My honest review of Keke’s Breakfast Café in Gainesville, Florida. The omelet was a winner, but the stuffed French toast had some work to do.
Finding Keke’s on a Saturday Morning
Jeremy and I checked out of our Gainesville hotel on Saturday, May 2nd with one goal in mind. We needed a good breakfast before hitting the road back toward Augusta, Georgia on our road trip home.
After a quick stretch class, we drove over to Keke’s Breakfast Cafe at 4062 Plaza Boulevard in the Butler North area of Gainesville.
Pulling into the parking lot, the place was hopping. That’s usually a good sign for a breakfast spot.
Sometimes it’s also a warning that you’re going to be waiting a while, but luckily, our party arrived before us and already snagged a table.
If you want to plan ahead, you can check their hours and location info on the Keke’s Gainesville page. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every single day of the week.
Splitting Plates Like We Always Do
Jeremy and I are huge fans of splitting meals when we travel. It saves money and it cuts down on food waste (because what are you going to do with leftover French toast in a hotel room?).
Sometimes, it lets us try more than one thing on the menu if we want two meals and are super hungry, which WAS the case this particular morning.
At Keke’s, we ordered two things to split. The ham and cheese omelet and the stuffed French toast. One winner, one okay performer. Let me break down both.
The Ham and Cheese Omelet Was the Star
Y’all. This omelet was really, really good.
The ham was generous. The cheese was melty in the best way. The egg was cooked just right, not rubbery or overdone like you sometimes get at breakfast chains. I’d order it again in a heartbeat.
The omelet came with home fries and cinnamon raisin toast as the sides. The cinnamon raisin toast was a nice touch. I love when a breakfast spot offers something other than the standard white or wheat. Cinnamon raisin somehow makes a regular breakfast feel a little fancier. Just me?
Now, the home fries. They were the one disappointment of the savory side. Neither Jeremy nor I cared for them. I can’t quite put my finger on what was off about them, but they just didn’t do it for us. If I went back, I’d ask if I could swap them for something else.
The Stuffed French Toast Had Potential
Here’s the deal with the stuffed French toast. It’s a really cool concept on paper. Keke’s offers their stuffed French toast with several fruit options. Apple cinnamon, blueberry, or raspberry. We asked if they could swap in strawberries instead, and the kitchen accommodated us without any fuss.
I appreciated the flexibility.
But the French toast itself was a little dry. Not horribly so, just not as moist and rich as I would have hoped. The strawberries were fine, but they couldn’t quite save the bread itself.
Now I’m going to brag a little. I make a stuffed French toast at home that I created as a copycat of the version IHOP used to serve. Mine is rich, custardy, and has the perfect balance of sweet, soft and moist. Keke’s version reminded me a little of mine in concept, but mine wins in execution.
The Atmosphere Earned Some Points
The restaurant itself is clean, bright, and feels like a step up from your standard chain diner. The decor leans toward trendy without being over the top. The staff was friendly. We didn’t have to flag anybody down to get refills or check in on us.
Service was efficient. Our food came out at a reasonable pace, which mattered because we had a long drive ahead.
The dining room was full but not chaotic. It felt like the kind of place locals actually love rather than just a tourist trap.
If you’re in Gainesville visiting family or for a University of Florida event, Keke’s is a solid stop.
Would I Eat Here Again?
Yes. With caveats.
If I were back in Gainesville…or any city that has a Keke’s now that I know it’s a chain…I’d absolutely return to Keke’s. But I’d probably order differently. I’d stick with the omelet (or try a different savory dish), and I’d skip the stuffed French toast next time. Maybe I’d try the pancakes or one of the breakfast combos.
That ham and cheese omelet earned my respect. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to come back even when other parts of the meal disappoint.
What I’d Order Next Time
If we make it back to Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Gainesville, here’s my game plan:
- Ham and cheese omelet (Jeremy can fight me for it)
- Swap the home fries for something else
- Try one of the specialty pancakes or waffles instead of the stuffed French toast…or at least try the nutella stuffed French toast because I’m betting that wouldn’t be as dry
- Cinnamon raisin toast, always
Final Thoughts on Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
For a breakfast spot in Gainesville, Florida, Keke’s hits a sweet spot. It’s nicer than your average diner without being expensive enough to feel like a special occasion. The food is mostly good, the service is solid, and the atmosphere is comfortable enough that you don’t feel rushed.
The omelet was worth the trip. The French toast needs some work. The home fries should probably be reconsidered. But none of that is enough to keep me from going back.
If you’re driving through Florida (since that’s where 90% of their locations are), and need a real breakfast that’s not a fast food chain, look for a Keke’s and give it a try. Just order strategically.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make myself some stuffed French toast now that I’m back at home.
