Welcome to Shady Bend Cafe
Shady Bend Cafe offers a cozy dining experience with a rich history, located in a charming, old building on Lincoln Hwy. This American eatery prides itself on serving up scratch-made dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia for home-cooked meals. From hearty breakfasts to delightful desserts, locals rave about the flavors and the inviting atmosphere. With options for dine-in, carryout, or curbside pickup, Shady Bend caters to everyone, including families and solo diners. Fast service, great coffee, and famous homemade desserts keep customers coming back, making this bustling spot a treasured gem in Grand Island.
Popular dishes
Restaurant Gallery
About
Nestled at 3609 Lincoln Hwy, Shady Bend Cafe embodies the spirit of Grand Island, Nebraska. Housed in a historic building, this cafe brings a warm, cozy feel that resonates with both locals and tourists. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a central hub for community gathering. The friendly staff offer genuine hospitality, making everyone feel at home. The cafe's commitment to using fresh, local ingredients elevates every meal. Guests often find themselves reminiscing over the charm of the building, coupled with modern conveniences like wheelchair-accessible seating and ample parking. Open every day, this institution welcomes all—families, groups, and the solo adventurer alike from breakfast through dinner. Whether dining in the rustic interior or enjoying a quick bite, visitors experience flavors that feel authentically homemade. Planning a visit? Reservations are accepted, and for a true treat, aim for their Sunday brunch. Don't forget to peek at their daily specials while you're there!
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
The highlight of Shady Bend Cafe is the delicious scratch-made food. Guests rave about the hand-breaded chicken fried steak, calling it unmatched. The all-day breakfast is a favorite aspect; perfect for those looking for a hearty start at any time of day. Families appreciate the kid-friendly menu and the accessibility features, ensuring everyone can enjoy a meal together. The cozy atmosphere and the historical setting enhance the dining experience, making it memorable. Plus, the daily specials and fresh salad bar add variety and freshness, keeping patrons excited for their next visit.
Most Disliked
Some patrons mention that the cafe can get quite busy, particularly during peak hours like Sunday brunch at 11 AM. This may lead to longer wait times, especially for lunch. While the popularity speaks volumes about the food, some guests feel that the lunch rush detracts from the otherwise cozy vibe. A few diners note that the dinner menu offers fewer options compared to breakfast and lunch, which can be a letdown for those hoping for a full dinner experience. Additionally, accessibility to the food line can become crowded during busy hours, impacting the flow of service.
Reviews
Holly P.
I love this place so much. I go here every time I come to Grand Island. They actually cook their own food which is getting to be so rare. It taste like delicious old-fashioned good home-cooked food all of it. I love the daily specials. The desserts are fancy and delicious. The salad bar is always fresh. On top of all that is very inexpensive.The service is so friendly and the atmosphere is authentic and historical and cozy.
Fonz
Hands down the best breakfast spot in GI. Not only is the food great, it is one of the very few places where you feel like you get your money's worth. The hand-breaded chicken fried steak puts others to shame.
Erin C.
Great food, quick friendly service, quirky atmosphere- all a definite win. Kids and adults alike were happy. Great that they have all-day breakfast!
CatKuza ß.
Great salad and reasonable price.
Jeff B.
Truly Grand Island's hidden gem. The staff and food were both excellent as always. Great breakfast spot any day of the week.
Abby J.
What a gem of a place. Delicious breakfast, full menu, super friendly staff, a nice country feel to the place. Plenty of parking. My order was perfect, served quickly & tasted delicious. I will be back!
William C.
A smaller hole in the wall cafe with great staff and food. Very reasonable prices! Definitely a recommend if your traveling through!!