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Since there is so much to do in the Ventura, California area, it’s a good thing there are so many great places to grab a hearty and tasty breakfast in the area. You can find everything from breakfast burritos and homemade breakfasts to grab-and-go meals and cafes.
Pete’s Breakfast House on East Main Street in Ventura has been featured on several television shows, including “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” It’s probably due to this newfound fame that guests are often asked to sign up for a waiting list, however the food and service here are well worth the wait. Some of the menu favorites here include the corned beef hash, Greek omelet, sausage and eggs, chicken fried steak, and of course, the biscuits. Pete’s serves breakfast from 7 am and brunch until 2 pm Also on East Main Street is another great breakfast restaurant called the Cajun Kitchen Café. This locally owned and operated restaurant serves classic southern breakfasts with a Cajun twist. Some local favorites include Eggs Benedict, French Toast, St. Charles Breakfast Burrito and Crazie Shirley’s Breakfast Plate. The Cajun Kitchen Café also serves lunch, so don’t be surprised if you come back for another round.
For even more southern breakfasts served in generous portions, visit Allison’s Country Café located on Telegraph Road. Some of the favorites here include the Italian omelet, Al’s avocado omelet, Scott’s scramble, and the breakfast burrito. The staff is always friendly and efficient. Allison’s Country Café is so good it was voted the Ventura County Star’s Best Breakfast Restaurant in 2010. Breakfast is served here daily from 7 am to 2 pm.
Also on Telegraph Road you’ll find a quaint breakfast cafe called the Two Trees Cafe. This family owned and operated local restaurant offers homemade breakfasts made with market fresh ingredients. Here you’ll find classics like Eggs Benedict and Beef and Egg Hash, as well as some unique items like Seafood Benedict and Eggs Florentine. Breakfast begins serving at 7 am and is available until closing at 2 pm
Galloping Hen Restaurant, located on Bochard Drive, is what some might call a “hole in the wall” restaurant, but all locals know this is one of the best places in town for a hearty home cooked breakfast. The portions are very generous and the service is fast, efficient and friendly. Be sure to try one of their unique menu items like the Green Chile Omelet or The Buckaroo.
For some of the best breakfast burritos in Ventura, you’ll want to visit Maggie’s on the Avenue, which can be found on North Ventura Avenue. Here you will not only find a wide variety of breakfast burritos, but also a great selection of authentic Mexican breakfast dishes like Chile Rellano, Carnitas and Carne Asada. Maggie’s on the Avenue is also open for lunch and dinner, so don’t be surprised if you return for a snack later in the day.
There are also several great coffee shops in the area, including Simone’s Coffee and Tea, located on Telegraph Road. This quaint and cozy coffee shop is open daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm and offers an amazing variety of flavored teas and coffees at affordable prices. There are also freshly baked cakes available. Another nice coffee shop nearby is Caffrodite on East Main Street. This small cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating. Don’t let the small size and unassuming look of this cafe put you off. Here you’ll find an impressive selection of blended coffee drinks, espresso, and lattes, as well as gluten-free and vegan items. There is often live acoustic music, and the cafe is located next to Jim and Rob’s Fresh Grill, which serves great breakfast burritos.
One last coffee shop to visit is Peet’s Coffee and Tea, located on Victora Boulevard. This is actually a location for a chain of coffee shops owned by the Peet’s Coffee and Tea company, which makes a great selection of robust coffees and hand-selected teas. Peet’s location opens early at 5 am on weekends and 6 am on weekdays.