In a reality where bottomless mimosas and blue raspberry hookah are the factors that signify whether a restaurant is worth visiting, authenticity, quality food, and good ol’ customer service have never been more necessary.
Angie’s Cafe is a culinary gem that goes beyond being just a restaurant – it’s the start of a cherished legacy, a testament to the enduring bond of family, and a vibrant slice of Dominican culture.
Nestled in the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, this family-owned establishment has not only (in six short months) become a favorite dining destination, but a frequent gathering spot for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of the Dominican Republic.
When I entered Angie’s, I was greeted by the subdued sounds of Spanish music, the comforting scent of eggs and bacon, and the pleasant smile of a staff member.
To my right, an attentive waitress assured an elderly patron that her meal had been covered by the owner. To my left, a happy customer expressed his satisfaction. “I love this place!” he exclaimed. His review was received with a smile by restaurant owner Anyelina Hernández.
“Everyone calls me Angie,” said Hernández. It was her son’s idea to lend her nickname to the restaurant.
The interior is modern, clean, and spacious, with ample seating in the form of both tables and booths. Though the design is minimal, it’s intentional, featuring rustic tables and woven basket decorations on the wall.
“Everyone says they love the vibe here, the atmosphere. That’s the first thing people say when they come in.” Anyelina gives credit for the ambiance to her co-owner and cousin, Jose Hernández, without whom this restaurant “wouldn’t be possible.”
I indulged in a classic breakfast (HWY 138 Special) with an iced coffee that Hernández insisted on preparing and serving herself. “It’s my special recipe,” she shared before returning to serve other customers. In the span of an hour, three patrons had turned into thirteen, then thirteen to twenty.
At Angie’s, the goal is to make people feel like they’re at home. Out of twenty-something guests, only two were first-timers, and Anyelina was able to point them out
“When someone comes in, they’re family to us. I have a customer who comes in every single morning. He gets here around 7:45/8:15 AM and he sits at that table,” she pointed at a barstool facing the window. “I already know what he eats. He normally gets a Heart Attack omelet, coffee, potatoes, and white toast.”
It’s clear that people come for the food, but they keep coming back for the service.
When I asked what differentiates Angie’s from the average breakfast restaurant, her answer was simple: fresh food & great customer service. “We do our best to make people feel at home and make people feel comfortable. The idea here is to give people the service that we would like to receive ourselves.”
Angie’s boasts a large menu with countless offerings ranging from breakfast to lunch. There is a different dish for your every mood, and they pride themselves on not using any processed or artificial ingredients in the efforts to prioritize their customers’ health.
You read that right. Angie’s ingredients are as fresh as their crisp black uniforms. No adobo, no packaged seasonings, and no canned goods. Almost everything is made from scratch and crafted from Anyelina’s unique recipes. From the homemade jalapeno and pineapple jam on the Tacky Burger, to the homemade strawberry jam on the Stuffed French Toast, every dish receives her signature touch.
If you’re in the mood for savory Dominican food, she recommends the Rice, Peas, and Oxtails, or the Crunchy Panini. If you’re in a breakfast mood, go for the Stockbridge Special or one of Angie’s special pancake flavors.
Can you keep a secret? Because some of these dishes are on an #IYKYK basis. People crowd into Angie’s for Dominican dishes like fries and beans, mangú, and tostones. But don’t go hunting for this cultural cuisine, their secret menu changes on a day-to-day basis.
“Everything is good here because I put love in everything I do. That’s the first thing, you need to love what you do so you can put that into your food,” said Hernández.
At Angie’s Cafe, you’re not just enjoying large food portions at an affordable price, you’re supporting an owner who remembers your order from visits prior, runs food to tables, rings up checks, makes iced coffees, and waves goodbye as patrons leave.
The atmosphere engenders repeat business. Among thousands of pancake houses and biscuit bistros, these customers choose to get breakfast from Angie’s every day, which says something.
“These six months have been amazing for me and my family,” said Hernández. “The best thing is to come to work and love what you do… I still have a long journey to go.”
So, what’s next for Angie’s Cafe? That ceiling hasn’t been set yet. You can look forward to their extended hours in the near future, with late night bites, karaoke, and cocktails.
Angie’s has dedicated itself to sharing the warmth of their family and their heritage, one plate at a time. Be on the lookout for this culinary haven if you’re in the mood for traditional Dominican cuisine with an American breakfast twist.
*Pro tip: Angie’s is busiest on the weekends, so get there early! You can find Angie’s Cafe on Facebook & Instagram.
