two on the standard menu items. There will be a wait! prepare for it!!

    (4)

  • Jennifer B.

    I will admit that I first heard of Café Muse because I have a friend that loves Oprah, and the first time we were here I ordered the grilled cheese solely because of the "Oprah connection." So I guess I should say "Thanks, Oprah!" because I loved the grilled cheese and everything else I've had here since then. I always try to convince my friends to go after 11 (when they start serving lunch) just so I can have the grilled cheese - that is how awesome I think it is. But when we go earlier and I have to order off of the breakfast menu, I haven't been disappointed. Everything has an interesting twist - basil and honey in the grilled cheese, ricotta and lemon pancakes, salmon and gruyere in the scrambled eggs. This is not the place to come if you just want 2 eggs over easy with bacon and hash browns. They do get crowded on the weekends, but I think they take reservations now.

    (5)

  • Denise C.

    Recently went to Cafe Muse for dinner to celebrate a birthday with friends. Top-notch experience. I've been there before for dinner and breakfast, and never left disappointed. Muse is excellent, hands down. The mushroom soup is to die for and the mains were great! Great scallops with risotto this time, great vegetarian special last time. My other half had duck the last time, and said it was perfect, this time had sockeye salmon on sweet potatoes. The pairings of foods are really interesting... see later for desert. Quantity-wise, the portions were right-sized (I'm not a fan of getting a ton of food for a sit-down meal, only to feel compelled to take half of it home....). Dessert, the butterscotch pudding with chocolate and sea-salt was interesting (nice pairing - I haven't had sea salt on dessert before) - so good, in fact that we've not had anything else on the desert menu! Maybe next time we will try something different... if they are out of butterscotch pudding :) Service was also excellent - attentive, knowledgeable, polite and professional - Beth, I think? For the class of food, the prices were also very reasonable... considering we had a couple of bottles of wine (from their great wine list). Add to all this that a lot of the food is locally produced! In my opinion, Cafe Muse is the best food in Royal Oak, and right up there in the best in the Detroit area.

    (5)

  • SJ S.

    The original locale was cozy, and the new place allows for even more diners, still keeping that warm atmosphere. Breakfast at the old place was the best in Royal Oak and I've heard great things about their lunch. So a girlfriend and I -- with toddlers in tow -- decided to meet for a Friday lunch. Local business people filled the majority of seats, but we had no wait for a table. We both ordered brunch. They even had a gourmet kids menu (expect to pay a lot more than typical kid places. But, hey, your kid deserves a good meal, too.) They use the best gourmet ingredients. Not just any old omelet or sandwich. Service is always friendly and it's nice to see the owner present and checking to make sure everyone is happy (employees and eaters).

    (5)

  • Alicia L.

    The menu is huge and filled with unique and creative (and seemingly healthy) goodies, especially of the sweet variety. The specials menu alone is two pages! This is one of those places where you tell the waiter to come back for you order several times and still never get closer to narrowing down your choices, too many things are appealing. I eventually settled on the grilled cheese (yeah yeah, but I HAD to) and my Dining Companion got one of the specials, fried eggs over corned beef. My grilled cheese was awesome, just as advertised. Even the orange juice was extra special and tasty, I powered through two large glasses and could have gone for more. Strange maybe, I know, but you never care about the little things like that until they are just perfection. The service was fantastic, from the hostess to the waitstaff. I didn't even mind the hour (or longer) wait, because they offered to call your mobile phone when the table was ready. And of course, it was definitely worth the wait. If I lived in the area, this would be the place to have my regular birthday brunch, it's just that kind of place that makes an occasion seem extra-special. On second thought, airline prices are going down....

    (5)

  • Yikes T.

    Finally: a really good meal, nice ambiance, and good service. Would definitely go again. Shrimp salad had nice sized shrimp on delicious bread. The warm goat-cheese salad was terrific. Skip the rice pudding though -- it was pretty awful unless you like under-cooked rice.

    (4)

  • Anne H.

    This is our favorite place for brunch. And it's now our favorite place for dinner. I think they just started serving dinner and when we dined there we were blown away at the meal we had. The staff is great and the sommelier really knows his wines without being pretentious. They have things on the menu that are different, but not so different you're scared to try them. It's a place where you feel like they genuinely care about the clientele and the food. It's not a place to get fed, the prices are about the same as Forest Grill, Eve etc... One thing I'd love to see is a bar. It would be a fun place to have a drink.

    (5)

  • Paul K.

    Arguably, the best food in the downtown area. The next poor--or even average--meal that I have there will be the first. The service is attentive, the ingredients top notch, and there's always something worth trying on the wine/beer list. (Additionally, my wife is vegan, and there is never a shortage of options for her, as well, particularly for brunch/lunch). With their recent expansion to dinner service, Cafe Muse has only gotten better. Their "Duck Two Ways" (grilled breast served atop a duck leg and sausage cassoulet) is a great place to start. MY wife opted for polenta with roasted root vegetables and farro. Everything was perfectly prepared, served piping hot, and left you asking for more of their--also tasty--whole grain bread to clean your plate. Just go. Now.

    (5)

  • Amy B.

    So much good as already been said about this place (and it is as good as the full reviews say) what more can I add except this: Sandwiches are $7-8. So why are you still eating at Panera?

    (4)

  • Chris L.

    I've been going to Cafe Muse for a few years now and I'm so happy they moved from their original spot. When they were by the railroad tracks, going there in the winter was impossible - whenever someone opened the door it felt like old man winter farted on your face. Now, it's in a much larger space, which, like a previous reviewer mentioned, makes it a little less intimate, but I think the trade off is worth it. Food wise, I've always been a huge fan of their vanilla bean waffle with fresh fruit and whipped cream. My standard though is the exotic mushroom scramble with boursin and truffle oil. I also usually get a side order of their sausages, which are tasty, too. I have yet to try order anything else, because I love those two dishes so much. I can't recall ever having any service issues here. Waiting for a table can get crazy long on the weekends, but they can take your phone number so you can walk around if that's your preference.

    (5)

  • MichiganFoodie S.

    As many people have already stated, the grilled cheese is phenomenal. It would be even better if they had some tomato soup to go with it. Regardless, the creativity and freshness of all the dishes here is refreshing. If you are into tea, I also recommend their green tea with honey. The ambiance is nice, price is on the higher end, and service is usually mediocre - but they have lots of interesting vegan/vegetarian options. Unfortunately, on multiple occasions my meal has not been so great - usually when I go for dinner. The Coq au Vin a got a couple days ago was nothing but bones - to the point I was unable to eat my meal. If you do decide to try Cafe Muse, stick with the tried and true options off their brunch menu: grilled cheese, sweet potato hash, and green tea. I will be back to try the cinnamon raisin french toast others have raved about.

    (4)

  • Henry B.

    Heyo! It's a hidden sliver of a restaurant on Washington. I didn't see it the first time we went there. I picked the place for 10 of us to have lunch because it got a lot of good reviews on Yelp. Tip #1: Make a reservation if you plan on going. The place is not that big and it tends to fill pretty quickly. Tip #2: Don't go here if you're looking for typical food. This is place you want to go to try out more unique menu items. You can't even get a ceasar salad here. Tip #3: Don't be in a hurry here. You have to make time to have their award winning, Oprah-approved grilled cheese sandwich, followed by a cup of Earl Grey tea, and maybe dessert. This will get you the full experience of the atmosphere and time to appreciate the flavors that Cafe Muse has to offer. You MUST go here if you're a foodie and you want to slow down the day a bit.

    (4)

  • Ann M.

    Best brunch and lunch place around.

    (5)

  • Brent A.

    Really impressed with the whole package. Food was tasty from a diverse and intriguing menu. Service was top notch, attentive, and knowledgeable. Wait was longer than I'd like but given the amount of business they do with the brunch crowd that's understandable and excused.

    (5)

  • Kelly S.

    Great food - have been to Muse a couple dozen times for lunch and breakfast. Good for kids, they shaped the pancake like a dinosaur, which she still talks about. The grilled cheese is awesome for lunch and for breakfast I always order something with berries, because they are always so fresh!

    (4)

  • Melanie S.

    Brunch today with a party of four. Should have called ahead for a reservation because the wait was estimated at 1.25 hours. Fortunately waited only 45 minutes. Since it was pleasant waited outside and asked for a cappuccino. It never came which necessitated a second request. It came and it was delicious. Table opened and we had mascarpone filled french toast, simple scrambled eggs with chive, steak and eggs. The toast was fresh and wonderful. All of the food was great and this place has the best coffee outside of my kitchen! Highly recommended! Call for a reservation so you won't be disappointed. They do have a bar and alcohol. serves until 3pm then reopens in the evening with an entirely different menu. Definately all three meals should be explored. Great service staff.

    (4)

  • Tina T.

    I honestly don't see what all the hype about this place is. We tried to eat there once and couldn't get in at lunch time because there weren't enough servers so they weren't seating all the tables. The next time we went in, the highly regarded grilled cheese was my choice dish and it was in fact pretty delicious but the service was slow and horrible. The last time I went in, I got the crab and macaroni and cheese and it was just okay, I would not order it again. The service was again mediocre at best. However, the decor is cute, the bathrooms are clean and unique. The soaps, etc are a nice touch. I am open minded to trying more of the food as I am certain its tasty but the service so far has just stunk!

    (3)

  • Cassandra H.

    Try it. It doesn't disappoint. Enough said.

    (5)

  • Milton G.

    All I can say is excellent excellent excellent from the waitress to the food. I had Rachell as my waitress and her customer service was excellent I had the stuffed French toast and it was very tasteful and the presentation of the dish was very well prepared, my wife had the short rib sandwich and it was absolutely delicious a must have. The bathroom was very clean and the dining area was very clean also this is a place you must visit and get Rachell as your waitress she really knows her stuff and very friendly.

    (5)

  • Matthew D.

    Tried out the new location and it was good... it has lost that small, you're in on the secret, type atmosphere that the other one had. but growth is a good thing, so i was on board with it. They moved from a great small spot to a great large spot. The seating is somewhat tight but not cramped, we sat at a two seater next to another two seater with a couple who's conversation we never picked up on... something I'm very aware of and nervous about when I sit anywhere but a booth. doggie treats greeting you outside the door is always a friendly touch.

    (5)

  • Christina C.

    Do yourself a favor - call ahead for reservations!!! My boyfriend and I love cafe muse. The only gripe I have is from our last visit there. We put our name on the wait list and were told 35 minutes. An hour and 5 minutes passed and we were finally sat. My opinion - don't save tables of 4 for a party of 4 to come in (no reserved sign.) Sit everybody in order to save yourself from hungry and grumpy clients. Gripe aside, I love their creative flavor pairings and often order something from their special of the day list. If not special of the day, their salmon scramble is super tasty.

    (4)

  • Tomas T.

    They had me at Hello. This was one of my favorite restaurants in Detroit area. The Ingredients are spectacular. I had the grilled cheese and my friend at the mac and cheese cooked with truffle oil. The food was amazing. This restaurant is located along the hustle and bustle of Royal Oak and when you walk in you can see just how crammed people are willing to get to eat great food. You walk in and literally are almost standing on top of people. There is no room to wait, but the food is well worth the discomfort. The portions are perfect sized and you literally will close your eyes to savor each bite of food. This place is something else. I am interested to see what happens when they move to their new location. I assume it will not be good, because every restaurant I have been to that moves to a much bigger location, turns out to be a losing proposition. but for now, the food is so worth the trip. but only if you have taste.

    (5)

  • Kit C.

    Great, great meal. Visited for the second time last night. I cannot gush enough about the food and the setting. First things first, the hostess greats you with actual warmth and a great attitude. While there were only 2 of us she was happy to let us sit at a four top. The menus are chock full of great things. The grilled cheese appetizer is excellent. Just enough to get you wanting more. And unlike many other places, the appetizers are quite cheap. Our drink orders were timely taken. And happy day they serve Valentine's Vodka. The martini was beautifully prepared with great blue cheese stuffed olives. I have paid up to $18 for good vodka, so the $8 for the Valentine's was cheap and appreciated. For entrees I had the lamb. Hands down the best lamb i have had in a long time. Cooked rare as I requested, the lamb chops were meaty and tender. Seriously delicious. My guest was also very happy with his meal. Cafe Muse is obviously a labor of love. I appreciated the esprit de corps of the entire staff. This is a friendly place, which is nice since RO can sometimes be to cool for school .

    (5)

  • Kimberly J.

    Why is this place so highly acclaimed? Everything about it is cheap and third-rate from the goopy and underdone food to the cheap mimosas and the horrendous decor. Perhaps the main reason why we won't return is the surly waitress who completely put a downer on our brunch mood. We had to constantly ask the bus boys or other waitstaff to find her for the most basic things (ordering, bringing our drinks, and the check... she disappeared for thirty minutes after a runner brought our food and never came to ask if everything was alright. Another waiter brought the sides that she forgot). The place was only half full and there were several other waiters attending to the tables around us. The change for our bill came out to slightly over 20%, so I told her to keep it (I always tip 20%) and she just stuffed it in her pocket and walked away. No 'thank you'. She's a thicker girl with dark hair, tattoos, and a sour puss look on her face. She probably won't be in the service industry much longer. After that experience I'm now happy to brave the lines at Beverly Hills Grill or Original for better food and service. Yuck.

    (1)

  • Tina G.

    overpriced for what you get, not going back

    (2)

  • Jess T.

    Cafe Muse has intrigued me since we moved to Michigan, I mean they have one of the best sandwiches in America. We had friends come and visit for a weekend and I thought we should go to Cafe Muse for Sunday brunch. Even though it was Sunday around 11:30/noon we did not have to wait as long as I thought we would. I had the plain jane scramble and thought it was quite good, the toast and jam were equally good. Dustin had the famous grilled cheese and a cup of tomato curry soup. The grilled cheese it what you would expect, its a trio of good quality cheese with a little extra love from the tomato, basil, and honey. But the general consensus was that the tomato soup stole the show! It was a spicy tomato curry broth with potato and other veggies - This they should have on the menu all the time! Its a little pricey to go often, but you can definitely tell that your money is going to high quality ingredients.

    (4)

  • Sarah G.

    Awesome. Food was absolutely wonderful. Just as a precaution; it is /very/ busy, so service can be a little bit slow, but it's well worth the wait for the fantastic food. My family sampled a wide variety of items on the menu, and we loved every bit of it. I would highly recommend Cafe Muse.

    (5)

  • Nancy S.

    My daughter brought me here for mother's day brunch. Ridiculously expensive and the food was cold and not that great. She spent so much money that I felt guilty for not liking it and pretended I did. No wonder she was easily able to get reservations when she couldn't at her other favorite spots.

    (1)

  • Guillermo K.

    Terrific place for brunch and lunch. Good service, good food. Short rib sandwich, seafood grits -- delicious.

    (4)

  • Melanie J.

    I am slightly obsessed with brunch and Cafe Muse is my absolute favorite place to fulfill this obsession. I typically make it a point to try somewhere new each weekend, but I find myself drawn back to Cafe Muse time and time again. The menu offers perfect breakfast and lunch options, but I always go for breakfast (although I would like to try the grilled cheese someday). My favorite menu option is the exotic mushroom scramble with boursin cheese, but I have tried several of the specials as well like the huevos rancheros scramble and the granola pancakes. I have never had something that I didn't like. The eggs are so fluffy and dreamy; I have never experienced such egg perfection. (They are enhanced with ingredients such as cream and milk, so the lactose intolerant beware.) I typically do not enjoy flavored iced tea, but their tropical fruit iced tea has won me over. They also have a fabulous collection of hot teas that are always delicious. Although the new location does not feel quite as quaint as the original, it still offers that warm and fuzzy ambiance (with half the wait). The ingredients are fresh and unique and the staff is always right on. As much as I would like to keep this place to myself, it's a place that everyone should visit.

    (5)

  • amanda z.

    Went there today again for brunch. We had not been there sense they opened the new side which looks beautiful. The service and all the staff and food are always fantastic. We were a little dissapointed however in one thing, which I never thought I would be able to say about Muse. It may sound petty but one of the reasons I like going there is for the great coffee drinks, especially the cappuccinos. Today we were pretty dissapointed because we both ordered a cappuccino and they looked as if they were a shot of espresso. They used to put them in normal nice big coffee mugs that would take me my whole meal to finish, now it was served in a little tiny cup half filled with foam and three sips of actual cappuccino which I finished before my meal came (which always comes perfect and very quickly by the way). When I asked the waitress about it she said that has been a common complaint lately and she gracially took them off our bill without us even asking. When we left we went across the street to get coffee. I really wish they would change that back because I would not order it again and it is the only complaint I have ever had about Muse, but otherwise this is still my absolute favorite place to eat.

    (4)

  • Audrey C.

    Best grilled cheese!! A great place to go for lunch with friends or a dinner date.

    (5)

  • Troy D.

    Just brilliant. Five star service, food, and a overall experience. Would recommend getting reservations if you are planning on trying it for dinner, as everybody seems to know how awesome it is. Expect to drop some coin, but you will not be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Kalyn M.

    Now THIS place is really something special. The quality of the food is impeccable. The atmosphere is very cute, sophisticated and romantic. The menu is refined yet understandable by the every day person. I've been here many times and have never been disappointed. Perfect for all meals. Prices are fair. The waitstaff is great. Reservations definitely recommended unless you want to wait a while. That's not always a bad thing seeing as how it's surrounded by cute shops and boutiques.

    (5)

  • Chad B.

    Very overrated. Oprah, who eats about anything, recommended the grilled cheese and is the only reason this place gets any hype. All they did was add honey to the grilled cheese, which in my opinion tastes like garbage. I can make a better grilled cheese with Wonder Bread and sliced American cheese.

    (1)

  • Sarah L.

    Seriously, the best brunch in town. Everything I've had has been delicious. A long review seems unnecessary since everyone seems to agree here. Cafe Muse is the BOMB. They get busy fast though, but they do take call ahead for seating so don't let the crowd stop you.

    (5)

  • Diane P.

    As a Muse regular since the early days (well before Oprah), we can't imagine beginning our Saturday morning without a stop at Cafe Muse for cappuccino and one of their fabulous breakfasts. Everything is brilliant, from the imaginative specials to the menu regulars. In the years we've been going, we can honestly say we have been very satisfied with every meal. Lately we've been ordering from the regular menu, to become reaquainted with the incredible eggs, oatmeal, yogurt with fruit and granola, and that waffle with fresh fruit and real whipped cream and maple syrup - it's all wonderful. But the specials are incredible, too! Who knew there were so many ways to make waffles or flavor eggs. There's nothing boring about a Muse breakfast. The nice touches, from the peaceful decor and music, the quality flatware and simple white stoneware in pleasing shapes (nothing shows off good food like white dishes!), to the water and dog treats outside for the passing parade of dogs walking with their people - it's just all top notch! This is a cafe where you can really taste the owner's love of quality food and feel welcomed like family (better than family, actually). We won't miss a Saturday!

    (5)

  • Andy O.

    The area has a lot of good restaurants to offer, but I have not been this pleasantly surprised I don't think since I've moved to the area. The food is outstanding, the service was exceptional, and the overall experience was pretty perfect. They have a nice wine list, nice MI craft beer menu as well. I would recommend this to anyone to try. The executive chef came to different tables including ours to ensure that everyone was satisfied or to see what he could do to help. He clearly has a passion for his business and that was a nice added bonus. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Chris W.

    As I've mentioned in other reviews, I'm a breakfast kind of guy, usually I'll go out for breakfast on the weekends and not eat again until dinner. So I'm reviewing Cafe Muse on those terms. I didn't find CM through Oprah, a website or a free newspaper, I actually just stumbled across it on bike around downtown Royal Oak. They were closed at the time but that let me look at the menu on the window, and it looked amazing. I took one of my friends there and she got an omelet with the garlic potatoes, which looked, smelled and tasted amazing. As good as her omelet tasted, they paled in comparison to my marscarpone cheese stuffed french toast with pears in a reduction on top. AMAZING! The restaurant itself was a little cramped but we put our name in and they said they would call my cell phone when our table was ready, what a novel idea...real customer service. From what I see CM has moved to a new, hopefully bigger, place and I will surely be back over and over again. Love it

    (4)

  • Kaylee H.

    The new location.. a skip and a jump south on Washington... seems to be worlds larger than the building Cafe Muse made their mark in. Cafe Muse exerts an ambiance of wholesomeness the moment you walk in the door. The intimate setting, nourishing and sophisticated cuisine, and the attentive wait staff really make the experience what it should be: relaxing and refreshing. A tip: skip the chips and always try the salad of the day. Yet to be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Cheryl T.

    This is one of my favorites places for brunch. Love the atmosphere, the owner is always there checking on you, and also working his butt off. And the food. Oh my god, the food. I have 3 favorite breakfasts here, and it's always hard to decide which I'm going to get. The Ammoglio (sp) scramble is to die for, light fluffy scrambled eggs covered in a tomatoey-garlicky sauce, fingerling potatoes, and multigrain toast. And I always order the chicken-gouda-apple sausage links. Or there is the lemon ricotta pancakes. Light, fluffy, insanely delicious. And then the vanilla bean waffle with fruit. It's light and airy, the perfect amount of crispyness, and fresh berries complete it. (although I always order it without the whip cream) If you get there after noon on Sunday, make sure to order a Mimosa as well! There's usually a wait, but they do call ahead seating, which is nice. Or if they are busy they can take your cell phone number as you stroll around Royal Oak & call you when your table is ready. They are now offering dinner, which of course, we had to try. More on the pricey side, but worth every penny. I had the hoisin lamb chops, which were melt in your mouth incredible. Seriously good stuff. I have never had a bad meal here. I adore this place.

    (5)

  • Jennifer K.

    I was worried I would be disappointed, the other reviews here set my expectations high. I was NOT disappointed. The heading said this was not a kid friendly place, I brought my three month old and five year old to test the theory. They have a kids menu (small but still) with dinosaur pancakes! Now any place that offers to make pancakes in any shape beside roundish is a kid friendly place. Granted no crayons or cartoony placemats but seriously my son thinks those are a waste of time. The nitty gritty; My son ordered the vanilla bean waffle with fresh fruit and whipped cream ( 100% pure maple syrup on side) and a peanut butter flavored chocolate milk. He loved it!!!! My husband ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry maple syrup, the apple chicken gouda sausage, and apeach italian soda. The pancakes were excellent, very lemony and not overwhelmingly sweet. The sausage was good too. I wish it had more of a sear on it to give it a crunch. The italian soda was good, just good not excellent. Good peach flavor, a little too sweet. I ordered the exotic mushroom scramble with boursin cheese. It came with some perfect slices of pink grapefruit, pineapple, orange, and cantaloupe. Ooo and buttery rye toast with a side of cherry preserves. The eggs were prepared perfectly, fluffy and moist. The boursin on top is where the orgasm comes in. The exotic mushrooms were a bit woody and just an after thought. Also, the egg portion seemed a bit too much. I could have done with another piece of toast. ;) The cappuccino was very good. Wet and tasty without being too bitter. Turns out I didn't need the cute brown sugar lumps. We had a hostess, drink girl, and server. A little confusing. Also the time it took to receive our food seemed a little long but the server (I think it was the server) reassured us twice that our food was on the way. The atmosphere was dark but not dim and nicely decorated. Overall, I would go here again (with the kids). The menu has rotating specials that keep the menu fresh and some exceptional standards that keep you craving back. Well done Cafe Muse!

