Written by Ashley Shafer

Are you craving some good home-cooked meals right out of the oven or sizzling off the stove? Meet your new mama, Jenny.

Jenny’s Country Kitchen is less than ten minutes from Biola’s campus. This humble, diner-like experience, right down Telegraph Road, serves more than just hotcakes and sausage. Jenny’s is a creative and delicious combination of home-cooked, Southern style food and fresh Mexican specialties. Aside from the traditional country fried steak, you can also order their chile verde or chilaquiles, a breakfast spin on nachos.

Jenny’s has been serving the Whittier area for “twenty-some years,” according to my waitress, Tracy Blair. Sadly, about six years ago the owner Jenny passed away, but her delectable diner was taken over by a worker within the restaurant. Hortencia Mendez started by washing dishes; now the owner introduces her own homemade Mexican recipes to the principal chefs at the restaurant and makes valuable additions to the menu. It looks like bringing some of her heritage into this classic American-style restaurant was a great hit.

The mixture of different foods has given Jenny’s its unique style, and it satisfies an eclectic crowd. Blair noted that all kinds of people come into Jenny’s, from the very wealthy to sick patients straight from the hospital. Saturdays typically look like “funny farms” at Jenny’s, she said.

Jenny’s is in a slightly hidden place, with little parking and hardly any attention-grabbing landmarks. Inside, you can expect a small but homey room adorned with old movie star posters. You might have to wait for a seat, but the food and friendly service make it worth the wait. Don’t be surprised if Blair is your waitress and sits down in the booth with you to take your order.

Since Jenny’s is mostly brunch-style food, their hours are unique; 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekends. These times aren’t quite accommodating for college life, but they are perfect for morning coffee or after-church lunch. The waitresses quickly get to know their regulars by name and are great for chatting about the town or telling some good stories. So, if you’re looking for an opportunity for community, stop by Jenny’s and bring a friend.