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Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe is a perfect place to enjoy an amazing breakfast or lunch, as you travel east along California State Route 88, in the amazing Gold Country of Amador County. Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe is a friendly restaurant, that serves delicious food to Pioneer, CA locals, visitors and travelers heading to the nearby ski resorts, and all destinations to the east... As with all restaurant reviews I publish, I have no affiliation with the restaurant reviewed, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, and I love to write-up, and publish my dining experiences.
Photo: It's a half hour or so past the opening time of 8 AM on Sunday, June 16, 2024, and I've arrived for the special "Fathers Day Brunch." Today there was a special menu offered, but it's basically similar to every menu listed on weekends.
Photo: As you enter the restaurant, you'll notice the small bar, which on this early Sunday morning was packed with happy diner. Today was Father's Day, so the restaurant was offering a slightly different mix of menu choices to celebrate the day.
Photo: The restaurant includes a spacious outdoor patio, complete with a full-service bar, bandstand, dance floor, fire pit, smoker grill and lots of comfortable seating. The patio offers shelter from the elements, but when the weather is great, you will enjoy amazing outdoor dining. On many weekends during the summer and when the warm weather permits, the restaurant will stay open well beyond the 2 PM closing time, and offers special events like barbecues, live music, dancing, jam sessions from local musicians, and much more. Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe has become the go-to spot for Pioneer locals for weekend entertainment and great food.
Photo: The patio has a full service bar, and lots of table for your dining pleasure. The bar area along with the tables are all covered and sheltered from the elements.
Photo: I LOVE this cartoon plaque of Jim and Suzy that is posted on the patio, as it basically says what the restaurant is all about.
Photo: Today's Father's Day menu. During my pervious, I'd talked with Jim and Suzy about their "Kimchi Burger," and it was a "no brainier" for me to go with burger, as I'd been looking forward to it for the last couple of months.
Photo: Meet Tanya, the amazingly friendly chef who is keeping the delicious food happening on this fine Sunday morning in mid June.
Photo: Suzy displays a jar of her homemade kimchi, which will grace my burger today. Suzy makes kimchi and salsa from scratch, and both are served at the restaurant and are available to-go. People drive from all over central California to enjoy Suzy's amazing creations.
Photo: Tanya and Suzy are working diligently in the kitchen, but are always ready to offer a friendly smile. These chefs keep the meals coming, and everything is always on time.
Photo: An omelet and homestyle potatoes, and a 'Up Country Bowl" are waiting on the kitchen counter to bring to fellow diners. The "Up Country Bowl" breakfast is a creation of chef Suzy. Each "Up Country Bowl" includes two biscuits, two fried eggs, grilled Yukon Gold potatoes, choice of bacon, ham or sausage, and smothered in sausage gravy. It seems this diner chose bacon, which always wonders on a Sunday morning in mid June.
Photo: Meet my amazing friendly and gracious hostess, Suzy Gibson, who presents my "Kimchi burger" to me with a smile. Suzy wears many hats, as, along with her husband Jim, is co-owner of the restaurant, chef, chief cook and hostess. She does all of this with a smile and is a truly fine person.
Photo: I toast Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe, my friendly hostess Suzy, along with an amazing "Kimchi Burger." Where else in Amador Country, or anywhere on the west coast can you find a burger like this? Cheers!
