About Cisco's Restaurant

Cisco's Restaurant is a small, homey spot where classic diner breakfasts meet authentic Mexican flavors.

The kitchen turns out homemade tortillas and sauces, chorizo dishes, huevos rancheros and sizable breakfast burritos while staff move with friendly, neighborhood hospitality.

Reviewers highlight consistent cooking, strong coffee and a relaxed vibe that suits both solo diners and families.

Owner Cisco or Francisco often checks on guests, which reinforces the place’s comfortable, familiar feel and keeps locals coming back.

Location & Contact

What to Expect

The menu centers on breakfast-forward Mexican plates: huevos rancheros, chorizo enchiladas, steak and eggs, and hearty breakfast burritos.

Reviewers frequently name the skillet — packed with vegetables, steak and potatoes — and chorizo dishes as standouts for texture and seasoning.

Homemade hard and soft shells, fresh salsa, and a house hot sauce are recurring compliments.

Coffee and pancakes also earn positive notes, and tacos (including authentic tongue tacos) show the kitchen’s breadth beyond breakfast.

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

Breakfast: A Modern Affair

As our lifestyles have evolved, so too has breakfast. Today, it can range from quick bites on the go to leisurely brunches filled with friends and family. The modern breakfast scene often features everything from avocado toast to elaborate egg dishes, showcasing a blend of culinary influences. In Connecticut, this trend reflects a growing coffeehouse culture where enjoying a thoughtfully crafted morning meal has become an experience rather than just a routine. This shift underscores how breakfast has adapted to fit our fast-paced lives, while still holding on to its comforting roots.

Trends

From the Community

Tucked into Newington, Cisco's Restaurant reads like a neighborhood find where diner rhythms meet Mexican comfort cooking.

The compact menu favors breakfast and lunch, with items like huevos rancheros, chorizo enchiladas, steak burritos and a famously loaded skillet.

Guests and regulars point to homemade touches — tortillas and sauces made in-house — and to a chef-owner presence that makes the dining room feel familiar and personal.

Service and warmth are common themes.

As SG Norman observed, "Cisco's skillet was sizzling hot and so fresh," while Dan Herrick noted, "Everything homemade, even the hard and soft shells.

Chorizo fried to perfection." A committed fan added, "I dare you to try the steak breakfast burrito...

By far the BEST," reflecting a vocal following for the morning burritos and skillets.

Beyond single dishes, reviewers celebrate consistent quality and generous portions at reasonable prices.

The place is small and quiet, a spot where coffee, pancakes or enchiladas can feel like a home-cooked meal.

Cisco (Francisco) still greets tables and occasionally offers a complimentary treat, reinforcing the communal, come-as-you-are atmosphere that keeps locals returning for breakfast and lunch.

Why Locals Love It

Jared T. Murphy ★★★★★

Jared highlights the personal touch that turns a meal into a memory, noting Cisco’s friendly check-ins and the surprise "churro on the house." That small moment—an owner greeting tables and sharing a treat—matters to locals. It makes the restaurant feel less like a chain and more like a neighbor’s kitchen where regulars are known and new visitors are welcomed warmly.

SG Norman ★★★★★

SG Norman praised the sizzling freshness of the skillet and the homemade hot sauce, calling the meal satisfying for hours. For neighbors who want bold, home-cooked breakfasts, that dependable skillet and bright sauce are reasons to return. The combination of punchy flavors, well-cooked steak, and strong coffee creates a morning ritual for many in the community.

Dan Herrick ★★★★★

Dan points out the truly homemade foundation—"Everything homemade, even the hard and soft shells"—and the perfectly fried chorizo. That kind of craftsmanship is valued by locals who seek authentic cuisine rather than mass-produced plates. The result is familiar flavors done right, which builds trust and turns first-time visitors into regulars who appreciate both the food and the people behind it.

Customer Reviews

Jared T. Murphy
★★★★★ 2 weeks ago

"An absolute gem. We were greeted, seated, and served in short order, and the food was lovely. A chamming mix of culture and cuisine, classic diner style meets authentic Mexican dishes. A quiet place to eat and Cisco himself stopped by to check in after our meal and introduce himself, even treating myself and my guest to a churro on the house - if that makes my biased, guilty! I hope to return next time I'm in the area"

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Dan Herrick
★★★★★ 2 years ago

"Small restaurant on the edge of town by Balf Quary, had an adventure or 2 as a child, very good Authentic Mexican. Everything homemade , even the hard and soft shells. Chorizo fried to perfection. Fresh and yummy salsa and a good homemade hot sauce and Chalula available. Great service, nice owner, Francisco, and great prices. I'll be back for 2nds and 3rds."

