The year was 1987. That’s when Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister for the third time; France agreed to sign on with Disney for a new amusement park; and the movie Good Morning Vietnam was filmed. It is also the year Boulder’s Parkway Cafe opened its doors. That is a freakishly long time for a restaurant to become—and remain—a best-kept secret.

Tucked away on a nondescript part of Pearl Street and hidden amongst auto-body shops on the east side, the Parkway Cafe (aka the Parkway Restaurant) has been quietly turning out American and Mexican-style breakfasts and lunches to a regular crowd for decades. If you haven’t discovered Parkway, you’re not alone: the restaurant prides itself on being Boulder’s undiscovered gem.

Parkway is worth seeking out, particularly at breakfast time, where the well-worn, diner-esque spot offers a full list of favorites. Go for the Parkway Scramble (pictured) with two pancakes topped with sweet cream butter and propped next to scrambled eggs mixed with crispy bacon, sausage, caramelized onions, and melted cheese over griddled hash browns.

Or choose the huevos rancheros, or go with one of the innovative, ever-changing specials like the Flor de Jamaica Quesadillas made with sautéed hibiscus flowers, poblanos, onions, garlic, and Oaxacan cheese. And when the time is right, local, seasonal produce occasionally stars in dishes like Caramel Pecan French Toast laden with Colorado peaches in a pan caramel sauce.

Whatever you order, it’s easy to sit back with your hot cup of coffee and pretend like you’ve been a regular for years.

4700 Pearl St., #4, Boulder, 303-447-1833