The Cardinal Cafe

- 128 Wanaque Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

In New Jersey, the **diner** is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural touchstone. **The Cardinal Cafe** in Pompton Lakes embodies this legacy while perfectly adapting to the modern palate. Nestled in the heart of the community, this cafe has earned its status as a **local favorite** within **Passaic County**, celebrated for offering a compelling blend of nostalgic charm, exceptional service, and a surprisingly diverse menu. It offers an irresistible experience that fuses classic comfort food with contemporary, healthy alternatives, ensuring it appeals to everyone from early commuters to families enjoying a weekend brunch.

The atmosphere at The Cardinal Cafe is repeatedly highlighted by patrons as a key reason for their loyalty. The space successfully maintains the **old time feel of a classic diner**, accentuated by **classic music playing in the background**. It is described as **clean and cozy**, providing a truly **homey atmosphere** that encourages relaxation and connection. Crucially, the staff are consistently praised as genuinely **kind** and **super friendly**, ensuring every guest feels welcome—a rare and treasured quality in today's fast-paced dining world. It is this combination of warmth and reliability that transforms a simple meal into a valued community ritual.

Unlike many traditional diners, the food philosophy at The Cardinal Cafe is firmly rooted in quality and freshness. They go beyond standard fare by emphasizing that everything is **made-to-order with fresh ingredients** and that they strive to **source as many local ingredients as possible**. This dedication is evident in specialty items such as the savory **Cardinal Brunch Burrito** ($12.00), which features local Yard Bull Meats Chorizo. Whether you are craving the indulgence of **Pumpkin Pancakes** ($10.50) or the fresh flavor of the **Seasonal Veggie Sandwich** ($11.00), the cafe offers an impressive variety. This commitment to quality, combined with the fact that the food is consistently rated as **yummy** and **priced well**, secures its position as an outstanding dining option in the region.

## Location and Accessibility

The Cardinal Cafe boasts a prime and easily accessible location in the bustling center of Pompton Lakes, a convenient spot for residents across northern New Jersey. The exact coordinates are:

128 Wanaque Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

Strategically situated in the downtown area, the cafe is highly accessible from major regional arteries, including I-287 and Route 23. A standout benefit for visitors is the ample parking provision: The cafe offers **plenty of FREE off-street parking available behind the cafe**, a welcome amenity that helps patrons avoid the need for metered on-street parking. Customers are encouraged to use the dedicated rear entrance from the parking lot for maximum convenience.

The cafe is committed to being an inclusive space for the entire community. To ensure comfort and ease of access for all guests, it provides comprehensive accessibility features, including a **Wheelchair-accessible entrance**, designated **Wheelchair-accessible seating**, a **Wheelchair-accessible toilet**, and a clearly marked **Wheelchair-accessible car park**. This commitment ensures that everyone in the **Passaic County** area can enjoy their services without impediment.

## Services Offered

Operating every day of the week, The Cardinal Cafe focuses on providing flexible and reliable service for breakfast and lunch. The typical operating hours are highly convenient, running from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays and starting at 7:00 AM on weekends. The full suite of services includes:

• **Dine-in:** Full **seating** and table service for **Breakfast**, **Brunch**, and **Lunch**, accommodating both **groups** and individual diners in a **cosy** setting.
• **Takeaway:** A smooth and efficient service, noted as a **great place to pick up lunch or breakfest** for customers on the go.
• **Delivery:** Orders can be placed and tracked through popular third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash, providing convenient home or office delivery.
• **Kerbside Pickup:** A fast, low-contact option allowing customers to retrieve their prepaid orders curbside.
• **Payment Versatility:** Accepts modern and traditional payment methods, including major **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Reservation Policy:** Operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis; the cafe **does not accept reservations**, a detail important for weekend planning.

The cafe’s popularity means that it **can fill up fast**, particularly on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Customers are advised to plan accordingly, though the quick, friendly service often means the wait, if any, is short.

## Features / Highlights

What truly distinguishes The Cardinal Cafe from other local eateries are the high-quality features and thoughtful amenities that enrich the customer experience:

• **Artisan Coffee and Beverages:** They offer a high-end beverage program, serving **Specialty Coffee** brewed with **Red Rooster Coffee**. Additionally, the on-site **Field Day Juice Club presses fresh juice onsite**, offering an array of revitalizing **Smoothies** and cold-pressed juices.
• **Modern, Health-Conscious Options:** The menu is expansive, successfully catering to modern dietary preferences with a wealth of **Healthy options**, **Vegetarian options**, and diverse bowls like the **SoRo Bowl** ($16.00), appealing to the health-aware New Jersey market.
• **Quality Sourcing:** Commitment to quality is key, with food being **made-to-order with fresh ingredients** and active efforts to **source as many local ingredients as possible**, enhancing the flavor and supporting local businesses.
• **Excellent Value:** The cafe’s **Price point is reasonable too**, with the combination of **yummy food** and affordable pricing providing excellent value that supports regular visits.
• **Family-Centric Amenities:** The cafe is definitively **Family friendly** and rated as **Good for kids**, providing essential features such as **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu**, making it a stress-free choice for parents.
• **Classic Ambiance:** The **old time feel** and **classic music** create a warm, inviting setting that is perfect for solo dining, a quick bite, or leisurely conversation.

These features illustrate how The Cardinal Cafe has successfully evolved the traditional **diner** concept into a polished, community-focused cafe and brunch spot.

## Contact Information

To reach The Cardinal Cafe for further inquiries, takeout, or general information regarding this Pompton Lakes favorite, please use the following details:

Address: 128 Wanaque Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442

Phone: (973) 831-6871

Mobile Phone: +1 973-831-6871

## What is Worth Choosing The Cardinal Cafe

For residents of the New Jersey region, choosing **The Cardinal Cafe** is choosing a local institution that consistently over-delivers on quality, warmth, and value. It is more than just a place for a meal; it’s where community happens, and this unique atmosphere is the strongest argument for a visit.

The paramount reason to choose this cafe is the guaranteed feel-good experience, driven by the **super friendly staff** and the palpably **homey atmosphere**. The cafe excels at making every customer feel like a neighbor, reinforcing the very best elements of a local spot. The heartfelt review about coming for **breakfast most weekends with my son** perfectly encapsulates the deeply personal, routine role this cafe plays in family life within **Passaic County**.

Furthermore, the menu’s versatility—offering everything from savory, indulgent **Disco Fries** ($6.75) to wholesome **Avocado Toast** ($9.00) and invigorating fresh **Smoothies**—means no one has to compromise their dining preference. This expansive yet high-quality offering, all delivered at a **reasonable price point**, makes it an excellent daily-driver restaurant that consistently provides great bang for your buck.

In summary, with its easy **FREE parking**, full accessibility, commitment to fresh and local ingredients, and unparalleled customer service, The Cardinal Cafe is the definitive choice for anyone seeking a comfortable, delicious, and valuable **diner** experience in the Pompton Lakes area of New Jersey.

The Cardinal Cafe

128 Wanaque Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, USA