Judy's Family Restaurant pecan waffles live up to the praise
The reader was right: I enjoyed the pecan waffle at Judy's Family Restaurant.
- My friend's omelet was slathered with Swiss cheese on the outside. Yes, please!
CANTON − When I began my restaurant review adventures in Stark County, a reader wrote to say I needed to try Judy’s Family Restaurant because “they have the best pecan waffles.”
I didn’t forget that email. When new friend Jaylen West wanted to join me for a breakfast review, I decided a visit to Judy’s was long overdue.
West is a software engineer who works freelance from a home office in Green. We met at Judy’s on a Tuesday for breakfast.
A much-anticipated waffle
I ordered coffee, orange juice and the much-anticipated Belgian pecan waffle. Our waitress, Tanya, gave me her “good choice” smile.
West decided on a mushroom and tomato omelet with Swiss cheese, served with his choice of rye toast.
The omelet surprised me a little. I’m used to the cheese being tucked inside the fold, but this one had a generous amount of melted Swiss slathered atop the omelet. It looked yummy!
The toast also came unbuttered, something West appreciated because he could apply just the right amount and add a few dabs of jelly.
My thick yet fluffy pecan Belgian waffle arrived hot, with two cups of syrup and a cup of soft butter. I’m not a butter-on-my-waffle kinda girl, so I gave it to West in case he needed some extra slather on his rye toast.
And yes, to the reader who sent me that encouraging email: This was one of the best waffles I’ve had. It was filled with pecans, including a generous amount of pecan halves, and cooked to fluffy-inside, crispy-outside perfection.
A welcoming atmosphere
The family-friendly restaurant features counter seating and two dining areas with booths and tables. Both sections were filled with customers when we arrived.
The restaurant remained busy while we enjoyed our meal. When I paid at the counter, I was asked whether I enjoyed everything and thanked for coming in − something that’s always appreciated.
Plenty of breakfast choices
Breakfast favorites include eggs served with buttermilk pancakes or with home fries and toast. Country fried steak with eggs, home fries and toast is on the menu, as are biscuits and gravy.
One highlight is the German fries and toast − scrambled eggs mixed with home fries, green peppers and onions, then topped with your choice of cheese.
In addition to the pecan, Belgian waffles also are offered with powdered sugar, strawberries, blueberries or bananas.
Omelets can be customized with your choice of cheeses, vegetables and meats. The menu also features a custom breakfast sandwich, with diners choosing the meat, cheese and egg style, served on a croissant, bagel or English muffin.
There also are children’s breakfast and lunch menus, with options such as a Mickey Mouse pancake, French toast, an egg with bacon or sausage, spaghetti, chicken fingers and grilled cheese.
Lunch and weekly specials
The lunch menu highlights a variety of burgers, including the mushroom Swiss and Judy burgers, along with sandwiches such as the French dip, Reuben on grilled rye or marinated chicken breast. The burgers and sandwiches also are available as platters that include fries and one side.
Diners can go a little more traditional with grilled cheese, tuna salad or a crispy chicken sandwich.
There’s always a soup of the day and, seasonally, chili by the cup or bowl. Salad choices include a chef salad and a marinated chicken chef salad.
For those with heartier appetites, entrees come with a choice of potato, vegetable and side. Options include spaghetti with housemade sauce and garlic toast, country-fried steak, hot roast beef or a grilled ham dinner.
Weekly specials, posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page, have included meatloaf; a country breakfast with two eggs, grits and toast; ham and cheesy potatoes; mushroom fettuccine; Italian sausage with eggs, home fries and toast; a beer-battered fish sandwich with macaroni and cheese; and Swiss steak.
A local gem
Whether it’s for breakfast or a hearty lunch, Judy’s Family Restaurant is the kind of place that makes you feel welcome. Stop in soon and support this friendly local gem, and don't forget to try a waffle!
If you go
When: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday.