South Orange Avenue is packed with interesting eateries — German, French, and Polish among others — but I never had the pleasure of stopping by Shannon’s Casual Café until last week on my way to Evil Dead: The Musical. This café is located in a corner suite of a medical plaza named Water’s Edge across from Discovery Church, and during my short visit many locals breezed in for comfort food and good conversation.
Shannon’s has ample seating that spans along counters and into the suite next door. There’s tons of fun masks, signs, and other decorations to spot while waiting for a meal to be served. I put in an order for the day’s special, Corned Beef and Cabbage, at the counter. The meal, which was just over $8, also included a regular size, self-serve fountain drink. This café is cash only with limited table service, but service is courteous and provided with a smile.
The corned beef fall-apart good and well-seasoned. The meat is not brined in-house, but Shannon’s braises the meat instead for that super tender effect. The cabbage was boiled and had a mild flavor. A hot, fluffy roll and a big helping of boiled potatoes, celery, and carrots rounded out the meal with spicy mustard and whipped butter on the side. The gentleman who took my order mentioned that the corned beef and cabbage is one of the café’s most popular dishes around St. Patrick’s Day, and I believe it! When I started to wonder if I would need a to-go box, I realized I had mowed through my hunk of corned beef with all the sides.
Shannon’s Casual Café has a classic diner feel with much of the same style fare, and has accessible early morning to late evening hours. Either dine-in or carry out, I’m glad Shannon’s is near to fulfill those familiar comfort food cravings.
T: (407) 855-9995
