Briggs Street Cafe

What a nice surprise! Their breakfast is absolutely amazing - they serve your standard fare like scrambles and omelets, but with distinctive touches such as their homemade jams, flatbreads (get the flatbread!) and desserts. A slightly exotic twist, like the carrot jam with rosewater and cardamom (I had to ask what was in it), creates a unique dining experience. I've eaten there three times and haven't been disappointed yet. It always amazes me how many restaurants will mangle something simple, like scrambled eggs and hashbrowns. Not so with Briggs Street. I normally steer clear of anything I feel I can make better at home (like eggs), but in this case, their chef has me beat on taste and quality. I never knew something as simple as a cheese scramble could taste so amazing. They also do some more exotic/complicated dishes (Lebanese, I think), which I've heard are quite good but I've never tried. The proprietor is very friendly and their prices reasonable. Their location can be hard to find (side street entrance with stairs going down to their front door), and I hope they stay - Erie is long overdue for some good food.

This place is a hidden gem, and I honestly thought about not writing this review to try and keep it all to ourselves! But.....that being said this place is AMAZING!!!! The menu is typical diner fare, eggs, hashbrowns, burger etc. which is all very good and well worth it on its own, but they also have some Persian dishes that are to die for. I can honestly say this was one of the best meals I have had at a restaurant in a long time. Special today was basmati rice with fava beans, dill and saffron, served with a perfect piece of salmon (or chicken) a side of homemade yogurt with cucumber and radishes, a cup of veggies with homemade vinegar dressing (and when I say homemade I mean the owner makes the vinegar from scratch) and some assorted sauteed veggies. It was all very fresh, delicious and satisfying. They also serve traditional flat bread with some amazing homemade jams. Plum peach jalepeno, apple chili, watermelon and rose petal being a sampling of the 15+ different kinds they make. They sell them all by the jar as well, we walked out with six jars, two for us and four more for friends and family. The place is very small, has amazing coffee, and the general atmosphere is perfect. The owner is a great guy, fun and interesting to talk to, highly recommend sitting at the bar and talking while the food is being made. All around great experience. We decided that every time we go in from now on we are just going to order whatever the special is. Do yourself a favor and get over there as soon as you can!