Photo: From the special "Father's Day Menu," I went with a "Kimchi Burger," along with the side of my choice which was fries. The menu describes the burger as, "Hamburger patty on a bun, with Suzy's homemade kimchi and a side of your choice." My choice of side was Suzy's amazing fries, which I simply couldn't resist. The foundation of a this unique, great burger was the large, half-pound or so patty of seasoned, tender ground beef, cooked to perfection by chefs Suzy and Tanya. As per my likings, the beef was cooked to medium, which is standard, but if you prefer you meat cooked another way, simply tell your hostess and the beef will be cooked your way. The meat arrived on a fresh, lightly buttered and toasted bun. Kimchi... that's the national dish of both Koreas, and is enjoyed at practically every meal in both countries. But... have you ever enjoyed a "Kimchi Burger" or even envisioned such a delicious offering? Me neither... but during my previous visit to Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe, when I found out the Gibsons were offering it on the menu, I simply HAD to check it out! A "Kimchi Burger" would truly be a new dining experience... Kimchi is marinated, pickled cabbage, carrot and onion, and is a staple in both Koreas. Suzy's homemade kimchi truly embraces the mixed, diverse flavors that kimchi has to offer, as the taste is both varied and subtle. A generous portion of Suzy's kimchi was placed on top of the burger patty, and made for an amazing topping. Hold the mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles or anything else... Suzy's amazing kimchi carried the show and made the "Kimchi Burger" standalone good without condiments, and a burger to remember. The side of fries complimented the burger perfectly. The fries were thin, slender and very long, perfectly seasoned with just enough salt to give them a sensational taste, but not enough to mask the tender goodness that all perfect fries have to offer. The fries were moderately crispy golden brown on the outside, and juicy tender on the inside. One bite into the "Kimchi Burger" was nothing like any burger that I've ever enjoyed in my 7 decades of burger connoisseuring, as the sensation was simply unique and amazing. The chilled, tangy kimchi met with the warm burger and bun provided a warm/chilled taste sensation - which elevates any burger to the next level - and simply one bite into this burger let me know that I was transported into burger nirvana with a unique Asian twist. Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe nailed the meat-to-bun ratio, which is crucial to a great burger, and added just the right amount of kimchi to create a burger unique to the restaurant and unlike any burger that I've seen on the west coast. Simply delicious! The Pacifico beer was an appetizer... or was it dessert? Anyway, it worked well with this amazing burger... Where else on the west coast can you enjoy a delicious "Kimchi Burger?" Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe... located just east of Pioneer, CA, on State Route 88.
Photo: I hold my burger half, showing the amazing goodness the "Kimchi Burger" has to offer. Bun, meat and a generous helping of homemade kimchi made this a burger to remember. Lets go back just a couple of months to Saturday morning, April 13, 2024, when I enjoyed my first visit to Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe, and the friendly hospitality of Jim and Suzy Gibson.
Photo: It's a little past the 08:00 in the morning opening time, Saturday, April 13, 2024, and I've arrived at Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe to enjoy an amazing meal. I was having difficulty deciding between breakfast or lunch, so I simply made it a brunch. This fine restaurant is located on CA-88, about six miles east of the small community of Pioneer, CA. Jim and Susan Gibson purchased the restaurant back in December, 2021, and spent the next several months remodeling it, and re-opened it in June, 2022. Since then, it has before a favorite of the locals, and many of them dine at the restaurant on a weekly basis. The owners are super friendly people and know most of the repeat diners on a first name basis. Since the restaurant is located on a major east/west highway, it gets a lot of business from tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, heading to the nearby ski resorts or campgrounds.
Photo: The front porch is very quaint and offers a small table for dining. The owners have plans to expand the porch, as per the request from regular diners.
Photo: Co-owner of the restaurant, Jim Gibson, relaxes at the counter and welcomes diners. He's a very friendly guy, and I not only enjoyed my fine cheeseburger, but I enjoyed chatting with him. This man has attended several Burning Man events, so you KNOW he's a great person! As you enter the restaurant, the friendly staff will greet you and seat you in the dining room. If you prefer, you can sit at the small counter that features six stools, or a high table by the window that looks out to the front porch and beyond.
Photo: The menu is posted above the kitchen, and offers something for every taste. It isn't fancy big-city cuisine, and it reflects the taste of the Amador County locals. Many of this listings are creations from talented chef and co-owner, Suzy. This is fine gold country dining, any way you look at it. During my visit, while chatting with Jim, he told me they're most like going to adding a burger, topped with kimchi in the near future. Have you ever heard of such a thing? It sounds amazing!
Photo: The dining room offers comfortable seating and has been completely redecorated by the current owners. When the dog-friendly patio is closed - as it was on this cold, rainy April morning - well-behaved dogs are permitted in the dining room.
Photo: In a corner of dining room, a pellet-fired stove was providing cheery warmth on this dreary morning in mid April.
Photo: I took a tour of the patio, which features tables, a bar, a large dance floor and a wood burning fire pit. Jim is working on remodeling the patio, as it's a work in progress. Due to the chilly, rainy weather, the patio wasn't open today.
Photo: Chef Suzy works her magic in the kitchen. Since the Gibson's took over, they completely replaced and remodeled the kitchen, and it just might be the cleanest restaurant kitchen you'll ever see.
