The Pioneer Cafe seems to have been around for 100 years and with food and service that great, they will be open for another 100 years. We saw a sign on the window that said they had a Reindeer Hotdog on the menu, and since the restaurant was pretty crowded, we stopped in to get some food to go. The counter had two empty seats so we were able to sit while waiting for our food to get cooked and packed up. The servers were very busy making ice cream shakes and serving plenty of plates with large portions of food at very reasonable prices. This is NOT a tourist trap but a great place to go for a home cooked meal with lots of love on the plate. The reindeer hotdog was delicious so I expect all of the food to be great and on my next visit to Ketchikan, this will be my first stop. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. read more

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Solid choice if you are looking for a quick, laid back bite while touring Ketchikan. My husband doesn't eat seafood so we always need options. What struck my interest was the reindeer hot dog! What's cool about this place is you can order from any menu; breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The hot dog is yummy, but a little hard to eat because they cook it open faced, so I ate it with a fork and knife. My husband ordered the blueberry cakes, which were enormous! I'm not much of a pancake girl, but these were scrumptious and made with fresh blueberries. The portions are generous so some items are good to share. It has a classic, laid back diner feel, nothing fancy but very casual and relaxed. Their was only one waitress at the time, but she was friendly and fun and got our food to use quickly. read more

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Hot chocolate is on point. The understood the whipped cream assignment. The waffle was good but the strawberry sauce I would have rather been on the side just because I like a little less. But it was still delicious. read more

Pioneer Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

Pioneer Cafe delivers the classic diner experience and comfort food you're looking for. One night, nowhere else serving food, we had a cheeseburger, onion rings, jalapeño poppers, and a waffle. The fries and waffle should have been cooked more til crisp, but the group "snack" hit the spot at nearly 10pm when they closed. The whole menu is served all day! Went another time for the chicken fried steak, asked them to hold one out of the three eggs, should have also told them to hold the hashbrowns since there was no way I was going to be able to eat all that food (also comes w/toast or biscuit) before getting on a plane. Was told the omelette was great and huge as well. Met the need. read more

Food was amazing, biscuits and gravy, reindeer sausage. Also my pork chops and corn beef hash, eggs, hash browns all made perfectly. Service by Kristi was awesome. Very kind and friendly. I love the cafe ambiance reminds me of an old school local spot with great vibes. Definitely coming back!!! read more

Pioneer Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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A good place for the locals because it has long hours. This is a typical diner with a Route 66 theme. All the food we tried was competently made and the service was very good. I wouldn't say anything on the menu is daring or exiting, but it's good comfort food. The highlight of Pioneer Cafe might be their huge selection of milkshakes, even with daily special flavors. read more

Got the biggin, The Alaskan Burger, 3/4 of beefy goodness. The wait staff was nice and friendly, not all that talkative though that's good too. Pioneer Cafe seems like a true local gem set right downtown by the cruise ports. It also had a local dinner feel, a bit dated interior. For me it's a gem since our really had a local feel and vibe to it. Highly recommend! When come back will definitely stop in! read more

If you're in Ketchikan you've got to stop by the Pioneer Cafe for breakfast!! Delicious food with generous servings. The waitress (Kristi) was so friendly, helpful and really made us feel comfortable. Great atmosphere, clean and we loved the music selections. I would highly recommend and would definitely come back when we're in town. Thank you read more

Pioneer Cafe - Breakfast - Country and Pancake Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

The staff was awful, very rude. It's clear they have a disdain for tourist. If you don't like visitors, don't work at a cafe 500 feet from where 10,000 cruisers get off the ships several days a week. They were so nasty to us and others, while we waited for a table, we left without eating. read more

Came in while the girls went shopping in the area. Just had a cup of coffee and was waiting for the girls to get done to share some pie with them. The staff was really nice and I sat enjoying my coffee and got to talk to a few locals. It has a Route 66 vibe and look and everything around me looked really good. Especially the big breakfasts. As it got later I got a call from the girls that had walked pretty far away and I noticed that there was a group waiting for a spot to sit. By leaving I was able to allow them to sit so I never got my pie. read more

