this restaurant is great. the vibe is fabulous and the food hits the spot! we love this place! And we had great service too!

We had a lovely time at Sequoia Diner (SD). The service staff were fun, courteous, knowledgeable about menu options and attentive . The menu selection is FULL of choices for breakfast, brunch or lunch! My friend and I both got the waffle with a side of eggs and bacon. I LOVED the crispy outside texture and soft inside of the waffle--with huckleberry butter and maple syrup. SO GOOOOOD! Their biscuits are light, fluffy but buttery--a perfect combination with their house made jam! The atmosphere is lovely without being too loud, feels warm and inviting and conveniently located near plenty of free (or paid) street parking. We'll definitely be back again soon! read more

Bamboozled! Came here today and waited half an hour only to be seated and told that the Eggs Benedict came off the menu 2 weeks ago. Would have been nice if the website menu had been updated to reflect this. At least the Bloody Mary and shrimp and grits were delicious. Updating review in response to owner feedback and to reflect that the food was good. I still hold that it was misleading to show a tantalizing picture of the Eggs Benedict on the landing page of the website directly under "All-Day Brunch." Very glad to hear that this item will hopefully come back! read more

Yum! My brother was in town and I just moved to the Laurel so we decided to go by Sequoia for breakfast. It was around 9am and there was already a line but we just waited around 15 minutes. He got an omelette and I got the chilaquiles verde and delicious fresh squeezed orange juice. The pickled onions and curtido with my plate were so good, and the two house made hot sauces on the table were awesome. Staff were friendly and attentive and the vibe was buzzing inside. It was hard to pick what to order from all the good sounding options, I'll definitely be back to try more!! read more

Food was delicious! The servers was working hard during a Sunday rush but was friendly, helpful and attentive. The place is small but the vibes are high. read more

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As a vegan, I was happy to see that Sequoia Diner offers a plant-based breakfast option. Overall, I thought it was pretty good! The potatoes were my favorite part of the meal, although they were a little on the oily side. One thing to keep in mind if you're ordering the plant-based breakfast is to ask for no butter on the toast, as it isn't omitted by default. While it wasn't my personal favorite vegan breakfast, I'm glad they have it on the menu. I do wish they offered a few additional menu items that could easily be modified to be vegan. It's also nice that they have gluten-free options, making it easier for groups with different dietary needs to find something to enjoy. I also ordered the Thai iced tea, which was really good. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting perfect for a weekend breakfast. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and only waited about 10 minutes for a table, which was better than I expected. I'd definitely come back and give it another try! read more

Sequoia Diner - Plant Based Breakfast Mushroom Spinach Scramble - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

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Came here for brunch on a Sunday morning after church. The food was ok, the fried chicken was under seasoned and over cooked. The lemonade is made in house, it was good. The hashbrowns were good. If I return I would try something else. 10% gratuity is included in the check . Service was good, helpful and attentive. The read more

Sequoia Diner - Pepper Jack Omelette - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

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Great service, and food was creative but the noise level was too much to bare - keep that in mind. read more

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Solid local diner with great brunch! I've only been here on a weekday, and have gotten seated quickly. The interior is very cheerful, with b/w tiles and cute wooden chairs. The staff is usually very attentive and friendly. Food and drinks are always delicious. I'm an omnivore, but keep coming back for their Plant Based Breakfast. It's flavor-packed, pretty, and so filling! Biscuits and gravy, chicken sausage, and turmeric tonic are also our faves. Street parking is usually pretty easy to find. They do include a 20% service fee in their check, so no need to do math at the end of a meal. read more

Sequoia Diner - Turmeric tonic - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

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20% service fee. - It gets crowded. On weekends, it's best to arrive before opening. - Very good service. It's more like you are dining at someone's kitchen table. 5: The Waffle is great. Ask for it well done to get it more crispy. I bring my own real maple syrup in a little jar. 5: Coconut thai tea is great. 5: Pecan sticky bun is great. read more

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I've been wanting to come here for a while. It seems like an older humble establishment from the outside, but it's quite modern and beautiful on the inside! The food was delicious, the crispiest hash browns and thick bacon were sooo good. ALL of workers were attentive and patient. So much good brunch dishes to choose from, I may come go back to try more. read more

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Cute lil breakfast spot, I love the service here it's set up in a way that the tips are pooled and automatic which allows the staff to focus on the overall flow of the restaurant. Ultimately leading to an ample amount of attention while enjoying a yummy meal, the chilaquiles is my go to meal here. I would only have to suggest to steer clear of the matcha because it's not been consistent here. read more

