I was pleasantly surprised by the Chelan Cafe. It is a hidden gem nestled under the West Seattle Bridge. My husband and I came here for breakfast on a Monday morning and they weren't that busy. There was plenty of parking (they have two lots!) and once inside, we were seated right away. The building looks pretty plain on the outside, but the interior is really cool. It was large and bright on the inside with neat decorations on the walls. They have a wide selection of breakfast foods (omelettes, pancakes, french toast, etc). I ordered the Chelan Scramble, which came with hash browns and toast. Everything was delicious. It was a hearty portion, but I was able to eat most of it. The coffee was just ok. I thought everyone was pretty nice and our server did a great job. She took our order promptly and the food came out in a reasonable amount of time. The food was piping hot when it showed up at our table. Our server also made sure that we never ran out of coffee. We both really enjoyed the Chelan Cafe and we will definitely go back! read more

Chelan Cafe - Chelan Scramble (eggs, ham, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, tomatoes), hash browns, sourdough toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Bar is funny and karaoke Thursdays are entertaining. I come all the time for the awesome waitstaff, predictably good comfort food and the feeling of being treated like a regular. The food is good but not amazing and i prefer Luna Park for breakfast. Favorites on the menu: Navy bean soup, their AMAZING CHICKEN OR VEAL parmesan special (Thursdays) , chicken strips, and eggs benedict. Drinks are strong as heck. Know that the kitchen closes at 7 pm. After that time, sandwiches and soup only. read more

Great breakfast, friendly staff, busy but no wait. Great weekend breakfast spot. Had the Country Benedict with sausage gravy and it hit the spot. read more

Vigor staff loves the food at Chelan, and the service and ambiance. But I want to talk about the Service AFTER you leave. My manager forgot to get an itemized receipt (on 12/13/2023), and I called on 1/16/2024, and Scott the manager and 3rd generation to operate the Chelan Cafe not only got me the receipt ON THE SPOT, but was so kind and gracious about it. I really appreciate Scott's help and we will be back, again and again. Thank you for coming through for us when we really needed it! Chelan Cafe is AMAZING! read more

First visit to Chelan Cafe in years. I met a group (six people) here on a Saturday morning and we picked it strictly on location. At 9:00AM, the place was hopping but there was ample parking over the two lots and we were able to snag a spot easily. After chatting with my friends for a bit, I excused myself to the restroom. I was getting ready to wash up and realized there was no soap at all at the sink. I asked for help from someone I found outside the restroom (yes, he worked there) and he promptly saw that it was taken care of. Honestly, I'm not sure if this was because I was lurking outside the restroom or not while waiting (I wasn't going back to the table with filthy mits!) but that's neither here nor there. The issue was addressed quickly, which is what matters in my mind. I had ordered the Ham and Cheese Omelette, which came with hash browns and wheat toast. It arrived quickly, looked great and tasted fresh. The only thing I would have liked is a bit more cheese, but this is probably just a preference thing. Portion sizes were ... average ... so I could have eaten a bit more, but that's not to say I needed to or should have. Three of my group ordered the blueberry pancakes and they looked great as well. Overall, it was a good visit (great service!) and I'll add this to the list of places I'd like to return to some day. read more

This restaurant used to be a favorite. It's ashamed how one bad experience can change your mind. It took over 5 minutes to get a cup of coffee and even longer for someone to take an order. The restaurant was not busy. One of the servers was taking care of customers that came in after us. The server that finally came to take our order had been wondering around the back aimlessly doing nothing. They were out of what we ordered which you can't fault them for but then it took far too long for them to come back to ask for our updated choice. Decided to go to Luna Cafe instead. Far superior! read more

The Chelan Cafe has the best breakfast in town! Never had a bad meal here! The pancakes are a must try. The wait staff is wonderful and the owners/managers are so helpful and friendly! We come here regularly not only for the delicious food but also because of everyone that works here!! read more

Good comfort food at a reasonable price. Fun bar with friendly people and cheap drinks. read more

