If you're looking for a diner breakfast with friendly staff, Gus Balons is your place - I can see why they have been open for 60 years. All three times I've been here, I have left with a happy, full belly plus leftovers. Highly recommend trying their cinnamon roll (my friend was who recommended this to me because they are the size of your face and she wasn't wrong!) - it was so delicious that I had to come back and get it again. I've also tried one of their specials - a cinnamon apple French toast which came with a side of eggs and choice of sausage or bacon. The sausage patty is housemade, flavorful with a good peppery taste. My husband has had the corned beef hash - he orders it extra crispy and said that they got it spot on. The dish also comes with hashbrowns, eggs, and toast. Prices are good for the portions you get. We have definitely added Gus Balons to our list of breakfast spots on the east side. read more

See all

There are many places you go because they are brand new, then there are places like Gus Balon's. Around for more than 60 years, it was recommended to me because of the cinnamon rolls. No joke- these things are ENORMOUS! So, came for breakfast with a friend. I got the #1 breakfast- one egg, sausage, toast, coffee and then the cinnamon rolls. The server was efficient but also left us alone long enough to enjoy each other's company. It is not a fancy posh place so if you want hoity toity then go to Hacienda del Sol or the Arizona Inn. But if you want tasty diner fare, at a reasonable price (the cinnamon roll was less than $5!) They also apparently have magnificent pies, but they will need to wait for our next visit... read more

See all

Food-had a ginormous cinnamon roll (cr) and the chicken fried steak(cfs) with hash browns (hb) and 2eggs. The cfs and eggs, hb were all above avg in taste. It came with your choice of toast so I got raisin bread. No biscuits in stock . Upper half of toast was burned so it kind of spoiled it. Let's talk about the cr ok I'm sure some folks probably love theirs, it's like 7 inches thick! But I was not a fan of that style/size of roll. Too much bread and not enough of the delicious glaze topping. Service was excellent, sat at the counter. Ambiance was old school diner. I liked that and that it's a local owned restaurant is nice in this day and age. Bottom line, I would go back if in the area. read more

Excellent comfort food with warm, friendly service to match. You can really taste the difference with the homemade pies and bread, all made in house. The biscuits and gravy are a must-try -- absolutely delicious and the perfect classic comfort dish! read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - a truck parked in a parking lot - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

It is truly wonderful to have an old fashioned diner that is now over 50 years old in Tucson. It is even better when you go on a Friday morning and have wonderful food and service. I opted for the chicken fried steak, potatoes (with extra gravy), over easy eggs, and toast (which is from homemade bread). It was so good!!!! My husband opted for the omelette with ham, bacon, sausage, cheese, tomatoes, and peppers topped with salsa and hash browns (my potatoes were better than his hash browns in my humble opinion, but both were outstanding!). I was also thrilled with my Diet RC (RC products are just so good!). But, back to the service - the kindest and most attentive server - she was great! What a great way to start the day!!!! Oh, and pies - their pies looked incredible, and I might cheat for Thanksgiving. read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Chicken fried steak, potatoes, over easy eggs, and white toast. In the background is my husband's delectable omelet. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Amazing lunch at breakfast time 10:30 am . Had a hot Turkey mashed potatoes gravy on toasted fresh bread. The waitress was amazing!! This place down home cooking. Closes at 2 .Oh they serve diet RC !! read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Hot Turkey sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

It is like walking into Alice's restaurant the show not the song. The staff is really friendly, but the food is your average breakfast diner. The hash browns were cooked perfectly for me, crispy on the outside and soft and yummy inside. The sausage was ok not a lot of flavor and the eggs were cooked just right. Perfect over easy is not easy. read more

See all

Home cooking at its best! Friendly staff who are very helpful and our take-out order is always ready as promised.

Service was top notch! Ambiance was typical cozy diner, smaller than I expected but I like it! Food was great! We had breakfast, eggs, bacon, pork chop, potatoes, and Belgian waffle. No complaints! We ordered their giant cinnamon roll to take home. It was also delicious! We will try lunch next time! read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Pork chop, potatoes and omelette. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

This is a Traditional eatery serving up classic American diner fare for breakfast and lunch, featuring homemade bread, sweet rolls, pies & more in an old school type of diner setting. I also love their well made iced tea. We've been dining here for years, it's one of my husband's favorite places to eat breakfast at. Service is friendly and fast, and the food is tasty. read more

See all

Stop by for fast and friendly service. Typical breakfast staples with sandwiches and burgers too. Closed on Sundays. If you get the French toast and upgrade to the cinnamon roll bread, you can split it with someone. read more

See all

A basic and limited menu but executed perfectly. Corned beef hash - made with real corned beef and less than 10% potato - yes. I order my hash browns crispy - perfect - golden brown - not burnt on the outside. and mixed or spread on the flat top enough that most of the hash browns were crispy , not a quarter inch of mushy potatoes between an overbrowned crust. - yes. Rye toast....pairs so well with corned beef hash. Baked in house - with carraway seed, just the right line you can taste the rye but its not overpowering - yes. I bought a loaf for $5 to take home. (not I will freeze it smaller packets next time, fresh bread with light salt and no preservatives) Yes. Adequate private parking lot. I was seated at the counter and served promptly. Classic old diner/coffee shop but in good repair. I sat at the counter. 60% full at 8:30 on a Tuesday morning. No need to post photo - as mine would be identical to other photos on Yelp. Next time - pie. read more

