Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.<\/p>\n
Here are the top picks for Best breakfast restaurant:<\/p>\n
1. Mel\u2019s Diner<\/p>\n
9430 Warner Ave Ste I, Fountain Valley; 714-963-2662<\/p>\n
The Orange County spot should not be confused with myriad other Mel\u2019ses, whether it\u2019s from\u00a0 \u2018American Graffiti,\u2019 TV\u2019s \u2018Alice,\u2019 sitcom,\u00a0 a failed Seal Beach locale, the Sunset Boulevard location or the site of San Francisco Civil Right ignominy.<\/p>\n
Mel\u2019s Diner, Fountain Valley, is a small, old-school eatery tucked into a mini-mall, between a dentist, chiropractor and easily lost in a welter of businesses behind the Sizzler and Del Taco that front Warner Ave..<\/p>\n
Without the nostalgic kitsch of its namesakes, this Mel\u2019s is authentically old school. How much? It doesn\u2019t even have a website or accept credit cards.<\/p>\n
Long-time owner Richard Gutierrez is eel slippery, gliding in and out to keep the restaurant stocked with fresh supplies and that freshness stands out.<\/p>\n
Mel\u2019s has built a strong reputation among its faithful, who crowd into its cozy confines. for good, old-time, stick-to-your ribs favorites in classic combinations and served in plate-bending portions.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s all classic fare, and while the restaurant serves both lunch and breakfast, closing time is 1 p.m., so don\u2019t dally.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe stick to what we know and what we do best,\u201d Gutierrez once told an interviewer<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s breakfast.<\/p>\n
The restaurant is proud of its biscuits and gravy, piled high and made from scratch. Also high on the list is the Machaca Superb, a traditional Mexican dish of shredded rehydrated beef with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, green peppers and onions, also served in a breakfast burrito.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Greg Mellen<\/p>\n
2. Denny\u2019s<\/p>\n