We've been coming to Helen's kitchen for years. The food is better than average, the atmosphere is friendly and the menu is surprisingly diverse. Our waitress worked hard to service a fairly large crowd, and the wait was not too bad. We will keep coming back. Nothing to complain about at this lovely establishment. read more

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I have mixed feelings about Helen's. I've been a handful of times over the past several years. Why only a handful? Because I forget they exist! I suppose that's because they are just "okay" for me. The last two visits were because my mom had to have labs drawn at Quest a few doors down from Helen's. It was convenient and hard to miss because the sign is *right there.* But ask me where I want to go to breakfast and I am willing to bet you a thousand million and eleven dollars that I will never suggest Helen's. Not because they aren't an okay place to eat, but because they've never stood out enough to me to have them be top of mind. As other reviewers have stated, they are cash only. It really says something in this day and age if you can make a business survive on cash only. People must like you enough to keep showing up with cash in hand. Of course, they also have an ATM on premises if you forgot to stop on the way. The bathroom is clean. The menu is varied (I'm not a fan of their hash browns, but I forget that I'm not and seem to order them every time I go and then remember too late, "Oh yeah, I don't like their hash browns here." Or maybe it's home fries. Whatever their potato thing is. Now that I think about it, I think it's home fries. They over-season them. Paprika, maybe? Not sure. But they are kind of dry and don't "taste right" to me.) If you want the diner experience with a really friendly staff and an okay meal, definitely bookmark Helen's for your next breakfast or lunch. If you're looking for stand-out food, this probably shouldn't be your first choice. But heck, this is just my opinion. Yours may be different. I mean, you could still give them a try and add your own review! read more

Helen's Kitchen - Entrance - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Buffalo, New York

The definition of a diner should include Helen's Kitchen. We walked in for a late breakfast to quite a crowd and decided to sit at the counter. Good choice. Everyone working there was super friendly including the chef/cook. I ordered the vegetable and cheese omelet. It came with home fries and toast. I went with the rye bread toast. The omelet was huge! It was loaded with tons of veggies. There were peppers, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms, all pulled together with melted cheese. A perfect flavor combination. I would have preferred the home fries to have a little more fry on them but nothing wrong that effected the taste. After eating I ended up bringing home more than half my meal. Like I said before, it was huge. Will ge back to try more of their offerings. Everything I saw brought out to other customers looked so appetizing. Cash only. There's an ATM available if needed. 2024-10 read more

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Came here for lunch. This is an old fashioned diner with booths, tables and a counter. We decided to sit at the counter for the full diner experience. The server gave us our menus and my cup of coffee. They are only open for breakfast and lunch. They have some breakfast items available to order during the traditional lunchtime. I ordered their Breakfast Garbage Plate that is a hash with everything cooked together. It had potatoes, bacon, ham, sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms and eggs mixed togther with cheese on top and served with your choice of toast. All I can say is WOW! Even though everything was cooked together, the ingredients were cut large enough to taste each component. I highly recommend this diner and the Breakfast Garbage Plate. read more

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Food was excellent, service was quick and the ambience was old school diner. We loved it. Check them out. read more

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Stopped by for breakfast. Staff was super nice and fast. They were patient and happy to explain. Food was delicious and amazing sandwiches. I highly recommend if you are ok with what I shared below. Only downside is they only take cash. I'll update this to 5 stars when they start taking credit. Unfortunately I also won't return here because it isn't safe the carry the amount of cash I need to pay for a full proper family meal. I had to borrow money from people traveling with me to pay for the food which I hated personally. Why is this important - It's 2025 AD, not 2025 BC. read more

Diner review time. Very simply a great diner. The service is great. The food is typical diner done well. Good servings at a reasonable cost. Took a large party with no issues and gave a great diner experience read more

Souvlaki melt sandwich is excellent. A bit messy but a great blend of flavors. My go-to favorite. read more

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Go try Helen's!! The atmosphere is comfortable and friendly, the servers are personable, and the food is good with large portions. I had the vegetable omelette. So good, but I couldn't finish it all. Check them out. read more

Very good reasonable priced breakfasts. Service was good and like the diner vibe! Had souvlaki breakfast and although not a "Greek restaurant" beef was lean and flavorful. It's a great place to stop especially if you have bloodwork at quest next door and want to break your fast! read more

Helen's Kitchen - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Wonderful diner, love the whole atmosphere. Went with family, i had the corned beef hash. It was crispy on the edges and soft inside, kudos to the cooks. Wife had basic eggs and bacon. Very good also. Cant descibe how good it is to have a hidden gem like this around. Definitely a go to breakfast place. (Can i give ya 9 stars?). read more

There's a lot of 1 star reviews but they look like they're all years old, I've been here twice in the past year and the food has been really good both times with really big portions! Heads up they're cash only, but it's worth it. read more

