Southern flair awaits at Concord’s new Huckleberry’s
CONCORD, CA – Since Huckleberry’s opened a few months ago, the restaurant has been crowded with families enjoying the unique menu featuring “Southern Cookin’ with a California twist.”
While Huckleberry’s is a franchise with roots in Pismo Beach, it rises above other family restaurants because of the Southern hospitality, ambiance reminiscent of the bayou and signature items like stacked chicken and waffles, stuffed French toast and fried green tomatoes.
The Treat Boulevard site offers a relaxing atmosphere, serving breakfast and lunch 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
“Our philosophy is having a happy, well-trained staff to provide the very best Southern hospitality to our guests. The enthusiasm and a positive attitude extend throughout the entire dining experience,” says manager Vicki Baker, who believes the shorter hours contribute to the restaurant’s success.
What’s on the menu?
Diners can start off with Huckleberry’s signature Mardi Gras beignets, which consists of three Southern fritters atop sweet vanilla cream. Served with freshly prepared huckleberry, strawberry and peach toppings and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re a must try.
The beignets are only a part of Huckleberry’s baking program. They also prepare fresh biscuits and muffins each day that accompany menu items such as chicken-fried steak, omelets, skillets and other Southern specialties.
A major portion of Huckleberry’s breakfast menu incorporates the use of waffles, pancakes and French toast. As might be expected, the stacked chicken and waffles is a popular item. The Cajun-style French toast features New Orleans sourdough bread dipped in a sweet cream batter. This is accompanied by bacon, ham or Andouille sausage.
According to Baker, their most popular breakfast dish is the Mississippi skillet – a combination of meats, onion, pepper and eggs, served with home-fried potatoes and a biscuit.
The Benedict dishes are another important element of the breakfast offerings. The California comes with ripe avocadoes and tomatoes. I tried the crab-cake version, which was perfectly drenched in hollandaise sauce.
Sticking with their Southern theme, Huckleberry’s uses catfish and shrimp in seafood dishes. Their fish and chips provide a welcome change of pace from the usual tilapia or cod.
One of the best sandwiches on the lunch menu is a shrimp po-boy.
Huckleberry prepares fresh soups each day, and hamburgers are also a mainstay. I tried the Bubba burger rare, which included thick bacon, cheddar cheese and a sunny side egg served on a brioche bun. Yum.
Family theme
A diverse kids menu contributes to their family theme. They also sell Huck’s “swamp” iced tea, peach iced tea and a couple variations of lemonade. They serve these drinks in mason jars to continue their Southern theme.
Judging from the wait for tables during peak business hours, Huckleberry’s is fast becoming a popular destination for Concord diners seven days a week.
You can find Huckleberry’s at 4391 Treat Blvd. in Concord.
Rich Eber
Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord. His diverse topics covered go from politics to gourmet food. He can be reached at rjerje@pacbell.net