Absolutely sensational breakfast location! Very mom and pop vibes the second you enter. The service is very friendly and knowledgeable of the entire menu! I myself got the Breakfast Burrito the was coated in gravy. It was the perfect size and the flavors inside were even better! My little brother had the chocolate chip pancakes that were to die for. If you want an amazing breakfast in the Manhattan area, this is your spot!! read more

The food was good, can't go wrong with anything here! Considering that there aren't very much options for good food or breakfast here that are unique or local and not a chain, I think this would the best in the area. I got the chili hash and salmon scramble. Hear me out. Do not knock it until you've tried it! My boyfriend also judged me when i ordered it but once I convinced him to try it, he agreed it was pretty good! The staff were all amazing like their food. Also I do have to note, BEST biscuits I've had in a long time!! It might not be much but definitely get it as a side if you could! read more

The Chef - Salmon scramble and chili hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

I love college towns: Evanston IL, Columbia MO, Lawrence KS, etc. Now add Manhattan, KS to the list. Went to K-State to see a concert. I wouldn't say The Chef staff welcomed us like family. If that were the case, I'd have dishes thrown at me, called horrible names and flipped off. We were treated like old familiar friends. The atmosphere was funky and charming. From the whimsical (and different from table to table) salt and pepper shakers to the big giant egg click (should have taken picture). But what about the food? Is mmmmmmmm really a word? Damn well should be. I had a sausage gravy covered breakfast burrito. Huge portion, peppery gravy, burrito filled with the usual. I ordered a side of bacon that was cooked to the perfect (for me) place between crispy and gummy. Excellent some flavor, too, and thicker than your average porky perfection. The only drawback was the home fries potatoes were slightly undercooked. So what? Though I don't see another 5-hour trip that way any time soon, I will stop there if ever in the area. read more

Great breakfast place! Open very early, even during the weekdays, and consistent with their food. It does get busy on the weekends, so be aware, but also goes to show how great it is! read more

Breakfast was served as advertised. The food was plentiful and tasty. Much like you would expect to find in grandma's kitchen, with a slight upgrade. Our service good, not exceptional. The atmosphere was fine, but quite busy on a Wednesday at noon, so we had to sit at a hightop, which is not my preference. read more

Food was average, good size helpings but not much flavor. Staff was very friendly and edgy.

Best breakfast spot in Manhattan. Coffee is always consistent and delicious and coffee is a good topper. Recommend!

We were warned that this is a very popular spot! However we went shortly after the place opened plus it was negative 11 degrees outside so we got right in. I had the crab cake eggs Benny with hash browns - excellent. Hubby had the French toast stack and enjoyed it - cleaned his plate completely. Wait staff was excellent and our coffee mugs were always full. We will return. read more

Amazing service, great food! All of the servers were great, working together and making the environment fantastic read more

Food was ok! Not sure it was worth the 45 minute wait. I understand breakfast spots are busy in the morning and we wanted to give them a shot but I'm not sure I'd wait that long again for the food I had. Eggs were a bit watery/underwhelming. French toast was alright. The atmosphere was nice and the waitstaff were pleasant as well. I'd like to give them another try and maybe ask/taste what they are known for. read more

We have always liked the chef. It's a friendly spot. Small and unique. Food is great! They serve adult drinks. Have a mimosa while you wait! Space is tight! When it's cold people cram together in the entryway. They have toys for little people to keep them entertained. They have chalk to keep anyone entertained. My reason for a four star... no real gluten free options. I'm not asking for a lot, We gluten free people are not to picky when we know someone keeps gluten free bread on hand. I know to ask for corn tortillas when eating a scramble that comes with tortillas. I want to eat the strawberry jam! Or have the gravy... (use corn starch instead...) Anyhow that's my only complaint. Hubby has said we should stop going because we are so limited, but I like it to much! I just have to pick over options. They are not open all the time, it's a breakfast joint. So 6am - Two(ish) Weekends are BUSY!! read more

The Chef - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

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Breakfast is always good. Service is always top notch. Usually have to wait a bit but that's a testament to how good the food is. Omelets are great but the country fried steak is fantastic. read more

It is always crazy busy and small but they get you in as quickly as they can. The food is good but not amazing. It is a locally famous restaurant everyone should try. Service is good! read more

Ate here for breakfast one morning. It was crowded which prolonged the order time and food but nothing out of the ordinary. The staff were patient and attentive, even with all the craziness of the breakfast rush. I ordered pancakes topped with banana, pecan, and pecan syrup. It was listed under "sweet" on their menu (so they were definitely setting your expectations). The pancakes have this cinnamon flavor which some don't like but it reminded me of French toast which I love (so I enjoyed the pancakes). Overall, great dining experience with good food. Would recommend for breakfast--definitely get there early (before 9am). read more

