One of our go to restaurant when we visit tucson. The wife loves the veal and I just get whatever looks good when I walk in and am never disappointed! Friendly staff, fresh pies and nice quiet area. read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Well well well... that was he best breakfast I've had in probably 3 years. In town for a wedding and about to shoot a traveling food show, so we decided to stop by here after hearing all the rave reviews, and wow does this place exceed the hype. BEST French Toast I've ever had, and I'm a French Toast guy and I've traveled the country several times over and eaten more great French Toast than any man ever should in his lifetime and Gus Balon's takes the cake. 1st place, by a strong mile. The Scrambled Eggs were wonderful, great American Fried Potatoes, Home-made Toast was incredible, and the bacon was perfect (crisp, but not too lean or skinny). Can't wait to come back tomorrow for the Cinnamon Rolls and some pie. This is my new favorite restaurant in the southwest. read more

Long time patron of Gus Balons. Ordered one of our regulars for breakfast this morning, ground round. It was unedible..dry and grisly. The home fries were burnt. Management was not concerned and offered us a whopping 20% off the bill. Overall total dissapointment. read more

First Visit today and let me tell you it is now one of my favorite American dive/hole in the wall breakfast places. The bacon is cruntchy, the eggs are quite delcious, the bread is homemade and so good. I don't normally like biscuits and gravy, but I got a sdie order thinking I would take a bite and be done with it for a few years. Well I ate it all enjoying every bite, the biscuit was fluffy and crispy on the out side, not overly dense, and the gravy had large pieces of link sausage that made me sad that I got the bacon which was amazing on its own. I am a lover of pancakes... the waitress advised the waffle, and since she had no comment on any of the other questions I asked, she doesn't eat carbs and doesn't like sausage, I decided on the waffle for a change. What a good change it was. I am now blissfully sitting at work in a Carb Coma and look forward to going back as soon as possible to try other items. The food I had was so good I left with two pieces of pie and a cinnamon roll to munch on for the rest of the day. The rare down sides I saw is that the coffee is very watery, and my waitress wasn't quick on the refills even though I clearly stated to keep it full all the time. The creamer for the coffee is low fat milk, not half and half, which I prefer. I love coffee. It took 5 minutes to check out, waiting in line at the counter. The waitress was quick with the order and delivery of the food, but lost all interest in me after teh check was delivered, and I ordered $10 of to go food, which I had to flag her down to order. I am happy to go again... Hopefully they will open early enough in two days on my wy to the airport...which is totally out of the way. read more

I've been coming to this place for 30 years. The service is always as if you're family. It's never empty here which is a great sign for a restaurant. The pies and bread are baked fresh every morning. The cinnamon rolls are too and just I like had as a kid, my kids love them too. The food is always hot, the faces are always smiling and I really hope this place is around for my kids to show their kids. Thank you to the family that owns and runs this wonderful diner and keep doing what you're doing cause it's AMAZING!! read more

Today was my first time to Gus Balon's. It won't be my last. Usually I start with the positive and go negative, but I might as well cut the sh*t and get straight to the point. When you crack an egg, and the yolk has a big ugly brown spot, don't cook it up and serve it, because as it is surely a natural thing, it's also enough to gross people out. I know, #alleggsmatter, but it's gross. I couldn't finish my eggs mixed with my potatoes because they had an ugly brown spot. Now on to the good! I came with my cousin. (No, perves. This isn't Arkansas.) We were having our last breakfast together before she went home to Alaska. I'm going to miss her face! Anyways, we seated ourselves and a nice lady came to get drink orders. We both ordered coffee. My cousin says that this coffee is better than Jerry Bob's coffee, and she likes it black, so I trust her judgement. I had my first cup with normal cream and sweet and low. Then I noticed there was flavored creamer, so my second cup was Irish cream. Lovely. Our food came out super dooper fast and it was amazing. I got the two eggs with bacon and cinnamon roll French toast. Everything was pretty good except for my eggs. Odd black/brown spot in yolk and over medium eggs were actually over easy so my whites were snotty. Snotty whites are groady. Bleh. Anyways. The French toast was great. All in all, I will be back. I'll just have to let them know that I don't like snotty black eggs. I like this place because the name sounds like it should be a fancy Michelin star restaurant on the Las Vegas strip, but it's a family breakfast and lunch spot in Tucson. It does sound fancy af. read more

Rule number one: Just remember to bring cash. FACT: This restaurant was NAMED as the TOP TEN BEST breakfast places in the USA-- because of the GODDAMN AMAZING cinnamon rolls! That place is chock-FULL of blue haired people but the cinnamon rolls are soooooooooo orgasmic! The fried over-easy eggs and the homefries-- all slathered with so much butter.... I miss this place SO much since I moved to Seattle. I love how this place has been run in the family for three generations too and how the food has not changed a bit since the 1960s. Even my mother remembers the day when this place OPENED up back then. read more

