Went in today for a breafast since its was the only real place I could get to in the snow. Got in quickly and got a table right away. Good place to go if I'm not feeling like cooking breafast myself. Nothing extra fancy or special but just good old hearty breakfast pancakes. read more

Pepper pot soup was good. Hamburger steak lunch uninspired but satisfying. Put a big dent in a $20 bill for just one person.

BEST hang over breakfast ever!!! My husband and I love their breakfast! The ham is good, with the french toast! My husband always gets the "best breakfast in town".... oh and they have a full bar, how can you not like this place? I am sad Nancy was our favorite server and last time we were in she told us she was retiring :( read more

Good stop for brunch after church Gals give good service and fast and all over good food service and people read more

Great greasy-spoon b'fast, friendly servers and fast service. Awesome place if you're in West Seattle before the break of dawn with a growling tummy! read more

I haven't had the chance to eat here yet, but Saturday night karaoke here is an absolute blast! Quick and friendly bartenders with a great down home vibe. Love this place! read more

Food is decent, but the service is incredibly slow. The servers always seem to make you feel like you owe them something for coming in as a customer...like they are inconvenienced that you came in to the restaurant. read more

My girlfriend and me didn't feel like cooking so we popped off to this well established eatery that I drive by all the time. It was an early Tuesday - 6am - so we had the joint to ourselves save one person reading the paper at the counter. Service was obviously quick and thorough but I've been in the business a long time and I have the feeling we would have gotten the same service had they been busier. Food was what I expected for a short order diner-style menu. Portions were generous and the coffee - also diner style- kept coming. She had the french toast and I had the spicy italian sausage special with two eggs and browns with toast. We paid about twenty bucks plus tip, and both left satisfied. read more

Dock worker's delight! Don't even try to fit in otherwise. Standard greasy spoon , food wise.

This place has a tasty breakfast and lunch menu. People come here daily to watch The Price is Right on the boob tube. Solid staff and proper drinks. Fairly priced, darts, jukebox and karaoke with a legend, PeeJay the DJ. If you never go here you're missing out. Roll again. read more

West seattle is a wasteland before 7:00am when it comes to food. The Chelan Cafe was open, I was suspicious, but it'd been here since the 30's, so it has to have something going for it. I ordered two eggs, hashbrowns, toast and two pancakes. The coffee wasn't special, but not absolutely terrible either. The place is roomy and the waitress was friendly. Onto the food - I always judge a breakfast place by their hashbrowns. My hashbrowns weren't burnt, but they still had that funny 'sour cream' taste and a touch undercooked for my taste. They'd be better off cooking the hashbrowns with regular corn oil instead of butter flavored shortening, that stuff ruins everything. Enough salt and pepper to dillute the butter-flavored flavor and they were OK. The eggs were standard, not very flavorful but not undercooked or greasy either. The toast was fine, it wasn't under-toasted. The pancakes were much larger than I thought they'd be (dinner plate sized), and while they're nothing compared to grilled-in-butter fresh pancakes, they were better than IHop. They were fluffy and not very dense and absorbed the butter and syrup well enough. The pancakes, while massive, I think are a tad expensive. I know how much pancake mix costs, $5 for two pancakes seems a little steep unless they're catering to yuppies. Otherwise the price was alright, it's open early and it's clean as far as I can tell. I'd go here again just because it's open early and cleanish. read more

I've only been here for breakfast. But I love atmosphere here. Great taisting food and really social waitresses. I will always recommend this place for a great spot as a must go to West Seattle. read more

Food was good. This restaurant closes at 1 pm on the weekends. While eating there this morning, people were coming in close to closing time. One of the servers told everyone who came in, that the restaurant would be closing in 5 mins. One couple was told by 3 different servers that they had to order right away and they were handed menus while they were waiting for a table. This couple left and the youngest server, was walking around saying how it's his favorite part, telling people they are closed and turning them away. If you like to be treated like crap, be sure to eat here. read more

That skinny girl (dark, long curly hair) who is whatever hostess or waiter. She has terrible attitude and she didn't giving the welcoming us to this place... She needs to change that attitude to better attitude. Anyway! Amazing Chelan scramble for a late breakfast!! What's more. Short hours, even waitress did encourage us to leave. Sigh!! Come on read more

Food was good, service was great. The Irish omelet was recommended by the sent and really hit the spot

Do not go if you have more then 4 people. Terrible service for larger groups. We had five people and we waited forever. It seemed like they were punishing us for having a bigger group. Sat at least 4 smaller groups ahead of us at tables that could have easily fit 5. The food was typical diner fare which you sometimes really want. I am still wishing for that perfect West Seattle breakfast place! read more

