Finding a satisfactory, home cooked meal to cure the homesick blues often can prove difficult for University of Alabama students who grew up in different cities and states and are now far from home. 

The welcoming southern hospitality and the familiar menu of City Caf serve this need for many students, including Sam Pannell, a sophomore majoring in Political Science.

“I’m from a small town,” Pannell said. “And City Cafe really reminds me of home in the way that the staff is friendly and everyone seems easygoing.”

Upon first stepping foot into City Cafe, the easygoing atmosphere is evident through the chatter and bustle of servers and customers alike. The smells of classic southern food immediately feel like home.

Newspaper articles, local photos and aged University of Alabama posters dating back several decades line the walls of the cafe creating a comfortable ambiance.

“The restaurant has a great atmosphere.” Alexandra Rusu, a freshman majoring in Biology, said. “It’s been around for quite some time, so they have tons of old photos and Bama paraphernalia.”

The laid-back décor allows the generously delicious food to be the focus of the City Cafe experience.

With an old fashioned meat-and-three lunch menu, City Cafe serves substantial portions of fried catfish, meatloaf, chicken fingers and numerous entrees paired with classic southern vegetables.

“The food is prepared very well and at a great price,” Rusu said.

Every meal costs around $5 or under for college students on a budget.

Not only does the café serve a popular lunch menu, but it also has its breakfast menu available all day. Opening bright and early at 4:00 a.m., City Cafe keeps the locals happy with breakfast items of the same southern quality as the meat-and-three lunch. The servers said their most popular item is the chicken biscuit.

Also available for breakfast are unique options like the cinnamon raisin French toast, but the old standby of biscuits, eggs and a side of bacon seems to be one of the the locals’ favorite choices.

The restaurant opened more than eight decades ago and experienced tremendous success greatly due to the menu, but also due to the service.

The staff treat customers like family, using endearing names like “baby” and “sweetie” when taking orders. Their friendly service contributes to the warm ambiance at City Cafe. Any stranger can easily feel at home in this southern diner.

City Cafe is located on Main Avenue in Northport. They are open on weekdays for breakfast and lunch.