Apple Bistro, 2740 Highway 50, Placerville, 530-363-5355, redapplecafe50.weebly.com

Just a few short miles outside Placerville, perched atop a bluff on a sweeping bend atop Highway 50, sits Apple Bistro. It’s one of those iconic places I’ve noticed and thought, “I’ll have to stop by one day.” Well, one day finally came, and it didn’t disappoint. 

This cozy café from yesteryear has been a Placerville mainstay since 1948 (though it went under new ownership in 2015), and the charming, homey décor—including an impressive collection of Bundt cake pans lining the rafters—makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. 

The menu is extensive, covering all manner of breakfast favorites, including a great many Benedicts, at least six types of pancakes, and plenty of combination specials to start your day right. Lunch offerings are just as varied and run the gamut from enticing Korean offerings to burgers and a variety of soup and salad combos. 

 For our late brunch/early lunch, my husband opted for the Goldminer burger (avocado, bacon, melty cheddar, and mushrooms) and I went with the North of the Border combination breakfast plate, featuring biscuits, two eggs (scrambled, of course), and potatoes. The burger arrived on an impressively sized homemade bun, nicely cooked and bursting with fixings, with a piping hot stack of steak fries. 

I’ve learned in the past that biscuits and gravy are a roll of the dice: You don’t always know exactly how much you’re going to get and how heavy they’re going to be, and if you’re going to be able to walk unaided afterward. Lucky for me, I won the gamble. The biscuits were light, flaky, and the perfect-sized portion for me to not hate myself, with an appropriate amount of flavorful sausage gravy. Accompanied by nicely scrambled eggs and a delicious portion of crispy, golden-brown home fries, it was definitely a brunch of champions. 

The eatery also boasts a huge patio—great for kids to run around and let off some steam—and a big helping of breathtaking mountain views to accompany your meal. In all, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up before, during, or after your next big summer adventure!  

Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. (Friday-Sunday), 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday-Thursday)

Try This: Crab and Shrimp Benedict, Chicken Fried Steak, Farmer’s Omelet, Apple Lady Sandwich, Goldminer Burger, North of the Border Combination Plate, Apple Pie    

Drinks: Beer and wine 

Tab: $$

Heads-Up: Large, dog-friendly patio/deck with ample seating and beautiful views; freshly made buns; whole pies made with local fruit; breakfast served all day; kids’ menu