If you can believe it, it’s that time–the end of the year! Our year-long column is now coming to a close. This will be our last piece, highlighting another breakfast spot in Lakewood that is the perfect finale.
Borderline Cafe, located at 18510 Detroit Ave, is another perfect breakfast spot. Borderline was opened 32 years ago by two sisters, Kelly Wright and Carrie Wight. After working summers in Kelly’s Island, they decided to move back to their hometown and start something special. Carrie actually has a background in culinary arts, having attended school in Providence, Rhode Island.
The sisters thought they would have their restaurant for a couple of years, then move on to something new. Little did they know the community would not let that happen, but even now, 32 years later, the two are still going strong!
“We still love it, and we still love working together,” co-owner Kelly Wright said. “She’s my best friend, and we do everything together.”
Borderline is an incredibly spectacular breakfast spot. The family-owned aspect shines through in every way, and you can fully feel the love for the customers as well as the love between co-workers.
“The owners are really nice and easy to work with,” server Joe Botta said. “The hours are great. This is probably the best service industry job I have ever had.”
The menu offers so many delicious options, like breakfast burritos, omelets, sandwiches, waffles, pancakes and the best French toast in town. The food is served hot, fast and never disappoints. Oh, and of course, the coffee is fantastic.Since COVID-19, Borderline has gone from cash-only to also accepting credit and debit cards, so there is nothing stopping you from trying any of the wide variety of things they have to offer. However, they do offer cookies-for-cash treats that change every week. This week’s sugar cookies are hard to resist!
The atmosphere provides an instant serotonin boost, from the savory aromas to the bright yellow walls. Borderline Cafe is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 8 am to 1 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, there is always a line out the door, so definitely try to get in early! That, though, is just a testament to Borderline’s reputation in the community.
“I love seeing how well the servers know the customers and how they know their orders before they even have to say anything,” customer Lauren Lamparyk said. “It is such a sense of community.”
The regulars at Borderline Cafe keep this place going, and the staff at Borderline is so grateful for that, especially during a time like the pandemic. It was the regulars who rallied together to help a place as special as Borderline stay around.
“I love being a part of these people’s lives,” Kelly Wright said. “Building relationships with the customers that come in and bring their families and seeing them grow up.”
Borderline has been around for a while and is not going anywhere anytime soon! Make sure that if you ever have some time in the morning or early afternoon, you stop by because their food is so delicious and you will find time to come back soon. Not only is the food great, but the service is fantastic too. You walk in and feel like you are joining the Borderline Cafe family.
Thank you so much to everyone who has read our articles this year. We truly have loved putting them out for you, trying all of these amazing places, or revisiting some of our past favorites, and meeting the faces that make all of these amazing establishments special. Brew Crew signing off!
