Binford Cafe

Love the breakfast burrito!

Binford Cafe is a hidden gem as far as brunch goes. Its discreet location makes it very easy to miss--I had no idea it was there until I stopped in at the strip to try Black Diamond Barbecue. The Barbecue's large sign makes it stand out, but Binford Cafe is very nondescript, especially since it's usually closed. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch exclusively and is open til 2pm every day except Saturday when they close at 1pm and Monday when they aren't open at all. They only serve from their breakfast menu on the weekend.

My boyfriend and I tried to check this place out on a Saturday but didn't get there until 1:30 and they were already closed, so we went back the next day. We got there around 11:30 and it was bustling but not overcrowded--we didn't have to wait for a seat even though the inside is tiny, with only a handful of tables and a small section of diner-style bar seating. We sat at the bar and were pleasantly greeted by the old man working the counter, who handed us folded paper menus and offered us coffee.

The menu is small and straightforward, with all the breakfast necessities. I got the breakfast burrito, which has egg, bacon, cheese, tomato, avocado, and fresh salsa. It was delicious and the perfect size, served by itself with the option to upgrade to a "meal" by adding potatoes, tomatoes, or fresh fruit. I really appreciated that they didn't automatically tack on side dishes like most restaurants do, because the burrito was plenty and when I finished I felt pleasantly full rather than disgustingly stuffed like I usually do after dining out for breakfast. My boyfriend got French toast  and was satisfied with it, too.

The interior of the restaurant is extremely simplistic to the point of almost being a little drab. I appreciated the lack of decor, though, because really, what's the point? There is some tacky artwork hanging behind the counter, but for the most part the walls are bare. I liked the atmosphere--a fairly typical "greasy spoon" feel, and you could tell that it's the kind of place that has a lot of regulars. When we went to the register to pay there was a glass bowl and a stack of paper slips with a sign that said "Enter to win a free lunch! Must redeem same week." The slips had no template and didn't ask for an email address or a phone number or anything, just your name, assuming you'll be back within the week to claim your prize. A marker board behind the register proclaimed simply: "This week's winner: Doug"

The only criticism I really had about Binford Cafe was that they don't do a very good job of advertising their specials. They were written on a plain dry erase board near the door and on a simple sign in front of the cash register, but we didn't notice either until we were on our way out. I'm not sure if they change every day, but there was nothing on the menu to let us know to ask about the specials, and neither the guy behind the counter nor the waitress who took our order mentioned anything about them. I was bummed that I missed out on the Benedict Florentine that was today's special, but I guess it's just a good excuse to go back soon.

If you live in the neighborhood, I definitely recommend Binford Cafe for a low key and very reasonably priced diner style breakfast.

Great little spot for breakfast!  My daughter loved the breakfast burrito, my mom loved her blueberry pancakes, I had a cheese omelet, which was good, but not great.  However, the bacon was cooked perfectly, and the potatoes  were very good, as well. Inexpensive...a true little gem!