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Dixie Tracks is an adorable diner in Oakland Park open for lunch and dinner, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.  If you’re interested in unique takes on comfort food, you will want to seek it out.  My husband J dined there a few months ago and when we were asked to go back for a review, we were happy to oblige!

The quirky little café located in a strip mall on Dixie Highway charms you as soon as you enter. On one side, there is an open kitchen with a chalkboard along the walls with specials and fun sayings like “If you don’t eat here, we both starve” and on the other side of the café, the wall is decorated with album covers.

J and I are always on the lookout for new places to eat and when we found Dixie Tracks a few months ago, we were not disappointed. Everything on the menu looked amazing and it was hard to choose just one item. On that visit, I ordered the Spicy Chicken and Waffle- Asian spiced chicken bites, Belgian waffle, Asian Kimchi slaw ($10) and J ordered the Philly Changa- ribeye steak, American cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms and a cream of mushroom gravy wrapped in a flour tortilla and flash fried to a golden crisp ($10). We loved the unusual flavor FFT-3018-DixieTrack_copy3combinations—they completely worked. We also loved the whole vibe of the place—whenever I go someplace that has a whole paper towel roll on the table, I know I’m in for a treat.

This time around, we took suggestions from owner Marc Lynn, who bought Dixie Tracks in November 2014. Along with his partner, Anthony Balzano and Chef Julio Thaype, the trio has fun adding new items to the menu and keeping their regulars happy with their favorites.

Marc suggested J and I split The Naughty Waffle, Chicken Schnitzel and Eggs, and the Fried Fish Sandwich.  With the Naughty Waffle arrived, it was love at first sight. This big beautiful waffle was topped with a caramelized banana, fresh strawberries, Nutella, caramel and cream and FFT-3018-DixieTrack_copy6freshly shredded coconut on top ($9). The presentation was a showstopper and the flavors were indeed naughty. Caramel AND Nutella? Please. This was worth every calorie.

Next we tried the Chicken Schnitzel and Eggs, which featured two eggs, chicken cutlet topped with cream of mushroom and home fries ($12). The breaded cutlet was light crispy and amazingly juicy and the cream of mushroom gravy added a great layer of flavor. We also split the Fried Fish Sandwich, which was enormous. The lightly breaded swai fillet was topped with American cheese, chipotle, kimchi slaw, lettuce and tomato on a bun that could barely contain it. On the side, a light wasabi sauce and spicy fries were served ($8). I’ve found myself daydreaming about this sandwich in the days since I’ve had it. Is that a normal way to think of a sandwich? Maybe not, but this crispy and FFT-3018-DixieTrack_copy5satisfying sandwich is worthy of a daydream.

As you can see, there is a great variety of breakfast and lunch items at Dixie Tracks. As a former Philadelphian, I have to mention their five Philly sandwiches including Vietnamese Philly, Philly Mac, Big Philly, the aforementioned Philly Changa and Jerk Chicken Philly. They recently added the Dixie Waffle Steak Sandwich to the list- ribeye steak, cheese, onions, peppers, mushrooms, in a Belgium waffle with chips ($10).

For those looking for something less decadent, there are some lovely salads on the menu including Moroccan salad, Thai Salad, Beet Salad and Caesar Salad.

J and I noticed that each dish has a special, unique twist. For example, with their popular Shrimp and Grits, the grits aren’t out of a box. They are homemade corn grits.

Desserts are also offered at Dixie Tracks and we tried the White Russian, the Dulce De Leche, FFT-3018-DixieTrack_copy4and my favorite which was a cumin flavored Indian biscuit with caramel.

It should be noted that at Dixie Tracks, they are willing to cater to all tastes—on a chalkboard it says, “If you don’t see what you want, let us know” and owner Mark says that they mean it.

With its funky vibe and fun, delicious fare, Dixie Tracks is a foodie’s dream and a cool addition to the neighborhood.