The Best Breakfasts On Fresno’s West Side, California
The fifth largest city in California and the cultural hub of the Central San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is not only home to a large diverse population, but also a popular visitor spot thanks to its proximity to Yosemite and San Fransisco. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through the area, it can be hard to find a great breakfast place without going to the tired old chain restaurants. Below, we guide you through the very best breakfasts and brunch that Fresno’s West Side has to offer.
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Benaddiction
A blending of the world of freshly made food and the world of casual restaurants, Benaddiction is a food truck and restaurant specializing in ‘Rockin’ Good Food’ made with fresh local ingredients. Benaddiction is the brain child of James Caples, a lifelong corporate restaurant manager who broke free of the microwave and huge freezers of the industrial restaurant complex and became dedicated to using fresh ingredients and real cooking techniques. Known as the original creator of the Eggs Benedict Breakfast Sandwich, Benaddiction makes all of its sauces and meats by hand in house or on truck, and every meal is made to order. Benaddiction aims to give its customers a laid-back enjoyable dining experience that makes each feel like the most important person at the restaurant. Patrons are big fans of the delicious French Press coffee, the huge fluffy Ape Man pancakes with banana and walnuts, and, of course, the nine varieties of Eggs Benedict creations that includes both the classic Eggs Benedict and the addition of unique ingredients like crab, pulled pork, and tri-tip.
The Waffle Shop
A popular local spot for family breakfasts, especially on Sundays, Waffle Shop is known for its consistently excellent service and breakfast food. All of the food they serve is made fresh to order, and many patrons come back regularly because they enjoy the experience so much. Its namesake, the waffle, is golden brown and cooked to perfection, sweet and slightly crisp on the outside and hot and fluffy in the center. Waffles can be ordered with bacon, pecans, cherries, and much more. In addition, Waffle Shop offers a fantastic omelet and country potatoes with amazing gravy, chicken skillet and country scramble, french toast, and a ‘Pancake Sandwich’ with three huge buttermilk pancakes, one egg, and three large sausage links. People can also ask servers about what off-menu items are available, like the popular juicy chicken and waffles. Everything is priced reasonably and the portion sizes are great. The restaurant is cozy and clean, with an open kitchen that allows guests to watch all of the food being cooked. Service is always prompt and friendly, and the delicious cups of coffee never go empty.
Fresno Breakfast House
For over 15 years, the Fresno Breakfast House has delighted the residents of California’s Central Valley with its uniquely decorated dining rooms, nostalgic California home feel, generous servings, abundant flavors, and enticing aromas. There, guests can find a steaming pot of coffee, the aroma of big breakfasts drifting from the kitchen, juicy sausage, lean ham, and crisp bacon sizzling, as well as simmering sauces, homemade pancakes, and toppings being whipped up. The menu is well rounded and original, with plenty of intriguing selections, all made on the spot using the freshest ingredients, including fluffy eggs, select vegetables, quality meats, crepes, and their own cottage potatoes, just to name a few. The restaurant’s decor is very colorful and full of life, with a pianist playing in the background as well as a charming outside patio area complete with greenery and a beautiful fountain. Some of the most popular menu items are the Double Bacon Benedict twist on the classic with bacon bits, French Toast egg-battered thick brioche grilled and topped with powdered sugar, and the Crepes Florentine. They also make excellent eggs, scrambles, omelets, pancakes, and waffles.
The Patio Café
Serving delicious healthy breakfasts all day long, The Patio Café uses only the finest quality ingredients in all of its dishes, from pancakes to french toast to a nice warm cup of coffee. Patrons love the fun creative menu, beautiful presentation of the dishes, and the excellent service. Favorite options include the tasty scrambles, Eggs Benedict dishes including the fresh California Benedict and tasty crab meat Eggs Benedict, unique daily specials, and french toast stuffed with apples, cream cheese, and raisins then garnished with pecans and powdered sugar. The Patio Café is located in the Fig Garden Village shopping plaza, so the scenery is clean and relaxing, and the environment is nice and quiet. The patio, for which the cafe is named, is a wonderful spot in which to dine when the weather is nice, and has made the location a favorite among the area’s residents. Many local families are among the cafe’s regulars, thanks to not only its universally pleasing dishes but also its kid-friendly service.