THE GIANT CINNAMON ROLL WITH ICING IS DELISH . Talk about fresh homemade good prices . Hubby and I are big fans of pop and mom shops . But WOW this place is AMAZING. BREAD IS HOMEMADE CRISPY BIG THICK SLICES AND YUMMY !! Hubby had the corned beef hash plate that came with homemade hash 2 eggs 2 pieces of homemade toast home fries and coffee he practically licked the plate . He knows about hash and its the real deal . I myslef had the willie omelet which came with hardy amount of steak onions mushrooms and cheese it aslo came with 2 pieces of toast and homemade fries plus coffee. We spent $20 that is all best money i spent this week ...coming back again forsure!!!! read more

My favorite goto for a Good, fast, homelike breakfast! The Cinnamon Rolls are to die for! Bread, rolls and pies are all made on site and are exquisite! Everything includes free Coffee or Ice Tea! Super fast, even when busy. i can be in and out in 15 minutes. read more

Gus's is great! Homemade ours are to die for! Great breakfast and lunch menu. Extremely affordable. Each open day there is always a classic blue plate special as well. The homemade breads are delish and also available for purchase whole loaves. As are the PIES! Have we discussed these pies?! Yum don't miss out! read more

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Do not judge the outside appearance. The Cinnamon Rolls are TO DIE FOR!!!!! Staff is very friendly and it's the best Mom and Pop diner I have been too! A MUST TRY if you are visiting Tucson. read more

Heard many a fine thing from co-workers about this place. Finally checked it out. For the record, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the old school diners. Some of my favorite meals are from greasy spoons. Service was attentive. Food was in copious quantities. It was ok. Not outstanding, not bad. It was OK. Prices were decent. While I won't insist that this is THE place for breakfast on the east side, I won't argue if anyone suggests it. read more

Breakfast portions are huge. And the French swirl cinnamon roll isn't on the menu. If you haven't tried that there, you have to! I can't stop eyeing their pies. Pies galore there. Reminds me of the Mt Lemmon cafe. Server told us that everything is made from scratch. Very friendly and fast service. Always packed when we come here, it's that good! This last trip, the manager / owner was very insistent on not allowing us to be served part of the whole pie there. We had 3 kids with us too and I even offered to give a very generous tip, but nope, she wouldn't budge because they would rather sell by the slice if you enjoy it there. So 1 less star for not being accomodating. Now to think of it, to have a whole pie and it be the same? If I had to do it again, I would buy slices of varieties. We got sick of so much of the same pie, although it was delicious. It's nice to be able to give away the rest though. :-) Thank goodness the server we would have had was as pleasant as she possibly could be under the circumstances. Thank you for that. read more

I would have given the place one more star, but the day we went to eat there, they ran out of the cinnamon buns. The fresh homemade wheat bread was kick @ss! I Had to buy a loaf. The service was quick and the staff was very nice! Good Decaf too! read more

Found this place on Yelp and took my son there while visiting from Phoenix. Holy moly was that an amazing Cinnamon Roll. Gooey on the top, fresh and tasty in the middle and crunchy sweet on the bottom. That's all we had and our day was set in perfection. The articles and awards on the wall declare that this is the best Cinnamon Roll in the country. One award declares this Roll to be better than those Cinnamon rolls in all of Iowa, where apparently they take their rolls very seriously. You get no arguments from me. It's worth driving from Phoenix just to eat at Gus's. read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - OMG - It's Heaven on a plate. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I expected more from all the good reviews. A nice independent place. Breakfast was just bland. My friend had the turkey sandwich and thought it was terribly dry. We had a group of 6 and sat at two tables. They are all set up as 4 person booths. Not a place for larger groups. read more

Went her for my first time today. I love a good generic breakfast. I got a coffee and French toast. The coffee was great the French toast not so much. It was just like eating bread, no cinnamon what so ever, very bland. As for the service, not impressed. I walked, a couple sat outside, then 2 ladies came in after. Well, the 2 ladies were treated and served drinks before anyone said anything to me. Ok, fine I'm not a regular....but still. When I was served my food the waitress said she would get me more coffee, 10 minutes later she finally came back with more. During that time any other waitress was complaining about the couple sitting outside, seriously if you are going to complain about your job, don't do it in front of patrons. read more

