This is the best place for breakfast in Monroe. The ham sandwiches are also excellent Service was all I could ask, and very friendly. The atmosphere is old school and welcoming. Try the pies if you get a chance. read more

Lea's of Monroe - Eggs,grits,and ham, their full breakfast! - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

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I grew up with the original Lea's Lunchroom in Lecompte, so I was excited to try their Monroe location. We weren't there at lunchtime, so there was no ham sandwich this trip, but we were there for breakfast! It looks different, but the Monroe location has the same welcoming feel of the original, and the food is delicious. Service was fast and courteous, and the prices were reasonable. Next time, I'm bringing home a whole pie. I recommend the chocolate. Top-notch. Mr. Lea would be proud! read more

Tasty for sure! Definitely will be back when we are in town. Since 1928- so cool, old town diner feel. Homemade pies. 1 page menu- the HUGE pancake (that honestly could feed 2+ for under $6!) will be on my list next time. Friendly and the service was great. Go in and seat yourself- you won't be disappointed! No alcohol for drinks. Would recommend!!! read more

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Haven't dined in, but the pies are INSANE and worth every penny. Great, laid back atmosphere. read more

Great service. Big breakfast was good but average. Biscuits were great. I had a BLT which was very good. It didn't come with a side which was weird. The pies looked amazing but didn't try them read more

An employee who has been rude to me on multiple occasions is exhibiting and exuding racial discrimination toward black guests. Mindy Fuller attempted to handle my transaction in an unprofessional manner. She gave me the total for my food, and I let her know I'd be stepping out briefly to retrieve additional funds from my vehicle. When I returned, she asked if I intended to pay the balance. I confirmed that I did--that's precisely why I went to the car. I asked if I could provide the cash portion first, and then pay the remaining balance on my card. She appeared flustered and mentioned she didn't know how to clear the current transaction. She then asked--rather inappropriately--if my card would decline. I explained it would not, once the cash portion was applied. Despite my explanation, she responded with an attitude and stated she would just run the card and "whatever happens, happens." I calmly told her that was fine. This occurred in a crowded restaurant, after I was hung up on multiple times prior to placing my phone order. Her photo is attached and a screen shot of when I paid for the order is, too. Additionally, my colleague echoes my concerns, as he has faced similar treatment. I will not continue spending my hard earned money at an establishment that does not appear to value me or my dignity. I totally understand that everyone is different and no one owes me anything. However, in the realm of food and customer service, kindness, decency and order are always appropriate. read more

Lea's of Monroe - Mindy Fuller - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

Ridiculous cheeseburger! It was smashed, so all of the juices were flowing through the burger with crispy edges. All the toppings were fresh. Service was great as usual. Absolutely delicious! read more

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Such a mid choice. The strongest point here is its sheer mediocrity. It's not good. They have no condiments unless ice water counts. If there were two Leas side by side, and the only breakfast choices in Monroe, you'd wish you went to the other one, no matter which you choose. Fortunately, there are much better choices for breakfast -- all of them. read more

Great little southern country vibe. I've been coming here since I moved back to Monroe about 5 years ago and the food hasn't missed!

Foods bland, overpriced, it's definitely nothing special. So many better choices around Monroe.

I grew up in a time where Diners existed and have fond memories of sitting at one or another with my parents, passing by I saw Lea's and had to stop it. Fantastic environment, delicious food, and an overall good time. Rumor has it the breakfast is even better, but that will be next visit. read more

PIE! Best pie I have ever tasted. Haven't had their pie since 1992 in Lecompte. It's exactly the same.

Stopped by for breakfast and was so happy to find this little gem. Although I was disappointed to miss their lunch menu (Pie! Gumbo! Famous Ham sandwiches!), breakfast was delicious. I particularly recommend the hash brown casserole, which is like a loaded baked potato and potato salad had a baby. Creamy, cheesy, green oniony, and hot Cajun seasoning for a kick. Bacon was very tasty - good flavor and very crispy (the way I like it). Excellent ham, too. Good coffee, healthy portions, pleasant service. Recommended. read more

Lea's of Monroe - Barnyard breakfast - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

All the unique qualities of a diner! $10 and less for meals! Stuffed biscuit with sausage, bacon & ham!! Smothered in sausage gravy! Very basic recipe. But bursting with flavor. Fresh and fast service. Bailey was a great server and recommended the hash browns. Which were amazing! Didn't get their pie, but all the guests in there were eating it. read more