    (4)

  • Monica J.

    Love this place! Great food, great service, great concept!

    (5)

  • Jeffrey B.

    A true Fancy Breakfast Thursday it was today at Café Muse. I am honestly amazed that I lived mere blocks away from CM and never dined there until today! We arrived about 11 am and were greeted (after walking past a heavy curtain/pseudo airlock) by two friendly staff members. Coffee came quickly and was served with warm cream and sugar cubes! Usually I drink my coffee au natural but decided to splurge on just because it was FBT. While waiting for our friend Madelyn, Ryan and I had a lot of time to peruse the main menu, as well as the additional beverage menu and specials menu. They had a peanut butter hot chocolate which I am more than curious about as well as a butterscotch pudding with a crème chantilly that I wanted to try but couldn't even consider after my meal. I decided to order a scramble off of the specials menu consisting of sundried tomatoes, spinach, and feta. Nothing too exotic for me but still sounded amazing. Served with fingerling potatoes and toast it seemed like it would be a nice assortment of flavors and show off their treatments of breakfast standards. I also ordered a cup of Tomato Lentil soup, which I had to ask the server, "Is it tomato soup with lentils? Or lentil soup with tomatoes?". The answer was that it was a tomato based soup that was more akin to the flavor of a cabbage soup but sweeter. Not exactly what I was thinking, but decent enough flavor but I wish it were creamier. I suppose I should have considered that tomato soup doesn't have to be Campbell's creamy magic. My scramble was very visually appealing. The ingredients were fresh and the plate was even garnished with assorted fresh fruit. The flavor of the eggs was kind of weird. We decided collectively that they must add a lot of cream or something to the eggs because they were really fluffy and the flavor wasn't as intense as I normally would desire; I couldn't quite explain it any other way except that they almost reminded me of mass-produced eggs--you know, the kind you find in a trough at the HoJo brunch? I think I would have chosen to do it differently but can kind of see what the restaurant was going for. My friends had similar feelings about the eggs too. The fingerlings were kind of greasy and not really flavorful--they are there to be the supporting actor to the main dish. I was happy that my server told me the good people of CM now are allowed to supply ketchup to their tables! Ketchup is almost like my ambrosia--I put it on everything. The toast was a single slice and served with a jam that was beyond fabulous into the realm of amazing-extraordinary-extragalactic! I think on my next visit I will give in to pancakes. I usually just want more variety with my breakfast choices but they did have a carrot cake pancake special that sounded good. Ryan had a potato-rosemary waffle topped with sausage gravy, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese that he said was stupendous! Maybe he didn't say stupendous but it was something like that. I thought the lemon ricotta pancakes topped with a homemade blueberry maple syrup sounded really great too. Oh! And the grilled brie sandwich with fig jam! I really think that sounds like a true taste of Heaven--like a kiss from George Michael or a hug from Dolly Parton. I say if you have time during the week, go in search of your muse at Café Muse. You may even meet Terpsichore or Euterpe! Keep in mind they are a little pricey, but delicious. And when all is said and done, it's only about 3 or 4 dollars more than everywhere else.

    (4)

  • Noelle G.

    I really wanted to love this restaurant since we love What Crepe across the street and the whole little European cafe is generally a great concept, but the service was horrible and the food was just OK. My husband and I are both vegan and loved that this restaurant offered options for us for a nice dinner out on Valentine's Day. But not only was the hostess dressed in ripped jeans and completely rude, our server, Angela was absent at best and not very helpful with menu options. We overpaid for a blah meal and terrible service. The restaurant wasn't even that busy given it was Valentine's Day and the staff was still inattentive and seemed almost annoyed with the couples dining that day. I should have known given that I had earlier selected the "contact us" link on their website to ask about vegan options and NEVER GOT A RESPONSE. Fine, if you don't want people to contact you via email, but then don't have a contact link on your site! I do not recommend this place...especially for vegans trying to find a new option. There are much better places to go. Needless to say, we won't be back.

    (2)

  • J. M.

    Finally got to try this place after all the buzz I've heard and think that it was well worth the wait. The service was efficient. We went on a Saturday afternoon and had a 45 minute wait--just enough time to check out the near by stores. A definite must try is their soup Curried apple squash w/coconut milk. The salmon sandwich was very tasty. I was very impressed with there environmentally conscious menu. I will be back to try more:)

    (5)

  • Lisa M.

    With so many reviews for Cafe Muse, I feel like this is probably unnecessary, but I love their brunch so much I just had to say something about it. While they are typically busy, I loved that they took our cell phone number and called us when our table was ready. This gave us the option to walk around downtown RO for a bit instead of cramming into the small space inside or waiting right outside the restaurant. The service might be a little confusing, one person takes your drink order, another takes your food order, but wow, their Exotic Mushroom Scramble is daydream worthy. If you like mushrooms, you need to try this. I also love their sides - mashed sweet potatoes have become a bit of an obsession for me for the past couple of years and I thought their's was decent, as was their multigrain bread. Every time I walk past this place (which is quite often) I start to crave this!

    (5)

  • Haroun K.

    I think this place would warrant 5 or 6 or 7 stars in the context of Detroit, but irrespective of this, I think it is just a little overrated. It is definitely a cute, quaint little cafe, with a cute, quaint, tasty menu. But I was not really overawed. My grilled cheese sandwich was fine, but it was definitely not the best grilled cheese sandwich in America, let alone in the 10 mile radius. The iced green tea is quite good, and I did appreciate the chocolate mint patties after the meal. But the service was really slow, which I didn't find whimsical or continental. And it is kind of cramped inside, so if I return, I would probably ask for the patio. I do think the area ought to have more places like Muse, but I don't think I will become a frequent diner here.

    (4)

  • Joyce B.

    Let me start by saying I have been to Cafe Muse for breakfast/brunch only and my first two experiences were fantastic! When I went today however I left less than pleased. I love Cafe Muse's food. The waffles are delicous covered in fresh friut not some sticky preserve. The potatoes and toast are always great. The eggs are moist and make you realize how many other places overcook their eggs into rubber. My husband and I like the spicy bloody mary's and mimosas(they are served in more of a wine glass than tiny flute). The prices are fair for the quality of food you are getting but it does add up fast! Today i spent about $21 for just myself without tip on one bloody mary and a scramble. In my experience the food has ben consistent but the service has not. Sam was my server the first two times I tried Cafe Muse this summer and he was great! Today however I walked into a quiet Cafe Muse around 10:30am and the hostess said, "Can I help you?" No table for one? Or where would you prefer to sit? Just can I help you. I said "Yes, I would like to eat." It was slightly awkward not to mention my waitress didn't seem the least bit happy to be there. My drink and food came out rather quickly and were great but here is where things get annoying, my waitress just kinda disappeared and stopped coming out the the patio. After she brought my food she popped out once to check on me and that was it. I had planned on ordering more toast but when she didn't come out I said forget it. Nothing is more irksome then watching the table next to you get fantastic service and being checked up on while you wait for your waitress to decide to resurface. I eventually had to ask the other tables server (the only other table occupied on the patio) for a box so I could go. My waitress brought me my check then said "Oh do you want another drink?" See asking if I wanted anything else would have been a great question about 15minues ago and before you brought me my check. The other tables waitress dropped off my box and took my card and check. Then a third waiter brought me back my card and said "I was told to bring this to you." REALLY? I am one person at a table and it took three different people to get me in and out of Cafe Muse with breakfast. Disappointed to say the least. Big fan of the food but service clearly depends on who you get.

    (3)

  • COM P.

    Went for lunch, around 1pm--Wed (about 2 weeks ago). The menu choices are solid... I was impressed with the variety. Portion sizes are appropriate~ not huge. I ordered the mushroom soup-- SOOOO good. My husband had the sliders... also delicious. The cole slaw was ho-hum. The potato salad was ick-- undercooked potatoes and not seasoned. I should admit-- my husband is a chef, so we're picky about food. But I also care about service--and the service here was actually close to bad. People stalking us to take the plates away--but we waited almost 1hr. and 10 minutes to get a refill on a coke (seriously-- an hour) No silverware after the food arrived, we waited quite a while for the check, and it was post-lunch rush--so it wasn't busy at all. Our waitress was the one to recommend the potato salad--and twice had to return to the table to tell us something wasn't available~ so maybe it was just her (although it was a different server who asked if we wanted a refill... then never came back. we finally flagged down the hostess). So, three stars-- for a creative menu and some solid eats, but don't let the rave reviews make you think you'll get "Oprah-quality" service when you sit down.

    (3)

  • Matthew H.

    Fantastic place, fantastic food, love the atmosphere, super friendly staff (and owner), hands down my #1 choice of places to eat in Royal Oak by a mile. YES it can get very busy... calling ahead on weekend peak times is highly recommended! But its ohh so worth the wait... I love a good breakfast, and this place does breakfast with a vengeance. The array of dishes offered isn't huge, but the menu is constantly changing which gives you something new to try every week, but keeps enough old standbys around just in case. I have never had a bad meal, bad service, or felt anything other than bliss after eating here - probably 20+ times in the last year. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Kenny K.

    Sunday brunch. They brought the wrong muffin to the table and we ate it and commented on how wonderful it was before we realized that it was the wrong muffin. When the waitress realized the error she brought over the correct muffin which was also great. The waitress (Rachael) was amazing. Loved all 4'11" of her. We had the famous grilled cheese sandwich which was incredible although I could easily eat two for a meal. The carrot cake pancakes were also a big hit along with the salad and the breakfast tortilla. The prices seemed fine for the meal we had. We are all good eaters and the portions are not large at all. I will be back again.

    (4)

  • Rodney H.

    Cafe Muse has been on my top try list for a very long tie & finally the right occasion Happened. Very busy on a late Sunday morning but with impeccable Friendly service. Great happy noisy atmosphere & every table seemed to have good looking food on it. Cafe Muse has an extensive & Very good breakfast & lunch menu. We ordered a specialty of the house The grilled 3 cheese on sourdough with beet salad & a BLT on whole wheat with beet salad. The Grilled 3 Cheese was sweet tasting & yet savory & The Sourdough bread was very Good, i also liked the little side dish of Beet Salad. However the BLT was far from good enough. Kraft Cheese Single slice??? Is too much to expect real cheese to be used? & The sandwich was served with Cold Bacon. Surely the point of a BLT is hot Bacon complemented by Cold Lettuce & Tomato. If not for the BLT a solid 4 star experience & i look forward to a return visit sooner rather than later.

    (3)

  • Kristine Z.

    I been here a few years ago. My sister was in town and she wanted to try their breakfast buffet. All I can say is that it was one of the BEST and upscale buffets I have ever had. Delicious food and not to mention their service was excellent. If you are ever in Royal Oak and can afford a nice meal I recommend you give Café Muse a try.

    (5)

  • Sharon K.

    Cafe Muse is an exceptional place to dine! The presentation and the taste are superb! The atmosphere is perfect, and the staff is wonderful, too. I had a salad that was beautiful and yummy, from first bite to last. I will become a regular at this restaurant!

    (5)

  • Meghan B.

    Whenever we come to Michigan, one of the highlights is brunch at Cafe Muse. Love it!

    (5)

  • A M.

    Let me preface this by saying, this is not a review of the restaurant but rather the customer service because as a result of it I never finished making my reservation. I called inquiring if they had any vegan friendly food and I explained "No meat including fish, or animal by products such as eggs, milk and cheese..." The woman who answered the phone said that I could eat a fish dish (I think it was salmon that she suggested); I again reported that I was vegan and defined what that meant. She reported "some vegans eat fish." I've been vegan for 15 years, and eating fish is not even vegetarian let alone vegan. She clearly was uneducated, clueless, stubborn, and should not be answering phones representing the restaurant. It turned me off so much I couldn't even make a reservation.

    (1)

  • Chris V.

    I went to Cafe Muse with a party of 7 for a morning-after breakfast/lunch. As everyone else has been saying, Cafe Muse is a really cozy place, but somehow they found room for all of us in the back. The food hit the spot - just tame enough for the "dudes" at the table with enough zing to cater to a more refined palate. Everyone at the table was really pleased with the meal. The waiting staff were prompt, helpful, courteous, and friendly - even when dealing with a ton of dishes with a lot of picky eaters! Next time I'm in Royal Oak I plan on coming back for another dish!

    (5)

  • Nivedita P.

    this was my second visit here..I ordered the lemon blueberry pancake,the seafood chedder grits,the bangkok green tea and the famous grilled cheese sandwich...the pancakes were nice. i personally prefer "original pancake house" blueberry pancakes.the tea was good..it tasted like liquid toasted coconut.may be cuz i'm not that into grilled cheese sandwiches myself,i didnt really care much for the grilled cheese-it's nice though,nothing great....but i must say,the grits were mindblowingly good..so creamy and flavorful. dying to go back to try the other sandwiches.i luved the place-it's a great joint for brunch with family or friends.

    (4)

  • Rese D.

    I too love this place! As a native in San Francisco, I've been surrounded by so many great brunch restaurants. Accidently coming across this restaurant has been a major plus so far! There is hope for me to find good food in Michigan. I've already eaten here a few times and will definitely go back. I do agree, it is small, so it can be crowded. Otherwise, the food and service is great!

    (4)

  • Tony K.

    After having a near perfect experience for breakfast/brunch, our same group decided to try for dinner. We were shocked to find bland food masked in great descriptions, and not so hidden high prices. Was completely amazed at such a difference - again, the dishes SOUNDED incredible, but were less than average.

    (2)

  • Brandon B.

    Cafe Muse is a food gem in a city that is consistently becoming less and less interesting in terms of food and nightlife. I have only been there once, but I plan on definitely going back. The service was fantastic, as my friend and I were greeted by an enthusiastic host and server. Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, offering a ton of suggestions, and I literally wanted to try EVERYTHING. I settled on their famous Grilled Cheese and it was honestly one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. My one complaint, well two actually, is that the side salad of chilled rice and fruit was a bit out there, and not very good. Also, do not expect to necessarily leave "filled", I was definitely still a tad hungry. Overall, though, this place rocks. Next time, I am trying their breakfast. Highly recommend it!

    (4)

  • Christine R.

    It is a rare and beautiful thing when a restaurant comes along with a menu so good that I don't get past reading the second line and I already know what I want. Cafe Muse is this place. So simple it first appears with its handful of tables, and small menu. Once you order, you will know what I mean. The food blew me away. The ambience is relaxing, the waiters were polite, the prices are beyond reasonable. Marscapone stuffed french toast smothered in pears?! Are you kidding me? This was amazing. I am already planning another trip back asap to try to raisin pancakes, grilled cheese and ALL the desserts (most likely not all in one trip). I cannot say enough about how happy my tummy was leaving Cafe Muse. My hubby was equally happy, which is a bonus because he will be willing to drive back to Royal Oak to try more excellent dishes.

    (5)

  • Danielle F.

    The grilled cheese is the main attraction and a very good one at that. My only knock besides decor (come on, they can do better!) is that both times I was there it was horribly smokey (buring smell) from the kitchen. It was not pleasant to inhale while trying to enjoy the great food. Hopefully they solve this problem ASAP!

    (3)

  • Lauren D.

    Ahh delicious. We had to wait for a table of course on a Saturday morning but the lovely hostesses took a cell number and called us when available so we could walk around the little downtown. I had some kind of lovely egg scramble with pancetta and basil and gruyere. Service was great even though the food did take a little long to come out. I was a little sad that I couldn't have a mimosa as it appears they don't have any alcohol but it was a great meal all the same. Highly recommended!

    (4)

  • Doug M.

    Great atmosphere! Love the local and organic ingredients. Will be back soon and many times.

    (4)

  • Jennifer R.

    Had birthday lunch here with my daughter and a girlfriend, and was so impressed with the food, decor, service, everything! Loved the grilled cheese; the honey makes it a standout. My daughter loved her dinosaur pancakes and I thought the atmosphere was just great. Would have received five stars, but didn't love their tomato soup...seemed like a fluke, however, because everything else we ordered was outstanding. Can't wait to return!

    (4)

  • Juanita C.

    Not possible I think to have a bad meal here. But best to make reservations. The place is worth standing and waiting for but a little planning ahead gets you in.

    (5)

  • Joshua Y.

    Visited for lunch one day with 4 others from work. The Grilled Cheese was very good (thanks for the suggestion Yelpers!). The Basmati Rice Salad was also excellent! This place is a great addition to the Washington + 4th area.

    (4)

  • Detroit M.

    Great food and great atmosphere. It does get busy, so I recommend putting in your name & phone number and heading to Lilly's Seafood next door for a fantastic make-your-own bloody mary. The grilled cheese and the portabello/buffalo mozarella sandwiches are both delicious. Their daily soups are excellent (similar to the flytrap) - I specifically liked the curried tomato & corn soup. The coffee is good and the fresh squeeze juice refreshing. I hate breakfast food, but I hear breakfast is also good. I know they have recently expanded their lunch menu. This is a great place to go on a date, to bring out-of-town guests or take your family.

    (4)

  • Brandon C.

    This quaint little neighborhood joint featured on Oprah really knows how to please a foodie. The employees are about as great as their food, which tastes delicious and elegant without being pretentious. While famous for their grilled cheese, I have yet to have anything on the menu that hasn't impressed me. I also recommend their hot chocolate and whole wheat & braised apple pancakes with homemade granola. It's a great place to slow down your day and really take a breather while enjoying the atmosphere, company, and fantastic food.

    (5)

  • Emlee D.

    I returned for the second in hopefully a long sequence of visits to Cafe Muse and was even more enthralled than my first encounter. In my two visits, I have had the peaches and cream French Toast (in the summer), the apple sausage, the Huevos Rancheros, hot chocolate and have nothing but raves about all of them. Portions are perfect, the flavors are fresh and spot-on, and everything looks beautiful. The only drawback is that it is too hard to decide what to order--there are lots of appetizing options for breakfast (served all day) and lunch (after 11am), both on the regular menu and the specials. The setting is very nice, comfortable for chatting with your party, and the waitstaff are attentive, helpful, and competent. Prices are very reasonable. Muse makes me want to get back to Detroit very soon!

    (5)

  • CJ R.

    Fantastic food! Cafe Muse was rated as having one of the best sandwiches in America by both Esquire Magazine and Oprah. I highly, highly recommend the Grilled Cheese Sandwich! The Nutella toast is also delicious. Everything is prepared to perfection. This place gets busy and we usually call ahead to reserve a table. They also have a couple of outdoor tables in the summer, which is a great way to enjoy a sunny day in Royal Oak.

    (5)

  • s. h.

    Ate here a year ago for yummy breakfast. This time went for dinner. Food and service were both stellar... Everything we ordered from appetizers thru espressos and desserts was inventive and delicious. My only complaint is there was a festival going on when we were there and the street was closed. The folks running the festival would not let us in without paying admission which we were not willing to do. We called the restaurant and they basically said "too bad." We appealed to a police officer standing nearby who escorted us to the restaurant. We would have appreciated being informed of the festival when we made our reservation.

    (5)

  • Kat T.

    Excellent!! Just like the cozy NYC restaurants. This place is so charming and the food is amazing. I went for brunch yesterday and ended up walking out with food to go for dinner too! I stuck with the vegetarian dishes this visit. We tried the mushroom sandwich and the famed cheese sandwich - this was written up in Esquire magazine also as one of the best sandwiches ever. We also tried the salad w/pears and goat cheese and the tomato saffron soup was to die for. I was amazed at how the tomatoes in the soup were not mushy at all. Last, we took home the fantastic crab meat macaroni and cheese (which I hear is going to become a permanent menu item soon and I hope so) and the rice pudding. This rice pudding is so thick and even a little chewy but in my opinion, it was the best I ever tried. Staff was amazing and friendly. It is nice to see a place where everyone helps out rather than only waiting on "their" tables. This place is great. It is kind of funny too because you'll see people walk in and leave because they are so freaked out by the small space. What those non-traveled peeps don't know is this type of space is very common in major cities. I just love it!

    (5)

  • Bill S.

    Breakfast is fantastic. Had the french toast with sweet cherry cream cheese with a side of sausages. Delicious. I'm coming back for more!

    (5)

  • K Z.

    This place is charming and the food is super yummy! You may have to wait for a table b/c it is pretty busy but the wait is well worth it.

    (4)

  • Michael P.

    This was my first time at Cafe Muse. Had the short rib grilled cheese - combination of the cheese and short rib was a great twist on the sandwich. The meat was extremely tender. I've always been looking for another good restaurant in Royal Oak and will definitely return soon.

    (5)

  • Tara B.

    I hesitate to add and critique this restaurant here for fear that it will attract even more people to this cute, petite, amazing restaurant. Feeling depressed with the food in Michigan, I finally found a restaurant with the quality and innovation I can frequently find in San Francisco and Seattle. The breakfast dishes are amazing...we can hardly resist the ammoglio scramble every weekend we are there. All the sweet dishes are tantalizing too! It can get crowded so call ahead for a table.

    (5)

  • Cherice J.

    Perfect example of how Yelp works wonders. I had an interview scheduled a couple of days ago, and the interviewers wanted me to pick a place to eat breakfast in the Southfield area. Well...I didn't know of too many options in Southfield, so I suggested we go east into Royal Oak. Well, long story short, I saw all the great reviews for Cafe Muse and the rest was history. I really enjoyed the ambiance here, although it was a bit cramped and small. The food was excellent and looked pretty (if that matters). I had the Vanilla Bean Waffle with a side a fruit.. very very good. In fact, I really wanted to eat the whole thing but I WAS being interviewed and had to talk a lot. Another person ordered the french toast, and she definitely enjoyed hers. The coffee here was pretty good too, I must say. Definitely 4 stars for me!! ( I don't give out 5...)

    (4)

  • Matthew E.

    Who can resist what Oprah tells you to do. While I feared a clientele of 40 - 50 year old women going through menopause and reading the latest Dr. Phil book, I was pleasantly wrong. The place is tiny, I mean like 10 tables tiny but luckily they take reservations. The service was ok, nothing special but by the time the food comes all of a sudden you forget about the subpar service. I had the grilled cheese, I mean all these raves about it it must be good. And man was I blown away. Each bite I took I assumed it was mislabeled how could this just be cheese and bread? I poked at it chewed smaller bits and wondered how this little place in Royal Oak has achieved national recognition for melting cheese between bread, but they have and you understand why after tasting it. Id love to go back and try some of their other dishes and will hopefully do so on my next trip home.

    (5)

  • Alfred K.

    I love love love love love this place and the Oprah/Gayle stamp of approval is no surprise. The owners are very hands-on and they appear to genuinely care about our experience at the restaurant everytime. The food is great - my favorite is the scramble with truffle oil, although obviously the grilled cheese can't be missed. The shrimp salad is also great, and the desserts, wow the desserts! Never expected the desserts to be great at this tiny little place that probably doesn't have its own dessert chef, but they are awesome. Wowza. Now I want Cafe Muse but they're closed on Mondays. Crap!

    (5)

  • d c.

    Everything was delicious and the service was on point.

    (5)

  • Toni C.

