by Bob McClain
(www.wordsmithbob.com)
02-18-07

Keys Robert Street story

Breakfast Queen in Downtown St. Paul

Regardless of your opinion about the political shenanigans in downtown St. Paul, there’s one thing you can always count on. Breakfast at Key’s on Robert Street. Oh sure, I know Key’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner any time of day. And, yes, all the meals are like stuffing your face at Grandma’s house. But my favorite Key’s story revolves around breakfast. And it’s my story.

The first time I went to Key’s, my new (at the time) wife insisted. She knew I was a breakfast nut and she wanted to take me somewhere special for breakfast. So we went to the original Key’s off Raymond in St. Paul. We walked in and I almost laughed at all the kitschy artwork and the scuffed and comfortable way the place looked like it had been there for 60 years.

Well, I was in the mood for pancakes. So not thinking anything of it, I ordered the three pancake plate. My wife looked at me funny and said, “maybe you should just get the single pancake.” “Are you kidding?” I responded. ”One pancake is a side dish. I’m hungry.”

We were sitting at the counter. When the waitress took my order she looked at me funny and asked me if I was sure I wanted three pancakes. “Of course,” I said exasperated. What’s the big deal, I thought? A few minutes later, she brought me a large platter with a stack of three huge pancakes the size of a three layer cake. I wound up taking two of the three pancakes home with me. And I’m not a light eater.


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Like all Key’s, the prices are reasonable and the portions are massive. Omelets run from $7 to around $9. Signature Breakfasts are $8-$10. Sandwiches average $6 to $8. Salads are around $9 and the nine soups and chili run $4-$6. Dinners are all under $10 and the Deluxe Sandwich Combos average $9. And don’t miss out on dessert. They’re silly cheap and yummy.

Key’s Robert Street is open Monday through Friday from 6:00am - 2:00pm. Saturday and Sunday from 7am until 2pm. They deliver anything on the menu from 9 am until 1:30pm. For more information, call 651-222-4083.

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