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The worst lunch I have ever had, overpriced, tiny portions, and a piece of rubber for catfish. The only thing acceptable thing on the plate was a corn bread muffin, but there was no butter to put on it. I paid and left, perhaps a stray cat got a lunch I could not eat. read more

We had a great little stop at Lea's in Monroe. The pricing of the menu was great, nice portions and everything we ordered tasted good. I personally had a Half Breakfast with a Fried Egg & it was great. We sat for a long time talking and enjoying the atmosphere of this small local diner before hitting the road again. Our waitress, I think her name was Mindy, was super attentive & did an excellent job. We were very disappointed not to try the infamous pies but maybe next time! read more

Lea's of Monroe - Laughing about the cute coffee mugs! - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

This was our first time to eat at Lea's. At 1130 on a Wednesday morning the place was pretty busy with a line at the counter. We were greeted by the waitress who asked if we were dining in then directed us to sit anywhere. Service was prompt and friendly, we placed our drink order and took a few minutes to read the menu. There's a warm and welcoming atmosphere. My wife ordered the stuff biscuit with sausage patty and eggs and gravy on the side. I ordered the fried chicken daily special a was told the Wednesday daily special of fried chicken was replaced with baked chicken as if there's a conspiracy to keep me from eating fried chicken. I still went with the baked chicken, turnip greens, black eyed peas, mashed potatoes and gravy with a honey biscuit. The food was delicious and my wife even commented that the portion size was perfect. While I had so much food I couldn't finish it all. There was a constant stream of customers coming in to pick up pies for Thanksgiving and the waitresses asked everyone if they'd like to purchase one of the surplus pies to complete their thanksgiving meal. Even though we're only passing through Monroe, we may stop in for another meal before departing. read more

Working backwards from my trip to visit my sister in Monroe, LA. This was our final stop before I dropped into the airport in the morning. Such a cute diner and I can tell why it's a local favorite and has been around since 1928! The air wasn't working when we came in but I didn't mind. Fans were whirling and it was like 8:30 in the morning. The set up of the place is so freaking adorable. Swivel chairs up at the front like a classic diner, little booths with tons of jellies and butters already in bowls at every table. My sister went with one of their breakfast specials: The Whole Breakfast - Eggs cooked anyway, side of either bacon/sausage/or ham (which is a specialty I hear around these parts), and a side of either grits or hashbrowns. All of this is only $7.99 by the way. Such a great deal. She went with the ham and grits. The ham was super flavorful. I went with the biscuit with egg, cheese, and sausage ($4.89) (could be either ham or bacon as well). The biscuit was amazing. So buttery and flaky. Not necessary to put anything on it and all of the accompaniments as simple as they were were so good. The side of grits was pretty good. I notice that a lot of people down south leave them unseasoned so you can add as much salt or pepper as you want to your liking which is probably a good thing. We also split a piece of one of Georgie's pies because this place is known for that. The selection was pretty amazing even with not having everything in stock in the morning on a Monday. We went with the strawberry and it was perfect for the hot summer heat. These little hole in the wall dining experiences are what make small towns truly special. read more

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Very unique little breakfast/lunch spot. The staff is GREAT. Very accommodating and always takes time to chat you up. Makes you feel welcome and appreciated! The portions are large and from what I can tell everything is prepared from stretch. Great spot! read more

enjoyable eatery with wonderful pies and friendly service. It is not fast food... some ready to relax, talk with friends, eat good food. Chocolate pie. Just do it! read more

Great food, fair prices, awesome staff-- and kid friendly!!! We have made breakfast at Lea's before Church a family tradition.

The food is good, fast service, priced right for quality and quantity of food. The wait staff is great. There is normally three and they be rocking and rolling. read more

It was a very nice place for my daughter and I to get together for a very coffee and excellent food. We'll definitely coming back nextine I'm in town Food,service.&staff were all 5 stars read more

