Although the Cafe at Pharr’s original location is in Buckhead off of Pharr Road, they have expanded to two other locations and are opening up a fourth location in the next couple month in Brookhaven. Full disclosure: I was invited to check out Cafe at Pharr, so this was a free meal.
It was recommended at that I come a bit prior to noon to avoid the lunch rush which was a great idea as the Cafe at Pharr only has a bout 16 tables inside, although most choose to get their lunch orders to go. And by the time I was leaving, almost every table was occupied. And parking is even tighter. I guess there are about 7 or 8 stores in the strip mall and not enough parking spots, so if you visit during the lunch rush, you may have to park on a side street and walk over, but there seemed to still be plenty of street parking available.
I met owner, Johnny (see pic above), a short while after walking inside. This guy is bursting with energy and so proud of his establishment. Opening their doors in 1993, I think they were ahead of the curve a bit. You see, Cafe at Pharr serves pretty healthy and fresh food, not exactly in vogue back in the early 90s. They even make their bread fresh EVERY day!
Johnny made me up a sampler of their chicken salads (all white meat) which are the most popular entrees. I tried the traditional, curried and walnut. My favorite was the curried (what can I say, it’s the Indian in me) but the others are quite tasty too. And while they are very flavorful, they are not chock full of mayonnaise. You can get them all in the form of a salad or sandwich. I tried both and don’t have a preference for one of the other. I do love the croissants at Cafe at Pharr but the salads are so fresh and that Asian dressing is quite addictive.
If it is meat you crave, don’t fret. The Cafe at Pharr also offers smoked turkey, ham and roast beef sandwiches. But the chicken salads are their signature item. I also love that Cafe at Pharr also gives you their signature yogurt rolls as a small dessert after your lunch. If you haven’t checked out Cafe at Pharr yet, give them a try. Staff is super friendly, and you won’t leave feeling like you are about to pop.