There is a moment at Matt’s Big Breakfast when the griddle scent hits and you know you have found your new morning ritual. The sunny dining room hums with locals, line out the door, and plates that land like little celebrations. You come for eggs and bacon, but you stay for the warmth, the rhythm, and the way the staff remembers your coffee order. By tomorrow, you will swear you have always been a regular.
The Classic Hog and Chick
The Hog and Chick is the heartbeat of breakfast here, simple and exactly what you crave at 7 AM. You get thick-cut bacon or savory sausage, eggs cooked your way, golden hash browns, and toast that crunches just right. It is classic without feeling ordinary, a plate that tunes your day.
Order it once and you start thinking about little tweaks next time, like adding jalapeno jelly or swapping in pancakes. The kitchen nails timing, so everything lands hot and happy. You taste care in every bite, and suddenly you understand why the line keeps forming.
A Waffle That Wins Converts
There is a reason people call this waffle a gateway dish. It shows up crisp on the outside, tender inside, with butter melting into those deep squares. One pour of real maple syrup and you have a balance of sweet and lightly salty that keeps your fork moving.
Pair it with thick bacon for that perfect contrast. The texture stays crisp long enough for leisurely bites, rare and appreciated. You think you will share, but halfway through you guard it like your favorite playlist.
The Five Spot Sando
The Five Spot Sando is your morning handheld hero. A perfectly cooked egg mingles with melty cheddar and thick bacon on a griddled roll that is soft yet sturdy. Each bite is balanced, rich but not heavy, and the kind of savory that makes you nod yes.
Add a swipe of house jam or hot sauce if you like a little push. The hash browns on the side act like the crunchy chorus. Take it to the patio, sip coffee, and watch downtown wake up while you plot your next visit.
Flannel Hash Comfort
Flannel hash here is a hug in skillet form. Diced corned beef, potatoes, onions, and peppers get crisp edges and tender centers, then two eggs crown the whole thing. The aroma alone convinces you to sit a little taller and lean into the day.
Break the yolks and let them glaze every corner. A hit of hot sauce brightens, while toast scoops up the bits you refuse to leave behind. It is hearty without feeling heavy, satisfying without slowing you down.
Chilaquiles Morning Kick
When you want bold, the chilaquiles deliver fire and comfort in one bowl. Tortilla chips softened in house salsa carry just the right heat, while fried eggs add richness that cools the spice. Queso fresco and cilantro brighten the plate like sunshine.
A squeeze of lime pulls everything into focus, and you find yourself chasing crispy and tender pieces. It is the dish that wakes you up even before the coffee kicks in. You will plan a repeat before the check arrives.
Pancakes Worth Setting an Alarm For
These pancakes walk the fine line between fluffy and substantial. The griddle kiss gives them a light crust, and the interior stays tender enough to soak up butter and real maple syrup. Each bite tastes like someone guarded the recipe with care.
Add blueberries or keep it plain, either way you are happy. Paired with bacon, the plate reads timeless, like childhood but better. Suddenly a 7 AM opening feels like a gift you will absolutely use.
The Matt’s Morning Coffee Ritual
Coffee at Matt’s is not an afterthought. The mug arrives hot and steady, the kind that warms your hands and sets the tone. Refills are friendly and well timed, like they read your mind before the next sip.
It pairs with everything, from waffles to hash, and never gets bitter as it cools. You settle into the rhythm, people watch, and feel the city waking with you. By the second cup, you are basically part of the neighborhood routine.
Downtown Phoenix Patio Vibes
The patio at 1st Street catches that sweet morning light you only get downtown. You hear the sizzle from the kitchen, clink of mugs, and the soft hum of Phoenix starting its day. It feels open, breezy, and relaxed enough to linger past the last bite.
Bring a friend or settle in solo with a newspaper. Staff move with easy confidence, refilling water and checking on you without hovering. It is a perfect perch when the weather is cooperative.
The BLT That Means Business
When lunch creeps into your breakfast mood, the BLT steps up. Thick-cut bacon stacks with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato on toasted bread that is just sturdy enough. A generous swipe of mayo ties it all together without stealing the show.
Add a side of hash browns and you straddle both worlds happily. Every crunch is audible, every bite balanced. It is proof that simple, done right, still wins hearts and converts first-timers into fans.
Seasonal Specials You Actually Want
The specials board at Matt’s is where curiosity pays off. Seasonal produce sneaks into omelets, hashes, and pancakes, always in ways that feel thoughtful rather than trendy. You scan the chalkboard and feel a little thrill of discovery.
Ask your server for a nudge if you are torn. They will steer you toward the dish that fits your mood, and they are almost always right. Trying something new becomes part of your routine, not a gamble.
The Queue That Moves Fast
Yes, there is often a line, and yes, it moves faster than you expect. The team keeps the flow smooth, from waitlist to table, so you never feel forgotten. Meanwhile, the aroma drifting out the door makes the anticipation better.
Use the time to scan the menu and commit early. When your name gets called, you step into a space that feels worth the wait. First bite usually confirms you made the right call getting up early.
Eggs Cooked Your Way, Actually
Ordering eggs can feel like a test at some spots, but not here. You say over-medium, you get over-medium, yolks just set and edges tidy. Scrambled arrive creamy instead of dry, and sunny-side gleam like a promise.
That reliability builds trust fast. You start customizing, adding sides, and building your perfect plate. It is empowering in a small, delicious way that keeps you coming back.
The Griddle Hash Browns
The hash browns at Matt’s deserve their own fan club. They arrive with a crust that crackles and an interior that stays soft and potato-forward. Add a pinch of salt and a dab of ketchup or hot sauce, and you are golden.
They share the plate kindly with eggs and bacon, never stealing the spotlight. Yet somehow they are the part you remember later. You will start ordering extra because running out hurts a little.
Friendly Service With Real Personality
Service at Matt’s mirrors the food: genuine, focused, and warm. Your server checks on coffee at the right moments, offers smart suggestions, and remembers little preferences. You feel taken care of without any script.
That hospitality is why first-timers turn into weekend regulars. Staff banter with guests like neighbors, because they are. By the end, you are already plotting who to bring next time.
Burgers After Breakfast
When the clock hits noon energy, the burger steps into the spotlight. A juicy patty, melted cheese, and sturdy bun deliver that all-American comfort you crave. It tastes like the grill has stories to tell.
Fries or hash browns on the side, your call. Add pickles and a little mustard for twang. It is the kind of lunch that turns a quick stop into a satisfied sigh.
Kid-Friendly Without Trying Too Hard
Bringing kids here is easy. Pancakes, eggs, and bacon speak a language every little diner understands, and the staff keeps the mood light. High chairs and smiles appear without fuss.
The menu lets you mix and match portions so nothing goes to waste. Noise levels are friendly, so you never feel like you are tiptoeing. It becomes a family habit faster than expected.
Value That Feels Honest
Price tags here match the quality on the plate. Portions are generous, ingredients taste fresh, and the care shows in every detail. You leave feeling like you spent wisely instead of splurging.
The $$ rating fits, especially for downtown. It becomes a go-to because you trust what arrives and what it costs. That kind of value is what keeps your name on the host’s list week after week.
Plan Your Visit Like a Regular
Doors open at 7 AM daily, and early birds glide right to a table. The address is 817 N 1st St, with parking options nearby and a quick stroll from light rail. If you catch a wait, it is usually short and friendly.
Check the website for menu updates and note hours run until 2 PM. Call if you have a group and want to time it right. Do that once and you are basically part of the rhythm here.