If you ever find yourself driving down Western Avenue in Allston, you may notice this cute little 60's style dining car right on the side of the road.
The Breakfast Club is a family-owned restaurant located right on Western Avenue in Allston, just about a mile from Harvard Square in Cambridge. Owner George Athanasopoulos purchased what had been Harry's Diner twelve years ago. At that time, Harry's Diner had been vacant for two years.
George decided to open up a diner after getting tired of working late nights as a DJ.
"I like working mornings."
It most certainly takes a morning person to do this job. The restaurants opens at the crack of dawn at 6AM and goes strong until 2PM when it closes. The rush occurs mid-morning and doesn't really die down until close to lunchtime. George cares a lot about quality ingredients. He sources organic cage-free eggs from New Hampshire. Things are made in house, like the scrumptious corned beef hash, jams, and fries. He offers "real maple syrup" with your pancakes, freshly squeezed fruit juices, and and assortment of diner classics with a slight twist.
The restaurant pays homage to the 80's and is FILLED with paraphernalia from that era. Of course there are posters from the movie that inspired this restaurant's name, including a signed print from the actor who played the janitor in the film (apparently he stops by from time to time).
Even menu items are named after characters in the film. "The Dork", "The Detention", and "The Jock" are just a couple of the many creatively named combo dishes on the menu under the "Library" section.
Every month George likes to roll out specials on the menu, like these Crazy Rancheros (March special - $11.99) which came with two crispy tortillas topped with chourico, black beans, avocados, homemade corn-salsa, a sunny side up egg, and a touch of cilantro crema.
The egg is cooked perfectly (these guys can cook eggs!), and I love mixing the runny yolk together with all the other fresh ingredients on the plate.
They have several different types of eggs Benedicts on the menu, everything from a traditional one made with Canadian bacon to boldly flavored ones like the Fire Bomb Eggs Benedict, which comes with shaved sirloin, a spicy Hollandaise sauce, and a side of home fries.
I love the kick of the spicy Hollandaise sauce, which reminds me a bit of Sriracha. The home fries are ho-hum, but the gorgeously runny poached eggs, shaved sirloin, and piquant sauce certainly make up for it.
The Monte Cristo ($7.59) is their most popular sandwich, and it's hard not to see why. It's a classic, with slices of ham, fresh roasted turkey, and Swiss cheese pressed between two pieces of French toast dusted with powdered sugar. It's that addictive combo of sweet and salty. Fries on the side were solid.
House made Corned Beef Hash ($3.29) are fantastic and one of my favorite items on the menu (though, admittedly, I've always had a weakness for corned beef).
Another March special, the Bailey's French Toast ($8.49) is made from almond coated Challah bread stuffed with Bailey's cream and drizzled with caramel and more whipped cream. This is very good, though quite rich and decadent. It's more like a dessert than breakfast!
The Cinnamon Roll Waffle ($7.99) is essentially a cinnamon roll stuffed into a waffle maker. The layers of a normal cinnamon roll are still there, but there are all the lovely nooks and crannies from the waffle shape. These come topped with fresh berries and an icing glaze.
All in all, the brunch items at The Breakfast Club are really good. Definitely order anything with eggs - they are pros at making egg dishes. I loved the Crazy Rancheros, eggs benedict, and the corned beef hash. The Monte Cristo reheated beautifully the next day (I just heated it in a pan!). The French toast and waffles are decadent and delicious, though better enjoyed in small quantities (like sharing with friends!).
If it's hard for you to come out during breakfast time, The Breakfast Club is currently hosting a fun series of "Breakfast for Dinner" meals at the beginning of each month. There's an Easter themed one on April 6th (think carrot cake pancakes, marshmallow peep milkshakes, and grilled chicken omelets). On May 4th there's also a Spring themed dinner including a fresh herb omelet, vanilla-lavender milkshake, and a colorful spring hash. Though they don't have a liquor license yet, they have obtained one specifically for these special events, so there will be fresh squeezed mimosas and Narragansett Autocrat coffee milk stout available for purchase.
WHEN: 7 PM - 9 PM
WHERE: 270 Western Ave, Allston
COST: $35/person includes 4-course meal and all taxes and gratuity.
[buy tickets here]
Looks like fun!
The Breakfast Club Allston
270 Western Ave
Allston, MA 02134
Disclaimer: I did not pay for this meal. All opinions are my own.
