Waffleton

The first time seeing this place was after having a meal down the street that was so not with it…read more That was maybe a month or so ago. This time, it was a must to try for brunch. The hours are limited as it's only open for breakfast and lunch and closes at 4. We spent the day up in Idyllwild and first and foremost, food. Parking situation, I believe they have a parking lot but majority is street parking or lots in town. We arrived just after 12pm which the place was pretty busy. As it was our first time we didn't know the layout of the place. The patio was where the action was happening. Covered umbrellas to help with the heat which was nice. Inside is quite small with some tables but main dining area was on the patio. I didn't know the go about of this place but noticed a register. Waited a bit though the place was packed. I was trying to get someone's attention on getting a table as there was no hosts counter. Finally someone mentioned that you seat yourself and when you're ready to order, come back inside to place your order. They do offer alcohol with mimosas, Bloody Marys and I believe there's a full bar. It took a while to order as the line was quite long and there was only one register where you order. After your order, they ask your name for when your meal is brought out. While I was waiting, I did see loads of amazing dishes being brought out and the server calling out names so they know who it's for. It's didn't take long for our order to come out. Oh, juice was given to you after you order which their OJ was delicious. Has to be fresh squeezed for 9.00. Meals, we went with the country chicken fried steak with homemade country gravy, 2 eggs any style and a side item. And the ham steak meal with 3 eggs any style, a side and choice of bread. Both item we upgrade to onion rings for an additional fee. Plus a side of sausage for the fur baby. Food was quite nice and delicious. The portion was quite big which I like. I think they're known for the breakfast burritos as it was a favorite for loads of people and let me tell you, that thing was massive. Glad we found out about this place which is a favorite for us now for breakfast and lunch. Also, the patio is quite nice and big. There's a table at the entrance where you can help yourself to ice water, napkins, to go containers and some condiments. Tables do have a tray of condiments as well. Pros 1. The food is great. Portion is big and plenty for takeaway. 2. Juices and smoothies are fresh squeezed 3. They offer alcohol 4. Pet friendly 5. Friendly staff Cons 1. There's one register to order your food

Mama's Egg House delivered on both savory and sweet fronts. The chilaquiles with red salsa and…read morearrachera steak were a standout -- well-balanced and packed with flavor. We also couldn't resist the tiramisu French toast, which was rich and decadent, but every bite was worth it. Highly recommend for a hearty, satisfying brunch! The service was great.

Interior corner seat

Chilaquiles with Ribeye Steak

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Outside

Red Kettle

4.2(700 reviews)

I ordered the eggs Benedict with hash browns! My wife…read moreordered the Ruben on rye with side of potato salad! It's real busy but not like last weekend as it was a holiday weekend! The employees are great and you're up at over 5,000 ft. This cafe is like you being in your own cabin but with lots of people! We came up here about 3 yrs ago and love the food! Also the atmosphere of the mountains!

***** Five stars for the ambience. ***** Five stars for the…read moreservice. ** Two stars for the food. It's a very cute well run mountain town establishment with limited competition. It's a GOLD mine! The service and friendliness is second to none! Delightful. I was just gonna try a couple of à la carte breakfast items to save money, BUT I was quickly "flipped" to a full meal package (much to my chagrin) and with tax and tip over $21! Well, that's a little pricey for a senior on a budget. I hate to say this, but when I'm traveling on a highway (and there's almost no alternative) Denny's does this right with their "senior menu" offerings at half this price! And that's kind of a grand slam. I make the same mistake frequently and I'm not even a big fan of eggs, but I didn't have much choice other than the veggie burger. I decided on scrambled eggs with hashbrowns and the veggie sausage from MorningStar brand (which origin is rooted in the vegetarian friendly Seventh-day Adventist Church.) My side dish was a generous portion of sliced avocado, nicely plated. To me, this spot was kind of like a "SYSCO" food depot. (If you know what I mean). The standard fair for many cafés. But, the service is very warm, old school charm where everybody chats with you to make sure you're doing OK and comes by and taps your shoulder or gives you a little back rub in passing. Not Harvey Weinstein weird but rather kind, friendly, vibes. I was transported to the set of "Andy of Mayberry" just wondering when Aunt Bea was gonna bring out the apple pie! Next time I'll try a veggie burger because it's a comfortable spot and the people are so damn friendly! Wait a second, is that Floyd the Barber, Goober the Mechanic, Otis on a bender? Oh no, I have to run! I see Barney giving me a ticket! Shazam, Shazam!