Absolutely wonderful breakfast place. The wife and I come almost every Monday. We live this place. Friendly staff and good food. What more could you ask for!! read more

I realize this place is a Tucson heritage restaurant, but I honestly cannot see the draw. The service was excellent, the food mediocre at best. We ordered breakfast; I splurged on the chicken fried steak. It was soggy, the eggs tasted strange, the toast was from a very dense loaf that may have been "off," and the hashbrowns tasted like fried mashed potatoes. read more

This is an Eastside staple for decades. Known especially for their homemade pies and hearty breakfasts. Do not sleep on the cinnamon roll, even though it is as big as a pillow and almost as soft! Served with a knife sticking straight down through the center, you will be glad it is there because you are going to need it. read more

The breakfast here was so good and very inexpensive. Came here with my mom when we were in the state. The staff were super friendly and welcoming. We ended up ordering scrambled eggs, toast and bacon and a plate of pancakes, and wow the food was good here!! We were in town for a few days and i can honestly say that this place was the best place to grab breakfast while in the area. I would definitely come back if I was back in town again. read more

Family business that's been around since I was a young boy. Staff are always friends and restaurant allows a lot of substitution options with no extra charge (and free coffee, tea or iced tea with breakfast). read more

Always love coming back to Gus Balón! Family-owned and operated. The food is always good. read more

See all

The food was delicious! I ordered their special along with their coffee. A worth it meal! The service was friendly and fast. Great environment, an original local spot. Definitely will be coming back. read more

See all

This restaurant is just how I remembered it when I used to eat here almost every Saturday morning with my Uncle and Aunt. Lots and lots of regulars have been coming to eat here for MANY years for their awesome service and pretty good food! Don't expect anything fancy when dining here, as it's pretty much strait to the point breakfast, just like your Mom and Grandma used to make. Make it a point to get some pie after your meal. You'll thank me later... Two thumbs up for this east side "landmark". Happy eating, my foodies!! read more

This restaurant was the most pleasant surprise! The inside is welcoming and vintage feeling. We immediately felt like we were regulars there. The service was great (thank you Mandy!), the owner even came out and welcomed us. The food was amazing- the chicken fried steak is so good. Everything is homemade. We will definitely be back. read more

Service always friendly and attentive from long time regular servers (two new servers great also). Certain items great, but others hit-or-miss, especially on lunch menu. Tried the lunch special (baked chicken, mashed potatoes & stuffing with gravy, green beans w/bacon pieces, a fresh roll & fake-butter, and a iced tea), food was delicious but skimpy on the dark meat chicken... but much better off for a couple of bucks to order the fried chicken lunch meal (a whole half chicken with sides). My wife enjoys the Hartley omelet, and I usually get the chicken fried steak & eggs, or country ham steak & eggs, or an omelet. Meals include coffee or tea. We also enjoy sitting outside on the patio when weather permits (if not too hot or windy). read more

Great home cooked food. Breakfast is always good. A family owned restaurant, servers are always friendly. They provide a discount for the military and first responders. I will continue to support them. read more

Best cinnamon rolls in town. Great place for breakfast, food and especially service are wonderful. The make really good pies as well.

Great food and I loved the atmosphere. All breads are homemade. Staff was nice. It was very busy and I had to wave down other waitresses at times when ours was busy with other customers. I will definitely go back. read more

Had the French toast which was very tasty. Three of us sat at the counter. Had wonderful service and the food was up very fast with a full restaurant and a U of A Wildcat game on. Could not believe the size of the cinnamon rolls. Will have to try one next time in. read more

So sad to write this! We had breakfast today. Don't think we will go back. I ordered the one egg with 2 toast and 2 bacon. The price was crazy! Over 9 dollars! Hubs had eggs, toast ham. The ham was not nice and think like when we were there last, it was "mother-in-law" thin. Damn it, we were looking forward to having breakfast out, we can only afford to go on rare occasions. Oh well.... read more

Great comfort food, fast service, homemade desserts and bread, what more can you ask. This small 50 seater is a great little diner that's been here since the 59s. Support your local business and come visit them. Excellent place for breakfast read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Bfast menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

COVID-19 review: Yes, they're open for dine-in. The servers wear masks, the menus are disposable, there is outdoor dining (arrive early before it gets too hot), and the indoor seating features dividers between each seating area. For the record, we ate outside. Gus Balon's is one a fine example of the breakfast and lunch establishments that dot all of Tucson. I enjoyed my usual -- eggs over easy, hash browns with pork chops and rye toast. The pork chops were of a generous size and quite tasty. All of their bread is made IN HOUSE. Then, after this rather large breakfast, I gave in and had some of the HOUSE-MADE apple pie, 'cause they were out of rubharb. I wasn't much hungry for the rest of the day. Sigh. They really aren't in my neck of the woods, but homemade fruit pie for breakfast? I may be going back sooner rather than later. read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - Gus Balons has installed clear plastic partitions for its indoor seating. Outdoor seating is also available. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Food was very good and service was fantastic. Cinnamon roll was delicious. Will definitely be back.

