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First Awakenings

171 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901-3403
831-784-1125
Menu
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Ranked #1 of 218 restaurants in Salinas
Cuisines: American
Good for: Families with children
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch
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58 reviews from our community

89% Recommend
    33
    19
    6
    0
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Tahoe CA
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

Yummy breakfast- go early or late or prepare to wait. The servings are generous and the setting is busy.

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See 5 more reviews by Jammerdog for Salinas
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
24 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013 via mobile

The food is excellent, the presentation is fabulous, the staff is friendly and helpful - what else do you need for good food experience in the middle of nowhere? I bet that even Steinbeck enjoyed this place very much! If you go, try Burrito Bombero.

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Salinas, California
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
21 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2013

The same menu items, same atmosphere as when they opened. A good place for lunch in downtown with business collegues or for meeting and chatting with old friends. Huge pancakes - almost overwhelming. tyr the blueberry or wheat germ. However, the fried potatoes gets a alittle old, as is the menu - it could use a boost. But if you... More

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See 6 more reviews by Samm N for Salinas
San Francisco, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2013

When travelling on U.S, 101 heading South.....a "great stop" for breakfast, brunch, or lunch! An extensive menu, with specialties of the day. Wpmderful strawberry waffes, when in season. Their corn beef hash is one of the best, and the country style fried potatoes is seasoned perfectly. If you use catsup, they feature ""ThePepperplant" hot sauce from Gilroy, Ca. This sauce... More

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Fullerton, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 31, 2013

Always a satisfying experience here for breakfast. The pancakes are a favorite, particularly raisin walnut! For some reason the eggs here are much better than elsewhere, and First Awakenings is skilled at serving up perfectly poached eggs. My wife's favorite is the mushroom caps broiled and spilling over with cheese with two poached eggs. Omlettes are outstanding, as well as... More

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Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 30, 2013 via mobile

The biscuits and gravy were delicious, as was my wife's turkey dill egg thing. The server was extremely helpful when managing my kids' odd requests. "Mickey pancakes with no Mickey." "No problem!". The food was great, but our server is what made this such a memorable place.

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Saddle River, New Jersey
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
44 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 22, 2013

After visiting the National Steinbeck Center, we had lunch at First Awakenings, not too sure what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised by the friendly service and the freshness of the food. We ordered burgers which were tasty, cooked just right and served with a very nice salad. Nice!

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Paso Robles, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 20, 2012

You can always count on good food. Eat breatfast often with spouse. Great attitude from am waitress. Lunch often with friend. We can get in and out on our lunch hour easily

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Salinas, California
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 7, 2012

This is one of my favorite breakfast places. Their food is always top notch. Service is always excellent. Go here!

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See 5 more reviews by Jim S for Salinas
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 11, 2012 via mobile

Wonderful restaurant. excellent food and the service cannot be beat. Have it your way is their motto and they stand by it.

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