The place was cold ( like no heat ). The ordering process is basic order at register, food gets delivered to table. The food bland. I mean I left out of there with HBP, from the amount of salt I had to add for flavoring. The omelets are advertised as 3 eggs, doesn't seems like that. Coffee is served in a styrofoam cup, a proper glass cup should follow. It's what should be I'm a dinning place like this. The home fries shouldn't be fed to any human, bland, burned and just a mess. Portion size for meal, Not worth it. I travel finding places to eat and I won't be going there ever again. But, to each is own. read more

Amazing. Tastes so good. They are nice. Wish it was bigger and open on Sundays. There is also an outside seating area.

Was visiting Lancaster for a basketball tournament and came across Ida's cafe to get breakfast. Cute little place. Very nice people. My friend got the Filet Mignon Sandwich (lunch menu item) and I got the Mexican omelette. We both shared the Melba French Toast. She liked her sandwich, the filet was tender and juicy. My omelette was good. Home fries a little dry but nothing ketchup can't help. The Melba FT was really different flavor. Very good. We came around 10 A.M on a Sunday and waited about 10 minutes but the food came out really quick. Great service!! read more

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

"I saw flies around people's heads and arms, a "now hiring" sign, a large crooked clock on the wall, home fries we couldn't cut in to from a signature dish, and grumpy hostess. Something tells me that something is wrong." This is exactly what my husband and I said to each other when we left. My Melba French Toast, one of their signature specials, was pretty good. Comforting flavors! The fruit on the platter was great. My husband's Crab Benedict had potential, but it was sadly not pleasant to eat....The flavor of the crab meat was imbalanced. We couldn't cut through the home fries. Since the menu is on the higher side of most cafe/diners, we had higher hopes in the execution of a signature dish. We wanted to stay longer to do some brain storming for a project, but the flies buzzing around our heads and the flies around hostess were too distracting. I commented about this to staff and all they mentioned was "I know!" Somethin' ain't right, friends. Two stars, sadly, but we wanted to like this place. read more

My husband and I stopped in for breakfast after some of my coworkers recommended we try it out. We definitely were not disappointed! We were quickly seated upon arrival and our drink orders taken care of. We needed some time to look over the menu - everything looked delicious. I decided on the chocolate chip pancakes. They were huge, had the perfect amount of chocolate, and were absolutely delicious. My husband had the chicken cordon bleu omelette, which came with toast and fries potatoes. That dish was absolutely wonderful, too! Overall we were very satisfied with our meals and decided we would definitely return soon! read more

So tasty! If you're in the area excellent breakfast spot. Very good service and food was outstanding read more

Ida's Cafe - Excellent breakfast here. I had banana walnut pancakes, my sister had apple cinnamon waffle... so tasty - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

My family was on vacation so looking for a good breakfast. So happy we found this quaint place with the BEST food and service. Had omelettes and pancakes that were delicious! I wish I could eat here everyday!! read more

Have been here twice and love it every time! Very affordable prices and amazing service and food!! read more

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

We had breakfast at Ida's Cafe while visiting Mountville, PA. The staff were so sweet and kind and the service was phenomenal as our food was brought to us in a matter of nine minutes (yes, you read that correctly) and it was sooo delicious!! We definitely will stop by again the next time we are in the area. read more

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Had breakfast here for the first time today, and it was delicious. I came here based on reviews on yelp and met a couple of my friends here. Everyone who worked here were so friendly! The crab Benedict was amazing! And my friends really enjoyed their food as well. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

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

From the outside, that cafe like bigger than it is. It is attached to 2 other small businesses. I was informed that there were 3parties ahead of me. My wait on a Sunday close to noon was about 15 minutes. I was promptly greeted by a very cheerful waitress. The food was good. It came very quickly. I was disappointed that there were no non-pork breakfast meat options. I ended up having the New Mexico omelet. I would go back. read more

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

A very cozy breakfast place. The omelettes were many and well done. We tried a variety and all were good with not overwhelming cheese or spices. Just right amount of ingredients. The egg Benedict crab was as advertised. Very tasty. Although the place seems small the wait staff was very efficient. Not much of wait on past Sunday morning and once seated service was exceptional. Staff works well together The sandwiches for lunch look great so that will be my next visit. There were no negatives so kudos to the entire staff. read more

Ida's Cafe may be my default breakfast place when visiting the area. The first thing I noticed was the restaurant looked very clean. The food was everything I wanted from a brunch place. Staff was exceptional. Even the bathroom was clean and even smelled good. I'm on the pickier side when it comes to restaurants and this one exceeded my expectations. read more