The last time I was there it was full of flies and hit and very hard to enjoy our lunch so I never went back... tons of flies swarming the windows.. and around us... food is always good tho read more

I've drive by Gus's Several times over the years and decided to stop by and try it out and I only wish I would have stopped by sooner. I was pleasantly surprised that homemade pies are made daily. The place is not your typical "dirty spoon restaurant" as it serves much more than your standard eggs, toast and bacon. I decided to start off with a cinnamon roll which is not your standard roll it was bigger and tastier I would recommend to anyone who stops bye to the the cinnamon roll. The corn beef hash was cooked to perfection I would come again strictly for the corn beef. Gus's has earned a 5 Star for many reasons but they definitely a extra star for providing flavored coffee creamer. read more

See all

Enjoyed our food. Waffle had a good flavor. Service was quick and our waitress was very friendly.

we went there for breakfast and were not happy. the first thing we see is that they have gone to shrink nation before when you ordered hash browns you get a full plate for hash browns and the toast came on a separate plate, now the toast is on the same plate with 1/2 of the has browns and the price is 12.79. a couple came with their small dog, no handicap jacket, and had it on the table and the staff did not say a word. unbelivable. read more

I used to come here a few times a week. Now it seems barely a few times a year. The nice thing I noticed they stopped raising the prices. I think I slowed down coming because it got expensive. The food is always consistent. No problem there. Service is usually wonderful. The coffee is good. And yes today service was amazing! The order comes as ordered. I like poached easy eggs. I get poached easy eggs. The potatoes are cooked nice. I enjoy the course ground round here. I ask for medium rare to medium and I get exactly what I asked for! Yay! The place is clean. Ample parking. I used to wish they opened an hour earlier. But alas since I do not come here as often I guess it does not matter. (They open at 7 am). There was a bit of memory lane going on while here. The place has been around a long time and the "daughter" has done some modernization over the years (such as credit cards and digital screen-which was a few years ago) but there is still the original charm. A lot of the original menu (noticed the offering of hash browns today-that was new for me). read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - The course ground round with potatoes and the poached eggs. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The hubs and I are trying to be more adventurous in trying new breakfast places and landed here. For years we have driven by Gus Balones, in the afternoon, so for a long time I never realized they were even in business. Keeping it simple, as always... Service outstanding- everyone was really nice and attentive. Food came out fast as well... too fast actually. Food- i got the #3 (bacon and eggs) and it was good, but nothing special. The hubs got a steak omelette- one of their specials. He is normally a chow hound and was being a little weird about the omelette...apparently it was a bit runny. People, don't be in a rush to get the food out if you aren't going to cook it properly. Moving on...we did order the cinnamon roll and it was not only enormous but REALLY good! If we come back, perhaps we'll forego the runny omelette and try something else. The service here is why my review is 4 stars. read more

Gus Balons Restaurant - let's try this place OUT! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Great food great atmosphere, great cooks and locally owned. There's a reason why they have been there since the 60s. Kelli, Will and the crew work hard to get comfort food at a high standard. Wish they were open at night for dinner read more

This place is absolutely fantastic! The food here is fresh,homemade, and just delicious!! I had the Chicken Fried Steak and it was amazing, first off it was clearly hand breaded and not a pre fab pressed patty, second it's cooked on the flat top in butter! OMFG!!! Eggs cooked perfectly, and delicious hash browns!! Toast made from homemade bread, so damn good!! And those damn Cinnamon Rolls, holy freaking schnit!!! This place is a must do in Tucson, it is some of the best damn diner food I have ever had. And service was OUTSTANDING!!!! read more

I love everything about this place, I love the food I love the employees and I love the fact that they have homemade bread and pies! The apple pie and cherry pie are my favorites! It's reasonably priced and I believe it is Tucson's little treasure! It is my favorite breakfast place. If you want a good breakfast and a nice calm ,caring setting you should go to Gus B, you will not be disappointing read more

The place is cute & clean, a throwback to the early 1960s (NOT the long-haired freaky people part, but the soda shop years). And mid 60s is about the age of the majority of their clientele :) JK, my partner is mid 60s, so I clearly dig the old school vibe, Gus B's makes me feel like a geriatric Laverne and Shirley might just pop in for a piece of pie. Aaaaay. We ordered breakfast, 1 chicken fried steak (modest size, not crispy, needed seasoning) and 1 omlet. Neither were above average, & truthfully, the omlet wasn't as good as most other breakfast estabs (very wet inside, small and bland). The sides were decent though - homemade rye toast and house fried 'tatos were the best part. Like the USA of the early 1960s, this place was good in some ways (Made in USA! Fair prices!), promising on others (see Dick & Jane eat at clean nice old school diner where coffee or tea comes free with many of the meals!!), other parts not so appealing (flavortown, it is not). Give it a try maybe and definitely use the 15 percent of Yelp check-in reward. read more