Don't let the bad reviews sway you, this place is great! We got dinner to take back to our campsite, the food was fast, hot, and delicious. The milkshakes are amazing, we had a huckleberry and raspberry both super good and thick! The kitchen closes at 8 even though they list it as 9 so be aware of that. Definitely recommend giving it a go Edit: we went back today for ice cream we ate it there and wow the grounds are so beautiful. You can eat next to the creek even, and they've allowed for social distancing unlike most other places. Their employees were wearing masks which was nice to see. We'll definitely make this place a tradition. read more

The ambient is nice on sunny day. Lots of shade option. Chicken tender was good. Burger was ok. Italian soda was not good at all. Stop by if you must, but skip this. read more

This place is hands-down the best "drive-in" food that Lake Chelan has to offer! The onion rings are my favorite, but you just about can't go wrong with any one of those hamburgers as well. read more

Ordered two milk shakes, flavorless. Tasted like nothing, one was supposed to be s'more and the other, Irish cream. Also ordered ice cream which was freezer burned. The employees working, all kids, were eatting food on the job!!! ridiculous, can't believe this place is in buisness... read more

Wow I am shocked at all the great ratings. We came here because of the ratings. The setting is very nice and the folks working are friendly. We ordered 3 kids meals one Cobb salad , a hamburger, a beer and onion rings. We paid over $45. First, We were disappointed that there were no milkshakes available but got over it quickly. Our order didn't take too long to get ready. Here is where the problems started. When our order was ready, they forget the fries on two of the three kids meals, forget the dressing on the salad and worst - the bun on the kids burger was straight up stale & hard. Not crispy from a grill- oh no. Cold and hard at the edges - stale. The burger and onion rings were average or a bit below average. Needless to say, we won't be back. read more

The place is really cool! Milkshakes and Fries were one of the best! Great food and awesome service. I'll definitely eat here whenever I'm around Chelan read more

Watson's Alpenhorn Cafe - American Near Me - Chelan, Washington

See all

We go here every year whenever we go camping at the state park. It's so fun and reminds me of the old fashioned diners we would go to in the Midwest. Milkshakes & Malts are AWSOME!!! Great burgers & fries! Kids love the putt putt read more

I don't even know what to say. While I was there I ordered their signature burger that they recommended to me, while most of my friends got chicken tender meals, while mine came out fairly quickly, my friend ordered the Chicken strips 3 times, 3 TIMES, till they finally delivered the food to him, while he was waiting 45 minutes, we ate our food, and it was burnt, and very lackluster, and when he finally got his food, it was also burnt and lackluster! Though The milkshakes are good, the food isn't worth the 75$ that we spent. Please do better. read more

After 4 years of living up here, it's time for a review. 3 stars, because this place is very hit or miss. You can go when it's empty, and they'll serve you your food quickly but you'll never receive your milk shake, because they've lost the ticket. OR you go when there's a few people (I'm talking maybe 2-3 tickets ahead of you) and it will take 45 mins- 1 hr to get your food. BUT their saving grace is the AWESOME milkshake flavors they have, the sweet and friendly staff, the ambience of eating outdoors by the creek, and the mini golf course (which has been revamped!!!) to entertain the kiddos while waiting. read more

The restrant is small and opens on none o'clock am. The food I nicest. This place sells grilled cheese. This place is near the creek! This place has breakfast. read more

Watson's Alpenhorn Cafe - American Near Me - Chelan, Washington

My family has owned a place on the lake a mile down the road for the past 13 years. Over the years I have patroned the Alpenhorn through several owners. Couple years ago the Watson family purchased the establishment and did some mild renovations. The food has definitely improved, and I find myself stopping by more often than previously. The burgers are good and service is typically very nice and fast. read more

Nicely tucked away in the shade of the south shore of Lake Chelan. I haven't been here for the music mentioned in the other review nor did I think they played any music. The setting is cool and super chill. I wouldn't mind staying in the area and taking a stroll to sip on a beer or a milkshake. When I worked for the forest service many moons ago we stopped here with the whole crew and were treated with some milkshakes. Huge deal on a hot summer day after spending the whole day pulling noxious weed. Definitely have to come up again and enjoy the scenery. read more

