Gluten free waffles AND pancakes that are actually amazing? I almost cried. Not ashamed. The place is adorable but gets packed on weekends, so bring patience and arrive hungry, portions are huge, food comes out hot, and you will absolutely clean your plate. Best part? My gluten-eating family who could have gone ANYWHERE also loved their meals. No pity plates. Everyone won. Our college student requests this place every single time we visit which tells you everything you need to know. They don't have a car, so we are essentially their personal Uber and we are okay with it as long as we end up here. A rare and beautiful thing. read more

Their food is so meh IMO. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I don't get the hype. The service is super friendly though, and their diner-y vibe is nice. The food is just nothing to write home about - I could make it myself without much effort, for a much lower price, and just better. It used to be worth it to come in every now and then because their prices were so low, but just like everywhere else now, the prices are high and not worth it. A rave: I got food poisoning recently, NOT at Morning Thunder, but they were a contender. When I called to let them know, they handled it extremely well. They were surprised but said they would look closely at everything to make sure everything was safe and sanitary. (And yes, I did call to let them know when I confirmed it was not them.) read more

I heart Morning Thunder Café and have been eating there since it opened in the 90s... I love that it hasn't changed one bit in that amount of time -- why would you mess with excellence? best "diner" breakfast in all of Chico. all their hearty traditional dishes are incredulousauce -- I have them dump a ladle of country gravy on everything, even pancakes and sundaes (kinda kidding?), but my pro tip today is this: how to have a delicious breakfast that is about as healthy as you can get, listen up: order the "St. Lawrence Scramble" egg whites only, substitute spinach for potatoes and tomatoes for toast, BAAAAAMIGO! and I even eat the dumb orange wedges (but not the parsley); and then next week reward yourself with a huge plate of their uncanny potatoes and yes, throw a ladle or two of gravy on it! yer welcome XOXO "love Health & Gravy" ~Maya Angelou~ read more

Morning Thunder Cafe - a simple yet amazing combination (onions are very well cooked) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chico, California

See all

Waiters were really nice, the menu looked really good, the food was tasty and the location was nice. read more

Morning Thunder Cafe - Child menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chico, California

See all

We stopped in on a Tuesday morning for breakfast. There was no wait about 9 am and we were told to pick our seat. The waitress stopped by quickly and I I opted for the huevos rancheros with the refried beans. Overall our visit was good. The staff was friendly and the restaurant was clean. That said, I would not order the huevos rancheros again. I was caught off guard with the amount of Mexican rice and how it was incorporated into the dish (not as a side). And the knife cuts on the green onion could be much improved. Small slices of green onion are better than chunks. Overall, it was a good experience. But that particular dish could be refined. read more

See all

I really enjoyed the food! It's a busy, cozy little diner with a great vibe. The service was okay, but the overall experience was classic and welcoming. read more

Morning Thunder Cafe - California Egg Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chico, California

Biscuits and gravy: 5 stars Vegetaters: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Would definitely come back here again! Delicious food, and friendly, efficient service. read more

We went to try this place in Quincy and it had great reviews. Great breakfast, had an all American dish with a side on pancakes. Great food, clean and quality meal. The coffee was great and tasty. Service was great and the ambiance was fun. read more

See all

I like their 2-2-2 as you get to choose what you want. Their coffee is the bomb! The service is spot on and love the vibe of the place.

I love this cute little diner! It has an old-fashioned vibe to it and excellent service. The environment is clean and well managed. Bathroom is clean also. The prices are good considering the portion sizes you get and the waffle dish is delicious and fluffy. I love their generosity with the free coffee refills! read more

Great diner ambience. Friendly and efficient service. We ordered the two eggs breakfast with a side of a beef patty, the St Thomas omelette with hash browns and toast, and the Gluten Free French Toast with berries. The food was good with plentiful portions. read more

See all

Came back for late breakfast after 10 years away. Just as good as always and fresh great service, which is a signature of this establishment. As many meals as I have enjoyed here over the years, the service is remarkable every time. They have cracked the code of the perfect meal. From the Bidwell Egg to the gluten free waffles, Morning Thunder for the WIN! Although I'm too old for Java shakes these days, their selection of iced teas surpasses expectations; especially since they're right across from T Bar! So many great things to say about one of my favorite Chico breakfast spots! read more

Morning Thunder Cafe - Half AVOCADO, BACON & CHEESE Omelette; gluten free Waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chico, California

Our Favorite breakfast place for 25 years! The coffee is amazing! We love the Potatoes!!! Highly recommend. read more

Great food exceptional service and value. This place Is immaculate. Our server Kelly was Top notch read more

The people are helpful and nice. The food is really great. Just a great place to meet and have breakfast or lunch. read more

See all

Great service. Food was fine, but nothing to rave over in my opinion. The ambience was nice and that was what stuck with me. Busy but short wait time. I'd come back for brekky read more

This is one of the greatest restaurants ever. If only there were a six star rating! The burger was incredibly fresh, tasty, savory, and cheap, along with the fries. The service was excellent, as always with Miss Dee. Ambiance was really something nice, and I strongly recommend this place. read more

Large servings and very friendly staff. Don't expect gourmet and you won't be disappointed. Their homemade biscuits are a meal all by themselves. Needless to say, there was a to-go box involved. I would go again if I were good and hungry. read more

The service was impeccable. Best service I have ever received. The ladies there r super nice and awesome. Got seated very quickly and ordered quick as well. Coffee refills were speedy, always had a full cup when wanted. Classic diner look with some nice outside seating. We chose to sit outside on this nice sunny day. I got the biscuits and gravy with hash browns, classic brunch item. The biscuits and gravy were great. The biscuits weren't dry and they didn't skimp u on the gravy. Just amazing. My friend go the pancakes and they were huge! Definitely a place id go again. Food great, service even greater! read more

Wow wow wow. Best chicken fried steak ever. The quality is there. I've never been so impressed with the potatoes too! And the gravy hands down also the best I've ever had. Coffee was excellent and service was attentive and genuinely kind. Really glad I stopped by today. Thank you!! read more

Great breakfast experience! Really nice retro diner environment. Outdoor patio is great too. The servers were attentive and personable.