Pioneer Cafe - Cute Route 66 theme cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

Breakfast was just standard fair.. Just good old fashion breakfasts. Our waiter was good he was attentive... the other waitress who was doing the tables thank God she was not helping us as she was rude to everyone who walked in the door with a dirty look on her face the whole time. She seemed to think customers were inconvenient.... should not be a waitress with no customer service skills.. read more

I came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon with a large group and was immediately sat. Our server Kristi was very friendly. I got the Friday special, which was clam chowder with a bacon and cheese fish sandwich. The fish sandwich was absolutely delicious and pretty large. read more

After several days filling our bellies on a cruise ship, naturally we were craving a good breakfast when we arrived in Ketchikan! I searched for breakfast spots on Yelp, and up popped the Pioneer Cafe. It was a quick (maybe 5-7 minute) walk from our ship, so we headed on over as soon as we got off the ship. Luckily, it wasn't very busy when we arrived. That changed quickly, as soon other apparent cruisers were lining up to get in. We loved the classic diner vibe of this place, and settled in to a booth near the window. Insider tip: this was a great spot for people watching - which is a fun local pastime when there are literally 5 cruise ships in port! Soon, our coffee cups were filled and our orders were taken. We decided to split one of their massive 4-egg Denver omelettes, and I was having some sweet cravings so I got a side of their Texas French toast. It was all delivered hot, fast, and delicious. Our server was super friendly, too. This appears to be one of the only full service breakfast restaurants in downtown Ketchikan, so if you're on a cruise ship my advice is to arrive early. It's also right next to Creek Street, so we were able to walk off some of our breakfast calories over there while perusing the various galleries and shops. read more

Pioneer Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

Stopped in for a quick bite while visiting town. The reindeer hotdog was very good. It perfectly fits my desire to try something new and local while traveling. The decor is 70s diner and functional. Service was a bit sporadic even though there wasn't much of a crowd. If there's a next visit to Ketchikan we will likely try a different place. read more

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Delicious hamburger with buttered buns and milk shake with malt. Service friendly and efficient. read more

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The food was delicious and the staff were amazing! If I'm ever back up there, I would definitely stop by again.

Was in Ketchikan on an Alaska cruise and our excursion was just a few hours so we time to explore the city a bit more. I was searching for a hot dog and after strolling around it seemed like the Pioneer Cafe was the best option. The cafe had a classic diner feel inside. They were busy so my plan was to get my hot dog to go and sit in the park across the street. The server was also working the register so it took a while for her to come around and take my order. I got the hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard with fries. Again, it was busy inside so it took a while for the food to be ready. When it was I took it into the park. The dog was big. They had put the mustard in a cup on the side which I thought was interesting instead of just putting it on the hot dog. Everything was hot and tasted good. The fries were probably the highlight of the meal, well-seasoned and crispy. I can't say for sure that hot dogs and/or quick service is where Pioneer Café shines, but the other dishes coming out of the kitchen looked good. read more

Pioneer Cafe - Exterior - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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The service was very slow. We waited almost half an hr for breakfast. They need to update the decor and the food wasn't that great. I won't be going back. read more

Whenever we are in Ketchikan, we make it a point to stop by here. Why? Alaskan blueberry pancakes, and reindeer sausage. The pancakes are so big, one is almost the size of the plate. The blueberries taste different than the blueberries found in the lower 48. I can't explain it. They just taste better. Flip the pancake over, and the underside is full of blueberries. The reindeer sausage was a little on the pricey side, but they get them from Anchorage, and are delicious. We really couldn't get enough. The location is small, and service seems rushed to quickly turn over tables, but it is worth it for those two items. read more