I have never been to this little place before but we stopped in on our way home from the lake and I am glad we did. Its a small little walk up diner and I got a cheeseburger and a Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake. YUM! I thought the burger was really good and the veggies on the burger were really fresh and crisp. The milkshake was absolutely heavenly on a hot Chelan day. I shared that with the boyfriend because they are so filling! When you walk up to the pick up window you can see in the kitchen a little bit and it looks really clean which is always a good sign. I dock a star because this is one of those typical burger joints that nickel and dime you for cheese, condiments, and other little "extras" and that just drives me crazy. So minus half a star for that. And then I dock another half a star for the fries - WAY TOO MUCH seasoning on them that it made them unbearable. I don't mind a little salt and seasoning but no need to drown them in it. read more

The newly re-named and re-opened Watson's Alpenhorn Cafe is a great, low-key, family place for good burgers, shakes and fries. Location is amazing, in the forest next to First Creek. Staff is very nice and helpful. Just the type of place you'd want to visit on your trip to Chelan. read more

See all

This is not a gourmet place destination to impress your wife or your new date. It's more like for passers by and for campers (across the street) who are hungry but don't want to cook. As such, the food is good enough and are served by the friendliest staff. The place is rustic in a nice wooded surroundings with birds and chipmunks sound that will interrupt your thoughts for a moment to find them. And they have WiFi too. I came here for breakfast which they don't serve any more for some reasons but went out of their way to serve me coffee and peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead. Satisfied as a happy camper with WiFi I was, I'm still giving it 4 stars. read more

Really good place, just wish they were open year-round! Fun spot to take the family. Enjoy some good snacks and the beautiful scenery. This is a must-visit for me and my crew every summer. read more

Food isn't worth the money. Skimpy sandwiches at a premium price. Putt putt golf is thumbs down. Oh well..try it for the experience but don't recommend read more

Awesome little place, glad we came across it. Looks unassuming but the food was amazing, especially for the price.

Let me start this with the manager on the local radio station Friday advertising how good their brisket special is. My wife and I both heard it and decided to try it. We got there and a young lady took our order at the counter. She was great, fast and made a recommendation on my son's burger that saved us money. Also made a good beer recommendation. The food arrived in a fair amount of time. While we were waiting, there was a young lady hanging around at the front window and backing off when customers came up with a run around toddler. Not a good sign. We got our food in a correct amount of time. That is where the train wreck began. The brisket sandwiches were horrible. In hind sight I should have taken it back but I hate ruining a meal for everyone else as getting bad food dampens the experience. First bite gook just came out. The brisket was cut thin and fried, not smoked brisket tender and breaking apart, kind of like the insole of an old boot. It was so chewy that your sandwich broke apart. Both of us took our sandwiches apart, used at least 10 napkins each, to wipe all of the barbeque sauce off. After that there still was too much sauce. There was a tiny bit of shredded cabbage in the sauce. We could not decide if it was supposed to be there or was spilled in. The fries were good. My wife's shake was good and my son's burger was good. To top it off, when we left, the cook was out front with the hang out girl and some guy, smoking and coughing up a lung. I would stay clear. Just my opinion. read more

The Alpenhorn is Chelan's premiere hangout spot. I was out there last summer for 10 days. If you are looking for great breakfast lunch or dinner this is the place to come. Great beer and wine menu, Fun activities. Live music is great and the owners, Chad and Jen Ames are so welcoming. Great hangout for the summer check it out you wont be disappointed. read more

We were in Chelan for over 1 week last summer. This was the closest chow location to our rental. We went a few time and were super disappointed. First off the shake machine was broken, in the middle of summer. They ran out of smoothie flavors over that week. And while we ordered pretty much the exact thing each time we went, there was a good 25% swing in what we were charged. Run completely by college and high schoolers. Quaint, but no one running the place. The bathroom - disgusting, and the railing not to code (or just falling apart). The only saving grace was that the food was good, came out all at once, and the kids love the river next to the place. Only reason why we came back to it. You can get better food, and cuter places in town. You don't have to avoid the place, but I wouldn't seek it out, either. read more

We had breakfast there then went back later for milkshakes. Wonderful food and atmosphere. Casual and friendly. Definiyely would go again!