No wait! Got right in. This was my first time back since new owners took over. Use to be wonderful now just ok. My server on break was sitting in a booth behind on speaker phone - very loud and high pitch. Food not same, my fave was the plant based breakfast with an egg. The coffee was great, the egg was perfect... they added garlic to raw carrots - yuck, to spinach as well, so so. The beans were not good, not same, the avocado had dark brown marks. The piece of toast they brought me was the heel. There were no baked goods... they only make some and usually run out? Why wouldn't the figure that out? I understand running out of 1-2 things, but everything most of the time is poor planning. I will return and try something else one day, but no hurry... read more

Sequoia Diner is a cute, cozy little diner with a warm neighborhood feel. Service was quick and easy during our visit. We came on a holiday, so it was quieter than usual, but most of the time this place is packed and can be difficult to get into. I'd definitely recommend calling ahead or making a reservation if possible. The food was delicious and very comforting. I ordered the Country Breakfast, which comes with biscuits and gravy, potatoes, eggs, and greens. It was hearty, filling, and exactly the kind of breakfast you want on a relaxing morning. My husband ordered the chilaquiles and really enjoyed the flavors, though he was disappointed that the dish initially came out cold. The staff kindly reheated it for him without any issues and were very friendly and accommodating about it. We also shared a waffle for the table, and honestly, that ended up being the star of the meal. It was perfectly fluffy and delicious in every bite. If you come here, definitely order a waffle to share. read more

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They were profiled on Check Please so we decided to try them. Wow what a great experience. Both breakfast options were lovely and freshly prepared. Star of the order were biscuits. Fluffy & delicious. Grape fruit was refreshing. Will order again. read more

Recommended by a local friend who knows I love historic diners with good food. The color palette is off white and mint green with wood accents. Very spacious with some vintage mirrors on thralls (wish there was a bit more decor in the walls). Decent lattes, coffee, and even alcohol options. Love their daily homemade baked goods. Tried their biscuit with homemade jam. Definitely the "star". Wish I could eat more of their baked goods! My friend had the chilaquiles with Chorizo. Not your typical version. It was the marked tortilla chips with scrambled eggs on top. The chorizo was not mixed in but more like sausage links on the side. It didn't have salsa on top. Disappointing. I got the beef cheek special. Beautiful display of food: the beef checks weee re braised and cooked to perfection but the pasta was overcooked and not really needed for the dish. The steam veggies were ok but needed seasoning. The pickle radish was good and sunny side up egg (need seasoning). I'd try more of their baked items next time. The entrees were just ok. read more

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Really cute neighborhood diner with friendly service. Was taking a quick lunch break with coworkers near a site we visited and found this place to eat. They were packed when we came in but the lunch crowd turned over quickly. We sat in a narrow wooden booth where 4 people is a bit of a squeeze. It took a long time for our order and we had to ask for water but it kept getting refilled once we had it. I was deciding between chilaquiles and the special of shrimp and grits. The server recommended the shrimp and grits so that's what I ordered. It was just ok and wasn't flavorful, almost as if it had been watered down to introduce it to customers new to the dish. Disappointing since I took the server's recommendation. read more

Very good breakfast, easy seating and fast service on a weekday. They include a 19% gratuity by default and do a good job communicating that. I wish they'd do the same before they upsell me without my knowledge on a $2.50 biscuit that went with my breakfast. While it was good, it was not $2.50 good. read more

I love going to sequoia diner not just to support a local business but also because the food is great I can pop in there real easy and get grits. Eggs sausage hash And I have an option of eating in or getting it to go. This is a very convenient place. The staff is very nice and since it's so busy you may have to wait a second to get your order in but once they get you they'll take care of you. I'd highly recommend the number one breakfast sandwich easy serve a little Salad, fruit some jam biscuits and works. Often there's room at the bar so you can sit there and have a meal or you can get it to go or eat in ! The atmosphere is really nice. Staff is very friendly and helpful and I'd highly recommend you try it out. read more

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Though the wait time is quite long for a diner and the spot can be packed often. It was a very cozy and lovely diner with a very cottage-core feel. The plates were very well made and easy on the eyes but I what I really enjoyed the most was how each part of the dishes had a lot of complexity to them even when they're as simple as a side of potatoes or a fresh made biscuit read more

I love this place but our last visit here was painful. Got seated in the corner window seat - cute but the bench is cracked and wobbling. Drinks came out promptly (though coffee refills required some work) but food took almost an hour to arrive. As soon as my dish arrived, I was so hungry and grabbed a big forkful of potatoes and found a long piece of hair attached. Our server saw all of this and brought me a fresh plate of hairless potatoes but of course I inspected each bite of my omelette for bio matter that shouldn't be there. Our server was very apologetic throughout our visit, explaining that they're still working to train staff..seems the change in ownership is not going too smoothly.. Despite the snafus, food and drink actually was still very good so hope they can work through these challenges. The community needs this place so please show up, Sequoia Diner! read more