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Cute little diner! We went for dinner and we also came here for breakfast in the morning. Dinner wasn't as busy as breakfast so that was a plus. My cheeseburger was cooked well done and there was way too many fixings for the amount of bun and burger. The mozzarella sticks were alright, nothing to rave about. For breakfast I wasn't extremely hungry so I got potatoes and a side of sausage gravy for dipping. The potatoes were delish and I loved how the green peppers were still crunchy, green, and not over cooked. The toast was a little sour, so maybe they accidentally gave me sourdough instead of white toast like I ordered. read more

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This place was recommended by a local after our first choice was closed. If you're looking for friendly service, this isn't the place. Our server Eliza was as stone faced as you can get, and if you looked in the kitchen, the cooks weren't any different. I had the chicken club sandwich and the breaded chicken looked and tasted like it was cooked in the microwave. The onion were actually not bad. Husband had the chicken fried steak which was pretty good size and he said it was good. I guess if you're super hungry this place will suffice. read more

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It hit the spot. Retro spot--looked like a mix of locals and tourists. Really good potato soup. My friend said the clam chowder was good too. We split a reindeer dog--simple, but good amount of sausage. read more

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Food was ok. It was over cooked and if it wasn't it would be better. I'll try again when I'm in the area again.

Rude staff. Obviously a local cafe with their regulars and no need for tourists. Upon entering there were no available tables and stood there for a few minutes before I was acknowledge with, "what do you want"? After 15 min of waiting outside someone got up and we went to sit down. Instead of a welcome we were cursed at for sitting before the table was cleared of one plate. So many better ways of being asked to wait without the "f"word. We were looking forward to trying the food, but decided to leave and not support a place that made us feel unwelcome. Do not recommend! read more

Originally scouted out a few locations for breakfast but landed at the Pioneer Cafe because the first place wasn't open and the second place ran out of batter to make crepes (yes, that was weird to hear, but things happen). Overall, we enjoyed our breakfast and the staff were friendly. THE FOODS | Traditional diner food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We went on a Thursday and there was only one cook in the kitchen, so food came out about 30 minutes after putting in our order. If you're on a tight schedule like we were, I suggest planning ahead and account for the extra time needed for the cook to prepare your meal. We ordered... - Corned Beef Hash | Nicely crisped corned beef hash with three over easy eggs, hashbrowns, and English muffin. Portion size is big but I ate almost everything because I was hungry. - Stuffed Hashbrowns | Hashbrowns are crispy on the outside and stuffed with chunks of thick ham, cheese, chopped onions & bell peppers on the inside. Two eggs cooked over easy completed the perfect diner-style breakfast. THE PIONEER CAFE FEELS | Old school diner vibes with booth and counter seating. Pictures of classic cars, Route 66 signage, and other images of Americana plaster the cafe walls. THE PARKING SITUATION | Free street parking in front of the cafe. read more

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We attempted to go to another nearby restaurant for lunch but unfortunately it was closed. We were starving, so decided to give this place a try... utter disappointment. Honestly, the two stars are for the service and cleanliness of the place. We both ordered cheesesteaks and while they were somewhat edible, they were the worst we had ever had. The bun wasn't toasted... the veggies barely cooked and sliced cheese barely melted. The fries & onion rings were typical and refills on drinks were good. I don't think I'd completely write them off... but I definitely wouldn't order the cheesesteak again. read more

This is a classic 50's diner. I made a couple of visits here while I was in town. The interior does a great job of giving a nod to Route 66 travel. Even though it's 2,276 miles away, you'll feel that Rt. 66 vibe! The staff is super friendly and the food is pure diner magic! Breakfast all day long and the coffee is sweet sipping happiness! If you have a sweet tooth, try the pie or the cinnamon roll. It was covered in a rich cream cheese frosting. I had breakfast here one day and it was simplicity at its finest. The light breakfast was a perfect size for me. The next day I decided to try a burger. It was cooked so well and the bun was light and fresh. I am really surprised at how great and cost effective the meal was! This is now my go to diner in Ketchikan!!! Great food, great service!!! Check them out!!! read more