Favorite piece of art in the restaurant. Figured I'd share. Featuring the back of gentleman's head

Chili Cheese Omelette

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Mimosa

Mile High Cafe

4.3(620 reviews)

0.6 mi

We really enjoyed this asian inspired fusionish brunch spot. They have good food and even have…read morekimchi making classes. We tried the kimchi Reuben and it was a hit. It was a surprising combination, but it worked well. Almost like a substitute for sauerkraut. Also came with fries which were the right amount of crispy. Delicious food here.

Really nice folks, generous portions, and tasty food. A nice spot for lunch in Idyllwild!read more

Inside

Spinach omelette

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Mocha iced coffee you can purchase to the left of the establishment but you order it at a different location then your food

Mamma Mia Crepes and Desserts

4.1(152 reviews)

This is most definitely hands down the best crepes i've EVER HAD. Everything was perfect each crepe…read moremade with live crafted to perfection and such distinct and unique tastes. The chicken pesto crepe is my personal favorite. The service is amazing they are so attentive and helpful and i just love the whole design of everything. For me it's not just the food, but the whole experience from getting up early and driving up the mountain and the sights everything is perfect and then to sit down and have such a perfect meal honestly it's unbeatable.

So many sweet and savory options here! We came here twice during our trip - in the late afternoon…read morefor desserts and the next morning for a savory brunch. For sweets, we did the Lily Rock and Hippo crepe. Both were great, but we were a huge fan of the bubble waffle. For savory, we went with their most popular pick, the Chicken Pesto and the Turkey Bubble Waffle. The pesto sauce was creamy and delicious - we were a fan! For some reason, we were definitely not expecting the bubble waffle to be a sandwich. Nonetheless, both were great to fuel us up for the afternoon. Workers are nice and so are their regulars! We had two dogs with us, so we grabbed a table outside and were also able to enjoy the view. Great place to stop by for a quick bite or especially if you're trying to avoid the crowd as the other brunch spots are packed.

Denver crepe (meh) with matcha tea latte (yes!)

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Tommy's Kitchen

4.8(292 reviews)

0.4 mi

You won't believe the great food experience Tommy provides. He is a beyond amazing chef. He cooks…read moreduring the day and provides takeout meals from 5 pm on. Each week he cooks different days, and he posts his meals on Facebook so that you can call in, the day before, and order a scrumptious meal. He also has frozen meals, soup, desserts and various other sides available there too. I can't tell you how wonderful his meals are. They usually include soup or salad, biscuit or bread, entree and a dessert. The portions are huge ( my hubby and I share) and the price is so so reasonable. You enjoy a wonderful gourmet meal for the price of the average burger and fries! I can't recommend him highly enough.

Tommy's cooking is amazing! Delicious plentiful meals with all the accompaniments. If you haven't…read moretried it, you're missing out. Just wish I lived closer so I could buy more often. And he's a nice man.

Brunch selection for me with jalapeno cheese bread.

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Restaurant Gastrognome

3.6(814 reviews)

Great restaurant and services. Allyssa was great, our food was right on time. The pork belly dish…read moreand the chocolate moose were delicious !! Will definitely come back next time in Idyllwild!

We Highly recommend this restaurant! Our server, Trinity, was outstanding and so was the food! It's…read moreour favorite spot when we visit Idyllwild. We enjoy sitting outside on the lovely shaded veranda with a nice breeze. This is a great spot with great food and friendly and attentive staff. There is always more food than we can eat so we get leftovers To take home!

