Kalico Kitchen — Restaurant in Chico

Kalico Kitchen Meal Review: A Quest for Chico’s Best Biscuits and Gravy

In my search for Chico’s finest biscuits and gravy, Kalico Kitchen delivered a mixed experience.

Biscuits and Gravy

The gravy was a simple blend of flour, water, and pepper, lacking the richness and depth typically found in great versions that include milk, sausage, and a touch of seasoning like thyme or rosemary. The biscuit, though warm and soft, was dense and bland, resembling risen flour and water rather than the expected flaky, buttery texture.

Other Offerings

The fresh-squeezed orange juice was fantastic, and the bacon was flavorful and satisfying — a highlight of the meal.

Service and Atmosphere

The staff was very pleasant, friendly, and attentive. Everyone was helpful and responsive throughout the visit. The restaurant was notably clean and well-maintained, creating a comfortable environment.

Value

Pricing was reasonable and aligned with expectations for a casual breakfast stop.

Conclusion

While Kalico Kitchen gets high marks for service, cleanliness, and several menu items, their biscuits and gravy unfortunately fall short of the rich, comforting standard that makes this dish a breakfast staple. Unless improvements are made to this key item, my search for Chico’s best biscuits and gravy...

Not impressed. Went on Mothers Day for lunch. Tried to give them the benefit of the doubt because it was decently busy, but not so busy that there was a wait to be seated like most other places in the area. The service was lacking, including the host who seated us, but our server was pleasant. However we only ever saw or talked to her twice during the entire time we were there. Once to take our order and once to bring our food, our food came with the check, so there was no plan on coming back. My wife enjoyed her meal, but mine was not good at all. I ordered a burger, it came to me well done, so well done in fact that it was burnt. It was the star of the meal I ordered and it was burnt, you had one job. It was called something like a skyscraper and it looked smashed together when it came to the table. When paying the ticket the person (the host) never asked how the meal was, it just seemed they could care less. I would give less stars, but I gave two stars because my wife's food was good, the server was pleasant and I got a thank you at the end of the transaction. Other than that, I was simply not impressed and...

If you walk into Kalico Kitchen as a stranger, you'll likely leave as family. If you're really lucky? You get hugs, too.

This is the kind of place where faces become familiar, where you naturally gravitate toward 'your' table, and where you leave feeling nourished – both heart and belly. After just two years in Chico, finding this sense of community has been invaluable. We're lucky enough to have a reserved Friday morning spot in Chris' section. She knows everyone by name, celebrates every milestone, offers comfort during tough times, and somehow never lets a coffee cup go empty. Chris is the beating heart of this place.

The early-riser breakfast is hands-down one of the best values in town, and Rosa absolutely slays in the kitchen! I once playfully teased her about how she cut my toast, and now she keeps a tape measure handy just to poke fun right back at me. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard!

Once you find your spot here, breakfast anywhere else won't...