At the beginning of the month I made a list of places that I’d like to visit this year. I’m really good at dreaming about things, but not always so good at actually following through. That is, unless I make these things a priority. So that’s what I did with my places to visit list.
My list consists of six places around the Fresno area. Four of those places are located downtown. Last Friday I had a handful of errands to run downtown, so I decided to cross one of the places off my list. I was hungry, a little cranky, and I knew just what I needed-breakfast!
I first noticed the BreakFast Hut last year. I drove by and my eye caught this sign. I remember thinking, “A new place to eat downtown? I have to try it!”
Finally the day had come. I arrived around 10ish, and found parking right in front (metered on the weekdays). From the outside of the building, I thought it was going to be small on the inside, but boy was I wrong! The place is huge! When I first entered there were a few customers. I was told that I could sit anywhere I wanted, and I was helped right away. What I noticed first was the decorum-it’s very country (which makes sense because the name of the restaurant is BreakFast Hut Country Cooking). There were pictures on the wall of Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, and other cowboys I didn’t recognize. There was country music playing on the radio. But, what I loved most was the wall of family/customer photos. Right by the entrance there is one full wall dedicated to the owners. The pictures are mostly of the family (three of them were working that day), but there are a few customer photos included as well. The atmosphere was very inviting and it felt very homey.
Before I went to the BreakFast Hut, I looked online to get some info. In doing so, I found their Yelp review. I also noticed that many people were raving about the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. So, as I was sitting in the restaurant, pondering what to eat, I noticed the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. This is pretty much NOT on my diet plan, but I decided to splurge, and I ordered the pancakes.
Oh. My. Goodness. First of all, I have no idea how these were made to look like cinnamon rolls. I can make a pretty pancake, but definitely not like this. There was no syrup or butter, but instead a nice creamy frosting. These pancakes were sweet and oh so delicious. They were crispy in the right spots, warm and cinnamon-y in the center, and very filling.
As I was enjoying my breakfast, the place got pretty busy, but the service never suffered. In fact, everyone was so very nice. I spoke with one of the owners, and I found out that her and her sweetie (the chef) own the restaurant together. The restaurant has been there for about 2 years. They’re open 7 days a week, and are pretty busy all day on Saturday and Sunday. They do have a lunch rush, being that the restaurant is downtown, and she told me that you can call ahead to have your lunch ready-for take out OR dine in! Whaaaat?! I love that!
The layout is one that encourages everyone to be open with one another. The chef was talking with customers, other customers were chatting with one another-one customer even greeted me as I walked in! There is a bell you can ring before you leave if you’re happy with the service. Three people who left before I did rang the bell, and I enjoyed listening to the chef yell out a hearty, “Thank you!”
I really liked this place, and I’m looking forward to going back. There are so many other items on the menu that I’d like to try, like their biscuits and gravy, or chicken and waffles.
So, if you’re looking for a new place to eat breakfast or lunch downtown, I’d suggest trying the BreakFast Hut. I know you’ll find something yummy on their menu. Perhaps a burger? A sandwich? Or, you could try the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Just thinking about them is making me hungry again!
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Address:
915 Van Ness Ave
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone:
559-457-2300
Hours:
Monday-Friday 7-3pm
Saturday and Sunday 7-2pm
*Parking is metered during the week, but FREE on the weekends.
Here’s hoping you try the BreakFast Hut sometime soon. Remember, it’s locally owned, AND located downtown-both I support whole heartedly!
Happy eating!
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Great write up, it’s a wonderful place!