Hidden Manna Cafe

Used to be one of my favorite places to eat. The scenery and vibes were pretty nice I haven’t been there in about a year and a half but went yesterday with my family. The waitress who started 3 days ago told me they didn’t have kids Mac and cheese on the menu when they did and insisted she’d discount my order because of that and didn’t. I had to wait over an hour for our meal and it wasn’t really busy but then getting our food my adult order of the Cajun Mac and cheese was significantly smaller than my sons kids meal portion I got spicy Cajun and he got no spice and flavor wise you couldn’t tell a difference there was no spice to mine at all it was just orange compared to his yellow. She also took forever on refills to the point when I asked for them we didn’t get them until we were leaving. Used to be a really good place to go and enjoy nice music with great food it doesn’t have that magic feel to anymore sadly.

The Hidden Manna Cafe is a cute hideaway. The food was cooked to order, fresh and very delicious.nWe were seated in a large dining room with no other customers. (just the two of us). Two customers were finishing their meal in another dining area. A total of 4 customers.nWe decided not to Dine in....The waitress took our order and money then told us we had to leave the permissions and she would curbside our food to us. I asked if we could have a seat at the bar. I was prepared to purchase a cocktail while we waited. She was rude as HELL, she replied, NO! You must go sit in your car and wait.

The food and the service were exceptional. You can find an eclectic menu with creole and Italian inspired dishes. I had the fried catfish and grits and I would order it again. Such a substantial portion that I couldn’t finish my dinner.nnEven though this place is a bit far for me, anytime I’m in the area I will make a stop here. Michelin would say to get off Interstate 57 at Matteson and try this place.

I was invited by my brother-in-law and I remember telling him, “this better be worth it, you just passed one of my favorite seafood spots on the way to Hidden Manna Cafe.” When I say, the stop was well worth it...believe that it truly was. As our party of five was being seated, we observed some of the orders of the other customers being brought to their tables. It has been said to never go into a grocery store when you’re really hungry well the same concept applies so don’t go to this cafe if you’re on a diet, fasting or counting calories. Enjoy the experience without all the restrictions. Our table ordered the seafood omelet, shrimp and grits, creole pasta, catfish, salmon croquettes, waffle and lobster, key lime cheesecake, pound cake and peach tea. I can honestly say that my fork and spoon wandered around the table to sample the delicious bites of everyone’s food. The owner is definitely on to something very special with this hidden gem that won’t stay hidden for long. If you’re thinking about giving Hidden Manna Cafe a try, the seafood gumbo and short ribs are highly recommended or if you’re into breakfast try the chicken & waffle with the made to order maple cream sauce. The sauce is something to brag about, once you try the maple cream sauce, regular maple syrup will become a thing of the past. The chef who came up with this deliciousness is truly on to something and the sauce will have your taste buds dancing and wanting more. The maple cream sauce needs to be packaged and sold separately. If you’re in the area and want to experience something wonderful, Hidden Manna Cafe is worth the visit. The cafe is now open on Sunday and everyday except Tuesday.

The food is wonderful. I ordered the bluegill and my companion ordered the jambalaya, available in 3 levels of heat. Our server was sweet and unflappable, but amazingly unaware of the most rudimentary details of dining.nnI cannot write a complete review as I'm responding in my phone.nnMy rating for google rating is 0 stars