We dined here for breakfast simply out of reminiscing. The diner is adorable in regards to everything being original. The service was okay. The menu is very, very basic. I had a ham and cheese omelet and it was okay - nothing special. Needless to say, we tried South of Lane the next day and fell in love. We wouldn't go back if we were in the area again simply because South of Lane is so much better. read more

I love this place! It has the comfortable feel of an old time diner and the prices reflect that too! The food is good and the portions are hearty! My husband and I sneak out there for brunch without the kids! It's like a step back in time, in a relaxed atmosphere. read more

I can't help but wonder how sanitary Chef-O-Nette is. I was curious upon hearing that the restaurant's decor has--more or less--stayed the same, but I knew I had made a big mistake after seeing the dining room, then the presentation of the condiments... It only went downhill, I soon learned. I stepped inside the ladies' room to wash my hands before my meal and walked out in disgust. I ate my lunch (and the two slices of rye bread that accompanied my 'Sta-Slim' dish) with a fork and knife. Cleanliness question aside, the food was sub-par. My 'Sta-Slim' plate was actually a bun-less burger. Eating a burger without the bun is like eating a birthday cake without icing. Depriving this girl from carbs only takes away major stars. The rye bread was quite dry, but the cottage cheese tasted decent. Then again, you have to TRY to make inedible cottage cheese. AT's chicken fingers (which came straight from the kid's menu) was, surprisingly, pretty good. I didn't try the french toast that AT ordered, but truth be told, it didn't look all that appealing. True, it's hard to put a dent in your wallet here (especially with their breakfast menu), but I do think that the quality reflects the prices. Things to keep in mind: 1) Servers seem to mainly cater to the regulars which was quite apparent 2) Bring hand sanitizer if you plan on eating with your fingers. I really wish I could have given Chef-O-Nette a 1.5, as opposed to a 1, but I was REALLY unimpressed by the food right down to the service. read more

I stopped here yesterday for an early dinner. It's very much as other have described it. I had the ham steak dinner which came with two sides, and a very large roll and butter. I went with cottage cheese and apple sauce. For dessert, I had a bowl of tapioca pudding. Even with all that, I still got out without spending a ten-spot. read more

An UA institution. It seems the menu hasn't changed in decades. The prices are unbelievably low. The quality of the food is questionable. The servers are not particularly friendly. It's not a clean place. The people who eat there are a combination of the ancient, the bloated, sunburned mega-osu fans, the loud, and the hungover. It's worth experiencing once. read more

Now this is a place to take you back in time. If you were to think of a hometown diner this would be it. The food is good, the staff is friendly and the price is as low as it goes. read more

This place looks like it has been preserved completely intact since 1964. I don't know how they encased the entire diner in amber, but it's pretty badass. If you're a fan of midcentury decor, check it out for the appearance alone. If you like breakfast food, this is a good stop too. The breakfast menu is pretty no-frills, but that's what a cheap diner is all about. The food is simple, tasty, and cheap. I had a ham and cheese omelette and a side of hash browns and it only cost about six bucks. And it was damn good. I'd definitely go back, and maybe try lunch or dinner too. read more

I just really love the fact that this place exists. Old school diners are harder and harder to find. Look, the food is diner food, so that's not why I love it. I love it because it's cheap, and because the waitresses call you hun, and because the last time I was in there, an old lady cussed out her husband, all the way through their meal and as she followed him out the door. read more

Had dinner here recently and really enjoyed my meal. Simple diner food, but very delicious! I had a simple salad, burger and fries. I could have eaten more! The service was great! Very friendly! I like the history and how they have kept everything the same. I'll be back! read more

Horrible. extremely hot in this 1970's decor of a restaurant. sat in a booth and our table had a bad lean! ordered scrambled egss and they were bland and barely scrambled. ordered home fries as well and they were old cold and chewy obviously left over from previous day. smallest glass of Ice tea I've ever seen. to cheap to leave sweetners on the table. portions were small as well. save your money. read more

I'm surprised by many of the reviews that call this place inexpensive. Maybe they have recently raised their prices? I had breakfast at The Chef the other day, and paid 6 bucks for a ham & cheese omelet. Since an omelet is all you get, I also ordered hash browns for $2.70, and a side of sausage for $3 and some change. Add a cup of coffee to that and my bill was $15 bucks for breakfast. That's WAY too much money for food that doesn't even fill up the space of the plate it's served on. If you're going to charge me nearly $3 for hash browns, then my man, throw some hash browns on that plate. A half a handful does not cut it! The food was tasty, and this would be a good review if it cost me $8, or if the portion was bigger for the price I paid. The value just wasn't there. read more