Lea's is your friendly, quaint neighborhood diner serving up Southern comfort food just like from grandma's kitchen. They open at 7am daily for all you early risers. This is a popular breakfast/brunch option among the locals here in town. Lunch is available daily, along with specials of the day. Start off your day with a freshly brewed cup of Mello Joy coffee. My regular breakfast choice is "The Lagniappe," which includes 2 eggs, pancake, your choice of bacon/ham/sausage, and grits or hashbrowns (~$10). Pancake add-ons include banana, pecans, or chocolate chips ($1.25). The meal is very filling and I usually end up bringing home the pancake. Another choice is to indulge in the stuffed biscuit- a fluffy biscuit stuffed with egg, cheese, and sausage, ham or bacon, swimming in a decadent pool of rich & creamy sausage gravy (which can be requested on the side). And onto dessert- I almost always have to get a slice of one of their many delicious pies to go. You must get the banana caramel pie! (There's a reason they sell out of these as soon as they make them). Service is warm and welcoming, with a touch of Southern charm. Lea's is one of my fave breakfast spots in town. Support local- it's the only way to go! read more

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This corner restaraunt has a small, simple dinner type feel to it, and offers just enough parking to accommodate its patrons. The breakfast menu is fairly classic, but the thi g to order here is the stuffed buiscuit!. A large homemade biscuit, with your choice of filling and their delicious home made Southern gravy on top. They offer a variety of sandwiches and sides for their dinner menu, but what they are really known for is their large variety of homemade pies. You can order just a slice or the entire pie, and with offerings like chocolate, coconut, lemon and bananna merinque or a variety of double crust fruit pies, which are all delicious, it is easy to see why. They have a classic southern pecan pie as well as seasonal offerings like pumpkin or sweet potatoe, or blueberry. If you want a good breakfast or simple lunch, this place is ideal, but if you want a GREAT pie, them Lea's is hard to beat. read more

Good stuff. Kinda generic and presentation is not anything noteworthy. Who cares though it's a diner + you're gonna eat it anyway.

Stopped by this place prior to work. I pulled up a few mini after 7, the place wasn't technically open yet, but the locals were letting themselves in.....yes; they cracked the code in how to get in. I walked in, sat down and could hear some clinking around in the kitchen. The waitress eventually came out and attended to the large table of locals first....by this time it was ~15 after.....she eventually came around to me to ask me for my drink order ......a few min later to give me a menu, this time apologizing. While not prompt, The waitress was extremely friendly and personable. I ordered the barnyard breakfast.....straight-forward, but a good variety. Eggs, meat, hash browns, & French toast. I was about to order it with bacon when the waitress recommended the ham, so I ordered that The meal didn't take all that long to arrive. The hash browns looked typical.....but they had a slightly different texture (soft, but not quite mushy on the inside, nice and crispy on the outside.).....also there was some sort of seasoning.....whatever the method, it worked! I enjoyed them. The egg was borderline overcooked (but not quite) .....nothing to complain abt really. the ham was tasty, but average. & finally the French toast was a little above average. When I was finished, I placed my Credit card on top of the check expecting the waitress to come pick it up.....never happen despite passing my several times. I turns out that you walk up to the counter to pay here......how would I have know that unless the waitress let me know? (she knew I was from out of town) Overall, the breakfast was tasty. I considered coming back to try their pies if I had the time, the only complaint I have is there is not a lot of urgency here. I was on a timeline that morning (which I missed b/c I was anticipating slightly faster service and promptness)....but, still if time is not a sticking point, this is not a bad option in town. read more

Lea's of Monroe - Barnyard Breakfast - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

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Awesome little old school, no frills diner in an unsuspecting downtown strip mall. Food was stick to your bones good, and Spencer was a fantastic server! He took a few minutes to get to know us since we weren't regulars and he even helped us make our pie selections; big fan of the coconut meringue! Highly recommend the hitchhikers ham sandwich too! Really, everything we had was delicious. read more

Lea's of Monroe - Lea's "famous" hitchhiker ham sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

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Long time diner with local specialties and amazing pies. Lunch partner had red beans and rice followed by chocolate pie. I ordered a couple of pancakes with a side of hash browns. Pancakes were huge, fluffy and tasty. Hash browns were amazing. There's a photo on the wall showing Lea(?) on the Johnny Carson show years ago. Funny thing - we stopped at a travel stop (gas station & restaurant) 45 minutes away and found that they were selling pies from Lea's! They're that good. read more

Lea's is always a 10/10. Food is always great. But man, our server today was just awful. She was so rude, got mad when we needed silverware to eat and water refills. She made multiple rude remarks when we were ordering and shook her head and rolled her eyes at my family. (I'm a server- I know for a fact we were as easy as a table can be.) It just ruined our entire experience:( read more

