Fogglifter Cafe — Restaurant in McCall

Okay food. So-so service. I hear the eggs benedict are great though. If you're considering the Fogglifter Cafe, please read this cautionary tale:

This story begins on the morning of my very first and long-awaited trip to McCall, ID. I, along with my new bride and her family (who have been coming to McCall for decades), went to try the Fogglifter Cafe for the first time. With wide-eyed excitement I ordered my very first McCall meal - a Denver scramble. When my plate arrived, I was disappointed to find that the hash browns were nowhere to be seen. I pointed this out to the waiter and, rather than sparing the slightest bit of sympathy or understanding, which would have been enough to turn my frown upside down, he retorted "that's just how it comes, we're serving it with fruit." I was certain, however, that the menu mentioned that hash browns were included with my meal. Anyone who appreciates a good breakfast knows that fruit doesn't hold a candle to hash browns, not in a million years. Not being one to cause a scene over missing potatoes, I let the matter go and ate what ended up being a mediocre breakfast. I left the corner spot unsatisfied, but willing to forget. I was about to enjoy my first day in beautiful McCall, after all, and no breakfast, no matter how disappointing, could faze me.

A few days later we were headed to the Fogglifter for breakfast yet again. I wasn't thrilled, but I was ready to give the establishment a shot at redemption. At best I would be able to squash my beef with the cafe and enjoy the delicious taste of fried potatoes my heart yearned for. At the very least I would be able to solve the case of the missing hash browns once and for all. Upon arrival I inspected the menu description for the Denver scramble. Sure enough, the fated words were there: "hash browns." On my first visit I had been promised delicious hash browns and that promise was unfulfilled. This time around I was going to be more vigilant in my quest for the fried potatoes, so at the register I inquired about ordering a side of hash browns for this morning's meal. I was brashly told that the menu was outdated and hash browns hadn't been served for some time. Can you appreciate the irony of this scenario? Here I was in the great state of Idaho, the very Mecca of the potato world, and yet I couldn't get a plate of hash browns. This cafe was a disgrace to the entire Gem State indeed. Shocked, I searched the menu for a plan B. This misleading menu, mind you, was printed on a plain old 8.5" by 11" sheet of paper that was folded into thirds. I guess it was too much effort for them to get on Microsoft Word and print a new hash brown-free version. Frustrated, I ordered what I can only hope will be my last meal here - sausage, eggs, and wheat toast. The toast and eggs were fine, but the sausage was a pity. One measly sausage patty that looked like it had been taken from a Jimmy Dean box and tossed into the microwave. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Jimmy Dean, but for $3 I expected more than a single, shameful processed patty, but that was my own fault.

Whether you venture to the Fogglifter Cafe in search of the satisfying, savory warmth of hash browns, a hearty breakfast, or exceptional service - be warned. You'll find none...

Fogglifter Cafe is probably the most popular cafe in McCall, and for good reason too. It's not rare to see a long like extending out towards the main road on a weekend morning. I wouldn't recommend it if you're in a hurry - service is understandably slow and you're going to wait a while for that breakfast sandwich but it's worth it.

Being a regular in McCall I've had many years to try nearly every item on Fogglifter's menu. I'd like to first highlight the excellent house brew coffee. I know, it's a simple cup of coffee, what's so special about it? Well, just about everything. I've never had a cup I didn't enjoy. Nothing beats a warm French roast on a cold winter morning in the mountains. Other drinks I'd recommend are their chai tea lattes, mochas and steamers!

If I highlight every menu item I'd be here all night and you'd be there all day reading this so to spare everyone I'll make one recommendation - the breakfast sandwich ($6.00). Think McDonald's egg McMuffins luxury style. Fogglifter uses whole wheat English muffins, fresh sausage patties and high-grade cheese to create these masterpieces. Also, I'd love to know how the heck they make their eggs!

If you're not a breakfast sammy fan other awesome breakfast items include Bob's Benedict (drizzled with homemade hollandaise sauce), Foggy burrito, and the Huevos Rancheros! Unfortunately their menu item is very limited right now, but they have bomb lunch sandwiches as well.

Yeah you'll probably be waiting here a while but it's worth it! Just don't come here too hungry - come here with patient enough to wait and you'll be rewarded with some of the best breakfast McCall...

Just so you understand my rating, when I rate a restaurant, I take into consideration these things in order: Customer service, food quality, food quantity for price, cleanliness of dining area and cleanliness of bathrooms. They are all important but if anyone of them is bad enough it can drag down the others. In this case, the first person I interacted with was short, abrupt, and actually rolled her eyes at my children who were trying to decide what they wanted to order. She was impatient with everyone but me. BTW there was no one behind us in line that we were holding up.

My suggestion is that the girl who brought the food out and had a pleasant smile and was polite should be the first person you deal with coming in the door.

We had a party of 6 and the mood at the counter was enough to make my wife walk away, not order and even my 18 year old son was turned off and chose to not order.

As for the cleanliness, the the over all appearance was clean, but we sat at 2 tables and both were dirty. We also watched another group have to ask to have their table cleaned. I get it, it’s hard to keep up, but they seemed to be staffed well and not super busy. The best rule of thumb is to clean tables as patrons leave.

That being said the food was good for the price (resort town pricing). I would eat here again because the food quality but hope to see a smile and experience the feeling that I was appreciated...