Lois the Pie Queen

Two Sundays ago I had a hankering for a down to earth, home-style, grits-loving, brunch. I hadn't had grits in years! I know they aren't rocket science to make, but there is just something about getting a nice batch of grits all steamy and fresh from a diner with a side of fruit and a pot of Joe that just keeps flowing. Scrumptious!

I looked all around my town and there was just nothing that would offer me the warm your soul food I was craving. So I asked a friend for some suggestions and she produced an encyclopedia of brunch places in and around the East Bay. So many options! Of course, my issue always revolves around what is a veggie-lovin' girl in a meat-loving world going to do? The brunch options for a vegetarian are often sad and just don't cover that ravenous brunch craving. Typically a vegetarian opts to go for a greasy spoon and just neglectes to recognize that there just might be some bacon grease atop her side order of hash browns. Or we vegetarians congregate in those places that smell of wheat grass and grow spouts on the window sill.

Well, Lois the Pie Queen changed my world! It is no high class restaurant, but it's no greasy spoon neither. They offer what every person craves for a traditional down-home style brunch: Eggs, hash browns, homemade biscuits and jam, and GRITS! Oh, and their sweet potato pie is to die for. The selection is slim for vegetarians on the main menu, but they are conscious of their cooking and will take care of you kindly. They have a variety of side dishes and they are happy to combine anything together. The coffee is endless. You will think you have consumed some of the coffee, yet your cup will amazingly always be filled to the brim. Be prepared to be called "Honey," "Sweetie" and "Darlin" by your server and all others working there. It will truly make your day. It can get pretty busy in the morning. Expect to wait a few minutes for a table, but they will get you a place much more quickly than you would guess. A good thing to remeber is they only accept cash, so if you are going with a group, make sure to bring smaller bills. Enjoy your time and make sure to get some of their sweet potato pie!

Lois The Pie Queen
851 60th St
Oakland, CA 94609

Hours:
Mon-Fri- 8:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Sat-Sun- 7:00 AM -3:00 PM