I've been coming to Deetjen's for breakfast for years and it just keeps getting better and better. Never been for dinner though, not sure why but that's now on my to do list. The absolute best eggs benedict in the world (I'll fight over this!). I've stayed in San Simeon or Cambria and driven up to Deetjen's just for breakfast, it's that good. Now that Highway 1 is open again, I'll be doing that more often again. The only downside is parking can be difficult at times, but that comes with the territory and the gorgeous location. read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - I like my eggs scrambled...sorry. - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

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Antique/thrift store setting was kinda charming, and we enjoyed the risotto and paella special. Wine and beer only, with a very limited selection for wines by the glass (the only non-sweet white option was also the most expensive). Service was not great. Even though the restaurant was mostly empty when we arrived, we were seating directly across from the staff prep area instead of in one of the cozy rooms. We also had to ask several times for our check, and then our waiter loudly announced that the card declined. My husband tried to explain that you need to tap it since the magnetic strip is worn down, and the waiter got defensive and claimed that's what he did. We ended up using another card, but a call later to the credit card company confirmed that he only swiped it twice and never tapped. I'd still come back here, but next time will request a table in the room on the far right and will ask for the check when our entrees arrive. read more

Went here and were very excited to come as we have been planning this trip. Never want to go back here. The pig tailed punky bruster waitress was extremely rude. I thanked her for seating us, no response. I then thanked her for coffee and not even a smile or response. She was rude. Not to the men or her local friends that showed up. You come for an experience and reality met with some rude waitress. To top it off the other waitress worn short greasy hair was too busy flirting with the guy at the bar. And had zero awareness. Asked the man "who'd you Fu** last night"? Which he replied no one.... So glad that stretch of the highway is free from STD for one night. Pass on this place. It's cute but horrible staff. read more

We went here for breakfast and were treated very well. It's an eclectic restaurant that has been around for awhile. My husband had the raved about eggs Benedict. He liked it - but it wasn't the best he's ever had like many other of the reviews say. I had the chilaquiles which were really flavorful, but the tortilla chips need to be crispy like the menu description says. Service was excellent. read more

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Eggs benny and Acme coffee. The inside decor is amazing as well as the outside. Only scary thing is parking in their tiny lot along Highway 1 read more

Great food and lovely staff. Quirky place on Highway 1. The food is high quality and prepared well. Best breakfast in Big Sur. The chilaquiles are fabulous!!! read more

Excellent meal in a relaxed dining room. The salad was inventive and fresh, the paella - a special - was perfect. Highly recommend.

Finally found parking to stop in! It's a lovely restaurant, to get seated you go in towards the stairs. Breakfast was great, eggs Benedict is solid and coffee was very strong. Breakfast burrito is huge. Very quaint and rustic interior deco, great stop for some great food and unique seating! read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Eggs Benedict - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

The breakfast here was delicious. We got seated right away on a weekend morning between Christmas and New Year's. Those that had to wait only waited a few minutes and everything was fantastic. The building itself and property are fairytale esque and just beautiful! read more

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This has to be one of the quaintest breakfast places I've ever been too. It also is my favorite place to get breakfast along this stretch of HWY 1. It's full of history! The breakfast is delicious - large portions and full of different options. read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Big Sur lodge is next door - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

The locals recommend Deetjen's and I concur!! Not just for Big Sur but Deetjen's is overall just such an experience dining here. Walking in here you'd feel like a B&B murder mystery is about to take place where an accented mustachio enters the room and a scream would soon incur. Instead we got a crackling fireplace with just the trinkiest decorations your mother's mother would adore. The antiques and local artist budget is really well spent. But enough with the decor, let's get to the tentative staff and delicious breakfast. I almost wish I could live here for a few months because it seems like these people know how to provide a great meal, suspenseful dining experience and a very thoughtful service/recommendations. The English muffin I got on the side came warmed and pre-buttered. With what one can only imagine as homemade jam. The side potatoes were exactly what I'm looking for, fresh, tender and oh so creamy. Their breakfast burrito was also quite a handful and will make whoever didn't order it jealous of your two-handed log. Everything about this place is just so.... Perfect for the redwoods. Unexpected yet it totally belongs. Thanks Jonah! Especially for your gorgeous hiking recommendation. I hope you don't mind the pseudonym. read more

