By Chris Murphy and the ViewCrewI love breakfast and first things first. Mad props to the old school places that were the foundation of our childhoods; Denny’s, Smitty’s, Old Mill and Ridgways. Although a chain, there is something special about a Denny’s and the diner we have at 5 points is one of the classic versions. Love me some Moons over My Hammy or a Grand Slam. Our kids grew up at Ridgway’s with strawberry shakes and pancakes and you can’t beat the biscuits and gravy at the Old Mill. If you were really lucky, you had breakfast at the Fruit Yard as that was special outing.
Breakfast is still a quest of mine, here, away and now with grandkids. What is open early on a weekend morning? Beyond these original staples above, there are new places with lots of options, including creative breakfast cocktails. This by no means is a comprehensive list, but a starter guide to point you in many different directions.
Rivets American Grill
This place is a savior and it opens every day at 8 am. One the weekend, Rivets is clutch as it has a great kid’s menu and great breakfast entrees like a Chorizo scramble. These are hearty portions and the huevos rancheros are stellar. With a menu that includes all of the favorites you can get a kid’s milkshake and Murf can get an Irish coffee. The kids pancakes are big with the egg scramble and sausage. Loads of TVs and a good supply of ModestoView at the entry make it a great morning.
2307 Oakdale Rd. Modesto 209-846-0501 @rivetsgrill
Delicioso by Mr. and Mrs.
You, like me have driven by this on H Street hundreds of time. Next time, you have to stop. I was so pleased with the breakfast service and the menu was extensive. I was so excited that they have hashbrowns and a little of everything. They have a great line up of benedicts, and classics like steak and eggs and, amazingly enough, a Monte Cristo. What really excited me was the crepes. The Chorizo crepe is one of the best tastes in town, add the nice brick of hash browns it’s amazing. AND, they have beer, wine, mimosas and more. Try this place as soon as you can. Open 9 am daily.
1410 H Street, Modesto
209-918-3857 @DeliciosoBistro
My Mimosas
Many know My Mimosas by the supersize fruity mimosas. There is so much more. Step inside and you see a beautiful club, mirrorballs, couches and it is bright and clean and the smell of hashbrowns are in the air. Check out the menu and you see all of the breakfast faves and what stood out was a corned beef omelette. WOW. It was so good, the hashbrowns were crispy and since they have a full bar, I had an Irish Coffee, but the adult cocktail list was loaded with treats. My Mimosas is all ages until 4 pm on the weekends and open daily at 9 am. Check it out.
917 J Street
209-248-7464
@mymimosas_m
Harvest Moon
Open at 10 am daily, Harvest Moon is a favorite. The Crab omelet is a stand out, a Neil’s omelet derived from the famous Neil’s toss salad, fresh strawberry bread pudding, and some tasty benedicts with a side of sweet potato fries. This is such a great place to enjoy breakfast and a good stop after a stroll in the Modesto Farmer’s Market. Don’t forget to order a full meal bloody Mary, mimosa or Irish Coffee. Hall of fame
1213 I Street, Modesto 209-523-9723
@harvestmoonrestaurant
LoFi Luncheonette and Lounge
This may be the most adorable breakfast places in town at the corner of 14th & J. With a full bar, counter seating, Wonderland murals, you can get a good morning pick me up. But what you will really love is the southern grits! There are some classics on the menu but the one that really rang out is the California omelet, bacon, avocado and cheese with a delicious spicy chili ranch topping. LoFi also offers tots and a tomato confit and many more creative dishes.
Open 9 am W-F and 10am on weekends.
1335 J Street, Modesto
209-550-9302 @dinerbylofi
Close cuteness runner up, is Lucille on H Street and they have some tasty breakfast dishes and good grab and go options and a gourmet egg cheese and English muffin.
Secret Garden
For those that haven’t been, this is the former Ridgway’s. But it is fresh and new and loaded with fresh fruit, Fruity Pebbles French toast and meat lovers omelets and the decadent chocolate covered croissants with fresh strawberries. Since they have a full bar, you can get mimosa flights, Bloody Mary and Irish Coffee treats. Of course, there are shakes for the kids. Open 7 am daily.