My first patronage of the Chef-O-Nette was in 1979 when my family moved nearby and I've been going there ever since (that's 40 years) at least 10 times per year. I went there so frequently, that, starting in the 5th grade, I would ride up to the drive-thru and order "the usual" which resulted in the purchase of a cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate malt. Fast forward 40 years: my mother purchased a Chef-O-Nette tee shirt as a Christmas present and got it 1 size too big. My son and I came in for our monthly lunch where I attempted to exchange the shirt for the correct size. The shirt had never been worn...or even unfolded. However, part of the brand label had been torn. The manager refused the exchange because of this. Keep in mind, we're talking about the label that is attached by a piece of thread, not the label that is sewn onto the shirt. It's the first thing a new owner removes upon purchase (if its even there). This shirt could have easily been sold as new (because it is) and nobody would ever even think to off-put by the missing label. They likely would never even notice. This marks a decisive end to my patronage of this restaurant. By any conservative estimate, I've spent over $4,000 there (in today's money). To refuse my very reasonable request for such a pedantic excuse reflects a complete disregard for their customers, especially a long-time regular such as myself. read more

Chef-O-Nette doesn't look much from the outside, but inside, the decor retains lots of original 1950s features. In total, we ordered 2 burgers (rather small, but pretty delicious), 2 fries (hot and fresh), a soda, a water, a bowl of chili (a little watery but decent) and a side of coleslaw (fresh but a touch too sweet for my taste), and the bill came to just over $11! Incredible! read more

A rock solid little dinner. Has an old school feel, a simple but delicious menu, and quality specials. I have been there for breakfast and dinner and both were great. read more

Such a great little dinner. The food is standard diner food. With amazing Milkshakes and great burgers. The staff are friendly and the whole place is very kid friendly read more

I go to Chef-O-Nette a fair amount, mostly for breakfast. If you're looking for a couple of good eggs, cooked fast, at a very reasonable price. This is the place. If you're looking for eggs benedict, a fancy omelet, or dare I say a frittata, this is not the place. Service is friendly. And the coffee is at the ready. read more

This place is awesome. Hangover plate every time It takes me back to the 70s of my youth read more

I hear this place is an Upper Arlington institution. It's easy to see why. The Sunday the hubster and I stopped in, it was busy but the service was so quick! All the food and coffee we ordered was well made, tasty, exactly as requested, and delivered with serious promptness. This is not fancy fine-dining or anything other than a family-friendly greasy spoon, but I really loved it. Such a nice atmosphere. read more

Why oh why did I order the spaghetti dinner here? The salad was 100% shredded iceberg lettuce, the roll was straight from the grocery, the sauce was out of a can of ragu. If I ever go back, remind me to stick to the cheeseburger and fries! read more

Did I just step into the 1950s?!?! The burgers here are succulent and the fries are crunchy and flavorful. It has an ambiance that reminds you of simpler times. I half expected to see Richie Cunningham in the booth next to me. The ketchup and mustard jars are a great touch. Did I mention the milkshakes?!?! This restaurant is cute, tasty, convenient and cheap. I hope to be back many times. read more

THIS is what a diner is supposed to be mainly because it has been in existence far before many of us were ever conceived and has never been renovated. Prices are still the same as I remember them in the 90's - CHEAP and the food is greasy delicious. I have always ordered the same thing from here and always will until I die - chicken filet sammie and usually a side of fries (the fries are nothing special, just those frozen "scrunched" types). Eating at the "bar" is the only way to go. I don't think I've ever had their shakes but it's on my to do list (never been a huge milkshake fan, I don't hate 'em, just never really crave them). Love all the childhood candy at the cash register. Cow tails for 25 cents, don't mind if I do! I like to take people here who are from out of town or who are even from Columbus but have never been. They always like it. read more

The food is so-so but it is cheap. What makes the Chef-O-Nette insteresting is the fact they must have been in this location for around 50 years, and the decor hasn't changed! Step into the time warp that is Chef-O-Nette! read more

I LOVE this place. My four year old daughter and I have a "daddy-date" here most every Friday. She loves their macaroni and cheese and i love their burgers. Now...it's not the best food in the world, but there is something comforting about going to a place with all of the nostalgia of yester-year. The people there are super nice and it feels like "home". Even though their food is just OK, their milkshakes are really yummy. Each week after lunch, we head around the corner to the bakery in Tremont Center to get a cookie. I hope they stay in existence for at least another 50 years...so I can take my GRANDkids. read more

Good food. Great people. The hangover plate is the best deal in town.

