Cisco’s

It felt the first day back at school as I made my way to Haymarket station for the train journey to Stirling after having had a lovely break covering the end of the Festival followed by a wee wander to Cambridge. I softened the blow by stopping for a hearty breakfast on arrival in Stirling.

Cisco’s, on Port Street, is a smart cafe focussing on homemade soups and sandwiches, but with a good little breakfast selection, too. Top of the list was a “big breakfast” comprising bacon, sausage (lorne as it turned out), egg, tattie scone, black pudding, beans, tomato, onion and toast. I added tea as it seemed a safer bet than the coffee.

My dish was then cooked to order and promptly delivered looking much as expected. It had strengths and weaknesses. The onions, although potentially a good idea to accompany all of the porky goodness, were rather timidly prepared so didn’t really work. The black pudding was a little on the crumbly side.

But everything else was delivered to a very pleasing standard with the lorne very good indeed and the egg served with a really delightfully oozy yolk. It made for satisfying eating.

While I think the Greengrocer Cafe, over the road, pips Cisco’s for quality, the atmosphere here is a complete winner with the service joyful and the place abuzz with returning customers.

So overall, I enjoyed my trip to Cisco’s and valued both the warmth of welcome and the heartiness of the breakfast. I’d be happy to visit again when next I’m in the neighbourhood.

Scores
Blythe scores Cisco’s
3.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 14.5/20

I ate: big breakfast (bacon, sausage, black pudding, egg, tattie scone, onions, tomato, beans and toast)

I drank: tea

I wore: pinstripes

Total bill: £6.85

70 Port St, Stirling FK8 2LJ
https://www.facebook.com/ciscoscafe