A pleasant diner with fast and efficient service, the servers were pleasant, and the restaurant had a nice atmosphere. My breakfast was pretty standard: 3 over easy with crispy bacon, home fries and rye toast, Earl Grey tea. The tea came out immediately in a carafe with a stash tea-bag, lemon, honey, with a mug (different color than their coffee mugs) and a teaspoon - nicely done. The food came out quickly - the over easy eggs were perfect, the bacon was indeed crispy, and the pile of home fries was huge (the shredded potatoes are common, but they are nothing special -- a huge quantity doesn't change the quality). The rye toast was from a standard store-bought sliced loaf - not a high point. There were several kinds of jelly/jam. So a good breakfast, but nothing fancy or superb. Why 4-stars? 1) price - with tip, breakfast for one was over $39 2) the potatoes and the toast were run of the mill (you don't get 5-stars for pedestrian ingredients) read more

See all

Came here at 8am on Father's Day with husband and 8 month old son. We were greeted and seated promptly. The staff were all very attentive and friendly. Food was really good, I especially liked the waffle! Great menu selection and portions. Overall great place and I know we'll be coming back!! read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place very much hit the spot in the sea of bougie counter-service overprice burgers and whatnot where you're paying more for the vibe than anything else that is Seattle's restaurant scene. You want to sit down and eat something off a real plate with a knife and fork? Come here. I've been told this place is an institution, and that's a reputation that's well-deserved. Just be wary of the parking situation, the lot is oddly shaped and there's only a single-lane entrance/exit. read more

I'm a regular there, everyone is super nice there and the service is quick. The food has never let me or my family down. They have the best options for whatever your cravings are. read more

Some people love to hate - so sad; ignore the 1-star reviews from unhappy scared people. The Varsity Inn is still booming after 30 years because the owner stayed true to her values through the pandemic: excellent friendly personal service, large portions of fresh hot well-cooked food, fair-wage prices (yes, Seattle restaurant prices are insane now but that's why we go out to breakfast instead of dinner). Varsity Inn is reliable for its breakfast menu alone, and the high-quality freshly prepared Mexican dishes add an extraordinary dimension to the choices. There is always too much food on the plate, it is always served quickly and cheerily, there is genuine warmth in being in this place. You can't help but leave here smiling no matter how questionable you may have felt when you arrived. Your tummy, heart and mind will thank you for the rest of your day! I favor the egg dishes (omelettes, Benedicts, corned beef hash, huevos rancheros) over the waffles and pancakes, but where else can you have buckwheat cakes in this town? And syrup warm in its own little pitcher? The hash browns are epic, or you can sub wonderful frijoles negros if you prefer. Great biscuits, good sourdough, fine English muffins. All in a sun-filled happy room with epic energy. Breakfast at Varsity Inn is a safe spot in the weekly calendar! read more

Wait for a table wasn't too long. Service was friendly and efficient. Enjoyed the local art for sale on the walls and the eclectic tableware, mugs, & glasses. Food was good and filling! Syrup for the waffle came out warm in a mini ceramic pot!! read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - Waffle combo - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

I enjoy checking out indie diners because I love breakfast! I recall two Varsity Inns, one in Ravenna (now as Ravenna Varsity - separate ownership) and this one over in Wallingford by Gasworks Park. After many decades of driving past and even briefly working nearby over 2.5 years ago, I finally scored a parking spot and checked it out the latter (9/27/23). It was a seat yourself spot with menus available at each table. Water and/or drip coffee is available when seated. Well worn, comfy indie restaurant, but with plentiful natural light despite the blustery weather that day. I decided to try their Corned Beef Hash with two overeasy eggs, hashbrowns, and whole wheat toast. Omg, that was a ginormous breakfast entree! About 2/3 of it was packaged to take home, an amazing bang for your culinary buck. Most notable was the personable gentleman who covered the host/reception stand, plus waited, served and bussed occupied tables. An amazing customer service feat and the ability to provide welcoming conversation with finesse. A great meal & convo that improved the rest of my day after a crazy, rainy commute to UW Seattle campus. Three great places for breakfast/brunch/lunch in the vicinity: Voula's, Mas Cafe, and Varsity Inn. Worthy recommended detour for a satisfying and filling meal! read more

See all

Service was abysmal, food was ok diner food, prices were bat stuff insane for some eggs and hash browns.

