The restaurant is kinda cute. Old but adorned with pictures of The Little Rascals which adds a certain charm. It's very small and the folks working there saw us walk in yet it took several minutes before they came over and showed us to a table. The younger man took our drink order and brought us our drinks (one was wrong but not a big deal) rather quickly. It was probably more then 10 more minutes before the waitress came over to take our order. It's not a hugely long time but then again she walked by several times in this very small restaurant and did not even acknowledge us. She wasn't very personable but took our order and the food came relatively quickly. The food was okay. Not great. Not terrible. The eggs were overdone and the sausage looked really over cooked. My homemade hash was nothing to write home about. She never checked back until we were basically done, even my kids who eat rather slowly were finished. She was very interested in chatting with a guy up at the counter during that time, however, and filling the ketchup bottles. The pricing was reasonable and if you are looking for a quick bite without a lot of expectations, this is your place. It seems like this place has been around for a long time and, it's in a nice location in the heart of Ben Lomand. With a little training on customer service, a few smiles all around or hiring wait staff with more personality, and adding a few spices and interest to their food, they could really have a gold mine. And they should really tell the cook to speak a little lower when mentioning she needs to go out and have a smoke. read more

Cool little joint just off the highway. My family and I stopped here post camping trip from Big Basin. The waitress (and I feel terrible for forgetting her name as she was the sweetest person) was amazing. She realized we had a bigger party and offered to seat us outside, which we were totally fine with. They also let us bring our 4 lil' dogs out on the patio, which was great as it was a hot day and felt terrible leaving them in the car. She brought waters out for the dogs. Upon bring out the menu's she informed us they were under new management and that they had just hired a new cook. She did give us fair warning that he was a little slow. read more

I went here after a camping trip in Big Basin. This is a small dinner off of Highway 9 in the town of Ben Lomond, like 3 miles out of Boulder Creek and probably 10 or so miles north of Santa Cruz. I'm pretty fond of their choices and menu. You can get their breakfast specials with your choice of hot cakes, biscuits and gravy, or toast. Most breakfast plates were around $9 dollars or less, which is awesome. I had the corn beef hash with biscuits and gravy. I recommend everything on that plate, including the home fries. Good food for the price, and what seemed like easy parking. The place seemed to get busy around 8AM. I'd recommend this place as a good pit stop to grab breakfast on their way home. All the comfort food definitely helped me refuel after a spending the previous day on that Berry Creek Falls loop hike! read more

I will not be attacking anyone in particular in MY review... I have been here 3 times. Every time I come here, the food is good. I have only ever been here with groups, and the food is always correct to our specifications. The service could be better, as far as attention to detail, but it is a small mom and pop type diner, and the employees are most likely family, or locals. The diner has always been clean, and are great at accommodating whatever you need. I will be stopping by again the next time I pass thru~! read more

This place is a another breakfast dump in the mountains..... Small and danky surrounding and the last time i was here i got a hair in my food and the time before that i had an extremely rude waitress.... The food wasn't even that good, another valley spot bites the dust!! These places in the valley are small and gross.... Take the time to go up into Scotts Valley if you want a decent breakfast served to you by decent human beings... read more

This is definitely the best breakfast we've had in SLV. The staff is super friendly, the coffee is high quality, the food is delicious, and the prices are reasonable. It's not a greasy spoon breakfast, but rather well made high quality food. I love that I could sub apple chicken sausage for the meat choice and that said sausage was split open and griddled. The decor is kind of 50s throwback with counter service if you like, and the staff all greeted us as if we were guests in their home. Love this place. read more

Lived in those hills for 12 years and almost bought it from the owners before we moved down to the low lands. Every Sunday we went, pigged out and moaned for the rest of the day from over eating. Spanky's is a bit of heaven in the majestic redwood forests and if you aren't in a hurry, just want to sit and enjoy the food and people watch, please go. The chicken fried steak is the best there is on this planet as they do not deep fry it and it is real steak, not chopped meat! Remember, you are in the mountains, lay back and enjoy the hustle and bustle and remember, you are not in the lowlands anymore, you are in the mountains where when you do have the time to go out and eat, you enjoy it. Take time and enjoy it..............it ain't San Fran for Gods sake! read more

A wonderful brunch with lovely people. Probably the best if you are visiting Big Basin. FYI: They have a lot of vegetarian options

GROSS!! I have been there 2 times once for chicken fried steak it was Soggy and dripping with grease. The gravy was unedible. The next time I went there was just for a simple breakfast of eggs bacon and potatoes the eggs were so salty I couldn't even eat them the potatoes were cold and so was the bacon. I never going back! They should sell the business is somebody who really knows how to cook. read more

A decent place for breakfast. Cozy, local and friendly. We all got some version of eggs. I had biscuits and gravy. Not the best I've had but certainly not the worst. Service was good. Coffee was replenished frequently but not overly so. The small place was packed on a Sunday morning. read more