Irene’s Cafe
The best place to enjoy a casual and tropical dining experience, Irene’s Cafe has served up great breakfasts, lunches, and dinners seven days a week since it opened in 1991. Owner Irene Saul is dedicated to people and fine food, her two greatest pleasures, and her restaurant is a labor of love that proudly serves only the freshest foods. A Fresno native herself, Irene sees her customers as a reflection of the community—warm, caring, and friendly. The restaurant’s staff always work hard to make everyone feel at home, and the cafe always has an upbeat atmosphere full of people laughing and having a good time. Irene’s delicious, fresh, and well-seasoned dishes include pancakes, waffles, French toast, bagels, bacon and eggs, vegetarian croissants, and a host of other standards everyday, as well as weekend breakfast specials like blueberry pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and enchilada omelets. Guests can sit on the outdoor patio or inside in the sunny atmosphere of the tropics, with palm trees, flowers, and birds.
Red Apple Cafe
The newest breakfast spot to open in the neighborhood, Red Apple Cafe has quickly become known for its super friendly staff, fast service, and large portions of perfectly cooked food. Prior to the opening of Red Apple, the location had been home to a restaurant for several years that was a bit rundown, but once the new business took over, they did an excellent job of remodeling, turning the place into a clean and appealing dining environment. With an extensive breakfast menu, attentive staff, and even a fantastic Bloody Mary, Red Apple Cafe is the newest local favorite. Their ham and eggs are as good as they get, the country potatoes are nice and crispy, the Eggs Benedict is pleasingly delicious, and the coffee and water cups never go empty. If you’re in West Fresno and looking for a high quality hearty breakfast, you need look no further than Red Apple Cafe for a colorfully tasty Feta Scramble, large strips of thick crispy bacon, and scrumptious omelets with the freshest ingredients.
Country Waffles
When you’re looking for a nice neighborhood restaurant with simple classic breakfast items but don’t want to go to one of the typical chains, Country Waffles is the place to go. The servers are all friendly, attentive, and always smiling, and the food is both well priced and well made. Favorites include the cinnamon roll french toast with egg whites and hash browns, the biscuits and gravy, and the eggs, sausage, half waffle, and fresh fruit breakfast. A short distance from the freeway, Country Waffles is also a great and efficient stop for people driving on the 99.
Jeb’s Blueberry Hill
A quiet and relaxing place to eat a filling breakfast, Jeb’s Blueberry Hill makes all of its customers feel at home with exceptionally friendly and fast service, delicious home cooked food, and old fashioned diner setting. A local favorite for a casual weekend morning meal, Jeb’s Blueberry Hill offers favorites like Pigs in a Blanket made with crepes, Steak ’n Eggs specials, the MexiCali Burrito topped with Spanish sauce, blueberry flapjacks, the Swedish fruit-filled pancake roll-up with eggs and sausage, and waffles with fresh fruit. The staff all treat customers like family and never fail to keep coffee cups full, which is a big part of the reason that many neighborhood residents continue to come back again and again. The simple rustic decor and walls covered in pastels give the place the feel of a cozy old home and make it the perfect spot to bring the family without worrying about breaking the bank.
Yosemite Falls Cafe
Offering a lengthy menu of all day breakfast classics with Yosemite-themed names and Mexican-American inspiration, Yosemite Falls Cafe is a local favorite for its helpful and friendly service, great portion sizes, and delectable foods. Their delicious Eggs Benedict, pancakes, Summit Omelet, chili verde, chicken fried steak and eggs, and cinnamon roll toast with tasty linguica are the perfect meals to enjoy at any time of the day. Everything is made with the freshest fruits and vegetables, and you can even get great beers like Firestone on tap with your meal. The restaurant even offers a senior menu, a free jukebox, entertainment on weekends, and a fantastic Sunday brunch buffet.