Judy’s Restaurant- The Best Breakfast and Lunch!

As far as breakfast and lunch places go, there are but a few that stand out as a true family affair, with the quality of the always homemade grub that shows in every plate served. Judy’s Restaurant is one such place. In October of this year Judy Hidri, along with her husband Ozzie will celebrate 5 years of their family owned and operated restaurant on Cortez Road in Bradenton.

This year is not just the 5 year milestone, it also marks the first full year that the entire family is together in the daily operation of the business. Judy and Ozzie’s kids; Lindy, Luke, Laura and Dafina are now all part of the staff alongside Melissa and Billie who have been with Judy’s from opening day, making them part of Judy’s extended family.

Bright and airy with ample seating to accommodate larger parties, an important feature for my own large family, Judy’s makes you feel welcome from first step inside the door. Bear in mind that no one in my family, myself included, can order something straight off the menu. I always get a little nervous when the additions and substitutions start flying, having been a waitress many moons ago and knowing how frustrating it can be at times. Ultimately when it’s my turn to order I hear myself asking for extra cheese and substituting an English muffin for toast, and it is always taken in stride with a smile and served exactly as ordered. Every. Single. Time. 

Personally, I always go for one of the breakfast Skillets, and I to this day have yet to actually finish one. Each skillet starts with a layer of crispy hash browns, topped with several ingredient combinations ranging from a classic western to south of the border, eggs however you’d like them and of course, cheese. My daughter’s personal favorite is Judy’s signature skillet, which has onions, tomato, green pepper, ham and feta cheese, but she orders it with egg beaters and extra feta. The kids can never get enough of the Mickey Mouse pancakes and homemade Belgian waffles.

Come lunchtime, you can fill your belly with classic diner fare; burgers, triple decker club sandwiches, one of the tastiest Philly Cheesesteaks around, fresh salads and homemade soups. For heartier appetites like that of my big brother, they also serve dinner size portions of fish and chips, fried shrimp, liver and onions, and even a New York strip. Even his monstrous appetite walks out with a to-go box. Then there’s the Chicken Fried Chicken. It is just as scrumptious as it sounds. Imagine a big lightly breaded chicken breast, fried and then deliciously smothered in homemade sausage gravy, it is definitely worth breaking a diet for. If no matter how much you’d like to sink your teeth into that wonder of comfort food goodness, you just can’t bring yourself to stray from your diet, they also offer lighter fare like the Lo-carb Delight or a beautiful fresh fruit plate. By the way, all of their salads are served with a complimentary cup of fresh homemade soup. Judy’s is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 am to 2 pm. Stop in and say hi to Judy and the crew, located at 9516 Cortez Road West. You just may end up being part of the family.