    So I finally got around to going to this place, it took me long enough. I ordered the exotic (I think that's what it's called) mushroom scramble and I can honestly say that it had a flavor unlike anything I've ever ate in my life. I think it was the combination of the type of cheese used and the truffle oil which I've never had before. Wow, amazing. I don't know how I could ever go here again and not be able to order that. :) So yeah food there is 5+ stars. The atmosphere on the other hand is kind of weird. The place has high ceilings and a lot of little tables set up with no booths so it wasn't as cozy as I was expecting (I never went to the old location). It had a cafeteria feel to it with it being so open. I was also expecting it to me more of a garden, french, bistro-ish look instead of the neutral textured painted walls. I can get over that though for the food. Hey, I can just wait for a table outside.

    (4)

  • lisa p.

    i went to Cafe Muse for the first time today. this place was such a cute little place. it felt very European and cozy. the atmosphere put me in a good mood right away. the waitstaff was very friendly and helpful in deciding what to get. i had Exotic Mushroom Scramble with Boursin Cheese & Truffle Oil, which impressed me every bite i took. a friend of mine had Stuffed French Toast with Mascarpone and a 5 Spice Pear Nage, which was also good, but i favored my dish. if i didn't have my dish, i would've been very impressed with hers. i had taken Grilled Three Cheese and Short Rib Sandwich home for my husband, which i took a couple bites of. i was more than impressed by this as well! i ate it cold but it was still amazing! i am definitely going back, and if they were open past 3 PM, i would've gone right back. i'm taking my family there tomorrow to try other dishes.

    (5)

  • Ziggy Y.

    Pretentious food that is average at best. The setting somehow manages to be both casual and stuffy. The food, like my limited interaction with the waitstaff, has zero personality. I'm reminded of grade school when my mom used to pack me lunches with delicious Chinese food. I hid the food from my classmates because they called the food weird or gross. I just wanted my mom to make me a sandwich with white bread and peanut butter and jelly. Kids would comment that my food smelled funny. Of course, the truth was that my food had a smell, and theirs did not smell because their food was bland and flavorless. I'm reminded again of the part in Gran Torino where some Hmong diviner tells Clint Eastwood that Eastwood is depressed because his food is boring and without flavor. Cafe Muse makes American brunch food in the worst sense of the word. Someone dissed truck stop brunch, but at least that stuff is greasy and salty. I had the eggs with smoked salmon, the eggs with some tomato/garlic/somethingosmething sauce, a parfait, and french toast with pears (yes, all in one meal), and it was basically like living the childhood I never had, stuffing my face with white bread jelly sandwiches in some kind of hoity toity private school cafeteria that sought some measure of "authenticity" by, oh i don't know, exposing the pipes. There's no reason to go back to Cafe Muse.

    (3)

  • moxy m.

    today i scooted my butt to royal oak to finally try out cafe muse. the atmosphere is super quaint and pleasing to the eye. i do have to agree that the tin ceilings really add charm. i started off with an iced green tea with cinnamon and while unsweetened, was still tasty. my friend had a steamed chai tea that was really great. the tables are equipped with a salt and pepper grinder, in which i am a huge fan, and an adorable little sugar bowl with what looked like homemade brown and regular sugar cubes. i ordered the cream of tomato soup. . absolutely delicious, you can tell it's housemade. it was served with a chunk of sweet, [tasted like] walnut or banana bread and the soup topped with a dollop of pesto. i also had the famous three cheese, grilled cheese on sourdough and that was fantastic too. the menu said honey was an ingredient and i would have liked to taste the sweetness a bit more but i enjoy honey. lastly, i tried the baby spinach, gorgonzola, dried cherry and walnut salad. this was not so delicious. the salad was tossed with their "house" vinaigrette and i'm not sure if that was the problem but after a few bites i noticed the taste of soap. i don't know if they use one of those vegetable wash soaps or what but i had my friend taste the salad as well and he noticed it straight away. our server was kind enough to take it off the bill though she seemed a bit confused. the cleanest salad ever would be my only gripe and that isn't enough to stop me from headin' back for another grilled cheese.

    (4)

  • Kathy J.

    Fresh ingredients, delicious & unique menu options, a super friendly staff...this is 'hands down' our favorite breakfast spot in the area. It's often difficult to find a breakfast place that doesn't taste like a "greasy spoon"...but Cafe Muse is anything but a greasy spoon! We love to start the morning with some fresh brewed lattes & browsing through the specials for the week. There are ALWAYS new and different menu items that include locally grown produce & fantastic flavors. This is a family favorite for all of our out of town visitors. If you are going on the weekend, a bit of advise...use the call ahead feature or make a reservation. CM is very popular on the weekends!

    (5)

  • Jill B.

    Truly Impressed. I will start by saying that Cafe Muse has left me with nothing to complain about, (doesn't happen often with me), to say the least. My husband and I stumbled across Cafe Muse for the first time this weekend. We love to dine out, and always like to try new places. I am always a skeptic, and VERY hard to please. I almost never leave a place without critiquing it, or simply finding something to complain about. It was refreshing to say the least to find a restaurant that uses high quality products, and a skilled Chef. They will be successful for many years to come in my opinion because of these facts; Simple menu-with variety, and creativity. Quality products- organic, humane, fresh- and it all shows in the taste!! Portions- the perfect portions that leave you satisfied, yet not feeling sick from over-eating. Espressos&Teas- great variety, quality products once again, delicious espresso!! Quick and efficient staff! Reasonable$$ for organic/natural products. I had the Ammoglio Scramble with Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic & Fresh Mozzarella accompanied with fingerling potatoes and multi-grain toast with jam. My husband had the French toast with dulce de leche and nutella. The flavors on both dishes were 100% on key! Great job to the owners, and I highly recommend this place to any and all.

    (5)

  • cookie p.

    I recently moved to Michigan and I have been having a hard time finding quality restaurants here in Michigan. The state seems to mainly have chain restaurants. My boyfriend and I went to Royal Oak recently and found Cafe Muse. This has so far been the best dining experience since I've been to Michigan. We will definately be back again and again. I had the vegan black bean burger and he had the artichoke, asparagus omelete. Both were delicious. The staff was friendly and knowledgable about the food. The food was fresh and home made. I have alot of dietary issue and there were several items on the menu that were within my restrictions also. The only problem with this place was that you had to wait 1/2 hour for table, but that goes to show that everyone wants to eat here because its so good. I think they should expand and get a larger place so that they can accomodate more customers.

    (4)

  • Sherry K.

    Everything on the menu could be my favorite - but I can't seem to get away from the award winning Three Cheese - the honey makes it amazing! The chef is always around and the other owner is there to solve any issue that may arise. My niece is addicted because they serve the best hot chocolate every time and refill the whipped cream on top - even in the middle of summer. Their FB posts are so tempting they keep you wanting to stop by more than once a week. It looks like they are starting dinner - going to be a real problem for me!

    (5)

  • Matthew A.

    Cafe Muse offers some of the best breakfast around. I hear their grilled cheese is pretty good, too.

    (4)

  • David C.

    good food, not so good service, and a bit pricey. is that how Oprah likes it? i'd go back though...

    (4)

  • Hannah H.

    Well, I see that Yelp reviews are read by some establishments! I truly appreciate the Manager from Cafe Muse reaching out to me and wanting to know the exact reasons why my last trip wasn't the "sublime" experience it should've been...so kudos to Greg! That just made me a big fan of your establishment for caring!

    (4)

  • jack n.

    Muse is a nice cafe, great for breakfast or brunch with a small, but well-planned menu. Light fare, and prices reasonable enough to not be trendy, but not "cheap" either. I guess if prices were raised I'd go somewhere with an expanded menu. (Hear that guys...don't raise prices or else you loose me.) My recommendations are the "yoghurt" with granola and berries or a bowl of steel cut oatmeal. It's not every day that you find a place with such well-done simple menu items. You'd think anyone could pull off yogurt and granola, but sadly... it took Cafe Muse to get it right. The service I've experienced there has been, well...lacklustre. They get the job done without showing any sign of personality, sadly. On the plus side I can't actually complain about the service because I get my coffee refills and the food comes out the correct temperature. But they make me want to ask, "Do you need a hug?" Lay off the lithium :-)

    (3)

  • Molly E.

    omg grilled cheese...thanks for the suggestion Oprah!

    (5)

  • tamika j.

    Cafe' Muse is great for breakfast, brunch. On my days off, after taking my daughter to school. I treat myself to a tasty brunch once a month. (when I'm lazy and refuse to go home and cook it for myself) The service from the staff gets five stars! I can't remember my waiters name, but he recommended the turkey/apple sausage. It has great taste for those of you who don't like pork breakfast meat. The list goes on and on of delicious foods. Just go and sit and have a bite to eat, you won't regret it! :)

    (5)

  • Otis M.

    Found this place by trying their special grill cheese sandwich at arts, beats and eats. That was super tasty. So we went in for brunch one weekend which was awesome. The menu has traditional and non traditional choices. Belgian waffles, egg dishes, etc.,. Followed that on with a dinner one night before attending drag queen bingo. The dinner menu was consistent in offering a mix of mainstream and unique items. Rabbit Ragu, Steak Frittes.,. Our food was delicious, the bar offers great choices of beers, wines or mixed drinks. The prices at this place are reasonable, not inexpensive but not outrageous. I like this place.

    (5)

  • Samir N.

    This place is kind of pricy but worth every penny. Fortunately, we got there early on a Sunday morning before the crowds show up (and before many of the surrounding businesses opened up). Brunch may be my favorite meal of the day and this place solidifies my sentiment. The fingerling potatoes are delicious. I remember ordering something of the specials to satisfy my sweet tooth but cannot honestly remember what it was. I am an idiot, but I do remember it being rather tasty.

    (4)

  • Jen F.

    This is my third time eating at Cafe Muse and I have been impressed each and every time. This time we came for breakfast at about 10am on a Sunday. It was a nice day, so we chose to sit outside - plus there was no wait for outdoor seating. I ordered the Exotic Mushroom Scramble and Mr. ordered the Carrot Cake Pancakes. The eggs were by far the most delicious eggs I have ever tasted. I have no idea how they get the eggs to be so soft and buttery (probably butter - but who cares!). I chose the fingerling potatoes and rye toast as my accompaniments - sheer perfection. The coffee was hot and good enough that I didn't have to add cream or sugar. His Carrot Cake Pancakes were great as well. I'm not a fan of the raisin, but the rest was great. Syrup wasn't even required. I also loved that our food was delivered by the chef/owner (I recognized him from Oprah). Well Done Cafe Muse!

    (5)

  • Dave W.

    Saw the great reviews of this place so I gave it a try for an early morning business meeting. Had breakfast here earlier this week.. I had the salmon scramble and it was excellent. Service was good, although we were the only ones there.

    (4)

  • Dee T.

    If I could give it half off, I would, but since I can't, it's...one off only for the poor layout of the entry. I, too, am fond of cozy and intimate big-city restaurants, and think that the cramped quarters of the front and back dining rooms are on point, but the space designated as a waiting area is just awkward and the door should be rehung to swing out instead of in (yes. I have waited in line enough times to have thought this out. I spend time thinking about such things when I am waiting in line). I could potentially consider borrowing a further fraction of said star for the price scale, which is indeed keeping with that big-city feel. Portions are just a tad into too-small territory for the price, but just a scoche. I'm not typically into gluttonous portions, but for brunch, I am always into digging into something hearty and restorative (as we invariably brunch after a long night of swilling something bad or other). But on to the good stuff. The food here is really amazing. The ammoglio is indescribable and on eggs...forget it. The cheese sandwich is TRULY that good, and if you've read my previous posts, I can't even really do cheese. Salads are served with piquant dressings (I recently had a basmati rice salad served with champagne vinaigrette - tdf!), soups are satisfying, the breads are toasted to perfection. Would be an ideal place to while away a few hours on Sunday morning, were it not for the eyes of hungry patrons piercing you and entreating you to go. Yeah, I've been there.

    (4)

  • Michael D.

    Our favorite place to have lunch. Great and unique eggs scrambles and very nice, spicey bloody Mary's....thanks god for the reservations now!

    (5)

  • Jonathan G.

    I love breakfast, I love coffee, and I love eating vegetarian. This place is right up my alley The finest in breakfast fare, without having to special order or go broke. Cafe Muse is the jawn.

    (5)

  • Vie A.

    Very quiet, pleasant and relaxing place...food was good. Not too pricey. Tea is excellent, fresh orange juice, great service!! Would love to go again for breakfast!!

    (5)

  • Mandy Y.

    GO here! So yummy! Just ever since it has been on Oprah, it is ALWAYS busy! But I love the food and I will always go! They have expanded and move across the street but still popular!!

    (4)

  • Michael T. R.

    Good food and nice service, but the wait on a Sunday morning was 20 mins, so call in advance. Small and loud, so no privacy. For a brunch it was PRICEY, but I think thats because the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. Two entrees with sides, oranges juices and coffees ran us about $40. I'm from Washington, DC, so I know about expensive brunches. I dunno if it was worth it.

    (3)

  • myrrisa h.

    Ok sorry guys, but really? I am shocked at how everyone thinks this place is so great. I had actually forgotten that i have been here a couple times (because of other friends wanting to go), so i have tried several items on the menu. They are sub par, wannabe exciting sandwiches that are just average. This place is always packed too! Just because Oprah ate a grilled cheese sandwich here does not make it the most amazing dish ever invented. It really gets me when a place like this gets a slightly higher rating than a place like Forest Grill! These are all items I can make at home and the ambiance to me, is like the food, average. I really do not like being this harsh but I am truly surprised by its rating. Lets get real people. This is just a gimmicky sandwich shop with a couple spinach leaves, roasted bell peppers and goat cheese thrown on the side. I will add here, that the service has always been very good and the servers and owners are willing to work with you if you have a special request! They do have excellent customer service.

    (3)

  • Lax C.

    YUM!!! On a visit to Detroit from Cleveland, I met a friend here for brunch. It was great! We were able to make reservations the same day. I had some freshly squeezed OJ. My friend had an iced chai tea. She ordered the smoked salmon scramble, which looked great and she definitely enjoyed. I ordered the Ammoglio scramble.. Mmmmmm.. Order it! Seriously!. I got fruit on the side. It was a garlic, tomato, basil and olive oil sauce. I would definitely go back. The shops around there are pretty cute as well.

    (4)

  • Daniella B.

    Stopped in for a girlfriends meet-up on Saturday morning. The place was pretty lively but not too loud to meet and talk. I enjoyed bacon, seafood grits and coffee. The bacon was cooked to perfection and the coffee was great! The seafood grits weren't as great as I hoped, but I had a great time and will go there again. Maybe I will try some of their entrees on my next visit.

    (3)

  • Nick B.

    Always heard about this place but never went. Never felt super compelled to and don't often wander down Washington. But when we found out one of our favorite bartenders was going to open up shop here, we were game. It was such a treat to have him helping us again after a brief time off. He also has big plans for the place and I can't wait to hear more. It needs a bar to fully appreciate the talents of this individual but you come for the food right. The menu wasn't bad. I wasn't impressed with my entree which had a starch (rice or risotto) that really lacked any interesting character. The apps were very tasty and the drinks were outstanding. Will come back again especially for the drinks and will probably give the food another go-around.

    (4)

  • Dil F.

    Everything was super: staff, soup, breakfast, and sides. The menu is kinda fancy, but you don't need to dress it (i looked particular slummy today, and they still sat me... in the very back mind you, but I actually liked it back there, where I could stare at everyone while they ate). Their french toast had spiced pears on it, a little overboard with the powdered sugar and cinnamon, and they served it with maple syrup in an olive oil dispenser that was half-broken so it took a few decades for the syrup to pour, but holy toledo was it delicious. The french toast was light and almost airy, but it's served up with mascarpone cream and that strikes the right balance. Yummy. Also had the "exotic mushroom bisque" :D funny name for amazing cup of soup! also loved it and the soft/warm cranberry bread it was served with. Side of bacon was also a hit. And the woman working my table was superb at keeping my eat on. A *little* pricey coming up from the city, but you're all probably used to that :) I'd go again for sure.

    (4)

  • Jessica C.

    This place lives up to its reputation. Everything I've had there has been really tasty, and now that they've moved to a larger location it's not as hard to get into. One dish I remember from a long time ago was a gorgonzola potato salad that was stupendous! I haven't seen it on the menu as I believe it was a speciality thing that week. The grilled cheese is pretty good - but don't overlook the rest of the menu either. The service is good, and during warmer weather they always leave a water bowl and dog treats outside for dogs passing by (I don't own a dog - but if I did I feel like I would be really impressed by this).

    (4)

  • Erica M.

    Stopped in here on for the first time on a Sunday at the tail end (and I mean the taaaail end) of brunch service. Some restaurants would have turned us away, but Cafe Muse welcomed us with open arms. The host seated us right away and advised that we had about 5 minutes to get our order in. The waitress, on the other hand, seemed less than enthused about having one last table to tend to before she could get the H E Double Hockey Stick outta there. There was no deliberating. Husband ordered the sliders special and a hot chocolate (nice combo, hon) and I knew I HAD to try the grilled cheese. I asked if they could give me a side green salad instead of chips or potato salad. The waitress said "we don't do a side salad, but we can do mixed greens on the side with balsamic." Perfect, I'll have that. Let me tell you...people are not exaggerating about the grilled cheese. The addition of the honey and basil makes you want to stand up and yell, "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THIS!?" It's not like it would be that difficult to recreate at home, and I have to admit, I just might. But I have to give credit where credit is due. Cafe Muse, this grilled cheese is a good idea. My mixed greens salad had a few tomatoes added in, and aside from the fact that it was a little heavy on the dressing, it was a nice compliment to the sambo. In other words, the waitress who said "We don't do a side salad," brought me...a side salad. Husbands hot chocolate was rich and decadent- too sweet for me, but he loved it. I didn't try his sliders but he said they were solid. Although the waitress' attitude wasn't the best, we didn't really feel rushed or anything, which was nice. The rest of the menu has us very curious to see if everything else is just as good as our meal that day, and we'll definitely be back to find out.

    (4)

  • Dan P.

    Went here for dinner on a Saturday night. Wait staff was not attentive. Food took an hour and a half to arrive. Hamburger was really dry...it desperately needed more sauce.

    (2)

  • Torrie M.

    So, I finally found my way into the illustrious Cafe Muse and it did not disappoint. The restaurant itself is very quaint and makes you feel at home. I ordered the rasberry lemonade which tasted very good and even came with two rasberries on top. For lunch, I had the 3 cheese grilled cheese with chips...and I thought I was the grilled cheese master, Cafe Muse just put me to shame. The bread was perfectly grilled, the cheese melted in my mouth and the sweet tomatoes were a refreshing surprise. I can't wait to go back and try the flour less chocolate cake, and some of their breakfast goodies!

    (4)

  • Kiera S.

    Very good food. Loved the lobster and cheese grits. Not to mention the mimosas were on point.

    (4)

  • Tymm R.

    Have been many of times and consistently had an amazing experience. After being in last night, Lindsay pushed my love of Cafe Muse over the edge. On top of great service and environment, the food is out of this world too!!!

    (5)

  • Arthur C.

    Moderately nice tasting food at a cheap price - hard to come by. Driving around on an unusually early morning for my wife and I, we drove past cafe muse, there was an open parking spot, bingo bango (cheers Mickey Redmond).. We walked in and were immediately greeted by the hostess. As other reviewers have stated, the place is quite loud, so we decided to take a table on their outdoor arrangement and with the recent addition of warm weather to the state, this was a no brainer. Our waitress, who sounded quite familiar to the infamous Amy that I've read about in other reviews brought our waters and returned shortly to take our order. I got the Ammoglio Sauce Scramble, my wife got the vanilla bean waffle. The good was excellent, however Amy seemed to avoid us, asked everyone around us the usual wait staff patron banter, but the only other time we saw her was when she gave us our bill half way through eating. She seemed mad that we were eating at her work while she was hungover. Anyway besides that b i t c h the food was great and when we got the bill..20 bucks, same price as your local coney flavor but way better food, avoid the waitress Amy and you'll be set to jet. Adios muchachos

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    I was excited to try Cafe Muse but I was disappointed by the food. I ordered the short rib grilled cheese and my boyfriend ordered the blt. Our server suggested the blt and it did not live up to expectation. There was nothing special about this blt. The short rib grilled cheese was ok. The middle of the sandwich was cold and there was not very much cheese for a grilled cheese. Our server did give us the sandwich for half off which was very nice!

    (2)

  • Heather B.

    Grilled cheese was really good! Waiter was very nice and attentive. We would go back :)

    (4)

  • Brett C.

    I wish I could give more stars! Cafe Muse is one of the finest eating establishments in Michigan. We have been going to Muse for years and have never had a bad experience here. Recently, Cafe Muse hosted our Wedding Rehearsal dinner last week and they did not disappoint. Everything was absolutely amazing. The food was top notch and the service was well executed. We eat brunch here at least once a week and try and stop by and visit the bar on the weekend. The menu is constantly changing, making each trip unique. The craft cocktails and beer make it an easy decision as to where we like to spend our time when we go out. If you have never been and are curious as to whether it is worth your time, make the trip and I promise you will not be let down.

    (5)

  • Bonnie W.

    I went here for a girls' evening out. The food was overall pretty good though I felt a bit overpriced for what I was getting. But of course you are paying for the trendy atmosphere. They had a nice array of drinks. The menu was pretty good. What was actually extremely annoying was our waiter. He was very friendly and knowledgable but he felt the need to have entire conversations with us, asking us all what we did for work, etc. Seeing as we were all trying to actually hang out together as kind of a mom's night out (which as one can image can be rare) it was actually really frustrating to us. I would go back again, but honestly, if I had the same waiter experience, that would be the last time.

    (4)

  • Adrian W.

    I come here just about every Friday. Every meal is good. I usually prefer Steak and Eggs or either the savory waffle with fruit. It's AMAZING! But whatever you decide to get make sure I get the eggs. Literally the best eggs in the world. Lol

    (5)

  • Agnes L.

    It was so hard for my friends and I to decide what to order...I honestly wished I could have gotten small bites of every dish. I absolutely LOVED how the menu broke down into "Sweet" and "Savory." If we weren't in a group of three, I would have done the usual split-one-of-each-best-sweet-and-savory-dish routine. So I chose my fav of the two - savory and also went with a fav type of brunch item (anything that combines seafood and eggs). Prepare for EXTREME detail of my eating experience in 5...4...3...2...1: *My absolute favorite part: It was actually the wheat toast (healthy option 1). It seems to always be the forgotten side/throwaway item, but not when it's done right. The bread tasted and looked artisan with a thick crust and chewy middle with just the right crispness from toasting and slathered with melted butter. A tiny dipping size bowl of berry jam next to it was the best sweet complement that my friends and I already we could even eat alone. *Other stellar sides: I enjoyed the medley of sliced fresh fruit included grapefruit (healthy choice already made for me!), pineapple, orange and melon. And I especially adored the sweet potato mash (healthy option 2, as opposed to fingerling potatoes) with a spice combo of cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla reminding me of the holidays. These more sweet sides went well with... *The star of the show: Smoked Salmon Scramble with Gruyere and Chives (did not go with the healthy option of subbing out eggs for egg whites or tofu, but appreciated those offerings). The eggs were incredibly fluffy and rich from the cheese...so decadent! The salmon was tender and plentiful. However, it did taste a bit salty for me and I would have liked some sort of sauce on top. In the end, because of the hip space and support of local products, I will definitely make this a brunch destination for a bachelorette party that I am planning in the area later this summer. It also doesn't hurt that they take reservations, as few brunch places do. And I MUST return for the lunch menu, considering how famous the grilled cheese sandwich is.