The Chef - Pancakes covered in bananas, pecan, and pecan syrup - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

This is by far and away the absolute best breakfast spot in Manhattan, and it rivals many places that I've been to in bigger cities. The dang quesadilla is so dang good that I've started making my own at home. If you come in and they tell you it's an hour wait (it's probably less than that but they'll quote you the estimated time) just wait. There's not a place that comes close. If we are going out for breakfast we are going here, there's not even a plan B in my book. read more

Very friendly service and good food (country potatoes are delicious) and great cup of java! Definitely will go back next time I'm in the area. read more

This place was a perfect choice for brunch/ early lunch on a rainy day. Staff was friendly and attentive, the inside was cozy and clean and I have to say that my habanero Bloody Mary was excellent! Lots of flavor and zing and just the right portion size. I got the chicken club and it was enjoyable. The menu is pretty standard American food fare, not instantly what comes to mind when I think "chef," but that's my personal bias, and not a reflection on the food. My potato salad was a very generous portion and had lots of nice flavors. Overall I loved the atmosphere and the drink, and the food was pretty good. read more

Just wanted to hop on and add a few old pictures I realized I had. Can't say enough good about this place. read more

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Of course they are busy on a late Saturday morning, but the wait isn't that long and its worth it! Our party of 4 enjoyed hot coffee in mugs outside as we waited. Sat in a cozy both and got waited on immediately. Love that they have boozy morning beverages; a Blood Mary for me and an Irish Creme Hot Chocolate for my boyfriend. Excellent Bloody Mary but the hot chocolate is better as it (yes, we got another mug to compare). After some suggestions from our great server, sorry can't remember her name (Izzy??)..she was energetic and friendly. I ordered the chicken fried steak, hash browns and substituted biscuit for my toast. OMG!!! The steak was tender and the coating was so flavorful and crispy. The gravy was creamy and had a nice balance of saltiness and pepper. I was planning on dipping my biscuit in my gravy but noooo...poured the fresh homemade strawberry sauce on my biscuit and ate it with a fork. I think i finished the biscuit in record time. This meal and place is definitely memorable! read more

The Chef - The best chicken fried steak! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

Fantastic breakfast! I've never had anything I didn't rave about later. The wait is a bit longer for food but well worth it for hot, fresh, everything house-made, full of flavor breakfast - any frittata on the menu is cannot miss, but the Buenos Dias is my favorite. It's full of chorizo, red peppers, onions, and a perfectly golden-brown top of cheese. Side of chipotle potatoes (spicy!), house made chipotle sauce & Green Chile sauce. It's almost enough to feed two. Have also tried the Huevos Rancheros, probably my second favorite. Cannot wait to go back to try the pancakes when I'm back in town - always a must stop for our trips to Manhattan. read more

The Chef - Buenos Dias Frittata, side of chipotle red potatoes, cottage cheese & fruit - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

No one ever gets a 5 but The Chef gets a 4.9999 Star for the best breakfasts I CAN'T WAIT TO EAT HERE AGAIN!!! Delicious food, great service and staff. read more

Who would have expected this place to be so great. I ordered huevos rancheros with a side of hash instead of hash browns. I also got a crab cake. Crab cake was pretty good. The HR were the second best I've ever had (first was in Arizona where you'd expect it to be great). Hash might have been the best. Will go every time I visit my kid at KState. read more

The best, and I mean, the BEST biscuits and gravy you can get. Seasonally they do a chorizo gravy that is even better. Their menu is incredible, the service is good, and the prices are super reasonable. This is possibly my favorite Americana breakfast place I have been to. I live out of state and am frequently reminded how much I miss it when trying to find find brunch up to snuff. read more

No complaints! It's comparable to several fun and delicious brunch spots in Boulder. Friendly staff (even on a crazy busy New years day) and the food- priced well for fairly unique, tasty, and fresh dishes. read more

The Chef - Visiting the boyfriend's hometown brunch spot - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

Great food and drinks with unique signature choices, awesome staff who take great care of their customers!

My girlfriend and I went for brunch. The atmosphere was like an old school diner. The food was good as we had no complaints, but here I am a few weeks later and I can't remember the food. They were installing the outdoor are when we were there, so spacing was limited. Overall if you need a nice brunch spot you should check this out, but it's not a must see if you are just in town for a short time. read more

The Chef - Night street view - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

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Great breakfast or brunch stop! Excellent food and friendly service. Never disappoints!

This place was really cute and the service was great. The food... not so much. The line was backed up outside when I arrived so I thought this must be really good. Maybe it was the dish I decided to have; I chose the huevos rancheros with homestyle potatoes. And let me tell you I have never had a dish that lacked so much flavor but was severely over seasoned at the same time. The huevos rancheros lacked flavor. Very basic, not enough salt or any type of seasoning for that matter. The homestyle potatoes were very over seasoned and had too much pepper. It tasted like I was eating peppercorn jerky. Thankfully I threw some ketchup on it and the sweetness from that was able to dilute it a little bit. I plan to give this place another shot to see if this was a fluke or as good as it gets. read more

Love this place a whole vibe. Wakes wakes shots for everyone. Oh and the food is amazing too.