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Elena Perez
★★★★★ 4 months ago

"We either dine in or order takeout every Sunday morning for the last several years. Absolutely love this place. Amazing food!!! I can’t eat breakfast anywhere else it doesn’t taste the same"

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

Seasonal Ingredients at Sunrise

Have you noticed how the seasons influence what’s on your breakfast plate? In Connecticut, the use of seasonal ingredients has shaped breakfast traditions over the years. In spring, fresh asparagus might grace a morning omelet, while fall brings the sweetness of apple cider pancakes. This focus on local and seasonal foods not only supports local farmers but also enhances the flavors and nutritional value of our meals. Embracing what’s fresh and available connects diners to the region's agricultural heritage, making each breakfast a reflection of nature’s bounty.

Ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cisco's breakfast skillet special?

The skillet is praised for arriving piping hot with lots of veggies, perfectly cooked steak and tasty potatoes. Reviewers say it feels fresh and filling, a full breakfast plate that keeps you satisfied for hours.

Are the breakfast burritos spicy?

Many reviewers rave about the breakfast burrito, especially the steak version. The burritos often come with the restaurant's homemade hot sauce or salsa, so they can have a noticeable kick if you ask for sauce.

Is the chorizo in anything on the menu good?

Yes. Multiple guests call the chorizo "fried to perfection" and praise chorizo enchiladas and skillet combinations. The chorizo adds bold, savory flavor to breakfast plates.

Do they make their own tacos and shells?

Reviewers say many items are homemade, including hard and soft shells. That homemade approach gives tacos a fresher, more authentic texture and taste compared with prepackaged shells.

How would you describe the hot sauce and salsas?

The restaurant’s salsas and a house spicy sauce get repeated praise for bright, fresh and spicy notes. One reviewer called the hot sauce "to die for," so expect flavorful heat rather than plain table sauce.

Are there any standout egg dishes?

Huevos rancheros is listed among popular choices and multiple guests mention eggs with enchiladas or over-easy eggs on chorizo enchiladas. Eggs appear to be well-prepared and a focus of the breakfast menu.

Do they serve tacos beyond breakfast items?

Yes. Reviewers mention taco plates and authentic items like tongue tacos, indicating the kitchen serves a variety of tacos not limited to breakfast flavors.

Is the coffee any good?

Several guests specifically praise the coffee, calling it great and an important part of the meal. It’s frequently noted as a solid complement to breakfast dishes.

Are the pancakes actually good?

Reviewers mention perfectly sized dollar pancakes and complimentary pancakes for children, suggesting pancakes are a thoughtful, well-liked menu item.

What should Newington locals try first?

Locals often recommend starting with the skillet, steak breakfast burrito, or chorizo enchiladas. These items receive the most consistent praise for flavor, portion size, and homemade preparation.

Coffee: The Breakfast Essential

For many, breakfast isn’t complete without a warm cup of coffee. This beloved beverage has woven itself into the fabric of morning rituals in Connecticut and beyond. With the rise of specialty coffee houses, the appreciation for high-quality brews has skyrocketed. What once was a simple morning pick-me-up has transformed into an art form, with baristas perfecting the craft of espresso and brewing methods. This evolution not only highlights changing tastes but also signifies a cultural shift toward savoring the morning experience, one sip at a time.

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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations

Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray

Cisco's Restaurant

254 Hartford Ave, Newington, CT 06111
4.6
(274 reviews)

The Rise of Brunch Culture

Brunch has become a weekend staple, transforming the way we think about breakfast. Originating in the late 19th century as a meal for late risers, brunch has taken on a life of its own, blending breakfast and lunch into a delightful feast. In Connecticut, this trend reflects a shift in social habits where friends gather to enjoy leisurely meals filled with both sweet and savory options. The brunch culture celebrates not just the food but the joy of community, making it a cherished weekend ritual for many.

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Breakfast and Health Trends

As knowledge about nutrition grows, breakfast foods have transformed to meet modern health trends. In Connecticut, you might find dishes featuring whole grains, fruits, and proteins that cater to the wellness-conscious diner. This shift began gaining traction in the late 20th century, as people became more aware of the importance of balanced meals. Today, breakfast options often highlight ingredients that provide energy and nourishment, reflecting an evolving understanding of how the first meal of the day can impact our overall well-being.

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