The morning of 28 March 2026 I went to Kelcy's Restaurant in Tehachapi with one goal in mind -- Their medium rare New York steak for breakfast! Mind you, I live 2.5-hours away in western Ventura County, but I'm ALWAYS up for an old fashioned country-style breakfast! Just like the ones from my youth -- meaning, NO AVOCADO!! lol It's GOTTA be some combination of a good portion of red meat protein which will either be a pork chop or steak, SOS, runny eggs (typical for sunny-side up), and either manhole-sized flapjacks, Texas toast-sized French toast, or a HUGE waffle. In lieu of the carbs, I had their SOS simply because I haven't had one in a while. I'll let you know right now, Kelcy's did NOT disappoint this retired veteran!! The steak was BEAUTIFUL and TASTY!! The eggs were PERFECT!! And, their biscuits and gravy was INCREDIBLY mouth-watering!! I should've asked, so I'll have to do it next time, but I can almost guarantee the Cook's a Veteran, too, because this meal brought me back to my NCO days of the 1980s and 90s!! This morning Tonya was my Server and she was INCREDIBLE!! It's obvious she's been a Server for a while, because she knew EXACTLY when to swing by to see how I'm doing, she kept my water glass and coffee mug full, and, in overhearing several conversations she had, she was as sweet as can be! Quite honestly, with all the Sirs and Ma'ams being said, I was back to being in the flyover states, southern states, and our beloved northern states (namely, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming) all over again! Not to mention all of the United States' small towns JUST like Tehachapi; and, I loved it! Having owned a small bistro before and having worked in food services in the military, I can appreciate what Owners go through. Their dedication to their business is obvious as soon as the food is served! And, the Owner(s) of Kelcy's know EXACTLY what they're doing!! From the ambience -- that down home feeling, being greeted when I walked in and the "Thank you!" and "Have a good day!" -- told me their Folks were well trained, well taken care of and appreciated, to hearing the Kitchen Staff banter was VERY nice to see, feel, and hear. But, once the food's served, that actually completes the picture for me; meaning, Kelcy's Owners don't shy from the good stuff!! Kelcy's food quality was AWESOME!! So, I'm DEFINITELY telling my Family and Friends about Kelcy's and will DEFINITELY come back for more! read more

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First time customer. Walked in about 7pm. Only 3 people at one table. Waitress looks at us walks away. We wonder where to sit. She comes back and says "sit anywhere " no greeting and no smile. We sit in a booth and wait. And wait. Finally she brings us menus and says "what do you want to drink" no smile and not very welcoming. She brings our drinks and takes our order. Same non friendly attitude. A family comes in (about 6 or 7) and she has the same exact attitude. They sit behind us and we can hear them discussing the waitress's attitude. The mom asks her what's up or something and she says "I've been here since 12:30 and I'm tired" Food was decent. Tasted home cooked. Portions were ok. Prices were reasonable. We may come back again when passing through. Someone should teach this young lady how to be courteous, friendly and welcoming. It seems like such a nice, old school place but she was such a turn off for our first time visit. read more

We were driving from Las Vegas to Sacramento and needed some real food that didn't include a drive thru and we were lucky enough to stumble upon Kelcy's. We are in love. They hands down have the best potato salad and coleslaw. We got two grilled chicken sandwiches which were delightful. Just enough honey mustard to not be overpowering and fresh lettuce and tomato. It also came out super hot which was great because Tehachapi was freezing. One of our sandwiches came with fries which were also perfectly cooked. Teenager got hash browns which looked incredibly crispy, the way hash browns should be. The staff were so nice and it was really sweet to hear them greet locals and ask about family. We got to meet the maker of the potato salad and coleslaw and Ashley deserves a plaque in that place for how good they are. Our waitress was a doll and couldn't have been nicer. The next time we are even remotely close, we'll be stopping by Kelcy's!! read more

We were greeted with a smile and cheery hello from Alex. The kind of greeting like you had been away and were coming home. He brought us our menus and we asked about the dessert choices. We settled on a cherry pie à la mode (9/10) and a banana cream pie (10/10) I also had a fresh cup of decaf which had an awesome flavor. It's a nice vintage vibe with fun decor. We will head back for a meal next time. Thanks Alex for winning us over and making our time so enjoyable. read more

