With its homemade hash and home fries, egg scrambles with meat and cheese, and all the breakfast favorites, the Riverside Cafe has already established a loyal following in its first week on downtown Main Street.

"That's my goal," says owner Julie Phillips, "to just have a place where people can come and enjoy themselves."

Phillips, a Plymouth resident, has spent 25 years working in food service. Most recently she spent seven years running Friendly's in Plymouth, and five years at IHOP in Bourne.

It was time to open her own place, she said, and when she learned that the cozy spot at 189 Main Street was available, she told the realtor not to even put the "for rent" sign in the window.

"It's such a beautiful spot," said Phillips. The cafe is named for its proximity to the Agawam River, which runs behind it.

After cleaning up the place, getting equipment in order, building a front counter, and setting up cafe tables with bright green tablecloths, the cafe was ready to open.

And so far, it's been a hit.

"We were full this weekend," Phillips said of the grand-opening weekend that kicked off Saturday, May 4.

After all, there are no other places downtown that focus almost exclusively on breakfast.

"We already have regulars who come in at 6 a.m.!" Phillips said.

Phillips does offer a small lunch menu with specials — including a homemade soup — each day. Homemade chowder and clam cakes are available on Fridays.

There will also be specials for customers who choose to dine at the counter.

None of the food is processed or frozen, Phillips said.

"I just want to hear people laughing and enjoying themselves," she said. The Riverside Cafe is "just a nice place for people to come in and feel welcome."

The Riverside Cafe is open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. For more information or to hear about daily specials, call 508-295-2050. While Main Street construction is going on, parking can be found along Merchants Way. A small alleyway will take you to the front entrance on Main Street.