I've been visiting Tipp City for the past ten years to see my in‑laws, and every trip we make our…read moreusual stops--the Hotel Gallery across the street, Harrison's, the familiar favorites. And for all those years, my wife kept saying, "We really should try Sam & Ethel's." Somehow, this was the first time we finally made it happen--and I'm glad we did.
We came in for breakfast the day before heading back home. We arrived around 9 a.m., and here's a tip for first‑timers: call ahead to get on the waitlist. You don't need to be present, and it can save you a little time. We thought we were next, but another couple who had called ahead slipped in before us. It felt a bit unfair in the moment, but honestly, good for them--they used the system the way it's meant to be used.
Once seated, everything that followed was exactly what a classic hometown breakfast spot should deliver. The menu is full of comforting options--silver dollar or plate‑size pancakes, buckwheat or regular, with or without pecans, all served with hot syrup. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully made.
I ordered the BELT (Bacon, Egg, Lettuce, Tomato) sandwich, which was excellent. They asked if I wanted cheese and offered several options; I chose cheddar, though it didn't end up on the sandwich. Honestly, it was still great without it. I also tried a silver dollar buckwheat pancake with pecans, and it was fantastic--nutty, warm, and just the right amount of indulgent. The coffee was a little weak for my taste, but that was the only small miss.
I also sampled some of my wife's breakfast burrito and my mother‑in‑law's toast and hash browns. The hash browns were especially memorable--you could really taste the potatoes, thicker and less fried than what you'd find at a Waffle House. The buttered toast was excellent too, simple but done perfectly.
And I have to mention our host, who delivered one of the funniest, most unexpected lines of the morning. She walked up and said, "Can I hit anyone up..." then paused just long enough for me to wonder what was coming next, before finishing with, "...with coffee." I was briefly alarmed, then immediately reassured--and I couldn't help but laugh. It was such a genuine, human moment that added to the charm of the place.
Everyone at our table enjoyed their breakfast, and the wait--especially for a Saturday morning--was surprisingly reasonable. My father‑in‑law picked up the check, which was a thoughtful way to end a really pleasant meal.
After a decade of visiting Tipp City, I'm glad we finally made it to Sam & Ethel's. It's easy to see why it's a local favorite, and it's definitely earned a spot on our regular rotation from now on.