The Breakfast Club'

by Debbie Francis and Tracey Rolandelli'

There are so many interesting and yummy restaurants for breakfast in the MacArthur neighborhood. We checked out a few and here is what we found. Glenn's Hot Dogs, 3506 MacArthur Blvd., open from 7:30 a.m. till 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. We shared a ribeye'steak and scrambled egg breakfast. The steak had a smoky flavor which was no surprise when David and Kim, the owners and cooks, told us their secret recipe contains liquid smoke. The hash browns are from fresh potatoes each day and are especially tasty because David cleans the grill as he cooks. Coffee is a medium roast and the waitress kept our cups full without being asked.'

Glenn's has a unique specialty menu of assorted gourmet sausages. Spicy Chicken Mango, Bockwurst, Lemon Chicken, Turkey Italian, Kielbasa, Linguisa, Hot Link, and Beef Franks are all on the specialty list. The ground beef is ground fresh daily, so the hamburgers are indescribably good. The grilled crab sandwich is crisp and fresh, and the veggie burger and turkey burger are great too. '

The front of the cafe is light and airy, with a counter surrounding a quasi-exhibition style cooking area for entertainment. In the back are tables and chairs for large parties and those who like a quieter meal. Glenn's has a parking lot for customers. '

Mel's Burger and Pancake House, located at 3400 Fruitvale Ave., is a family operation with mom, dad, and two sisters. Mel's is home to the sweetest, most tender, slow-cooked ham we have tasted in the neighborhood so far. Cooked on the site, the ham and eggs combination is the most popular dish, says Jennifer, one of the sisters. The buckwheat pancakes were also wonderfully fluffy as well as chock full of buckwheat. Other varieties include old fashioned buttermilk, blueberry, French with strawberry and whipped cream, Hawaiian cinnamon, and waffles. Sandwiches and burgers are also available. You can find extra seating in the back of this traditional, knotty-pine establishment. Their hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyday. '

Café Galleria, at 4100 Redwood Rd., Suite 16 (in the Lincoln Square shopping center), has a full breakfast. You can eat in a relaxing front area with couches and local artwork are displayed on the walls. Patrons can get comfy, read a book, sip a latte, and snack on baked goods or eat hearty omelets and pancake combos prepared by Jay Yu and family. We had the chicken-apple sausage omelet, with mushrooms, tomatoes, and red potatoes, and it was delicious. Café Galleria also has a lunch menu, offering gourmet burgers, bulgoki (a Korean beef specialty), salads, sandwiches, and coffee beans to take home. You can order ahead of time by calling them at 530-8737. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.'