We like to eat here for breakfast. The breakfast bagel is delicious. The staff is always kind and polite. Even when they are busy you still get your food in a good time. The puporteons are huge. I can never finish mine. Great food, service. Price is good. read more

The food the service is amazing! I love the outdoor seating. The staff is friendly and professional. It's a favorite spot of mine

Customer service sucked! My food was on the counter for almost 10 minutes. Asked for sausage links they gave me a sausage patty that looked like it wasn't even cooked right. Waitress with a pixie cut was rude. read more

Morning Thunder Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chico, California

The staff is friendly. The food is good. I wish it was a little more refurbished but it's pretty good in a pinch.

I just LOVE this place and thought it was time for a review. The service is great, the place is always busy, but well worth it! It is definitely in our rotation of Sunday breakfast routines. The food is spot on EVERY time! Favorite is the Thunder Egg with added bacon! Yumm! Just a fun local cafe with really good food! read more

The food is delicious! One can tell it was prepared with care. The pancakes are so good and beware. If you order one it's the size of a man hole cover! They also serve lunch and all the entrees looked yummy. Inside it's roomy and comfortable and is reminiscent of a 50s diner. read more

One of my favorite breakfast spots in Chico. My go to order is Chicken Fried Steak with home fries. Crispy outside and juicy thick steak. Enjoy the Biscuits and gravy or their apple cinnamon muffins ( new discovery) , Excellent service every time and never have issues with food order. There is fair sized seating inside as well as the patio. Usually a wait but moves rather quickly. Interior kinda gives me that 50's diner theme with a collection of coffee mugs hanging over the counter space flare. read more

Excellwent breakfast, watch out for pancakes they are LARGE, my husbqnd ordered 2 and couldn't finish. Warm and attentive staff. read more

Morning Thunder Cafe is an all around awesome diner!! I ordered a omelette with sausage mushrooms Swiss cheese and added onions! GOOD GOD YUM so much food and the hashbrowns- AMAZING! I'm new to the gluten free scene for health reasons and they offer gluten free breads and pancakes! The Ambiance is like a 50's diner which I dig on!! And our server, actually everyone there was super on it and kind! Yes I'm going back and can't wait! Refreshed to see good business ethics are still alive and well in Chico! read more

We had a party of 10 for breakfast today, and the experience was awesome! The food was delicious and our waitress Kelly was so sweet and kind. Kelly and others were very attentive and made us feel welcome as they checked on us continuously. It's a small restaurant, but they were able to accommodate a party of ten without issues. Recommend! Happy holidays! read more

Came out pretty quick and came out decently quick. Feel like most of the menu requires the add on. Cost was about $45 for two. Not my favorite breakfast spot in town but does have a large menu when everyone can't decide on lunch or breakfast. read more

Morning Thunder Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chico, California

See all

Scarlet and Caylen are the BEST!! The whole team works well and friendly. Cooks are outstanding. Food delicious! Clean, supports local community, packed with returning customers and much more. Love the decor and cleanliness. We have made this our stop weekly. Grateful! read more

Went in for brunch. The GF waffle was delicious. Husband couldn't tell it was gluten free. Service was top notch, kind and helpful. If weather permits, sit on the patio. Inside is kind of loud. read more

The food was amazing and at a good price, the service was excellent!! Definitely recommend read more

Morning Thunder Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chico, California

Food is okay. The space is small and at times feels crowded. Service is always friendly and attentive.

09/11/2023 and it crowded. There is a lot of people in here. The servers are jumping and doing there absolutely best to keep up with the traffic food. And, the ambiance was normal and busy setting. And, the waiter was very nice read more

In town and decided to try this place for breakfast since it has a lot of good reviews. It's a def diner vibe and the staff so courteous and friendly. We could smell the breakfast from the parking lot and parking wasn't an issue. Dining area appears busy at first but there is a side hall with seating. Food came out rather quickly. The coffee was good and there is no flavored creamer but you get creamer and side of vanilla flavoring. The pancake filled the plate. The menu publicizes their bacon and it was pretty good. The California omelet came with avo and sprouts and delish salsa on top. The dollop of sour cream was a lil much but if it's your thing then you'll like this omelet. I rather have it served with tortilla chips so I can have chips and salsa with my omelet. It's never a bad time for chips and salsa. All in all the ambience is diner and the food is diner. Can't go wrong. read more

See all

Morning Thunder Cafe is pretty well known in the Chico area as one of THE BEST breakfast spots I. Town! I can't disagree! I've only tried breakfast foods here, but they also serve lunch. There's usually a quick wait to be seated on weekends, so plan accordingly. Hash brows are a must have for me any time I go out to breakfast (I hate when restaurants only offer "country potatoes" lol). The biscuits and gravy here is very good! The only reason our breakfast wasn't perfect was because of the waffle :( it was cold and doughy; it almost tasted uncooked. Not a deal breaker for me, because I wouldn't normally order a waffle with breakfast (my boyfriend did). Regardless, Morning Thunder will ALWAYS be on my "must visit" list when I'm in Chico. read more

See all

The food was amazing and the service was excellent! My family and I will be back soon:)