Photo: Bacon, eggs, fried Yukon Gold potatoes, along with toast have been placed on the pick-up shelf and are waiting to be delivered to a fellow diner. Breakfast is served until noon, but lunch is available any time the restaurant is open.
Photo: Two 'Up Country Bowls," a creation of chef Suzy. Each bowl includes two biscuits, two fried eggs, grilled Yukon Gold potatoes, choice of bacon, ham or sausage, and smothered in sausage gravy. It looks like both diners chose bacon, but one bowl features eggs over easy and the other scrambled eggs. Practically everything on the menu is made in-house, from scratch by Suzy and her talented staff, including the freshly baked biscuits and the delicious sausage gravy. I truly debated between ordering an "Up Country Bowl" or a "Gibson Burger," so I flipped a coin and the burger won out.
Photo: Meet Susan Gibson, co-owner of the restaurant and a truly nice person and a talented chef. Many listings on the menu are her idea and creation, as she is both innovative and talented.
Photo: My brunch was delivered to my by friendly Stephanie with a smile. Like the Gibsons, Stephanie treated me like family. Since the restaurant opened back in June, 2022, it has become a favorite of the locals, and the owners seem to know most of the customers by name.
Photo: I'm a happy diner, as I'm ready to enjoy a "Gibson Burger and fries for brunch, along with a mimosa on the side. The restaurant features a beautiful counter, which makes for fine dining.
Photo: At 08:30 in the morning, from the "Lunch" menu, I went with a "Gibson Burger," with fries as my choice of side. The menu offers fries, potato salad or onion rings as a side with burgers and sandwiches. A burger for breakfast? ... Definitely! The burger began with a half-pound patty of Angus beef, grilled medium to perfection. When I placed my order, I wasn't asked how I preferred my meat to be grilled, and I assume the talented chef will grill your meat any way you request. The meat was placed on a bed of lettuce and topped with melted jalapeno cheese, grilled white onions and two strips of bacon. It was all sandwiched between a toasted and buttered brioche bun, which had a deliciously slight "crunch" on the outside, yet was soft, tender and juicy on the inside. Like the beef, the bun was grilled to perfection and held this exotic cheeseburger together well. This is NOT a "fast food" burger or a mainstream diner burger... this is a "Gibson Burger" and a creation of chef Suzy Gibson. One bite into this amazing burger and I was rewarded with a true taste sensation, as the flavors all worked together to create a delicious burger sensation that I've never enjoyed before. The meat was juicy and grilled perfectly, the bun held together well, the grilled onions added flavor and the lettuce was fresh and crispy. What really made this burger unique, exotic and tasty was the jalapeno cheese, as I've eaten countless burgers in my life, but not anything like this. The cheese wasn't in slabs, as it was curdled and imbedded with diced jalapenos slices. It was melted perfectly on top of the meat, and made for a make-your-day taste sensation. This is a big, juicy burger, so you'll need plenty of napkins. You won't leave hungry, and this burger will keep you going for the rest of your day. Wow! What a burger! All burger lovers should pay a visit to Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe and enjoy a "Gibson Burger"... stat! The side of fries complimented the burger perfectly. The fries were thin, slender and very long, perfectly seasoned with just enough salt to give them a sensational taste, but not enough to mask the goodness. Like all perfect fries, there were golden brown on the outside, and soft, white and chewy on the inside. I did supplement them with ketchup, which brings out the 10-year old out in me. Great fries! The "Gibson Burger" and a side of fries was simply an amazing meal, and a true tribute of the skill and culinary prowess of chef Suzy Gibson. I recommend this fine cheeseburger!
Photo: My "Gibson Burger," showing all of the burger goodness. Note the juicy meat and the jalapeno cheese. This is simply a delicious burger anyway you look at! Wimpy would be proud to enjoy this amazing burger... This was an easy article to write, as the food is simply amazing and the staff, especially Suzy and Jim Gibson are friendly, welcoming and truly nice people. My major regret is that I'm not a local, as it's nearly a 2-hour drive from my place to this fine restaurant. Take a tip from Amador County locals... if you enjoy amazing "Americana" cuisine, served in a rustic dining room by friendly staff, make Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe your stop, as you travel east on California State Highway 88. You'll love the food, the friendly service and the "country" atmosphere! Gibson's Roadhouse Cafe Copyright(c) 2024 eRench Productions. All rights reserved. We've been on the web since December 22, 2002.
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