A cozy dining area, walls lined with works of local artists and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee combine to create the welcoming ambiance of Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery on East Cedar Avenue.

Any skepticism I had been harboring about the restaurant’s strip-mall location was immediately washed away when I was greeted and directed to a comfortable booth.

Alongside the local art, the walls of Brandy’s also feature the wide smile and vibrant, spiked hair of Guy Fieri, host of the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. The show profiles small restaurants with big taste around the country, and this past year it featured Brandy’s. One signed photo of Fieri reads, “Chef Sherman is the man,” paying tribute to Brandy’s head chef Sherman Johnson.

A 12-time winner of the Arizona Daily Sun’s “Best of Flagstaff” award, Brandy’s has gained a loyal following in the community — and for good reason.

Owners Ed and Brandy Wojciak, who also opened the popular Flagstaff café La Bellavia, began serving Brandy’s customers in 1993, originally offering only breakfast and lunch.

In 2003, the restaurant added dinner to the menu, a main highlight of its appearance on the Food Network.

During my time visiting this local favorite, I opted for one of the many widely praised breakfast items on the menu. It was a difficult decision, with classics like bagels and blueberry pancakes competing against unfamiliar options, including the trout and eggs.

Being particularly famished, I ordered two Swedish oat pancakes. My waiter’s eyes widened, and he strongly recommended I order only one.

Although my stomach growled doubtfully, I obeyed. What he brought to my table was the single most gargantuan pancake I have ever seen. Also, it was the most delicious pancake I have ever tasted.

The pancake came with a unique texture of oats paired with a hot cinnamon apple topping.

For only $3.99, even the staunchest pancake-haters will fall to their knees in the wake of this creation. It is hard to imagine ever ordering anything else from this establishment.

However, if patrons actually take the time to read through the dozens of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, they will
clearly see there is more to this place than a great pancake. The menu offers everything from burgers to beef stew to 11 variations of eggs Benedict. There is truly something for everyone.

As if there weren’t enough choices to be made, Brandy’s also offers an array of cookies, brownies and various pastries made fresh in-house everyday, as well as an espresso bar.

Overall, my experience at Brandy’s was a comforting and filling one. The combination of quick, friendly service and reasonably priced, hearty meal options will definitely have me coming back for more.