Javier's Cafe Opens Doors, Awakens A 'Dream'

As Edgar "Javier" Viera flips pancakes and lovingly prepares stuffed French toast for hungry Smithtown diners, his cool confidence comes from years of experience. 

Viera, the chef and co-owner of the new Javier's Cafe on Main Street, has spent the last 16 years working as a cook at Maureen & Daughters' Kitchen in nearby Smithtown. Now, he's opened his own family-style restaurant. 

"I've always had the dream to open my own place," Viera said. "We always knew one day it would be a thing to start." 

A Bay Shore resident, Viera and his wife immigrated to the United States from El Salvador. The new cafe and its food, they hope, will not only fill the stomachs of patrons - but their American Dream. 

Javier's Cafe has taken over the spot once occupied by Luso, which relocated further West on Main Street for more space. Viera said he immediately knew it was the right place to set up business. 

"When I came here, I loved this place and the way it was set up. I didn't have to make many changes," he said. 

The biggest outward sign of change was the ripping down of Luso's outdoor dining cabana - a step mandated by the town, Viera said - replaced with a landscaped patio spotted with tables with umbrellas. 

Diners can request a table there to escape the business of Main Street. 

Javier's Cafe offers a variety of pancakes, French toast, eggs and egg sandwiches on its breakfast menu including: stuffed peach pecan French toast ($7.50),  orange toasted almond pancakes with fresh bananas ($8.95) and eggs Benedict ($10.75). 

"There's been very good traffic here. People have been telling me, 'It's a good thing to have a breakfast place on Main Street'," Viera said. 

The lunch menu offers a variety of gourmet deli-style sandwiches, burgers and luncheon entrees. Its namesake, "The Javier," piles Sausalito turkey, pepper jack cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing on grilled rye bread ($10.25). 

Don't be surprised if Viera steps out of the kitchen to talk about the daily specials or ask how your meal is. He says he's fond of talking to the customers - like he used to do over Maureen's counter. 

"What we are trying to do is make all the customers happy," Viera said. "We try to offer customers a nice place they can come." 

Javier's Cafe has a Facebook page that lists its full menu, and will soon have its own website in the upcoming month. 

Patch wants to know, have you eaten at Javier's Cafe? If so, how was your experience?