If I could give this place a 0 I would there's no option here but 1-5, LOOKS ARE DEFINITELY DECEIVING, upon arriving I walk into the diner as Im approaching I'm getting stares as if why am I even there, two waitresses are standing at the counter next to register one says hold on, no hi no welcome in, just a dry" hold on." The other rolls her eyes and turns her back to me, no hospitality, however I did see them rush off to the other patrons who happen to be white, which I thought no they can't be discriminating and all I see as far as staff is native or Mexican, so I sit a wait patiently for 5 minutes and still no welcome or how can I help you as the waitress continued ignoring while glaring into my face, I look over to the kitchen and observe their cooks stiffing their faces with food, while wearing the same gloves they are serving food with, above the stove EEEEEW. No thanks , did better at American Cafe on California Ave where I was greeted, appreciated as a patron no matter my race, gender or color. I advise to go to diners and restaurants where ALL customers are appreciated and treated with respect. Chelan Cafe shame on you and your staff. What appears to be nice on the outside can be hideous and flat out nasty inside. read more

We haven't been here in a long time but it's the same old good cafe. I had the club sandwich and side salad. Not much to the salad just head lettuce and dressing with croutons. The sandwich was good. Nice portion size and good flavor. Friendly and efficient wait staff. read more

Chelan Cafe - Salad and club sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Longtime West Seattle classic diner located underneath the West Seattle Bridge in the Youngstown neighborhood. Had the Taco Omelet and it was pretty good. Staff is friendly and the food is affordable. Popular place for many West Seattle locals. read more

Chelan Cafe - Taco Omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is a review of the bar half of this establishment. So, here in the great North-wet, we can legally start drinking at our local bars and restaurants at 6:00 AM. Most people don't, given, but you can. Which begs the question: where the heck can you get your booze on at such a tender hour? I mean, you can't really say you've been drinking all day unless you start in the morning, after all. Well, the list is short and storied, mostly old dive bars that serve breakfast, with dedicated clientele keeping them afloat, iconic 24-hour joints like the 5-Point, and this place. And it's a hoot! Night-shifters and the occasional professional drinker talking politics and trading jokes over whisky and beer and eggs and bacon. Tasty combo, by the way. It feels like old Seattle, the hard-working, never-say-die, wipe the blood off and ask for more Seattle. The city I fell in love with when it was poor, real, hungry and full of artists circa 1990. But nostalgia is just a passing shower, ephemeral and forgotten as day breaks and Seattle gets on with the business of reinventing itself. And the hard-working folks drinking, laughing and grousing with me before the sun comes up on this November morning will soon amble on and find their rest, like the old Seattle and my memories of it. I recommend finding the time to do it, just once at least, if you're a permanent resident. It's a sideways approach to being more a part of where you're at. Not entirely safe, not entirely sane or socially acceptable, but a way to gain a unique perspective on a bit of the town few ever see. Cheers! read more

The Chelan Cafe is by far the best place to either have a breakfast or lunch by yourself, with a friend, or a large family. This is a family owned and operated Cafe with the most reasonable prices, perfectly prepared variety of meals, and outstanding customer service. Located under the West Seattle bridge, it's our best kept secret..., so far. read more

Service is a consistent slow pace. Understandably being the only family style restaurant that serves breakfast on Sundays with small dining size. When you bring young children consider the wait time to sit, sitting at your table waiting to order, getting your order, and that long wait for your second cup of coffee. food is great though! 5 Stars to the cooks! Patience is your friend at this restaurant. I am empathetic to the servers. Call out's definitely slow you down! Sorry my grandkids drank all the creamers! read more

This unassuming hidden gem has one of the best diner breakfasts in Seattle! I crave their food maybe a little too much.

Good place for breakfast. Stopped by with friends. Had Country Fried Steak and eggs which I have to say is better than Denny's. Service is good with plenty of attention. I would go again anytime. read more

My son and I go every Monday for the charming, live piano music coupled with kind service and yummy food. It's his favorite kids' menu in West Seattle, and we always find something delicious to enjoy. Highly recommend this place for an authentic West Seattle cafe experience. read more

Chelan Cafe - Kids Menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Delicious breakfast and great service. We enjoyed chicken fried steak with sausage gravy, crispy hash browns, giant fluffy pancakes and smoky moist ham. Yum! read more

Chelan Cafe - Ham steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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A great morning breakfast diner that is a community spot. Their food is consistently good. Great omelets, eggs benedict and country fried steak (I ask for a side of gravy or hollandaise if I want more). I rated it at 4 stars only because I have had the experience of getting forgotten by the staff, but they always take care of things in the end. read more

