Prison Food

There are some things in life that are just too good to pass up, and that is why when my roommate and I were driving by the prison and saw a sign that said, “Serving Time Café-Open to the Public” we immediately decided to plan lunch there with our other roommate. Thoughtfully, we decided not to disclose the location to her and gleefully blindfolded her and drove to the front of the prison.

We pulled up facing the prison declared we were here and took off her blindfold.

She took one look at the prison and exclaimed, Um. . .Oh. . . we’re at the prison, ah. . . hmmm. . . “ Yes, all the secrecy was worth the look on her face. Then laughingly, we turned the car to the building next to the prison where the cafe was located. She seemed to have a few reservations, but we assured her that we had read only the best of prisoners can work there. A friend also told us they go through the culinary arts program at the prison as well. We walked through the door and were welcomed with a white board displaying delicious specials and a sign on the wall that said, “Please do not leave tips, we cannot take them.” I smiled loving the place already. The servers/prisoners greeted us with warm smiles and yummy food. Seriously, yummy. Guards, staff from correctional services, and people wanting yummy food littered the room, all happily munching. We liked it so much we went back for breakfast another day and loved it then. What can be better than fluffy pancakes for $2.00 and this sign on the white board?


I've always believed that the best food comes from random, little places, and I don't know a place more random than the prison.