Restaurant Review: Chestnut Hill’s Cake

Restaurant: Cake

Address: 8501 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill

Rating: (out of 5 stars): ★★★

Style: Bakery and American Cuisine

Food: Sunday Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert

Atmosphere: Casual

Parking: Metered and Nearby Public Lot Parking

Service: Friendly

Price Range: Moderate

Unique Feature: BYOB for dinner service

This former greenhouse located off of Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill holds one of several renowned bakeries in the neighborhood. What sets Cake apart is that it offers various dining options along with a multitude of sweet treats.

No matter if you visit Cake for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you may find yourself waiting for a table. Unfortunately, you cannot pre-plan and make a reservation, but if you leave your name at the counter the wait staff will give you a time estimate, which gives you an opportunity to tour the historic neighborhood.

Having a building that was formerly a greenhouse allows bright sunshine to filter through while you dine.

I had hoped to try Cake’s famous Quiche du Jour. Since I arrived in the later part of the afternoon, I was informed they were all out. If you want to try the handmade savory quiche, you better come in early.

On this chilly day, I decided to go for a comforting type of sandwich. My second choice for lunch was chicken salad on multigrain bread.

The chicken salad itself could have had more potential if it were seasoned a bit more. As it were, it was a little bland. The sandwich included a simple slice of tomato and romaine lettuce. The other options on the menu were presented with more flair.

With most of the entrées, you have the choices of coleslaw, potato chips, or a small salad. The mixed green salad was nicely done with diced cucumbers and tomatoes, dressed with light vinaigrette.

It doesn’t make sense to visit a restaurant named Cake without trying something sweet. Held behind the glass case were individual desserts for every type of sweet tooth. You can choose fancy tarts, old-fashioned cookie bars as well as trendy cupcakes.

After perusing the dessert display, I chose a pecan bar. The 2” x 2” square was actually a miniaturized pecan pie cut into a bar. One would think it would be overly sweet, but it was not.

Chopped pecans rested on top of the sweet molasses filling. The crust was thin, but sturdy enough to hold the sweet filling. The pecan bar was difficult to eat daintily; it would have been easier if was served warm.

Between the décor, atmosphere, and the friendly, attentive wait staff, Cake is a pleasant place to dine when you are out with the children, hanging out with the gang, or reading your favorite novel.

The noise level can be a bit boisterous when crowded. Since they don’t accept reservations, expect to wait for table. Because of the pleasantness of Cake, guests tend to take their time relaxing and enjoying their stay here.