The food quality has gone down. The prices are way too high considering the food quality. But, I enjoyed visiting there. I used to go regularly from 2000 till about 8 years ago, so I enjoyed the nostalgia of being in the space, and our server was very nice. read more

Overall this was a good experience. I like how light it is because of all the windows. I ordered buckwheat pancake combo because I love buckwheat. These were not good pancakes - gummy and not much buckwheat flavor. Accompanying eggs and sausages were fine. Husband had corned beef hash he really liked, and took 1/2 of it home it was such a large portion. I liked the cappuccino. Service was fine. read more

What an absolute pleasure. The food was great and the service was even batter, will definitely be returning.

Food is very overpriced and the quality is very poor. Ordered a waffle for $15.50. Totally envisioned a nice brown, crispy, Belgium-type waffle. That is not at all what I got. The waffle was flatter than their pancakes and bland. I had to use a knife to cut it. Fork wouldn't work! I was extremely disappointed. Way over priced! Frozen, generic waffles from the store are 100 times better than that crap. I'd suggest you spend a few bucks ($20-50?) and buy a real waffle maker for God's sake!! Also paid $4.50 for a SMALL glass of Diet Coke. It was also way over priced and it was so FLAT that I couldn't bring myself to drink half of it!! No one came to ask how the food was, otherwise I would have gladly said something. We had been there before after a hospital visit at UW and we returned thinking it was an OK place. However, This was our LAST time. The whole experience was completely disappointing and unacceptable. We barely tipped but probably shouldn't have. But the waitresses were very nice! Why bother giving feedback? Felt hopeless and didn't care to give them a second chance! We will just take our business elsewhere! I saw many 5-star google reviews and am completely mystified. I think maybe the small neighborhood diner where the waitresses know the regulars? The prices are not even competitive. They are outrageously over- priced, especially giving the poor quality. I don't know how they stay in business!? read more

Really large portions food Good taste, nothing innovative but classic I saw a lot grandpa grandma there And this store has a really long history I can tell read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - Country benedict and Taco omelet - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Went for breakfast on Sunday. Breakfast was delicious, portions were large and service was great!

Yum! Great food and ambiance. Wait on a busy holiday was not bad at all. The prices look scary then the food comes portions are huge! Made for great leftovers and could easily have shared. My only complaint was it took a while to get coffee, but they didn't mind us hanging out to let it cool and finish the cup. read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome--attentive, friendly, and efficient throughout. Breakfast was a standout: fresh ingredients, generous portions, and beautifully prepared. A perfect start to the day. Highly recommend! read more

Our community diner! We love it! The coffee is great ! The waffles could be less chewy, but as neighbors we have an emotional attachment to The Varsity. Customer service is always an A+ ! read more

Super cute spot. Good food and great service. It feels very casual but welcoming. Plus they have great pancakes!

I have been so excited to try this place because the diner experience is something that is really missing from Seattle. The thing is, you don't get that same feel if you take it to-go, and who wants to do that with eggs anyways? Making my own breakfast since before quarantine started has been a disaster. Your boy eats oatmeal every single day. What a sad life. As soon as the latest round of restrictions were lifted, I called up Varsity Inn to see if they would seat us. The angelic voice on the phone told me they were ecstatic to announce they would be allowing visitors. I told them that I will be right there in my pajamas. I felt right at home when I arrived. They are so welcoming that you feel like a part of the family. The entire vibe here gives me the feeling like I'm back at an old school east coast diner. The waiter was swinging by every five minutes to make sure that I was fully zooted on my coffee. I was bouncing off the walls with excitement while eating my breakfast. I went for the classic eggs-sausage-pancakes combo, and was even feeling a little crazy and threw some blueberries in there. These pancakes were top notch. Maybe it's because I used the entire serving of butter and syrup, but this flavor explosion was intense. Truly a great breakfast experience. And you can walk down to the Burke Gilman to walk off the cals after if that's your thing. Varsity Inn is a must stop. read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - Outstanding pancakes !!! - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I love how every table is a window seat! Big portions of food. Lovely diner atmosphere. Food came out pretty fast and service was friendly! read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - diners waiting for customers - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I love this place the seating is comfortable benches and good vibesMexican specials are flavorful and different I had enchiladas with egg cheese and real good chili sauce. The potatoes should be longer crisped that would make it perfect. But I think the coffee is the best I've ever had from a diner in the whole of my food experiences. They offer real milk not the vegetable oil stuff that is served elsewhere. Lovely service and a sweet business owner is keeping it real. read more

It is what it is: a diner. Pancake was huge. Hashbrowns were tasty but you have to try real hard to fuck them up. Morningstar veggie patties were the star of the show! Chicken apple links were so juicy, some of its juice squirted onto me. read more

I'm sorry but we're out of towners and we came over due to the facts it close. But other than coffee which I assume everyone goes there for the food is ok. Breakfast was not good but my hamburger was. It was nice to see a diner nearby I just wish they. Had better food read more

Cute place Great staff and owners! Breakfast was delicious but I just have to get past the cost of everything know a days. $30 for sausage and eggs and coffee now is just a treat read more

Went on a Wednesday morning. Great service and ambiance. Very tasty homemade cinnamon rolls.