Every time I go to Helen's it reminds me of that classic diner with real honest feel good food. I absolutely love their breakfast it is literally super awesome. Will be back again. Thanks ladies and gents. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Helen's Kitchen - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Cheap, no frills, cash only, old school diner! I came here for the first time this past weekend and it was pretty busy. The portions are HUGE for what you pay. I ordered the chicken souvlaki breakfast which came with chicken, eggs, potatoes, and toast. Soooo good and definitely hit the spot! Our waitress was a super sweet and attentive despite it being busy. She came around often and made sure our table was doing okay. I would definitely return to this place! Cash only!!!! read more

Helen's Kitchen - Souvlaki chicken breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This restaurant is a very accommodating establishment place. We had 30 minutes and called in our order and was served and ate within 20 minutes. The food was fantastic and oh so good. This is an old fashion diner with a cook and a waitress . So very grateful we were able to have a hearty breakfast before our aunts funeral. Highly highly recommended read more

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Came here with my boyfriend, let me just say don't walk here RUN here. Best freaking food ever, this might be the place I come every week just to indulge in good breakfast food! Don't get me started about the server we had, she was sweeter than a piece of pie! Lighting perfect, perfect, perfect! read more

Food was horrendous everything was burnt to a crisp and the potatoes as a terrible taste! It was probably the worst restaurant I've ever been to! It was also very expensive $33 for two breakfast plus tip !!!! read more

A great breakfast spot! I enjoyed eggs, rye toast, sausage patties, hash browns & coffee. The service was fast and courteous. The prices are reasonable. Cash only. The on-site ATM charges a $2.99 fee. read more

Customers are seated apart as they come it. The counter has dividers to keep diners apart. A nice menu that includes typical breakfast items and healthy omelets. As we await our eggs, the smell of greasy fried food is strong. We're hoping that ours will be less greasy since we refused the home fries that were included in the menu. After breakfast review: My husband was able to get his omelet modified to just use egg whites. And there was a substitution of applesauce instead of the home fries. Also he asked them to provide a side of butter for his toast instead of slathering it on for him. The cook was so accommodating that my bacon was cooked just the way I requested. Helen's kitchen is a diner but we received attention and care as if we were part of the family. A very good experience and a great breakfast; just what we hoped for. read more

Good home style eats. Surprisingly large menu to choose from. And good deal daily specials listed on board. Quick service with a smile...hot coffee refills! read more

A popular talk show host used to own this place. It was called "Ellen's Kitchen." It was much better then. Since Helen of Troy took over alongside Helen Keller and Helen...nic Festival People... it became not as good. This is the second time I've written this review. The first time, I lost my computer in Europe and so I had to rewrite a ton of these :( Anyway, to make a long story short, the breakfast sandwiches from here are just okay. However they are overpriced, and I was way way way way way overcharged just because I wanted sausage AND bacon on it (it's supposed to be 3 or 4, I got charged 8 or something). The service was awful... I waited ages to be rung up while my sandwich got cold. No silverware included. No napkins. And they could not have been less friendly. Oh and they used an egg maker to make the egg. I don't like that. Tasted ok though. Just ok. Not much better than fast food brekky. I usually wouldn't rate a family owned place under a 2 but this places deserves it. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Buffalo, New York

First time here and it was a great experience! Breakfast was delicious. The eggs Benedict is always a favorite and not on their regular menu but was a special for the day. The hungry man sure did include a lot of food! The prices and service were great! The only thing to note is it's CASH ONLY. read more

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Quality food and small town feel! Service is wonderful, very attentive and polite. Food is great and got to us quickly. Cash only! read more

Helen's Kitchen - Sausage and cheese omelette. Corned beef and hash omelette. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Buffalo, New York

It was my first time eating here, and I didn't know they do not accept credit cards. I don't cart a physical are with me I usually use Apple Pay or any kind of electronic payment. I was so embarrassed as I had already ordered my food. I called the waitress over to explain she said no problem and let me Venmo her the money they my iPhone!! The food was amazing and the service was awesom. I highly suggest coming here!! read more

The food is delicious , ample and aromatic . Service is fast , courteous and friendly . Yes , the ambiance is similar to a neighborhood pub , Helen's Kitchen is a neighborhood gathering place where people can eat a delicious meal , socialize in a neighborhood setting and enjoy the food aromas . I highly recommend . read more

I'm still here while writing this because i just couldn't wait.. I came here to kill time while waiting for my car to be finished while also in low spirits. It wasn't too busy when I arrived and seemed homey from the start. I didn't wait long, picked my own booth and was immediately greeted after getting situated. The service was lovely, not jump down your throat just waiting for you to be done, very accommodating and attentive! The food... amazing! I always judge a place on its country fried steak and eggs, Helen's did not disappoint. Foods hot, great portion size, good price, 10/10 service.. I hope to return soon. Thank you for a great 1st experience PS.. it is CASH ONLY read more

First timer. Great breakfast, everything was tasty. The personalities of the hostess and waitress (who are sisters) was great. Definitely will return! read more

I really don't understand why this place isn't rated better? Maybe people don't know how to communicate? The wife and I really enjoyed both the food and the service here. I used the waitress "Sam" for a recommendation and she was spot on. The other waitress "Pam" even stopped by, so what's to complain about? This is just good home cooked food, not a fancy dance place. read more

A classic old school diner. Good prices( cash only). Great Greek food as well all American classics. I go every week and have tried most things on menu. Never a bad meal. All soups are homemade. Breakfast served all day long too. If you like going back in time to the way a diner used to be you will like this place. read more

First time visiting, breakfast was great! Hot fresh food! Will certainly be back again.