    (5)

  • Richie R.

    Decent place but not in the class of Fly Trap, Mae's or Toast. The lows: You can't consider a place legit when they use powered/pasteurized/eggs from a carton. I want REAL eggs, the kind that are cracked. The fingerlings potatoes were terrible. Slightly overpriced & overhyped. The highs: Nice decor, seafood grits were the BOMB, good friendly service. Conclusion: I don't see myself going back anytime soon. I'll hit Recipes, Toast, Fly Trap or Mae's instead.....

    (1)

  • Darren D.

    Great food and has the best craft cocktails in the area. Highly recommended that you visit this fine establishment.

    (5)

  • Kent W.

    Excellent had the smoked salmon scramble was just perfect. Grilled cheese was great too

    (5)

  • Rachel M.

    Loved it. Was on my way back home and decided I would stop in here and try it out. Glad I did. I was by myself, which is always nice when a single woman can go grab a bite to eat without being bothered or asked where her date is. Pretty little place, not very busy, attentive waiters. I ordered the gnocchi with a half portion of the scallops. I am a fan of eating small portions of many things so the half portion option was VERY exciting. Gnocchi was rich, small portion but understandably so once you take a bite. A "regular" looking portion would be entirely too much. Served with an egg yolk on top, which was new to me... but I busted the egg and dived right in. YUM!!! Then as soon as it started I was finished - and happy. Next came the scallops. They were served with "forbidden risotto". Another taste experience that was new to me, and happy to be come acquainted with. Scallops were perfect and paired with some unique tastes that made my mouth (and tummy) very happy. All in all, I wish I lived closer to Royal Oak, as I'd probably be in here WAY too much. I will be back soon... and MAYBE I'll be nice enough to bring a date next time... maybe not.

    (5)

  • Jenn A.

    FINALLY we were able to make it into this place! We went on a busy Saturday afternoon over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Luckily we timed it just right and were able to grab a table, but you should be prepared to wait just a bit as we saw that we slipped through in the nick of time. I went with a light lunch an opted for the soup of the day which was a corn and pepper chowder/bisque or sorts and it was very very good. It came with a side of fruit bread that they made there and it was also very good. My boyfriend got the BLT and he loved it. We are eager to get back for brunch next time, quite a few people around us were enjoying that, and everything we saw looked amazing.

    (5)

  • Christine T.

    A great spot with fantastic breakfast choices. The truffled eggs with mushrooms was a highlight, huge portions big enough to share.

    (4)

  • Mande B.

    Wow. Delish. My girlfriend spent one afternoon treating ourselves to lunch and nail therapy while the men played golf, and this was our restaurant choice....boy was I happy that it was :) We had to go with the grilled cheese and the exotic mushroom and truffle oil scramble just because of all of the other yelp suggestions. Where to start... the grilled cheese was absolutely amazing. Perfectly toasted, lots of cheese and finger licking good!! The mushroom scramble was just as tasty! I like truffle oil as much as the next, but some restaurants I have been to lately have gone truffle oil crazy, but not Cafe Muse! The scramble was perfectly seasoned and wasn't too heavy on the truffle oil. The only thing that wasn't amazing about our meal, and this is so minor, was the toast served with the scramble was pretty hard. But... we slathered it with nutella and the problem was pretty much solved! I will absolutely be returning to this gem in the future!

    (5)

  • Samantha D.

    This place was definitely not what people made it out to be. My girlfriend and I went here for breakfast and were extremely disappointed. Both of our silverware had food stuck on it...not just one utensil but all of them. We both had ordered a meal of which included eggs. They took FOREVER to come out. We finally got our food and there were a few bees flying around outside so we asked to be moved inside. I finally took a bite of my omelet and it was undercooked! I was already annoyed so I paid my overpriced tab and left. The best part was leaving and both of us became immediately nauseous to the point I had to pull over on 696 and toss my cookies. The only reason I even gave them two stars was for the service and beverages. Never going there again!!!

    (2)

  • William C.

    Consistent, Gourmet Breakfast Reading my reviews of breakfast places, one thing is clear: The coffee is always CRAP! Not here my friends, oh no. The coffee is probably the best in the city, at least the best I've had. I would come just for the coffee. My faves on the list: EVERYTHING, ha. Seriously, EVERYTHING is good. All of it. but perhaps the little diamond in the non-rough is the grits with crabmeat and lobster scent.( whatever that is) It's hidden away on the little sides menu. Get them they are awesome. Since there is no perfect place on Earth, I do have to say although the Lemon Ricotta pancakes are light, some of the other pancakes ( the carrot cake for example ) are a bit heavy. This is only a warning since if you eat them you will need a nap. It's a bit on the pricey side, but good value means getting your money's worth, and you definately get your money's worth eating here. Obviously I only come here for breakfast. Not avoiding it for lunch.dinner. just never had the chance nor the inclination

    (5)

  • Randy G.

    So far, three different breakfasts and each one was a home-run or at least a triple. Each dish is well thought out, the flavors compliment each other well, clever flavor combinations, and each dish was truly unique. The atmosphere is very nice and elegant, but not enough where you have to dress up. Remember, it's just breakfast. The first breakfast was the Orange Yogurt Pancakes. These hotcakes had a nice hint of orange zesty flavor. Not too much, but definitely enough were you knew it was there. It was accompanied with candied pecans and a sharp cheese on top, but I don't remember the name of it. The cheese by itself I thought was too sharp, but when eaten with the pancakes and a little syrup, it was a perfect combination. The portion was a little small, but I guess it's better that I don't over eat. Good portion control I guess. A standard menu item is the Exotic Mushroom Scramble. It's a wonderful scramble for mushroom lovers. The mushrooms are earthy, oily, and with a touch of truffle oil, the eggs are mushrooms are a great combination. It's not your ordinary mushroom and eggs. It also came with a sweet potato mash, which I've now tried twice. The mash is slightly sweet from the potato, but it can be a tiny bit bland. They are creamy, blended well, but just missing something. The Ammoglio Scramble is also a stand item and right up there with the mushrooms, it's a great combination of flavors. The sauce on the eggs is tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. I would compare it to a "salsa and eggs", but much better. The only weak part of this dish is that the ammoglio sauce is cold served on top of the hot eggs. If you like the contrast of temperature, it's perfect for you. If you think the temperature is going to through you off, just wait a minute or two and the eggs will do all the work to heat up the sauce. By the way, the scrambled eggs are probably one of the best I've had so far. They are cooked perfectly, fluffy, and they don't have a strong eggy flavor. Some how they soften the flavor, brilliant.

    (4)

  • Mike B.

    Had breakfast with brother and niece and Nolan her 1 year old. The service and the food was excellent. Alyssa was excellent she went above and beyond helping us with a 1 year old infant. With cafe muse being busy. I will be back again.

    (5)

  • Brittany P.

    Kinda obsessed with this place...I absolutely LOVE everything that they offer for breakfast and for lunch. For dinner, not so much. Dinner isn't that great. You can't go wrong with anything they have on their breakfast menu...I got the smoked salmon sandwich and my gosh, I could eat that every day. Delicious and the bread was homemade!

    (5)

  • Shannon S.

    Birthday lunch here today! Fabulous! A truly unique dining experience. So much on the menu, so little time :( The richest experience with all of the flavors of this day. I had the Grilled Hanger Steak Sandwich with Ammoglio Sauce and Provolone Cheese, what a melty delight to have in your mouth~! Excellent service!

    (5)

  • Gus M.

    What can I say us YELPERS don't lie :) Awesome experience here. Great service and since everyone was ranting and raving about the grilled cheese I had to get it. Hands down the best grilled cheese sandwich I have ever had bar none. My little brother ordered the BLT which was great but nothing can top the amazing combination of cheeses that they used. Bravo!!!! Cafe Muse you guys did a great job, and the ambiance is very nice too. If your in the area stop by hear and eat you will not have any regrets.

    (4)

  • Andi O.

    Love this place for brunch. Limited menu but impressed with quality & unique takes on traditional favorites. No surprise, the grilled cheese is my favorite. Four stars instead of five because of high price point, especially on coffees & beverages.

    (4)

  • Andy S.

    Delicious breakfast. She got the cheese eggs which were awesome. I forget what I had, something with meat in it though and I remember it being spot on. Cool space too. We tried to go here on a weekend and there was a long wait but on a Monday morning we were seated right away and everything was very tasty.

    (5)

  • Chrissie N.

    Excellent Food! Met my sister there for brunch today. I had the stuffed french toast and my sister had the vanilla bean waffle and we were both very pleased. Very cute place! Great ambiance! Wait staff was extremely nice (especially when I accidentally broke a glass!). Will definitely go back! Be sure to bring quarters for the parking meters!

    (4)

  • Andi J.

    I usually don't write reviews but I wanted to on this restaurant. I wasn't impressed. The food is mediocre and the servers aren't too friendly. If you want good food for a less expensive price, go anywhere else but here. I left still feeling hungry. It's more so one of those cafes where people who want to feel trendy go to.

    (2)

  • N P.

    It's been a few months but I wanted to add a review. Cafe Muse is a good place to go for breakfast or brunch. Was the service perfect? Not really, a little slow but nothing bad. Is the variety of the menu good enough for people with particular food needs (vegetarian, non vegetarian)? Mostly, although I'm always happy with more vegetarian choices. Is it pricey? Yes, the coffee is more expensive than I would have expected. Is it too crowded? Very, but if people are pleasant that can be fun too as it gives the place a nice atmosphere with everyone enjoying the food. But it's really 4 stars for me because the food was very good! I like the sweet and non sweet separation. I tend to like sweet foods at nicer restaurants and Cafe Muse did not disappoint. I had delicious lemon pancakes here and also brought friends who enjoyed some of the omelets and meat dishes. It's pricey and there are other equal or better brunch options according to others. To me, it's worth a try if you are in the area. I'll be back and will sample more in the future and will update the review if needed.

    (4)

  • Liz P.

    Went here for the first time tonight for Royal Oak Restaurant Week. I found the service to be fine (re: some of the other reviews on here) and the food was great. I got the spinach salad, which was just okay (not a huge soup or salad fan), the half roasted chicken which was a huge portion, with fingerling potatoes, and the homemade chocolate pudding for dessert, which was more like chocolate topping but very decadent. The bread was great too - tasted like walnut bread or something. I will be back to Cafe Muse to try their famous grilled cheese sandwich at some point.

    (4)

  • Shane H.

    I came here on a tuesday for brunch. from the outside, the cafe seemed hole-in-the-wallish to me. but as soon as i walked in i was a bit overwhelmed with this faux-euro style decorations and slightly fancyness. I showed up in a goofy sweater and my bf was wearing a domo shirt, we both felt very underdressed. Not to say that you have to come in here ALL THAT fancy. But it'd be nice to jcrew yourself a bit with a splash of vintage kate spade, just sayin'. Maybe because I haven't read for awhile, their menu could get a bit complicated. When I was trying to decided with everything they have on the menu I was having doubts that this place would have a 4.5 star on yelp. (vegan burgers, whole wheat toast with nutella just sounds like whole-foods-ish to me). And the rest of the menu were just worded weirdly for some reason. Then we finally decided to go with their house mac-'n-cheese and the skirt steak sandwich. I found myself in awe as soon as the food got on the table. It's been a long while since I've seen simple american food been presented with such grace and style. And of course, everything tasted so delicious that I can't describe in any words. Definitely coming back when I feel fancy again.

    (5)

  • Eowyn K.

    I first went to Café Muse at their tiny original location. The food was so good I've been going ever since. They know how to handle eggs. There are a variety of scrambles and each has light and fluffy eggs. I really like the smoked salmon scramble and the wild mushroom scramble. If you are reading reviews about Muse you have heard about the Grilled Cheese. Yes, it is that good. They also have a variation that includes rib meat which is also mouth watering, but the original will always be my favorite. If you are in the mood for something sweet rather than savory try one of the French toast or waffle items. There is also a specials menu and a separate drinks menu, something that has confused people when I have brought them for the first time. I saw a couple complaints about the service. I've never experienced bad service here. Our server has always been attentive and if they are busy another staff member has stepped up. When they first opened at the new location we laughed about being over served (at least four staff asked us about drinks). The chef has come out to check in on the food and was friendly and seemed interested if we were enjoying our meal. I like the ambiance but some of the tables are a little to close together. It does however allow you to spy on what other people have ordered while making your selection. I have never been for dinner and have heard it is expensive. Brunch and lunch are more reasonably priced.

    (5)

  • Virginia C.

    There is a 30-45 minute wait for brunch on the weekends, but the Stuffed French Toast with Mascarpone and a 5 Spice Pear Nage alone is so worth it. The service is great - but because of the crowd.. I do feel a little rush to finish my meal.. Will def. still be back!

    (4)

  • Jen W.

    Awesome food! Great potential to be an awesome place to hang out.. But HORRIBLE SERVICE! just to get a coffee takes 15 min. Don't even bother asking for a refill

    (2)

  • Megan R.

    Had high hopes, but was not impressed. My friend and I went for lunch and I was given a glass of water with lipstick caked on the rim. I had read reviews here on yelp before we went, including the one that mentioned being served a dirty coffee cup, and I now feel leery of how well their dishes and silverware actually get cleaned on the whole. My friend was really looking forward to this and so we did not leave. I mentioned the glass to our waitress and she quickly got me a new, clean glass of water. I had the raspberry lemonade which was actually very tasty. My friend had a dirty chai which was also good. We each got the ever-famous grilled cheese and I thought there was much to be desired. Our sandwiches looked nothing like the picture on Cafe Muse's yelp homepage (caption says "'Best Grilled Cheese in America' -Esquire"). Our sandwiches were paltry in comparison to the one pictured. There was one tomato on each half of the sandwich. Just one! I was hoping for the glorious double-layering of tomatoes pictured, or at least a satisfying grilled cheese, but it was just a thin layer of cheese(s), basil, and that one lone tomato slice. Oh and a hint of honey. I am not sure what sandwhich Oprah had, but I have a hard time believing that one was it.

    (1)

  • Bunny K.

    Great atmospher & location. Food was underwhelming. Expectations ran high after all of the great reviews but weren't met. Moldy strawberries in fruit salad sort of turned everyone off to breakfast:(

    (2)

  • Ashley A.

    As my boyfriend read me some of the menu choices, I wasn't completely convinced but my mind was soon changed. This restaurant is so nice on the outside and inside. It made me feel as if I was in a little Paris cafe. The food was prepared quickly, the waitress was very nice and attentive, and the food was phenomenal. I highly recommend the turkey burger!

    (4)

  • Jonathan S.

    Probably the best restaurant in Royal Oak in terms of ambiance and food quality. The atmosphere is intimate and warm. They added dinner about two years ago and I think they are now just catching their stride. They do an amazing brunch and it is worth the wait (in the warmth of summer). I recommend the grilled cheese, yes, but get the variation with braised short ribs. They usually have some pretty good beers on tap. I went in there a couple months ago and they had PumpKing on tap for $5.

    (5)

  • Aman S.

    Wonderful experience. Went for breakfast, the eggs were delicious, as was the French toast. I'll definitely go back again!

    (4)

  • Wendy C.

    This is a wonderful place for breakfast or brunch. Interesting menu that consists of refined twist of classic breakfast items such as egg scramble and pancakes, some are executed exceptionally well (read Janelle W's review on exotic mushroom egg scramble, oh so airy, almost of souffle texture) while others are still very good but less memorable. Service is friendly and efficient. I also appreciate the small details in decor, whether be the euro antique style light switches or the lotions and dried lavender bunch in the washroom. You can tell they try hard to provide you with an overall experience. Nice. I'd definitely go back if I am in the area.

    (4)

  • Maggi W.

    I was excited to try this place based on their online menu. I thought the offerings sounded unique and scrumptuous. Unfortunately, their manu writer is probably the most talented person on the staff. The food did not live up to the descriptions. I can only base this on our first visit and what I ordered and tasted of my lunch companion's food. Who wouldn't want to order a short rib grilled cheese sandwich. That sounded so amazing. The good: there was plenty of short rib and it was done well. The bad: I had hardly any discernable cheese, so I couldn't fairly call this a "grilled cheese" sandwich. When I picked it up to eat it, it was dripping in grease or some kind of liquid and the bottom part of the bread (I ordered sourdough) was soaked. It was served with a a side of cold rice salad, a weird option and it tasted weird. Cold rice, cabbage and a few pieces of cherry tomato. Hmmm. I left most of it. My companions ordered the "exotic" mushroom soup, and the pumpkin squash soup. I tasted both and neither was seasoned and were extremely bland. I would have had to add a lot of salt and pepper. I might try the place again, but I wish it had lived up to my first expectations. PS: the metered parking on the street is extremely expensive. We kept feeding it coins and the timestamp hardly moved. Find a parking structure if you plan to spend much time in Royal Oak.

    (2)

  • Fern G.

    ***Disclaimer***To be fair, let me say that I haven't eaten here yet. I'm reviewing the service I received when I called to order a carry-out. The first time I called it was 4 pm and the gentleman on the phone said they're closed until dinner. He asked me to call back and order my carry-out at 6 pm. He said they take carry-outs as long as you call at or after 6 pm. I changed my mind that night and ended up eating somewhere else. The next night, which happened to be Valentine's Day, I called at 6 pm as instructed by the guy on the phone, and tried to order a carry-out. The girl that I spoke to was extremely rude. There was no customer service, no "I'm sorry but we're not accepting carry-out orders," no "have a nice day", nothing! She said they "weren't taking carry-out orders" in an angry/annoyed/how dare you bother me, tone of voice. I tried explaining that the day before, the guy who spoke with me on the phone said I could do so any day as long as it's at or after 6 pm. She said, "Well, we're busy, it's Valentine's Day, so we're not taking any carry-out orders." Then she basically hung up on me. Not going to be eating here even if hell freezes over. Such a shame too since I'm a proud foodie and spend plenty of money in local restaurants.

    (1)

  • Joe C.

    A pleasant surprise in this part of town ha... grwat food with great decor, honestly something I didn't expect to find here~~ reasonable price as well!

    (4)

  • Samantha L.

    This place was amazing. Seriously, this was the single best brunch I've had in forever -- and I've been trying to find a bacon waffle with almond butter ever since. I even bought a waffle iron and tried to duplicate the recipe so I could have it in Colorado. A food loving friend of a friend recommended we go here, and everyone in our party (from all over the place) was awed by the fantastic food. Also, the area around it was super cute and not something we expected to see in Detroit. Definitely would go back if I'm ever even remotely near the area.

    (5)

  • Ally B.

    Breakfast at Cafe Muse: A treasured experience for those in the know. This place is always jamming, and that's a great thing because Royal Oak needs more restaurants that are clearly doing it well enough to generate an hour-long wait. Make a call-ahead reservation or use OpenTable to cut the line. If you don't want to stand around, leave a number and walk around, the host staff will give you a call. Or grab a drink at the bar while you wait if that's an option. Yes there are several menus to peruse, hang in there, a little light reading never killed anyone. The smaller menu will be the weekly specials. They change every Friday so get 'em while they last (the sweet specials are ALWAYS on point). The larger menu would be everything that Muse has had on the menu since forever, and it's all pretty darn great. Breakfast is broken down into three categories. Just remember your S's: 1) Sweet: Your waffles, french toast, pancakes, all served with 100% Real Maple Syrup. Sugar Free is available upon request. 2) Savory: Egg scrambles containing the freshest ingredients and cheeses you won't find at Leo's! 3) Sides: THREE kinds of BACON! Seafood Cheddar Grits! Steel Cut Oatmeal! Okay that last one might sound a bit too healthy but it is seriously delicious nonetheless! Also, don't forget to check both sides of the menus. The coffee drinks are located on the back of the beverage menu--don't miss out on the caffeination domination that is Great Lakes Coffee. If an association between a certain former daytime talk show host and a famous grilled cheese sandwich is what brought you in the door...just wait...get the short rib edition (it's on the lunch specials menu, always has been, always will be). It will change your life. You'll be like Oprah Who? Muse expanded from a walk-in-closet sized venue, to the seating area of the restaurant that is on the south side of the building...then added the bar and seating area located on the north end of the building. They're obviously doing something right to garner that much success. So come in hungry, but definitely not hangry--good things come to those who wait! Now you've had the crash course...lucky for you the test is open book :)

    (5)

  • Sheila M.

    Aptly named. I feel like this place is the muse for all aspiring "good" brunch places anywhere. I love how they serve just the right portions of quality food, filling my stomach juuust right and satisfying my tastebuds so I don't feel like I need to patch up the wanting spaces with bread and/or another lukewarm forkful of mediocre hash browns. I got a simple scramble with cheddar and chives, fingerling potatoes, and a toasted slice of rye with orange marmalade. My friend and I sat around in our little summer dresses and ate daintily. I am so not a dainty person, either, but that's just what this place does to you. It makes you a BETTER PERSON. Ok, I'm done overselling. But seriously, it's good. It was on Oprah.

    (5)

  • Josh S.

    This place is always a solid bet. The grilled cheese and butterscotch pudding.....serious. Ask for Lindsay.

    (5)

  • Benita M.

    My five-star review is for their brunch. I've been here for lunch and dinner too but lunch was a low 4 stars with dinner being a solid 3. I can't say a whole lot that hasn't already been said, but if you're a local and haven't eaten here yet, definitely make brunch a priority. I usually get the exotic mushroom scramble, which has the fluffiest eggs, and comes with delicious toast and the most amazing jam. Every so often, I'll switch it up and get one of their daily specials. Once it was a great eggplant dish with their ammoglio sauce, which was so good I wish it was a regular menu item. I've had a couple of the sweet dishes and they've also been good, but in my mind, it's the savory where they really shine. Get one of the egg dishes so you also get the potatoes and toast, both simple but worth it. I also love their regular coffee, and the chai is delicious as well.

    (5)

  • Valerie K.

    A great venue in Royal Oak. This place is a more upscale, but not too pretentious place for any meal in Royal Oak. Now that they've expanded, the space is a little more comfortable and not so cramped. This is especially important on the weekends, when Cafe Muse really gets busy. The staff here is attentive. I was a little irritated with the hostess during our last visit. On a Friday morning I was hoping for a little distance between our table and the next - and even requested we not be seated directly next to another couple. This seems like common sense to me: if it's not a busy time of day and you have the opportunity, why not give diners some privacy? She re-sat us, but quickly seated another couple directly next to us. Just a nit pick, but worth mentioning. Also, even though there is a lot of space, the acoustics are challenging. With just about a quarter of the restaurant full (if that), the noise level was quite loud. And of course - the regular Royal Oak parking nightmare. Expensive meters or deck parking; par for the course here. The food is really good (although not excellent). I don't get the hype around the grilled cheese. It's just a grilled cheese if you ask me. I think this is more about the press it's gotten with Gail and Oprah, but I suppose you have to try it - just to say you did. The breakfast is also very good; gourmet but not 'weird'. I had cinnamon raisin french toast and my boyfriend had the stuffed french toast with mascarpone. Both were yummy, and it was nice to be able to top it off with a bloody mary. Overall, Cafe Muse is definitely a place to visit, if only to get away from the chain restaurants and have a little bit of a more upscale dining experience.