Five stars? For a diner? Have I lost it? Well, no. Chelan cafe earns it. THE ROSES: A big menu jam-packed with unapologetically classic 'comfort food'. We're talking entrees like chicken fried steak, fried chicken, and liver & onions, for God's sake! All served with mashed potatoes and gravy. No frou-frou presentation where everything is piled up on top of each other, either. Nothing here is fancy, but everything is executed to a 'T'. Wonderfully friendly and efficient staff. Wonderful atmosphere. The dining space is covered with pictures of tugboats and such, reflecting the waterfront community of longshoremen, teamsters, etc. that the Chelan serves. Overall very good prices, except for the coffee (see THORNS). THE THORNS: Parking lot frequently full, and there's no street parking here (the parking lot is actually pretty big, but the place is that popular. Coffee seems a bit spendy: $2.29 a cup for drip coffee? Am I missing something? Is this place owned by Starbucks? WHY FIVE STARS? YOU EAT AT CANLIS, FOR GOODNESS SAKES! FIVE STARS FOR A DINER?? WTH???: Exactly. In a hipster-ridden, hi-tech town like Seattle has become, it is wonderful that there are still establishments that are true blue-collar diners and celebrate it in all it's full-throated, cheap beer drinking glory. They serve true All-American comfort diner food, execute it well, and resist the temptation to do precious trendy 're-interpretations' of diner classics (see: Endolyne Joes, the Five Spot, Serious Biscuit, ad nauseum). These guys are the Real Deal, and God bless 'em. THE VERDICT: Go away. Don't eat here. They don't need you. Okay, I'm being selfish and kidding. If more people discover this place, I'll NEVER get a table here. Come on in, it's great! read more

I have only eaten breakfast here, but you will find no better for the transitional American plate dishes. The omelets, scrambles and traditional framer types are all wonderful and very large. Come hungry. Coffee is great and they are open early. A very old quaint location with a old style breakfast bar. read more

Absolutely delicious. I ordered the biscuit and gravy. It was perfect! My husband had the chelan scramble which was also amazing! Quick, easy, and friendly service. read more

Service was great. We went out back with our dog, when we had previously done so, to be told it wasn't a thing. Server was gracious and served us anyway. Can't say the food was great. Asked for well done corned beef hash and it didn't look like it had been cooked. Softly cooked scrambled eggs were too well cooked and the coffee was so so. Good prices in comparison to other breakfast places but was underwhelming. Looks like what it is, a diner. read more

The food here was great! It was decently portioned, tasted absolutely delicious, and had a nice atmosphere to it. If you enjoy Dennys then you'll definitely love Chelan cafe as well. This place serves your typical breakfast that you're used to, so it's not much of a difference in terms of choices. However, you're paying for the quality -- and that is what definitely counts. read more

Chelan Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Solid staple. Love every part of this little old school gem. Mostly the bar side!!!!

I have been going to the Chelan Cafe for over 25 years. Not once have I not been thoroughly happy with the food, service and atmosphere. As a former professional cook, I am particular about my food and my service. This place does such a fine job I can honestly say that I eat out here more than I do anywhere else. My go to is the Eggs Benedict on Sunday with a bloody mary. Lisa and Fernando take care to watch everything going on so there's never a need to wonder if I can get more coffee or perhaps another bloody mary. Those two are always aware of the needs of everyone in the room and are one step ahead. The ham they use on the Eggs benny is quality. The hollandaise sauce is perfect and the hash browns are a generous portion and always golden brown, not brown, but if that's what you want, just ask. The parking is plentiful with two lots but it can fill up on Sunday mornings. But there is ample parking under the bridge just across the street. Only had to use that twice in 25 years, but that's a good sign. This place is awesome. You'll like the prices too, they're very reasonable. read more

First time trying this place. Was annoyed from the jump when the older lady sat 2 groups who came in after us ahead of us and the restaurant was not packed or anything. Then the waitress for half my partners meal and if I wouldn't have gone up to the counter n asked it would have never came. Made us feel forgotten n not really wanted. We won't be coming back. read more

It's been 4 years since my last horrible experience so it was time to try again. The servers were at least nice and on top of things. The food, however, still tastes like they transfer it over from the food service at the Washington DOC. My liver and onions was cooked until the liver jumped out of the pan on it's own screaming. The onions were barely cooked. The carrots had a scary, freezery look to them. Really quite awful. I don't know how they've been around forever and how they have such a loyal customer base. read more

