Whether it’s lunch time, dinner time, or just time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, the Palm Garden Cafe and chocolate shoppe is the place to be in Aberdeen, South Dakota! I recently discovered the place, and can’t believe that I didn’t find it sooner! The cafe was first opened in 1932 by Albert and Pauline Klabo, and has remained a fixture in this city ever since!
When you first enter, you’ll be greeted by the pleasant gift shop and chocolate displays.
The Palm Garden Cafe is famous for its chocolate, and perhaps it’s this romantic little treat which has lead to so many of the first dates and even wedding proposals which have taken place here over the many years!
I took a seat by the window and was very pleased with the light and airy atmosphere of the cafe.
Booths are also available, all decorated with the tropical motif representative of the Palm Garden Cafe since its original owner first carved the decorations found throughout the restaurant!
The artwork really is impressive.
More impressive, however, is a letter from the current owner, Karla, I found in the entry way offering a wood-carving tool to any guest who wished to leave their own mark on the cafe. I can’t imagine any other restaurant offering its patrons to deface the decor! Only on the prairie!
The best part of this amazing restaurant, however, was the food! I started things off with the Pesto Cheese Bread, which has honestly got to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.
This dish was so incredible, and so filling, that I almost regretted my main order…almost!
My main course was the gyro with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. It took a while to arrive at the table, but once it did, I was amazed! The potatoes were obviously home-made, and wonderful. And the gyro? Truly the best I’ve had since I visited Thessaloniki ten years ago! I’ve never found a gyro on this side of the Atlantic that compared, that is, until I found the Palm Garden Cafe!
Travel Tip: when you visit the Palm Garden Cafe in Aberdeen,make sure you check to see if the patio is open. The shade and the lovely fountains make the perfect compliment to any meal!
If you go, you’ll find the cafe at 602 South 3rd St. in Aberdeen, SD. I’d call ahead to check on their hours (605-725-4240), but they do offer a Saturday brunch special, so the weekend might be a good time! Out here on the prairie there are plenty of chain restaurants and fast-food joints, but whenever you come across a hidden treasure like the Palm Garden Cafe, it’s always worth remembering!
Wow…Thanks, Prairie Man!!
I love escaping to Aberdeen but was unaware of this wonderful cafe. I will be sure to check it out 🙂