    (4)

  • J B.

    This place really holds up to its reputation. The food is all around excellent, the lemon ricotta pancakes are divine and redefine what a pancake should be. They have excellent coffee drinks that come out quickly and served hot and the servers don't even flinch when you order one! The staff is super friendly and professional. Add this place to your go-to restaurants!

    (5)

  • Ellie F.

    If you want to read about mac & cheese, look elsewhere! This lactose-intolerant bird doesn't care about that. I got a black-bean burger (not really a burger), and it was DELICIOUS. It was not what I expected at all, but was so much better. Flavorful, light, not covered in cheese... bravo, Cafe Muse. The peanut butter hot chocolate is worth a try. In the winter, I'm sure it's more exciting. This place really makes me miss Michigan!

    (5)

  • Lori K.

    From all the yelp reviews I thought for sure this would be a hit. It was terrible. We went here for brunch. First off our server. I guess since we had a baby our server took it upon himself to be chatty natty, oh I was a premie, I had brothers and sisters 11 and 13 years apart, oh you should place your baby on the dryer to calm them down...when we first walked in he said, oh good he is sleeping so he'll be quiet. He kept intruding on us, we couldn't even enjoy our meal. We just wanted him to leave us alone. This is supposed to be a nice restaurant. We think he belonged at Cedar Point or a Water Park. The food was such a let down. The waiter recommended the stuffed french toast, they were four pieces of bread, I could have made that at home. I left hungry. It was wonder bread. There was no stuffed anything. What a waste of money. One positive, we had ordered the short rib sandwich and it was delicious. But you have a few chips to serve with it? Um, no. I suggest Russell Street Deli, Brooklyn Street Local, Toast, Fly Trap, anywhere but here!!

    (1)

  • Bernardo M.

    I would never go back to cafe muse. I went here for dinner with a couple of friends and my girlfriend's dad, who had just got off a plane from china. I was the first to arrive so I order a glass of wine with one other friend. My server asked for my id which is of course his job but then spends the next 5 minutes inspecting, bending, and turning it over. I assure him it's not fake and he continues to look it over. After that charade we wait another 5 minutes bf he comes back WITHOUT the wine only to ask for my id again. I thought he must have been joking. It was embarrassing for him. Anyway, finally the wine arrives and I must say one positive thing that the Cabernet was amazing. Next the final two guests from our party arrive. We order a spread. We ordered the charcuterie and brussel sprout salad for an appetizer. Well the charcuterie was sparce. Two types of meat and a cpl pieces of toast. No options and really not meant to be split between two people let alone four. Then we waited for our entrees. Three of us ordered the monkfish priced at $26 a plate and one order of the steak. Well our second appetizer arrived with our entrees. The brussel sprout salad was so flavorless and disappointing. I honestly was shocked how dry and plain it was. And the monk fish was horrible. For $26 a plate I expect flavor and presentation. The fish had zero flavor and was served over some type of soupy potato mash. I thought the pairing was more due to laziness than culinary experimentation. We had creme brûlée and bread pudding for dessert which was probably the best part. Overall, I was disappointed by the service in the beginning and horrible expensive food only dug cafe muse deeper down a hole that I will not be returning to. If you like over-priced bland food then this is the place for you.

    (1)

  • Julian B.

    Tried the famous Grilled Cheese. I got it carryout but highly disappointing after wanting to try it forever. The pics on this page did not look like the sandwich I received. Taste was solid but not sure why all the fuss.

    (1)

  • Dea A.

    Life lesson #1: never trust someone who committed Yelpicide to fill out a comment card. Life lesson #2: as fantastically miserable this craphole known as Detroit is -- there are some places that make you feel like everything is going to be alright -- Cafe Muse is one of them. I visited this delicious place 3 times in the past month. This is one of those places that serves you your well-known favorites but makes them NEW again. And that's just what keeps me coming back for me. Every time I visited it was during rush -- but unlike most places service does NOT decline when they are busy. Dare I say, they thrive on pleasing the hungry masses with chipper attitudes, frequent coffee re-warmings, and maybe TOO often litmus testing of your happiness? If they did it any differently, it just wouldn't be the same. Their employees bring a sense of warmth, comfort, and familiarity that all breakfast joints ought to have. I have to admit -- I'm scarred for life from Detroit Breakfast House's version of "stuffed French toast" where it came out in a CUBE stuffed with a stick of creamcheese and topped with canned pile filling. I can't think of anything more revolting to wake up to (OK ... maybe Dick Cheney is more disgusting to wake up) than this block of horribleness. But Cafe Muse's stuffed French toast is delicate! And delicious! And no canned pie filling to be found! It's stuffed in a way where you can't figure out exactly WHERE the stuffing is coming from -- but it's stuffed! I assure you! I LOVE waffles. And they are one of the places that makes a damn tasty Belgian waffle. I just wish they would experiment with the batter a bit like they did with their amazing arrray of pancakes (carrot cake pancakes anyone?). I also LOVE the fact they have a ton of seasonal specials! And they ALL sound amazing! My list of wins: Lemon ricotta blueberrry pancakes (made me a believer in pancakes again) Waffle anything with smoked salmon on it the exotic mushroom orgasm stuffed French toast the hazelnut hot chocolate (sooooo amazing) this quinoa salad with olives, artichokes and capers -- I NEVER EVER had a salad taste SO PERFECT Mehs: I just can't love their turkey or regular bacon. Their regular bacon just isn't special enough for me. They need to steal the Pancake House's supplier because their bacon is still king. 3 cheese grilled cheese -- I don't get it. I get it, but I don't get it. I think if I were to order this again I would ask for no tomato. I have no idea why but warm/hot previously raw tomatoes are really gross to me. Especially if they are out of season tomatoes. Things that amaze me: They actually pay attention to their comment cards. I have no idea how they have a photographic memory, but Vikram is easy to remember. Yelpicidist Aaron K filled out the comment card one meal -- and put down Vikram's name AND said he wanted more toast. So next time we come in, the CHEF walks out our meal and says (nicely) "here is the extra piece of toast you requested." And I'm like "We requested what now? Uh...." Chef: "On the comment card, you said you'd like an extra piece of toast." V and I are sitting there staring at the extra piece of toast we both never commented on scratching our heads as to what just happened. How did they know it was US to requested it? We never said anything! How do they know who WE are?? We are both carnivores, we don't need no stinkin' toast to fill us up -- it was the gone rogue vegetarian! We were a little embarrassed and ate the extra piece of toast out of obligation while cursing Aaron K's name. The owner frequently is around asking question about how you like it and how they can improve. I LOVE that. He said that they will be getting a booze license soon (hopefully by summer 2010). And they will NOT have bottomless mimosa (*super sad face* but they gotta turn tables I understand). Also they will soon start serving dinner too! I get a lot of attention here. I have to admit, I really like it. I just wish I wasn't so lazy and went here sooner! THREE years of delicious Cafe Muse food I could have been eating and I totally missed out. Don't let that happen to you!!! *** Extremely carnivore, vegetarian AND vegan friendly **** (If you're anorexic, sorry, this place isn't for you.) RESERVATIONS: Yeah, kinda works like Red Coat Tavern -- you call ahead to put your name down on a list if needed (they will tell you if there is a wait or not).

    (5)

  • Janet R.

    I took my daughter to Cafe Muse on Sunday for brunch. We were told we had a 30 minute wait. 15 minutes later we were seated. However we were seated at a table for 6 rather than two and we sensed the waiter was a little irritated at the hostess for seating us there. The service was okay, nothing special, a little slow, little eye contact from the waiter. The food came out quickly enough though. I had the vanilla bean waffles with fruit and my daughter had the french toast. Both were delicious. The side of bacon (nitrate free mind you) wasn't cooked long enough. We both had fresh squeezed orange juice but the waiter brought us a large though we didn't order a particular size. It was too much to finish. Our bill totaled $38 plus tip so a little pricey for breakfast for just the two of us. Overall, it was good but I would not rush to go back.

    (3)

  • William M.

    Fantastic Service!!! I had stopped in for a treat after lunch and got the Butterscotch Pudding and It was very good. I have heard about other food that is really good here and I would check it out. Hope this helped!

    (4)

  • Michelle C.

    Café Muse is a great spot, no question, but server, Lindsay M. makes it the best spot! Every time I eat there, I order solely off her recommendation. I love being able to trust her knowledge, expertise and taste! It has paid off every time.

    (5)

  • James D.

    This is one of the busiest spots in Royal Oak on a saturday or sunday morning and for good reason. The food is delicious and there is a wonderful list of different breakfast options. The coffee is excellent as well. Service is about on par with all other restaurants, though admittedly they are quite quick in getting your food to you even if it's busy. Decor and ambiance is generally lovely and they don't jam too many people in here so that you get overwhelmed with chatter. All in all, an excellent first starting point for brunch (if you can get in)...

    (4)

  • Kadian M.

    This is one of our FAVORITE brunch dates. My husband and I get the Cappuccino, and any of the weekly specials ..... Out of this world!!!! Charming atmosphere, flavors for days, and a really nice place to go for a date :)

    (5)

  • Bella M.

    I don't know if Café Muse has changed owners or chefs but the grilled cheese was not as good as I remember from a year or so ago. The sandwich had tons of cheese, too much actually, and I really couldn't taste the good flavor of the honey. The side of pasta salad tasted like it was from a mix or a grocery deli counter. Boy the dining choices in Royal Oak have really become very average.

    (2)

  • Foster B.

    This was the first time that we ate at Cafe Muse since it moved from its original tiny digs. We knew it was trendy and expensive and brought the cash to handle the fee. Unfortunately the cafe didn't live up to expectations. It is very trendy, bare bones chic in an old building with a lot of class and warmth. Service was unenthusiastic and inattentive which, at these prices was disheartening. The least you can do when you hold me up for good food at exorbitant costs is smile when you take my money! Food was superb. I had the Restaurant Week special which was homemade Fettuccine and an exotic mushroom mix that was so rich I almost fell off my chair. Kudos for presentation of the food and compliments to the chef. The dessert was a "meh". However I expect to get value for my money! While the food was excellent it was horribly overpriced. Ginny's entree was a microscopic serving of 6 or 7 tiny ramps and maybe an ounce of a superb mushroom mix served artfully on a huge plate with a colorful swatch of tomato compote. No complaints about the quality of food but the amount served for $19 would equal the price of printer ink if measured in ounces and no, I didn't want fries on the side. Lest we be accused of being gourmands, let me say again that the food was exquisite but for the same price or less you can be much better served even at tony Lucy's next door or What Crepe across the street or Inn Season down on Fourth.

    (3)

  • Tia E.

    Cafe Muse's delicious food is the reason for our return business up to this point, but is simultaneously the worst service I have ever had anywhere.Our experience this time around was particularly bad but rather than writing an essay about the horror, i really wanted to touch on the carelessness of the waitstaff and providing basic polite courtesies--- as this has always been consistent. Don't expect your food for at least 45 minutes (we waited 90 this time) and don't expect to see your server after he/she takes your drink order. You're basically ignored and customers kept getting up looking for their servers. We asked after an hour where the food was and the server said "the food will get here when it gets here." Nice. While I can't promise you'll have a rude waiter, I can confidently advise you to eat a snack before you come if you really want dinner to take minimum of two hours. Don't say I didn't warn you!

    (2)

  • Myrtle M.

    I'm sad about this, but I have to update my review. I don't know what happened, but ever since the second half of the restaurant opened up, there seems to be a major lull in service. My husband and I have been here three times within the past couple months and had to wait 15 minutes to place a drink order, which is pretty absurd. The food is still pretty great, but the service has definitely taken a dive. If you can sit in the original section of the restaurant, try to. It's much more charming and warm. I don't know why they opened the new side without having any art on the walls or really any decorating charm whatsoever. It feels incomplete and cold, and now Cafe Muse is like two completely different restaurants: One a sweet French cottage cafe, and the other, a snooty, icier version of any other restaurant. The shame!

    (3)

  • Jennifer C.

    Breakfast: My husband and I shared a waffle and the smoked salmon scramble. I loved the smoked salmon. I found the salmon to be pretty filling, whereas the waffle really wasn't. I did enjoy the lightness and butteriness of the waffle. If I was just ordering the waffle again, I would have to order a more savory side. They serve locally roasted coffee that was pretty good. We ate inside but there is a small patio you can also use. I had good service. I would definitely come back to try some of their other menu options.

    (4)

  • Paula W.

    Their grilled cheese is AMAZING! I love how most of their ingredients are grown in Michigan.

    (5)

  • Kelly K.

    The food is still 11 stars in my books - went here yesterday with my parents and got to experience the divine dish that is cinnamon raisin french toast. TRY IT. It is ridiculous. However, our server was horrible. I would knock a star off, but the first time we went the service was so great, I can't justify 4 stars yet. I'll give it one more shot before I take a star away. But seriously, when you don't take an order for 20 minutes, don't bring straws (when your customer asks for one), don't ever come by to check on us, don't bring us any refills (thankfully there was a waitress who did her job AND our waitress' job) - you really should NOT be a waitress. Oh! But you remembered to drop the bill off! Good job.

    (5)

  • Audrey M.

    Very average food and very overpriced. The menu didn't have many choices at all. I don't like giving bad reviews but the only positive thing I can comment on was our server.

    (2)

  • Tom L.

    Living in the general RO - Ferndale area, I've been told by dozens of people that I had to go to Cafe Muse. For some reason, I didn't. As a history guy, I was once told that i had to watch the movie Amistad. I bought it, and took about five years to watch it...I just had to be in the right place. Forgiving the horrible comparison between a movie about slavery and delicious flavor pallet that was Cafe Muse, the effect was the same...I was so unbelievably glad it happened. Yesterday, with a large group of friends, we went to Cafe Muse for a brunch. Being an early riser, breakfast had already happened. That's not always enough to keep me away, but today, the lunch menu was calling. Don't worry breakfast...i tried you...i liked you...and I will certainly be back to explore our relationship further. There were about 10 of us, and the ordering was diverse...cinnamon raisin french toast, beef sliders, seafood, mushroom soup, pancakes, vanilla bean waffles...nothing looked bad. I was stuck, and couldn't decide between about three or four things on each menu. I was surprised at the complexity of the menu. Though obvious that there were only a few key ingredients, there was such diverse use of them...and it was impressive. The carrot cake pancakes were high on the list, but when I asked my waiter what he suggested, there was no hesitation. The hanger steak sandwich. Lunch starts at 11, and it was 11:30...there was no passing this up. I didn't know what hanger steak was, and I like to cook. Alton Brown never talked about this one...at least, not in any episode I watched. So too my iPhone I went, and I found out this one is called the "Butcher's cut" because it was often reserved by the butcher for its unique and full flavor, and difficulty to process. The cut attaches to the diaphragm of the cow, and has to be carefully cut and marinated, and requires removal of some connective tissue to make it edible. Add to that it must be cooked just right, or it will be overcooked into a chewy form of beef jerky (yeah...the glory of instant information is....well...glorious!). Let's just say that the recommendation was perfect and the steak sandwich was right on. The beautiful and tasty steak was between two pieces of artisan bread and drizzled with ammoglio sauce, a Sicilian sauce with tomato, garlic, basil, olive oil that are seasoned with salt and pepper...again, simple and well done. A thin slice of provolone topped it...and it was perfect. The meat was cooked to a medium rare, and I cannot begin to tell you how tempted I was to order a second. The show stealing appearance was by the accompanying apple and pear cole slaw. The slaw was apples, pears, three varieties of raisins, sliced almonds, and bit of honey and apple cider vinegar...and it was awesome. I'd like a bowl next time...and a very large medicine spoon...wake me up when I'm finished. Yet...let me tell you why I was disappointed. I know, right...disappointed you say? if you're there for breakfast, and have an insatiable sweet tooth, as I do, order the cinnamon raisin french toast. Holy hell...this was amazing. One of my friends was gracious enough to offer me a bite, and it was game changing. It was just eggy enough, just cinnamonny enough...and amazingly good. With warm syrup served in a drizzling bottle, it was a work of art. This masterpiece could only tempt me to two bites for fear that I might devour the plate it was served on. This is the real deal folks...order it wisely, for once you've crossed this threshold, there may be no point of return. The reviews around the table were consistent, and they were good. The service was great and the ambiance was pleasant enough, even for a place that was clearly trying to fit as many people in it as they could. My lovely wife told me that the naturally cured bacon, lettuce and tomato, that was anything but your mom's BLT was incredible. And, so went the table...a mix of the daily specials and the regular menu items....and so grew my list of things to have next time. Oh yes...I will be back to visit you my sweet...and you will be mine. It took me a while, and I'm sorry for that, but I shall return, and return soon!

    (5)

  • Big D.

    Great food but slow slow service. They like dogs outside (water and cookies available). Prices are pricey.... The coffee is great!

    (3)

  • Justin A.

    I went to this place on a Saturday afternoon around 1:30ish and it was a 45 minute wait. Not too bad considering the time of day and the fact that there are plenty of places to kill the time in Royal Oak. I also appreciated that they call you via cellphone instead of getting those vibrating hockey pucks things that light up. I ordered the exotic mushroom bisque and it was delicious and mushroomy, just as I had expected. It also came with a delicious pumpkin? bread with dates. Killed it and on to the next course. For the main entree, I got the short rib sandwich with the salad of the day, which happened to be couscous plus a side of nitrate free turkey bacon. First off, the couscous was delicious and I am not that big a fan of it to begin with. It was well seasoned and yada yada yada. Now the sandwich... there are any number of superlatives I could use to describe it. It was incredibly creamy and meaty and the bread was nicely toasted and buttery. Incredible. One qualm I have about this sandwich was it was a little greasy or maybe it was the ammoglio sauce, but it is a very small qualm. The bacon was good, but not worth it. I should have known that it would be from Whole Foods. Overall, just like a bear goes to the woods to take a sh*t, I will most definitely be back at Cafe Muse to eat.

    (5)

  • Carol D.

    This is our favorite place for breakfast in Royal Oak. The wild mushroom scramble served with fingerling potatoes is one of my favorites, although I am often tempted by one of the daily breakfast specials. The service is professional and the ambiance pleasant. I have enjoyed my lunch and dinner experiences, but breakfast is by far the best.

    (4)

  • Nicole A.

    Food was good the first time I went to CM. When we went on Sunday....what a disaster. Not the food...the service! We waited for twenty minutes (2 of us) and there were 7-8 tables open the entire time. NO ONE was being seated. The hostess was just taking names but not sitting anyone. They were not under-staffed....just disorganized!!! When standing in line, the people next to us said it happens all the time. Oh well, we'll just go during "non busy" times I guess.

    (2)

  • Sam B.

    I've been wanting to try Cafe Muse quite some time just for the fact that I've heard great things about their grilled cheese sandwich. I finally had a chance to go last Saturday afternoon and it did not disappoint. We went in around 1 pm and there was no wait. We were seated and the place was much bigger than I expected. I was greeted happily and the place looked very clean. It had a unique vibe that made it stand out. I got the famous grilled cheese while my girlfriend got the Turkey Pesto sandwich and we decided to split the sandwiches. The grilled cheese lives up to the hype! It was crunchy, cheesy, and not to heavy! It tasted great and the little bit of honey is a nice addition. The turkey pesto sandwich was also very fresh and good but I liked the grilled cheese more and would order it again. They have a very cool menu that I would like to check out for breakfast now that I've tried the famous grilled cheese! If you are in the Royal Oak area in the early afternoon, I'd definitely check this place out!

    (5)

  • Elibe E.

    Cafe Muse is legit and worthy of the hype. The breakfast menu is excellent. If you are an early-bird, try to get in here when they open - beat the rush! The space is pretty small and cramped, you may be waiting 1+ hrs on weekend mornings. This is one of my favorite places to eat in metro Detroit.

    (4)

  • Chris C.

    I love Cafe Muse! This place is amazing. I want to try everything on the menu, but I can't bring myself to order anything other than the Exotic Mushroom Scramble. It was the first thing I ever ordered here, and I fell in love with it right away. I have however taken bites from other plates of my breakfast/brunch company and loved those dishes as well. The stuffed french toast and vanilla bean waffles are delightful! They pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients, and even though the prices are a little higher, the quality of the food is evident in every bite! They also have delicious coffee drinks and cocktails to make the perfect breakfast complete! I always come here on Sundays, and make sure you make a reservation, because it is always packed on the weekends. I love you Cafe Muse!!

    (5)

  • Ellie K.

    My guest ordered the grilled salmon sandwich on sourdough and really loved it, especially the carmelized grilled onions. I had the veggie lentil, black bean sandwich on whole wheat bun. It doesn't get any drier. I really should have requested ketchup just to be able to gt it down. Left the top of the bun on the plate as it was dry and tasteless. My salad garnish had no dressing so I assumed it was meantto go on the sandwich, add moisture. The vegan carrot cake dessert was wonderful. Would have been better had I received my espresso with the dessert, not so far ahead of it. You really can't let your espresso sit around like a cup of brewed coffee. Therice pudding was, well, should it be that chewy? Fresh fruit topping was fabulous. For the price paid ot was disappointing.

    (3)

  • Michele S.

    While visiting Michigan on business my co-workers and I happened upon Cafe Muse. I was very impressed with menu and quickly learned they have fantastic staff! We ordered the truffled chips, dates, gorgonzola flat bread as shared appetizers. Two of my co-workers order the short ribs, one the filet and I had the gnocchi, everything was delicious.

    (5)

  • Ray B.

    Fresh, tasty, nice experience. It was quick and not more than other places, I would promote it all day long.

    (4)

  • Cyndi T.

    Just ok for dinner. Steak was fine, chard was over salted & too heavy. Corn soup was fine, but not amazing. After reading all the reviews, really surprised it wasn't better. Maybe lunch & breakfast is more their forte.

    (2)

  • Yi S.

    The only reason they are not getting a Five star was because the tables were so close together, with all the different conversations going on around us, it was really distracting. I ordered Fried Vegan Tofu on a bed of Arugula Salad with chopped walnut, with a side of mashed Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Fruits, and Sour Dough Bread with jam (Currant, maybe?). EVERYTHING was delicious and well done! I would highly recommend the restaurant for a more high class dinning experience. With the higher prices, it would definitely be a special occasion place for me.

    (4)

  • Annette J.

    Okay, you got a 5 star out of me. If only for the grilled cheese sandwich. It has a reputation for a reason--it is GOOD. Gooey cheese with some tomato and HONEY. I've had honey on many a savory before but I have to admit I've never thought to put it on a grilled cheese and now I'm hooked. Love it. The wild mushroom soup made with goat cheese is also pretty stellar. I needed to add a bit of salt but other than that--fantastic. A great soup/sandwich combo that I find myself craving on a regular basis. I swear one day I will come in and actually order something off the breakfast menu but until then I'll happily munch on my lunch/dinner choices!

    (5)

  • Jaime S.

    While this place is small and always busy, I really appreciate that they take your phone number and call u when your table is ready. I'd much rather peruse the neighborhood than get in the way waiting. The food is delicious, they change up the menu to reflect seasonal produce and flavor availability. Great to split a sweet and a savory item w/your plus one. Friendly staff, clean and always enjoyable.