Dining area and windows

Fire pit and dining area

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Mojito

The Peak Restaurant and Bar

3.9(130 reviews)

0.7 mi

Had prime rib tacos they were very good…read more I ordered the molten lava chocolate cake and did not get it Then the manager brought me the right one Makes me happy

Cool setting. There for lunch. I think in tue evening with music and the decks would be a great…read moretime. Food was good

Salad bar

Pulled Pork Sandwich Surf n Turf Nachos Tuna tostada

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Burger, and a great one at that.

Idyllwild Ice Cream Shop

4.7(412 reviews)

0.0 mi

•$

Is it a must anytime you go somewhere and there's an ice cream shop? Of course in my opinion, you…read morecan never have too much ice cream. Anytime we make a day trip up to Idyllwild, this place is always a definite favorite. Summer in the mountains with ice cream dripping down your hands. The good old days when you were younger but now it's in a cup...lol... Messy and sticky fingers hits differently these days when you're older. Saturday afternoon and there was a line at this place. Good for them and thats usually a good sign whenever you go somewhere. We've been a few times and each has been great. It's a little ice cream shop along the main strip of town. Their downtown area where all the restaurants, shops, wineries and so on. Always a line when we come but it does move fast. The menus on the front counter wall so you can check it out before you get to the front. After you order, there's a pager that's given to you. Pick up is around the side when your pager goes off. It's not a big ice cream parlor, with 2 small tables and chair in-front of the ordering counter and a couple of bigger tables on the side of the building. We went with the sampler tray I believe it's called. Four different flavors in individual cups for 12.00. It was a little wait as it seemed like there was only one worker on deck. She was taking orders and scooping the ice cream. The other person could be on break or lunch. Anyways, it was ok. The four flavors were quite nice but one was just ok. Our least favorite, the coconut which was an additional 1.00 added to the order. The others three was excellent. Of course I would forget the all the flavors but remember the one we didn't like. Ice cream was great, the one we enjoyed. It was nice to just have a seat and enjoy the treat. Everyone that was there was doing the same, enjoying their treats. It's like a staple here in the mountain. I didn't know if there's any other ice cream shop in town but this one is worth it and alway a must for us when in town. Until next time.

One of the best ice cream shop in Idyllwild. This is one busy location with long lines. Staff were…read moregreat and try to accommodate everyone with their orders. They are known for their homemade ice cream, soft serve, and shakes. They have variety of flavor selections and each ice cream order comes with free cookie. We ordered a scoop of Lavender and Cookie-n-Cream. The ice cream tastes delicious; it's creamy and soft. Ambiance: nice. Seats are in front and back.

Kona Coffee and Idyllwild Blackberry

Cup

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Strawberry & cotton candy

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Eric T.

0

1

2

3 years ago

Title: A Sweet Spot in the Heart of Idyllwild - Waffleton Rating: In the charming town of Idyllwild, California, nestled amidst the beautiful landscape, there lies a new gem - Waffleton. Located right in the town center, this dessert shop is quickly becoming a favorite among locals and visitors alike. During my recent visit, I had the chance to savor their mochi waffle, and it was nothing short of amazing. The waffle had just the right balance of sweetness, negating the need for any additional syrup. The combination of the soft, chewy mochi texture with the light, crisp waffle exterior was a delightful surprise, making each bite an experience to relish. The waffle was beautifully presented, adorned with fresh bananas and strawberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. It was a simple yet satisfying treat that hit just the right spot without being overly indulgent. What made the culinary experience even more enjoyable was the warm and friendly service. As it turns out, I was served by none other than the owner herself, who exuded a pleasant demeanor that added a personal touch to the dining experience. Another commendable aspect of Waffleton is its commitment to environmental sustainability. They serve their delectable treats in compostable containers, and even their cutlery, which I believe is made of bamboo or wood, aligns with this eco-conscious approach. It's heartening to see a local business not only serving up delicious food but also taking steps to reduce its environmental footprint. But the Waffleton experience doesn't stop at great food and service. The outdoor seating area allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere. You can enjoy your meal while listening to the delightful tunes played by street musicians at the nearby gazebo, making for a truly immersive Idyllwild experience. As a resident of Idyllwild, I am thrilled to have Waffleton in our community and look forward to returning for more sweet treats. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and make a stop at Waffleton. You won't be disappointed! read more

Edward F.

