Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor

For any student of Western or individual who has resided in Monmouth,  the name “J’s Cafe” is a familiar term. An ideal spot for Sunday morning brunch and catching up with friends, the restaurant offered both comfort and appetizing meals. That is why in 2017 when the location was temporarily closed, there was confusion and worry. To the joy, and continued confusion, of many, the restaurant was reopened and renamed “Grain Station Brew Works”.

A full remodel including a center-stage bar, new lighting, some re-painting and flooring all took place to alter this well-known location. The hours changed as well. Previously closing early in the afternoon, this new restaurant now stays open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends, offering those in search of late night bites another option to add to their list.

Being fond of J’s Cafe and all they had to offer, I was a little wary about a complete change of restaurant. That being said, I decided I should probably try Grain Station and see if I would enjoy it half as much as I enjoyed the original eatery. They did not disappoint.

I love the new interior; the lighting is bright and welcoming, the bar makes the restaurant more appealing across generations and the best part is the menu has much of the original fare.

I decided to order the Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. Not long after my order went in, the waitress came back with a smile on her face and a plate carrying my huge meal.

I thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast. The combination of the berry and cream cheese flavors sitting on top of perfectly prepared french toast was phenomenal. The waitress checked back frequently enough to make sure that everything was served to my liking and always made sure my glass of water was full.

I was extremely satisfied with my visit to Grain Station Brew Works. While I will always love J’s Cafe and the feeling I had when I would sit in one of those booths, I am excited about the modernization of the new restaurant and how it was able to still stay true to much of their original menu. Overall, it was an exceptional dining experience and I would recommend it to anyone who has been hesitant to check it out.

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photos by: Caity Healy, Paul F. Davis