When the 4 of us go into the Boundary Waters this is the best place to start your day with the best breakfast. Been going there for years and always great food and people there are nice. read more

Very quaint and bustling diner with a pretty decent menu. Waitress was very nice and dining room felt big while being small. Got an omelette and was pretty good. Would recommend if you're in the area hungry for breakfast or brunch read more

Friendly staff, great food! I always order the chicken fried steak and eggs. The chicken fried steak is homemade in Gilbert by Koshar Sausage Kitchen and it's the best I've ever tasted. Perfect ratio of meat to breading and NO gristle at all. The hashbrowns are perfect. They aren't over-done or chewy and the breakfast potatoes are deep-fried nuggets of love, L-O-V-E! Add some onions to either and it's like an extra lil' hug on your plate. Only open until 1pm, regardless of what Google says. read more

We ate breakfast here, suggested by our outfitter. Service was quick, but the menu choices are definitely a diner style. They have a lot of options, for sure, if you like a heavy greasy breakfast. I couldn't read the menu so well, just having gotten up and my new found "old people" eyes. Two people ordered then it was my turn, I said I wasn't ready and the waitress said something about carbon paper, like she couldn't continue unless I made a decision. So I felt rushed. i asked for eggs, sausage and hashbrowns. No toast. They don't have gluten free. The portions looked big, but unfortunately I don't like deep fried sausage patties. They were crunchy and greasy and were basically black. My hash browns were practically raw. There was no color to them at all. I'm not sure if they made it to the pan. I ate the eggs and left the rest. The rest of the guys I was with ate most of their food. They said it was ok. Nothing to write home about. The American fries here (I should have ordered those) were large potato cubes. They were nice and crisp without being heavy or greasy. My grandson didn't eat half of his food. That's telling. He did however absolutely love his hot chocolate. I didn't take pictures. I wish I would have. This was my last chance for a "real breakfast" before heading into the BWCA for 5 days. In all, if you love down home greasy diner food with big portions, this place is for you. If you want something lighter, fresh, or have any dietary restrictions go somewhere else. read more

Great menu, not only your breakfast standards but some special additions as well. Be sure to try the cranberry, wild rice toast. It alone is worth the trip. The service is outstanding. The servers were attentive and personable. Our coffee cups were never empty. The atmosphere is quite nice as well. I had a relaxing breakfast and will be returning. read more

Brittons Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

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Not sure why this place shows closed on Yelp but t is definitely open and delicious. Great local spot, classic diner, cash only. Had the veggie omelette with their homemade cinnamon raisin bread and it was delicious. She ordered avocado eggs Benedict. Place was packed and staff spread thin but definitely stop in this all American , patriotic diner when in town. read more

Brittons Cafe - Veggie omelette - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

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How did I not eat here until today! I visit or pass through Ely often and this is a forsure place to hit when hungry! Cute little diner. The portions should come with a warning label or if you finish your meal you get a tshirt, cause OMG, these meals are Paul Bunyan portions! My mom got pancakes (2) and bacon, they come served on a platter sized plate! I had the #1 I think, vegetable stuffed hashbrowns with 2 eggs to your liking 2 pieces of toast, white, wheat or rye. I added bacon, I would call this a potato dish or mountain. At this time they are not serving lunch. I do not believe they have dinner. Hard working ladies! read more

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Small town cafe. It's become a tradition to stop here on our way into the BWCA. My dad has been stopping here for years. Partially for the food, but also the friendly waitresses. Get ham and cheese omelet with hashbrowns. read more

We visit this place for breakfast when we take our annual fishing trip up to Ely - once on the way in town, then again on the way out. Always friendly service, good food and tasty coffee. Definitely a must when you're in town. Try the pancake - yes, just one. Unless you have a huge appetite! Enjoy! read more

After reading mostly positive reviews for Brittons we decided this was a safe bet while on vacation in Ely The first thing we noticed was a pretty bland and a little outdated looking place but we came for the food not the looks . We ordered the blueberry French toast and the stuffed hash browns, both were excellent with generous portions while it arrived in a timely manner. One odd thing is they only take cash which is pretty unheard of nowadays. All in all we would definitely come back on our next trip to beautiful Ely . read more

Brittons Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

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Loaded up before heading out to the wild. Everyone enjoyed their meals. No credit cards though. It's straight forward--big portions--fuel you up--all with a smile. Recommend read more

The food here is the best eggs Benedict I have ever had. The staff is very nice to customers, and the food was out quickly. The restaurant itself was just a very welcoming environment that looked cozy. read more

We wanted a big breakfast before heading out on a multi-day paddle trip, and this seemed to be the place to go in Ely. I had the vegetable stuffed hash browns which came with 2 eggs and toast. The stuffed hash browns were quite good! The potatoes were crisp, and the vegetables and cheese were tasty. The scrambled eggs were cooked a bit more than I like, but still good. The coffee was quite good and severs were on top of refills. Service was quick and efficient; it didn't seem like anyone was in the mood to be very chatty or friendly, but they were busy. Payment is cash or paper check only so be sure to find an ATM before going in and don't ask to split a check; we just sorted it out among ourselves later. read more

Brittons Cafe - Coffee mugs - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

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THE best breakfast place in Ely. The service is always the best and I can't imagine a more friendly place read more

Cash or check only and they have a tiny sign hidden that lets you know. Go somewhere else.

