Causwells, located off El Camino in Springline in downtown Menlo Park, serves modern American comfort food with notable French, Spanish and Italian influences. The restaurant’s warm and colorful decor creates a hospitable atmosphere for any occasion and the brightly-colored walls add a lively feeling to the room.
Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread ($7): 6/10
This garlic pull-apart bread is a must-have. The bread has a soft, pillowy texture and delivers a rich garlic flavor in every bite, almost melting in the mouth. The fresh, creamy butter adds even more warmth and savory flavor, while the bread’s fresh-baked taste gives it a comforting, homemade feel. The golden-brown exterior provides a slight crispness that contrasts nicely with the soft, buttery center. Despite the delicious flavor and texture, the portion and quality do not fully justify the $7 price, making the bread somewhat overpriced and earning it a 6/10.
“100 Layer” ($13): 7/10
Made from layers of sliced potato pressed together, these crispy potatoes are a Causwells staple. The unique crunchy exterior and creamy interior make it a standout appetizer. While the crusts are slightly burnt, they offer a satisfyingly crispy sensation that contrasts the soft potato inside. The herb aioli in the center is perfect for dipping. Paired with the potatoes, the aioli adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that balances the saltiness of the potatoes.
Americana Burger ($24): 5/10
This burger offers a simple combination of a lightly toasted sesame bun, a juicy beef patty, melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, pickles, and onions. The fresh salad on the side is finished with a light oil dressing, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger. While the burger is satisfying, the flavors are fairly basic and do not stand out from a typical American cheeseburger. The $25 price is also difficult to justify considering the meal only includes the burger and a small side salad. The portion and lack of anything particularly unique make the dish feel overpriced, earning it a 5/10.
Crème Brûlée ($13): 10/10
The Crème Brûlée is a timeless dessert that does not disappoint. The hardened sugar on top gives the perfect crunch to balance out the delicate custard. With hints of caramel in the crust and vanilla in the cream, this confection is flavorful and not overly sweet, and is easy to finish in minutes. To top it off, the blueberries add just the right amount of tartness.