I had heard about the fabled cinnamon roll at Gus Balon's, so of course I had to investigate. It certainly lives up to the size claim; share with a friend or two, especially if you order a full meal. It's tasty, but it doesn't make the cut for my top ten (in Tucson, The Good Egg does it better.) The icing is unimpressive. The texture is what does it in: ideally, a cinnamon roll should be firm and almost crisp on the outside and a touch doughy in the center curl. Gus Balon's was more dry/soggy. The menu has plenty of options, some with Mexican flair. (Try an omelet with chiles, cheese, etc.) I advise choosing one of these rather than just a standard eggs/meat/toast plate, as those are available anywhere (and usually with better execution). The prices are reasonable, and they have indoor and outdoor seating, which is a perk. Overall, though, I can't say I'd go out of my way to visit; it's quite a leg out in the southeast part of town, and I need something more spectacular to justify the gas-burning. read more

I visited for breakfast after reading all the great reviews. I wasn't greeted when I walked in the door so was a little unsure whether to seat myself or wait to be seated. After standing a minute I decided to seat myself. Menus are on the table, I greeted quickly by waitress once seated. Food was good except what they call american breakfast potatoes. I didn't like them at all and didn't see substitutions on the menu (grits, hash browns). I especially liked that the bread is all baked fresh on-site daily. Made for some great toast with jam! Overall a nice experience, but not one that will have me going back for more. read more

This is my favorite breakfast spot! My #1 reason for this is the cinnamon rolls. They are made daily at the restaurant and remind me of the ones my Grandmother would make. I have read some reviews that the place is not as good as they expected. I don't know what they had in mind but to me this is the place you go for a good breakfast with homemade goodness! Unfortunately today is the last day they are open before they close for a month (closed July 15). So if you missed them today you have to wait 1 month to have their homemade goodness! read more

My wife and I had been driving past this joint for a year or so (unfortunately) before trying it. The are known for the ginormous cinammon rolls as well as good 'ol home cooked food. The cinammon rolls are good, but kind of a novelty item, i tried one, and am glad I did, but have no intent to order them often. I go there for the chicken fried chicken. It is fabulous. That and the homemade rye bread. Those two items alone make me go here. I'm actually not sure what else is on the menu, because I never look. The service is fast and friendly. The pies in the window look awesome, but i've yet to try one. If you're in the mood for a chicken fried chicken (or steak, that's what my wife gets, and loves them) try this joint, and don't forget the rye bread. read more

I went to breakfast with my family. The place was very busy as it should be because it is so good. We sat outside in the front area of the restaurant. Service was terrible. Flies were in abundance. There was only one clean table when we sat down. There were no people at any of the tables. Its a beautiful day for dining outside. When the cashier asked me how was everything I began by telling her that we had to come inside to request table service , well she walked away and ignored me. I've been going here for over 20 years. I don't recommend eating outside. read more

This place makes their own rolls and bread???!! If that is not enough to draw you in I don't know what is. It's just a classic old diner with great food and super great service. The waiters are just so nice and accommodating. The chocolate cream pie was so satisfying and I can't wait to try the other favors. Yum! read more

How can a restaurant serve omelets and not have green pepper? Also, if you're wanting biscuits and gravy, better look elsewhere unless its a Tuesday because that is the ONLY day its served....by the way it isn't sausage gravy...just white. Lastly, the sauage has little to no flavor. That being said if you like cinnamon buns, I hear they are really good and the fresh baked bread is ok as well. read more

Love this place to death . From the awesome service /owner , who always comes by and checks on how I'm doing , to the excellent food . PLUS THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS AROUND read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Big as my head - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Stop the presses! Head out to one of the best breakfast places in the Old Pueblo. It feels like a trip back to a better time, sitting here at Gus's. I had the cheese omelette, which was huge. It came with 2 slices of buttered toast, fried American potatoes, and coffee. My partner had the famous cinammon roll, which totally blew both of us away with its taste. She gives it 5 Stars. (She still loves the cinammon rolls at LeCave's the best but says they are two totally different types of rolls.) All this food for around $10.00. The service was fast and friendly. The place was packed with a continual stream of folks coming in for breakfast. We will most certainly return to Gus's. And try some of those pies. Meanwhile, we did buy a loaf of their hearty rye bread and a loaf of wheat bread to take home. read more

What can I say? We eat here a lot now. Almost any time Mom and I go out, we get lunch here. Well, really often anyway. And the food is so good here, we get lots of different things. Eggs, french toast, bacon or BLTs or cinnamon rolls or pie or or or... I think the only thing I don't like is the applesauce and that's just a side and I just switch it out for the pickled beets. The service is always great. Ask about the new graphic being painted on the back wall. It's being done by one of the waitresses and she's doing a fantastic job! read more

After 50 years of going to this restaurant today was a disappointment. Raw meat inside the hamburger was fixed i know by a micro wave which left it tasteless and rubbery. My wife was surprised and upset by charges for salad dressing. The sandwich she had was charged as a dinner by mistake caught by her at the register and no refill on the coffee was offered. There won't be a return visit. . read more

