Village Diner: Northeast Ohio's best weekend brunches, breakfasts

ORANGE, Ohio - Our brunch and breakfast series continues as we check out Village Diner in Orange. Here's a look at what to expect:

Location + hours: Village Diner is at 28149 Miles Road, Orange, 440-248-1332. Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. It's at the northeast corner of Brainard and Miles roads and has its own parking lot. It's catty-corner from Miles Farmers Market, Western Reserve Wines and other businesses.

Menu or buffet? Menu.

Ambiance: Bright, cheery turquoise walls line the place, and you'll find animated owner Marci Izeman spinning through the dining room and behind the kitchen. There's an energetic hustle and bustle in the space, with decor from old Coca-Cola ads, James Dean and Elvis Presley posters, '50s-themed art and small model cars like a 1967 Camaro. The ceiling is curved, barracks-like, and there is one television near the counter.

Wait, where is it? Oddly enough, a Google search shows the restaurant to be in Chagrin Falls. Izeman's business card says Orange. And Western Reserve Wines, basically across the street, is in Solon. The Village Diner actually sits a few feet from Solon's northwest border.

The eats: Everything is under $9 on the extensive menu. There's traditional breakfasts, breakfast sandwiches (The Village has turkey sausage patties, and lox on bagel is offered) and omelettes (off the menu and create-your-own options, like a ham, cheese and tomato one we had). Hash browns were especially tasty, even fluffy, without being greasy at all.

Don't miss: Variations on French Toast. We had the blueberry, which tasted especially eggy, but there's double strawberry and a stuffed version with brioche filled with strawberry cream cheese. For those who like an a la carte approach to their morning meal, there are almost 30 side offerings in various sizes (we opted for a cup of grits rather than a bowl.)

Sweet and unique: M&M pancakes.

Have a brunch spot you've wondered about and want us to visit? Email me.

Previous eats: Northeast Ohio breakfast-brunch spots we've tried:

111 Bistro - Medina

35 Brix - Green

Akron Family Restaurant - Akron

Alley Cat - Cleveland

Bay Diner - Bay Village

Beau's on the River - Cuyahoga Falls

Big Al's Diner - Cleveland

Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern - Twinsburg

Blue Door Cafe - Cuyahoga Falls