Perkos Restaurant

A few years ago I sat inside the Perko’s Café at Sylvan & Oakdale. I was sitting at the bar drinking coffee that evening, in a not so very busy restaurant. I was served once in an hour and a half, possibly closer to two hours. I was sitting at the bar LITERALLY tapping my cup. It was ridiculous. To make a long story short, I had breakfast yesterday at Perko’s on McHenry Ave., and I again dined at the bar, and enjoyed the service immensely. What an incredible environment those waitresses, and even the manager himself create. AWESOME JOB!!, and thank you again. There are those people still out there that truly appreciate excellent customer service. I’m definitely one of them.

The Earlybird breakfast was not on menu, but the waitress suggested it. It has been a year since I’ve eaten there. Prices up, service outstanding, quality way down.

This place was cute, farm themed breakfasts. lots of regulars and the servers made everyone feel at home. Service was pretty quick. Friendly staff.
The only downsides are that the food came out cooled down as if it were sitting on the counter for a while before it was brought to our table. Also, the waiter did not seem to know much about the menu options. Oh, and what I ordered came out differently than what was described missing a few things. I’m sure I could have just told the waiter and he would’ve helped, but it wasn’t a big deal.
We were still satisfied afterwards.

We went to breakfast on this side of town had not been here in a very long time. I tried the farmers skillet it was very tasty and their coffee was good also fresh pot. Yummy!

Very friendly and great service. Food was very good and well prepared. Servers are super.

We were quickly seated and the hostess was very friendly, in fact everyone was. The negative was the fact that their «Company Policy» states they must give you your bill at the time they serve your food, the quality of food was simply not there! The sausages were cheap pre cooked/​frozen sausages, pancakes looked like something you would get at McDonalds and my omelette had a rubbery sort of texture almost as if the eggs had been over cooked. I am not one for much small talk yet i had like 5 different servers come and annoy my meal by continuously asking if I freakin needed coffee when i had already told them I no longer wanted any. You could not pay me to eat here again.

Perko’s Café is home. Every time I visit family in California, my husband and I eat at Perko’s for breakfast before we take the nine hour drive back home. With three locations in Modesto and 1 in nearby Riverbank, Perko’s was a familiar sight growing up. Yes, Perko’s is a chain, but it’s exclusive to Northern California. It’s a solid breakfast spot that kindles a strong sense of nostalgia for me.
TWO EGG BREAKFAST ($ 6.95): Also comes with your choice of toast, pancakes, or a blueberry muffin AND hash browns or country potatoes. I always get then blueberry muffin because it is just out of this world. It’s piping hot, fresh, and oh so soft. The accompanying butter cubes spread over this with ease. Eggs and hash browns were standard and the only hot sauce available is Tabasco.
SERVICE: Always friendly and especially quick to get refills.
VIBE: Old-​fashioned café with a large attendance of old folks, even on a Tuesday! Perko’s was nearly full by 9AM. They also have a Dryer’s ice cream counter inside.
Worth a Return Visit?
It’s like clockwork with me and my husband. Everyone always enjoys their breakfast here!
Unilocal 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #239

Perkos was a delight yesterday! I took my kids at about 8:45 am and it was busy. We were seated immediately. Our server was Lindsay. Not only was she kind and welcoming but she paid attention to detail while taking our order. For example: my son ordered country potatoes. She asked my son if he wanted her to leave off the onions and peppers. She must have kids or just be really good at her job or both! It was refreshing to go somewhere that is typically known as mediocre and have such a good experience. The food came out fast, coffee was good, and we had a great time. The only reason I won’t give it five stars is because it’s Perkos and I think people throw 5 stars around too easy.

I went to Perkos last week. We met Kiley first she was soooo much fun had a blast with her ! Ashlee was our waitress and she also was fun. Wendy who wasn’t even serving us even came over struck up conversation and seemed very sweet natured. We both had hamburgers and they were great ! This is a place I will recommend and come back to. Great overall !! A few days after our visit I was out and about and Kiley came running over to give me a hug after just one visit to her job she is such a sweet person and so much fun !