I've been a real estate broker for 25 years or so in Chelan and I often refer my clients to check out the Alpenhorn Cafe. This is an awesome little restaurant with beer, wine, and great food. It's a Unique experience as it's tucked in the pine trees along the South Lakeshore Road of Lake Chelan. A little extra tip for those visiting for the first time. Take a few extra steps and head down by the creek and enjoy the sound of 25 mile creek as it flows past and a little extra shade. Great Food Great People read more

Alpenhorn Chicken Burger is hands down the best chicken burger I've ever had. I could eat it every single day

This place is a hidden gem! Just a stones throw from the state park. My shake and burger were amazing! I also sat on the deck and had a beer! A little bit out of the way of you are staying in Chelan but totally worth the drive! read more

it is everything that I expected of a small place like this with good solid food offerings and a selection of beer and wine. It is so convenient to not only the state park but Watson's. read more

Great little place for sandwich and a drink after a day at the beach. Nothing fancy, but it's good, cheap ( for the neighborhood), and unpretentious. Mini-golf, a burbling brook, and milkshakes in a dozen flavors. It's across the road from Lake Chelan State Park. read more

Whats not to love about the Alpenhorn ? Such a beautiful location on the south shore of lake Chelan . First creek ambles through with creekside dining . The kids and adults can play some mini golf while their food is being prepared . local owners , great hospitality and an eager young staff ... oh yeah and did I mention the food is awesome . ! read more

We have been taking our family to Chelan for over 35 years, for a week's vacation, and we always eat at the Alpenhorn at least 2-3 times. Terrific food and service. The portions are a great deal for the price. Even when they're busy, the wait isn't bad and the staff (many young people) are exceptionally friendly. This is also a great place for kids. The location is wonderful -- nestled in the trees with a small creek. Also, the State Park is across the street, so campers can get relief from camping food and have a real meal, or just enjoy an ice cream or milkshake. read more

Another great experience at the Alpenhorn. It can get busy at times but the staff is friendly and outgoing despite working so hard. Food is good and fresh. The kids that work there go out of their way to make you happy. read more

My family and I have been regular customers of the Alpenhorn for over 5 years. We have never had a bad meal or experience there. Food and service are excellent and the employees are extremely polite and professional. Only issue is what to order as the menu has many choices and all are excellent. And make sure you have a milk shake---best I have ever had. Duane B read more

Good stuff! Had a great, quick meal when I could get a fire going at the campground. Will be returning

Love Alpenhorn. Best burgers, onion rings, fish sandwich ever! Great kids menu and the miniature golf is fun. This is a must-go to "burger joint" on Lake Chelan! read more

Each summer we give them a chance and each summer we are disappointed. The service is sooo slow. The food is typical burgers. Nothing special. It certainly doesn't rate waiting 45 minutes for food...and that is on a good night. Each summer we hope they will address staffing issues but they don't. Folks on South shore have better options in town if you want better food and quicker service. read more

Would give 0 stars if possible. Took us over an hour to get simple food for 4. First clue should have been seeing all the other customers sitting with no food in from of them. Ordered sandwiches with drinks and fries, received drinks with no ice, no fries. Whole bunch of cooks in the kitchen, apparently no one managing the kids working there. Alpenhorn has been terrible for years, so I guess I'm the idiot for continuing to return. You just assume that with new ownership things may change, but no. Same old shitty food. Worst part about it is that it's the only choice for family food without driving into Chelan. read more

horrible customer service!! Food is ok, but overpriced.

hey fyi do not go before calling to make sure they are open. it is a long drive to find out their website is wrong. friday night not open!!!! read more

It's a tradition to stop and get a shake and burger. Love this place. Pricey for a burger joint, but so delicious!

fish and chips were burnt, burgers had the wrong condiments, banana milkshake was decent tho

Great setting, friendly staff. The food was average, they seemed to add too much sauce and seasoning then skimp a bit on the sandwich meats. Worth it for the atmosphere, just don't go for the food. Prices were a tad on the high side as well. Milkshakes are thick and good. read more