Call of the Wild: White Wolf Cafe Will Leave You Howling at the Moon for More!

   Passing by the multitude of shops and bars on the Lake Ivanhoe corridor may leave some perplexed at where to start. From Swanson's Ivanhoe Row to M-Bar, this section of Orange Avenue contains some true hidden gems. One community favorite: the White Wolf Cafe. The White Wolf Cafe celebrates 30 years in business this year and, despite the pandemic, continues to draw in regulars and new diners alike.

   The iconic atmosphere of the restaurant enchants visitors from their first step into the door, with the establishment's meld of antique furnishings and upbeat persona. Originally founded in 1991 by Michael Hennessey as an antiques store, the shop took its name from Hennessey's loyal dog Casper, a white German Shepherd and common fixture in the early years of the White Wolf. His passion for antiques led him to open the enterprise. Michael began his shop's transformation inadvertently after selling ice cream and snacks for customers (he also happened to be one of the first dispensers of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream). Soon, other items like salads and sandwiches were added to the menu. In the early 1990's, Hennessey met his wife, Anne Marie.

   The couple operates the restaurant as a team. Though the quality and one-of-a-kind ambience remain the same, the White Wolf's layout has changed over the years. Additions over the years include the restaurant's famous bar made from an old bank building, as well as the walls of Orlando's old city hall (detonated in Lethal Weapon 3), currently used as table tops. Though Michael's ingenuity has him looking toward the future, he always keeps one foot in the past. The store's transition from antique market to restaurant never entirely came full circle, as many of the decorations, lights and pictures remain on sale today. Whether you're buying a Tiffany Lamp, or just their famous chicken sandwich, your time and money will be well spent at the White Wolf Cafe.

Above: Michael Hennessey with his loyal "wolf" Casper.

Below: The building prior to the White Wolf Cafe.