The food and service was out of this world. I kept hearing great things and thought it would be a situation where the hype wasn't true but boy was I wrong! The food was not only plentiful but mouth watering. The staff was so friendly too!! Can't wait to come back! read more

Come hungry and have patience. Briton's has been an Ely staple for over 50 years. It's breakfasts are legendary for the huge portions and delicious foods. It can be a very busy place so you might have to wait outdoors for a bit. You'll also have to have patience as they prepare the meals. Definitely NOT a fast food location. But that said, the food is incredible. Pancakes are HUGE...the size of an entire plate! Omelettes are also huge...both in size and flavor. Recommend the grilled ground ham & cheese...a local favorite. The wild blueberry waffles look and taste great...made with a plethora of wild blueberries. A friendly staff rounds out this top notch restaurant. read more

Brittons Cafe - Ham n cheese omelette with biscuits n gravy. - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

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On our way out we stopped for breakfast after coming off a week long trip in the Boundary Waters. Portions are huge! Food is amazing! This is our new stop now, that's how amazing it is. Staff was friendly, and the decor is neat! Definitely appreciated! read more

My family and friends all love Brittons. Known for their hearty breakfasts. The cinnamon rolls are the bomb. Beautifully ranger hospitality. Great specials. It can be a tight squeeze but they'll fit your group somewhere. Bring your cash. Very affordable. read more

Awesome place for breakfast You should definitely eat here This was our stop before and after boundary waters read more

Good customer service and good food. Great restaurant for the family. Decent Ambiance.

Britton's is a great place to go for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is served all day and lunch starts at 11. It's a busy place, though, so be prepared to wait for a table! I got a grilled ham and cheese and it totally hit the spot. Ham was just falling out of it and the bread was a little greasy but OMG it was tasty. My husband ordered breakfast with homemade wheat toast and I tried to snag a piece of bread and he slapped my hand. The homemade bread looked amazing. His plate was jam-packed with eggs, hash, and potatoes. Looked great. It's a cash-only place, but there is at least one ATM across the street, possibly two. They're only open until 2, so get in and get some protein before heading off for your Ely adventure. You won't be disappointed! read more

Bring your appetite because they will feed you. Oh and bring cash because they don't take plastic. We went for an early breakfast and coffee before our travel day home. We were visiting Ely after a camping trip in the BWCA. Very good food and service. We recognized a few friendly faces from our past trips. I like Brittons and will continue to come when we are in town. read more

Brittons Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

We came here for a Saturday breakfast after our BWCA trip and Brittons did not disappoint! Even with the line of people waiting they got us in fairly quickly at the counter. The staff did a great job of keeping our coffee mugs full as we waited for our food. The atmosphere here felt welcoming and laid-back, even at its full capacity. Both of us have dietary restrictions that can be hard to find in smaller places. Between the main dishes and the side options, we both found options easily and left very full and happy! The portions were HUGE and the food was delicious. I would definitely visit Brittons again! read more

Brittons Cafe - Our meals - one is a variety of side dishes and one is the country gravy w/ biscuits, bacon, hashbrowns, and sunny side eggs. - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

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A greasy spoon for the locals, and potentially awkward if you're not one of them I recently visited with my partner upon recommendation from some Ely locals. The minute I walked in, I'm sure this small town of 3500 realized that we weren't locals and everyone dining turned around to stare. Once they noticed me as an ethnic, non-Ely resident they decided to stare for a bit longer. After getting seated, it subsided, but I got the general impression that I was a bit of a curiosity as if I had rode in naked on a horse - something I had not experienced at any other place during my stay in Ely. My partner ordered a breakfast burrito and I got scrambled eggs with ham. The portions were incredibly generous and well-cooked. There must have been 5lbs of potato hash-browns and the scrambled eggs were equally generous. Prices were very fair and service was quick. Echoing what others said, just be sure you have cash - there's a small sign to that effect on the counter but it's easy to miss. Three stars for the heaping helping of awkward turtle. read more

Brittons Cafe - I wonder how many months these icicles last in Ely. - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

Wonderful place for breakfast in Ely. The French toast and hashbrowns are enough to feed 2 people. The owner and waitress are friendly and accommodating. They go out of their way to make out-of-towners feel welcome. Great food and service. read more

The #4 with sausage and chocolate chip is so good. When I come back to Ely I am going to back here order it again. P.S. always order one read more

