“Just give me all the bacon and eggs you have.” –Ron Swanson, Parks and Recreation
There are many delicious options in town that will help you start the day sunny-side up.
Pancake Perfection: Batter Up Pancakes
Batter Up Pancakes is a FresYes favorite on Cedar and Nees Avenue. This family owned restaurant is famous for it’s GIGANTIC pancakes. Of course, the pancake options are extensive. Try a healthy whole grain blue cornmeal pancake or let your breakfast flag fly high and order “The Oreo”, which is a pancake with crushed Oreos inside of it, drizzled with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The pancake batter recipe is a family secret made from scratch and the coffee is from Lanna Cafe. My kids love it here because there’s a giant dry erase wall that keeps them busy. Alternatively, if pancakes aren’t your thing, there are omelets and egg dishes a-plenty. For example, “A Trip To The Mound” is an omelet made with bacon, sausage, or ham, spinach, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheddar and jack cheese. Batter Up also serves lunch, if you oversleep and need a sandwich.
Choo Choos and Cinamon Rolls: the Train Depot
For another family friendly spot, check out the Train Depot. To keep children (and adults!) occupied, there’s a fantastic model train that chugs around the restaurant. Known for their sweet and generously portioned cinnamon rolls and their quick coffee refills, this is a sweet spot on East Ashlan Avenue. A popular dish is “The Train Wreck” with a cinnamon roll on the side. The name sounds a bit tragic but it’s actually delicious, with potatoes, bell peppers, onions and cheese on top.
Rockin’ Good Food: Benaddiction
Benaddiction started as a delicious food truck specializing in eggs benedict sandwiches. Luckily for us all they have opened a restaurant in West Fresno. If you want to continue the theme of aggressively named breakfast foods, you could order “The Kiss with a Fist Benedict”. This sandwich is placed on an english muffin with spinach, marinaded onions, garlic, swiss cheese fried eggs and hollandaise sauce. Sounds more like a kiss than a fist to me, but I’ll let you be the judge. For those who shun vegetables in their breakfast foods, try ” Hells Bells”, which sounds festive/terrifying. It’s a breakfast lovers delight, with eggs, potatoes, bacon and bacon gravy.
Gluten Free Goodness: Casa de Tamales
For those who love Mexican food and healthy fresh ingredients, Casa de Tamales checks all the requirements. For example, if you have celiacs or just don’t eat gluten, this is place to eat. With a food truck, catering, free delivery for orders over $50 dollars, and a restaurant in the Tower District and the Fulton Mall, there are many opportunities to try out their homemade masa. Owner Liz Sanchez is inspired by her Grandmother’s tortilla business and she keeps the tradition of handmade, homemade food going strong. For this reason, her food is gluten and GMO free, and her masa is made from locally sourced corn. Start the week with their Sunday Brunch, especially the artichoke omelet with a mimosa on the side.
Crepes, Crossants, and More: Le Parisien Cafe
France meets Fresno at Le Parisien Cafe. With four locations to serve you in the FresYes area, there’s no reason to miss out on delicious French fare. This locally owned bakery cafe has it all, from muffins to macaroons. For those who enjoy chocolate (AKA everybody), try their baked goods such as eclairs or sweet crepes. On the other hand, those who like savory selections can order crepes with vegetables and chicken. You can also enjoy the Soup of the Day or a generous salad. Of course, I wont judge you if you just eat a bunch of macaroons for breakfast.
Bountiful Breakfast Burritos: Al’s Cafe
Have you been to Al’s Cafe on Olive by the 99? When I asked around for people’s favorite breakfast joints in town, there was a loud and enthusiastic group who proclaimed Al’s to be the ultimate. To quote a fan, “I can only speak for the breakfast burrito and the chicken fried steak and eggs when I say it’ll set your soul free.”
Will it? Will it really? That’s for you to decide I guess.
Not only are they popular with breakfast burrito fans, they are known for their Huevos Rancheros. This is a must stop on the tour of FresYes Breakfast Foods. Al’s is locally and and family owned, and their menu is extensive. Although they serve lunch as well and have a variety of salads available, this place is very popular with people who enjoy meat and potatoes with their eggs.
Finally, I know there are many, many other restaurants in town that aren’t on this list. Perhaps there needs to be a Breakfast Foods of Fresno Part Two (she says as she plots a new reason to eat out). What’s your favorite spot? Feel free to share it in the comments and have an egg-cellent day!
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