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We went for breakfast and our meals were amazing! The eggs Benedict was delicious. We sat right next to the wood burning fireplace and the vibe was very cozy. Highly recommend this place if you're in Big Sur. read more

Deetjens was our favorite discovery on our recent trip to Carmel and Big Sur area. We planned to get breakfast at another cafe that was unexpectedly closed. Fig was quite thick and there was a constant drizzle. onestly breakfast was a bit of an excuse to pass some tie in hopes it would burn off and reward us with some beautiful views. The restaurant may be easy to miss as it's part of the Big Sur Inn and doesn't stand out as a separate business. It's nestled on the hill side near a switchback, with a couple of other eateries that feature vista views. Had I not Yelped my way hear honestly, I don't think I'd have considered it. But, I'm so glad we did! Walking through the front door is like stepping into Middle Earth or some Victorian cottage. A wood fire, hot coffee, and ample breakfast hit the spot perfectly. It's impossible to overstate how charming the atmosphere is. Our server kept the coffee warm. I enjoyed my Eggs Benedict, adding avocado and bacon to it. The Two Eggs Breakfast with Home Fries and Toast was delicious. Not a super-original dish but scrumptious when well-executed. Overall a wonderful experience we can't wait to repeat! read more

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Had the loveliest breakfast here our last day in Big Sur. The vibe was insanely cool! Definitely felt transported back in time. The food was delicious and huge portions and the service was very friendly and fast. Awesome spot! read more

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I'd give it a 10 out of 5 stars if I could. No notes. Every single thing was perfect. From the moment we walked in, the cozy, cabin-in-the-woods atmosphere -- rustic, intimate, warmly lit -- felt like a genuine welcome. It set the tone for something special even before we sat down. Our server was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the menu, expertly guiding us through our experience. We ordered the chestnut and wild mushroom soup, which was silky smooth and deeply comforting. The artichoke salad was unexpectedly vibrant -- layered with vegetables and crisp prosciutto, brought together by a pesto dressing that paired flavors you wouldn't normally expect to work... yet somehow they did, beautifully. The lamb loin, topped with bright chimichurri alongside polenta, broccolini, and carrots, was balanced and perfectly executed. My paella was extraordinary -- brimming with seafood, chorizo, and chicken in a rich, expertly developed sauce that tied everything together seamlessly. The service was impeccable from start to finish. And the chocolate bar with passion fruit sorbet was a finale that made this perfect meal really unbelievable and surprising. Learning that the head chef began as a dishwasher at 16 and rose to lead the kitchen made the experience even more meaningful. That care and dedication are evident in every dish as this may be one of the best meals I've had in my life. One of the magical things about food is its ability to linger long after the last bite -- and that's exactly what happened here. I'm still thinking about it and I cannot wait to go back. read more

Deetjen's is simply amazing. I love its cozy and intimate ambience. Staff was very personable and attentive without being intrusive. The sort ribs with creamy polenta was exquisite! read more

When in Big Sur, most of us are looking for a place to dine with a view... please don't skip out on this place because you will be missing out!!! A unique cottage-like restaurant, which is also a historic building! (I thought that was a neat fact) everything about it was beautiful and intimate for a romantic dinner, from the dim lighting to the wooden patios and decor. The service was top-notch; our waiter was incredible! He was polite, well-informed, and gave us fantastic recommendations. He was also kind enough to adjust some items on the menu for us for dietary reasons: hands down, one of the most satisfying dinners I've had in a while. Incredibly savory appetizers melt in your mouth, entrées, and unforgettable desserts. YES. YES. YES. BOOK THE RESERVATION!!! Happy dances were had here. read more

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Great ambiance and good food and service. Thoroughly enjoyed our brunch even though it was two years ago