Spanky's serves basic, no-frills breakfast food, grilled sandwiches and burgers. According to their menu, they are only open from 6 am to 1:30 pm. They have a tiny kitchen that you can see from our seat within the small dining room. We ordered a guacamole burger with macaroni salad ($6.95), a grilled turkey sandwich with potato salad ($6.75) and a french toast ($2.50). Food is decent but not great. I suspect that they get a lot of business from locals - kind of like a place where everybody knows your name. Bottom Line: I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but this would probably be a sound choice if you are in the area. read more

Really loved it they even stayed open late for us too. The food was excellent and just overall a really great experience. Get the stuffed French toast. Oh and the eggs Benedict is killer too. Thanks guys definitely be back soon read more

This spot has a few tables available inside, luckily they have tables available outside. They make a mean chorizo scramble, Ok chicken and waffles, not a fan of the French toast wasn't anything special, some fruit would have made it a bit better, also had their biscuits and gravy, So good...food comes out fast and their prices are good. Waitress lady was very friendly. Nice spot for a quick breakfast with friendly service. read more

Spanky's is my favorite breakfast spot in both the Santa Cruz AND Monterey county. The proof is in the gravy. It tastes INCREDIBLE; so full of flavor that is often missing from most establishments' gravy. I can only repeat oft-spoken positive cliche's, because they are oh-so-true for me at only this establishment: incredible food, as well as unbeatable prices (and portions). Super nice folks run it, and the cooks are very consistent. Family-owned, hole-in-the-wall. As far as I'm concerned, spots like this are life-affirming and make the world a better place. I know I will dream of this breakfast spot for years to come. read more

We had a great breakfast here while visiting for a wedding nearby. Family run, homemade dishes. The French toast was fabulous! Cute throw back to "Our Gang" decor with a nod to its main character: Spanky! read more

I was in town for softball tournament and wanted to have a nice local breakfast. Spanky's came up and I came in and ordered simple poached eggs and biscuits and gravy. Perfection! The eggs were amazing and the biscuits and gravy filled all of the empty spots and made me feel just like comfort food should make you feel. Excellent service as well even though they were busy. Extremely content! read more

The service was warm and friendly but not intrusive, a fine line. The food was amazing. FRESH, not frozen, veggies in my delectable breakfast served with a perfect cup of coffee. We will stop here next time we visit! read more

Hubs and I came here for a "hangover breakfast." The family and friends atmosphere pared with the delicious home style cooking perked us right up. Definitely going to mark our map so we can return! read more

Spanky's - Patio dining - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ben Lomond, California

Waitress was very friendly. Food was good and dineresque but nothing crazy. Definitely a happy and comfortable breakfast!

They are busyyy. Great breakfast and the pancakes are to die for. Inexpensive and you can't miss it on the roadside.

I love this place. The decor is very country and looks straight out of a movie. I find it very charming, I hope they don't ever remodel or update the interior. The waitresses here are all so friendly and always play with my baby. The food is always good, my two favorite dishes are the huevo rancheros and the egg crepe. Check this place out for some yummy, comforting, country eating! read more

OK, in all fairness I probably should only give them 4 stars since I only ever order one item anymore, but it's SO DAMN GOOD that they're getting 5 stars. I've been eating the occasional breakfast here for ... 20 years??... nah, I can't be that old... let's just say I've been coming here for awhile... The staff is so super friendly, breakfast on the patio in the springtime is fabulous, and there's very little I wouldn't do for their french toast with strawberry sauce. Is it a hole-in-the-wall? Yeah, kinda. But so friggin' yummy!! read more

Went here again on our way back home from vacationing in Boulder Creek. Love this place! The people who own/work here are great! Extremely friendly and will always go the extra step to make your visit more than memorable. The food here is fantastic, I've yet to eat anything I haven't just loved! If your in the area and looking for one of the best breakfasts/lunches around check out Spanky's! Fabulous value all the way around! read more

See all

Such a great little cafe with good food, pricing & staff. Love walking up here with my little one & is always a great stop when I'm hosting friends and family from out of town. read more

Spanky's is so good that I had to make a Yelp account about it. They're small, but I tell you hwat, they have the best food in the valley, probably the county. Get the steak and eggs breakfast, the cook is an absolute wizard of ribeyes. I mean, I'm a good cook, but I go there and just want to figure out how they made it so darn tasty. 10/10 would binge on coffee and steak again. read more

The stuffed french toast is to die for! I'm drooling about it right now. The place is a quaint, typical small town joint, just like you would expect. But yummmmm the food is delicious! I have a cabin up in Boulder Creek, so whenever I'm up there I'm sure to head over to Spanky's for breakfast. I can't wait to eat it again! read more

Cutest little diner. My little daughter insists on having "cheesandwich" in any restaurant. She got her wish, and I had huevos rancheros that were good, maybe a tad too much bacon for my taste - well, not that big a deal. Very sweet lady is serving the tables. A review from earlier this year mentions a new cook who was a little slow. He must be a good learner because our food was prepared at lightning speed. Will definitely stop again for lunch. read more

