Looking for hearty breads and decadent cakes? Hungry for some homemade soup or hearth baked pizza? Thinking a meat and cheese plate sounds like a perfect alternative to that fast food burger? Wondering where to go to grab an afternoon espresso and a flaky pastry? Wanting a uniquely different place to try? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you need to go to Silke’s.
Located on College Street in the warehouse which used to be Riley Hardware and across from the Vulcan plant, Silke’s Café welcomes customers with the aroma of breads and hearth baked pizzas, mixed with freshly brewed coffee. Customers stand in line viewing a case full of freshly made pastries while watching food being prepared to fill the preceding orders. The super-efficient kitchen area is also in full view, with a large island filled with slow cookers full of the soups of the day.
As he watched a pizza being prepared, my friend quickly made up his mind as to his order. I debated between the Mediterranean Sandwich special of the day or the Rosemary Chicken Dumpling Soup in a bread bowl. I went with the soup. And after salivating over the baked goods, we decided dessert would be a good idea, too. Our server suggested the Black Forest cake, and promptly served up the last, enormous piece, kindly cutting it in half and plating it for each of us.
We found a seat and decided that since we already had our cake, we might as well enjoy it while waiting for our lunch. The cake was beautiful, with the subtlety of true German Black Forest Cake. It was not overly sweet, had a cookie-like bottom layer, and was generously topped with whipped cream. While the pieces were large, the fact that they were not too sweet left us with room to eat our food when it arrived.
The pepperoni pizza ($7.49), served on Silke’s special crust, was piping hot and topped with herbs. Fresh, yet simple, it was delicious. My bread bowl ($6.49) was full of fragrantly steaming rosemary and chicken broth, loaded with chunks of tender chicken, perfect dumplings, and lots of vegetables. The bread that is removed to make the bowl is included on the plate, and makes a perfect sponge for enjoying the flavorful broth.
After lunch, we stopped into Silke’s Bakery and Deli, around the corner, just to see what else is available. The variety of freshly baked breads is impressive. There are also German meats and cheeses available for purchase, as well as the option to sit and have a plate of schnitzel. Too full from our meal, we passed on that option… this time. Silke’s is definitely a place for many return visits!
Silke’s Old World Bakery and Café
1214A College Street
Clarksville TN 37040
Café phone: 931.552.4422
Deli phone: 931.552.1311
M-F 8:30 am- 6 pm
Saturday 7:30 am- 6 pm
Closed Sundays
www.silkesoldworldbreads.com