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Food wasn't bad, we got the eggs Benedict, Texas French toast, and Mexican omelette. Again, tasted ok, but hollandaise could have been richer/thicker, French toast was pretty thin for "Texas toast," omelette was probably best of the three. Prices aren't phenomenal but not outrageous, a little more expensive than typical diners in the area. Food came out very quickly, that was a strong point for sure. The main point of this review is to heartily commend our server, Augustine. Incredibly polite, professional and prompt. Not overly chatty, but the furthest thing from rude, just did his job efficiently and was very friendly/helpful without wasting too much of your time. If I return, I won't settle for any other server. read more

I eat here all the time! There food is phenomenal! A little expensive but so worth it!! You have to try the chicken quesadillas their incredible!! Also any of there pancakes are amazing as well!!! I love this place so much! The atmosphere is really nice as well. Highly Highly Recommend!! read more

This place is super tiny but has great food. We went on a weekday morning and it was really busy. There have to be waits on the weekends for tables if I had to guess. A great omelet, excellent potatoes and my spouse had one of their Mexican dishes--all great. read more

Solid breakfast. I got the Melba French toast and my husband got the banana walnut ft. Both good but could've been great by letting the bread soak a bit more. The French toast was a tad dry. read more

Ida's Cafe - Good but a tad dry - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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First time in, and was pretty nice. The crab and tomato omelet was really good. Was a little busy but didn't have to wait by taking a hightop table next to front window. Food came out fast and hot! Will be back and try the pineapple pancakes. read more

Really great food and super clean and cozy ! I think it's one of the only places in central Pa to get Pork Role ! Omelets, French toast, banana stiff pancakes ! It's not some place that say "banana pancakes and cut a few dropped on top, the banana is cooked inside the pancake giving each bite a cocane like drug induced reaction of banana heaven. Great servace coupled with hot coffie makes every visit a pleasure. read more

The food is alright. Nothing wowed me, but I wasn't disappointed. The food looked a little sad, but my boyfriend enjoyed his food and rates it 3.6/5 starts read more

Lancaster's hidden gem. No advertising other then word of mouth and a huge following. Expect to wait on a busy Sunday morning after church. Consistently good unique food (owner himself does ALL the cooking so it's the same every time), beautiful plating, friendly staff, and attractive, clean surroundings. We've never had a dish we were unhappy with. On the downside, it is a little pricey, and expect to pay at least $20 for 2 for breakfast, but the food is fresh and tasty so it works. Sad that they don't have a dinner service but the owner has to go home sometime! read more

The first time I went here I had breakfast and it was nice. This time I had lunch and it was terrible. I had an apple walnut chicken salad and there was nothing good about it. It had way too much onion and dressing. It was tossed so much that everything was soggy. Very few walnuts and the chicken wasn't flavorful. Very big disappointment and I will not go back, not even for breakfast. My husband used the restroom and said the floors were sticky. Yuck. read more

This is our absolute favorite place to go to.. we usually stick to breakfast there. But we do LOVE their cheesefries!! Their cream chip beef is literally the best in the tristate! It is a lil pricey but its totally worth it. We get to go from there all the time too. They are sooo fast in the kitchen, our orders usually take about 10 minutes or less. I wish they had a rewards program somehow. read more

Ida's Cafe - We love our idas!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Ida's never fails to deliver as creative gf breakfast for me. The amazing variety of omelets, french toast, crepes and other treats are staggering! I am delighted I can be one of the majority and enjoy their luscious sandwiches on gf break. They also use FRANK'S which any present or former Buffalonian will tell you is the only hot sauce. Wait persons are warm and welcoming. Home fries when requested come out crispy as a homemade potato chip. I have mostly gone to Idas for breakfast and to that extent I shall keep coming back. read more

Great food. Amazing presentation. Good service. Quite diner. Great place to have breakfast. read more

Ida's Cafe - Melba French toast with raspberry cream cheese. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Went to Ida's Cafe after a weekend reunion nearby with some college friends and had a fantastic experience. I called only 15 minutes ahead of time and asked if they could accommodate 12 of us on such short notice... And they did! I volunteered that we did not have to be seated at one large table - and when we arrived, we only waited 5 minutes before being seated at three different tables. The menu was above standard in terms of breakfast - with a nice selection of staples and some interesting combinations (specialty omelettes, etc.) I went with a staple - two eggs, hash browns, toast, and scrapple - no complaints at all. Everything that my friends ordered seemed to be enjoyed as well. The service was extremely friendly and welcoming, but most importantly - efficient for a busy Sunday morning. read more

We found this restaurant off a Yelp search and was so glad that we went in to try the food for ourselves. The menu has many unique items which was refreshing to see. The food was great and the prices were very reasonable. It is a small restaurant and we did have to wait to be seated. However, our food was served quickly and accurately. This place is definitely worth a try! read more

okay so it's pricey....but it is delicious!!! My daughter loves their pancakes....which are bigger than her! I love their special cappuccinos and of course their Cream Chip Beef! If you have never eaten here go NOW!!!! read more

