The aromatic scents of freshly-brewed coffee, cinnamon roll pancakes and buttery biscuits fill the restaurant. It’s only 9 a.m., but at Ally’s Comfort Café loyal customers already occupy every table, surrounded by eclectic decor and bustling (yet invariably attentive and polite) waiters and waitresses.
Far from a run-of-the-mill diner, Ally’s Comfort Café, located in Davie and now at a second location in Sunrise, serves delicious, home-cooked breakfast and lunch in a welcoming environment. Ally Perfecto (for whom the restaurant is named) cooks much of the food herself, and her mother, Judy Perfecto, greets guests with unparalleled warmth and affection. Although typically open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., the restaurant opens for dinner once a month, since dedicated patrons requested that the restaurant occasionally extend its hours.
A vast assortment of framed artwork, inspirational quotes and posters reminiscent of classic diner days adorns every wall, adding to the charming, homey feel of the café. Younger members of the family can enjoy the kids corner, which is filled with toys and books.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of any Ally’s dining experience is the delicious, made-from-scratch comfort food. While the restaurant’s specials change, delectable pancakes grace the menu every weekend. I don’t mean basic buttermilk pancakes – Ally’s dishes out massive specialty pancakes, with dessert-inspired flavors ranging from Cinnabon to carrot cake and from red velvet to Boston Creme pie. To top it all off, the assistant chefs, under Ally’s eye, glaze the pancakes with cream cheese icing or pile on fresh fruit. Needless to say, maple syrup is not at all necessary.
For guests without a sweet tooth, Ally’s Comfort Café offers countless savory breakfast and lunch options, including omelettes, biscuits, egg sandwiches, salads, open-faced meatloaf and turkey sandwiches, grilled cheese and matzoh ball soup. The farmer’s omelette is particularly delicious. While I am normally not a fan of eggs, the combination of bacon, potatoes, onions, peppers and gooey American cheese accompanied by peppery home fries and buttery toast is hard to resist.
The restaurant’s prices are also extremely reasonable. Nearly every item on the menu costs less than $10, making Ally’s the perfect place for hungry people on a budget.
Despite the long lines that accumulate outside during peak times, such as during weekend brunch, service within the restaurant is impeccably fast, with food arriving within 10 to 15 minutes of ordering. The waiters and waitresses are always attentive, friendly and accommodating.
The phrase “Where good food and comfort meet,” scrawled across the top of the menu and the restaurant’s website, accurately describes this gem of a restaurant. Ally’s Comfort Café combines fast, friendly service, scrumptious food and Southern charm to provide its patrons with an unparalleled dining experience, seven days a week.
Ally’s Comfort Café at a glance
Cuisine: American, comfort food, breakfast, lunch
Locations/Phone:
Shenandoah Square Shopping Center
13674 W. State Road 84
(954) 476-4343
Sunrise
11435 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
(954) 741-0051
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reservations?: Only for large group events
Family friendly?: Yes
Website: allyscomfortcafe.net
