Dear Friend Ann has so much enthusiasm for life.  She is like a walking and talking travel agent who knows good places to visit and eat in almost any place in the world.  Recently Ann asked, “Have you ever eaten breakfast at Ballard Street Cafe in downtown Wylie?”

“No-o-o.  Never heard of it.”

“Oh-h-h, You Have GOT to Try It!”  Then she proceeded to tell me how Won-der-ful Ballard Street Cafe and Grill is, and that they make The Best blueberry pancakes.  Ann knows how to get my attention.

Ever-Lovin’ and I had to get up early to take Boston Terrier Maggie to the vet for her annual check-up.  Here was my reasoning.  After delivering Maggie to the vet (North Dallas – Coit Road), I thought we could drive on the Bushway to the other side of the world (Wylie, Texas) and eat breakfast.  I had three things I could do in that general neighborhood (Four things to do if you count eating.)  Don’t you like how I do this?  I do.  I know I do not have to explain myself, but I do feel a need to make you understand that I really did almost have a reason to go to Wylie, Texas, and since we were going to be somewhat close to Wylie, Texas, we might as well eat blueberry pancakes in Wylie, Texas.  Clear as mud isn’t it?

To do list:

1.  Eat blueberry pancakes at Ballard Street Cafe and Grill.

2.  Buy wedding present at the Firewheel Dillard’s.

3.  Pick up repaired earring from the Firewheel Brighton (guaranteed for life).

4.  Buy a LARGE eyed needle at the Firewheel Hancocks.

Ever-Lovin’ agreed, (He just wanted breakfast.) and so the adventure began.

Ballard Street Cafe and Grill is located in “Historic Downtown Wylie”.  Super Sister and I have been going to “Wide Awake Wylie” for some thirty plus years.  Many many years ago there was a fabric outlet and a lingerie outlet on Ballard Street. (Someone will remember their names.)  Later, I loved to visit Reginia’s Antiques and Collectables.  You never knew what treasure you might unearth in her shop.  All of those shops are now gone, and they have been replaced by cute gift shops and boutiques.  Many young couples have built beautiful homes in the area, and Wylie is growing and changing.  Even with all the growth, Wylie, Texas still has a small town feel, especially on Ballard Street.

As we drove down Ballard Street, we noticed that there was not a single open parking space on the entire block in front of the Ballard Street Cafe and Grill.  Says I to myself, “This must be a good place to eat if all of Wylie is eating here this morning.” (Inside it was not as full as I expected, but the cafe did fill up while we were there.)

Inside Ballard Street Cafe and Grill the decor is diffidently hometown diner. Historic pictures and memorabilia of Wylie hang on the walls.  The tin ceiling is beautiful as are the wood floors.  The chandelier was found along the side of a road and stripped of several coats of paint before being hung in the center of the dining room.  Gives the place a little glam.

I love the brick walls.  

As we entered the cafe, we were greeted by very friendly folks.  Our waitress was so much fun.  She called everybody “Sweetheart”, and had just the right amount of cheer to start the day.  As you can see, Ballard Street Cafe supports Wylie Raider football.  Football is a BIG thing in this neck of the woods.  Patrons in the cafe included senior citizens, mothers and daddies with babies, other people who were neither old nor young, construction personnel, and ladies carrying their Louis Vuitton bags.  Apparently everybody comes here!

I ordered the basic one egg breakfast with hash browns, sausage and pancakes.  You have a choice of pancakes – plain, pecan, or blueberry.  Of course I opted for the highly touted blueberry pancakes.  The egg and hash browns were okay normal.  The well done sausage was good and spicy. (I liked it.)  Let it be known, Ann was correct.  The blueberry pancakes were Won-der-ful.  They were light and filled with delicious blueberries.

If you are in the neighborhood (or can rationalize being in the neighborhood), give Ballard Street Cafe and Grill a try.  The people are super friendly, and you will get a good filling breakfast.   They are opened seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6 am to 8:30 pm (Sundays 7 am to 2).  It would be interesting to try their lunch or dinner.  The chalkboard did mention chicken fried steak, fried catfish, and  home made pies.

Blessings to you and yours,

This was a sign by the cash register.  Thought it was funny.

FYI:  Many of the shops in downtown Wylie, Texas are not open on Sundays and Mondays.  Plan accordingly.