Walking up to the front doors, you wouldn't expect much from this small cafe. The seating is a bit cramped, the chairs are a bit uncomfortable, and you order your food and pay upfront like a traditional cafe. So why the 5 stars then? The food and service make up for everything. It was my first time here, so I was unfamiliar with the menu and wasn't sure what to order. The kind lady taking my order was super helpful and didn't make me feel dumb for asking some pretty dumb questions, which nowadays is pretty rare. Once we sat down, we waited what seemed like only 10 minutes before the food came rolling out. Not only was it quick, but it was delicious. The waffles and pancakes are definitely what you want to get here, as they make some of the best waffles and pancakes I've ever had. The chicken wrap was delicious as well, with the chicken cooked and seasoned perfectly. The fries that came with the wrap were golden brown, crunchy, and very good as well. The eggs Benedict were amazing and came with a really good-quality hollandaise sauce. The breakfast platter was pretty good too, although the home fries were a bit soggy and undercooked. Overall, the food and service make up for the somewhat shaky appearance and cramped seating of the cafe, and I would definitely recommend stopping by if you have the time. read more

Ida's Cafe - Apple Caramel Crumb Waffle, Cajun Chicken Wrap, Eggs Benedict, Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, & Breakfast Platter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Ida's is a gem in Lancaster. All of the staff is incredibly pleasant, the food is delicious and they rotate specials enough to keep things interesting and the outdoor seating is a quaint addition to the restaurant. Ida's is one of the top picks whenever our family wants a special breakfast treat. read more

Ida's Cafe - Eggs w/ hash and the USA Waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Stopped here with my dad who is wheelchair bound. Access was easy and staff was friendly and helpful with our table. Ida's is a cozy space, you order at the counter and they serve it up. Food was fresh and hot. I think I had a chicken sandwich and fries or maybe a Reuben, it's been a while, but the food and service was good. I'd go back. read more

Brought a group of five coworkers for a team-building outing and was refused service because we wanted a table for 1-1.5 hours, despite being prepared to order food and drinks. Only ONE other table was occupied at the time. Turning away five paying customers is an incredibly poor business decision and reflects terrible management. We went elsewhere, where they were happy to accommodate us. I won't be back, and neither will my coworkers. Your loss. read more

Cool little diner I Lancaster Pennsylvania. Ordered the Smoked Salmon omelet and didn't entirely love it......but wait! It's not what you think. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were bright and it was plated really well for how fast this place gets food out to your table. I wanted to branch out and try something outside of my normal comfort zone and boy did this hit it out of the park. The salmon was pleasantly smokey the tomatoes and onions were beautifully cut and the rye bread for the toast was pretty tasty. The diced potatoes were pretty crispy and had a very light seasoned flavor with some seasoned salt mix. The service was prompt and kept the coffee cup full. Wife had crepes that was garnished in fresh whip cream. Yum! Please give these folks a try and be sure to order your favorite on the menu unlike me (LOL!). Thank you Ida's Cafe! read more

Ida's Cafe - The menu. You order at the counter before you sit down. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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3.5 Review Let's start with the positives, cause they're way more fun to write about. Everyone was super friendly. We were greeted upon entering, the lady at the counter was informative and nice, our service was quick, with the waitress stopping by several times, to check in on us. No complaints there. Portion sizes were hefty and not just for our meal of pancakes, meat and potatoes. I did a quick scan to see what other patrons had ordered and noticed large portions, as well. The food was tasty, cooked well and arrived to our table, super quick. Now to the negatives: spacing between tables, chairs, customer order counter, cramped. Do I want someone's butt in my face as I eat? Let me answer that one for you; No. Secondly, If you don't have the mechanics to make a decent latte, don't attempt it. Simply stick with a good cup of hot coffee. Pancakes were not fluffy, but flat, a tad chewy, but the flavor was good, nonetheless and I enjoyed the homemade whipped topping, albeit a bit too sweet. Homefries, tasted of the frozen variety and extremely mealy and the bacon, grocery store quality. The reason why I pick on your bacon and homefries, was because you tout yourself as a breakfast/lunch cafe and with that said, I'm anticipating elevated breakfast components, especially being surrounded by so many wonderful butchers. read more

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Food was delicious and fresh. Portion sizes were perfect. Service and ambiance personable and comfortable. We'll definitely be back!

