Davidson News

This Mom-And-Pop Restaurant In Florida Serves Homemade Bread That’s To Die For


Imagine a place where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the sizzle of breakfast classics.

Welcome to Colee’s, a hidden gem in Palatka, Florida, where homemade goodness reigns supreme.

Blue skies and comfort food await! This unassuming exterior hides a treasure trove of culinary delights that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance.Blue skies and comfort food await! This unassuming exterior hides a treasure trove of culinary delights that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Blue skies and comfort food await! This unassuming exterior hides a treasure trove of culinary delights that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Photo credit: Rich Steven

Ever had one of those mornings where you wake up feeling like you could eat a horse?

Well, saddle up, partner, because Colee’s in Palatka, Florida, is about to take you on a culinary rodeo that’ll make your taste buds yee-haw with joy.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Palatka? Where in the sunshine-soaked state is that?”

Well, let me tell you, it’s a little slice of heaven nestled along the banks of the St. Johns River, about halfway between Jacksonville and Orlando.

And right in the heart of this charming town sits Colee’s, a mom-and-pop restaurant that’s been serving up homestyle goodness for years.

Step into a time machine of taste! This cozy interior, with its wood paneling and retro booths, serves up nostalgia alongside mouthwatering meals.Step into a time machine of taste! This cozy interior, with its wood paneling and retro booths, serves up nostalgia alongside mouthwatering meals.
Step into a time machine of taste! This cozy interior, with its wood paneling and retro booths, serves up nostalgia alongside mouthwatering meals. Photo credit: Rich Steven

As you pull into the parking lot, you might think you’ve stumbled upon a quaint little diner from the 1950s that got a fresh coat of blue paint and decided to stick around.

The exterior is simple, unassuming even, with its bright blue trim and white walls.

It’s like the building equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite aunt – comforting, familiar, and promising something delicious inside.

Now, let’s talk about that inside, shall we?

Step through the door, and you’re transported to a world where comfort food reigns supreme and calories don’t count (or at least, that’s what we’ll tell ourselves).

Decisions, decisions! This menu is like a roadmap to flavor town, with each option more tempting than the last. Better bring your appetite!Decisions, decisions! This menu is like a roadmap to flavor town, with each option more tempting than the last. Better bring your appetite!
Decisions, decisions! This menu is like a roadmap to flavor town, with each option more tempting than the last. Better bring your appetite! Photo credit: Nicole Hoelt

The interior is a delightful mishmash of cozy diner aesthetics and homey touches.

Wood-paneled walls give the place a cabin-in-the-woods feel, while the red vinyl booths add a pop of retro charm.

It’s like someone took the best parts of your grandma’s kitchen, mixed them with a dash of ’50s nostalgia, and sprinkled in a hefty dose of Southern hospitality.

But let’s not get too caught up in the decor, because the real star of the show here is the food.

And oh boy, what food it is!

Colee’s menu is a veritable treasure trove of breakfast delights, lunch favorites, and homemade treats that’ll make you want to loosen your belt a notch or two.

Let’s start with the breakfast menu, shall we?

Holy cinnamon, Batman! This behemoth of a roll isn't just breakfast; it's a sweet, gooey adventure that'll have you planning your next visit.Holy cinnamon, Batman! This behemoth of a roll isn't just breakfast; it's a sweet, gooey adventure that'll have you planning your next visit.
Holy cinnamon, Batman! This behemoth of a roll isn’t just breakfast; it’s a sweet, gooey adventure that’ll have you planning your next visit. Photo credit: Heather H.

It’s a carb lover’s dream come true, with options that’ll make you question why you ever bothered with those sad, soggy toaster waffles at home.

The “2 Egg Breakfast” is a classic choice for those who like to keep things simple.

But don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t just any old eggs and toast situation.

You get your choice of grits, home fries, or hash browns, plus that heavenly homemade toast or a biscuit that’s flakier than your ex’s promises.

And if you’re feeling particularly peckish, you can add bacon, sausage, or ham to the mix.

Behold, the eighth wonder of the breakfast world! This cinnamon roll is so big, it needs its own zip code. Fork and knife required!Behold, the eighth wonder of the breakfast world! This cinnamon roll is so big, it needs its own zip code. Fork and knife required!
Behold, the eighth wonder of the breakfast world! This cinnamon roll is so big, it needs its own zip code. Fork and knife required! Photo credit: Sherry L.

It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with breakfast meats instead of dragons.

Now, let’s talk about those pancakes and French toast.

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into a fluffy cloud of breakfast perfection, this is your chance.

The pancakes are so light and airy, you might need to tie them down to your plate to keep them from floating away.