I had a phenomenal experience at Deetjen's. I genuinely wish I could have ordered everything off the menu and already want to go back. Deetjen's is a cozy restaurant with the cutest English-cottage decor - I was facsinated by the history and kept staring at all of the antique items throughout the restaurant. The location comes up quick so be prepared to stop and find parking along the property. I also called ahead and made dinner reservations about 1-2 weeks in advance (highly recommend), otherwise, I think I overheard some walk-ins that waited a short while for dinner. We came in early December and there were plenty of times available. We primarily ordered the dinner specials, which I assume is offered seasonally or by availability. All of it... a humble 10 out of 10. Cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor! Apps: - Artichoke salad with prosciutto, melon, grapes, and greens - Crab cakes with salad topping Entrees: - Ribeye steak with mashed potatoes and asparagus - Rack of lamb with tzatziki dipping sauce, broccolini, and a warm rendition of salsa that included roasted tomatoes, corn, and white beans read more

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This place is sooo cute! I really wish we could have sat inside but alas we have a new rescue pup and didn't have the heart to leave him alone in a hotel or car while we feast. The outside is really sweet too though. Honestly not sure how we've never come upon or even heard of this place before on our Big Sur travels but so glad we finally did! One of our best meals in awhile. Birthday boy got a surf and turf special and me the lamb chops. Simple but elegant and perfectly seasoned and cooked. The staff was wonderful and we can't wait to return for another dinner or try their brunch! read more

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Stopped by here on a weekday to have a nice dinner.The menu has basic American fanfare foods every year. The inside is unique and pretty dark so if you one of those people that need a light to see a menu, make sure you have your cell phone or a mini flashlight. I started with a homemade tomato, bisque soup that was delightful. I continued with the rack of lamb that could not have been prepared and served any better. The side of butter beans was so fresh. You could tell that these were farm to table. I did not have a reservation, but was accommodated, not gleefully. The food was really good and it's slightly high in price, but I believe that's par for the course in this region. There are other restaurants within the area that I feel are more welcoming. read more

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Really great customer service in a charming environment. I had the risotto my partner had Seabass and we had a salad with a nice bottle of wine. Amazing deep, well balanced flavors. read more

I had the Eggs Benedict for breakfast this AM Excellent experience overall and loved the food. I have been for dinner a couple of times and loved ! Breakfast did not disappoint ! read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Sign - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

Considering their recent experience with power outages and complete road-blocked closures it shouldn't be surprising that Big Sur eateries have a bit of a thing about low lighting. They don't embrace it, they celebrate it. Deetjen's lighting, certainly where we were sitting, facing into a corner like naughty schoolchildren, was low to the point of it feeling like trying to read the fine print on a prescription bottle by the light of the moon. A crescent one. But our cheery server, and my phone, came to the rescue and the dinner menu was rich, varied, and mouth-watering, even the rack of lamb was made to sound good. And we're recent vegetarians. Well, strictly, pescatarians, and we quickly fell for the crab cakes to share as a starter. The two cakes themselves were tasty - almost spicy - flanking a mound of assorted greens that were maybe rather too smothered in a pink (I know this because I had my phone trained in on it) peppery aioli. Delia opted for the Mixed Greens, with Roasted Corn and Cauliflower, English Peas, Cherry Tomato, Cucumber, Sunflower & Pumpkin Seeds, lightly coated by an Hibiscus Vinaigrette. It met with approval if, unlike the crab cake salad, slightly too lightly dressed. I had the vegetarian risotto 'made with butter,' our server had said. Was it ever! The risotto included bell pepper, English peas, mushrooms and asparagus, adeptly surrounded by a ribbon of rich plant-based Porcini mushroom broth. The flavor was so intense that for a moment I was concerned that it was a beef broth. The risotto was rich and flavorful, with an emphasis on the rich. God knows how much butter was in it but I barely ate a fifth of the portion. Way too creamy for me. And I like creamy. The lighting definitely harshed my mellow with the risotto because I do like to 'see' what I'm eating, especially where and when many different vegetables are involved. Or else you might was well be eating out of a bucket. There was no way I could have managed a dessert but I needed something to refresh my palette and the (very pleasant) vanilla bean ice cream was as close as I could get to a lemon sorbet, which was what I really needed. The food here is good, for sure, without approaching great. But compared with other eateries in Big Sur (we ate at Nepenthe the night before and had a veggie burger that tasted like I imagine would pureed chancletas), it was Michelin Three Star. Come to Big Sur for the haut views, not cuisine. The worst of Deetjen's was, I'm sorry to say as an ex professional musician, the music. Vivaldi and Mozart is NOT restaurant music. Way too busy and jumpy. Too much going on. The service was brisk already but with four-seasoned magic flutes and what all else flying about our ears I was almost desperate to get out by the end. Perhaps that was the point? This is a charming restaurant, originally and somewhat fussily decorated by an English lady 'way back in 1939' apparently (or, as us Brits would call that, basically last week). And the food, too, is a little hit and miss. We'd like to try Deetjen's again, especially if they invest in some different music. And some spot lighting! read more

