Advocate Best-of Contest: Goldrush Cafe wins Best Breakfast/Brunch

Eggs and toast at Gold Rush Cafe: Photo by Danny Fulgencio

As part of Advocate’s yearlong best-of reader’s choice contest, we asked you to choose your favorite breakfast joint in the neighborhood, and Goldrush Cafe came out on top. Maybe it’s because of the inclusive atmosphere, where retirees gripping newspapers can mingle in one booth, as hipsters dig in to chicken and waffles one table over. Or, it could be the classic breakfast menu with a dash of Tex-Mex flair, such as the beloved John Wayne special, with eggs, cheese, salsa, tortillas, and crispy bacon, served over hash browns. But most likely, Goldrush Cafe’s popularity is thanks to owners and Lakewood residents George, Virgil, Mark, and Liz Sanchez. George Sanchez says he has served cafe customers from 5 a.m.-6 p.m., five days a week, for the past 34 years. He makes knowing his customers by name a top priority. “We are family-owned, and we treat our customers like family,” Sanchez says. “It’s not our business, it’s our life.”