And the French toast?

It’s like a warm, cinnamon-y hug for your taste buds.

But wait, there’s more!

(I feel like I should be wearing a sparkly suit and pointing at the camera right now.)

Golden-brown perfection! This homemade bread is toasted to such crispy excellence, it could make a baguette blush with envy.Golden-brown perfection! This homemade bread is toasted to such crispy excellence, it could make a baguette blush with envy.
Golden-brown perfection! This homemade bread is toasted to such crispy excellence, it could make a baguette blush with envy. Photo credit: Denise A.

The breakfast sandwiches at Colee’s are a thing of beauty.

Served on that famous homemade bread, these sandwiches are the perfect handheld meal for those mornings when you need to eat and run.

Or eat and waddle, depending on how many you decide to indulge in.

The Western with Cheese is a personal favorite.

It’s like a little rodeo in your mouth, with eggs, cheese, and all the fixings doing a happy dance on your taste buds.

And for those who like to walk on the wild side, there’s the Shrimp & Egg sandwich.

Breakfast of champions! With eggs sunny-side up and toast this good, you'll be ready to conquer the day... or maybe just take a delicious nap.Breakfast of champions! With eggs sunny-side up and toast this good, you'll be ready to conquer the day... or maybe just take a delicious nap.
Breakfast of champions! With eggs sunny-side up and toast this good, you’ll be ready to conquer the day… or maybe just take a delicious nap. Photo credit: Sylina B.

It’s the breakfast equivalent of wearing a tuxedo to the beach – unexpected, a little fancy, but somehow totally works.

Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the true hero of this culinary tale – the homemade bread.

This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill, store-bought loaf we’re talking about here.

Oh no, this is the kind of bread that makes you question every other piece of toast you’ve ever eaten in your life.

It’s soft, it’s fluffy, it’s got just the right amount of chew.

Rumor has it that the recipe for this bread is so secret, it’s kept in a vault guarded by a team of highly trained squirrels.

Okay, I made that last part up, but you get the idea – this bread is special.

Rise and shine, flavor seekers! This classic breakfast spread is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Coffee included, smiles guaranteed.Rise and shine, flavor seekers! This classic breakfast spread is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Coffee included, smiles guaranteed.
Rise and shine, flavor seekers! This classic breakfast spread is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Coffee included, smiles guaranteed. Photo credit: Vicki Sutton

Whether it’s toasted and slathered with butter and jam, or serving as the foundation for one of their epic sandwiches, this bread is the stuff of legends.

It’s so good, you might find yourself trying to sneak a loaf out in your purse.

(Not that I’m advocating for bread theft, mind you. That would be crumby behavior.)

But Colee’s isn’t just about breakfast.

Related: Cape Coral’s Whispered-about Restaurant Might Just be Florida’s Most Delightful Secret

Related: Discover the World’s Coolest Gas Station in Florida Where Barbecue and Homemade Pie Take Center Stage

Related: Discover the Ultimate Family-Friendly Grouper Sandwich at this Welcoming Counter-Serve Spot in Florida

Oh no, they’ve got lunch covered too.

The menu boasts a selection of sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials that’ll make your midday meal anything but mundane.

The burgers are juicy, the sandwiches are stacked high, and the daily specials are like a surprise party for your taste buds.

Retro chic meets comfort food haven. These booths have probably heard more local gossip than a small-town barbershop. If only they could talk!Retro chic meets comfort food haven. These booths have probably heard more local gossip than a small-town barbershop. If only they could talk!
Retro chic meets comfort food haven. These booths have probably heard more local gossip than a small-town barbershop. If only they could talk! Photo credit: Jay Baker

You never know what you’re going to get, but you know it’s going to be good.

And let’s not forget about the sides.

The fries are crispy, the onion rings are perfectly battered, and the coleslaw is creamy and tangy in all the right ways.

It’s like they’ve taken all the best parts of a summer barbecue and made them available year-round.

Who says you can’t have potato salad in December?

Ladies who lunch, breakfast edition! These gals know where the good eats are. Their smiles say it all – deliciousness awaits!Ladies who lunch, breakfast edition! These gals know where the good eats are. Their smiles say it all – deliciousness awaits!
Ladies who lunch, breakfast edition! These gals know where the good eats are. Their smiles say it all – deliciousness awaits! Photo credit: colees_restraunt

Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks out there might be thinking.

“But what about my diet?”

Well, fear not, my calorie-counting comrades!

Colee’s has got you covered with some lighter options too.

There’s a selection of salads that are fresh, crisp, and satisfying.

