Creative takes on dishes, homey, friendly feel make Over Easy Café a Sterling favorite
Robyn Hale of Boylston, a longtime waitress at Over Easy Café in Sterling, took over ownership of the business more than 20 years ago, bringing along her love of feeding people and all the comfort food you’ll want.
After enduring a pandemic and faced with challenges of owning a small business, Hale says, “I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”
The family-friendly Over Easy Café, 220 Redemption Rock Trail, is a casual restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, with a good variety of home-cooked meals focused mainly on American cuisine. The all-day breakfast menu pushes the envelope with creative omelets (Italian, Chicken and Cheddar, the Sterling, the Princeton) pancakes (pineapple coconut, peaches and cream, Almond Joy, steak and cheese bomb) French toast (triple berry stuffed, etc.) scrambles and more. Reasonably priced lunch selections include burgers, homemade soups, chili and specials that include signature sandwiches, baked ham, kielbasa and beans, shepherd’s pie, stuffed peppers, and chicken pot pie, to name a few. Sides (corned beef hash, hot sausage, single egg, bacon, etc.) and kid’s menu, too.
Hale said she always had a passion for cooking and baking. After years of waitressing, she was ready to “go with it” when the business became available, she said, explaining how as an owner she works the line, bakes and waits tables whenever she’s needed. She also buys items for a small gift area in the café. Operating a café/gift shop has always been a dream of mine,” said Hale. “I love to shop.”
One of nine siblings, food is a large part of her family’s identity and her mother’s good cooking left a lasting impression on her. Hale’s collection of recipes includes many family favorites.
Originally from Worcester, Hale has two adult children. Her daughter, Aimee Hale, and several nieces work at Over Easy Café. Family members were essential workers and helped keep the café open for take-out during the pandemic, she said.
Hale and her life partner (Bill) of 27 years share 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Their home has been a gathering spot for family get-togethers throughout the years, said Hale.
The café, located on Route 140, was established more than 25 years ago. It includes two dining rooms with seating for 35. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; Closed Monday. Telephone: (978) 422-6686: Connect on Facebook. Plenty of parking in front of the building.
Over Easy Café is the kind of place regulars go. A chef told me the Sterling favorite is known for its generous portions and friendly service. Social media comments include: “We go to Over Easy Café weekly. It’s a wonderful family run team who remember repeat customers’ favorites and quirks. Food is excellent and very reasonable prices. Plenty of parking.” After skiing at Wachusett Mountain, another person wrote, “Greeted by enthusiastic hostess and drink orders without wait. Great service. Food was warm and tasty. Nice variety with extensive menu. Can’t wait to come back.”
It’s difficult to visit every breakfast or lunch place in Central Massachusetts, despite have written about food and restaurants during my career as Food Editor for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.
On a recent Saturday morning, I ate at Easy Over Café, seated after about a 10- minute wait. There is a seating area near the entrance and customers also wait outside for their names to be called. Note: A separate entrance is wheelchair accessible.
The café’s menu is extensive, in addition to blackboard postings in each of the dining areas. I opted for a Reuben sandwich piled high with corned beef on grilled rye, with melted cheese, sauerkraut and dressing, served with pickle and a bag of chips. When I interviewed Hale at a later time I asked if the café made its own bread and rolls. She said she buys bread from Darby’s Bakery in West Boylston, adding, “We like to support local businesses.”
Fall days have Hale busy preparing daily specials and baking apple desserts and pies. When it comes to her homemade apple pie, Hale likes to use fruit that has a very sweet, slightly tart flavor similar to Cortland and McIntosh. She said she buys apples from nearby orchards. In November, Hale will begin taking orders for Thanksgiving pies and holiday desserts. There will be ordering info on the café’s Facebook page, closer to the holiday.
Over Easy Café prides itself on serving comfort food, freshly brewed coffee and friendly smiles. Take a break on your fall foliage road trip to explore new food places.
Altea’s Eatery's anniversary
Altea’s Eatery, 259 Park Ave., Worcester, is getting ready to celebrate its 7th anniversary.
Owners Oriola Koci and husband, Executive Chef Enton Mehillaj, plan a weekend celebration, with events Oct. 13-15.
Parked outside Altea’s all three days will be the 90+ Cellar wine/champagne truck. The restaurant’s signature mimosa will be $7 in honor of the anniversary and brand ambassadors from Tito’s Vodka and New England Coffee will be on premise with new products. The public also is invited to participate in online raffles on Altea’s Eatery Facebook and Instagram pages. The restaurant will be open for regular service during the celebration.
Sending best wishes to Koci and Mehillaj and restaurant staff.
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': Regulars stay for the food, service at Over Easy Café