    (5)

  • Sandra M.

    after having my friends telling me that their food was great I decided to stop by for breakfast. boring decoration and service average and slow. Took a while to get coffee when was only a few tables taken. I ordered the stuffed French toast witch was horrible. I felt like I was eating on a comet island but with a higher price. Bread was cheap and I could have made better at home. Never again !

    (1)

  • Qian Y.

    My friend came from NC to visit me, so I thought it will be nice to bring him here for a brunch. He ordered the "smoked salmon scramble with gruyere & chives," and he is quite disappointed with this dish because the salmon was too salty and overpowered the other ingredients. My girlfriend ordered the "turkey pesto with fontina & lettuce and tomato"; the taste was well balanced, however, the bread tends to be too dry. I ordered the "Grilled 3 Cheese", and I thought it was as good as always. Finally, we had the signature dessert - flourless chocolate cake. This time, the cake is not as moist and we had before. The service we got on this visit is unsatisfying. Our waitress is always out of sight or chatting with her co-workers; so for several times, we had to ask help from other waiters/waitress.

    (4)

  • Ryan L.

    Wow. 52 reviews already? It's clear that Cafe Muse has been blessed by the benediction of Oprah. I don't know what else to say that hasn't already been covered but here are my two cents. Go during the week when it's not as busy. Go one time to try the famous grilled cheese, but always go back another time to try something else. There is so much great food to choose from including the weekly specials. Lunch is served after 11am, but breakfast is served from open to close. Why four stars? It's too busy on the weekends to be enjoyable. Also, it's too expensive for what you get. There are other places in the area that do breakfast or lunch just as well. Oh, and my mother says that Toast has better grilled cheese than Cafe Muse.

    (4)

  • Mim M.

    nice modern decor. we got french toast and the exotic mushroom scrambler. both were pretty decent, but nothing spectacular. the white sangria was lacking alcohol though.

    (3)

  • Hannah L.

    I love this place. There's not much more that I can say. The drinks and food are great. The prices are fair. I like being in a classy, intimate environment full of well to do and well-dressed people. If you have a date you want to impress, definitely take them here.

    (5)

  • Maggie H.

    Oh, Café Muse, how I love thee. Let me count the ways: 1) Your super yummy fancy-schmancy eggs. Salmon, gorgonzola, truffle oil, gruyere, chives, etc. 2) Your amazing sides. Chicken, apple, and gouda sausage. Garlic fingerling potatoes. Steel-cut oatmeal. 3) Your health conscious menu. Nitrate free meats, homemade jams, whole wheat pancakes, organic greens. Ok, so I am no poet, but Café Muse is amazing food. I say get the mushroom scramble and chicken sausage. Also, I have to respect their food belief system (no growth hormones, organic, etc). Drawbacks: Getting a table can be tough, but you can make a reservation and the food is worth the wait. Also, when it gets busy the service is mediocre, don't expect anyone to be overly friendly or attentive.

    (4)

  • Leslie K.

    I have actually been going to this place for years. I usually get the grilled cheese. If it's your first time, get it. As a note: I have their phone number saved so I can order them on my way home from work, or church, or really any time I need some comfort food. The place is small, but doesn't feel overcrowded. The decor is warm & inviting. Nothing kitschy, but very classic. The servers are all well informed and seem to know a lot about the food as well. The prices are a little steep but you pay for the quality of the food and creativity of the chef. Recently, we went here for dinner and this experience needs to be shared. The server invited us to take our time and really peruse the menu since it was our first dinner here. We ordered an app, which I can't recall now, but it was very good. For our main course we ordered the lamb chops. After a little while, the server came out to apologize: the chef felt he had overdone the chops and rather than feed us something sub par, he scrapped them and wanted to start over, as long as we had the time. As someone who knows that lamb is best served medium, I can truly appreciate his concern and his discerning sense of what is right & wrong in the food world! Even the manager came over to apologize, and invited us to have dessert on the house, if we had time to spare. Well, there's always time for dessert! I did explain, however, that we had 4 week old twins at home and it was our first time out of the house since the boys were born so we could not linger too long. At that, our server inquired who was watching them and said perhaps we could bring dessert home to Grandma for her help. My husband had already decided to buy dessert for my mom, but our server brought it out already boxed up and that was comped for us too! In all, I couldn't be happier with my (many) experiences at Cafe Muse. I may even move them up into the speed dial section of my phone. It's just that good.

    (5)

  • Marcie M.

    I am visiting Sarah G. in Michigan.....I have now visited her in Chicago, NYC and Huntington Woods, MI. Let's just say...she moves a lot and she loves food, so whenever we are together, we do a tour of her favorite eateries and gain 10 lbs. each! Today we had short rib grilled cheese on sour dough bread, mushroom bisque and pumpkin bread at Cafe Muse. Unfortunately I didn't get to eat in the restaurant, since we all have little babies and it's just too hard, but the take out was INCREDIBLE! I'm so jealous of all the good food outside of Indy!! My mouth is still tasting the short ribs and though it was a little on the greasy side, it was PURE PERFECTION! I would definitely eat there again and I assume on my next trip, it will be on our list! It was absolutely amazing. The one less star is for price. It was nearly $15 for my meal and I just think that is a bit much for a soup and sandwich....however, it was DEEEELISH, so whatever, I'm on vacation!

    (4)

  • Susan J.

    I finally made it to Cafe Muse yesterday and it was a delightful experience! My friends and I were seated within about 10 min of our arriving. The owner came to our table and gave us some history of the place and made his recommendations on what to order. We really appreciated that personal touch! I ordered something off the specials menu - the short rib and grilled cheese sandwich. I had it on multigrain bread. OH MY GOD. Seriously the best thing I've eaten in forever. I will definitely return to experience the rest of the menu. Great ambiance as well.

    (4)

  • Stephanie H.

    I usually go here for breakfast which I have to admit I thought was a little to fussy... The ingredients were fresh and good just a little pricey and to much going on for breakfast for me. Good food but for breakfast I am a fan of simple.... On Saturday I stopped by Cafe Muse for dinner.... Absolutely wonderful. The food was well seasoned, tasty and unique. For an appetizer I had the stuffed dates, dates stuffed with chorizo and wrapped in bacon with a simple ragu. It was three perfect little bites great size for an appetizer. Not too much, not too little. They were cooked perfectly and they came to the table pipping hot. For dinner I had the ribeye with smashed red potatoes and grilled asparagus.... Again, delicious! Steak was cooked perfectly and the sides were tasty as well. My dining companion had the apple, soup with walnuts coconut milk and cranberries... Very good unexpected and different. It was delicious... While I will pass on lunch here I really enjoyed dinner and look forward to returning... The only downside to this place is that it is small and when the door opens no matter where you are sitting you feel it but hey... a small price to pay for such delicious food.

    (5)

  • Marie A.

    I've been going to Cafe Muse almost every Sunday for years now with my in-laws for brunch. We have a standing reservation because we've been going there for so long! I love the coziness of the restaurant. You instantly feel like having a cup of tea or coffee (both are great) to go along with the warm fuzzy feelings inside. :) Their brunch is fantastic. The ingredients are always fresh and they use nothing but the best. My favorite is their vanilla bean waffle topped with fresh berries (fresh whipped cream on the side, thank you!) My husband is vegetarian and doesn't really like to eat eggs as a main star of a meal, so years ago Greg started making dishes with tofu as inspired by my hubby! Now you can replace eggs with tofu in any egg dish and they usually have a vegetarian or vegan special. (Their moist, flavorful muffins are vegan, too!) My mother-in-law almost always orders their quiche of the day and is always happy with it. Honestly, you can't go wrong. And their portions are what meal portions should be. You feel satiated without the guilt. We also enjoy chatting with the staff. Dave, the co-owner, is seriously one of the nicest people I've encountered. We also love how friendly and personable Sam is and our favorite waitress is Lindsay! :) We've been there for dinner just a couple of times, and it's been divine..we need to go back for more!

    (5)

  • Christina B.

    Needed to plan a funeral reception having never been to the area and living 300+ miles away. I emailed back and forth with Greg, the chef, and Cafe Muse allowed me to select a menu that everyone raved about! Every single person in our party of 18 loved their food! The space is a bit small and a bit loud but we had a nice time. Parking was a little tricky on this particular Thursday afternoon and we had to park a couple of blocks away and walk but it was worth it! The service was very attentive and the prices were great! The customized menu (including personally chosen quote and tribute), delicious food and cute ambiance was really the light at the end of a sad day.

    (5)

  • Dana D.

    I came here for "brunch" with my boyfriend's family. Brunch was invented for people who wake up too late to have breakfast because they were out doing coke all night. So as I legitimately assumed, the family drug party probably didn't end until 5 am and that's why we arrived at the cafe at noon for breakfast- that's right, breakfast, not brunch, despite the hour. Cafe Muse caters to these kind of functional people. You can feast on scrambled eggs or a sandwich at what would normally be lunching hours. Not only is this a plus, but their menu is phenomenal; A GOURMET MEAL WITHOUT THE GOURMET PRICE. Here's a list of some things I tried here: -Ghettoblaster beer- Total Wine doesn't carry this piece, so when I read the name I thought the Awesome Gods had called out to me. And, it was really good. -Strawberry blonde beer- eh, good for girls that like fruit in their ale. -Mushroom and goat cheese soup- more like a puree. Consisted of 90% mushroom, and 10% essence. -Hangersteak sandwich- in Miami this is called churrasco, I basically went to Michigan and had a churrasco sandwich. I'd go back, but I live in Florida... and the in-laws don't do drugs, I think...

    (5)

  • Amelia A.

    Elegant and delicious! Not cheap, and portions are on the small side, but that means you'll have room for dessert ;-)

    (4)

  • A B.

    I wanted to love being at Cafe Muse (for the first time) as much as I loved the grilled cheese but the evening was a disappointment. In a half-full restaurant, we waited for our drinks, we waited for our food, we waited for the waiter, we waited for the waiter, we waited for another drink, we waited for our check, we waited for the credit card to be taken...you get the idea. The bread (while we waited to order) was delicious but we did NOT wait for the girl fluttering about to take our bread plates as those were swept away quickly while we still had bread in our hands! (Now, had the waiter we waited for have a little charisma or even a few smiles, or some sort of nicety, our experience may have been elevated to perhaps "moderately enjoyable.") As for the food, I found the grilled cheese to be amazing (and not overloaded with cheese, yay) but half of my six large sweet potato fries were raw. The décor was charming all the way to the bathroom. The prices were high which is to be expected; I imagine rent is pricey in the area. So, overall: great grilled cheese, "okay" other food, dreadful wait staff (I just hate when being in a restaurant bothers the restaurant employees), slow service and I'll have to find another person to go back to try again because my sister (whose food was not good and was treated as if it was her problem) isn't so easy going. She's a goner.

    (2)

  • Libby T.

    Short ribs on a grilled cheese sandwich is the most gluttonous and amazing idea ever executed in my mouth.

    (4)

  • David C.

    Not bad. Good scallops. Menu was a bit eccentric for my taste. Seems like they are trying really hard to stand out, but at the end of the day, the food was good but did not blow me away.

    (3)

  • Emily E.

    I haven't been back yet (though I do plan to return) but was contacted directly by the owner via message on this site. I appreciate his attentiveness to the problem and willingness to resolve any issues. Thanks Cafe Muse!!

    (4)

  • Daniel R.

    A nice little specialty place in Royal Oak that is famous for great breakfasts or brunches. Hours are limited but a nice place :)

    (4)

  • Viet N.

    In this world, there are two types of breakfast places -- "boy" places, and "girl" places. This has nothing to do with the customers, but rather the image of the restaurant. I think it's fair to offer the following general trends: - Your stack of pancakes is the size of a snow tire. (BOY) - All of the cheeses are foreign. (GIRL) - The floor is sticky. (BOY) - Coffee is served in a French press. (GIRL) - Sugar is presented in packets. (BOTH) - You have your choice of Splenda, raw sugar, organic raw sugar, organic honey, and fair-trade honey. (Definitely GIRL) You see where I'm going with this, right? Cafe Muse is squarely in the "XX" world of breakfast. I've been here once before, and ordered some variant of the grilled cheese at a group breakfast. It was okay, but I wanted to come back with a friend to really give Cafe Muse my full attention. That meant ordering the scramble with boursin cheese (see above!) and truffle oil, along with carrot cake pancakes. This was the real deal now. And...I'm sad to say that it was not very memorable. Yes, truffle oil makes everything better. I wager that if I started a restaurant serving bacon fried in truffle oil, vegetarians would re-classify themselves as ovo-lacto-bacono. But compared to my meal at "Mercat" earlier, which made me want to cry, this one just added a hint of flavor to otherwise cheesy eggs. Should I give 5 stars for a place with decent cheesy eggs? Survey says...no. Carrot cake pancakes were also a creative idea. They did smell like carrot cake at first, but the taste was disappointing. I was hoping for more. In summary, I guess what I wanted was bold flavor, but went to a restaurant that seems to pride itself on homeopathic flavor. At least the floors were very clean.

    (3)

  • Corky L.

    Been wanting to go here for quite awhile. So disappointed!!!! My husband ordered the Frisée salad that was so tiny it was laughable - for $7.00! then his entree was the organic chicken which was a little 1/4 chicken - $21.00! Are you kidding? our waiter seemed embarrassed and offered to 10% off our bill...nice gesture. The people next to us asked about our entrees with a look of "are you serious" that's your dinner?...I recommended they pass on the chicken but said to go for the shorts ribs as they were very good and a reasonable portion. As we left, we noticed the couple ordered a dessert that looked as though they split it but they said they each ordered their own!!! Sorry, this place really missed the mark...needless to say we're crossing this place off! *maybe they should stick to breakfast & lunch.

    (2)

  • Pete D.

    My wife loves this place. DONT ask me why I don't understand it. Small portions high prices for food that's well OK not bad but you will walkaway looking for meal. I did like the buffalo mozzarella and grilled asparagus. The grill cheese sandwich was ok but it not the largest culinary challenge. I may not be the right person (male vs female) to review this cafe. Ok good luck.

    (3)

  • susanna f.

    FINALLY! My search is over for breakfast joints who offer REAL maple syrup! One would think it would be a given, but not quite! When I asked the waitress if it was available fully expecting to be yet again disappointed, she pulled it out of her apron as if it were the only option! SO REFRESHING! I loved every minute of my vanilla bean waffle...fluffy and crispy texture! Topped with REAL, fresh whipped cream and locally grown berries. THIS IS HOW BREAKFAST WAS MEANT TO BE! ! ! ! ! ! I will be back!

    (5)

  • Maria B.

    I know it's not even been a week since my last visit & review, but i already went back here today! : ) The food was calling me, and there are plenty of items left to choose from off their deeeeeeelish menu. I decided to try their organic beef sliders with an onion marmalade topped with melted Gruyere cheese with a side of quinoa salad...yum!!!! And i know today was in the 90s, hot, uncomfortable, muggy, but the soup du jour (tomato-basil bisque) was singing to me and i couldn't pass it up..heheheee. I'm glad i ordered b/c it was absolutely amazing! Another plus was the fact that the place wasn't tooo busy and we were in & out within 30 minutes!!! Food fast, homemade fresh dishes, attentive service, amazing menu, and i'll def be going back here soon!

    (5)

  • Jon B.

    The diamond in the rough of Royal Oak. Quaint, casual, friendly, somewhat cozy, and simply amazing. I have not had the pleasure of trying everything on the menu (...yet...) but have worked my way through enough of their treats to know it's a magnificent eatery. As this is our new go-to for brunch, my favorite is definitely the Pancakes with Apple & Pear Compote accompanied by a wonderful cappuccino. The compote brings out so much more amazingness that I never knew existed with pancakes & syrup. I must admit, I was slightly disappointing with their World Famous Grilled Cheeseses; it was very good, but I don't think it quite lived up to the hype (though what could, right?). Since moving back to the D in May, this is by far my new favorite restaurant in Royal Oak and Birmingham. Everything is simply exquisite. I stake my first born child's life on that claim. If you don't like it, I'll let you know when we have a child and it's yours.

    (5)

  • mallory s.

    BEST restaurant in Royal Oak. I've had at least half of the breakfast/brunch menu and the Exotic Mushroom Scramble is AMAZING! If you like boursin cheese, truffle oil, and mushrooms - you will love this. As far as lunch goes - the Smoked Salmon Sandwich is my favorite. Not too fishy with the most perfect bread and saucy/spread. The restaurant has great service, love the atmosphere... even when they say the wait for a table is an hour, it's usually less, and well worth it!

    (5)

  • Nancy R.

    Food is fabulous! The grilled cheese is something to write about. Three types of cheese, basil, honey. Perfect. But the noise. Almost impossible to hear your partner. Even mid-week, 1pm...the wait was about 30 minutes.

    (4)

  • Emi R.

    This place is spectacular. I've been here multiple times, and everything I've eaten has been spectacular. Their brunch is really something to write home about. They have great sweet and savory options. There's a regular menu and a bunch of weekly specials, and both menus are great. I went today for brunch with my mom, and we both ordered from the savory menu. I had a smoked salmon scramble with gruyere and chives, which was divine. The salmon isn't mixed in, but grilled and sliced on top. That way, the salmon is really allowed to shine, but you can still cut it up and mix it in. Also, grilling the smoked salmon was a great flavor. My mom had a steak and eggs dish, and the steak was grilled perfectly, also sliced on top of her eggs. The eggs themselves are also delicious; light, fluffy and creamy all at once ... somehow. Breakfasts are also served with fingerling potatoes that are divine; really tender and well-seasoned. A nice alternative to hash browns. Their coffee is also excellent, both the espresso and the regular brewed. And so's the toast. And the turkey bacon. I also have to commend them for excellent service. Yes, the place is packed, but it's one of the best restaurants in Royal Oak, and they definitely handle it well. The staff is always very nice, and it's nice that they call you when there's a wait rather than giving you a buzzer and making you stand right outside the door. In short, this restaurant is one of my favorite places in Royal Oak to eat.

    (5)

  • Kellie B.

    The setting is absolutely beautiful. From what I've been reading this is their second location in Royal Oak, down the street from my college which will make the setting for many a delish breakfast. Reminds me of a teahouse but a little more comfortable. I got the crab and gouda scramble and was positively layered with crab..just how I like it. I ordered the sweet potato with garam masala...very impressive side dish! Just enough spice. The chicken gouda sausage was delish and worth the price of adding on to my breakfast. Everyone should should have a chance to eat a breakfast like this. I felt like a queen --- just without my crown. Try the specials and let the chef really amaze you with something special. Even the carryout box was unique and lovely.

    (4)

  • Mark W.

    I look forward to trying their breakfasts, because my two dinners were simply outstanding, My T-Bone was fantastic, and the half-rack of pork ribs sous vide'd for 36 hours before seared with a hoisin sauce was terrific. Due to work, I know I'll be back to the Troy area. Cafe Muse will be on my list for return visits. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Rain M.

    OMG!!! This place should be called Cafe A-muse-d! Like everyone says, I recommend any of the grilled cheeses. A note to all chocolate lovers, get the the graham cracker crusted French toast w/ chocolate and blueberry mascarpone. The food is very delicious and unique. The service is wonderful. When you order the food, I feel like the food is served to you at the perfect timing. You don't have to wait too long, but the food is also not cooked too fast. I am amused with Cafe Muse.

    (5)

  • Andra J.

    Favorite breakfast place in the Detroit area.

    (5)

  • Tiffany N.

    First thing first, if you decide to come here for Sunday Brunch, you should definitely call ahead to reserve a table! That being said, Cafe Muse is my go-to-brunch-place in Detroit Metro. They have a wide variety of your run-of-the-mill brunch items, but with a gourmet twist. (Instead of bacon, they have nitrate-free prosciutto bacon, vegan muffins, homemade jams, etc.) I ordered the smoked salmon egg scramble with Gruyère cheese and the bf got the prosciutto bacon egg scramble with goat cheese. My dish was delicious! The portion was quite big: 4 eggs(!), cut fruit and a small salad. I liked how it was just the right amount of saltiness. Sometimes the combination of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon is a bit too salty, but they made it just right! The ambiance was very cute. I like how they are going with the Parisian feel. Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Cafe Muse and next time I think I will try their vegan muffins.

    (4)

  • T W.

    I like that they serve organic food, so its more than just OK. I went during lunch time on a weekend, so naturally, it was 30-40 minute wait for 2 people. I ordered the mac and cheese with crab meat. I didn't care for the crab meat but I must say I'm glad it was real crab. The dish itself is a blend of three cheeses and was a creamy delicious. Completely overpriced, yes, but it was my kind of good. Husband had the grilled cheese with short rib, which he calls "interesting." We had no idea what the short rib was, whether it was in the sandwich or on the side as a bone-in meat. It was in the sandwich without bone, kinda strange, and not our favorite dish - but the flavors were good, just not good together. Will come again and try other dishes to re-evaluate.

    (4)

  • Scott L.

    Excellent food, LARGE selection of beer and wine!

    (5)

  • Stephanie C.

    Cafe Muse may be among the highest caliber restaurants in metro Detroit. Had to be said. It's been my favorite brunch spot since the first time I tried it -which incidentally happened to be on a first date. He got points for originality. The quality here is top notch. I'm not sure what sort of magic they weave with eggs but they're always fluffy and perfect. You can't go wrong with any sort of egg dish or special though the Exotic Mushroom Scramble with Boursin Cheese is just killer. Still, I'm a fan of the Orange Rum Raisin or Lemon Ricotta pancakes - light, fluffy and wonderful for breakfast. Not too sweet. For lunch, yes, the famous Grilled 3 Cheese with Tomato, Basil and Honey is transformative. But so is the Shrimp Salad Sandwich on Cheddar Bread. I also love the Tossed Organic Greens with Warm Goat Cheese and Poached Pears. Even the iced green tea is special; it's steeped with cinnamon, orange and cardamom. You can't help but feel special dining here. It's baked right into the menu.

    (5)

  • Matthew K.

    Today I had a fever for food, and my prescription was for Cafe Muse. Yes, I am shamelessly plugging Cafe Muse yet again. Why? Why the beef not?! Ok, I'll still list my reasons below. First, when I came in at 2:15, the place was STILL full. Even though there were only 2 of us, they still offered to seat us at a table for 5. We declined since we (Mama K and I) are the patient and practical type. We waited less than 5 minutes and were seated anyways, but the brownie points earned through their demigod like customer service made me all warm and fuzzy. Second, there is not a lot of turnover at Cafe Muse... at least as far as I can tell. With that in mind, you start getting to know the servers and how awesome they are. For example, I haven't been there in months and THEY STILL remember me. Groovy! With that said, they also made sure our water and coffees were constantly filled. Third, the food never disappoints! My Mom ordered the crab and something scramble while I kicked back with a Grilled Cheese and Short-rib sandwich with a Chickpea salad. My first bite was like having every person in China attending an all-out rave in my mouth. Yes, it was that good. The salad was also a nice accompaniment, and paired nicely with the savory and rich sandwich. My only problem with Cafe Muse is that it is not like a huge chain like P.F. Chang's or Denny's, creating obscene portions with dismal excuses of ingredients, and contributing to the obesity of Americans everywhere... oh wait, that's a good thing. Go eat at cafe muse sometime soon before we blow ourselves off this planet; your taste-buds will thank you.

    (5)

  • Fiona V.