Consistently great food. Moderately priced. If it's busy, sometimes it's tough to get additional service after the food arrives, but the staff is typically pleasant. read more

A must for fans of the classic, big hearty breakfast. Busy on the weekends but table turnovers are about as fast as the slopping of the coffee refills. Friendly, fast service, great place to take the kids and a must-go for those fuzzy-tongued, hangover mornings. Cheap, good food that always delivers. But then breakfast isn't rocket science. read more

Legacy dive bar/greasy spoon with the absolutely worst service I've encountered in any restaurant - anytime, anywhere (although there are some great exceptions to this rule on the wait staff... but do YOU feel lucky?) The "good" news is that they are union and treated very well. We come here once a month and like to play a game with any guests we brought... i.e., "how long until we get served" ?.... it can take 15 or more minutes in a completely empty restaurant (our guests loose this bet every time...) Greasy food prepared by dodgy people that will make you run to the restroom for a full on gastric explosion most times. The people who frequent this place must have built up an immunity... people who love the Chelan do so in the spirit of true love.... with total acceptance. Nothing is funnier than watching the uneven staff deal (eventually) with yuppies expecting a rational experience... (most funny overheard questions asked of the wait staff at the Chelan: 1."Do you have freshly cracked pepper ?" 2. "May I see your wine list ?" 3. "Do you have espresso ?" Hilarious to watch the staff bunt with these questions ! )... it's like an unbearable English comedy of manners set on Harbor Island... lot's of laughs,... if you aren't hungry... Lots of luck... hope you have enough toilet paper waiting for you at home in your bathroom ! My apologies to whoever the owners are, they must hate reading these reviews, I'm sure they try... but this is an immovable object. read more

A great place for brunch! Not many cafes in West Seattle where you can get seated almost immediately on a Sunday afternoon (and that doesn't mean they were NOT busy). The flow of this cafe is comfortable with plenty of seats for families or you can even grab a seat at the counter. The food is fantastic, service is friendly and the portions are generous. I had the vegetarian omelet and it was wonderful! Parking lot is small, but you can easily get a spot, across the street, under the bridge. I will absolutely be back. read more

Blueberry Pancakes - Yes Please!!! The only negative is the size of the parking lot but the old time diner and bar combo is great.

terrible customer service talk to the waitress I wonder what I wanted my meat I told him medium and they bring me roasted because I told him to change it they get angry I do not understand the waitress is confused and I am to blame that is not all the bazer tbm We asked him for water after 20 minutes he brought us water and the worst thing is that they change my meat and they bring me the steak without eggs and potatoes I ask them where they took the eggs and potatoes and they get angry again what kind of waiters they have or they think they're doing me a favor I'm going to consume them hopefully change that attitude they have that if they continue like that restaurant goes down read more

Good prices to go with good food. On my next trip to Alki beach, i'll stop by again.

What you'd expect from a standard greasy, dingy, old restaurant. Most of the clientele is over 60. When I asked if I could sub something for the meat that came with the french toast, they looked at me like I was an alien. They seriously acted like they'd never met anyone who didn't eat meat. After asking around, our server said she could possibly sub fruit, but that they normally don't sub anything for meat. You just don't get it, yet still pay for it. Don't even begin to look for any vegan options. Coffee was watered down, too. read more

GROSS! This WAS my favorite place for breakfast. Until the cocky waiter behind the counter kept licking his fingers before he consulted his order pad. Then wiped his nose once with his hand before using the preferred sleeve method. That still wasn't enough to start walkin'. He then proceeded to grab a glass and ran it through the ice for his water (instead of using the designated scoop). After all this he grabbed plates full of food to take to his patrons tables, with his thumb touching the edge of the food on the plate. We did tell the (no manager on duty) woman in charge why we were leaving before we walked out. I gave this two stars because the food is usually good, they have hashbrowns and I might give it another chance in the distant future, hoping this guy learns a little restaurant hygiene read more

