Cozy's Cafe delivers on its promise
by Daniel Hockenson, Outpost contributor
Clad in my Mr. Roger's maroon sweater and carrying the morning paper tucked under my arm, the cheerful jingle of the entry way door ushered me into a glimpse of my ideal future. The pop of raw eggs hitting a hot pan and silverware and plates chattering completed the breakfast symphony.
"Y'all have a good one!" a bubbly waitress called out to patrons shuffling out the door. A small grin blossomed as I absorbed the atmosphere of what may be the last down-home cafe in Sparks.
I was determined to thumb through the morning paper over a tall glass of orange juice and a large breakfast.
Cozy's Coffee Shop at 2258 Oddie Blvd. fulfilled my desire for an excellent, affordable, home cooked meal and a comfortable atmosphere that fell nothing short of its name.
 Despite its neon exterior, Cozy's service is strictly down-home. Photo by J.D. Wilson |
After being led to my seat, I was promptly questioned about my beverage order and handed a menu. The breakfast menu offered countless choices from a "crisp golden waffle, topped with vanilla ice cream blueberries and whipped cream" ($5.45), to many specialty omelets such as the artichoke omelet with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, avocado and tomatoes topped with American cheese ($5.75). Naturally, the menu offers all the breakfast basics from short stacks of buttermilk pancakes ($2.75) to a bagel with cream cheese ($1.75).
After considering my options, I decided to order the bacon, mushroom and avocado omelet, served with country potatoes and toast ($5.45), mainly because of my weakness for the fruit of the gods, the avocado.
I placed my order and flipped to the comics to indulge in one of Dilbert's wacky three-paneled adventures when my order was set down in front of me. An honest five minutes had passed, and I was enjoying my home-cooked omelet, quickly forgetting about Dilbert. The omelet was all I had expected and more, considering the healthy portions that wre delivered. Including a large orange juice, this meal satisfied me for just $7.70.
I brought many preconceived notions about Cozy's. Mostly I expected a breakfast or lunch specialty cafe. After reading the menu I realized that those were just two facets of the Cozy's experience.
I came to the conclusion that Cozy's has a casual atmosphere while offering a wide ranging menu. For lunch, you could save your money and order the quarter-pound hamburger deluxe with lettuce, tomato, pickle and French fries ($4.25) or indulge in a coulotte steak sandwich served with soup or salad ($7.95). The same range applies to dinner, offering items such as Chicken Fried Steak ($6.95), veal cutlet parmigiana ($8.95) or a 16-ounce T-bone steak.
The scene at Cozy's is best expressed by the restaurant's motto that has held for the past four years:
"Welcome to the home of good food and friendly service. We take pride in preparing each dish with individual attention."
Judging by the laid-back attitude of the employees (they greet regular patrons by the first name) and the wide range of food offered, Cozy's delivers on its promise with style.
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2258 Oddie Blvd. 359-8008 |
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HOURS: 7
a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays; 7 a.m. to |
Posted March 8,
1999
Copyright 1999 Nevada Outpost