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Kelcy's is a symbolic throwback to simpler times and simple pleasures; had such a positive experience that it'll always be in my heart. Jumped in for dessert because the pies were mentioned to be the talk of the town and that's exactly what we got; fresh fruit pies and coffees! HIT THE SPOT! Not only were the pies great, the customer service we received was superb and much sweeter than the pie...perfect. Highly recommend! read more

We just moved here and already have been to Kelcy's a few times. Service is humble and kind. The food never takes long to come out and is already super fresh. Fries come out nice and hot every time. Triple decker club is huge!!! and the meat and bread is nice and fresh. Pastrami sandwich is also my favorite between a couple others that I've tried here so far. My husband loves the broasted chicken with is nice and crispy!! and my kids love their meal especially the fruit bowl which is fresh and has a good variety of fruit. (to compare: we had a fruit cup from "P-Dubs" and it looked old and mushy and was just melon) I love coming here, I am never disappointed and always enjoy my food, beer (tehacha-light is my fave) and service. The place looks vintage but also very very clean!!! i saw recently they pulled the booths out and cleaned the floors and all the nooks and crannies. read more

The food is absolutely delicious. I'm a breakfast guy and they have everything you want. Friendly staff, in a classic diner, and don't forget to eat some pie. Great location also. read more

Ok experience friendly staff food good firsttime there maybe I'll try again sometime.

Good 'ole time breakfast and more! Good flavors. Patio, banquet room, etc. Homey old town service. read more

Returning today. Impressed with all the vegetarian/vegan options. I ordered the veggie soup, lots of noodles and potatoes, not so many veggies. Very good flavor though ai would order again. Vegan chili is just ok, kind of sweet, can't tell if this is from a can but kind of tastes like it. The staff is beyond friendly and helpful. We had a great visit and can't wait to return. P.s. EAT ALL THE PIE read more

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Great food, friendly service in an old school small town cafe. Kelcys has been in Tehachapi for many years. I and the family have eaten here since the mid 1970s, always had great food and pleasant sevice. read more

Stopped in for breakfast on a fairly busy late morning, great service as usual and the hash browns were extra hard just as I ordered!! Nailed it! Love the decor, keeps the old town Tehachapi vide alive. Yeah give them a try if you haven't, read more

Food was ok. I ordered the chicken wrap... tasted a little too salty for me. Not sure the sauce they put in it but it was just ok. Wife ordered the grilled chicken burger protein style... super basic. Service was good, a little slow getting food but friendly service. Ambiance was good, felt like I was in an old diner from 1970. Definitely a mountain community diner. Old booths and a lot of memorabilia on the walls. Food -3 Service - 4 Ambiance-2 Total 3 read more

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We were visiting the city and wanted some dessert. We saw Kelcy's and decided to take a look. We were greeted as soon as entered and our server was quick to check in with us. Very nice ambiance. We got the banana split and sundae. They were huge! And so well priced. I would love to come back and try the food as well. read more

I've lived in Tehachapi since 2016 and finally got around to trying this place, I enjoy a good eggs Benedict from time to time so that is what I ordered but the eggs were way overcooked that I couldn't eat it and had to ask for eggs to be cooked softer but when the new eggs came back, they were undercooked! The hollandaise sauce wasn't too bad but in the end I would have rather had the same breakfast at Denny's for better food and a cheaper price. My wife and I will never go back. read more

Kelcy's Restaurant - Way over cooked eggs Benedict - American Near Me - Tehachapi, California

Visited Kelcy's for the first time, and it was amazing! Just your old fashioned diner which I love. The side salad was honestly one of the best salads I've had in a long time. The little cubed croutons were good and do yourself a favor and get the balsamic dressing! The chocolate cream pie was delicious, I loved the little chocolate chips on it. Sweet and light. The menu had a lot of great versatile things from sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, fries, chicken baked goods, and homemade potato salad! Nothing gets better than that. The service was fantastic. I didn't get the gal's name but she was the sweetest person ever. She said she was the restaurants "birthday committee". You know who you are, I loved your service and energy. Until next time, Tehachapi. read more

Kelcy's Restaurant - Homemade Pie Chocolate - American Near Me - Tehachapi, California

Overpriced but excellent service and really vintage atmosphere. We got some sandwiches and fries. It tasted fine but just average. We came here because the famous sandwich bakery place across the street was loud and full of customers. We wanted a more relaxed lunch and this was great for that. We were the only guests in the place. I really liked the historic photos everywhere . Nice restroom. read more