I visited from out of town. I had the most amazing breakfast. First I had a cinnamon role. Holy Cow it was delicious. The breakfast burger was a taste of heaven. The buns are homemade...who does that! Awese!!! My hands down favorite were the patatos. Crispy breakfast potatos. Not the sloppy mush served at most places. I know the owner (I have to make this disclosure) and she made me a pecan pie. I just about fell out of my chair. The best piece of pie I've eaten. The crust was perfection. People of Tucson you have a gem!!!! read more

If you are looking for a delicious, well cooked breakfast at a reasonable price, look no further! My husband and I enjoyed the #3 and the # 5 which included 2 eggs (our style), bacon or sausage, choice of toast and hashbrowns or breakfast potatoes. The portions were ample. Oh, and did I mention the Cinnamon roll we shared? The bread and pastries are all made on site! The setting feels like a slightly upscale dinner with a nice hustle and bustle of patrons and team members. There is outdoor seating as well. Where has Gus been all my life? Go give it a try today! P.S. I believe they serve lunch too! read more

Very friendly and personal staff. Sticky buns are great. ($2.25). Toast comes with eggs. Homemade buns. Great fries. Reasonably Priced, and opens at 7am. read more

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I went breakfast with my family. It was crowded, we were waiting to be seated about 10min. I ordered supreme omelette which comes with coffee, toast and some potatoes. It was a huge portion. I ate pan cake as well, it was very fluffy and delicious. Coffee was a little weak to me but it was ok. Service was good. read more

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WHAT HAPPENED? I have been going to this restaurant since the '60's when they were at Country Club and Grant. The food was absolutely homemade and always very, very good. Yesterday, my breakfast made me sad... I ordered a simple dish of 2 eggs over medium (I used to order over easy but so many times, the white is raw and that gags me) a slice of ham and hash browns, since they offered them. I assumed they still made their own bread and ordered white toast (wrong assumption). The good: coffee tasted fresh The meal: Eggs cooked hard. I know, I know: over medium is difficult to get right...maybe I should switch to scrambled. Also, the griddle was too hot and the corners of the egg whites were crispy. Hashbrowns: cold, almost to the point of still frozen. Toast: end of the bag pieces; not homemade, so slathered in butter so as not to see the small, crusty end pieces. Ham: super greasy. Well, that's another restaurant from my hometown memories I don't have to go back and visit. read more

This morning was my first visit to this infamous diner, and I have to say I was pleasantly impressed. The staff was attentive without being annoying, and the price is right! I ordered #10 which is a classic 2 eggs, 2 French toast slices, and bacon.... The French toast was wonderful and made with home made bread! The coffee isn't anything special, but no one expected it to be. Everyone at the table loved the pancakes! We finished the meal with a piece of coconut cream pie and it was amazing! I give this place a thumbs up! We will be back! read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

First time going there was seated right a way got our drink order the server came took our breakfast order I'd say no less than 10 minutes we got our order very impressive. Getting a refill on coffee not so much was almost done with our breakfast before we got a refill. Prices are great will be back! read more

Great on their feet servers. I walked in alittle unorientated, found a seat and the view of an traditional American breakfast diner came into view. The local crowd of mostly retired folks with visiting smiles, and one gentleman reading his morning paper at the counter, had a most warming feel of dinners I knew as a kid in the late 70's. With worn counters from years of service, and the home made bread; this place is has an outstanding breakfast. Eggs over easy and bacon that was cooked to my perfection. Traditional charm, and food priced to the local economy. A whopping 6.99 ticket for a full on breakfast with three cups of coffee. To drive past here hungry is taking a punch at American tradition. 5 plus stars! Frank Papp read more

Fast, simple, home cooked food. read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Bacon, eggs and french toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I can not say enough good things about Gus's. Norm has been going here since Gus was around to visit and could take a break from the kitchen. Everyone is friendly, the food is amazing, coffee is great, service outstanding and the bread and pies are obviously made from scratch. Try the breakfast sandwich it'll hold you over all day and leave a good tip! read more

Cinnamon roll, cinnamon roll, cinnamon roll. It's criminally good. Total classic diner where they're on you every five seconds about your coffee refill, which I love, especially when the coffee is as awesome as it was. The only thing keeping it from that elusive fifth star was that the roll wasn't hot enough - it would have tasted so much better than it already did. read more

We passed by here yesterday while running errands. Our waitress was very nice (thus the only reason for 3 stars, otherwise would be 2). DH had and omelet which he thought was pretty good and he thought the homemade bread was quite tasty. I had a waffle which was very tough and difficult to cut even with a knife! How does that even happen? My sausage was very thin patties and almost burned on one side. Everyone working there was extremely nice, but I don't expect we will go back. read more