I first had breakfast at this joint some 6 years ago with all the technicians I used to work with. There were 7 of us and we were hungry, while a few of us were even a tad cranky. Ok, I was the one that was cranky... and by cranky I really mean I was kind of pissy. It was way too early in the morning, I was hungry, hungover and needed a smoke in a bad way. Well, we pulled into this place on an early Thursday morning and we were seated in a matter of minutes. They pulled a couple of four tops side by side so they could accommodate a group of our size. After we sat down the table was tag teamed by two of their finest waitresses... one pouring the coffee's while the other one took our orders. Me being the pissy one I guess you could say I was giving a little lip to the waitress... who promptly gave me back everything I was dishing out and then some. But, at no point in time was it ever more than just that friendly ribbing you get from someone that you've known for years. As a matter of fact... they all gave as good as they got. You have to love a place where the staff has moxy! Anyhow, I was hooked from that moment on and have been having breakfast there with my friends for years. The breakfast is great and served all day... the service is fast, but may not always be friendly... and remember to check the white board for the days breakfast specials. read more

Chelan Cafe - The Chelan Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Lil family & I came here for breakfast one Sunday morning as Luna Cafe was insanely packed (I'll admit it wasn't my first choice). We drive past the Chelan Cafe each morning for work and had wondered if it was any good. The parking lot was a bit crazy as people just double parked because they couldn't find parking. I'm not a fan of that as it made it impossible to even get your car into their parking lot. I'm talking double parking on both sides of the entrance so it left one way in and out. Why is no one enforcing this? Anyway, we got a spot and went inside. The menu was pretty straight forward (I uploaded some photos for those who like to see what's offered). I got the breakfast of eggs, bacon & toast. It was fine. Nothing to write home about. My hashbrowns came out reminding me of junior high and it was 'cooked' but almost raw. It wasn't browned (like it should be) but instead just barely yellow. The texture always creeps me out as it makes me feel it's still raw and so mushy. I passed on those and just ate the rest of my plate. My hubby wasn't blown away and when asked how his meal was "Eh. it was pancakes. Hard to mess those up." So not sure this will be our 'go to place' for breakfast even though service was relatively quick. I think we'd love to have a breakfast spot for when our lil girl is bigger but for now, the hunt is still on. read more

Chelan Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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After nearly 6 years of frequenting Chelan, I feel very comfortable with my 5 Star recommendation. It is just as many reviewers have commented, a great place for an American diner of days gone by experience. It is one of my favorites for a relaxed lunch with a girlfriend, a new acquaintance, or family for a great meal where even picky eaters can find something they like. In other words, if you are left to decide the restaurant and don't want to risk disappointment - chose Chelan. Another important point to keep in mind - Chelan is a very popular, busy local establishment that values their customers. Hence the parking can be crowded, but it's free with a larger lot than most. There are busy times when you may wait longer for a table or a refill. If that is the case, I simply convey this to one of numerous staff members, politely. Whatever the issue, it is resolved right away. Chelan wants happy customers, local or visiting. Yes they do and I am one of them! read more

Bar staff served my drink with a bottle cap in it. Cafe serves dry, horrible, fish and chips Clientele mostly longshore people. read more

I just ate the worst Biscuits and Gravy I ever had in my life. I ordered my eggs over medium, they weren't even cooked over easy. The cook tried to cover my under cooked eggs, by putting gravy on top of it. You could just see the slimy under cooked egg in the gravy, it was disgusting. Way to start my day out , Huh. read more

The Chelan Cafe is a great spot for weekend brunch. The food is standard diner fare and they make a mighty fine Chicken Fried Steak. My favorite though is the Ebb Tide Room, which is their attached bar. This place is like a movie set complete with the wildest cast of characters you could imagine. This is where the dock workers come to let off steam. Everyone is super friendly and they pour a pretty good drink. The staff in both places are very friendly, and even though I visit on rare occasions they always seem to remember me. It probably deserves more then 3 stars... but the "A-OK" description for 3 stars seemed appropriate. The Chelan is close to my office, so we have affectionally dubbed it the other office. read more

Chelan Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Good breakfast. Good Service. Reasonable prices. I've tried two different omelets last two visits and they were both real good. I took my folks here for breakfast and they liked it. read more

Chelan Cafe - Italian omelet, hash towns, and toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

