SAUCERS CAFE
Neighbourhood: Academy
Address: 570 Academy Rd
Phone: 204-489-9204
Entrees: $14 – $29
For 26 years, Dave Schultz and Stuart Deacon have successfully helmed Saucers Cafe on Academy, serving health-conscious specialties to a broad cross-section of River Heights. Looking around the bustling dining room, where tables of teens, laughing groups of friends, and couples fill the bright, cheerful space, it’s clear this neighbourhood favourite continues to resonate across generations.
As the name suggests, beverages are taken seriously here, with aromatic loose-leaf teas from Cornelia Bean, specialty coffees, and a selection of beer, wine, and aperitifs. Yet the real signature may be the full-flavoured sauces that anchor the cafe’s robust salads, sandwiches, and protein plates.
Global influences lend character to the well-rounded menu. The ever-popular Thai salad is drizzled with a housemade peanut sauce balanced with just enough sweetness. The colourful Mexican salad, a recurring favourite, arrives tossed in honey cumin lime vinaigrette, adding bright acidity to adobo chicken, black beans, corn chips, and crisp romaine.
Sandwiches served on soft potato kaiser buns are substantial, vibrant options. The kitchen transforms a chicken breast with smoky chili notes, melted mozzarella, pickled julienned carrots, and chipotle mayo into a sandwich with real depth and contrast. The adobo pulled chicken is juicy, saucy, and worth leaning over the plate for.
Paired with bacon, caramelized onions, and barbeque sauce, the same signature chicken is equally successful atop a pizza. Saucers’ pizza selection remains a major draw. Contemporary toppings such as roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze cater to the neighbourhood’s discerning palate.
Entrées balance healthy with comfort too. A dish simply titled The Mediterranean features perfectly textured roasted tomatoes, peppers, onions, and potatoes brightened with lemon. Crumbled feta scattered over a salmon fillet lends a saline finish.
A display case filled with sweets proves irresistible. The Skor cheesecake delivers a creamy centre atop a dark cookie crumble crust, finished with whipped cream and a generous square of Skor—sweet recipe with lasting appeal.
