What should I order at The Beacon Cafe?
The Beacon Cafe
Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes
Mentioned repeatedly as the best and most beloved dish, praised for its incredible taste and uniqueness. Many reviewers highlight it as their favorite pancake and a must-try item.
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Recommended by multiple reviewers, including children who loved them. Described as delicious and one of the notable pancake varieties offered.
Smiley Face Pancakes
Noted for their cute presentation, especially appealing to children, making them a popular choice for families.
Buffet with Omelette Bar
Highly praised for variety and customization, offering any ingredients imaginable for omelettes. The buffet also includes fresh fruit, sides, scrambled eggs, bacon, and more, making it a comprehensive favorite.
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Mentioned as a personal favorite along with other inventive pancake varieties like blueberry with pecan and cranberry white chocolate.
French Toast
Described as good and sometimes excellent, a solid choice for those who want something other than pancakes.
Tamale Meatballs
Recommended by a patron and praised for their rich, tender texture and bold, savory flavor, making them a unique and creative dish at the restaurant.
Dirty Hash / Dirty Eggs and Hash Plate
Recommended by staff and customers alike, described as delicious with a unique Texas twist including ground mustard, making it a hearty and flavorful option.
Carnivore Omelette
Mentioned as huge and delicious, favored by meat lovers and highlighted in positive brunch reviews.
About The Beacon Cafe
Old-fashioned joint at a small airfield dishing up classic American breakfast & lunch plates.
Amenities & services
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- All you can eat
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is The Beacon Cafe known for?
The Beacon Cafe is best known for its pineapple upside down pancakes and omelets, especially the breakfast buffet and omelet bar. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the appeal of eating while watching planes at the airfield, which makes the experience feel unique in Watauga.
What dishes are most recommended at The Beacon Cafe?
Reviewers most often recommend the pineapple upside down pancakes, cinnamon swirl pancakes, pineapple pecan pancakes, dirty hash, and dirty eggs and hash. The breakfast buffet also gets strong praise for its omelet bar, scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
What is the atmosphere like at The Beacon Cafe?
The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and welcoming, with a nostalgic airfield setting and a rustic feel. It works well for families, groups, and solo diners, and several reviews mention that kids enjoy the planes and the playful pancake presentations.
Is The Beacon Cafe good value, and what is the price range?
The Beacon Cafe is in the $10 to $20 price range, and reviewers describe the portions as Texas-sized and filling. People also call it a good value because the breakfast buffet offers a wide selection, the coffee is included in a fast, friendly experience, and the food quality is consistently praised.
What should I know about visiting The Beacon Cafe at busy times?
Service is repeatedly described as fast and prompt, even during larger brunch crowds like groups of 25 to 30 Jeeps. Because it is popular for breakfast and brunch and sits by an airfield, it is a good idea to plan ahead if you want a table and a view of the planes.
Is parking available at The Beacon Cafe?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is The Beacon Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes, The Beacon Cafe is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Beacon Cafe in Watauga
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