The only thing I didn't like was that we weren't given a second fork for dessert (so it was covered in biscuit) and no cream for our coffee. The stuffed biscuit, girts, and coconut pie were really tasty and the location was unassuming. read more

Lea's of Monroe - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

Every time I'm in Monroe, I always make sure to stop and have a good, country breakfast at Lea's. The food is always great, and so are the people. If you want good food at a reasonable price, come here. You won't go wrong, and you'll be back read more

I ordered a sausage breakfast sandwich with grits and hash browns To Go. Delicious!!!! The waitstaff was exceptional and when one part of the order was incorrect, they took care of it immediately, no questions asked. Will definitely return!!! read more

Great breakfast spot. Yes they're crowded. There's a reason for that. Breakfast greatness. Everyone wants to get in on the action. Friendly staff. The barnyard was delicious. The hash brown casserole is magical. Wait your turn in line because it is worth the wait. read more

So this is the third weekend we have gone for breakfast. All three times my food was cold and the wait was long. I even noticed others who arrived after us were served prior to our food arriving by up to 20 minutes. I realize it is busy but this is ridiculous. The food is good but the service is terrible on Sunday breakfast. The staff is pleasant but that doesn't do much to overcome the poor service and cold food. Will still come to give them another chance from time to time but our weekly trips are over for now. read more

Was looking for a place that was open for breakfast a little on the late side. Lea's showed up on Yelp with a picture of a bowl of grits! I figured this was the place to go. I had the Whole Breakfast (eggs over easy, ham, and grits with a biscuit. The service was excellent and the food was so good, I wanted to do it again right then. I've been a road musician for over 40 years. Finding a gem like Lea's was a wonderful surprise. Still smiling as we drive to Little Rock for our next gig. I didn't mention that they have live music Tuesdays at lunch. Wow! read more

Came here for the first time with my wife. Diner feel and love it. Menu is simple and everything sounds great. Ordered Ham Poboy with fries and gravy and Turkey Hitchhiker with sweet potatoe fries. Both sandwiches and fries were great. Service was spot on and restaurant well organized. Will be back read more

This is THE breakfast destination in Monroe that isn't the corporate bullsh** that is IHOP and the "chop-off-both-arms-and-legs" prices of Copeland's. Lea's is staffed by friendly people who will greet you and make pleasant conversation. Also: BEST. GUMBO. IN. MONROE. If you think that isn't true, I will fight you. That's no lie. The breakfast food and poboys are delicious. I highly recommend the Lagniappe for breakfast and the Hitchiker's Ham Sandwich for literally any other time of day. Their pie is good, even if I have seen meringue done better at other places. You can overlook that. WARNING, THOUGH: There is hardly anywhere to park. So, if you come during rush hours, prepare to fight to the death for that blessed space between the white lines. GO HERE. THESE PEOPLE DESERVE YOUR BUSINESS! read more

Lea's of Monroe - Not just pancakes. BANANA PANCAKES. - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

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The pies at this place are really something special- sadly, my lunch was not. This place is adorable and renowned for their pies. Its a local restaurant that bills itself as serving southern cooking. The good: PIE! got lemon ice box, pecan and lemon merangue to bring home. YUM. The less good: 1. the gumbo- the roux is homemade (love the idea) it has too much flour and is not done (less good). did not finish. Was a chicken and sausage. awful- it was awful. but I reasoned- maybe that is what gumbo is supposed to taste like in north la? got a grilled chicken salad - chickn- good- seasoned and yum- only downside was it was a little fatty. the lettuce was iceberg- ick and the tomatoes not fresh- that is disappointing- or maybe I am spoiled- by all of the fresh tomatoes grown here, sold here, and peddled at the side of the road. the whole thing just made me sad. The redemption came from my server- very sweet, and the pie- made fresh. Maybe next time I will just try the special- today was catfish creole or baked ham or chicken fried steak. none of which could I wrap my head around. Bottom line: stars are due to the pie. if no pie, 1 star for server. read more

Lea's of Monroe - Daily pie list - Cafes Near Me - Monroe, Louisiana

Lea's has a clean, welcoming atmosphere and staff. The combination of their good food, kind and folksy waitresses, and sense of community make this one of my favorite place for breakfast in Monroe. I never know who I'm going to run into at Lea's, but I always see someone I know. Plus, they host a semi regular dinner theater performed in their dining room! read more