Every year, Taylor students flood back to campus. The first few weeks are full of late-night runs to Wendy’s, wing events which are sponsored by wing dues, spontaneous trips to Target, fun dinners at Payne’s, brunches at the Bridge, and more. And then the semester shifts. The homework load gets heavier, the air gets a little chillier, and everyone’s bank accounts feel a little emptier than they did after summer.
What do you do when all you want is a warm plate of french toast, fried eggs, crispy hashbrowns, and that feeling of Saturdays with your grandparents? The solution is 9th Street Cafe in Marion, Indiana.
The food there won’t dazzle you. It won’t blow you away with originality. It won’t make your taste buds shake and shiver. But it will allow any twinges of homesickness to subside as you sip away at diner coffee. It’ll satisfy your craving for sweet pancakes, doused in syrup. It will make you think of weekend mornings spent swathed in the smell of fresh bacon and french toast. 9th Street Cafe doesn’t offer a dynamic menu, it offers a reminiscent one.
As you consider your next brunch date and worry about your bank account, keep 9th Street Cafe in mind. Two large blueberry pancakes are just $2.65, the french toast is just $2.85, and the omelets range from $3.95 - $5.25. A classic cup of coffee, served with plenty of cream and sugar is just $1.05 and if coffee isn’t your jam, hot chocolate rings up at the same price.
As we begin to really dive into the community of Taylor this year, take time to take breaks. Take time for slow mornings, for diner coffee, and for good conversations.
Pros: The menu offers breakfast classics that will satisfy any sweet or savory craving. It also opens at 5:00 a.m. for any early birds wanting to start their day or late night owls looking for a bedtime snack.
Cons: The menu is limited to those with dietary restrictions. The aesthetic of the cafe isn’t as cozy as my diner dream, but if you bring some good company, the aesthetic won’t even matter.
9th Street Cafe is located at 1802 W. 9th Street Marion, IN 46953. It is open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday - Saturday.