I've loved this diner for years and the community it created. The food is still quality, several of the cooks and chef are still there, but the heart is gone. It's a quiet now instead of vibrant. read more

My new favorite brunch diner! I love everything about it. From the customer service, the ambience, the booths/seating, the food! read more

Sequoia Diner - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

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Sequoia Diner is such a great spot and absolutely worth the visit. The food alone makes it stand out, and the overall vibe feels cool, laid-back, and very much like a neighborhood favorite. When we arrived, there was about a 45-minute wait, which wasn't surprising given how popular the place is. We decided to walk around the area while we waited, and it worked out perfectly--they actually called us before the 45-minute mark, which was a nice surprise. Once seated, the food really delivered. Everything we ordered was great, well prepared, flavorful, and satisfying. It's the kind of comfort food that's done really well and leaves you glad you waited. The staff experience was a bit mixed. Some team members were very friendly and welcoming, while others were more neutral. Overall, though, service moved efficiently and everything came out smoothly. One quick heads-up for future diners: they do include a service charge that essentially functions as a tip. This wasn't explained to us at the time, so we ended up tipping an additional 20% on top of the 19% service charge. Not a dealbreaker at all, just something good to know ahead of time. I'll definitely be back. Great food, a cool vibe, and a well-managed wait make it a spot worth checking out just be mindful of the service charge when the bill comes. read more

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I'm still thinking about Sequoia Diner off MacArthur Blvd in Oakland. I had such a fabulous brunch here recently and can't speak more highly of this gem of a spot in the Laurel District. Parking is a bit limited because this is a popular block, but not impossible to find a metered spot. There's a few diner locales that have closed down in the EB, so it's awesome to have a spot we can tuck away to solo or bring friends. FYI, their freshly baked section on the menu is delicious ~ highly rec. the pecan sticky bun, the famous biscuit with house made jam, and the brown butter chocolate chip cookie (with sea salt)! I went with the American Breakfast & pork links. It was so delicious..everything tasted of such elevated and high quality. From the eggs, to the meat, the hearty potatoes to the side salad which added a bit of lightness to the dish. So yum. I also had a fresh Tumeric Tonic and Coconut Thai Tea..I couldn't choose so I ordered both. Well deserved and I will add, great non-alc choices. There are also wine/beer/cocktail choices, as well as a lunch menu starting at 10a. I love that they serve bottomless coffee, and Highwire at that, in adorable diner mugs..very nostalgic and feel-good. You actually can purchase the mug, and I noticed if you're really in love with the biscuits, you can purchase one dozen of them too! Already planning my next trip to try their patty melt or Cubano sandwich. Or let's be real..that pecan sticky bun. Prices very reasonable for portion and quality, and fun service. read more

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I'm very disappointed with the new owners. Things have changed pretty drastically as far as the service and the quality of food. I had the country breakfast which I always look forward to, and the only thing really done right on the plate was the greens. Gravy was lukewarm, I didn't get the nice fat fluffy biscuit that I look forward to, and just in general it was lackluster in preparation. Someone came over to me - I don't know if he is the owner - and asked why I am not eating my food. I told him why and he said that his cooks do a really good job and he'll let them know. We'll you go ahead and let them know and in the meantime, I'll be taking my business elsewhere read more

We went on a Saturday afternoon and got a table for 2 after 15mins wait time. It is a small place and the interior is done pretty well. It's a popular spot and has been running for over 10 years. Parking wasn't an issue. The drinks there looked good but we went with black coffee and it was on the acidic side, not a fan. The waffle was light and crispy and goey inside, the huckleberry butter was very tart. I like dense waffle more. Wish they had put berries or banana on top. The pulled mushroom sandwich was cabbage heavy and had a cumin aftertaste. it sounded nice and creative on paper but taste wise it was pretty average. The breakfast sandwich was good. I didn't like American cheese in it but that's my personal preference. Service was good. There is a mandatory 20% gratuity charge which feels forced as majority of the tables were either for 2 or 4 people. I would suggest getting the breakfast platter, everyone was getting that and looked appetizing. read more

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Food was solid, got the country breakfast, and it hit the spot. Creamy, rich sauce, well-cooked eggs, and surprisingly tasty kale. Cold brew was classic diner style. No complaints about the kitchen at all. That said, I probably won't be back. With 19% gratuity auto-included and street parking, my bill hit $34. At that price point, I'd expect either a bigger portion, a stronger cup of coffee, or to leave with leftovers. As much as I get that prices are going up, local diners still have to compete with more filling, faster, or more convenient meals. Staff were clearly working hard and understaffed, and I appreciated the busboy's friendliness and honesty about that. The place was loud and busy, fine for some folks, just not ideal for me. Glad I tried it, and I get why people love it, but personally, it's not quite worth the cost for a repeat visit. read more

Sequoia Diner - Menu - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

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I haven't been here in a while and recently learned that ownership has changed. Seems as if they've had a complete staff changeover as well. The food is still pretty good. Some items were surprisingly salty. But overall still really solid. The vibe is always pretty chill no matter how packed it is. The staff all seemed really nice, which is a good thing. However, service is pretty rough. Super slow to get your order in. Extremely slow to get your food delivered, even when the restaurant isn't near capacity. Never was checked in on after food was dropped off. I gave it three stars for the aforementioned read more

Hidden heaven and a must try if you are in the area. Street parking is available and you can walk around after eating and enjoy the local shops. read more

Sequoia Diner - Breakfast to start the day ! - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

My friend has been craving for their waffles so since I had to pick up some contacts at my optometrist across the street and had parking karma right in front of my optometrist office, I knew it would be a good day! There was a bit of a wait on a Friday but we were in no hurry, getting there before 11 AM and put our names in. We got seated in about 15-20 minutes. The restaurant inside is cozy and my friend ordered the waffle with huckleberry butter, a side of two eggs, and a side of the potatoes with peppermint tea. I ordered the American breakfast and Thai tea. Service was good and the place was packed with people! I got a taste of my friend's waffle and it was light and crispy. My American breakfast was just right for my appetite, eggs cooked hard as requested, potatoes were tasty and crispy, and it was good to have a salad included with my breakfast. I also ordered the Thai tea which is made with coconut milk for my lactose intolerant me. Bathroom is gender friendly and very clean. Parking can be a hassle but I got lucky. read more

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The food is very good 5 stars but the kitchen and bar very slow. You should have some type of food within 15 minutes of sitting down (over 30 minutes is unacceptable does good restaurant). This will be the make or break for this restaurant as there is nothing to visit on laurel and we visited because we remember when laurel was happening. We will probably come back but there are so many options that have their kitchen and service above sequoia. I really want them to fix it read more

Sequoia Diner - Turmeric Tonic - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

Owners have separated and management has shifted. Not sure how i feel about it yet, but it's a different feeling than before. Lavender mimosa is still delicious. Brand new menu. Food is still delicious, but i miss my girl that made me feel comfortable when i used to come in. Seems like the new owners aren't as welcoming to me in particular. I'll give them another try one day after they have gotten their feet wet read more

Sequoia Diner - Me after the most delicious mimosa. Sitting at bar waiting on order to go - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

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Fresh, well prepared food. Delicious. Incredibly busy on the weekend, but efficient and effective service.

The hollandaise sauce is not actual hollandaise sauce at all. That was a huge disappointment. I used to love this place and want to love it again. read more

Really loved this breakfast! It's so hard to find good biscuits and gravy on the west coast and they NAILED it. The biscuit was buttery, the gravy was savory, the greens had just enough spice. We also loved how friendly the staff was. Our kids felt welcome and the staff were so good with them. The little ones loved the waffles, which were flaky and soft and cooked perfectly. Seating can be tight but it's worth it. read more

Sequoia Diner - Country Breakfast with hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

Sequoia Diner is surrounded by many other businesses so parking is a hit or miss. It was busy on a Thursday afternoon but luckily the wait time for 2 wasn't bad. It is a cute, lowkey breakfast spot. Probably not ideal for large parties as the seating is pretty tight. The loco moco was apparently seasonal so I'm glad I tried it because it was good. I loved the touch of pickled onions and pepperoncini. read more

Sequoia Diner - Loco Moco - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

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I had a breakfast plate with hash browns, eggs and salad included and I would have to pay a surcharge for extra protein which the menu clearly stated was $5. I thought "fine." I asked the waiter what were the options and I chose the chicken apple sausage. When it came time to pay for my bill I noticed it says the chicken apple glizzy was $8. I was obviously a little disappointed by that and it brings me no joy to rag on a small business but I wish there was a little more transparency. Overall the experience was okay. The restaurant is modern and "hip." At least the lavender latte was good. read more

I needed to pick up a quick breakfast to take with me to work, and I'm so glad I found this place! I ordered their Country Breakfast, and added a side of bacon. I ate it about 15min after I picked it up, and I couldn't be happier! It was so yummy, and the staff were so kind when I picked it up. It's also a cute & cozy place. Can't wait to come back and dine-in :) read more

Sequoia Diner - Country Breakfast & Side of Bacon - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

Sequoia Diner is very much so your cozy neighborhood diner with the most friendly staff. The food fell a little short for me. I had the special which was fried green tomatoes, grits, an eggplant sauce, and a soft scrambled egg. The whole dish was just lacking seasoning but I did enjoy the tomatoes. The matcha wasn't my favorite either since the matcha itself was presweetened. I'd order something different next time. read more

Sequoia Diner - Fried green tomatoes and grits - Diners Near Me - Oakland, California

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