The food was so much cheaper than most restaurants these days. The food was really good too. The food came quickly and was hot. The service there was also amazing. They are super nice. They also notice everything. We were trying to take a picture in front of the cafe and it was pretty hard with trying to get in the sign. A worker there came rushing out and helped. It is super nice inside. Everyone there is really nice too read more

Fantastic pancakes and waffles made to order! Good breakfast/lunch menu. The service is great. Didn't need to wait long for our delicious meal! read more

I was very disappointed in this cafe, everything looked great when we entered but we were very disappointed with our meals. We ordered Almandine French Toast and when we received our food it was cold. There were very few people in the cafe (10:50 a.m. on a Wednesday). read more

We went for break and had the French toast because it's our favorite and why not eat your favorite when you go out to eat? At Idas you order at the desk when you enter and they bring your meal to you. It's a cute little place with friend staff so if you like large and noisy places, find someplace else. read more

Fabulous food and service! They serve some of the best pancakes we've ever had. The avocado toast was perfect.

Adorable little cafe with an impressive menu. Freshly made pancakes, crepes,waffles and omelets and so much more! Beautifully plated food, so tasty and filling! The outdoor eating area is comfortable and the umbrella tables make for a sweet experience in beautiful weather. I like that you're able to substitute fresh fruit for hash browns for a small up charge. Very friendly counter service. Definitely would come again! read more

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After a visit to my eye doctor, I always need to recharge my batteries due to the kind of treatment received (don't ask). This tiny gem is barely 6 minutes away and recommended by folks in the doctor's office. We asked the waitress for a recommendation and eggs Benedict for two was her choice. I wanted a Belgian waffle so we got one and shared it. The eggs were absolutely perfect. Best ever. The waffle came with butter and whipped cream. Wow! I never had breakfast with dessert but since I visit my MD a lot, this will be my breakfast of choice. also, the coffee (bottomless) is very good. The OJ is just ok. Food this good deserves fresh squeezed in my opinion. Wonderful food, excellence service, good value, and a big parking lot. Win win win. 5 well earned stars an a promise to come back. Highly recommended. read more

Food is delicious and the service is quick! They have nice outdoor seating and you order your food at the register and pay first. read more

Ida's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

A couple weeks ago, I had to come across the river for a medical procedure. We found this place a bit by accident and a bit through Yelp. I've always loved cozy little places like this. Ida's did not disappoint! The inside is clean and bright. The owner is friendly and pleasant, and the food is phenomenal! I had the Bleu cheese burger & fries. Sharon had the Quesadilla. Our second visit, we both had the strawberry cream cheese pancakes. OMG and Damn the blood sugar! There is nothing about Ida's that I don't like, except maybe that they close at 3 in the afternoon. Im thinking of planning more surgical procedures just to give me another reason to be in the neighborhood. read more

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Dropped into Ida's for breakfast our first morning in Lancaster. Cute place with counter service. You may want to peruse the menu before you come to help narrow down your choice... there are many choices We had pumpkin French toast, cinnamon bread French toast and crepes. All were very good. They were also not overly sweet! The service here is friendly and efficient. Good start to the day! read more

Ida's Cafe - Cinnamon Bread toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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This restaurant provides wonderful food, amazing service and great atmosphere. My husband and I have frequented this restaurant for many years. Thank you Ida's Cafe owners and staff! read more

Ida's is a favorite spot for breakfast and lunch. The best eggs Benedict, pancakes and sandwiches!

