Wine For Misfits

If you’re visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, live in the East Bay, or live in Sacramento and want to take a train ride like it’s 1850, then Martinez California is a great option!

Where the F*ck is Martinez?

Full disclosure, I’m from Martinez. I’m a super proud local that will never move back but will not let an outsider talk negatively about my hometown.

With that said…

Martinez is a small refinery town that’s technically on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay Area.

It really didn’t get recognition from the rest of the East Bay until the hipsters started moving in in the mid 2010s because they could no longer afford San Francisco (or any town within a 45-minute subway ride to the city).

Suddenly, the furthest East Bay town that doesn’t require a second bridge became desirable. 

This Post isn’t About Martinez Though

There’s a lot to write about Martinez: it’s home to John Muir’s house (the little dude on California’s quarter), first home to Joe DiMaggio, and home to the Martini (supposedly it was invented there and is moderately confirmed in this Wikipedia page).

It’s home to a lot, and now it’s home to Vic’s restaurant. 

Originally a Foster Freeze

Back in my day, Vic’s was a Foster Freeze. A little burger joint with crinkle fries and soft serve ice cream.

It still has the architectural charm of a 50’s burger joint but now with a cute patio and dine-in seating. 

Come for Brunch then Come Back for Dinner

Vic’s serves brunch and dinner.

I did not go for dinner, so this review is for brunch only (because I practice integrity and will not write about something I have not experienced.

(Unless you pay me a hefty price to, then let’s chat.

It’ll be our little secret.)) 

Level up your Brunch Game

If gluttony is your favorite sin, then you’ll love Vic’s. It has large portions, fatty-foodie concoctions, and brunch-time staples like eggs benny.

It’s an overall solid menu with something for everyone.

The Momo

I ordered The Momo. It had tater tots, chili, cheese, red bell pepper aioli, chopped onions and tomatoes. 

Now I know what you’re thinking, how is that a brunch item? Well, they add an egg.

Voila! Brunch dish!

I have to give the chefs kudos where kudos is due because the tots were crispy and their texture balanced out the creamy accoutrements.

If you want to front-load your day and take home leftovers, order The Momo.

#THEWAFFLESANDWICH

My husband got the #THEWAFFLESANDWICH*, and yes it’s listed on the menu as a hashtag.

And also yes, it’s exactly as it sounds: a sandwich made with waffles instead of bread. 

The innards of the sandwich has country fried steak, cheddar cheese, easy egg, and choice of side (my husband got fruit to keep it healthy). 

If you can never decide whether you want a sweet or savory breaky, this one’s for you. 

Boozey Brunch

Mimosas are a must when eating bougie dishes and foodie mashups. So, of course they have this option.

But, they don’t just have one mimosa flavor, they’ve got four: orange, cranberry, pineapple, and guava. 

Have one or have all four. They won’t judge you. 

Do Yourself a Favor and Make Reservations

This place is popular. They have a 90-minute time limit for brunch and an hour 45 for dinner.

We went at opening at 10am on a Friday and there was only one other table there. By the time we left at 11:20am, the place was packed. 

Take Amtrak

While Martinez is in the San Francisco Bay, don’t rely on their subway, BART, to get you there. The Martinez stop is technically in another town called Concord. 

However, there is an Amtrak station in downtown Martinez, and Vic’s is only a mile walk away.

Break up your mile walk by visiting a few boutiques, grabbing a beer at one of the breweries, then strolling over to Vic’s.  

Kitty Rating Score

TL;DR

If you live in the East Bay, are into exploring small towns off the Amtrak line, or want to see what locals do while you’re on vacay in SF, go to Martinez and get brunch at Vic’s.

It’s a good atmosphere, inventive dishes, classic brunch options, and there’s booze — so you really can’t go wrong.

Oh, did I mention it’s a small business that’s family-owned? 

We love that. 

Vic’s gets 10 Kitties.