Cheff-O-Nette is a place that is great for kids and for people wanting a taste of classic, unchanged Americana. I suggest going either before 8am in the morning so you can watch the banter with people who start every morning here or go after 1pm after the lunch rush is done. My favorites here is the Hang-Over Burger which seems to have everything but the kitchen sink- Hamburger, ham, cheese, onions, tomato, crisp lettuce and then there's the milkshakes. Unfortunately the sides are unimaginative brought in from a supplier. Dinner is more comfort food and nothing is over 9.95 for a full meal on this menu and the size of the portions are still great for the price. In the end this is a great place for the kids if you don't want to cook for them and they are usually captivated with the bustling place and the spinning stools on the two round counters. Even the pickiest kid can usually find something and they will cook breakfast for you for a small added charge. read more

My husband and I grew up in Upper Arlington and the Chef O Nette was a necessity for a great burger or grilled cheese and fries...an important part of the community. We now have our own children and were excited for them to experience the yummy food and small town experience. We were so disappointed. There was only one waitress, who seem to not know what was going on, The women's restroom was filthy and there was measurable black dust on the ceiling fans as well as chunks of dust hanging from the ceiling over the counters where customers eat. We will not be back. Come on Chef... read more

This is a neighborhood tradition so I have to give it 5 stars! 60's decor, old school counter service, family friendly (waitress loved our kiddo), simple menu (prefer breakfast), great prices (except for drinks which are randomly over priced). My husband's favorite breakfast joint! read more

My wife and I have eaten here a couple times per month for idk how many years. The food is good and the servers are always fun and friendly.

Love their Chef o net burger plate .The fries are great and the cole slaw is so good they sell pints . Not many of this kind of restaurants left and I prize it very much. I like their pickup window. read more

My favorite little diner. Beautiful relic from the 50s, untouched and awesome. Also, fun fact, first drive through window in Ohio.

AWFUL! Food was cold and greasy. Even the coffee was subpar. Waste of money.

What a waste! This could be a great icon in the Columbus area. All it needs is for someone to come in add a fresh coat of paint, a total clean, and some new carpet. Make a Hamburger with fresh ground beef . Get a quality meatloaf and a few other items. Considering its location this place should be packed! Its tired and needs a wake-up! Average at best with maybe the best potential in the entire city for a Diner. read more

a good place where you can get a good meal at a good price

Perfect place for a burger and shake. Sit at the counter and stick to the basics on the menu. Pick up some candy on your way out.

Chef-O-Nette is a UA staple. Inside, the old decor makes your lunce fell like you're back in time. The menu's traditional diner food, not great for people who like fancier food, but great for kids and families. The burgers there are good along with most of the other food. Although the menu is somewhat outdated (The "sta-slim special" is just a burger without the bun), it still delivers what very few restaurants do these days: food that is cheap, but is real. Order anything but a salad there. read more

Daughter and I went there for lunch. Food wasn't bad [cheeseburger plate} waitress was very friendly but my daughter found a hair in her coleslaw so now she won't eat there again.. read more

Never been here before. Wait staff was pleasing and effective. Food was horrible. Ordered the beer battered fish special. Heavy, greasy frozen fish filet. It was partially burnt near the end of the "filet". Mashed potatoes were stone cold. Onion rings were the ONLY saving grace for the whole meal. Lived here for my entire life and thought I would try this place. First and last trip for me. read more

this place was truly the biggest rip off I have ever experienced. I will say, the atmosphere was amazing and the cleanliness issues that others spoke of seem to have been addressed. But the small portion size was stunning to me. My husband and I each ordered a milk shake for $3.50. I don't know about you but I think of diner milkshakes as being large... the kind that come out int the glass and also the metal cup they made them in?! (at least that's always been my experience elsewhere.) when the waitress brought it out, both shakes were in such a small glass, I thought she had gotten confused and thought we were just splitting one. When I expressed my confusion and obvious disappointment, she showed no concern or care for trying to make it better. This all probably sounds so petty but I was just so disappointed with the cost of the meal and the total lack of concern on the waitresses part to please the customer. I am never one to complain on YELP but something about this experience just really got to me! So... go for the atmosphere, but don't expect much beyond that. read more