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Posted July 2006
Brake for Breakfast at Hoover’s
TEMPLETON, CA -- Would anyone with a hand-full of Northern California
sensibilities eat at a place called Hoover’s Beef Palace?
The first part of the name conjures up childish jokes about
inhaling various substances and the second part might make you
wonder if a visit would contribute to a serious case of diverticulitis.
These two apprehensions aside, if you travel through San Luis
Obispo County on Highway 101 and miss Hoover’s, you have missed
a good, and hearty, look at the county’s roots.
Well-known locally for its breakfasts and lunches, you will
not leave hungry no matter what you order. Beef is definitely
on the menu and you will find chops and steaks for breakfasts,
as well as omelets the size of Texas (been-there hint: order
a half omelet it’s as big as anything you would get anywhere
else).
My last breakfast there was the hangover omelet. It was a big
mound of hamburger, onions, and what-all I can’t remember. I
just know that we got a couple of pieces of bread and made what
amounted to meatloaf–like sandwiches for the trip further south
from the left-overs (of yes, my half omelet). Breakfasts come
with mounds of potatoes, you can get beans, and pancakes, and
sides of biscuits and gravy.
I am surprised the tables aren’t bigger, but they get a brisk
business and need to leave the aisles open. The main wall is
covered with photos of men in white cowboy hats; their names
underneath their images bespeak some fraternal organization of
cattle men. As I recall, you will only see one black hat and
one female. I guess every organization has it mavericks.
Hoover’s sits on a lot as incongruous as its name. Trailers
hauling cattle roll around the back, and I was afraid to ask
– but assumed – that was where my breakfast fare came from. The
restaurant opens early enough and goes through lunch, around
2:00 p.m. I think. But, I believe they leave that an option and
warn people that they could close earlier, if they feel like
it.
Hoover’s is located in the town of Templeton, just a brief and
satisfying detour off the Highway. You wouldn’t know it was there,
unless someone clued you in. If you stop by, tell them that WineCountry.com
sent you.
401 N Main St., Templeton, CA 93465 (805) 434-2114
Definitely family- and budget friendly. |
