Capitol Cafe a spot for family atmosphere

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C.T. Kruger

Joanna Galanis, owner of the Capitol Cafe.

C.T. Kruger

Joanna Galanis, owner of the Capitol Cafe.

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Sometimes, while Joanna Galanis is working hard at her restaurant, Capitol Cafe Pancake House & Restaurant, she'll glance outside and see the traffic rushing by on a cold day and think, "What a perfect day for them to stop in and grab some hot soup to go!" This is the thinking of a woman who grew up in the homey, caring environment of a family restaurant.

Galanis is a second-generation restaurant owner. Her parents, George and Dina Dimitropolous, ran the Grecian Inn since 1979 in a couple of locations. The Grecian Inn still exists in the lower level, below the Capitol Cafe, and is open on Fridays for fish fries or banquets anytime. Both restaurants are known for their authentic, traditional Greek dishes. The Capitol Cafe also features a variety of American items prepared homemade with a modern twist.

"This is truly a family restaurant. A family runs it, and families love to come here," Galanis said. "We have everything. Our menu is so extensive."

Some of the signature breakfast items are The Greek Skillet ($8.95), Eggs Arlington Benedict ($8.25) and Homemade Corn Beef Hash ($8.25.) For lunch, the Roast Lamb Sandwich ($10.95) and the Greek Salad ($8.95) are especially popular. For dinner, Galanis highly recommends the Spinach Pie ($12.95), the All-You-Can Eat Fish Fry ($11.95 - buckets of fish also available) and the Saganaki or flaming cheese ($7.95).

Galanis stresses the restaurant's nurturing atmosphere when describing it: "All of our employees have been with us for 10-plus years, which means a lot to the customers because we really care about them. We listen to them. It's all about hominess and family."

She continues, "People might not realize how amazing our soups are, and everything on the menu can be made to go." So whether you're in a hurry or able to stop in for a sit-down meal, The Capitol Cafe/Grecian Inn can take care of you.

The Basics

NAME: Capitol Cafe Pancake House & Restaurant/Grecian Inn

ADDRESS: 14375 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield

PHONE: (262) 781-6333

WEBSITE: www.foodspot.com/capitolcafe

FARE: American and Greek

HOURS: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

PRICE RANGE: $4.25 to $24.95 (Approximate)

RESERVATIONS: groups of six or more

HANDICAP ACCESS: yes

GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: talk to server

LOOKING TO 'GRAB A BITE'?

"Grab a Bite" is an informal look at the food scene in the Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove area by freelance writer Karen Waldkirch. Whether you're looking for a place for a date night or a casual spot for lunch, Waldkirch will be out and about scouting eateries for you. If you have a suggestion for a column, e-mail her at kmwaldkirch@yahoo.com.