John O'Groats

Who here remembers breakfast? Anyone?

Aside from maybe Blockbuster Video and Meg Ryan, few things have fallen off the American radar faster than breakfast. No, we’re not talking about that chocolate-covered granola bar you grabbed on your way out the door this morning or that tofu scramble and mimosas you had last Sunday afternoon. We’re talking about some 8am eggs and bacon served with a steaming hot cup of black coffee.

Luckily we found it, alive and well and living its best life, at Cheviot Hills’ endearing John O’Groats.

John O’Groats is that restaurant in your hometown you always go to when you’re back home because it’s dependable and the owners used to babysit your parents in the '60s. This no-frills breakfast spot may be going on 33 years of service (still a major feat in this city), but it should be noted that there’s nothing particularly historical about the place. There’s no kitschy vibe warping you back to some strange era of yesteryear and no long lines of rabid tourists trying to find it. And we tend to think that’s just how John O’Groats prefers it.

We get the sense everyone comes here to see friends, eat some breakfast, and be on with their day. The last visit we paid to O’Groats, we sat next to two middle-aged women giggling at that day’s Family Circus cartoon and debating which photo to put in their respective family’s Christmas card. If neither of those two things are appealing to you, we have nothing in common and you’re potentially a bad person.

The food at John O’Groats is much like its surroundings. Simple and good. They’re known for their “Biscuits from Heaven,” and you should definitely order some. Open everyday from only 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., they serve breakfast and lunch simultaneously, meaning if you want a BLT at 8:30 a.m., no one is going to stop you.

Real breakfast is probably too far gone to save at this point, but it sure is comforting to know it will always find a happy home at John O’Groats.

Food Rundown

Biscuits From Heaven

True to their name, these gooey little guys are utter bliss. They’re also pretty dense so take them one at a time or you’re not eating anything else.

Pancakes

John O’Groats’ other signature item, these pancakes are a must-order because they aren’t doused with candy or chocolate or anything that makes us want to die inside. They’re just old-fashioned and fantastic fluffy pancakes.

BLT

There’s nothing special going on in this sandwich but it’s still a solid BLT. (See a theme going on here?) Also you can order this at any point in the day and that’s magic.

Fish Tacos

OK, these aren’t great. But if you’re ordering fish tacos at John O’Groats, the jokes on you.