Nice small town diner feel. I sat at the bar and had the country fried steak and it was tasty. The hash browns were unique but not my favorite. Everything was hot and fresh and there was good customer service. Typical diner coffee. Overall pretty solid place. Would recommend. read more

I'd say the "little extra" for the fruit instead of the hash browns is worth it. :-) The bueno Dias frittata is the bomb digity and you should absolutely order it! Get here before 8-8:30am if you don't want to wait in looooooong lines. But the waiting is worth it! read more

The Chef - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

The Chef has a lot of allure because it always has a 1 1/2 hour to 2 hour wait on weekends. Eric R. and I tried to go there with another couple in the Fall and the wait was over 2 hours. The weather outside was nice enough to stand outside but we gave up and went elsewhere. I decided today to give it another shot. As a solo diner, I figured I would have a good chance of beating any wait, and I was right. The Chef occupies a small space, though it apparently has 2 dining areas (I could not see half of the place due to the sheer number of people waiting inside). Since it was around 20 degrees outside, the amount of people waiting inside was quite impressive. When I first walked in, there was just a sea of people and I did not know if any were in line to get names on a list. It turns out they were all just waiting, so a woman steered me to the host stand, which was empty. Soon, the host returned, delivering coffee and juice to people waiting, which is nice. She took my name and indicated that being single would be fast. That is when I overheard her tell others there was a 1 1/2 hour wait. The waiting area was so crowded that I ended up in front of the door as people kept coming in and it was so cold. Finally, a party got seated and I hunkered in a corner away from the chilly blast. Soon, a seat freed up at the counter for me, and I was seated in around 10 minutes! That was awesome. The server immediately came over and took my order. To be honest, I have browsed the menu online in advance to be able to order quickly and try different things, but it is a big menu so I will definitely have to come back (maybe a weekday is a better idea)! I opted for side/a la carte items so I could try a savory and a sweet dish. I ordered a side of corned beef hash, one pancake, and a side of Nanas foster sauce. The food came out pretty fast. The corned beef hash, served in a cute clay bowl, was very hot. It was chunks of corned beef and potatoes that were mashed around it with a few chunks. The consistency of the potato was a bit odd but the taste was pretty good. I probably would not order this again. Though I am not typically a pancake eater nor a banana eater, I heard great things about the pancakes and I like cooked bananas occasionally. The Nanas foster sauce was so delicious, with bananas, pecans, cinnamon and who knows what magic also - I coated my pancake in it and ate the whole thing. The prices were right (my meal before tax and tip was $7). I definitely would come back again for brunch - the atmosphere is very quaint, the service is good, and the food is comforting. read more

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I have been going here for years and will continue to support this local business! It's worth the wait every time.

I love going to the Chef cafe because i have never had a bad meal. Service is always fast , friendly, and fun.. well i will have to correct myself because todays breakfast was underwhelming. I had ordered a ham and cheese omelette and home fries. First the home fries are limp and not hot, they usually have a bit of a crispy edge. The omelette had very little ham and cheese inside and probably started out as a frittata. Parts were barely cooked compared to other well done parts. Coffee was good and hot, service was great and she gave me half price on my omelette. I will be back .this was one time out of 20 or 50 visits...keep the bar high read more

Used to be a really good spot. Now I've had a cold potatoes and pre made bacon two days in a row. Also, the waitress blamed me for the cold potatoes. Hah! She's probably right. Cmon chef, it's just eggs and bacon and potatoes, just be better. Also, good coffee is always a great investment, y'all should think about adding that to rotation. The place looks great though! Just need the food to match the decor. read more

Worth the wait for sure. Looks like the original diner, it's very cute. The food is amazing, you'll have enough for leftovers! Staff was very kind and patient. Will be back! read more

Well worth the wait! This restaurant did not disappoint. The reviews are correct and I loved it. It was clean, packed and didn't have to wait long for our food. I'm very impressed and will be back. Had salmon and scrambled eggs with home style potatoes. Loved it! Chicken fried steak with fried eggs, biscuit and warmed strawberry jelly-yummmmmmmm! read more

This is easily the best breakfast option in Manhattan. I had their biscuits and gravy the last time I was there. They were the best biscuits and gravy I have ever had. read more

Good food. Great service. I liked our server. She was on top of it in a very busy restaurant.

The food is great, the servers are kind and attentive, the restaurant is clean and decorated nicely, and the prices are reasonable! Highly recommended read more