On a recent sleepy Saturday, my husband and I stopped by BarnBurner to find the small eatery packed with patrons. The décor is what you would call country chic—think large-grain wood and tin, a chalkboard wall, cheese grater light fixtures and a clever chandelier crafted from a ladder and an assortment of long-filament light bulbs. It all comes together in a way that’s bright and cute, and just a touch fashion-forward.

The menu matches the ambiance, with a combination of classics like biscuits and gravy; and unusual offerings, such as the piña colada burger that’s topped with piña colada mix whipped into a slaw, jalapeño bacon and fresh pineapple. 

They even have a dog menu, featuring beef or scrambled eggs with bacon or sausage that pups can enjoy on the dog-friendly patio. (It wasn’t quite up and running when we stopped by, but I’m looking forward to it.)

Sourdough French Toast

I stuck with a classic and ordered the sourdough French toast, which was soaked in vanilla custard, grilled, and dusted with powdered sugar. The slices were generously sized, and the texture was absolutely delectable—perfectly supple with just enough of that classic chewiness. My personal recommendation is to get a side of bacon; crispy and ultra smoky—the saltiness paired perfectly with the sweet toast. 

My husband opted to try something a little more daring: The chorizo Benedict. This Benedict variation boasted hearty polenta cakes topped with chorizo, rich avocado, poached eggs, spicy hollandaise and black bean salsa. The concoction was spicy enough to warm him up without venturing into “challenge-worthy” territory. The plate also came with his choice of tater tots, fruit, cottage cheese or rosemary Parmesan home fries. He went with the latter, and they were wonderfully aromatic. 

Each plate was adorned with a bright purple edible flower, a cute finishing touch that we saw several people enjoying—even a little girl who decided that rather than eat her flower, she wanted to stick it in her hair. 

I’m not sure if I’ll consume my flower next time or wear it instead.

by Jennifer Resnicke  //  photos by Dante Fontana

BarnBurner, 4800 Granite Drive, Rocklin, 916-259-1751.