I've been here in 2011 and 2023... This is more consistent than any of my past relationships. Your standard brunch offerings wit the Seattle upcharge (don't blame them, blame the government). The location is clutch if you plan on grabbing something on the go and hitting Gas Works Park. The staff is welcoming the vibe feels like at a friend's house. In a city filled with pretentious restaurants, Varsity Inn keeps it 100. read more

Very tasty huevos rancheros, but know they are spicy. Excellent sausage and gravy biscuits - thick gravy, fluffy biscuits. Great breakfast! read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - Huevos rancheros (usually comes with cheese and sour cream but I asked for dairy-free) - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We are lucky enough to live across the street from this lovely diner. I cannot speak highly enough of how positive our experience is every single time we eat here. I love their extensive breakfast menu and have tried almost everything: waffles, pancakes, french toast, corn beef, omelette, grilled cheese sandwich, eggs florentine, hash browns.. and EVERYTHING is exceptional. The lovely family who runs it is so so friendly and attentive. We feel to pampered every single time. portion sizes are HUGE so come hungry! read more

Cute little diner in the Ravenna neighborhood. Food is nice and aligned with a countertop service diner anywhere else in the US, and the service is super kind. Great for a quick bite of breakfast when you're in the area or a cup of coffee waiting for a delayed bus. read more

We arrived with a party of 13. They were super accommodating and sat us down immediately. The waitresses were very kind and really attentive. The food portions are large and the food also tastes amazing. My favorite breakfast place whenever I visit Seattle. read more

This was a wonderful place. We came in with 13 people and they sat us down very quick and with a smile. The service from the wait staff was amazing. They took our orders and the food was at our table quickly. It was yummy! The customer service, food and views is 10/10!!! Cannot wait to come back for breakfast or brunch. read more

This is our families favorite breakfast spot! If we go for breakfast we love getting pancakes, french toast, bacon and hash browns. All the classic breakfast your heart can desire! But the also have their specials, and there you'll find their delicious carnitas! Their lunch starts at 11 on weekdays and 12 on weekends and holidays! When we make it for lunch, the Chuck Wagon is a family favorite! Always great and friendly service! read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - Chuck Wagon with French fries - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

A late morning stop during spring break to avoid morning crowds (with the three kids in tow) had us stop by this place in Fremont before heading to Gas Works. Awesome staff + reasonably priced + tons of aloha for the kids = we will be back. read more

Varsity Inn Restaurant - Love the breakfast selection - Diners Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Finally decided to give the place a shot. Went for breakfast this morning and was completely disappointed. Everything on our plate was bland, my French toast was very small and had no flavor it was practically just bread. My partner got biscuits and gravy the biscuits were basically a dinner roll. We seen someone order hash browns and the serving was huge. We asked our waiter how big a side of hash browns were and he made it seem like they were gigantic. When they arrived it was barely enough for one person. The service overall was okay but the whole experience was subpar and with those portions I'd say overpriced. read more

The service was great. The food was not. It was bland and the temp was off. Hash browns were under cooked yet burnt.

I love a good diner brunch! Came here Sunday for brunch with some friends. We came around noon so we could order off breakfast or lunch. We ordered: - chicken fried steak - corned beef hash - chicken sandwich - Western Beef - side of fries I had the corned beef hash, typical corned beef. I enjoyed my food. Looked like everyone else enjoyed their meals as well! This place has a small parking lot, but if you don't find a spot in there, there's plenty of street parking around the area. read more

See all

Service is top notch and the people are super friendly. Food just ok. Nothing special. Have t been in 20 years and probably won't come again but it's a fun place read more

*Always* try the specials. Local spot, cozy diner feel, closes at 2pm most days. Come hungry, leave happy.

Friendly, delicious and reasonable prices. What more can you ask for. Patty is fabulous and their Mexican food is to die for.

Great breakfast spot, huge portions. Country fried steak hashbrowns we're sooooo good. I'd definitely come back and recommend to others