Good ol’ Mike’s Lunch. As far as I know, this place has been open forever. It’s sort of a community fixture in Glace Bay. I can remember going there with my mom when I was basically an embryo, and it was definitely the first western sandwich I’ve ever had.
What’s up with the place?
When you walk into the place, you pretty well know what you’re getting immediately. It’s your family restaurant/greasy spoon type of place, but it’s clean and bright. The dining room is very accommodating and much like the parking, and there’s always room for one more.
It’s a pretty old building, and it shows. The dining area is a bit run down looking, but they seem to keep a fresh coat of paint on it every couple of years.
What’d ya get?
Breakfast was on the agenda for today…I was still hungover from “Testing” booze for you guys, so I needed bacon in my face. I ordered their Big Breakfast. It’s pretty ample with home fries, bacon, sausage, a couple eggs, and a choice of a third egg, a pancake, or a piece of french toast. I went for the French toast of course..because duh. It also has the usual accessories: toast, coffee and juice.
Any good?
Yes! I know what you’re thinking right off the hop; how can you screw up breakfast? Trust me…you can.
I typically get my eggs poached medium, which usually ends up being only a fantasy for me, as it seems to be pretty well unattainable. Surprisingly, the cooks at this place nailed it, and if memory serves they nailed it last time too (and I was just as surprised then). My friend, whose turn it was to pay (score!), got his eggs over easy. They looked a smidge under cooked to me, but he assured me they were exactly the way he liked it.
Also, there’s something to be said for the breakfast sausage. I’m sure it’s just the brand they buy, and not because of the way they cook it, but the sausages at Mike’s lunch are clearly the best. It’s not really spicy or anything, but it tastes like a quality bit of pork went in there along with all the snouts and hooves. It’s definitely different from other breakfast spots.
A final comment on the french toast: it’s good, and cooked well, but it’s not your traditional french toast. It’s literally just a piece of bread dipped in egg and fried. There’s nothing wrong with that, but don’t be expecting your typical dessert-for-breakfast-type with fruit and powdered sugar and the nice custard-y center. They toss you a packet of table syrup with it – which I hate – and just sort of leave it at that. Overall though its a nice add-on; but don’t get too excited.
Oh, and the coffee is a solid 7 out of 10.
How was the service?
Actually when we first walked in the place was a bit of a disaster. Every empty table had yet to be bused, so we just sort of found a seat and waited for the table to get cleaned off. With that said though, our server was a delight. It became obvious pretty quick that someone had called off and she was by herself, yet she was quick and accurate. The food was hot, and I doubt we waited 10 minutes before it showed up at the table. They were quick with coffee refills as well, which I always appreciate.
Should I go?
Yeah bro, totally. It’s a nice comfy spot with even comfier food. If you are a high-end restaurant person and want a Souffle or Duck l’orange you’re certainly at the wrong place, but they still have a few tricks up their sleeve here. They have a small selection of Greek dishes like Souvlaki on the menu, and the Golden Delight (which is like a club sandwich on french toast) if you want to try something different. Also my wife said to say the Spaghetti and Meatballs were good or she’d punch me in the throat.
The Spaghetti and Meatballs are good.
Conclusion
- Service
(3 / 5) - Price
(4 / 5) - Quality (3 / 5)
- Atmosphere (3 / 5)
- Value
(3.5 / 5) - Overall
(3.3 / 5)
Mike’s Lunch is a decent spot. The menu is pretty big, the food is tasty, and the prices are good. I don’t think I’d take a date to this place; it’s more of a hangover joint, or a place to take your mom after she makes you take her shopping.
Definitely try it when you’re in Glace Bay. If you have your expectations calibrated properly you’ll be very pleased.