For an isolated rural area, the Mendocino Coast has many good breakfast choices. Since we’re also a tourist destination, I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. The truth is, however, not all breakfasts are equal, so I’m offering my list.
Of course, if you’re staying at a B & B, you don’t need to read this. Before moving here, I stayed in at least 20 area bed and breakfast inns, and all of them produced great breakfasts. A gourmet breakfast in a B & B is just part of the experience.
Beyond that, the locals all have their own favorites. Mine is Queenie’s Roadhouse in Elk, 20 miles south of Mendocino. If you want to stay closer to Fort Bragg or Mendocino, there are plenty of good choices. Here are some of the places I like, in no particular order of preference:
Fort Bragg:
Laurel Deli & Desserts (homemade pies) – on Laurel Street next to the Skunk Train Depot. A big open place with a 19th century train engine in the middle of the room; scones and muffins are homemade, omelets are perfect and the staff is friendly and efficient. Lots of hustle and bustle.
Egghead’s - 326 N. Main Street. A place popular with locals and tourists. They offer every kind of omelet imaginable, as well as egg substitutes and vegetarian choices.
Home Style Cafe – on the east side of Highway 1 at the south end Fort Bragg. Breakfasts are consistently good and they offer the full range from pancakes to bacon and eggs. You have a choice of regular coffee or French Roast Coffee. The French Roast is very good and strong.
Mendocino:
Bay View Cafe – on Main Street in Mendocino Village. I recommend the cheese omelet with muffin. Staff is great and welcoming. Since it’s on the second floor, you’ve got sweeping views of Mendocino Bay and the ocean. I go there often for clam chowder on Fridays.
MacCallum House – located in a B & B on Ford Street, one block off Main Street in Mendocino Village. Try the Red Plate Special ($7). The food is good here, but what really makes the breakfast is the atmosphere. Once the home of Daisy McCallum (the MacCallums were a pioneer Mendocino family), you can have breakfast on the outside porch, a sun room or in the beautiful wood-paneled library with fireplace.
The Ravens at the Stanford Inn – on the hill above Big River, just outside Mendocino Village. The Ravens restaurant is acclaimed for its vegetarian faire. I really like the waffles. There are views of the trees, ocean and Big River, so try for a window table.
Little River:
Little River Inn – located in Little River on Highway 1. The inn offers a wide range of breakfast choices and champagne brunches, but people talk most often about Ole’s Swedish Hotcakes (here’s the recipe link). Honestly, I haven’t tried them. But this is a pleasant place for breakfast.