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I have been eating here since they reopened and enjoying their menu and service always quick. I like being able to watch the trains as they go by while I'm eating! read more

Everything about Kelcy's screams Tehachapi,,small mom & pop restaurant, food like mom use to make

We've eaten here several times while traveling through the area. I've had burgers, I've had breakfast, all of it very good. The last time we came through, I had the huevos rancheros. I'm not an expert by any means, but on that day, that particular dish was the best I've ever had. The staff is always friendly and the restaurant is retro cozy. It's definitely worth getting off highway 58 and driving through downtown to visit Kelcy's. read more

Nice little diner, food was very good , service was excellent. The dinner itself could use some updating, booths , counter. Prices were acceptable. Good location on Main Street. read more

Servers were pleasant. Food was okay, but not for the price. Cute on the inside. LOVED the Reagan photo! Won't be going back.

This place is a walk back in time to the 60's I think it would be cool to renovate it to that time. The dark walnut panels, old pictures and booth sitting. I love the 50's music being played. Service was awesome. The authenticity of home made pie grabs your attention in every bite. Way cool spot. read more

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Wow!! This is what you get from Kelcys paid over $100 for breakfast and the hasbrowns were horrible and burned horrible!!!, the eggs were skimped on and not to mention the quality of the food was horrible!!!! Stay away from this place if you like good quality of food. Extremely dissapointed. Maybe get new chefs or train them better this is ridiculous!!!! read more

Kelcy's Restaurant - Skimped on the eggs - American Near Me - Tehachapi, California

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Super friendly service Thank you Yvette. We came in during the Apple festival. My avocado toast was wonderfully prepared. Crisp sourdough toast, eggs cooked just as ordered (I love that runny yolk), and hash browns with a nice golden brown exterior and soft pillow interior. Hubby had the biscuits and gravy breakfast that comes with scrambled eggs and bacon. He loved the country gravy and all the sides were prepared just right. Nice clean dining room, and plenty of comfortable seating. Warm hometown feel. We look forward to going back to try more of their delicious selections. read more

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The food is wonderful with a homemade taste. The hometown crowd are very loyal to this business.

Went to lunch with a girlfriend. We split the shrimp and fish basket. It was delicious! We got the spaghetti type soup and it was yummy too. Fries were the crinkle type with a tasty ranch dressing was perfect. Waitress was sweet and attentive and we left feeling full and happy. Atmosphere is like stepping back into a fifties diner. Loved the whole experience and will be back soon! read more

Home style cooking great service excellent Breakfast! Fresh Strawberries on my waffles. read more

Kelcy's Restaurant - Love the strawberry covered waffles with whipped cream. Highly recommend this restaurant if you're coming in from outside the area. - American Near Me - Tehachapi, California

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Visit Tehachapi and check out this place out ... Locals favorite for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere is two of the reasons why their loyal customers keeps coming back. Let me tell you the main reason why The outrageous large dishes they serve Here's what we ate * Loaded Fried | they are not lying when they say it's loaded. It's packed with all these toppings. Every fry you get is not bare naked. * Patty Melt | I remember this being my go to sandwich. This or tuna melt. It's been a long time since I had this and it reminds me what I have been missing out on. * They offer vegan options Patty Melt. They welcome all customers and their lifestyle * Broasted Chicken Basket | 3 pieces with french fries and coleslaw. This basket is mine. The skin so crispy and the meat so juicy. * Vegan Meatloaf | because they offered vegan, I had to try it and why not on their well known dish meatloaf. And wow, I won't be able to tell it's vegan. So good! * Pancake Special | 2 stack, egg, and two bacon or sausage I got myself a sunny side up and bacon Typical me would get scrambled or over medium with both bacon and sausage. Got to have it all haha Not in content * Zucchini Fries * Homemade Pie Check out my story to see these goodies. * Soji Cocktail | it's so pretty that I will drink it up read more

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Solid 4 stars. Great service, a good selection of food including a few vegan options. They do it well and serve breakfast at noon!