1. We waited at the front too long without being acknowledged. There were a few tables with customers, but it wasn’t super busy. There were two waitresses working, and they should not have had any trouble handling the crowd.
2. Our waitress took our order, then didn’t check on us until we were done. In the interim, another waitress did everything — brought our food, left check, got us refills — though was not particularly attentive. I hate when they do this, because I don’t know who I’m tipping, who I’m not tipping or who to ask for something. Just who is waiting on me???
3. The party (of 2, just as we were) who sat behind us came in after we did, but got their food before we did. This is very bad form for a restaurant. And no, we didn’t order anything that takes a long time to cook. I think our «waitress» wasn’t on top of things and the other waitress saw our meal and brought it out.
4. When our food was served, the waitress just dropped the check on the table at the same time. That was like saying, «Here’s your check, with your lousy coupon attached, and you can get out of here as soon as possible.»
5. Other tables were offered dessert. We were not.
6. I ordered seasoned fries, but they seemed like regular, somewhat soggy fries. Not crispy or coated with seasoning.
7. When we checked out, the waitress (the second one again, who seemed to be doing all the work) printed out the credit card receipt, handed me a pen and left. My signed credit card receipt should be put in the register immediately, not left on the counter for anyone to see or steal. Yes, I know the entire credit card number is not on the receipt, but this practice is still unprofessional.
I can only guess that having a coupon gets you bad service at this location. We won’t be back — with or without a coupon.

The food at Perkos is excellent. The chicken dumpling soup is the best. We always get great service.

Food quality isn’t the same as when Burl was alive. Service is still really good. Pricy for breakfast. Three visits in two weeks and two bad meals. Time for a change. Too bad. Cooks are sand bagging mushrooms. Country potatoes are either over grilled or under cooked. Cheese isn’t melted, eggs aren’t fluffy. Biscuits aren’t fluffy, corned beef hash wasn’t flipped, grilled on one side only, crusty side up on plate. Owners aren’t on top of things that’s for sure. Cut backs are noticeable.

Good food, good service great place for a quick bite to eat. I woukd return to this place for sure… this is not a 5 star resturant but a good little diner.

The food was great! Love the splatter cakes… senior discount. Mimosa was fabulous and cheap. Service was fast and super friendly! Cute rustic place

I’m sitting here drinking coffee while having my oil changed across the street. I hadn’t been in since they updated the place. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting now. There are folks everywhere but we got right in and the waitress has been very attentive. I’m only having the coffee, but its pretty good. Typical diner coffee in a clean porcelain cup. I love the menus. They look like newspapers. There are old folks everywhere looking like they have their noses buried in the paper. Someone cruises through the dining area every few minutes with a pot of coffee in each hand, and stops with a quaint «Can I warm that up for ya’ Hon?». Haven’t seen the bottom of my cup yet!

Great food, great price, atmosphere is really good with old farmers and people who are from Modesto. Never been disappointed with the food or prices

While on vacation a family member suggested that we eat here. I like the menu, and how its in a form of a newspaper. I ordered the chicken sandwich. The menu is simple and nothing special. The staff where friendly. If I am in the area again I will stop by.

We went here for a late lunch/​early dinner. I ordered the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a salad.
They have fantastic side salads here, several different kinds of lettuce not just the cheap iceberg junk!
The meatloaf comes covered in brown gravy, 2 slices with slightly burnt? edges. It was «ok» nothing to write home about. The potatoes were really good and it came with some nice steamed squash (but it was a little cold).
The service was really good but the food could use a bit more help. Good enough diner for a quick meal.
I also could have done with out the smoker sitting on the bench right outside the door. I walked out and got a face full of their smoke. Maybe they could move the benches down a bit farther from the door or something.

Prices were great, food was very fresh I was very impressed. One of the workers even looked like Taylor swift. Great staff and the waitresses were really nice. I thought it was cool that they serve strawberittas here. I love the huge portions and the milkshakes are excellent. I will be here again. The tri tip an eggs are excellent.

My family has been going here since before I was born. I’ve been to all the locations in the Modesto, Riverbank and Ceres area. This place is a family and a local staple. It’s went through it’s ups and downs but I will tell you the service is great. They are all genuine and care about serving you. (Many of the same people have worked here since I was a kid. Well over 20 years).
The food used to be ok but now it’s so much better. Selection has always been big. Food is fresh and always to order. I think the owners kids took over. Maybe that’s a rumor. I’ve seen it transform over the years but their new look is so nice. It’s clean and more mainstream.
The price has went up, but the economy has went down so I can’t blame them. You’ll get your moneys worth, I promise you. Is it a must-​visit? Depending on what you’re looking for, yes, but if you’re in town, stop by and have a nice visit. P. S. I grew up to love coffee because of this place.
Keep it up Perkos! (P.S. The McHenry location is the nicest. Oakdale Rd in Riverbank is the second favorite spot.)