Breakfast in the West Valley?

[Das Ubergeek]

I have to be in Woodland Hills at 8:30 on Thursday. I figure I'll leave very early from Anaheim and if I end up with time to kill, I'll go have breakfast and sit and read a paper or something.

I'd love a place with really interesting breakfasts, not just run-of-the-mill eggs-bacon-and-toast places (though that would also be OK), and where they won't mind if I occupy a table for an hour or an hour and a half or so with a cup of coffee after eating.

Let's just say West Valley -- I don't want to stop on the way in, say, Westwood and then run into traffic that makes me late.

Thanks!!

[Das Ubergeek]

I ended up at CiCi's. Hardly a soul in there -- one table left right after I got there and one more came in while I was eating. Interesting menu for sure, somewhat expensive, but tasty.

Two problems, one of which is a pet peeve:

1. DON'T REFILL MY COFFEE UNTIL I'M DONE WITH IT. I know how much Splenda and how much cream to add to a cup, but if you refill it when I'm partway done then I mess it up and you just can't mess with a man's coffee in the morning, OK?

2. It took forty minutes -- no, seriously -- to get corned beef hash, two eggs over easy, wheat toast and fruit. Apparently the cook had problems with the eggs and went through several iterations. It's not like the kitchen was backed up... just egg-cooking FAIL. Once I got them, the eggs were perfectly done, but the toast was stone-cold.

I'd go back but I'd order something like pancakes.

[Emme]

to me a huge test of a restaurant is how they perform when empty. to me, this is when service and performance should reflect how they "hope and aim" to serve during busy service. i'd say raisin bran and OJ would be the safest bet... :)

[junipersong]

I LOVE Cici's and am sorry your trip wasn't perfect. Do go back and order the Pink Lady pancakes...raspberry and macadamia nut...out of this world.

[uhockey]

CiCi's was good, but I prefer Griddle Cafe for sure.

[Servorg]

It might be too mundane given your parameters but the times I have had breakfast at Weiler's Deli on Victory just off of Canoga Ave. the food has been quite good.

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Weiler's Deli & Catering
21161 Victory Blvd, Canoga Park, CA 91303

[Kate is always hungry]

I'd go to either Bobby's or CiCi's; another breakfast spot is The Little Cafe.

The Little Cafe
19204 Ventura Blvd.
818-705-8335

CiCi's
18912 Ventura Blvd.
818-881-6704

Enjoy!

[Emme]

Interesting, if you were willing to stop in Van Nuys, there's La Fogata.

Or, why not stop at Nata's for a pastry and a coffee?

More than Waffles is in Encino for more run of the mill, but you might as well do Bobby's since that's closer.

[Das Ubergeek]

Too far east -- if I hang out in Van Nuys or Sherman Oaks, I'll still have to battle my way across the Valley. I love Nata's though!!

[orythedog]

CiCi's on Ventura Blvd

[LesThePress]

For a really good fast and super casual breakfast go to:

Bobby's Coffee Shop
22821 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills

Old time place for a quick bite, not fancy at all, but good (and cheap)!

[Bob Brooks]

I'll second Bobby's, but with the understanding that this is classic American greasy spoon coffee shop fare, done extremely well.

[lil mikey]

I'll second the second. The waitresses know you want coffee even if it's your first time there. They just look at you and bring the coffee. Bob is right about the atmosphere. It feels like a different time, and definitely a different place. It would fit right in on a deserted highway somewhere.

[ReelMike84]

At first I was thinking Cici's was a bad idea, until I noticed your talking about going Thursday and not their INSANE weekends. Cici's Cafe I second for Thursday's. Actually, while I'm at it, Bobby's recommended down below is certainly good but I wouldn't say "interesting." If you like the Griddle Cafe you'll like Cici's. If you like "Mom & Pop" greasy spoon Bobby's is the way to go.