0

3

1

9 months ago

Easily the best waffle I've ever had. Only word that can describe it is wow. Only phrase is, can I have more.

Waffleton - waffles - Updated October 2026

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I ordered the eggs Benedict with hash browns! My wife…read moreordered the Ruben on rye with side of potato salad! It's real busy but not like last weekend as it was a holiday weekend! The employees are great and you're up at over 5,000 ft. This cafe is like you being in your own cabin but with lots of people! We came up here about 3 yrs ago and love the food! Also the atmosphere of the mountains!

***** Five stars for the ambience. ***** Five stars for the…read moreservice. ** Two stars for the food. It's a very cute well run mountain town establishment with limited competition. It's a GOLD mine! The service and friendliness is second to none! Delightful. I was just gonna try a couple of à la carte breakfast items to save money, BUT I was quickly "flipped" to a full meal package (much to my chagrin) and with tax and tip over $21! Well, that's a little pricey for a senior on a budget. I hate to say this, but when I'm traveling on a highway (and there's almost no alternative) Denny's does this right with their "senior menu" offerings at half this price! And that's kind of a grand slam. I make the same mistake frequently and I'm not even a big fan of eggs, but I didn't have much choice other than the veggie burger. I decided on scrambled eggs with hashbrowns and the veggie sausage from MorningStar brand (which origin is rooted in the vegetarian friendly Seventh-day Adventist Church.) My side dish was a generous portion of sliced avocado, nicely plated. To me, this spot was kind of like a "SYSCO" food depot. (If you know what I mean). The standard fair for many cafés. But, the service is very warm, old school charm where everybody chats with you to make sure you're doing OK and comes by and taps your shoulder or gives you a little back rub in passing. Not Harvey Weinstein weird but rather kind, friendly, vibes. I was transported to the set of "Andy of Mayberry" just wondering when Aunt Bea was gonna bring out the apple pie! Next time I'll try a veggie burger because it's a comfortable spot and the people are so damn friendly! Wait a second, is that Floyd the Barber, Goober the Mechanic, Otis on a bender? Oh no, I have to run! I see Barney giving me a ticket! Shazam, Shazam!

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We really enjoyed this asian inspired fusionish brunch spot. They have good food and even have…read morekimchi making classes. We tried the kimchi Reuben and it was a hit. It was a surprising combination, but it worked well. Almost like a substitute for sauerkraut. Also came with fries which were the right amount of crispy. Delicious food here.

Really nice folks, generous portions, and tasty food. A nice spot for lunch in Idyllwild!read more

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This place is so cute and fun!!!!! Food is super fresh, menu is veggie-forward and the decor is so…read moreartsy and cool! Absolutely love this city, this plaza, and this restaraunt. Wishing yall the best as you continue to grow your business!

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I eat here at least once a week as I am a devourer of sweets and pastries. The owners are super…read morefriendly and you can tell they are extremely passionate about their product. My favorites are the chocolate croissant, soft pretzels, and the cardamom morning bun. Oh yea and the lemon danish. You can't go wrong here! And if you like sourdough they have the best I've had, it seems like that is one of their biggest sellers, as they are often sold out (along with a lot of other things so arrive early when you can.) They do carry some vegan and gluten free products, which have been excellent.

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My family and I always come here and they never fail to make us feel welcome, happy, and satisfied…read more The food is your classic American style diner but with beyond meat and plant-based options for vegan and vegetarian friends. Our server, Arcy (please forgive me if I spelled your name wrong!) is always lovely and just a delight to be around. She is very knowledgeable and is very helpful with any questions we have. As far as the restaurant itself, it's very in touch with the mountain, cabin vibe. It's very comforting and a nice change from your average diner. It's safe to say that my family and I will come back as we've done the years before on our trips to Idyllwild.

