Piru’s Railway Café & Gifts has fresh new look, Mouthwatering menu and more.

Situated on Center Street and just across from the Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza Park, owner Edith Smith has seen her dream café and shop open this week with a sparkling new kitchen, upgraded flooring, a fresh coat of paint and home-style décor. Edith and her colleague’s have also focused on getting the menu fine tuned and featuring the freshest and highest grade meats, produce and delicious home-baked treats.

This long-time Piru establishment, formerly home to the Blue Bird Tavern, has been transformed these past months to meet the highest quality standards around.

Morning offerings include fresh brewed coffee, pies and baked-goods made fresh daily, and good ‘ol comfort food like biscuits and gravy, French Toast, fresh fruit bowls and a host of other American staples. Joining Smith in this venture are locals Joy Zavala preparing some of the best baked goods around. I was privileged to “sample” the daily peach cobbler and can’t wait to taste her next offering.

At 10 am the crew shifts to daily lunch and dinner specials. In the kitchen, associate Jeff Peterson was noting the prime meats he will grind daily for the 8 ounce burgers, and even offered some insight to his cooking secrets. Grade A meats are featured in choices ranging from tri-tip, pot roast, meatloaf and great burgers. JP’s bar-b-q specials feature all the trimmings. All bar-b-q specials, sandwiches and dinners come with choice of salads or baked beans as side dish.

Their hours are Wednesday through Friday, 6 am to 8 pm. Saturday and Sunday hours are 7 am to 8 pm. Monday and Tuesday they head to market to pick up the freshest, locally grown produce and choice meats. They are also available for groups and other events, and will work with event planners to even open on any day for the right cause and with ample notice.

Railway Café & Gifts is located at 3989 Center Street at Via Fustero. Come on down and treat yourself and your family to some rib-sticking treats. The phone number is 805-398-5031.