Sweeties Cafe & Catering - Restaurant Review

A Redding Gem for Comfort Food

Sweetie's Cafe has been a beloved local fixture just outside downtown Redding for years. This family-owned and operated spot is tucked away at 3105 S. Market Street in Redding, California.

Tiferet Carbajal and her husband, Roque, run this charming cafe. Its casual, homey atmosphere might fool you into thinking it's just a simple diner, but the extensive menu is the work of a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef. Tiferet honed her skills at this prestigious culinary academy in the Portland area. Before settling in Redding, she lived and worked in Boulder, Colorado.

Thank you www.sweetiescafecatering.com

The restaurant boasts a wide-ranging menu with a strong emphasis on family-style comfort food. They specialize in BBQ and smoked meats available throughout the day. I've had the pleasure of trying their ribs, brisket, and pulled pork—all outstanding. If you're craving BBQ, arrive early, as they often sell out!

On this particular Saturday, my wife and I stopped in for a light lunch. The place was buzzing, with many guests enjoying the cafe's hearty breakfast options. We kept it simple with:

• A garden salad with ranch dressing on the side

• Battered cod with fries (classic fish and chips)

• Soup of the day: Italian sausage with creamy kale

Food Review

Flavor, Quality, and Freshness

My soup arrived first, and it was a standout. They offered two soups that day: the Italian sausage with creamy kale (pictured above) and a beef broth with vegetables and noodles. The Italian sausage soup was fantastic—reminiscent of a classic Zuppa Toscana. The smoky sausage flavor shone through without overpowering the velvety, creamy broth, which had just the right amount of tender kale. I could have easily made a meal out of a large bowl!

Our entrees followed quickly. The fish and chips were spot-on, with cod battered and fried fresh on-site. It avoided that doughy texture you get from frozen filets; instead, the batter was light, airy, and not greasy at all. The fries came out crisp and hot—my only minor gripe was that the portion felt a bit small. The garden salad was straightforward: a mix of iceberg lettuce and fresh spring greens. My wife forgot to add grilled chicken, and she wished for more avocado. The dressing was solid, though.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Portion Size

As I mentioned, the portions were a tad underwhelming this time. We've dined here often and usually leave with leftovers. Maybe the packed house that day played a role in keeping things modest.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Presentation

The plating was perfectly fine—typical for a cozy cafe like this, nothing flashy but neatly done.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Service

Service was excellent, even with every table full. The two waitresses handled the rush efficiently and were as friendly as ever.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Value

The prices are wallet-friendly, especially given the high quality. Great food without breaking the bank.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Overall Rating

We'd give Sweetie's Cafe a solid 4 out of 5. It's a spot we highly recommend for anyone in Redding craving comforting, delicious eats.

Sweetie's Cafe also excels at catering for large events. We've used them before, and they nailed it. We customized a menu to accommodate our guests' dietary needs, and the food was abundant, delivered on time, and cleaned up swiftly. We wholeheartedly recommend them for your next gathering!