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Patrick's Cafe is what I would call a “healthy” California diner – it has everything a diner has, in generous portions, but without the “greasy spoon” reputation. And they have those reasonable diner prices everyone likes, with entrees averaging about $8.95. They serve breakfast, lunch and brunch.

I have been to Patrick’s a few times, and I have never had a bad experience. It’s a good place to go if you want to get out of the madness of city traffic and settle down to a relaxing meal. Getting there is easy – it’s just off the 5 on San Fernando Road in Glendale; parking is easy – they have an ample lot; and ordering is easy – rather than ordering from the table, you make your order at the counter deli-style, and pay up front. They give you a number, you sit down, and then a server brings your beverages and order. Easy.

I haven’t tried everything on the menu, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that breakfast is what Patrick’s does best. They don’t serve breakfast all day, but from 11-3 Saturdays, this has become one of my favorite places to “do” brunch. All of your breakfast basics are covered, such as three egg omelettes, steak and eggs, and pancakes, plus they offer healthy side alternatives of fresh fruit, roasted potatoes or salad if you want to lay off the hash browns or sausage. They have what my boyfriend likes to call “clean” food, i.e., not dripping with grease and making you feel like you’re sacrificing artery health just by looking at it. My personal favorite is of course the Scrumptious French Toast, which comes with real maple syrup, fruit, hash browns, and a choice of bacon, ham or link sausages. Yum! Which leads me to my disclaimer - while this place has delicious healthy options, you have to select those options to get their benefits. And the food generally comes in large portions. So if you eat a lot of the wrong things and get fat don’t blame me!

Patrick’s is also vegetarian friendly, with several options in each menu category. For breakfast, Veggie-vores might try the Tofu Scramble, or the Veggie Breakfast Wrap made with tofu scrambled into a flour tortilla and served with potatoes or fruit. See something verboten in that omelette or sandwich? No worries - they don’t flip out if you make substitutions.

Patrick’s also features a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers and pasta. They even have a weekly lunch special. Sandwich highlights include the BLT w/ Avocado, Pastrami on a Toasted Baguette, and the “Veggie but-Goodie” made up of red onion, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, cucumbers, and sprouts w/ boursin cheese on multigrain bread. Sounds good enough to sway an avowed meat eater. But even if it isn’t, there’s always the “Carnivore” version of the same thing, which adds stacks of juicy roast beef, and nixes the sprouts, cuke and avocado. Other sandwiches include the Prosciutto Caprese, Grilled Chicken Breast, and Tuna on Whole Wheat. But if you’re tastes are pickier, never fear, for Patrick’s also offers deli-style designer sandwiches with your choice of a green salad, veggie chips or fruit.

Unlike most diners, Patrick’s has a hip California coolness that does not fail to forget our southland obsession with good gourmet coffee. Yes! They’ve got your Espresso, your Cappuccino, your Americano, and let’s not forget my favorite, the Chai Tea Latte. Too hot for summer? Consider iced coffees and lattes, or their ice-blended offerings, including Blended Mocha, Chai or Vanilla. Want something sweet with that coffee? They have a wide variety of cakes, tarts and pastries. And there is also optional patio seating if you prefer to sit outside to take in the rays, or sit under an umbrella.

Patrick’s Cafe is located on San Fernando Road in Glendale off the Golden State Freeway. Breakfast is served 7-11 weekdays and 8-3 Saturdays, Lunch is11-3 weekdays and 8-3 Saturdays; Brunch is 8-3 Saturdays. If you’re looking for or a delicious breakfast place that won’t bust your budget or your belt, you might want to try Patrick’s Cafe in Glendale.