Tucked into the lesser-known corner of 20th and Reed streets in Point Breeze, Two Eagles Cafe is redefining the brunch scene as a beloved family-run establishment. Known more for its corner stores than cozy dining experiences, the cafe has quickly become a neighborhood treasure.
Charlene Wilson-Doffoney, a loyal patron, enthusiastically shared her experience: “The place is really the best. I’m a french fry person, so I come over here for that. It’s crowded on Sundays; you can’t get in on Sundays!”
The cafe is the brainchild of married couple Rudi and Nadire Karaj, who immigrated to the United States from Albania in 2001 after winning a green card lottery. They became U.S. citizens in 2005 and opened Two Eagles Cafe in 2018, transforming an empty lot into a dining hotspot.
Nadire, the chef of Two Eagles, has a background in food service, starting her culinary journey at Wawa where she worked for 13 years. Rudi, on the other hand, utilized his skills in construction to build the cafe from the ground up.
The menu at Two Eagles Cafe is a delightful fusion of American diner favorites—omelets, waffles, and Monte Cristo sandwiches—along with traditional Albanian dishes such as Qfote (Albanian-style meatballs) and Fergese, a creamy vegetable-feta-yogurt stew. Nadire expresses her philosophy of cooking best: “It’s Albanian-American food. Everything in Albania is organic, homemade food, and that’s what I was trying to bring here. It’s our old tradition.”
In addition to the food, Two Eagles offers fresh smoothies, lattes, and unique beverages like the “Albanian cappuccino” and an “Albanian golden eagle energy drink.”
The Karaj family’s three children, all in their twenties, play pivotal roles in the restaurant’s operation. Ina, the youngest, advocates for the Fergese, calling it the “perfect comfort meal,” and emphasizes the freshness of their ingredients, mentioning the homemade goat cheese sourced from a local farm.
“Me and all my siblings definitely had a major hand in setting it up, making sure everything runs smoothly,” Ina shared, outlining their family dynamics. Each sibling has carved out their niche within the business; Ina focuses on marketing, design, and photography, her sister excels as a waitress, while her older brother manages IT tasks.
The Karaj family lives directly above the café, reinforcing their close-knit family bond. Nadire highlights that in Albania, family is considered “priority number one,” and she has continued this tradition in their new home.
The name ‘Two Eagles’ pays tribute both to their native Albania and the Philadelphia Eagles, reflecting a unique blend of culture. The double-headed eagle is a significant emblem on Albania’s national flag, serving as a reminder of their roots while they embrace their new life in Philadelphia.
Nadire is often described as the heart and soul of Two Eagles. If she is serving customers, she is likely to strike up a conversation, showcasing her warm and social personality. Ina adds, “My mom is a really, really social person. She will talk to anyone. She likes to get to know them, and I think she’s really grateful that they’re coming to support her.”
Regular patrons have become an extension of their family. “They are like our family at this point, since we see them every day,” Ina noted.
Local resident Adisha Jones can attest to the welcoming atmosphere of Two Eagles. After tasting her caramel vanilla latte, she exclaimed with joy, much to the amusement of other customers. “It tastes so good!” she said, before quickly apologizing for her outburst.
She appreciates the positivity of the environment, saying, “I just like being around positivity. It’s always positive vibes when I come in here. They’re very sweet, cool people. They look after people and cook good, and I appreciate the small things.”
Jones highly recommends the avocado toast, describing it as simply “amazing.”
Two Eagles Cafe operates Tuesday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Yet, even after closing time, Nadire doesn’t stop her culinary duties. After the cafe shuts, she returns home to cook for her family.
“I want every night to have that dinner table with my kids and my husband,” Nadire explains when asked why she doesn’t extend her cafe hours.
However, her compassion doesn’t stop at family mealtimes. Nadire extends her kindness to those in need within the community. “If you see someone who needs food, you have to feed them, no matter what,” she insists.
She shares a story of an elderly customer, a 92-year-old man with no family, whom she sometimes delivers food to. “I cook dinner for him. I send him dinner because it’s neighborly,” she affirms, emphasizing her commitment to community service.
When the Karaj family opened Two Eagles Cafe, they faced uncertainty about the business’s success. The family moved to Point Breeze from Northeast Philly about six years ago, and Nadire recalls that the neighborhood was not as vibrant as it is today.
“There were some old houses, trash everywhere. Those houses weren’t up. I said to my husband, I’m not bringing my girls here, because I was scared,” she recounts, reflecting on her early concerns as a parent.
Over time, the community welcomed them, including friendships with neighbors like Wilson-Doffoney, who run a funeral home nearby. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors in Point Breeze. People want to eat peacefully without anybody bothering them. This is a peaceful place. This is a safe space,” Wilson-Doffoney explains.
Nadire has faced occasional hostility, encountering insults that tell her to “go back to her country,” but she stands resolute in her belonging. “I’m not going anywhere. I am here, and I’m doing nothing wrong. I’m just working and supporting,” she asserts.
Inside Two Eagles, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The cafe features brick decor, booths, and tables adorned with decorations honoring their Albanian heritage. The back patio, built by Rudi during the pandemic, provides a charming open space filled with local artwork and hanging florals.
Reflecting upon their success, Nadire expressed her amazement: “When I opened this space, I never thought I would go so far. I never knew those customers would support me. I like being around people. I like to take care of people. I’m always working. It’s not in my nature to sit. I just love it.”
Despite their busy schedule, Nadire recently took a rare break to visit family in Albania for two weeks. Nevertheless, she asserts that Philadelphia is now her forever home. “When I go to Albania now, it’s like I cannot fit there anymore. I belong here. My heart is here.”
image source from：billypenn