    Always good... Never AMAZING-- but good. I'm a fan.

    (4)

  • Rac C.

    Everything here is incredible !! My favorite things to order is their fresh cran-orange muffins, the coconut curry soups, and their exotic mushroom scramble. I've tried pretty much their entire menu and enjoy every single thing. It's great food, reasonably priced, wonderful cozy atmosphere and they have amazing service.

    (5)

  • zubin l.

    I am a big fan of good breakfast place and usually get disappointed when a brunch place cant live upto its image. Cafe muse is one of them. My complains a) Long wait (Its a minor thing - usually good restaurants have long wait time). I am beweildered by the fact that after we gave our number and left the restaurant to kill the 30 minutes wait time, they called us after few minutes saying that they can accomodate us if we dont mind sharing the table with 2 other strangers. Why would somebody spend 30 bucks on breakfast to share table with a stranger. b) Food was awful. I just dont know where to start. c) For the quality of food, its very pricey. Not worth it.

    (1)

  • Mary P.

    Tried the ever famous grilled cheese. Oh Oprah, you and your billion dollars weren't kidding. It was a delightful take on the good ole American cheese slice grilled cheese. I'm pretty positive I could make this at home using honey, the 3 cheeses and tomato with my choice of bread. It was good but it needed more tomato and whatever that herb was...I can't think of it at the moment. I'm usually too lazy to make food myself these days so I'll be back Cafe Muse.

    (4)

  • Jon S.

    My wife and I went here for lunch today, and while the food was great, our server was really inexcusably slow and unhelpful. I told her when she first came over that we'd never been there before and that it was my wife's birthday. She said she'd come right back after dropping off a check to "give you lots of attention." Since I wasn't actually asking for attention, but just some help with the menu after signaling that we wanted a great experience there, I thought that was a bit odd. But then she didn't actually come back and give us any attention. She did come to take our drink orders, but then immediately left as my wife was trying to get a food order out of her mouth. It ended up taking 25 minutes after being seated for her to bring us two bottles of beer, and well over 40 minutes to get two sandwiches out. While the sandwiches were delicious, it would've been nice if she had explained any of the 4 or so different menus instead of leaving us alone for 20 minutes to figure out what we wanted. Not only that, but a table right behind us was seated later, ordered more food, and got their food earlier. Also, two different desserts with candles came out while we were there, but when it came time for us to order dessert--or maybe hear about something special they do for birthdays--she just said they were out of the brownies I asked about and tried to upsell me something more expensive. So, yeah, good sandwiches, but I won't be back with my wife. (I might be back without her, but only because I can stiff waitresses who tick me off when she's not there to stop me.) Edit: the owners contacted me within a half day of my review, and offered the appropriate things to make amends. So the service we received is probably not par for the course. I'll update with a new review if my wife wants to go back and give them another chance.

    (2)

  • Ferris B.

    This place is amazing! Whatever you love for breakfast should be here but in a little more bourgeois fashion. My friend and I sat outside as usual, definitely cramped outside, but the weather was beautiful. We did have to wait about 20 minutes as this place does get busy on Saturday and Sunday mornings so it may be better to wait until 1 or 2 pm the next time we go. I ordered the infamous grilled cheese, which was good with its grilled olive oil drenched bread but did not meet the hype amassed on Yelp. My friend had what was believed to be called the Walnut Pancake...amazing! I would definitely recommend their pancakes but I'm excited to try to their omelette next. A little pricey but worth it!

    (5)

  • Grace L.

    The ammoglio sauce scramble was my go to, but I feel like the quality of the food has been a little inconsistent since they've opened for dinner. The mimosas are always great, and the grilled cheese is excellent. I'm also a big fan of their rich, creamy mushroom soup.

    (4)

  • Stefanie N.

    Had lunch here with a friend and all that hype definitely does not disappoint. The place is amazing for brunch! Been here a couple of times. Last time around, I ordered the short rib grilled cheese and it was probably one of the best grilled cheese I've ever had!

    (5)

  • Lauren M.

    Waited 45 minutes for food I didn't finish because of the taste. To be fair to cafe muse, i ordered wrong. The lemon ricotta pancakes were the texture of baby food, barely tasted like lemon, were smothered by cinnamon (which shouldn't have been used on the dish at all), and the blue berry syrup didn't taste like blueberries. Additionally the pan meal bacon was so salty i literally couldn't eat it. I use brines when cooking pork--i understand the technique they are using for this side-- they are just missing the mark in a big way. All that being said, the server was amazing and prompt ( she saved them from getting 1 star) And she comped me the bacon without me asking. Atmosphere is perfect for brunch.

    (2)

  • Valerie G.

    Just returned to Cafe Muse for breakfast - I was not disappointed. As it was a Monday morning, it was quiet - and we were able to get the table by the window and good service as well. Can't compain about that! This time I started with a glass of OJ - which seriously was the best I've had in a while... it almost tasted like I was drinking a mimosa, but I for sure ordered just OJ. I ordered the Ammoglio Sauce Scramble with Fresh Mozzeralla, accompanied by garlic sauteed fingerling potatoes and sourdough toast. The ammoglio sauce was amazing - and the portion was big enough that I couldn't finish my breakfast. The potatoes were perfectly done and the sourdough was similarly delicious. While I had wanted to ordered the stuffed french toast, I am not sad that I ignored my sweet tooth this time. My husband opted for the Specials menu and the sweeter side of things - ordering Chocolate Chip and Blueberry Vanilla Pancakes with Chantilly Creme. I think the Chantilly Creme is supposed to be fancy whipped cream or something - and as I sit down to write this review, I realize that it was absent from the plate. The server brought regular syrup to the table with the pancakes, but it seemed a shame to ruin the pancakes with boring old syrup... and they were a bit too dry without the "chantilly creme" or something. Luckily the server was able to get us some piping hot house-made blueberry syrup... which made the dish a million times better. With the exception of the missing chantilly creme - we were both extremely happy with our food and the service and are looking forward to return for the stuffed french toast sometime soon. :)

    (4)

  • C B.

    The corn and pancetta soup was amazing as was the gnocchi. Perfect portion of gnocchi for not having any leftovers. My husband had the game hen, which he didn't love, he felt it was quite dry. So overall a great meal for me, a good one for my husband. I do feel it's a mite overpriced,but I would go here again to try something else in a heartbeat.

    (4)

  • John D.

    Cafe Muse is one of the bright spots of Royal Oak. It is one of my daughter favorite places. Our servers timing was impeccible. The food is always top notch, and of course the touch of honey on their famous grilled cheese sandwich is a brilliant innovation. Everything is very clean, and you can tell the owner treats the staff very well because of their general happy selves. There is even a table outside with some treats and a bowl of water for our four legged friends that pass by. This is crazy decadent, but I had them make me up a carry out of mac and cheese for dinner to-nite...can hardly wait! Looks like I'll be starving myself next week...enjoy!

    (5)

  • Emily L.

    I came here for breakfast on a rare day off from work, figuring that Cafe Muse would be less crowded on a weekday. The boyfriend and I arrived around 10:00 and found that there were three or four parties seated inside. Apparently there's outdoor seating in the back as well, but it was too hot out for me to consider. The decor did not appeal to me - European-inspired with random modern touches - but it's not like I was there for the decor. I liked the menu of weekly specials - lots of things to choose from. FYI, the weekly specials are posted on the website as well. I decided to get one of the specials - "chicken apple sausage with Gouda cheese and chives" ($9.75). I wasn't sure why the menu didn't mention eggs at all, but our server confirmed that this was a scramble, not just sausage and cheese, haha. The scramble was very good, but also extremely rich. It was like eating a light puffy cloud of egg, sausage, cheese, and a ton of butter and cream/half and half. Each forkful tasted light and delicious, but then my stomach and heart kept telling me to stop eating or else risk cardiac arrest. I wasn't able to finish the scramble, partly because of guilt-induced chest pains, but mostly because the creamy eggs were incredibly filling. The scramble came with either garlic sauteed fingerling potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon. I opted for the fingerlings, which were quite good. Breakfast also included lightly buttered toast (choices included rye, multigrain, and another one I've now forgotten), cherry jam, and some fruit (orange slice, red grapefruit slice, pineapple, and cantaloupe). All of these were tasty and also served as a good placebo to counter those guilt-induced chest pains. The boyfriend got the "buttermilk pancakes with an apple pear compote" ($7.95) off the regular menu. The pancakes looked good and came with maple syrup. I'm not sure if they were worth $7.95, though, as they were kind of small. All in all, Cafe Muse is a little pricier than I'd ordinarily pay for breakfast, but the price was reflected in the care they put in their dishes. Everything was well made and delicately presented. I don't know if I can order another scramble again, though; it felt like eating pure fat, in super delicious form. I really want to go back and try the lemon ricotta pancakes, and I suppose I should try that famed grilled cheese as well. Also, a minor complaint. The silverware was really big and heavy, whereas the plates were really light and small. An 11"-long butter knife and a 1"-wide thimbleful of jam do not go together well. hahah

    (4)

  • Kim L.

    I come here about once a month to have breakfast with friends. I am never disappointed. The menu selection is diverse with an equal choice of sweet & savory items. The waitstaff is always friendly and they will let you substitute items if the selection isn't exactly what you wanted. It is pricey, so once a month is just right. If you get pancakes or french toast ask them to heat your syrup otherwise they bring it cold (yik).

    (5)

  • Colleen Z.

    Brunch with girlfriends on a Saturday morning. It was the first visit for all four of us. We were able to make reservations because we had a party of 4. We ordered many items on the menu in order to share and taste a number of dishes. We tasted the mushroom bisque (amazing), the seafood grits (crab sweet and perfectly cooked), scramble with spinach and feta, ricotta, lemon and blueberry pancakes, the famous grilled cheeses sandwich, and the eggs and mozzarella with ammogolio sauce. Everything was really good. The eggs were really fluffyand perfectly cooked. Each dish was full of different tastes that blended well together. Portions were generous and our server Rachel was great.

    (4)

  • Alicia K.

    I am very disappointed after reading all these reviews. We had the steak and eggs, an the pear stuffed French toast. We also had coffee, pear nectar and hot chocolate. I guess after eating at What Crepe? a few doors down, the bar is set too high. The portion sizes were very very small. The hot chocolate didn't even taste like chocolate. The pear juice was ok. The coffee was identical to the Starbucks French press, if you like that sort of thing. The garlic fried potatoes weren't even fully cooked, but there were only a few tablespoons of them so it didn't matter much. The eggs were very good, and that would be this place's only good point. The french toast was awful. Three thin slices that were dry, cold and covered in cinnamon. Yucky texture. I guess I didn't expect something that says it's stuffed to mean that there are a few pieces of fruit laying on top. It was only edible covered in syrup. The steak was ok. Thin with lots of fat and raw in the middle. The waitress, alison, was not attentive. She only came to see us for our order, to serve our food, and to bring our bill, period. Blah. Stick with What Crepe? and you won't be disappointed. This place is why I don't let my husband pick where we eat lol.

    (1)

  • Julie C.

    Shared a turkey pesto sandwich + chips and (menu-noted: Oprah recommended) grilled cheese + 3 bean salad for lunch. And I definitely understand the hype behind the grilled cheese. Slices of tomato were grilled in the center with the cheese, and it was perfectly crunchy with a hint of honey. I only wish it was served with some soup instead of a choice of salad or chips. That would have been superb. The turkey sandwich was average, and I thought the prices were a bit high. However, our server was great and I'd come back again.

    (4)

  • Kristin G.

    Let me start off by saying, "I love you Muse and my town wouldn't be the same caliber without you." Let me continue by explaining why the taking back of the fifth star...the food is consistently fantastic. That's not what the star is taken away for. It has been numerous times when I have ran into strange service experiences at Muse and it's starting to get on my nerves. I was patient the first few times when they first moved since I know how growing pains go...but I just don't get why they have it setup the way they do. Why do I have a different person for every job? One to seat me, one to take my order, one to bring water, one to bring the food over? I have had numerous experiences where my drink order shows up after the food or right when the food is served. Communication between the waitstaff seems non existent. Why do they over complicate this? Why can't one person do the order, drinks and food placement? It's frustrating as a customer to get several offers for someone to take your drink order. It's not that hard, people...get it together! In addition to this, Muse is a pretty small place. Why the blue tooth earpieces?! I mean, really?! Seems a bit overkill for such a small place. I realize they get busy but...wow. Just getting frustrated with how things always seem to not go smoothly when all I order is an iced tea and a sandwich. Muse, if you're listening: get the service organized. You're quickly losing one of your most loyal devotees...

    (4)

  • Eric P.

    Three stars for effort. I'm updating my review to reflect my experience at dinner the other night. I went with a friend of mine (admittedly, it was for Valentine's Day, but didn't really have much to do with the day), banking on the fact that they would have some interesting specials going on, or something. Long story short, I was underwhelmed with my entree, which the menu describes as "Taragna polenta with roasted vegetables, farro and smashed sweet potatoes" [sic]. Everything was exactly as described, but was completely unremarkable. I don't really even have anything specific to say about it...it was just kind of bland and...blah. The soup I had preceding it, however, was quite good. Mushroom with goat cheese and "basil essence". That, I would get again. On the other had, my friend's dinner was all around pretty good, I must say. He ordered the Arctic Char and had the curried apple squash soup, and he quite enjoyed all of it. (I only had a small bite of the fish, so I don't really have anything firsthand to say about it.) The wine selection was also relatively extensive and not obscenely priced, which is always good. Just be mindful of what you order if you go. The meat dishes may all be excellent, but neither of us really eat meat (i.e. pescevegetarians, more or less), so I have no idea whatsoever. In spite of everything, though, I would still suggest it. A place that can do so well with everything else must certainly be able to do spectacularly well with dinner.

    (3)

  • Daisy C.

    Vanilla Yogurt Parfait It was the first time blueberries had ever exploded in my mouth. The strawberries were warm & they melted. Have you tried the raspberries? The yogurt had the perfect amount of sweetness. Granola would have ruined the mood.

    (5)

  • Robert C.

    Yes, I had the "Oprah" grilled cheese (the Grilled Three Cheese sandwich). Yes, it was delicious. Cafe Muse, however, is worth visiting for reasons beyond Oprah's recommendation. The menu offers seasonal items and breakfast all day long. There were so many items that I wanted to try, which means I will absolutely return to Cafe Muse. The food was good, the atmosphere is comfortable (though a bit loud and crowded, and the service was good. Drinks arrived promptly, and the food arrived shortly thereafter (which surprised me given how crowed it was on a Friday afternoon). I definitely recommend Cafe Muse. And, yes, I recommend the grilled cheese sandwich for its creative use of honey.

    (4)

  • Badrul F.

    Really good food. Service was good, everyone had a pleasant demeanor. Place is packed during lunch hours of any day--provides a great atmosphere. Would recommend to all!

    (5)

  • Jenn M.

    I am sure everyone knows about the grilled cheese sandwhich. It really is as good as everyone makes it sound. I have been back several times with friends who have never been. The service was great and the wait was very short for going during lunch. I also love that they will call you on your phone when your table is ready so you can keep shopping. Would definatly go back.

    (5)

  • Patrick R.

    How come a host/hostess tend to seat people in groups when the restaurant is half empty? We have been to Cafe Muse on many occasions and there could be 5 open 2-tops and they squeeze us next to other people? Depending on the patrons we are sharing the tight space with, this can make for an unpleasant experience. As I type, I realize the other people may feel the same about me!! Anyway onto the real review: We are breakfast people - love a gourmet breakfast and this place is as good as it gets. The food is top nothc, the waitstaff attentive and the space is clean - albeit on the smaller size. This makes a perfect recipe for a good restaurant. The space is big enough that you are not too uncomfortable but small enough to know that you are at a restaurant in which the people really care about you. I have seen the owners plucking a toddlers eggs out of the carpeting in order to keep the place looking good. In my book, that means that they are doing the same with the food in the kitchen and since I am borderline OCD - I LOVE THIS PLACE! Some of the excellent things I have had from the menu include: Organic Coffee (Cafe au Lait) Lavazza Coffee - my favorite. Ammoglio Scramble - a flavorful twist on boring eggs. Plain Jane Scramble - plain is a bad adjective for this as it tastes great. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes - YUM. Grilled Cheese - all I can say is that it is as good everyone brags about. Another thing I love is that they have Stevia sweetener packets for the coffee. I was slightly tempted to give this place a low rating in hopes to scare off people so I do not have to wait in a huge line next time, but I just couldn't do that to this place. It deserves 5+ stars. I am looking forward to trying dinner soon there.

    (5)

  • Kristin Y.

    HANDS DOWN best resturant in Royal Oak, simple menu and to die for grilled cheese sandwich, adding the bar was just a bonus!!!!! Was in for best friends birthday couple weeks ago, of course they were a packed house as they always are but outstide of the slower service from how busy it was the food makes up for anything that could go wrong!!! I havent tried dinner yet but the breakfast is amazing, last visit had the roasted red pepper, spinach and goat cheese scramble, I am craving it writing about it again!!!

    (5)

  • James M.

    I really do lille this place and I should note that I've only been here for dinner. I would give the appetizers, the service, and the drinks 5 stars. The problem is every entree I've had here has just been ok, 3-4 stars. The food tends to be under seasoned. However, the best part about this restaurant is the bartender/sommelier guy. He really knows his stuff and he has a true passion for it. He's always out talking to the customers giving his recommendations but is never pushy. I've learned a lot from him in the two or three conversations we've had. I'd give him 6 stars, especially since he doesn't even have a proper bar!

    (4)

  • Jean K.

    I admit I had high expectations for brunch at Cafe Muse. I had researched it on Yelp ahead of time and when I mentioned it to friends in Royal Oak, they all said the food was awesome but that it also gets really busy. So I was prepared for the wait. Which wasn't that bad. They said 20 minutes but it was more like 10 and they'll take your mobile and call you when they're ready, so it's totally okay to wander away. We were down at Barnes & Noble when they called. Things got a little strange after we were seated. Someone came and took our drink orders. Then someone else came by again to take our drink orders. A little confusion due to Sat brunch crowds? After perusing the delicious sounding brunch menu, we finally settled on what to order. Unfortunately, when ordering the eggs benedict the waitress explained that they didn't do poached eggs but could do the eggs any other way we wanted it. Excuse me for being pedantic but I'm pretty sure the definition of eggs benedict includes poached eggs ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eg… ). If they weren't really going to poach eggs then it should have been listed as eggs "benedict" or eggs benedict-style. Things got weirder because then the waitress explained that eggs benedict take too long to make and so the chef won't make them but they are happy to do them any other way to give the same runny yolk. Okay, so I'm not the greatest at poaching eggs but it does not take that long to make. I think what the chef is trying to say is that it's not efficient to make eggs benedict because you can't make a big batch at once since no other dishes come with eggs benedict, and you have to make them one at a time in a big pot of water which takes up a whole burner on the stove. So...we order them anyways but sunny side up or whatever they recommend as the closes approximation. We also get the stuffed french toast with cream cheese and cherries. We are trying not to let the whole eggs "benedict" thing get us down (only fans of poached eggs will understand). When the food comes, it looks delicious. Unfortunately it looks better than it actually tastes. The eggs not poached are okay. However, the sausage patty is not an improvement over the standard ham or bacon. I'm not even sure what happened to the hollandaise sauce. It looked normal but had no flavor. The french toast is okay on the edges but in the middle the amount of cream cheese is way too much. I end up scraping most of it away. All in all, great effort but I didn't think the food quality was much better than a fancy at home brunch. However, -1 star for not understanding eggs benedict. If you think that's too harsh, the waitress told us she just explained it to someone else. If you have to explain something as self-explanatory as eggs benedict then something has to change.

    (2)

  • Jonny P.

    WOW! This is quickly becoming one of my favourite spots (after a slightly rocky beginning). Went for lunch on a Monday afternoon and had my socks blown off with by the food. Split the braised short rib sandwich and a bowl of the mushroom bisque. The bisque was still on point, just as memorable as my first encounter. The short rib sandwich was one of the best plates I've had this year. The menu seems ever changing which will definitely keep me coming back for more!

    (4)

  • Jean S.

    I had scouted out this restaurant when looking for a new place to brunch with my friend on a Saturday morning. I ogled the menu the day before and was sure I would never be able to decide what to order when we got there. Everything sounded so fresh and delicious! We arrived on a beautiful Saturday morning at around 10:30 a.m. and, while the restaurant appeared to be quite full, we were seated immediately on the little outdoor patio in front. We did wait just a little bit to be greeted by our server, but as my friend and I had a lot of catching up to do, we really didn't notice. After struggling to come to a decision on what to order, I suggested that we order one savory dish and one sweet dish and share them. We ordered the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Housemade Blueberry Maple Syrup, the Lump Crab & Gouda Scramble with Tomatoes and Basil and a side of nitrate free hickory smoked bacon. The eggs came with a side of sourdough toast and homemade jam and fingerling potatoes. She had a chai tea and I had coffee with a splash of vanilla. The eggs were like nothing I've ever tasted before. There were large chunks of crab in the mix and the tomatoes, cheese and basil just set it right to perfect. The potatoes complemented the meal so well that I wanted more, but I had to remind myself that I was sharing, after all! The toast was an afterthought and I never got around to trying the jam. The pancakes were think and very moist on the inside, due to the ricotta. The lemon was not overpowering and the syrup was just the perfect amount of sweetness. I only wish the pancakes were just a bit thicker. The bacon was cooked to perfection, but like the bread, was not the focal point of the meal and therefore easily forgotten. The coffee and tea were just right as was the service. I really enjoyed my first trip to Cafe Muse and can't wait to return. I hope to be able to try everything on the menu eventually!

    (5)

  • Betsy A.

    Fellow Yelper and bff Valerie G., myself and our usual third lunch companion decided to venture away from the office for lunch today. The weather was nice out and minimal supervision at work warranted a long lunch. We were originally going to go to Pronto, but Valerie thought of Cafe Muse and since neither her or I had been there before, it didn't really matter what the third wheel thought. As we were walking to Cafe Muse I thought that we should start having Fancy Lunch Thursdays (this idea may have come from Fancy Brunch Thursdays that Yelpers Ryan L and Jeffrey B started...) our traditional 9-5 job doesn't allow for brunch. So a new tradition may have been born today. I ordered the Grilled Hanger Steak sandwich on sourdough with ammoglio sauce (no idea what that is, but it was tastey) and provolone cheese with the chips (which were the homemade type of chips). This sandwich was awesome! I could probably eat it once a week and love it every time. I thought $9.75 was a bit pricey for a sandwich, but I got over it. I had a bit of the quiche of the week, which was chedder, brie and apples, it was sweet, but pretty tastey as well. We got there a little before noon and we were quickly sat. However, it got busy about 12:15-12:30 and people were waiting for a table. I would say the service was adequate, I wouldn't rave about it. There was a dessert on the menu, I don't exactly remember what was in it, but I do remember I wanted to try it. So I will have to come back and try it. The breakfasts also looked pretty good and I am not a breakfast person, but I think I might try something. Our Fancy Lunch Thursday ended with a walk down Washington to Shine for some browsing and to waste more time before going back to work.

    (4)

  • Renée D.