Denise was above accommodating. Our food was very good and we were very comfortable. always a nice stop on our travels. Look forward to returning soon. read more

First time ever to visit the city of Tehachapi. For Sunday morning we went to a breakfast restaurant located in downtown that was pet friendly (patio area). It took about 30 minutes to receive our ordered breakfast burritos, but the server did apologize in advance that the order will be taking longer because they are swamp with orders in the kitchen. I figured it could be due to the Father's Day weekend, therefore the orders may took longer for us. The burritos were pretty good with big chopped country potatoes, yet the bacon and ham were not much compared to the potatoes and eggs. I would still recommend this place for their decent dishes and kind service. read more

Kelcy's Restaurant - French Toast Combo - American Near Me - Tehachapi, California

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This place is a quaint old school diner and being here felt like traveling back to the 1950s. The service was good. The food was ok. I like that the menu included vegan & veggie options. However the menu seemed a bit small and they didn't have Mountain Dew even though Pepsi products are sold. The desserts need work. The pie was cold and didn't taste good. read more

The food is not fresh, it is generic restaurant food. I ordered eggs and the yolks were very Pale and had no flavor, unlike an organic chicken egg. The hash browns were horrible and had been bleached and then Dosed with powdered eggs so it cooks brown. All highly Over processed food, with absolutely no nutritional value. Farm to Table people! Fresh organic food grown here in Tehachapi. That is not too much to ask For! read more

Kelcy's looks like a saloon from the outside and a classic American diner on the inside. It has a dog-friendly patio out back, where we enjoyed freshly brewed coffee (surprisingly good diner coffee, actually) and a beautiful slice of banana cream pie with fresh bananas, crumbly crust, and not overly sweet. Our server was so friendly and kind to our doggie who enjoyed fresh ice water. Definitely worth a stop in! read more

Kelcy's Restaurant - Banana Cream pie! - American Near Me - Tehachapi, California

Ordered the meat lovers omelette to go this morning. Literally the BEST omelette I've ever had!! Major props to the chefs at this restaurant!! - Tonya, who took my order over the phone was very pleasant & I hadn't realized this location has gluten free options till she informed me which is amazing!!! Thank you very much Tonya & the rest of the staff at Kelcys!!! I will definitely be back!! read more

Food at this place is amazing.. Tonya our waitress is so nice .. it's like talking to a great family member we visited this restaurant earlier this month and we came back for more.. the breakfast was so delicious and the pancakes are so thick and yummy when we came back my husband got the cowboy burger and fries.. amazing I love a good grilled cheese and fries... excellent grilled just right.. if you're ever in Tehachapi stop in. Ambience- The place makes you feel like early 60's Love it!! read more

The place itself is adorable. I love the old feel. Plenty of seats with only 6 customers on a Saturday morning...nothing like breakfast spots in Vegas! Lol The server was busy gossiping with some lady and wasn't quick to greet us, but rather continued her conversation with a lady sitting at the bar, not eating.... She was nice, just no sense of urgency. Which I get in a town like this. The sausage was warm, I wished it was cooked more. Seemed to have been nooked in the microwave was 10 seconds. The hash browns were good and the pancakes were fluffy and delicious. Bacon looked ok, but I'm too picky with my bacon. $50 with tip. read more

Fun old spot. The decor was from the 50s or 60s. Definitely a nostalgic atmosphere. The grilled cheese sandwich was great but the soup was average and too salty. The service was excellent and super friendly. read more

The worst food ever and the service was terrible. We had 12 people in our party we finally ordered and 25 minutes later they said we are sold out of chili and my son said just forget it now a hour and 10 minutes later we were service 5 orders one was the special grilled chicken sandwich with sliced grilled apples and cheddar cheese. Needless to say, the chicken was frozen and the apples were rotted. So we sent that plate backend didn't order anything else and the other 3 orders didn't come the other 4 orders were done eating so we cancel those orders. Because it was going to be probably another 10 minutes or so, and they said, play the orders are just now coming up. We've been there an hour 30 minutes now. And the other said, just forget it. We're not gonna eat nothing now, but then. At the end, we paid the ticket. And we saw that nobody left a tip. Now, mind, you remember, we only had 4 plates. That's it, and we paid the ticket and then we realized that nobody left a tip. So we gave the waitress $20 Sunday. We're looking at the bill, and it shows that they added 18% groutility, which was $28. Because they had added the gratility to the total order not to the 4 plates. They can only add gratility if their party is over six people.Six plates, so now we've paid this wage is forty eight dollars for the worst food and the worst service we've ever had.I do not recommend this place at all. read more