Bites Nearby: Hilton Road Cafe

Hilton Road Cafe, 3150 Hilton Rd., Ferndale, (248) 548-0008

The is named for the four-laner that cuts through east Ferndale. But it's the kind of little diner that could easily be found on a dirt road somewhere on the outskirts of Mayberry. It's friendly and quaint – note the folk art roosters around the room that seats just 25 – but that would only go so far if the food wasn't consistently excellent.

Breakfast, served anytime, features skillets overflowing with potatoes, eggs and a variety of toppings from sausage and bacon to feta and baby spinach. A selection of sandwiches, quesadillas and even a buffalo burger grace the menu, as well as feta-dotted Greek salads in two portion sizes.

House specials range from comfort food staples such as meatloaf and spaghetti to the once avant garde quiche. Portions are generous – if the menu says "monster," take it seriously. Homemade cakes and pies beckon from a glass case above the small counter.

Aunt Bea couldn't have done it better than Effie Lambros and her staff. Lambros describes her place as "a hole in the wall," but it's much more than that.

Recommended dishes:  Omelets, country Benedict, Greek salad 

Prices: Breakfast dishes $2.95-$7.75, sandwiches and salads $$4.95-$7.99, desserts $3.50-$3.75 

Credit cards: MC and Visa.

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

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