The Park Side Cafe

1 Balmoral Terrace, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 4DD, United Kingdom
+44 7871 264535
$$$ cafe
(91 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

The Park Side Cafe, nestled on the tranquil Balmoral Terrace in Stockton-on-Tees, is a hidden gem that promises an authentic and delightful café experience. If you're seeking a cozy spot to unwind or grab a bite before a stroll through Ropner Park, this local favorite is the perfect destination.

This charming café embraces a no-frills approach that allows the quality of their food and service to shine through. Customers rave about the southern fried chicken wrap—a must-try that has been described as one of the best bites you'll experience. Each dish is prepared fresh, showcasing the café's dedication to homemade goodness.

Guests enjoying the atmosphere have highlighted the excellent coffee and generous portions, particularly the bacon bun, which is perfect for satisfying those mid-walk cravings. The simplicity of the menu doesn’t compromise on flavor; the savory offerings like the halloumi wrap (especially the lemon and pepper variety) have left many eagerly coming back for more, even if the cafe leans slightly on the pricier side.

Whether you choose to dine in the quaint interior or opt for outdoor seating to soak up the fresh air, the café exudes a friendly vibe. As Simon Grove mentions, it’s an ideal stopping point for dog owners, with a large patio area where you can enjoy your meal while your furry friend relaxes by your side.

The community feel here is palpable, with customers frequently praising the warmth of the staff. From the moment you walk in, Karen Chapman emphasizes how welcoming the owner and the staff are, creating a pleasant atmosphere that enhances your dining experience—it's as if you’re visiting a friend's house. You'll find everything from daily snacks like sausage and mushrooms in a bun to larger meals perfect for a Sunday lunch.

And let’s not forget the engaging milkshake preparation—mixed with fresh and frozen fruits that promise to be as delightful to watch as they are to drink. As Antonios Katsikadamos notes, the homemade meals and friendly atmosphere make for a café that you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

If you haven’t yet discovered The Park Side Cafe, make it your next culinary adventure. Its cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering offerings will undoubtedly charm your palate and your heart.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

91 Reviews
Barbara

11 Sep 2025

This is a tiny no-frills cafe which deserves a visit because the food, welcome and service is absolutely fantastic! Everything made/cooked from fresh and the southern fried chicken wrap is one of the best things I have tasted in a long time. I watched a guy make milkshakes using fresh&frozen fruit which was very impressive and I will have one of these the next time. A great find and we will definitely come back when next in the area, if I lived in the area I think I would come every day!

Simon Grove

02 Aug 2025

This is a great stopping point when walking the dog. Excellent coffee and massive bacon bun. Great to sit outside if the weather allows.

Clare Branson

28 Jul 2025

Delicious halloumi wraps (lemon and pepper is amazing). Bit on the pricier side, but has great food. A few tables inside as well as outdoor seating. Just on the corner of Ropner Park so perfect for a lunch break!

Phil

14 Jul 2025

Excellent for Sunday lunch, ring, place an order, collect and enjoy. Call by for a daily snack, I got sausage and mushrooms in a bun, cooked to order

Stephen Psallidas

07 Jul 2025

Friendly little local cafe. They don't seem to do cakes, more just savoury stuff, plus several flavours of delicious milkshakes.

Karen Chapman

01 Jul 2025

We had takeaway but the atmosphere in the cafe whilst waiting was lovely, very helpful and welcoming owner, noticed the 'washererupper' was doing a fine job! The soup was delicious and a huge serving, hubbies butty was very tasty too. A great little addition to a walk in the park (forgive the pun!) You've got to visit this little gem.

Dean Reeve

09 Jun 2025

The staff were super friendly and helpful and the food was perfect! Great cafe to grab a bite to eat before or after a wander round the park.

Antonios Katsikadamos

29 May 2025

Visited this café while staying for two nights on Stockton. Very friendly ppl and delicious homemade meals. The coffee is very nice too. I % recommend. Will visit it again for sure

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