It's been about six months since I dropped the ball on my breakfast reviews.  The last review was a major downer, but I'm happy to make up for it with a review of one of our mutually agreed upon favorite breakfast places in Columbus.  Tasi Cafe, located in the back alleys of the Short North neighborhood, specializes in homemade breakfasts cooked from locally grown and seasonal ingredients.  Before January and I left for California, Jay, Cam and I met up at Tasi Cafe for a breakfast we knew wouldn't disappoint.

Let's start with the most important part: the coffee.  I love my coffee, and this is usually the downfall of a weak breakfast establishment.  I've accepted it as a given that I'm going to need to cream-and-sugar up my coffee at most places, but the coffee at Tasi is definitely the exception.  They serve Illy brand coffee and espresso drinks, and it's always hot and perfectly brewed.  At nearly $3 for unlimited refills, it's on a pricey side; But if you're going to spend some time enjoying your breakfast, you should enjoy a good cup of coffee with it.

This most recent visit to Tasi, I deviated from my usual omelet in favor of the biscuits and sausage gravy.   If your experience with "biscuits and gravy" is limited to greasy spoons like Tee Jaye's or your local equivelent, you've been missing out. Tasi's version starts with real, homemade biscuits and places them alongside -- not smothered in -- sausage gravy.  Emphasis on "sausage." It's not the creamy, congealed mess that you might be used to.  In short, the best biscuits and gravy I've had.

On this particular visit, Jay had his usual cinnamon banana french toast, and I can vouch that they are equally fantastic.  Cameron, I believe, had the breakfast sandwich and while I can't speak to its quality, I can say that his plate was empty before Jay's, which is quite a feat.

The one downside to Tasi Cafe -- apart from the slightly pricey coffee -- is the limited seating and parking.  Located on Pearl Street, one block east of High Street in the Short North, they have two parking spaces available immediately in front of the restaurant, and apart from that you're left to find street parking at the meters.  Seating inside the restaurant is made up of a handful of two-seater tables and a handful of giant, six- to eight-seater tables.  Nothing in between.  So if you come with a party of three as we did, come early and be prepared to make friends.

Tasi Cafe is highly recommended, and as far as I can tell there is not a bad item on the menu.  In addition to the standard breakfast and lunch menus, they also bake their own breads and desserts, so be sure to see what you might be interested in taking home with you.

Tasi Cafe
680 N. Pearl Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 222-0788