And if you’re feeling particularly virtuous, you can always opt for the veggie omelet.

Where magic happens! This counter has seen more delicious creations than a Food Network marathon. Pull up a chair and join the feast!Where magic happens! This counter has seen more delicious creations than a Food Network marathon. Pull up a chair and join the feast!
Where magic happens! This counter has seen more delicious creations than a Food Network marathon. Pull up a chair and join the feast! Photo credit: Angie S.

It’s like a garden party in your mouth, minus the awkward small talk with your neighbor’s aunt.

But let’s be real here – you don’t come to a place like Colee’s to count calories.

You come here to indulge, to treat yourself, to remember what real, homemade food tastes like.

This is the kind of place where diet plans go to die, and honestly, that’s okay.

Sometimes you need to feed your soul as well as your stomach, and Colee’s does both in spades.

Window seat to happiness! Bask in the Florida sunshine while you feast on local favorites. It's like a vacation for your palate.Window seat to happiness! Bask in the Florida sunshine while you feast on local favorites. It's like a vacation for your palate.
Window seat to happiness! Bask in the Florida sunshine while you feast on local favorites. It’s like a vacation for your palate. Photo credit: Timothy Strong

One of the things that makes Colee’s so special is the atmosphere.

It’s not just about the food (although that’s a big part of it).

It’s about the experience.

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted like an old friend, even if it’s your first time there.

The staff has that perfect blend of Southern charm and efficiency that makes you feel both welcome and well-taken care of.

You might find yourself chatting with the regulars at the counter, swapping stories and local gossip over cups of steaming coffee.

Or maybe you’ll overhear a heated debate about whether grits should be served with salt and butter or cheese.

(The correct answer, of course, is all of the above.)

It’s the kind of place where the waitress calls you “hon” and actually means it.

Seafood lovers, rejoice! This shrimp platter is so fresh, you might hear waves crashing. Don't forget to dive into that creamy coleslaw!Seafood lovers, rejoice! This shrimp platter is so fresh, you might hear waves crashing. Don't forget to dive into that creamy coleslaw!
Seafood lovers, rejoice! This shrimp platter is so fresh, you might hear waves crashing. Don’t forget to dive into that creamy coleslaw! Photo credit: Heather H.

Where the cook might pop his head out of the kitchen to ask how you liked your meal.

Where the owner might stop by your table to chat, not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to know how you’re doing.

In a world of fast food and chain restaurants, Colee’s is a breath of fresh air.

It’s a reminder of what dining out used to be – and still can be.

It’s not about how quickly you can get in and out, or how many likes your food pic gets on Instagram.

The breakfast trifecta: crispy hash browns, perfectly fried eggs, and... is that corned beef hash? Pinch me, I must be dreaming!The breakfast trifecta: crispy hash browns, perfectly fried eggs, and... is that corned beef hash? Pinch me, I must be dreaming!
The breakfast trifecta: crispy hash browns, perfectly fried eggs, and… is that corned beef hash? Pinch me, I must be dreaming! Photo credit: Nicole Hoelt

It’s about good food, good company, and the simple pleasure of a meal well enjoyed.

So, the next time you find yourself in Palatka, or even if you’re just passing through on your way to somewhere else, do yourself a favor and stop at Colee’s.

Order the French toast, try the homemade bread, chat with the locals.

Take a moment to slow down and savor not just the food, but the whole experience.

Parking's a breeze, but leaving? That's the hard part. Once you've tasted what's inside, you'll be planning your next visit before you hit the road.Parking's a breeze, but leaving? That's the hard part. Once you've tasted what's inside, you'll be planning your next visit before you hit the road.
Parking’s a breeze, but leaving? That’s the hard part. Once you’ve tasted what’s inside, you’ll be planning your next visit before you hit the road. Photo credit: S C

Because in a world that’s always rushing, always changing, always looking for the next big thing, places like Colee’s remind us that sometimes, the best things in life are the simple ones.

A good meal, a warm welcome, and a slice of homemade bread that’s so good, it might just change your life.

Or at least your breakfast plans.

For more information about Colee’s, including their daily specials and hours of operation, be sure to check out their Facebook page.

And if you’re planning a visit, use this map to find your way to this hidden gem in Palatka.

16. colee's map16. colee's map

Where: 2318 Crill Ave, Palatka, FL 32177

Remember, life’s too short for bad bread.

So get yourself to Colee’s and taste the difference that a little love, a lot of butter, and a whole lot of homemade goodness can make.

Your taste buds will thank you, your stomach will do a happy dance, and you might just find yourself planning your next trip to Palatka before you’ve even finished your meal.





Source link

Leave a Comment