Fans of the classic bagel-and-cream-cheese combo probably know all about Uncle Harry’s/Betty’s, a small restaurant that offers New York-style bagels in the morning and creative sandwiches in the afternoon.
Located on the southeast corner of Cedar and Shaw across from Fresno State University, Uncle Harry’s/Betty’s is a popular place for students. The restaurant is split up into two sections for both Uncle Harry’s and Betty’s.
The restaurant is designed with a ’40s feel in mind, with burgundy walls and old framed paintings. The drop lighting and antique-looking fans add to the relaxing atmosphere of the shop.
The menu is vast and perfect for both breakfast and lunch. Uncle Harry’s is known for its classic plain bagel and cream cheese, though they offer many other flavors, such as blueberry, ginger bread, berry and pesto. Plain bagels cost about a dollar and the more creative options cost anywhere from $1.30 to $2.19, depending on whether cream cheese is ordered.
Aside from the bagels, Uncle Harry’s also offers breakfast specials with the bagelwich (about $4), which is simply a sandwich with a bagel for the bread. The bagelwich is made with scrambled eggs on a toasted, buttered bagel and American cheese. However, several different versions are offered, including a spinach Florentine and “the ultimate,” which is stuffed with breakfast meat.
I decided on a spinach Florentine bagelwich, which comes with spinach, onions, cheese and eggs. The healthy breakfast option was full of veggies, protein and carbs, and the flavor was strong but tasty.
Betty’s offers lunch for later customers, with sandwich prices ranging from $4 for a made-to-order sandwich to $5 for a combo meal, which includes the sandwich, a drink and either soup, chili, pasta or green salad. The sandwiches range from a traditional Italian meatball to the ever-popular peanut butter and jelly. All sandwiches come on a fresh baked ciabatta rolls.
Desserts and sugary drinks like malts and shakes are also offered for a refreshing twist on lunch.
Four Uncle Harry’s/Betty’s restaurants are located around Fresno. For locations and more information, call (559) 490-0141. For more early-morning restaurant options, read Cinnamonster sweetens breakfast.
