Breakfast at Beth's Cafe

Greenlake is a Seattle runners Mecca. The three mile trail which wraps around the lake is a traffic jam of joggers, bikers, and moms with strollers. Hyper caffeinated Seattleites can’t seem to be without their coffee and it’s not unusual to find walkers balancing their cup of java as they stroll around the lake. Greenlakers who cannot make it full circle without a caffeine jolt can visit one of several portable brew stands which dot the trail or stop in one of the multiple cafes and coffee shops which line the water front.

I love Greenlake and some of the best cafes in Seattle are found in this area. On this morning my husband and I hit up Beth’s Café, a Seattle legend for 24-hour service and 12 egg omelets. Beer guzzlers swear by this joint as the hangover cure all, so naturally we had to check it out. Making our way past the low profile, modest exterior, we were ushered inside by one of the several brusque servers who quickly sat us with none of the artificial pleasantries normally endured. Looking around we noticed grease coated the walls surrounding the kitchen, the menus were grubby with dirty fingerprints, and the cooks were shouting obscenities. Normally I would be running for the hills right about now, but Beth’s numerous Greasy Spoon Awards from reputable reviewers convinced me otherwise and I stuck it out in anticipation for some authentic home style cooking. While waiting for our food we took in some of the hundreds of pieces of artwork displayed on the wall. By artwork, I am not referring to your standard framed canvas, but rather the more amateur designs of local customers. Scribbled drawings and late-night alcohol infused quotes were scrawled on 8x11 computer paper, which were prominently collaged over every surface of the diner. When our food arrived, we dug into some of the best French toast, scrambled eggs, and hash browns in town. Yes it was greasy and it was far from gourmet, but it was authentic and it was good. We didn’t attempt the 12 egg omelet, but from the looks of the satisfied customers enjoying this large plated feast, I’d say it must hit the spot and then some.

To justify our indulgences we proceeded to walk the three miles around Greenlake. Although it was a mid-Monday morning, the trail was still running bumper to bumper, or quite literally sneaker to sneaker. Making our way around the lake I suddenly became thankful to live in a city which promotes health and wellness and slightly guilty for my overindulgence in the world’s greasiest breakfast. Seattle consistently ranks as one of the top ten places to live and is often named the healthiest city in the United States. With plenty of green spaces to roam, fabulous fresh farmer’s markets in every neighborhood, and restaurants which promote the slow-food, organic movement, one could easily transform their mind and their body in this metropolitan oasis. As we finished up our walk around Greenlake we felt refreshed and rejuvenated. Yes, we may have splurged a little on breakfast, but life is all about moderation. You can’t live off of greasy eggs and bacon every morning, but indulge every now and then and live without regrets. Or just move to Seattle where you will have plenty of running trails to burn off all the calories from your 12 egg omelet at Beth’s Café.