One random morning we stumbled upon Ida's and it was a treat all in it's own breakfast way. So first the parking lot here was kinda strange it had like cones with rope on them directing you to go this way around or something so that was kinda confusing. Once inside for me it was all about the blueberry French Toast as it had just what I wanted it was filled with a blueberry cream cheese that had piles of whip cream around the sides with that wonderful powdered won top as well as different varieties of berries to make it just that much more yummy. The French Toast was totally yummy for what it was but don't count out those sausages they too were just what was perfect to break the blueberry cycle as each bite of the sausage had that snap you always gotta look for! Overall mellow spot with some good food who knows if I'll get back here again but it was definitely yummy for what it was. read more

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I drove past this place so many times not realizing that this was a great find. The cafe is small but there's seating inside and outside. Tables are set up for couples or 4 people. The woman working the counter was pleasant and polite. There were a few people ahead of me to order but she greeted me upon stepping in the door and said that she would be taking my order soon. The staff made sure the table we were seated at was wiped down and clean. I ordered the pumpkin stuffed French toast. My husband got the banana pancake with eggs and home fries. Everything came out hot and fresh. I opted for the caramel on the side bc I wasn't sure if my meal would be too sweet. The flavor was good. I wish the cream cheese filling had a little more sweetness to even out the cream cheese flavor. But overall it was great. Really great flavor, not too sweet and not too bland. Perfect balance of walnuts, whipped cream, and French toast. My husband enjoyed his meal. The pancakes were huge (the size of his plate) he wasn't able to finish the stack. I would definitely eat breakfast here again and I would try their lunch options. It was refreshing eating at a non-chain, fast food restaurant. Cash and card are accepted but you'll get a discount if you pay in cash. read more

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Finally decided to try this hyped up place. It was fine, probably won't go out of our way to return but if you're in the area it's a solid enough choice. Thankfully the ladies behind the counter are very friendly and set you at ease immediately, because you have to read the menu board over their head to place an order. Not my favorite way to make food choices. Once you decide and pay they'll assign you a table and number, delivering you and your beverages to a table. I've typically measured a breakfast place by the flow of coffee refills---not the fastest or most attentive here. Price is a bit high but portions are generous. My dish needed some added flavor. Salt and pepper helped. Looking around at other orders, this is probably the place for sweeter options---lots of powdered sugar laden dishes going out around us. Not my hype but there are plenty of people that will rave about this cozy little staple. read more

Ida's Cafe - Sausage Gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Delicious food! Friendly, fast service. Charming atmosphere! We have been there twice in2 weeks. Looking forward to our next visit!! Great place!! Don't miss it if you are nearby!! read more

Food was good and very quick service even when it's busy. Food wasn't exceptional and I feel like it was over priced being that it gave cafeteria vibes. read more

Went there for breakfast. Food was delicious, the owners were very friendly and the service excellent. Would definitely go back if I'm ever in the area. read more

Really weird place. For one thing, there's no table service. You order at the counter and they bring it to you. There's no real coffee- they have one of those machines you see in hospitals where there's a "coffee" button and a "cappuccino" button. Tastes like it, too. I got Apple juice and it tasted like water with a flavoring packet, not real juice. If you order food, stick with sweet stuff. My smoked salmon omelette tasted like fishy grilled salmon in big chunks and had huge slices of tomato, red onion, and cucumber for some reason. The only thing I could eat was the toast and the free water. read more

Nice little cozy place. It was packaged but we didn't wait long for a table for 2. My daughter had the cinnamon apples pancakes and a side of scrambled eggs. She loved both, the eggs where light and fluffy and the pancakes tasted great. My Eggs Benedict and home fries was very good. Wish the portion of home fries could have been larger but other than that we enjoyed everything very much and next time we are in Lancaster we will be back. read more

Ida's Cafe - Eggs Benedict and Cinnamon Apple Pancakes wish portion of potatoes was bigger. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Sad, not what it used to be. Ida's has become essentially a takeout with some tables. You order at a counter. When we went in the place was cold, the music blaring. Nothing to make you stay and enjoy a cup of coffee. I think their business model is wrong, unless they mostly do takeout. read more

Amazing food but very expensive for breakfast. Staff is friendly and the place is cute enough.