Don't be fooled by the questionable location. This satisfying café has everything a person would need: old-fashioned charm, impressive service, and, of course, outstanding food. When you first walk in, they have the classic diner theme going on. Red booths, the counter with the barstools, and checkered flooring. That's one option for seating, but you can also take a left into a room that has a completely different theme. This room is dedicated to boats, the maritime industry, etc. There's even a large, thick rope with a booey attached that is draped over a low wall next to the area where they store the coffee. The west wall is almost entirely covered with framed pictures of boats and such. There is cozy seating arrangements, and don't worry, if you have a large crowd coming like my family did for my brother's b-day, there's a solution for that. They usually push 3-4 tables together to make one large table. And, overall, the atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful. You'll be blown away with this amazing service. What, with the super-experienced waiters and all, not to mention how flexible and kind they are. It's not a five-star restaurant, but for what you would normally expect for an average restaurant, this place definitely meets the standards. If I chose what I enjoyed most about the Chelan, I'd probably choose the food. Obviously I haven't been here enough to try all of their food, but from the four or five times I have been there, I was pretty delighted on how it came out. Their portions can be deceiving, but not in a bad way. I had a three cheese omelet the last time I was there, and it looked like a normal size, but about halfway through, I was stuffed. My whole family liked their food, too. If you are thinking about getting a milkshake, that's fine, but caveat emptor. Don't get me wrong, they're heavenly. But so huge. I shared a chocolate milkshake with my sister, and even with both of us slurping away, we were only able to finish about 2/3 of it. Also, just a tip: dinner isn't nearly as rushed as breakfast is. The food is equally delicious, though. Usually there will just be some old-timers chatting about their childhood or whatever during the usual dinnertime. Breakfast is different. There will be new mothers with their 18 month baby, teens texting away, or newlyweds talking over coffee. That might only be because I went there Sunday morning, which is inevitably busy. So as you can see, the breakfast schedule is definitely different from the dinner. Whatever you order, it's sure to be mouthwatering. So let's see... decent physical appeal? Check. Good service? Check. Tasty food? Check. So now it all comes down to this: the price. Which is a very fine deal when you factor in all of the superb qualities of the Chelan Café. The average price may be $45 for a family of five. Whether, it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Chelan Café is the place to go! read more

The Chelan Cafe has been our favorite breakfast cafe for many years. They are always consistent with the food and the prices are very reasonable. We have always experienced excellent service, and they have always made an effort to accommodate large groups. read more

I've eaten here before (and came here with my parents when I was a child) and it's typical diner food. I stopped in today (8/28) for a late lunch coming home from a movie. First, let me say that the place was not crowded and most customers were already served. I wasn't greeted when I walked in and went into the side dining room. I saw the waitress and asked if I should just seat myself and she said, "Sure." I waited for over five minutes, watching her serving another couple near me, going back and forth (no one else was in the side dining room). She finally asked if I wanted a menu. Well duh!!! I then waited almost ten minutes without getting the menu, water, or the coffee I said I wanted. I looked out into the front area and the waitress was giving someone a refill at one of the tables, then went behind the counter and stood there. I was obviously forgotten. The couple by me had left and their dishes were just left on the table.I finally gave up and left. As I went out the door, the waitress was still standing in the same place. At first I thought this was just how solo female customers are treated, but after reading the other reviews from people who've had the same experience, I'm no longer taking it personal. It's just equally bad service for everyone! I suspect she must have some memory issues. I enjoyed the KFC I picked up on the way home and that I'm eating as I type this. read more

Went to Chelan Cafe at the recommendation of a few friends with my mom who was in town. Went on a rainy Sunday around 10:30. If there is one thing that will ruin a restaurant experience for me over anything else, it's poor service. I can understand food not being exceptional or different to peoples tastes; however, poor service drives me nuts. Walked in to the Chelan Cafe and stood in the entry way for about five minutes. No acknowledgment, no welcome no anything. Just stood there and waited to be seated while I stared at empty tables. Finally got seated at a table right next to the window and apparently became invisible. We were seated with water and menus and not contacted again by an employee for FIFTEEN MINUTES. Orange juice would have been nice, maybe even coffee. But after waiting for FIFTEEN MINUTES, you tend to lose a taste for anything other than water. The cafe was slightly busy but not what I would consider crowded. A couple seated after us were provided drinks and had their order taken before we even saw a waiter/waitress. I could have sworn I was burning a whole in a few of the employees with how much I was staring them down in the hopes I could get some attention. I feel like I finally made a busser uncomfortable enough to go grab a waiter. His opening remark to us? "I was waiting for some food". What?!? No, "How are you?" or "Sorry for the wait.", nothing. Finally got our food. I ordered the western omelette with hash browns. The ham was good in the omelette, but overall, nothing much better than IHOP. My mom ordered something that sounded interesting to her. It was a pancake sandwich with ham and eggs. Not sure what makes it a sandwich though when it comes out as two pancakes on one plate and eggs and ham on another plate. It should be called ham and eggs with a short stack of pancakes because that's all it was. I'm sure I probably had a rare bad experience here, but I definitely will not be back. It's clearly the kind of place which has been around so long that customer service is definitely no longer a major concern because they'll make their numbers regardless. read more