Great little local breakfast and lunch place. Homemade corned beef hash, Croissant French toast, blueberry pancakes, stuffed French toast. Plus hamburgers and sandwiches. Friendly staff.. Seating outside in the rear. read more

Another stellar breakfast. The part is that for the price, I still have a hard time finishing my plate. Portions are plentiful and prices competitive. They're doing an excellent job and mornings are always busy there. The staff is constantly checking if things are ok and asking if you need anything refilled. What a gem in little old Ben Lomond. read more

I've been here several times with various friends, and it never disappoints. Great breakfast food with a huge menu. The homemade corned beef hash is delicious. As are the biscuits and gravy, which I had only had once before in another state, and Spanky's are better (both the biscuit and the gravy). For lunch I've had the mushroom melt and the Reuben, both very good. The only suggestion I would make for them would be to have some vegan options, even just a few. I have two vegan friends and one vegetarian friend who I've never taken here because except for the green salad, there wouldn't be much for them to eat. But that's picky and not enough to take away a star! Really friendly service too. Come hungry. read more

I thought the food here was pretty good. I ordered the blueberry hot cakes with bacon and eggs. Came here on Mothers Day and wasn't busy luckily. Our server was great. Very attentive and friendly. I really liked it. It's in a small town and the restaurant had a at home feel. read more

Spanky's - Blueberry Hot Cakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ben Lomond, California

This place was great really hometown cooking. The people coming in knew everyone by name. By the way my name is Arturo and I will be back

My husband and I ate breakfast at Spanky's yesterday when visiting the town of Ben Lomond over the weekend. Very cute little hole in the wall with a great menu and very decent prices. I ordered their signature french toast with their special batter, fluffy & delicious! Different recipe that anywhere else that I have tried. My husband had the breakfast burrito with homefries. Yum! Lots of Little Rascal Photos and memorabilla, talked about all the episodes that we watched as kids. Stop & eat here if you are in the area! It's well worth it! read more

Croissant French toast with reduced strawberry sauce.... 1 word: Yum!..... It was simple and fantastic. The Coffee was good. The order of pancakes my son ordered (with chocolate chips) was huge! Cute little place, they did a cute job decorating it. I had to circle around the block because I pulled in the wrong spot for parking, but that's on me cuz I get flustered when I'm driving in new places. Staff was friendly, and you could tell it was a locals place by the way she interacted with the guests. If I'm in the area again I'll stop in for breakfast again. No bells and whistles, just straight down simple, yummy food. read more

We drove to this area to hike in Big Basin and stayed in Brookdale. We got up the next morning and decided to try a local breakfast spot, when we asked the front desk for breakfast recommendations we were promptly pointed in the Spanky's direction. We were hungry and excited as we love breakfast and usually teeny tiny breakfast joints have the best food. We walk up and realize there's a "cash only" sign, they have an ATM inside so that was fine but a little odd. We weren't really greeted at the door which was odd and we stood around for a second before we decided to just sit (we're not ones to be damsels in distress...We figure ish out!). We were greeted in an okay way lol we don't expect Disneyland cheery but she was polite no big deal. Their money is awesome, everything looked so amazing. I usually order eggs Benedict anywhere they have it but I decided on ordering the blueberry cake sandwich. I know how that sounds lol it was just two large blueberry pancakes, two eggs and two pieces of perfectly cooked bacon. The eggs were PERFECT (I'm picky about eggs) and the pancakes were delicious. The only thing I didn't like is the fact that the space is SO TINY and the chairs are really uncomfortable. read more

I had the mushroom cheeseburger it was cooked perfectly super juicy!! The curly fries was good too I just couldn't eat them all because I got so full from the Mushroom cheeseburger!! read more

Local Ben Lomond favorite has all your breakfast favorites, friendly staff. (Cash only)

I've been coming here since I was a kid. This place has revived it's former glory. Good deals, friendly staff, small town vibe. Come early, it gets busy. The bacon, gravy, and potatoes stand out among any diner I've ever been to. Ok my mouth is watering. Must have gravy soon... and bacon. read more

Stopped at Spanky's because we drove by and it looked super cute! It was delicious and the staff was awesome!

Very tasty and reasonably priced breakfast! However very odd service... our server had 3-5 tables over the course of our meal and was VERY FLUSTERED. We were passing though on a hiking / camping trip and were not in any kind of rush, so NDB, and we were happy to be allowed to bring our puppy with us in the outdoor seating area. However, very basic things like bringing menus to us, bringing regular sugar to the table for coffee and not just Splenda (even after requested), bringing us back the change we asked for, etc were lacking. Other patrons were sharing items across the tables to pick up her slack... I waited tables for about 10 years, so I am usually pretty forgiving, but come on! read more