Fresno Famous

You know a restaurant is a gem when the owner calls out customers' orders before they even sit down. Regulars have been visiting the Flying Saucer Café for almost twelve years, first at the Chandler Airport and now on G Street downtown. Nestled between produce distribution centers just west of the railroad tracks, you might never know the Flying Saucer existed.

That's mainly because the sign on the front of the building says "Produce Café."

Located in what could have been a gas station mini-mart, the Flying Saucer Café serves standard diner fare- eggs, pancakes, burgers- plus some Mexican and Chinese options. Two egg breakfasts with hash browns and toast, omelets, pancakes, or waffles will ease your hangover for around $5. It's one of the cheapest places to breakfast in town, and the old school diner charm just makes the food taste better.

Lunch options like burgers or sandwiches are a little pricier, but still well under $10 and cooked to order in the small kitchen. The tiny restaurant seats less than 40 people and fills up quickly around lunch time. Framed stock photographs of fruits and vegetables line the walls, along with a large aerial photograph of the Chandler Airport and festive red Chinese tassels, a nod to owner Patty's heritage. The friendly Patty moved stateside in 1990 and has been in the coffee business since.

"See you tomorrow!" she smiles after regulars.

The menu boasts a selection of Mexican dishes like huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, and today's special- tamales. The Chinese selections range from broccoli beef to noodles. The service is attentive and fast, and the place is clean and neat.

For such a working class, fast-food-loving town, there is a dearth of diners in Fresno. Sure there's Denny's and BJ's Kountry Kitchen, but they just don't have the same feel as a no-frills, no-gimmick, straight-up diner. The Flying Saucer fills Fresno's diner void with cheap, filling food served fast and fresh. One last bonus: they're open on Saturdays, a real rarity for anything downtown.

The Flying Saucer Café is located at 1456 G Street. It is open from 6am to 3pm Monday through Saturday. Phone: 497-1416