Cafe Aroma

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We chose Cafe Aroma for a birthday dinner and were so happy we did!…read more The bread with garlic in olive oil was a perfect light starter. My husband also enjoyed an old fashioned that was excellent. For dinner he husband ordered the ragu, and I had the penne in creamy basil (without shrimp). Both dishes came out quickly, were well prepared, and completely satisfying. Service was extremely friendly and attentive without being overbearing. We reserved the patio so we could bring our pup, and the staff immediately offered her water, pets, and even a treat. I always appreciate a restaurant that makes dogs feel welcome rather than like an inconvenience. The patio also had a lovely ambiance, with white tablecloths and the same polished table settings as indoors. My only minor note was the live music. The singer was fairly loud and close to the tables, which made conversation difficult. Instrumental music might fit the early dinner atmosphere a little better. If you prefer a quieter meal, dining indoors may be the better choice. Overall, a great birthday dinner and a wonderful experience!

I read a bunch of the 1-star reviews. I read some of the…read more4-star reviews. I have to go with 5-star tho. OVERVIEW of 5 : Seated without reservation (*make one! We got lucky*) Server was amazing Food expediter was super nice Food was delicious Elegant, fine dining experience Music was my mountain playlist (and not too loud) View of mountains for me. View of architecture for my wife. PARKING: Parking can be difficult in the small lot, but there's parking along the street too. INSIDE: It was perfect weather. 68ºF at 6pm after a warm day. They have "indoor/patio" style seating which may be difficult for some to access by multiple steps. We were seated at the top, a table away from the music, along the window side. They have heat lamps - but temps were perfect (lots of people and hot food warmed everyone up). I wanted to walk around the restaurant. The tiered architecture is interesting. FOOD: High End Vegan! Yes - I'm guilty of wanting to give them 5 stars just looking at their vegan menu. (And omnivore selection) Yes - I appreciate the care that it takes to prepare a plate. BUT This food was just delicious by itself. Even in a cardboard box, this food would've been amazing. VEGAN "cheese" appetizer (great for 2-3 people) Nut cheese was warm and tangy. This is NOT just cashews and nooch in a blender. It is spiced with something that brings a little heat. *you will want to lick the bowl. PRO TIP: The welcome bread with ... oh shit.... WELCOME BREAD / Garlic Olive Oil This crusty bread served with microplaned garlic + olive oil is fantastic. Garlic Fiend? You're gonna love this. Not a fan of garlic? What's wrong with you?! I mean... just serve from the oil side. Save some bread for your vegan cheese.... VEGAN CHEESE (cont.) Order the gluten free bread (a little more like Uti's toasted dinner roll) with your vegan cheese app. Omnivores at your table will be surprised how well this vegan cheese and wine pair with each other. TROUT I think my wife got the trout. She loved it. Light and delicate. VEGAN KIMCHI TOFU I've had kimchi. I've had tofu. We all have. This was prepared on a bed of roasty veg that was a great match to the salty kimchi. I don't know if there was a marinade preparation (sesame paste?) with the tofu, or it was made locally, or both, but this firm tofu was excellent. Sweet. Nutty. Salty. Fresh tasting and filling. The vegan menu here isn't just an "alternate version" of an omnivore dish. It is its own thing. DESSERT MISTAKE = not getting it. We thought there would be dessert in town, but we got out late. Town had closed. MUSIC Tonight's music was a pair of musicians playing CS&N, Neil Young, Bob Seger... acoustic session: Guitar, Violin, Mandolin. Quiet & sentimental performance was a perfect accompaniment to a long hike day. THERE ARE 1-STAR REVIEWS of this place. They have their reasons. I've only been here once. But I experienced NONE of the things they've mentioned. Moreover, we experienced even better than what other 5-star reviews suggested. This is an elegant spot, framed by a perfect day in Idyllwild. If I come back to the town, I will want to try other restaurants, but I'll definitely come back here. Not *just* because of their vegan options, but definitely *for* their vegan options.

Fratello's Ristorante & Pizzeria

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