Looking for a nice breakfast spot? Here are a few places of my favorite places. This is one of the most common questions that we get at the Chamber of Commerce, so I thought I would make a helpful list.
1. Breakfast destinations will come and go, but Hobee’s will always be here. The Mountain View Hobee’s is the original location and it opened in 1974. This place has been a favorite breakfast spot for our community for decades. You can’t possibly walk out the door without eating a piece of their famous coffeecake. I love that Hobee’s is so involved in the community and they treat their employees like family. I always order the “BDBIT” (best darn breakfast in town) and 4 or 5 cups of coffee.
2. Scratch has a very nice brunch menu on the weekends and if you go in warm weather, you should sit out on the patio. I recommend the Almond Encrusted French Toast. And brunch would not be complete without a couple of Mimosas. The staff at Scratch is always wonderful. I really need to go there more often.
3. Eureka serves brunch on the weekends. Last time I had the French Toast and a Mint Julep. Bloody Marys and Mimosas are $5 during brunch. They don’t have the brunch menu on their website, but you can call and ask about it if you have any dietary restrictions. I love the atmosphere at Eureka and the fact that they’ve been packed every day since the first day they opened. They don’t take reservations.
4. Crepevine serves breakfast. My husband and I sit outside, under the heaters and it’s quite comfortable. I like the New Orleans Eggs Benedict (with crab cakes). The portions at Crepevine are absolutely massive. It’s a great place for people watching on Castro Street.
5. Stephens Green has a traditional Irish breakfast (bacon, sausage, eggs, grilled tomatoes, Irish soda bread, and black & white pudding) on game days. It’s not on their website, so call them for details, and to see if it’s game day or not.
6. Taqueria La Espuela (formerly Taqueria Los Charros) has the best breakfast burrito.
7. Le Boulanger on Castro has a nice breakfast menu. My office goes there for breakfast, and lunch, all the time. We absolutely love them and the fact that they’re right across the street from us.
8. Baji’s Cafe is famous for their authentic Mexican breakfast. They have a huge breakfast menu, with American items as well, and a cult following.
9. Olympus Caffe & Bakery is great if you’re planning on going to the Farmers Market afterwards or if you’re a fan of the Mediterranean diet. It’s just down the street from our famous outdoor market every Sunday. The outdoor tables are comfortable and dog-friendly.
10. I hear from a very reliable source that Clarkes Charcoal Broiler has a good America breakfast. I haven’t had it myself, but Dawn loves it and I believe her.
11. Fairchilds Public House is inside the new Hyatt Centric Hotel. It’s a gorgeous restaurant in a fancy, new hotel. The California Benedict is my favorite item, and since dogs are welcome on the patio, George gets to come along with us. The hotel is right next door to a very nice dog park.
12. I love going to Dinah’s Poolside Cafe in Palo Alto. You might not even know it was there, if you’re flying down the El Camino. The poolside restaurant is tucked behind the front office building for Dinah’s Garden Hotel. It’s old-school Bay Area. They take reservations. I’ve seen lots of brunch birthday parties, and bridal and/or baby showers there. It's another great place for people watching.
13. If you haven’t been to Bucks of Woodside, you must go! It’s just up 280 about 20 minutes from Mountain View and so interesting. The food is wonderful, and the decor is the biggest collection of the most unusual junk and curiosities that I have ever seen. I can’t begin to accurately describe it; you need to see it for yourself.
I know, I gave you two places that aren’t in Mountain View (Dinah’s and Bucks). You’ll thank me for both of those, I promise.