While I can understand the nostalgic appeal for locals, this small cafe presents modest breakfasts and lunches which fall short of high Yelp rating. The prices are reasonable and food isn't bad. This cafe falls somewhere between cafe and diner. And truthfully there are better restaurants in either direction, cafe or diner! Like I said it's not a bad restaurant. But with so many great eateries in Lancaster, I'd prefer any of the other delicious options. read more

The food is always good and the staff is friendly, I usually get their French toast or something with eggs while my mom loves their waffles. Sometimes there is a bit of a wait but it's never been too long, at least not for a party of 2! We love coming here and usually come here at least once a week! read more

Love the food. Love most of the staff but there is one of the wait staff that makes it so obvious that she does not like our family or our children. We always think twice now before we go whether this is something that we want to witness or not. Otherwise would rather patronize this place than the ones downtown. read more

Seems like something has changed about the once excellent restaurant. I am probably not going to return. I ordered Pasta Fagioli and what I was served was more like yesterday's chili with ditalini pasta in it. Way too thick. Server prepared me an iced tea with extra lemon. Second tea had no lemons. Referred to me as 'young man' not sir. This all may seem trivial to some but not to me. Sent from my iPhone read more

Went here because of reviews but here's the hard truth. This cafe is clean but expensive.. NY prices here in pa. Portions were average to small coffee is separate charge with breakfast which hikes the price but the best is while we're eating they drop the check on you in the middle of your meal (rude) and at the bottom it calculates the tip of 18% but good for them I usually leave 20 or more % but I just find it rude to tell a customer what is expected as a tip. I know this place is a tourist trap but have a little more respect for your customers read more

Great food! I had their soup and sandwich combo and chose clam chowder for the soup. Delicious! Today's special pancakes were pineapple with coconut sprinkled on top. My husband had those and they were great as well. Really good fine for us out of towners. read more

I love it here. The food is kinda pricey for a cafe diner style food. But the service is good and food taste well. Sometimes though the wait can be really really long! read more

Imaginative concoctions, very tasty, quickly served, friendly staff, reasonably priced. Couldn't do better at home - they know how to pamper their customers! read more

Just had the salmon platter and was SO delighted by the large amount of lox! For you lox fans you should note it is not Nova but Belly Lox- still delish! Dad had the rise and shine omelette, hubby had an omelette with veggies and feta and Mom had a short stack if pancakes. Everything was great! I also liked the coffee, but I tend to like weaker coffee, my dad likes stronger bolder flavors than I do and he said for his taste, the coffee was "okay". This place gets busy in the am (especially on the weekend) so be prepared to wait a little, especially if there are a few of you. In my opinion though, I do not mind the wait for the good food, pleasant service and homey atmosphere. read more

My boyfriend and I went there on Christmas Eve before closing. Upon arriving, we were told that they were closing in 20 minutes but technically they were still open and able to seat people. If they were closing they should have put up their sign for "closed" especially being a holiday if they were concerned about getting last minute customers. My boyfriend and I felt very uncomfortable and I asked the staff if we should leave. Instead of providing a "yes" or "no" answer, staff proceeded to say "we will just be cleaning around you and running the vacuum so you know." After we were seated, our server came over and took our orders and then within 5 minutes, we had our food and the check was placed down immediately. We felt very rushed and it was awkward that the staff was staring at us while we were eating as in hoping that we would leave. I know it was the holiday, but then why not either close earlier or put a closed sign up a half hour or so before so they don't need to seat anyone else? It was totally misleading and we did not appreciate it. I've been here several times before and didn't have this type of experience. I am very disappointed and will not be returning. So unprofessional. The two-star rating is only because our server at least was nice. Total letdown. read more

The team took a co-worker here to celebrate her birthday. The food here was decent. I had the Chicken Quesadilla and would recommend it, but I'd probably try something else the next time I eat here. After reading the previous reviews, however, it seems breakfast here is the real ticket. I'll probably have to go back again and try the breakfast. A good place to eat - not sure if I'd call it a "secret" or "hidden gem"... but it's not a standard greasy spoon, either. read more

I definitely think this place can be considered a hidden gem in Lancaster. I've driven past this place many times and never noticed it. We went to eat there recently on the recommendation of a good friend and we're so glad we followed through on this recommendation. I had the Monte Cristo. It is on the menu as being served with Raspberry preserves but I opted for maple syrup (I've had it like this at other places and it's so good like this). I've had Monte Cristos at other places and I'd have to say that the best one I've ever had was at Ida's Cafe! This one is dipped in egg batter! AMAZING (but probably not good for me, haha). My fiancee had a turkey dinner-type sandwich with an amazing cranberry mayonnaise. I will be going back and eating lunch there in the future, I've also heard the breakfast is incredible. But for these sandwiches, I highly recommend this nice little cafe! read more