Review by Nadezdha Otterstad–
If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast with some distinctive cultural flavor in Citrus Heights, Bubbie’s Love Bistro serves it up daily at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Antelope Road.
Finding this quaint little bistro one Saturday morning while out looking for a local mom-and-pop restaurant to try, my husband and I soon found ourselves coming back for more. Several visits later, we had a good taste of the various selections – from the standard scrambled eggs and omelets, to the specialty food options boasting names like “Pastromelet,” the “Hopple Popple,” “Triple Treif,” and “Matzo Brei.”
After trying a taste of two sweet cheese blintzes, filled with a homemade cheese filling and drizzled in a delicious veil of blueberry sauce and soft whipped cream topping, I was again on the lookout to satisfy my sweet tooth on a follow-up visit. Finding french toast on the menu, I couldn’t forgo two slices sprinkled in powdered sugar and topped with a generous dollop of whipped butter and honey on the side.
As we ate our meal, we were greeted by the owner, Stacie, who came out from the back and introduced herself to each table. She told us the bistro’s name and secret recipes had come from her Jewish grandmother, “Bubbie,” with the recipes eventually being passed down through the generations. Seeing her casually chat with customers and clean off tables added a personal touch to the experience.
The small-but-friendly dining area has several sit-down tables, as well as a few stools next to an open kitchen where meals can be seen being prepared. The walls tell the story of the restaurant’s history in the form of black and white pictures of the owner’s grandmother and family, and a few comic strips pinned up near the kitchen add some comic relief.
As I sipped my Meshuggenut Mocha and nibbled on my french toast breakfast, my husband was enjoying his platter of a bagel sandwich with egg, cheese and pastrami — the sandwich hot and melted, just as desired. Although the portions were large, we had enough room in our bellies for a taste of the bistro’s homemade biscuits drowned in creamy gravy, with large chunks of seasoned sausage mixed in. Definitely worth a try.
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Bubbie’s also offers a wide range of hot beverages, and I was impressed with the Micha Mocha (espresso, steamed milk and dark chocolate), as well as the Meshuggenut variety, which adds a shot of Almond Roca syrup to the espresso mix. Other coffee options also include cappuccino’s, Americano’s, Macchiato’s, and even an Oregon Chai Tea Latte.
With each meal at Bubbie’s we’d have to say the breakfast offerings are most memorable, while lunch sandwiches were decent, but not quite worth the $10-14 price. All things considered though, the service is personal, the food is unique, and the flavor is amazing – we’ll definitely be back.
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Cleanliness: 4 stars. The dining area and the booth areas are swept and clean. The bathroom area is in need of some adjustments in the décor department, but cleanliness is decent.
Ambiance: 4 stars. Small diner with simple décor showing the history of the owner’s family history. Children are welcome, and booster seats, high chairs and sippy-cups are available for the littlest customers.
Customer Service: 5 stars. Very friendly owner and staff that answer any questions and accommodate any concerns.
Food: 4 stars
Affordability: Prices range from $6 for a basic scrambled egg breakfast with a few sides, to upwards of $23 for a full seafood breakfast. (See full menu and prices online at: http://www.bubbieslove.com/
Overall Satisfaction: 4 stars.
Bubbie’s Love Bistro location and hours:
7800 Sunrise Blvd #11
Citrus Heights, CA
Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily
