OMG!!! A gem. Breakfast was delicious, service lady (Laurie) is the bomb!! Friendly, relaxing and a pleasurable experience and Laurie makes the experience memorable and enjoyable. read more

Prices are really good and so is the food! Employees are super sweet. Definitely check this place out!

Starting Gate is one of my favorite restaurants around. The selection is classic and the portions are plentiful! This food doesn't just nourish your body, the experience of it also nourishes you're soul. ! I always leave full and happy because it restores my faith in humanity every time I eat here. Thank you so much for sticking around, Starting Gate. read more

This restaurant is absolutely amazing. The staff here is simply the nicest group of people I've ever run into at such a business. The food is perfect and I cannot wait to come back. read more

My husband and I went here for breakfast and had chicken fried steak and eggs. The lady that took our order was friendly and always came around to ask if we needed more coffee. The food was good and we will definitely go back to this diner again. read more

Fabulous breakfast cafe fare. The staff is lovely and the place is filled with devoted regulars. I look forward to trying other items on the menu. This place is a find. Lots of friendly folks our age and it's a charming and welcoming place to be. Had the chicken fried steak. Delicious!! read more

This restaurant was exactly what my little family and I needed after a nice Sunday morning church service. Amazing staff, our waitress was a sweetheart! The food came out quickly and was cooked perfectly. The owners are a lovely couple and made us feel like family. I give 5 stars because we left satisfied and will definitely be coming back soon! :) read more

This place is the friendliest, most generous little diner gem on the planet! The staff are great and the best with kids! Thank you for making my daughters birthday so special! She LOVES it there! If you are looking for good, old fashioned diner food this place rocks!! read more

Horrible customer service from the old lady with glasses. While yes, we had a semi complicated order- a double cheeseburger no bun and no fries. I asked for them to sub a side salad or just extra lettuce and some tomatoes. Nope. They won't do that without charging an extra $1.50. The burger was to come with bacon and came with two small strips. When we asked about the meal substitute the waitress pulled her glasses down and looked down on us and said "they won't do that." When we ordered and finally got her to write something down, and she rolled her eyes. WORST customer service and the food came and was frozen and came with a bun. FML. read more

Starting Gate Restaurant - Frozen patties, disgusting food. What's worse is the customer service. - Diners Near Me - Auburn, Washington

See all

Every time I come to this cute little greasy spoon I keep forgetting to write a review! I love that every Sunday you can just walk right in to this place and find a seat. At first I thought the staff was abrupt with the way they talk to you, but NOW I know that it's actually just that they have been doing that job for a gazillion years, and they do it right. I always ordered the Cheese Omelet w/ hash browns and wheat toast. Here are some quick tips: They get packed on Sunday, but I've never had to wait for a table. I like to bring cash to this place cuz I'm into tipping the waitresses in cash, and I think everyone else should, too. They do take cards, tho. Staff may not be the friendliest ever, but they are efficient and they are definitely NOT mean or rude, they're just busy so I wouldn't take it personally. Get a paper, talk about cars, enjoy. read more

I went here about 2 PM this afternoon. I had the taco Omelette with salsa & sour cream & white toast & hash browns. It seemed a tad dirty there. My onions in the omelette were underdone. A little weird. The ladies in there were very friendly. Older crowd but, I'm not twenty. I had very low expectations 4 a new place but, this place is very homey. Has a real diners, Drive-ins & Dives feel without that spaceman Guy Fieri. The omelette was very generous & alot of hash Browns too. Very low priced for sour cream. Usually other places charge @ least $.50. I'm very happy I went to this place. I like subway & barbequing but, I don't think u should eat bacon everyday. Pretty rich. U should try barbequed bacon though, pretty good. read more

Good place for a ma and pa vibe. Affordable pricing too! Chicken fried steak is good. Pancakes, omelettes, and eggs benedict too! Blue collar vibe, you can't go wrong. read more

Had the clam dinner here last week. What a huge dinner for the prize! There were four of us in our party and we were all more than satisfied with our orders. The food was good and service great! read more

Starting Gate Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Auburn, Washington

See all

I was here on 3-5-11. Me & a friend went here. I felt like I was in Tennessee or the Wild Wild West. I believe a lot of truckers come here before they head out on their road trips or what not. Anyhow the two of us waited to be seated for about 5 min before we were able to be seated. So we sit down, & proceeded to order our food. To start I had apple juice to drink. I had an omelet also. It was huge, & great! Hashbrowns came with my meal, but I didn't eat them due to the fact that I hate hashbrowns (not a big potatoe fan). The service is about average. The place is kept clean for an older & smaller building. You will feel a little cramped in here however. The waitresses are cordial for the most part. They seem to know their regulars. Prices are decent. I'd come back here if invited again, but wouldn't go out of my way to make another visit. read more

The menu was not appetizing. I mean it was very old and was torn, soaked in liquid at one time so the colors all ran and mold had even started to grow at the corners. I had a ham and cheese omelette that was OK except for the generous bath of cooking oil. Hash browns weren't cooked brown enough. Place was filled on a Sunday morning. Lots of old guys at the counter just drinking coffee. Waitressess were not friendly. read more

Been going here for years and even though it further to go, it's the go 2 place for breakfast served all day. Eggs are always fresh the bacon to die for just ask for your hash browns crispy read more

The first time I was here they were very nice with an allergy I have but the second I got a different lady... Not so nice. "No trading food out" she told me. Either way. The food is consistently great and the portions are large for what you pay. I really like this place read more

my dad LOVED this resturant and thanks to him we go there quite often. the food is great especially the turkey sandwich. the waitress' are just as awesome..thank darcy read more

The food is terrible! I felt like throwing up after eating here. The food is very bland. This probably ranks as one of the lowest in food I have eaten in a very long time. Only old people in this restaurant at any time. I tried this place twice to make sure it was not my taste buds but sorry, I would not recommend this place to anyone. Go south just a bit to trotters if you are looking for family food with much better quality. There is something wrong with starting gate. read more

Been here couple of times and love the service and food. I'm picky about food and love their cooking. Had steak and eggs and it was great.

You know we recently moved into the area and have been trying many different places in the area. We landed on this one this last summer. It is a straight up dive diner and we LOVE it! The ladies are always so nice and pleasant. If you are looking for a upscale, nice, super clean establishment this is NOT your place! Now if you want some good straight up diner food don't pass this place up!!!! read more

I wasn't sure about this place until I got the food. Interior was pretty old and somewhat kind of nasty, old tables, chairs, and menu. When I went to the restroom to wash my hands, I was pretty grossed out from how dirty and smelly the restroom was. However, our server was super nice and sweet, the food was terrific(I got cod sandwich along with homemade coleslaw and fries), and the price can't get any better. I'd definitely go back to try other items. read more

Definitely a dive-diner. The food wasn't great and the prices were a bit overpriced for the quality of food, but the service was nice and the food served very quickly. They don't offer substitutions, which was annoying and won't accommodate any food allergies. If you're looking for a dive, this is a decent place and you get what you expect. read more

Im truly surprised at the few negative reviews about Starting Gate. Ive been dining here quite frequently since moving to the neighborhood. Ive always encountered polite staff. The food is average diner food, but it is consistent. Big fan of the chocolate milk shake, & their burgers always hit the spot. I'll certainly continue dining here for years to come. read more

i had a great breakfast there today. i found the place in very very clean conditon. service was fast and furious (speedy). i could not empty my coffee cup or glass of water. the price i paid was very reasonable. the servers were really friendly and respectable. i also noticed a long counter for those who just want coffee or perhaps a meal too, which is nice. i also saw that mostly older ones were there making it very comfortable and quiet enough to enjoy my meal without the hard banging music and loud conversation. of course you need to have a good mask to enter and can be removed once at table. i also noticed that the owner and servers knew the frequent attendees. which i like as this also was like the good old days when you frequented a place, you were called by name. perhaps that is the reason for most of the old men sitting at the counter as the servers seemed to know them by name. and some did eat a meal there rather than a table. i do recommend this place, great menu, lots of choices. all was prepared for me just right. read more

Looking for Mel's Diner in Auburn? You found it at the starting gate. Flo (Laura) greets each repeat customer by name and remembers my order perfectly every week. Mostly retired folks and families in here because of the homespun atmosphere. My best friend and I make it a point to go out to breakfast each week. Our go-to place is the starting gate. Good food at good prices. read more

The service here is absolutely amazing. I'm so thankful I didn't pay attention to any negative reviews. It's a shame the reviews are so poor because this is definitely a restaurant I will frequent. The portions are great and for a very good price!! I had the taco omelette, while my boyfriend had the Denver omelette. The people were all very friendly, especially our waitress. She was sweet and upbeat the moment we walked in the door! She always checked up on us, and I really appreciate her making our first visit so welcoming! We felt like one of the regulars, already. We enjoyed our food, and I noticed the same waitress was making sure everyone in that diner was happy. We will come back soon to try their waffles, like recommended! The 10 minute drive here beats going to Beth's in Seattle for the same amazing portions - at a GREAT price! read more

Starting Gate Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Auburn, Washington

See all

Great authentic breakfast diner feeling. I am a bacon professional, defiantly a good place to have a meal.

great diner! Service was great with a smile! it's everything your looking for in a greasy spoon, including the atmosphere. Hubby got a Ruben, which was great! French dip was great, onion rings delisious, it was super fast! read more

Straight up good diner! I was looking for a "real" diner; traditional in menu and reasonable in price. I definitely found it with them. They have a huge menu of breakfast and dinner, large portions and tasty staples (get the waffle!). I've gone multiple times and tried a good variety of items. And the really sweet waitresses just put a bow on it! read more

This place is fantastic for breakfast. Hands down the best hashbrowns and everything is really cheap! Good quality food. Can get a full breakfast for under $20. Early morning you're going to find a lot of retired older folks there, but its generally pretty quiet the 5 times I've been there thus far. The reason I like this place so much is how cheap it is compared to many other diners. I've eaten there for lunch, they make a great chicken burger along with cod burger too. I haven't tried dinner, but I normally only eat lunch and breakfast, and this place does an excellent job of providing it :) Also there hashbrowns and gravy is incredible. read more

This is one of Auburn's best casual places to eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Very casual homey atmosphere with waitresses with delightful personalities. Homemade soups are delicious. There is always a special. You are only a stranger once. If you are looking for good food, with casual dining, and a homey atmosphere with reasonable prices, this is the place to eat. read more

It always puzzled me the group of people that come to this place. One day my husband and I decided to go inside and curious to find out what they can offer. We were greeted with a very friendly waitress and showed us their menu. We ordered omelets and after our meal we thought our food was great! They have the typical American food! You can order breakfast all day long! One thing I don't like, they closed at 7pm. read more

I was looking for a good old fashion diner and i certainly found it here! This place was so lovely and welcoming i cant wait to go back. The staff knew people by name and what they order it was amazing. The food was so tasty and came on good time. Not to mention the cost is low with large amounts of food. read more

I've been going to this place since I was little and I will never stop! Yes some of the menu items are spendy and yes sometimes the menus are old or torn up. This place has TONS of regulars and that's why every review says there's "tons of old people". But they don't gawk at you like other places do when they can tell you've never been there before. Everyone is friendly. The food is always hot and good. And if they mess up on your order they will always fix it. PSA- if you come here in the morning for breakfast or at lunch time, they will usually be BUSY. Because there are tons of regulars and people coming in at that time. The starting gate special is my favorite! Would 100% come here over Dennys, the Rainbow cafe or any other place in Auburn. read more

Order came out incorrect. Silverware was dirty. And service was HELLLLLLLA slow. Never going back. And it's way too expensive for the quality read more

The food is always great. Just had breakfast for lunch and it was yummy! Been here a lot. The He-Man is my go to. I think I've had almost everything on the menu. read more

Wife and I went back to the Starting Gate last weekend. The "Gate' used to be a 'smoke fest' but since smoking laws have removed that element, it's now a typical American Diner. Found a booth on the side and our order was taken quickly. Food was out almost as quick. Wife and I both had two eggs and bacon. Bacon was a little over cooked and we didn't finish it. Eggs were fine, not too greesy, cooked normal. Waitress was quick and efficient but not too friendly or courteous. I'd say above average for breakfast but nothing that'll knock your socks off. We may be back.... read more

Just go here. I had my hesitations at first - kind of empty, looking a little run down. But after ordering food and some pies (which were damn good - all the food was), affordable, CLEAN (cleaning as I type this), it's so worth it. And their waffle is the best I've ever had. And I'm a waffle person at breakfast. Chicken fried steak was amazing, the spoiler burger was amazing, the doo-dash burger was amazing - all under $20 for 3 people. You can't get any better than that. And of course, Sam, our waitress was fantastic , super friendly and warm. A good night, indeed. read more

Came here last night with family. We had burgers and fries, I had salad with my burger on rye. Very crisp and fresh dinner salad, yummy. I didn't order fries but they came with the burger. Hot crisp french fries, and a great burger. Good service too and far cheaper then Red Robin. First time I have been there, I will be back. read more