CEA - LO Cafe

- 1003 Soundview Ave, Bronx, NY 10472

Introduction / Overview

In the vibrant Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx, CEA - LO Cafe has established itself as a true culinary destination, particularly for those craving authentic, hearty Soul food and classic American restaurant fare. Located at 1003 Soundview Ave, this establishment is more than just a place to eat; it's a community anchor, proudly identifying as Black-owned and operating with a distinct commitment to inclusivity and convenience.

CEA - LO Cafe is revered for its expansive menu that covers the full spectrum of dining needs. From iconic Soul food staples to classic fish and chicken combos, the offerings are generous and diverse. The restaurant caters to every major meal period, popular for Lunch and Dinner, and is well-suited for Solo dining as well as feeding the whole family, noted for being Family-friendly and offering High chairs for the little ones.

The atmosphere balances urban chic with genuine hospitality, described as both Casual and Trendy. The business has a reputation for efficiency, aiming for Fast service, though patrons should note that due to its popularity, there is Usually a wait—a testament to the high demand for its dishes. Core offerings include classic Comfort food, specialized Quick bite and Small plates options, and crucially, an array of Vegetarian options.

A significant highlight of CEA - LO Cafe is its dedication to being a broadly welcoming space. It is specifically noted for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, establishing itself as an open and accepting environment for all members of the New York community. This combination of excellent, comprehensive food service and strong community values solidifies CEA - LO Cafe’s status as a must-visit Bronx institution.

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The menu is where CEA - LO Cafe truly shines, moving beyond simple fried fare to offer a vast selection of expertly prepared dishes. The Chicken section features beloved classics like Pat's Chicken And Waffles, various Wingette Dinner options, and flavorful choices such as the BBQ Wingette Dinner. However, the extensive Fish & Chips and Seafood Dinners & Combos sections demonstrate the kitchen's versatility, offering everything from 7 Piece All Whiting to complex platters like the 3 Piece Flounder And 6 Piece Shrimp Dinner.

Crucially, the restaurant provides healthier cooking options through its Broiled Seafood and Steamed Seafood menus. Diners can enjoy favorites such as 1 Piece Steamed Salmon Dinner, 3 Piece Broiled Whiting Dinner, and 8 Piece Broiled Jumbo Shrimp Dinner, often accompanied by Steamed Vegetables like Broccoli and Potatoes. This extensive, flexible menu allows Locals and Tourists to tailor their meal to their taste and dietary preferences, whether they want a deep-fried classic or a healthier, broiled option.

And no Soul food experience is complete without the sides. The Sides menu is a rich tapestry of classic comfort food staples: Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Yams, Potato Salad, Cabbage, and Cheese Grits. These dishes form the core of the cuisine, with long-time patrons often citing the Collard Greens as particularly excellent, describing them as "made with so much love," and the Mac and Cheese as "good & cheesy," although it's worth noting the differing opinions on seasoning show the personal nature of Soul food favorites.

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Location and Accessibility

CEA - LO Cafe is strategically located at 1003 Soundview Ave, Bronx, NY 10472, USA. This central location in Soundview makes it an easily recognizable and convenient stop for residents throughout the Bronx.

The restaurant is committed to physical accessibility, a key consideration for any modern New York establishment. The facilities include a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access for all patrons. While specific details on parking are not provided, its neighborhood location makes it readily accessible via local public transportation and on foot for the immediate community.

The focus on transactional speed and ease is confirmed by the accepted payment methods: customers can quickly complete their orders using Debit cards and NFC mobile payments (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay), minimizing delays at the counter. The provision of Wi-Fi also adds a layer of modern convenience for customers dining in or waiting for their takeout orders.

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Services Offered

The services at CEA - LO Cafe are extensive and designed to accommodate the varied schedules and preferences of the New York diner, from quick takeouts to full catered meals.

• Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: Offers three essential service options, providing maximum convenience for patrons, whether they choose to enjoy the Casual, Trendy atmosphere in person, pick up their meal, or have it delivered.
• All-Day Meal Service: The kitchen is open and popular for both Lunch and Dinner, ensuring a reliable food source throughout the day.
• Catering Services: Provides full Catering options, making it a reliable choice for family gatherings, business meetings, or community events in the Bronx.
• Healthier Options: A dedicated focus on broiled and steamed dishes, along with multiple Vegetarian options, provides alternatives to traditional fried comfort food.
• Speed and Efficiency: The business emphasizes Fast service, a crucial component for New Yorkers looking for a Quick bite.
• Dessert Offerings: Provides Dessert options, including various Pies and Cheesecakes, ensuring a sweet conclusion to any meal.

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Features / Highlights

CEA - LO Cafe’s standout features lie in its unique blend of traditional Soul food offerings, modern operational efficiency, and commitment to community inclusion.

• Black-Owned and Inclusive: Explicitly identifies as Black-owned and operates as an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, fostering a welcoming environment for all Locals and Tourists.
• Extensive Seafood & Soul Food Menu: The menu excels with specialized items like Pat's Chicken And Waffles, dozens of Fish & Chips combinations, and a rare selection of Broiled Seafood (e.g., 3 Piece Broiled Flounder Dinner) and Steamed Seafood (e.g., 1 Piece Steamed Salmon Dinner).
• Beloved Soul Food Sides: Features essential, high-quality Comfort food sides, including legendary Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese, and Yams, which are widely praised by loyal customers.
• Commitment to Speed: Despite the high popularity—which often leads to a wait—the business is dedicated to Fast service, demonstrating an efficient kitchen operation designed to handle high volume.
• Affordable Weekly Specials: Offers accessible meals like the Turkey Lasagna & Garlic Bread weekly special, providing excellent value for a full, satisfying dinner.

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Contact Information

To place an order for takeout, delivery, or for catering inquiries, please use the following contact details for CEA - LO Cafe.

Address: 1003 Soundview Ave, Bronx, NY 10472, USA

Phone: (718) 620-0337

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What is worth choosing

Choosing CEA - LO Cafe is choosing a celebrated piece of Bronx culinary culture. What makes it unequivocally worth choosing is the combination of its authentic, varied menu and its profound commitment to community. As a Black-owned institution that actively fosters an inclusive environment, patrons are supporting a business that is vital to the fabric of the Soundview neighborhood.

When dining here, focus on the items that have garnered high praise and represent the best of American Soul food traditions. The consensus among long-time patrons is that the Collard Greens are exceptional and the Broiled Shrimp offers "great flavor," reflecting the care put into the menu. Even the dissenting customer who found some items lacking in seasoning agreed that the BBQ chicken was good, suggesting the variety of the menu allows everyone to find a favorite.

The extensive seafood menu—especially the Broiled Seafood options which are often hard to find at a typical restaurant—is a major draw. From Steamed Salmon to various Flounder and Whiting combinations, this selection provides a rare and valuable service to the community. Paired with their commitment to Fast service and the convenience of Delivery and Takeout, CEA - LO Cafe provides a high-quality, reliable, and deeply satisfying experience, cementing its reputation as a must-visit spot on Soundview Avenue for lunch or dinner.

CEA - LO Cafe

1003 Soundview Ave, Bronx, NY 10472, USA