I Ate for $8.88

Kick Coffee, owned and operated by Al and Kama Duessler, serves up a fabulous array of soups, sandwiches, and bakery – and for the right price. When I stopped in to get the scoop on a quick and inexpensive meal, the question was more like, what can’t you eat for $8.88?

All sandwiches and wraps come with chips, fresh vegetables or one of Kick’s specialties – a homemade blue cheese potato salad. Homemade favorites include their fabulous chicken salad, served on a croissant ($5.95) and their quiche ($3).

Go for the Peasant Lunch: a cup of homemade soup with a dinner roll and a hearty wedge of dill Havarti or sharp cheddar cheese for $3.95. Add a 16oz Latte ($3.50) for a total of $7.86 (including tax). Try a different combination for the same total price: soup, ala carte ($2.95) and a fruit smoothie ($4.50).

Then there’s my favorite: Kick’s homemade Walnut Burger ($6.75). Served hot, on whole grain wheat toast, and topped with lettuce, tomato, and red onion, this veggie burger will rock your socks. I’m a sucker for black bean burgers, but the walnut burger was uniquely awesome with its densely packed “nut-rition.”

Julie Zakula, a Kick employee who prepares the burgers, said, “It’s made with Italian cheese and powdered walnuts. It’s kneaded into a ball, so to speak, then we flatten it and cut it out like cookies. It comes with flavorful mustard, some mayonnaise…it’s got a little bit of cheese in there, it’s still a very healthy choice.”

Kick’s menu includes a kid’s corner, where it’s possible to get a (grilled!) PB&J.

They offer a variety of vegetarian options, and a couple of wraps can be made vegan. All sandwiches can be made on gluten free bread. Whether you’ve got time to kick-it or you have to jet back to work, there are plenty of options that fit your budget and food preferences.

“We offer a huge variety,” Zakula said. “Someone can come in with a sweet tooth, or opt for a healthy choice. I’m addicted to the smoothies – I love the very berry! Pretty much anyone who comes in here can find something that they’ll like. I think people also come in here for the familiarity. We recognize and remember who they are and what they like.”

Kick Coffee, open Monday – Saturday from 7 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 7 am – 4 pm, is located at 148 N Third Avenue, Sturgeon Bay. For more information call 920.746.1122 or check out their Facebook page.