Food was not impressive but they were nice. Food tasted bland and needed more flavor. I guess for the price we paid, I expected more and they just didn't meet my expectation. I found that the restaurant at our hotel (Big Sur Lodge) had way better food and was less expensive and the service there was also way better. We will not be returning here. read more

Simply superb. Excellent meal(s) - went back because the first was sooo superb. Excellent service. Delightful atmosphere. It's hard to express what a delightful experience we had each meal ... except the portions were so generous I devoured way too many calories prior to devouring their delicious deserts. read more

Amazing atmosphere, service, and food. We came for appetizers and dessert and everything was perfect. Everything made from scratch and was presented well. We had the mushroom soup, olives, garlic bread, and lava cake. The garlic bread alone is some of the best (if not the best) I've ever had. The ambience is almost a storybook cottage with antique decor, twinkling lights, and a warm fire. As a foodie, I consider this one of my top restaurants and will come back when I visit the area again. read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Home Made mushroom Soup and garlic bread - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

Delicious breakfast. Call ahead for reservations because they're always popular. Nice servers, amazing decorations, different and creative stuff hanging everywhere!!! read more

An amazing charming Big Sur location with a great story. The staff were friendly, the food was excellent. My wife loved the blueberry pancakes. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but well worth it. read more

Overall enjoyable breakfast location during our drive to Big Sur. It had both indoor and outdoor dining options.If I had it to do over, I would have left out the beans in the chorizo burrito as they slightly overpowered everything else but it was still tasty. The salsa was very nice. The hollandaise sauce was not a traditional one but my husband enjoyed it and the eggs were poached perfectly. Service was friendly and prompt. I don't recommend the orange juice - not fresh squeezed and slightly bitter. It was fun reading the history of the place and worth a stop. read more

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Cute and cozy spot for breakfast. Large portions, the breakfast burrito was hot, freshly made and the salsa it came with was delicious. Homey fare. read more

Visited Deerjen's for the first time for brunch on a Sunday. it's "funky " feel was fun. it's nuzzled in the forest so no oceans views. The service was attentive and prices reasonable. The food was good but not special or spectacular. it's a long drive from the Monterey Peninsula. read more

Food was phenomenal. Service was amazing and the ambiance was absolutely beautiful. What a gem! Could not recommend this place enough!

Deetjens (inn and restaurant) is incomparably wonderful, yet it won't be for everyone. My wife and I loved our drizzly weekend stay in Upper Creek, which included so many highlights: the waterfall(ish) creek essentially in the backyard, the rustic room, the digital detox (this is the part many will see as either a positive or negative), the walk up the road behind to 'Helga's Bench' where a condor soared within just a few meters of us as we watched the coastline below, and more. We enjoyed an excellent breakfast and dinner (we had the paiai--it was more like a tasty bouillabaisse) in the quaint restaurant. Each time we walked the grounds a friendly kitty would accompany us for a bit. Can't recommend enough, for those seeking a bit of the past in the present. read more

