Taking a step back in time” is the way I would describe my first experience at the Square Market Café in Colombia, Tennessee. I’d heard great things about it—fresh and delicious food, warm environment, comfortable. But that barely skims the surface!

Tucked into a corner building just across from the courthouse, owners Liz Lovell and Debra Mann have somehow managed to bring momma’s kitchen right downtown. Of course, my momma didn’t actually have a full bar, but we’ll get to that in a bit.

When arriving at this absolutely charming town square, aptly named Public Square, you’ll immediately feel welcome. It’s a real downtown—people are out walking about, shopping, working, chatting and, of course, looking for a good meal at a great value in a hurry. Step into Square Market.

This bright and airy café, adorned with the charming red and white checkered details and warm buttery yellow accents, offers seating for about 50 of the town’s residents and visitors at any given time. While at first glance, one would assume that it’s the perfect spot for a grilled cheese sandwich and bowl of tomato soup, one peek at the extensive menu will have you considering other options. Maybe the signature Roasted Pear Salad with a bowl of Tomato Artichoke soup is more up your alley?  And if you can’t quite figure out why their soups and salads have a little extra flavor than the ones you make at home, it might just be that Debra grows her own herbs, right here on the Tennessee 1000-acre farm she shares with her husband, Charlie.

It’s important to keep an open mind when first experiencing a new dining establishment, and keep yourself open to possibilities. The menu is divine and the desserts are worth skipping a few chips over—from a fantastic key lime pie to warm blackberry cobbler a la mode, there’s a little something for everyone. There’s even a fresh candy counter that quickly catches your eye as you settle in at your table, but stay focused—lunch first.

When staring into an impossibly scrumptious menu, there’s no better resource than looking straight into the eyes of your friendly server and asking, “What am I going to LOVE here?”  This simple question will bring out her most enthusiastic recommendations, and in this lucky diner’s case, it was the Judge’s Square Steamer:  a mouth-watering hot roast beef sandwich with cheddar cheese and a perfect touch of horseradish sauce, served with yummy chips and a pickle (and I must confess, a bottomless glass of Diet Coke). Delicious!
The sandwich itself has a bit of a history, apparently. Co-owner Liz’s husband, Judge Buzz Lovell, holds fond memories of Steamers from his days at UT Knoxville, so it’s an everyday option on Square Market’s menu and also available in ham, turkey and corned beef.