I'm sorry - but this place missed out on the 5 star ONLY because they don't take credit cards - it's a CASH ONLY place! So - if you look past the cash only - this would be a 5 star! The menu is extensive enough without being overwhelming or confusing. The price is very good - even more so when you taste the food! Service was great - server had a good attitude and was friendly, but not sickening sweet. Did I mention the food was great? Parking shouldn't be an issue - there was no waiting - even the coffee was decent! MY wife and I will most likely be back four more times this year! read more

Helen's Kitchen - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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I have to say the restaurant itself is nice...It was clean, and had that diner/older time restaurant feel to it...Not that the stuff inside was old though - just the feeling....We both got breakfast...My friend got a spinach omelette...She liked it very much, and liked the fact that the spinach was thoroughly mixed into the egg well....She also liked the fact that they completely buttered her toast. They didn't skimp, and do a half butter...lol.... I got a bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin....The bacon was a little on the extra crispy side but tasted good....I didn't see it on the menu but the waitress did tell me it comes with homefries....The price for this combo was $5.50 I believe....So a very good deal there....I ordered my homefries with onion....When they came out it looked like the onions were almost caramelized....If they weren't it was a nice long saute....They really had a sweet flavor to them, and they really put a decent amount all over on top of the homefries...In fact, it looked like the onions were cooked separately and then put on top..... The waitress was candid. read more

Great local diner--cash only. We ordered Hungry Man breakfast and 2 eggs over easy, hash browns, corned beef hash & rye toast. Both had coffee. Food was hot, delicious. Asked for extra crispy bacon, it wasn't. I still liked it. Waitress said the corned beef was homemade. It was good, but not exactly what I expected. So much food. Great to sample it all, but brought almost an entire plate home. Waitress was very sweet & accommodating so we tipped well. Will definitely go back next time we're in the neighborhood. Much nicer atmosphere & homey feel than a chain restaurant. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Hungry Man breakfast in the foreground. Breakfast special 2 eggs, corned beef hash, home fries, rye toast & coffee. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This place has incredible breakfasts! I have never had something that I didn't like. Their specialty omelets are the BEST and the service is fast and polite. It's cash only, so hit the ATM up on the way, but the food is definitely worth it! read more

1st time in Buffalo and was looking for a place to eat breakfast when we found Helens. what a find! This place had it all Great staff, good food and nice prices. I would definitely go here again or recommend. Thanks for everything y'all. read more

Their food was so gross we could barely swallow it. Not having salt, pepper, syrup, butter or jelly to try to cover the taste made it worse. Even though we ordered pancakes, French toast, hashbrowns and eggs and we asked for condiments, we were not given any. When we called to ask about them we were yelled at by the manager and told that we never ever ask for them. Not even syrup or butter when I had toast and pancakes. They said I didn't ask for it, so it wasn't given. Who doesn't give syrup when a customer orders pancakes?? Then we tried to return our food and they refused to take it back and give us our money back. $28 dollars for two breakfast plates that we couldn't even eat. When we asked for at least our tip back and they even refused that!!! Worst experience I've had in a very long time!!!!! read more

Cute little restaurant for breakfast. You wouldn't know it was in the plaza unless you drive by or search online for best breakfast restaurants near me. It is kind of hidden. It is always busy. The service is good and employees are very nice. The ambiance is a little out of date, but welcoming atmosphere. read more

This cute cozy diner is a hidden gem in this shopping plaza. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive. I got a asparagus and feta omelette and added spinach to it. I really like that they chop the spinach up and mix it with the egg. No one seems to take the time to do that anymore. It was delicious. They make home fries exactly how I like them - thoroughly cooked, but not burned; a crispy on the top, and slightly loosing the cubes potato form. Love the smuckers jelly selection; they have apple cinnamon - my fall fav. I wish I would have taken a pic. It was the best breakfast I've had in a long time! read more

Solid breakfast here. Tasty options and my favorite is the scramble on the front of the menu. Potatoes are well seasoned and tender but a little crispy. Order always comes out correct and we get great service. Would give it 5 stars but they don't take cards. read more

One of my least favorite breakfast places. Only reason I keep coming back is that my dad loves it, hence the 3 stars. Helen must be a no-nonsense old lady, because that's what her diner looks like. Tables are old school laminate. Cash only. Mostly old people out to get a bargain because this place is cheap. Probably because the food is just okay. I've had the pancakes twice and I can make better ones with pancake mix. They are big, but get super soggy the second you put syrup on them. The syrup is also really gross. I don't know what it is. My dad always loves his eggs and hash, but then again, he liked MREs in the Navy. Pretty sure the hash is canned. Only perk is that the food is cheap and it comes quickly. Waitresses are nice enough. My best advice is to take your Scrooge older relatives here for a quick breakfast. Sorry, Helen! read more