My first time here wasn't as exciting as I wanted it to be. I was even looking forward to it because my cousin loves it so much, but we must've come on a bad day. We ate here on a Saturday lunch. The outside made the restaurant look old but the decor is really cute and apparently they expanded their restaurant! Luckily it wasn't as busy as I would've expected so we got to sit down right away. The service was iffy to me. Our server was rude because we have been waiting a while to order so we caught her attention and just said "I had to take two other orders." Okay, didn't even say sorry. When our food finally came out, my cousins noticed their eggs weren't really "poached." The yolk should me more runny, not hard. Our server just blatantly commented "oh you want it runny?" My cousin wasn't gonna take her attitude so she brought it up to, who I'm assuming is, the manager. She said she would take over our table. I appreciated the recovery. I believe we got our sides compensated for. As for the food, I thought it was okay, at least the "Earl's Sandwich" I ordered, I think that's what it's called. It came with two pancakes, two bacons, and eggs. I also ordered a side of hash browns because I love hash browns. Everything was pretty good, I didn't think there was anything special about the pancakes though. Still good. My bacons were nice and crispy. I felt like my hash browns weren't that hot when I got them, assuming they wanted to serve the food all at once. I tried some of my cousins corned beef hash, that was delicious! I didn't really get to finish my food though because I felt full. Overall, I would give this place another chance if I'm around the area. Not the best first impression but still liked my food. read more

Chelan Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is one of those hole in wall cafés that I'd absolutely amazing for breakfast!! Family friendly,great service,Their olmets are to die for! Highly recommend. read more

I want to love the Chelan. Truly. The food is probably solid diner food. Unfortunately, I have been unable to dine here because the service is so terrible. 1. I arrived and waited for ten minutes. Ignored completely for no apparent reason. It was pretty quiet. The restaurant was about half empty. There were three visible servers. 2. I was finally approached- sort of. A server arrived, ignoring me, and cheerfully greeted the people standing behind me (clearly regulars). She offered to take them to a table. Those folks let her know we were there first. The server seemed... put out. 3. She took us to a small table in the middle. I requested a table on the side - out of traffic. She informed me that she didn't seat parties of two at those tables. There were five empty tables on the sides. All others were occupied- by parties of two. I pointed out that the other tables had two people. She was... put out. 4. I just wanted some breakfast- honestly- my bar is pretty low. But I felt super unwelcome. At that point I left, went to Easy St instead. The food people were eating looked pretty good- diner food. Exactly what I was looking for. I just got the feeling that unless you are a regular... don't expect to be welcome or well treated. read more

I live up the street and just came with my fiancé, we've never been here before and we're disappointed. It says "wait to be seated", after standing there forever we were never seated, bad customer service when there was multiple waitresses walking past us. This is the normal for Seattle, I would not come here. Save your money people and go somewhere where they care. I also saw an angry patron leave, not sure what happened but I think she was ignored while sitting down. No one seem to take her order. Bad customer service is the normal in West Seattle. read more

My 1st and last time ever going to this restaurant due to this waitress. The waitress had a bad attitude. Today 12/23/2020. I asked if I could pre pay but before I could finish she yelled saying she was busy and sit down because thats where customers wait. There where 2 men standing by the bar which she never insisted or told them to sit down. I thought she was having a bad day so I went to the bar and asked the bartender if I could pre pay due to having a gift card. I wanted to make sure it went through before they start my order. Some businesses except my gift card others don't. After explaining to him he gladly took my gift card and it was approved. The manager was nice he complemented me on my festive Christmas mask. But there was a big red flag I ignored and paid for. After she yelled at me I should have went back to the car and left While waiting I told the bartender how rude the waitress was by not allowing me to finish my sentence. I guess he must have told her because her attitude changed. Patrons came in and the same waitress greeted them as a professional. No yelling. This professional attitude is nothing I received from this waitress when I came in the door. This waitress asked customers waiting for oders if she could get them anything or either she provided them with updates on their orders. This waitress continued to ignore me never asked if I needed anything or provided updates on the status of my order. Guess she was pissed I paid for this with my health ignoring her unprofessional behavior. Hour after eating only half of my food my stomach hurt so bad. I was in pain. I felt nauseated. Needless to say I can't stay out of the bathroom. Again, when she yelled at me and told me to sit down I should have left. When she gave me my food there was a creepy vibe read more