Secret Garden 2401 E Orangeburg. Modesto
Sam’s Café – by Carly Russell
Located in the heart of downtown Ceres and conveniently accessible from HWY 99, Sam’s Cafe is local gem that offers a top-notch, consistently reliable, traditional breakfast experience. This charming cafe, with its welcoming and friendly staff, ensures a delightful start to your day. Whether you’re falling in love with their fluffy pancakes or savoring their chicken fried steak, a renowned crowd-pleaser, your taste buds are in for a treat!
3052 5th St, Ste A, Ceres
Open 7-days a week, 6am-2pm
El Bistro – By Carly Russell
El Bistro by Salt in Pepper is a paradise for breakfast lovers, offering traditional American breakfast dishes, Mexi Brunch, and a fusion of Mexican-American breakfast items. The diverse yet well-designed menu features creative twists on classic breakfast favorites such as Dulce de Leche French Toast, Nutella Stuffed Churro French Toast, Chile Relleno Omelet, and Chilaquiles. With such a broad range of unique dishes, it’s sure to satisfy any taste. The atmosphere is welcoming with a friendly and attentive wait staff.
For quick and easy options, consider visiting their attached bakery for take-away items such as morning buns, scones, and traditional panaderia items.
Open Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to 3 PM
901 N Carpenter Rd #18, Modesto, CA
Weekend Treats
Michael’s Pizza – by Steve Perry
While pizza is the staple, those in the know, come to Michael’s Pizza, for a first rate, classic breakfast. Offering an omelet bar, they put it together for you in the kitchen, with many different options in cheese, vegies and meats. Additionally, they have two eggs plus a variety of choices of meats including chicken fried steak. Specialties include a breakfast pizza, the perfunctory burrito, eggs Billy bob (benedict with yummy gravy instead of hollandaise) and a fit and fun plate. French toast and pancakes are also available. The portion size is built for the hungry, the steak was ample and plentiful, topped with a delicious house gravy and coupled with a super Bloody Mary, it’s a weekend. Did someone say bottomless? Yes!! $16 for 2 hours of mimosas!! Oh yes, there is a full bar and a Harley dealer, right next door.
Michael’s Pizza Sat 8am – 9pm & Sun- 8 – 3pm
500 N Carpenter Rd Modesto
@MichaelsPizzaBarandGrill
Bauhaus – by Steve Perry
The Bauhaus movement was a synergizing artistic period, true to its name Bauhaus 209 with Chef Tye Bauer, well known for his appearance on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, continues to please in this off the radar gem. Small and cozy it feels very French, with an American simplicity. View crew had the egg and sausage plate, for a hearty appetite, the beef Wellington topped with an egg, the puff pastry with pancetta egg and bearnaise sauce, of course mimosa and as a final, small cinnamon rolls in a micro skillet. The puff pastry was light, and the pancetta added a nice flavor to the bearnaise pairing with the texture of the egg and flaky pastry. Add this hideaway to your Sunday brunch list.
Bauhaus Sunday Brunch
405 Downey Ave
9 am – 1 pm, Sunday only
Reservations highly recommended
Wildfire – MJ Mangano
Check out the Brunch Pizza with roasted garlic puree, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Canadian bacon, eggs, garnished with parsley and chili flakes; you have a choice of a gluten free or regular thin crust. Also look for scratch made pancakes and other classic breakfast items
Sat and Sun open at 10am
1533 Oakdale Rd. Modesto 209-521-8667
@wildfiremodesto
Black Sheep Kitchen & Cocktails – by Carly Russell
Situated in downtown Riverbank, CA, is now offering Brunch on Sundays from 10 AM-3 PM! Whether you prefer sweet or savory, Black Sheep’s crepes are made to perfection with the freshest ingredients. For a unique breakfast experience, try their pancake tacos! Located at 3319 Santa Fe St, Riverbank, CA
