The Caramel Roll at Charlie’s Cafe
On our way home from Sauk Center last weekend, we decided to stop for breakfast at Charlie’s Cafe, located right off I-94 in Freeport. We had never heard of it, although it is apparently well-known for its Garrison Keillor affiliation. (Later we read that years ago Keillor spent a lot of time in Freeport and at the cafe which led him to base his Lake Wobegon on Freeport and, some say, to model the Chatterbox Cafe after Charlie’s Cafe.)
Regardless, friends had told us that it’s an iconic Minnesota spot and that we should check it out. Enough said for a Sunday morning – we were there.
Driving up, I loved the huge sign outside that marked the spot “Charlie’s Cafe”. Given that there really isn’t much else around, and certainly no other competing signs, the sign screams at visitors with its bright yellow and red lettering. Walking inside I was instantly in love. From the booths to the display cases and the knick-knacks to the wallpaper, it was a true step back in time.
We took a seat in a small middle booth and immediately ordered coffee and one of their famous caramel rolls. The caramel roll arrived and we dug in – it was gooey, rich and tooth-achingly sweet. Seconds later, it was gone.
Our breakfasts arrived a short while later, the usual for me and a breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese for Kyle. A little disappointing, as overall it was pretty average fare on both accounts.
Perhaps not for their full breakfast menu, but when in the area again, Charlie’s Cafe’s throw back charm and caramel rolls might be just the thing to draw me back in for a stop.
Tags: breakfast, Food, Minnesota, restaurant
