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(217) 428-1120
Mon – Sat | 6:30am – 2pm
Sun | 8am -2pm

phone-icon

(217) 428-1120
Mon – Sat | 6:30am – 2pm
Sun | 8am – 2pm

About Us

About Downtown Cafe and Bakery

The Downtown Cafe is a family-owned and operated business.  My Aunt and Uncle (John and Barbara Ninnemann) took over ownership of the cafe in April of 2003. John, at the time of purchase, had 15 years in the restaurant business under his belt and felt it was time to work for himself. They wanted to stay in Decatur and thought the cafe was a great way to accomplish this. In 2010 their nephew (Chris Heacox) joined the team for the purpose of learning all he could from his uncle with the hopes of one day taking the reins of the cafe. Chef Chris has 35 years of experience working in the kitchen. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Minnesota, cooking comes naturally to Chef Chris. His knowledge and skills make the Downtown Cafe one of Decatur’s favorite breakfast spots.

Scratch made recipes

Scratch made recipes are what we are becoming known for. Chef Chris makes his own Chorizo with sausage from Heinkel’s meats. We do scratch made salsa, soups, and desserts. Our sour cream coffee cake recipe is handed down from Chef Chris’s grandmother. She is also (along with Chris’s mother) the reason Chef Chris knows how to cook. People ask him all the time how can you consistently put out great food every day. He tells them, “That is the goal: to make our food the same way every day. So that the next time you come to the café, your experience is better than your last visit.”

cafe open

"Our favorite breakfast joint in town! Friendly people and good food at a good price!"

- Ryan

"The horseshoe breakfast was delicious this is a nice little cafe first time here I'll come back next time I come through town."

- Greg

"Great food, great customer service, and an awesome atmosphere. It’s like eating at a relative’s house while visiting. I love eating here! Recommended if you like home cooked meals but don't want to clean up your mess..... Lol."

- Nicholas

"Absolutely amazing food really awesome staff and beyond fair price definitely get way bigger portions here than anywhere else I've been!!!"

- Lacy

"Nothing better than finding a family friendly, cozy breakfast spot in a historic bldg. downtown. Warm smiles and greetings all around. Simple yet above standard breakfast or lunch options. Had to try the biscuits and gravy with sides of bacon and egg. Biscuits were fluffy and gravy made with bits of sausage, smooth and creamy texture were a perfect match. Highly recommend but missed out on a picture of eggs benedict, the special of the day. Looking forward to returning and trying lunch!"

- Chad

"Absolutely great place. The people there are extremely polite, friendly, and patient. Great service and friendly atmosphere!

But, most importantly, the breakfast horseshoe I ordered was the best food I have eaten ALL YEAR! Their gravy is absolutely perfect, the eggs were cooked well, the bread was toasted just right.... everything about it was perfect! Definitely commend the chefs there."

- Thomas

"Simple diner food done very well in a pleasant environment. My favorite breakfast spot in Decatur."

- Stephen

Online ordering

Call for curbside at (217) 428-1120 and click to see our menu.

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