J David H.

Kim Cafe is a little dinner tucked away on the East Virginia Beach Blvd/Great Neck corridor. According to one customer I met they are known for the best Gyros in town. However, on this day when I happened to see the sign for the first time I was setting a course for breakfast. The place can be a little bit difficult to locate quickly, so maybe those Yelpers who know where Love Shack store is and who doesn't right... can find it in the same small strip. There is adequate parking for the amount of business these stores carry. A walk through the doors and I was quickly greeted by Lou, Kim's husband. Lou has a pretty heavy Asian accent, but we communicated fine. In the front is the bar counter/kitchen area and to the back a set down dining area and small overflow. I have to tell you, I was a little bit worried about how this story might end when looking at the places early 80's decor, it looks like the restaurant is in a time warp and not in a good way unfortunately. Nothing about the place has had an update in 25 years. But fear not, being the good Elite I am I took one for the team and hung in there to provide this review. I have been down this road before and know that you don't judge a book by it's cover and by darn I not going to leave without ordering breakfast so I can see what some of the other very good reviews on Yelp were about. I utilized the facilities in the very back before setting down and found it to be adequate, but could use some really good scrubbing. The sink is shared in the hall with the women's restroom. I then proceeded to my booth to look over the menu that was awaiting me. Lou quickly got me out a water and hot coffee. Looking over the menu I was a little surprised by the variety.. basically they can do just about anything you want on the breakfast menu. Omelettes, panckaes, french toast and prices were very reasonable. The coffee was solid too and I was enjoying it while trying to figure out what to order. I had to ask what they do well and was pretty much open. I was just hoping for a decent meal and gotta tell ya holding my breath. Lou said "anything, all good." Ugh, at this point I felt doomed, all good, really are you serious! So I ordered the French Toast and sausage patties with a side of eggs over easy. I noticed only three other tables were occupied, but it was around 10:30 AM. One of the women struck up a conversation with me and smelled rookie blood. She said she had been coming to Kim Cafe since they opened in 1986 and the owners were Vietnamese and escaped out of the area in the early 70's. The customer raved about what a great cook Kim was and said she makes a mean Chef's Salad, burgers and Gyros, but in general everything is good. My plate of food was delivered to my table in less than 10 minutes, looking and smelling YUM! i really liked the looked of the two over sized sausage patties (see pic) and was ready to dig in. Everything was hot and prepared correctly, with the taste being spot on delicious. So bashfully I have to say I was wrong to judge by appearances only. I learned a little bit more about the place by an interaction that I became involved in with Lou and customers around me. He and Kim supported 5 children now all grown up that went through college and are successful. They both did this all the while running the small restaurant that was named after his wife. The business was a Gryos joint before they bought it in 1986, but the previous owner who was Greek stayed on for weeks to show them how to prefect a really great Greek staple, so this is how it became they have a solid reputation for making these. Lou was constantly moving around the dining room and doing something the whole time I was there. He timed his check-in's perfectly and never let water, or coffee suffer. Lou is a man of little words, however I could just tell that he was a very hard working man that loved what he was doing. When finished he quickly cleared the area and had my bill on the spot. I would love to come back and experience the lunch menu and would have no apprehension in doing so at all. The rating I used to come up with the 3 is a two on decor and a four on food. I just could not get over how badly the place needs a renovation. As well, a good cleaning I believe is warranted. I really love the story behind this restaurant and the fact it is a small family business is really appealing to me. Chain places are a dime a dozen, but give me a locals place like this and I could be happy for life. Next time your going to resupply some necessities from Love Shack hit them up and see what you think for yourself.