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While venturing through the town we decided to stop for some breakfast. We lucked out and didn't have to wait to be seated. This place felt like home instantly with a great diner feel, old school bar seating as well as your usual booths and tables. Decor is similar to what you'd find driving down old Route 66 and the wall decor shows that. Our server was awesome, funny and told us some great things. Our food came out quickly and didn't have to ask for a thing. The food was deli and the coffee was wonderful. Nice and hot on a very rainy day. Once you're done eating you pay at the counter. Great service, food and chill vibe. read more

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Such a great breakfast place. If you are in town, definitely hit this place up. Biscuits and gravy are excellent and so are the pancakes and French toast and Benedict. The salmon Benedict specialty was delicious. Service was great too. read more

Pioneer Cafe - Specialty: Salmon Benedict Delicious - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

This is american diner in Ketchikan. The food is about 3.5 stars. well executed and ample. prices are very fair, similar to home. The diner, like many, is bright but is a bit worn. Very clean Service was prompt. Brisk on a busy day. If you are going to Ketchikan, drop in and you will be totally satisfied. Don't go for Ketchikan to go here, it's just like the one in your home town. read more

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Good breakfast choices, friendly service. Fish-witch and chowder was great ........................

The food was great and reasonably priced. Breakfast was huge. Most of the wait staff local and very friendly. We were a group of 4 and ate there several times during our week stay read more

This is standard American diner food, but good, and is down town, and close to many places I like to go to. The service is good.

Great place to grab breakfast old school style. Fresh bread,eggs and excellent hash browns. Perfect way to start your cruise shopping.

I had halibut for breakfast almost every morning, so was nice to have some real breakfast. Decided on the Chicken Fried Steak. HUGE. The gravy was super good...salty and lots of sausage. I'm not the best judge, but it was tasty. Couldn't finish, so got the rest to go and hubs and I had a snack on the plane ride home. Everyone else had regular food...pancakes, eggs, sausage. All good. Coffee was much needed and could have been a touch stronger, but otherwise good. read more

The waitress we encountered was beyond rude; we sat down because we saw a table open; the waitress came by and with a scowl and rude tone said; "i still needed to clean that table"! she then walked past again and threw the menus on the table; unbelievable!! Stay away, there are way too many other places here in Ketchikan! read more

Huge portions (beyond huge). There is about a dozen or so booths and some counter seating. Very simple and basic decor, old diner style. When we went, they were slammed busy and only had 2 servers for the whole restaurant. No one up front to write down names or seat people so it was a bit unorganized. People were just walking in and sitting down ahead of other people that had been waiting. I saw 2 groups of people leave because of it. Our server took our order and got us some coffee. Although our order came out quickly and correctly, she didn't come back after that so we never got a refill on our coffee. The food was a huge serving and very delicious. read more

Pioneer Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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Our breakfast/lunch was delicious here! The Reuben had the perfect proportions of sauerkraut, meat, and thousand island. The gravy on the country fried steak was thick and flavorful. Portions were huge, I even had leftovers for another meal. We really had no complaints about this cute little diner. You can really tell all the dishes are made with love! read more

Pioneer Cafe - Now that's a PERFECT Reuben! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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The food is ALWAYS good. Lots of options and sizable portions. As a POC the staff isn't the friendliest but they get the job done. I love the classic diner ambiance. read more

The young lady who served us at the counter was rather unpleasant and dismissive. Not sure why, it was not overly busy. Prices; the menu prices just increased. However, the menu in my hands still stated the lower prices. My friend's menu had the higher price. I was dismissed when I asked if I could have the lowest posted price (which is the law). Additionally, she put my older menu in the hands of the next party that sat down. Who, btw, ordered the exact same thing and were served long before us. Oh well... read more