There is at least one in every small town – that little hidden gem of a restaurant or cafe that most outside of the area don’t even realize exists but the locals hold dear. Today we’re going to reveal one of my favourite hidden gems – The Deluxe in Essex, Ontario!
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Often these places have been around for decades, becoming an important fixture in the history of the town that they serve. From the outside, they are often overlooked, not wasting their money on flashy appearances and over-the-top signage, but within, they embody everything that describes the heartbeat of that very town and its people.
This is the best way that I can describe the Deluxe Restaurant! First opening it’s doors in 1965, the restaurant has served generations of locals, offering families and friends a place to gather together and providing those who are passing through town the opportunity to enjoy an authentic homecooked meal.
One of the things that I have vowed to bring all of you here on Alternatively Speaking is a greater insight into all that Windsor/Essex has to offer, and I couldn’t share the genuine, timeless and heartwarming town that is Essex without taking you all to visit the Deluxe! Unfortunately, I can’t ship you all their incredible food, so you’re going to have settle for a written review and a few pictures from now, and in time you’ll just have to make a trip to small-town Southern Ontario and check it out for yourself.
The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Saturday, 8 AM – 2 PM and Sunday 9 AM – 1 PM. On top of their regular hours, they also offer Fish Fridays, opening their doors for an incredible fish dinner each Friday evening from 5 PM – 8 PM.
While I went in for a breakfast in order to write this review, I have had the opportunity to try their fish when it was brought to an event for our local community marching band and it was AMAZING! If you are seafood lover, I definitely recommend that you come give them a try!
For my husband and I, this was the perfect start to a relaxing Saturday, heading to the Deluxe for our morning coffee and a hearty breakfast. Located right on the main drag in the middle of town, the restaurant is incredibly easy to get to. There is the option of some street parking directly in front, however, if that is all occupied don’t fret, there is no shortage of parking in the immediate vicinity.
The restaurant itself was clean and orderly, the decor giving off the impression of a classic diner. We barely got in the door before we were greeted by the incredibly friendly staff, a smile on their face that would brighten anyone’s morning. It didn’t take long to realize that there were a number of regulars already seated, exchanging inside jokes as they order their coffee – and this further added to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Not only was the front-of-house staff phenomenal, throughout the course of our time there you would see Ryan, the chef, making his way through the restaurant greeting familiar faces, and welcoming those who were new.
We started with a dish that came highly recommended – fresh waffles stuffed with cheesecake and topped with berries, and we weren’t disappointed! if our entire visit had just surrounded this one single dish, that’s all it would have taken to convince me that we are going to be returning on a regular basis. It was the perfect mix of delicious berries with the sweet treat of the cheesecake, all blending together with each delectable bite. While my husband and I shared one order this time, I can promise you that it won’t be the case when we return! I’m going to need one all to myself…
We then moved onto our main dish, each selecting an omelette of some variety. Vegetarians, good news – they offer an absolutely delicious veggie omelette packed with fresh veggies. My husband opted for the ‘Essex omelette’ which included sausage, bacon, ham, onions, peppers, cheddar and swiss cheese which he had nothing but the best to say about. The food is all made to order, nothing is sitting under a warmer waiting, meaning that it is all incredibly fresh and tasted amazing!
To add to the reasons why you have to check this place out, the pricing for all the food was incredibly fair. Who doesn’t love delicious food at a great price? I know we certainly aren’t complaining. Interested in seeing what I’m talking about? You can check out their menu HERE. While the location doesn’t have a website at this time, you can keep up to date with all the latest news and specials by following their Facebook page HERE.
All in all, it was a great morning. My husband and I both loved the food, enjoyed the calm and welcoming atmosphere and could definitely see ourselves heading out that way on a regular basis moving forward. If you live in the Windsor/Essex area, you should definitely come check out The Deluxe! For those that don’t, this is just another reason to come visit this amazing corner of Ontario, Canada that I call home!
Do you enjoy going out to eat for breakfast, or are you a dine at home kind of person? Have you ever been to Windsor/Essex, Ontario, Canada? If not, is it on your list of places to visit in the coming years? (If not, it should be!)
Breakfast is my favorite meal to eat at a restaurant. My small town also has a little hidden gem like this one. I always get their Eggs Benedict. It’s my all-time favorite and they make the best!
There is something about going out for breakfast… lol
There’s such great restaurants in America it seems! Have to add this to my list for when we go ?
You gotta come up to Canada – we’ve got some great ones here! I’d love to show you around a bit!
Omg that omelette looks so amazing! I love hidden gems, unfortunately the one around the corner from me was featured on a tv show and isn’t hidden anymore ??
It was SO delicious! Those TV shows are a gift and a blessing – they bring attention to places that really deserve it, but you don’t really want them to be that busy hahaha
This looks delicious. We need to go here whenever I make it down there next.
You’ve got it!
It all looks so good!! So wish I lived closer!
Maybe you’ll have to come visit sometime! Hint, hint haha
We used to love going for breakfast and this looks great!
We love it and really should go out for breakfast more often… now that I’ve got a ‘go-to’ place that just might happen!
That food looks lovely x
It was amazing! SOOO good!
I love how you say this is in the essex area and I did a double take because I live in the Essex county in the uk! That omelette looks so good!
Haha ya, in Ontario there’s a small little town named Essex – definitely nothing big! But I love it
I love the look of that omelette! I love little hidden gems, they are always so cosy and friendly!
http://planetvikkiblog.wordpress.com
It was SO delicious! We’re looking forward to going back
I love going to Deluxe. The food is always delicious, staff is always friendly and the service is great. And the decor is a sight to see.
It’s definitely a ‘must see’ in Essex! I can’t wait to go back again soon
That food looks so nice!
fayejessica.co.uk
It was SOOO good!
Breakfast is my FAVORITE. I don’t care if I dine at home or at a restaurant. Sometime my friends say I’m weird because I’ll crave it at “ unusual “ hours but who doesn’t love pancakes or waffles ? Lol these pictures of the food look so good and fresh. I would love to try their fish fry also. That’s something I like for breakfast too but don’t have it too often fish and grits or shrimp and grits?
I am also a lover of breakfast foods at non-breakfast hours. We have definitely had pancakes and waffles for dinner here… I mean, why not? Right?
When I first started reading this, I genuinely thought you were talking about Essex, UK! Then I realised I would have to travel a little further than one country over! Honestly, sounds amazing though. You had me at cheesecake stuffed waffles…
I mean, if cheesecake stuffed waffles aren’t a good reason to hop on a plane and come to Canada…. hahaha
Cheesecake waffles smothered in berries!!? That’s something I had no idea I wanted until now. Wow.
I don’t know much about that area. Okay, I don’t know anything. ????? I might be going to Nova Scotia this summer. I haven’t really explored Canada yet, but I want to!
I didn’t know I wanted them either until I got there and gave them a try – it’s seriously a HEAVENLY combination!