We had the most wonderful dinner here! We found this near our campsite and came here to celebrate our date week away in Big Sur. The food and ambiance were breath taking. For dinner, we did the garlic brand (INCREDIBLE!), the special appetizer of scallops - I could have eaten that as my main meal. For dinner, my fiancé got a venison steak special and I had the ragu. Both were so well plate and truly phenomenal dishes. We loved this place so much we came back for breakfast! We did the breakfast burrito and the eggs Benedict. It was the best hollandaise sauce I've ever had out! Very creamy and the right amount of flavor, I have been trying to mimic it since returning home. This place is worth a visit! Be aware there is no cell service on the property, so plan accordingly how to get there read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Breakfast nook with hot chocolate and coffee - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

Deetjen's is an experience, and a very memorable one to say the least. First of all, the restaurant is cozy and adorable. Cottage dining would be one way to describe the experience but I also felt like I was teleported to a different time or as if I were in a fairy tale. The decor is rustic, the service was impeccable but best of all - the food was delicious. Despite bringing a challenging bottle of wine for dinner, the staff did their best professionally and managed to open a 40 year old bottle. I was extremely impressed, and felt bad, for the waitress who had to repeat her 6 item special over and over to each table. But listening to her explain each dish made me wish they created a tasting menu for all the specials. Needless to say, my partner and I tried 4/6 specials and were extremely content. I must say that certain aspects of the main course came off rather salty, but ultimately a wonderful meal and experience. We also really wanted to try their pasta but was warned about their extremely generous portions - and were glad to have heeded the advice! Come check this spot out in the Big Sur area and it will not disappoint! read more

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Like finding a four leaf clover or a petroglyph that no one else has seen, I want this restaurant to remain hidden only for the seekers of rare joy and wonderment. Is the food delicious? Yes!! Is the site historic? Another yes! Is the decor delightfully kitsch and yet cozy and inviting? Another resounding yes! If you enjoy comforting food at very reasonable prices (especially in Big Sur) and top notch service, then this is your place. Come here for a romantic dinner and then come back to enjoy breakfast with the best hollandaise sauce ever! Just please, only spread the word to people who will appreciate the experience. read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Monterey Sea Bass was cooked in a Tom Kha sauce. Noms! - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

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Cute restaurant with a Victorian feel. Lovely decorations for Halloween. The service was fast and the food was delicious! read more

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First, a shout out to Katie our waitress. She's professional! In a good way and she put us at our ease. She was perfect in so many ways. She's a hell of a worker. Katie did the dinner service on Sunday night and she was back there on Monday morning to do the breakfast service. Wow! I don't know how many tables altogether she was taking care of but she covered all of the tables I could see. And doing a hell of a job at it. She returned in a timely manner to check on us after the food was served and her comments and inquiries during the meal were welcome for their professionally. We enjoyed our restaurant experience at Deetjen's very much because of the great food the unique ambience and the perfect service. And the breakfasts themselves are outstandingly delicious. read more

Deetjen's Restaurant - Deetjen's parking and restaurant - American Near Me - Big Sur, California

OK - you have to go to this place if you are in or coming through Big Sur. I know there are a lot of posts on the breakfast here - don't know and don't care. Go here for dinner. If you are from the coasts, you will LOVE how old and preserved this place is. We only had one person wait on us but she was sharp and it was at the end of the night so we had a chance to chat with her about her origin story. Fun fact - everyone in Big Sur has a more interesting origin story than you! There is a pretty regular rotation of specials. By wife tried the beet/arugula/cheese/walnut salad and it was refreshing after a day of hiking. I opted for a take on panzanella salad. Fresh calamari from Monterey, tomatoes, cucumbers, goat cheese and croutons. It hit all the spots. Another special was the NY Strip steak with a yummy sauce and the most tender grilled asparagus we have had in a long time. You know what i am talking about. When you venture into asparagus land and it tastes so good you don't think you are eating asparagus. I had the rack of lamb with a succotash that had all the veg I love. By definition succotash almost always has something i don't love in it (think green bell pepper). It was prepared perfectly medium rare and both dishes were served nuclear hot. Something I appreciate enormously give the last 2 years of COVID take out and delivery. The wine list was amazingly curated for a roadside restaurant. We are big fans of Domaine Droughn Pinot and they had it for $65. We plan to come back to Big Sur and back to this place. Maybe we will try breakfast next time! read more

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