Vicky’s Cafe

Vicky’s Café is a whole-​in-​the-​wall on Alameda, a real ‘blank-and-you’ll-miss-it’ type of place. It would be very easy to drive right on past Vicky’s, but should one do so? (No) Vicky’s offers good food in a friendly atmosphere with great prices. While the restaurant was not especially busy when I dined for breakfast, my coffee cup never once ran dry. This, ultimately, is how I determine good service. It takes almost no time to refill drinks, so I really appreciate a server who is attentive enough to do so.
Vicky’s is never going to attract the ever-​growing crowd of yuppie immigrants to Denver, which says more about them than about the restaurant, but it is a terrific example of the kind of small establishment that Denver used to have in such wonderful abundance. The inside is (loosely-​understood) decorated with Broncos emblems and children’s painting of breakfast food (which, everybody has to understand is awesome). The menu is fairly standard greasy-​spoon breakfast with a fair amount of (delicious) Mexican options as well. So, I say to you, people from Wisconsin, (since you seem to be coming to Denver in greater droves than most others), instead of heading to the Highlands, and instead of waiting in huge brunch lines among a crowd of people who look and sound just like you, why not try Vicky’s? Why not cram your car into the tiny parking lot next to the carniceria? Why not savour something without pretense? What do you have to lose?

I’m always on the lookout for funky, quaint, unique places that those with their noses too high in the air might drive past. I noticed Vicky’s on my way to Breakfast Paradise a few weeks ago, made a mental note that I wanted to try it, and today was the day. Let’s dispatch with the only downside quickly, and that is a relative one — the tiny parking lot is virtually impassable when it’s filled with half a dozen cars. The solution is easy — go to the next street corner to the east (Bryant Street) and just park on the street.
Everything else about Vicky’s was terrific. The little dining room is simple but bright and pleasant. Our server was attentive, helpful, polite and very pleasant. I don’t know, but Vicky’s has all the appearances of a family-​run operation, and I love supporting Mom, Pop and the kids working hard and pursuing a dream. Food quality was excellent — great chorizo, delicious green chile, good chile rellenos — eggs and pancakes were cooked perfectly — I grant you that shouldn’t be rocket science but we all know that it doesn’t always happen. Value is remarkable — breakfast steak with 2 eggs, hash browns and pancakes for $ 5.25. Choose a protein other than the breakfast steak and the price sky rockets to $ 6.50. Both the breakfast and lunch menus include Mexican and traditional «American» options.
I don’t know how long Vicky’s has been in business, but in the absence of any previous Unilocal reviews I’m inferring they may be reasonably new. No matter, Vicky’s Café is worth discovering however long they’ve been open. Welcoming and caring people, good food, simple but pleasant environment and great value — ought to be a recipe for success in any cookbook — I sure hope it is for Vicky’s.