This is a lovely establishment. The food is delicious. i had the ricotta cheese crepes! Not only was it tasty but the presentation was also beautiful , fresh fruit and whii cream decorated the plate. Service was friendly and efficient, This local business is leaps and bounds superior to the chain restaurant, the turning point. I highly recommend Ida's cafe. read more

Definitely not the Ida's I remember. I'm from Lancaster but haven't lived here in a number of years now. My family decided to go for a sit down breakfast and we decided on Ida's which we haven't tried in a while but used to like. Pretty sure this place is under new management but operating under the same name because you now order at a counter. The line forms between tables of people trying to enjoy their breakfast and felt very unorganized. Only after ordering you can sit down, if there is a table available. I can tell you with a toddler this was a super inconvenient set-up. They bring the drinks you order to your table and don't forget to order water because it's not automatically provided. The coffee and water are not refilled. There is no at table waitress service. The food was fast but somehow still not hot. The food was also not what I remembered and really wasn't flavorful or special. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this place any longer and won't be returning. Fortunately, there other good sit down breakfast restaurants close by like The Pantry. read more

I love this little place great breakfast nice people working. They always have a smile.

Small little cafe on the outskirts of Lancaster. Yelp led me here based on the reviews. Order at the counter and they will seat you. My chefs omelette was good. The home fries could be seasoned a little more. The service was fast and friendly. read more

Ida's Cafe - Chef's omelette with home fries. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Very friendly and very clean restaurant. Staff was super friendly. Breakfast was good, just wish the crepes had the cream cheese filling inside, they were good but could be great with that filling. Coffee was good. Thank you for a nice visit. read more

Ida's Cafe - French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Ordered the peaches n creme French toast, the apple crumble pancakes and the western omelette. All delicious and service was excellent. read more

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It's July, and we are eating in the courtyard area outside the restaurant. It's surprisingly cool, and there is an industrial fan in the corner that gives a nice breeze. The service is friendly, and the food is tasty. Highly recommend for a nice breakfast! read more

Ida's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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This is definitely a must if in Lancaster, PA. Amazing food with a large selection of food choices at decent prices. The food is mouthwatering and you will not want to leave without placing a to go order to try another dish for your next meal. I will visit every time I come this way. Closed on Sunday and only open till 2 Mon-Saturday read more

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First you have to go to counter to read a menu that is small print and hard to read, then order your food and pay for it. The salad with walnuts, feta and chicken was o.k. but the chicken was so dry you could not even eat it. Most disgusting. However, this salad came out on a normal plate, whereas my salad came out on a throwaway plastic/paper plate. To top it off, they only allow 30 minutes for dine-in. I guess they throw you out if you are there too long. I know restaurants are suffering due to covid, but I think your standards should stay the same as they were. They also never asked us how our meal was, did we want more to drink...very bad service. With all the restaurants open in Lancaster, we will definitely not be going back to Ida's...such a shame. I looked at the other reviews and think that maybe I am in the wrong place. read more

I've always heard rave reviews of this place. The crowd is steady and we had about a 10 minute wait. Server was very pleasant and sweet. Very polite and provided service with a smile. Service is very quick. My eggs were slightly over cooked, I like my eggs to be light and fluffy. Decent amount of crab meat, but the flavor was a bit flat. The multigrain toast tasted freshly baked. If you like mushrooms, you'll love the portobello sandwich. Overall, not bad, but not exceptional. Maybe my expectations were to high based on other people's reviews. read more

Ida's Cafe - Crab & Tomato Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Wanted to grab a nice breakfast with my daughter before we left town to head home. This place had good reviews so we checked it out. Cute little spot in a cute little town. You order at the counter and can sit indoors or outdoors. They bring the food to your table. We both had the eggs Benedict and it was good. The Irish cream French toast was super yummy! read more

Ida's Cafe - Irish cream French toast. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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