Amazing breakfast. HUGE portions. Good idea to share. Huge sasuage links. Huge pancakes. Huge hash browns. Huge biscuits and gravy. We couldn't finish our plates. Great prices and special. Really recommend this place. GREAT VALUE! GREAT FOOD! read more

Brittons Cafe - Fry pan sized pancakes - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

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Great breakfast find in Ely! It's one Street of of the main drag. People in our group ordered the biscuits and gravy, omelette, and French toast and were very happy with their decision. I ordered the pancakes and not only were they huge, but they were delicious. Food took a little longer to come out, but it's a small busy place so that is understandable. Well worth the wait! read more

Brittons Cafe - Pancakes (huge) with a side of eggs (sunny side up). Delicious! - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

This is a hearty breakfast location that did not disappoint. We have been here in a number of occasions and look forward to more. Great service and excellent food. The stuffed hash browns are a go to for us. This last visit we had blueberry bread and our server offered it buttered and grilled. We cannot wait to try that again. read more

I had breakfast with my family and friends and we were quite delighted. My sugar face daughter got the chocolate chip pancakes while my son got the blueberry pancakes they both enjoyed it. My wife and I got the scrambled eggs and I was mildly disappointed my the hash browns. read more

Brittons Cafe - Welcome to Britton's Café - Cafes Near Me - Ely, Minnesota

I absolutely love this restaurant. I visited from Michigan for a wedding and we were looking for a spot to eat breakfast. We ran across this little place and I could not be more impressed. The country fried steak omelette was unique and was amazing. Very generous portions. I can't wait to come back again. read more

Nice - Pancakes are huge enough for the entire family... and tasted very good; link sausage must be made somewhere local fresh and tasty. The blueberry French toast was over cooked but actually tasted great - great blueberry flavor. Coffee was a bit weak for my taste over all a great breakfast place! read more

Brittons has been a tradition for my family since 1970. Always had great food awesome service and a friendly staff. A must stop for breakfast on my Ely visits read more

The old saying. "It is what it is" applies to Britton's. If you're in search of "all natural, gluten free and fresh from local farms," you may as well keep walking. If good sized portions and friendly servers are priorities, then stop in. My waffle and sausage were both tasty but will never be approved by my doctor and the same is true for the platefuls I saw at nearby tables. Live dangerously at breakfast on a day or two when you're vacationing in or around Ely and stop in this place. Just remember to pop your Simvastatin on schedule. read more

While on vacation with my girlfriend, we were told by many locals to go eat breakfast at Brittons. We were both so happy we did!!! My girlfriend had the chicken fried steak, which I've had at many many places before....but never had it so perfectly cooked and so tastey! I had the stuffed ham and cheese hashbrowns, and they were to die for! Never had anything like them before. The portion size was HUGE!!! I ate and ate and it felt like I couldn't make a dent in my meal. We shared a fresh out of the oven cinnamon roll, and quickly saw why we were told to get them fast before they are gone. From the food, to the portion sizes, and the amazing service, everything at Brittons is top notch. We are very thankful that out friendly VFW bartender, Wendy, really urged us to go there. read more

Made from scratch awesomeness!! Come hungry because the portions are huge! Britons is a perfect orthodox diner to fill up before or after a big hike, long day of working out doors or as a reward coming out of the boundary waters. High quality comfort food in a laid back atmosphere makes this place a must stop in Ely. We stopped in for breakfast on at the end of a week in the area. It was harvest festival and the town was packed, Britton's was bopping and food took a little longer than normal to prep. Had a ham steak that was the size of the plate and watch as they served pancakes that could feed an army. No complaints from anyone, smiling faces and lots of fresh, locally roasted coffee. You're gonna love it! read more

Come hungry! A must try for anyone coming thru Ely--they will fill you with fuel for the day if you plan to do some paddling :-) Great cafe open daily from 5am-2pm. Extra large portions at a fair price--easily splittable. They are also known for their fresh baked goods, which sell out early. Breakfast is always good and the cheeseburger was super flavorful. My sister and I visit every year for a week in the summer and we always stop in at least 2x--diet or no diet. My dad comes up for the month of July and he has been coming to Britton's since it was Edna's in 1952! read more

Our favorite breakfast place in Ely! We've come here literally for years-- they know us and our kids, and we've gone through a whole family of waitresses. I usually have the number 7 (eggs, American fries, and bacon), but Katie raves over the stuffed hash browns! Also fond of the homemade rolls! Great spot to fill up before a canoe trip or for family breakfast. read more

Asked a couple of the locals where to eat and they all said, without hesitation, Brittons...so the next morning we had to try it. Very good breakfast. Nothing fancy, just simple food but they do it right. Just as we were about to leave I saw a server carry out a tray of fresh donuts...a sign that you have to order one...so we did. Yum. Service was good. Cash only. read more