    The only complaint I have ever had with Cafe Muse is how hard it is to get in! On weekdays in RO they are always the only place with a wait, and it's usually a lengthy wait. This week I tried twice to get in (wasn't willing to wait the estimated hour) before having luck on the third trip. It was still packed at 1:30 when we went but they had let us call ahead. Have been several times and the food is never anything short of excellent. Their menu has a lot of vegetarian options and the staff is informed on what is vegan and what is vegetarian (although it's usually clear from the menu). On the last visit my bf had the grilled cheese, which is every bit as good as Oprah said. I got the portabella, ammoglio, and mozzarella sandwich, which was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. The mushroom bisque with goat cheese soup was excellent as well. We've only received good service here, as stated early the only thing I would change is make other people forget about it so the wait times are shorter!

    (5)

  • damian a.

    I had the famous grilled cheese. it was good, but i wouldn't get it again. Don't let that dissuade you from getting it if you like grilled cheese. My expectations were high and it didn't quite meet them. I had the beet salad with it, which was great. Also, their espresso is awesome. My wife had some breakfast omelet thing. I can't remember which one it was, but it was delicious. Service and atmosphere are great, and the wait wasn't nearly as long as I expected (protip: there are a couple big chairs in the back of the dining room that you can sit in to wait if the front entryway is crowded). there was a ton of stuff on the menu that looks interesting and we'll definitely be back to try some more.

    (4)

  • Don K.

    Food was excellent as far as brunch goes. It was reminiscent of plates that would be served at high end hotel restaurants around the world. Service grade A which is hard to find these days in Michigan including mine haha ^^; Now the interior decor could use a bit more richness. It was nice and neat nothing wrong with that but every place needs something to work on. I give it five stars because I like to gauge it relatively to similarly categorized restaurants in area. For royal oak or Michigan as a matter of fact, I give it five. Compare with the likes of Vegas, NYC, SanFran, etc etc hmm, maybe four. Because same fine quality of food without the frills and thrills for nay, an arm and leg.

    (5)

  • Chris P.

    My girlfriend and I are huge breakfast/brunch goers, and we always appreciate a range of thoughtful choices, good execution, and solid service. We found that Cafe Muse exceeded our expectations in every arena (including a few things we hadn't thought of), and while I wouldn't say that the experience was flawless, so much was intrinsically 'right' that it earns a rare fifth star from me. Here's the way it went down - We ordered the following: Me: - Cappuccino - Exotic mushroom scramble with Boursin and truffle oil (with peanut sweet potatoes and sourdough toast) - Side of chicken, apple and gouda sausage She: - Cappuccino - Apple Juice - Steak and eggs - Cotswald cheese scrambled eggs with grilled hanger steak (with garlic sauteed fingerling potatoes). First off, our waitress was kind and attentive, and we followed her recommendations for our meals to good effect. We each sampled each others' entrees, and in both cases, the eggs were perfectly done, fluffy, light, not too runny, and quite rich without being overbearingly so. In my case, the mushrooms were well cooked and served atop the scramble (not mixed in as I expected, but that only resulted in a better presentation), and the truffle oil was not overbearing and didn't ruin the consistency of the eggs. Fantastic. There were a nice surprise of a few wedges of fresh fruit (grapefruit, pineapple, etc. - all shockingly sweet and far tastier than what I'm used to finding at Detroit-area markets in darkest January), and my sweet potatoes were similarly well-judged - not cloyingly sugary and nicely self-contained in a ramakin-like container. The sourdough was well toasted, albeit a bit skimpy (a smallish solo piece), so if you're a toast lover, you're going to want to order extra, especially in light of the surprisingly tasty cherry jam. Even the cappuccino was really well done (Lavazza, judging by the branded cups) with plenty of foam and nice cubes of brown and white sugar on the table. Once our caps were finished, the waitress offered to fill up our cups with regular black coffee, which was a nice surprise. If there was a clunker on my plate, it was the side order of chicken, apple and gouda sausage. Well, it wasn't a clunker, exactly, as the single, hot dog-link sized sausage was well prepared, it just didn't have much taste or spicing. Given how filling my entree was, it also wasn't necessary. My ladyfriend raved about everything, and she *knows* her hanger steak. We both go for rare meat, and they happily obliged her - a pleasant surprise for something short of a steak house, because a lot of places don't have the confidence in their meat (or their chefs, perhaps) to truly grill rare. She even complimented that the apple juice was unusually good. Alright, so the meal was great, but how about the rest? We read about long wait times from our fellow Yelpers, so we called ahead. We arrived 10 minutes early for our noon reservation, and they actually apologized to us that they were 'running about 10 minutes behind." They needn't have been so apologetic - we were seated at our table at noon (to the minute!) after sitting for ten minutes in the odd but welcome little waiting area in the back of the smallish but well appointed dining room. Nice touches that we weren't expecting: 1) Not only did we have an attentive, helpful, and courteous server, what appeared to be the manager or owner came over and asked us how our meal was (he seemed to be doing this with everyone in a very genuine fashion). 2) It wasn't simply that the bathrooms clean, they were also well-designed, quite high-end and rather homey. 3) Artfully contemporary table settings. This may seem like goofy minutia, but we genuinely liked the style and solidity of the coffee cups, glasses, sugar holder, the cutlery, and the take-home boxes. Other stuff to note: If you're not coming on the weekend, be sure to bring coins for parking, CALL AHEAD, especially if you're a big party - we only noticed one large table. The seating is quite tightly packed and the entry way can bog down with waiting parties, so if you're claustrophobic, this might not be the best place for you. We will absolutely, positively be back. Other than perhaps Ferndale's Fly Trap, this might be our favorite breakfast spot in the Metro D... and I wouldn't be surprised if it supplants the 'Trap because it has a much deeper menu and everything we saw on neighboring tables looked tempting. Cafe Muse has an interesting and adventuresome menu, yet to their credit, the food, the staff, and the atmosphere are accessible and friendly, not at all stuffy or off putting. Just go!

    (5)

  • Shannon H.

    It's a good sign when I want to order every single item on the menu. (I went with our waiter's recommendation of the shrimp salad sandwich. AMAZING.) Small, cozy place without feeling cramped. Local, natural ingredients without being overly fussy. Cheerful service that was neither too aloof nor too manic. Delicious food in reasonable portions. You must visit this place.

    (5)

  • Steve T.

    Detroit's most overrated restaurant? Despite living around the corner, for some reason I had never made it to Cafe Muse. I know the wait times at breakfast used to be very long. We finally went there last night for dinner and were very disappointed. We had the gorgonzola flatbread (terrible) along with two sandwiches. The hamburger du jour was small but very good. The "famous" grilled cheese was nothing special at all so somehow they either changed their recipe or others don't eat out much. You can easily make better at home and at $11, you can probably make enough for the whole family. I have a feeling this restaurant has "lost it's way" recently. It's highly overrated and overpriced and we won't bother going back. The service was very good.

    (2)

  • Christine F.

    This, my friends, is a great spot among a sea of chain restaurants in Metro Detroit. I love people that love cheese. The people at Cafe Muse certainly love cheese, as I would quickly find out. I ordered a glass of Pinot Gris and perused the menu. My husband and I started with a cheese plate, and I ordered a watercress and frisee salad and ricotta gnocchi. The service was incredibly nice/attentive. My husband was pleased with the beer selection. Now, I know the drill with cheeseplates. You usually pay $10 for three 1.5" squares of cheese. You shouldn't have an expectation of huge portions. Well, Cafe Muse blew my cheese suspicions out of the water. Their cheese plate was really quite large and bountiful. There was a blue, a cheddar and something else. They were good cheeses - not the best ever, but good. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this plate. My watercress and frisee salad was great. There was a good amount of watercress and frisee with a light pineapple vinaigrette and goat cheese fritters (warm, creamy balls of fried goat cheese, OH MAMA). So good. Again, they went heavy on the cheese. Not complaining. My gnocchi was a small plate, but big on flavor. There were pillowy ricotta gnocchi balls in a buttery sauce with prosciutto, peas, pecorino and an egg yolk (mostly raw) on top. I love bursting egg yolks (it's like bubblewrap but it tastes better), so I popped it mixed it in with the gnocchi. So good. Very rich, though. I can see why they give you a small serving. This place is really great and they definitely have some talent in the kitchen. We will be back next time we are in town.

    (4)

  • Erin K.

    This menu is much more unique than one you will find at other restaurants in the area. Their lemon ricotta pancakes with homemade blueberry maple syrup was great and they have a nice selection of breakfast beverages. Also good is their grilled cheese which sound weird (it has three cheeses plus tomato, basil and honey) but is amazing! The only downside is that the portions are not large, but I feel that the prices are a little high for the amount of food. And most breakfast items are not served with sides, so a decent breakfast for 2 can cost up to $40, but it is worth the splurge every once in a while.

    (4)

  • Caleb M.

    Great brunch spot.

    (5)

  • Rachel S.

    I found the food at Cafe Muse to be wonderful. I stopped by for breakfast and they had a good amount of options. Each option had combinations of fruit and breakfast items such as toast, waffles, and such that made my mouth water. There was a sweet section and savory section, satisfying all types of customers. The combinations of food were unique and delicious. I tried one item from sweet and one item from savory and could not have been more satisfied! However, it was cold in there, so bring a sweater!

    (4)

  • Wendy S.

    One of the worst meals I've had in a long time. First, while the server seemed like a nice-enough guy, his service was subpar. Slow. Inattentive. Lacking. Same for the busboys. While this is rarely a huge problem, it does throw off a bad vibe for a nice meal out. Second, my meal was awful. I had the tuna. No flavor. Zero. Accompanied by the polenta (which is a weird side for rare tuna, but the waiter said it was awesome) which was too thick and flavored with parm and ? It looked like yuck on a plate...and tasted the same. Finally, the martini I ordered was the worst on metro Detroit. I order a lot of martinis around town...I know. I won't be back.

    (1)

  • Jeff M.

    The Grilled 3 Cheese Sandwich (Fontina, Mozzarella & Havarti) with Tomato, Basil & Honey will be a thing of legend. This is no joke. I thought the best grilled cheese was one I had at Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery. I didn't think it could be topped. But this is better. MUCH BETTER. It's scary good. You might end up ordering more than one. What's excellent is that we showed up for a Saturday morning brunch. TECHNICALLY the Grilled 3 Cheese isn't served until after 11 AM (lunchtime). But if you ask nicely, they can make it happen. And you should make it happen. There are no flaws here, really. This is exactly the cleansing and filling breakfast one needs, say, after a long night of excessive drinking. This not only hit the spot, it patched the other ones (ulcers). This is menu is solid through and through. An omelet, either with mushrooms or smoked salmon, are executed beautifully. Pea meal bacon is as much buttery as it is bacony. Their bread is excellent too. Fresh. In general, expect large quantities, whether you like it or not. It's spacious, modern, and cozy. Service is prompt and entertaining. I mentioned the portions are large. As a result, the tables might seem small. Think of the perfect grilled cheese. It's here. Think of the perfect weekend brunch spot. It's Cafe Muse.

    (5)

  • Susan M.

    Have only been here sonce but it was good and fresh. Service was helpful and told us what he usually got and why. I will def be back when in the area.

    (4)

  • Julie C.

    This place is really quaint. They have a delicate cocktail list, a more amped up lunch menu and a delectable dessert menu. I would love to come here for dinner. The lunch food is pleasing.

    (4)

  • Sam G.

    I have absolutely no idea what all the fuss is about! We didn't give the famous grilled cheese a try but now I'm thinking we really should have. My best bud and I did order THREE MEALS and TWO SIDES between the two of us, though (we get excited and want to try everything). The menu is phenomenal. Everything looks delicious. But man is the food disappointing. The "french toast stuffed with mascarpone and pear nage" was nothing more than watery cream slathered between two slices of standard french toast with some tasteless fruit something-or-other. Nooooo! All that salivating for nothing. Also had the "exotic mushroom scramble"... eh? Neither exotic nor particularly tasty. And we had some special which, as you can tell by my lack of title for it, was equally unmemorable. Something really meaty... The service was pretty decent and we sat outside, which I liked since the inside seemed a little dark and fancy shmancy for a summer brunch. For the price and for the hype, this place is definitely a miss for me. Note: The owners did respond to my review and I really appreciate the care for their customers and business. Next time I'm around I'll have to give it another shot.

    (2)

  • Sonali B.

    I had been DYING to try this place, and BF is a good listener or mind reader and on a surprise day out, we headed here for some of the best breakfast I've ever had in Michigan. Cafe Muse reminds you of a warm French eatery. The intimate dining room is cozy and the servers are completely on the ball. From the minute we walked in, we received amazing service and attention beyond belief. I was overjoyed to be there and from the first sip of my hazelnut latte (although I considered ordering one of their bloody mary's), I knew it would be heavenly. BF ordered the white chocolate strawberry pancakes while I got a tofu scramble of zucchini, parmesan, and garlic. I had never ordered one before and figured this was the place. We sipped our lattes and coffees and dug into our meals. By the way, if you don't know what to order, ask your server - this is ONE place where their recommendations are fabulous and they're truly happy to answer any questions you have. We were both completely overcome with joy. The meal was amazing. We sampled eachothers dishes, ate our toast and potatoes, and relished bite after bite until we were full. I cannot wait to go to Cafe Muse again and tell everyone I know to go there. I cannot say enough about it and I am not easy to please in the slightest. Two very happy customers left that day and cannot wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Heatherleigh N.

    Aside from the Portlandia-esque menu notes regarding the origins of your food (I don't particularly care where my fingerling potatoes were grown, but perhaps this detail keeps YOU up nights, and if so, no judgement, dude), this is a pretty killer brunch joint. I avoid it like the plague on weekends, as I can't take the line-out-the door action, but breakfast or lunch on a weekday is easy to get in the door. The seafood cheddar grits are the richest thing I've ever put in my mouth; you'll wanna share these with someone. Eat them all yourself and you may just have a heart attack on your way to the car.

    (4)

  • Jill W.

    My husband and I went here for lunch today. He had the turkey pesto sandwich and I had the turkey burger. We both had the spinach salad as our side. My only complaint was that the spinach was wilted. Crispy would have been better. The turkey burger was served open face on a grilled piece of bread. Hubby said the sandwich was tasty. We'd definitely go back. Vegetarian and vegan options were also available,

    (4)

  • J B.

    Had the Short Rib Grilled Cheese for brunch. It was phenomenal. The short ribs on the sandwich were melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the cheese was creamy, yet stringy and still not overpowering. Perfectly grilled. Great service, too and only a 10 minute wait at 11:15 a.m. on a Sunday. Would highly recommend.

    (4)

  • Allen L.

    Pros: - lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry Just perfect. Well balanced, not too sweet or tart. - Whole Wheat Pancakes with Braised Apples - super staff from the hostess answering the phone to the owner who is on the floor working - attention to detail - (even the bathrooms were beautiful; cork flooring) Cons: - the 45 mile drive from Ann Arbor preventing me from having breakfast or lunch here every week Truly exceptional attention to detail. Food was delivered piping hot, coffee was constantly being offered, plates cleared. Yet, never felt rushed. Loved that an owner was on-site and working.

    (5)

  • Jennifer L.

    Of course, I've heard the buzz around Cafe Muse for a long time now. Their regulars are walking advertisements! I didn't end up going until my mother got wind of the "Oprah grilled cheese" a considerable time after the word was out. My mommy loves her Oprah. So we made a reservation (good tip, yelpers!) and prepared for a taste bud dance party. I was feeling chilly, so I started out with the exotic mushroom bisque to warm me up. Wow! This is no ordinary mushroom soup, as the name would imply. Layers of mushroom and goat cheese, it was amazing. It also came with a piece of what I think was cranberry nut bread? Seriously moist, seriously good. I was already impressed. I had the cup, which is a pretty good size. The bowl must be huge. Then I got the short rib grilled cheese sandwich and mummy got the famous grilled cheese. When I got my sandwich, the plate had a lot of grease already pooled on it. Grease or Ammoglio sauce? I don't know for sure, but it was unappetizing. I picked it up like a girly girl, not wanting grease-sauce to run down my hands, and took my first bite. Flavor explosion! What a silly thing to say, but really, flavor explosion! Bam bam bam! There was a lot more meat than I was expecting, so much so that I couldn't really taste the cheese. It was fantasty (that's my new word for fantastic and tasty food. I need new descriptors! Go ahead, use it, it's fun!), but I'd probably knock off some of the meat so I can taste the cheese too. As for the grilled cheese... yep, it's really good! I loved the different cheeses, and the honey definitely adds that something something. That Oprah sure is reliable. The side chickpea salad was really good and crisp tasting. Mums raved about it. If anyone knows how to recreate it, please let me know so I can share it with her! I only have two complaints. I already mentioned the short rib grease... yeah short ribs are "juicy," but come on. The second is the service. With a line out the door, I'd expect service to move a little faster. I think what they need to do is staff up. We waited a good ten minutes between finishing our meals and getting the bill. I was ready to get out of there, and I'm sure all of the people waiting were ready for me to get out of there too! Interesting menu, great food, great atmosphere. This is a really special place, I wish I could get to it more often!

    (5)

  • R W H.

    Another fab breakfast. The seafood grits!! And I don't eat grits. Delicious! Mushroom omelet w truffle oil. Always a great time and delicious food!

    (5)

  • Chanell S.

    It's been some time since my last visit to Cafe Muse and I feel the distance has tamed by disgust and disappointment. I have, in fact, no proof that the coffee was the sloppy seconds of another customer. All I have is my common sense, and a now clear understanding of what coffee with cream in it tastes like. With that said, I also have compassion. The humor of my last review may have gone too far seeing that I don't have concrete evidence (perhaps I shouldn't have used so many caps?). It just felt so right at the time. While I don't believe in editing away the honest feelings I had about the experience, I am providing this update to note that the owner sent and me a nice note on Yelp and I feel he is sincere. I appreciate that and wish their business well. They have really great food. Even if the incident did happen the way I felt it had, it was probably a mistake and not something that would happen again. I know, I know... I'm a sucker for a second chance (well technically I still won't go back, but figuratively speaking)

    (3)

  • Ben M.

    We have given Cafe muse 4 tries and time and time again have been very disappointing. Breakfast was bland and disappointing, based on the menu it all sounded like it could compete with our other local favorites, but when it came to taste it fell way short. Lunch was the only time the food was decent enough where I didn't feel a need to complain, but its difficult to mess up an elevated grilled cheese. The two times for dinner were the biggest disappointments though. Reading the menu there were so many good options to choose from, in writing that is... We had a short-rib that was more of a roast beef texture and taste, compared to what one would expect from a rich short rib plate, no sauce could save the dried out meat. The risotto was truly watery and flavorless, from the menu we expected a rich creamy risotto full with wild mushrooms and fresh cheese, only to bite into what was an amateur attempt at a risotto at best (very very sad). The duck was cooked the correct med rare you would expect duck but overpowered by the rice side, leaving you very little actual duck flavor on your palette, very little actual seasoning on the duck itself. The skirt steak was the most edible though, the pesto was nice in theory but ended up having to scrape it off the meat as it clashed with my tastes. Perhaps the kitchen was out of salt and pepper the night we went in. I'm not writing this review to bash Muse, but just simply out of annoyance because I want to like their food! I just cant.

    (2)

  • Emily B.

    So I have to say, I have not been back yet since my bad experience, but I have to give credit where credit is do. Very shortly after I posted my review, the owners sent me an email apologizing for the experience that I had and stating that they have had a staff meeting about it. It was their first weekend open with the expanded restaurant and they were not prepared for the volume. I have posted many reviews on Yelp, both good and bad, this is the first time that I can recall that an owner has taken such measures as to contact me and assure me that the issue has been addressed. It really shows the strong character of the owners, the pride they take in their work and you can only hope that this is reflected by their employees. I look forward to going back and giving them another shot.

    (4)

  • Jaffar S.

    Just went for late breakfast or brunch.......All I can say is Great service...Great Food. The service is outstanding, they make your dining experience one that makes you leave with nothing less than a big smile. The food is very fresh and local. I normally don't give out 5 stars, but today it was perfection from the moment we walked in. Excellent breakfast menu that almost takes you to another city(Chicago, Los Angeles or Toronto)....not your typical bacon and eggs breakfast place. Although I'm sure if that's what you want they can and will deliver with a smile. Again, Great place for breakfast. Check it out!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Todd S.

    I give Cafe Muse a four+ star for breakfast and brunch, but a 3 star for dinner. We went to dinner here last night and the results were mixed. They're trying to the fancy cocktail thing. They pretty well with my GF's choice - the Green dragon. It was a tasty, refreshing, interesting mix. I had one of their rye drinks and was disappointed in its lack of character. The food was okay. The soups and salads were well done. The famous grilled cheese? Overrated in my book. It was pretty greasy which hid any taste that was trying to get out. My GF gave it a somewhat better review. The service was not very good, but the waitstaff was apologetic so no loss of scoring. Overall, it's an above average choice for Royal Oak. Still, we'll probably just stick to visits during the day.

    (4)

  • LaTrisha L.

    I've been a fan since they opened. I've been for private parties as well as for brunch and dinner. The food is creative, fun and delicious. The portions are always perfect. It's not a place where you'll leave with leftovers, but you will leave SATISFIED. I've tried multiple dishes here and I keep coming back. The owners are wonderful and I've had the pleasure of meeting both of them. The attention to detail for the food is really nice. I highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • N C.

    Happened to be in Royal Oak and decided to stop in and have lunch. My daughter had the chicken salad and loved it. I had the tuna sandwich and wasn't thrilled. I did however love my grandsons BBJ, so did he.

    (3)

  • Ron C.

    Okay Westside , you've done it again! Friday morning I was at an appointment in Shelby at 23 & Schoenner, but scooted over to met my gal at Cafe Muse, to see what all the YELP HYPE was about. wow! WOW! From the moment we walked in the atmosphere and presentation was Awesome A+ Met a very happy & personable hostess, who showed us to our table and inquired " how will this be"? A+ Then "RACHEL" the server extraordinaire , bounced onto the scene "Hi I'm Rachel, welcome to Cafe Muse ! ! !" we said thank you for the warm welcome an d mentioned it was our very first visit, she smiled , applauded & jumped and said " I Love first time guests" she encouraged us to look over both menus, as it was 11am and we could choose either, she said "Once you decide breakfast or lunch I can guide you further" A++ We chose the grilled cheese sandwich as an appetizer, words truly can not express how great it is / was and the sheer simplicity! A++ Then for our entree's My Wife chose the,Baby Spinach with Amish Gorgonzola, Walnuts & Dried Cherries Salad with Chicken A+ I chose the Grilled Hanger Steak Sandwich with Ammoglio Sauce and Provolone Cheese on Multigrain A++ it came with cold marinated couscous A+ [ note I have made couscous at home & never liked it until Friday] This side dish was so amazing ! Rachel encouraged us to order the Homemade Butterscotch Pudding , but there was simply no room. All in all Cafe' Muse EXCEEDED my expectations, we are plotting our return visit , and we have 3 friends coming in from Seattle & this will be a destination for sure.

    (5)

  • Meg K.

    Creative menu that promises more than it delivers. I've eaten here three times - grilled cheese, turkey burger, salmon omelet - and that's been my over all experience. The fresh basil and honey on the grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious touch - I've copied it at home.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :7:30 am - 3:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Brunch
    Parking : Garage, Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Classy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Café Muse

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