Eat Local at Cafe Nicole

Less than a year ago, Nicole Burlimann and her father, Erwin, a classically trained chef from Switzerland, opened . Their goal was to create a community meeting spot for locals to have coffee, a bite to eat, and get to know their neighbors. Located at 1125 Queen Street (only two blocks from King Street), Cafe Nicole offers a cozy spot for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. The cafe walls are decorated with local artists' paintings, and there are several comfortable couches and chairs to sit back and relax. They even offer free Wi-Fi. 

Drinks: Since Nicole is a coffee aficionado, having spent many summers in Europe enjoying their delicious varieties of joe, she wanted to find a brand of coffee that would make her proud. After sampling several options, she decided on Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company, which Nicole says is some of the best coffee she's had. You can also find hot chocolate, espresso, cappuccino, fruit smoothies, and hot tea—just to name a few choices—on the menu. Prices range from $1.50 to $3.25 for beverages. Nicole is also currently working on a beer and wine license. 

Breakfast: Served all day. Options range from bagels and breakfast sandwiches to oatmeal. They even offer a Swiss classic called Birchermusli: cold oats soaked in milk and topped with fresh fruit, raspberry yogurt and granola. Brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends with additional breakfast offerings such as omelettes and waffles. 

Lunch/Dinner: Choices include soup and quiche du jour, sandwiches, wraps and salads. According to Nicole, a signature sandwich of Cafe Nicole is Sarge's Chicken Salad sandwich. The sandwich offers a twist on the traditional recipe with the addition of cumin, paprika, curry powder, and fresh lemon juice. If chicken salad isn't what you're craving, there's Smoked Ham and Swiss, Turkey and Havarti, a Classic Caprese sandwich and many more options. Prices range from $3.95 to $9.75. 

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The cafe also offers catering for a party of any size. For specials and information regarding their weekly Wednesday night events from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., be sure to check out the cafe's Facebook page or ask to join the mailing list. Phone: 703-717-9740.