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Vera's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants American (Traditional) Diners, American (Traditional) [Edit]
5417 22nd Ave NW(between N Ballard Ave & Market St)
Seattle, WA 98107
Neighborhood: Ballard
(206) 782-9966
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 8 am - 2:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Alexandra P. said: "Honestly, whats not to like about this place?! I've been coming here for years and that alone should say something about the place. Great food, great service, and its a fun place to dive into with some friends and get all messy! The…" read more »
66 reviews for Vera's Restaurant
Review Highlights
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66 reviews in English
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Review from Chris B.
It's always nice to have a go to place for breakfast in walking distance, well at least from my girlfriend's place. Vera's is just that, just your run of the mill coffee shop that does the classics right. Fresh squeezed OJ, nice size portions and just all around good food.
This last time is was there I ordered a special off the board, a Chorizo and egg scramble topped with sour cream and salsa, served with hash browns and floor tortillas. It had great flavor and the tortillas were really fresh. A must order special! -
Review from Joshua J.
Solid breakfast joint. I'm a little tough on breakfast places having worked in sucha place eons ago. Eggs are... ART!
I had spinach benedict, a little soggy, but tasty enough. Hash browns not hashish enough, I mean hashy? Lananas was great, sweet, not acidic. But that's beside the point. Great coffee, plus one star! Caffe Umbria I think...
Problem here, Kiss Cafe's Monte Cristo would blow this outta the water, I"m pretty sure, and only a few blocks. Still a solid breakfast. -
Review from Johnny W.
One of the few diners in Seattle (or anywhere, really) that I enjoyed frequenting, as Vera's offered up solid food that was much better than your average run-of-the-mill diner food - that's not to say it was healthier or less greasy than most diner food, but it was certainly much tastier. My go to was usually their corned beef hash, but they served up a tasty eggs benedict as well.
In addition to good breakfast food, their friendly service and reasonable prices made Vera's a default for my sporadic breakfast meetups with another Ballard friend. Cash or check only though, so plan accordingly - my first first, a friend and I (a Jew and a Chinese person) were seen counting up a massive pile of change in order to pay our bill. -
Review from Lana M.
Seattle, WA
YES! Vera's now accepts credit cards!
Mmmm....breakfast. I could eat breakfast at any point during the day. Fortunately, working in the area makes Vera's convenient for "morning staff meetings" or a quick take out lunch when nothing but something that my stomach equates to "breakfast lovingly made by grandma" will do.
Our entire staff likes the basic 3 eggs, hash browns and toast. Throw in that adding bacon means 4 giant and perfectly cooked slabs - who doesn't LOVE bacon? - and you're in business! As another reviewer commented, few restaurants know what Over-Medium means, and Vera's does it right. Scrambled with cheese?...yep, pure perfection.
The service is friendly, attentive and for the most part quick. It's not often that we wait for the waitress to take our order (generally she swoops by with coffee and asks if it's the usual, all around). Ten minutes or less and the aroma of grandmotherly goodness is placed in front of us!
Whether you're in a business suit or a pair of yoga pants, crocs and a sweatshirt, you're treated the same...with a warm smile, quick service and wonderful yummy food. -
Review from Kris W.
Seattle, WA
I was surprised and impressed by my first trip to Vera's. Based on other reviewers' comments, I expected it to be a typical greasy spoon. Judging by other commenters' term "greasy spoon," I'd say that few if any of them have ever lived in Georgia and breathed the grease-thick air of a Waffle House.
Our food came out incredibly fast, and was very fresh. My wife's hash browns were crispy outside, soft inside and not at all oily. My son's strawberries were fresh cut for his french toast (not the typical canned strawberries with syrup). And my waffle was cooked perfectly and came with two links, two crispy strips of bacon, and two perfectly cooked scrambled eggs.
All this and no waiting in Ballard at 11am on a beautiful Sunday morning in July? I'll be back :)
P.S. They serve Cafe Umbria drip. Not quite the acrid black liquid of your average greasy spoon. -
Review from Sean M.
Edmonds, WA
This is what Ballard was... Before the condos and Belltowners.
Old school before old school was cool. Formica counters and wall papered interiors. The crowd is a mix of old and new because the menu is classic and fairly priced.
It's like Beth's without all the eggs and attitude. -
Review from Doug C.
People often wonder if a name is destiny. For example, if you name your kid "Brutus", is it possible for him not to end up a tough guy? If you name him "Rufus", he's bound to be likable? If you name him "Cletus", isn't he likely to drop out of high school and commit a felony?
The same thing holds true for restaurants. Diners and breakfast places named "Vera's" or "Flo's" or even "Minerva's" are destined to be old-school places.
And that's what you get here. The decor is basic and looks like it comes from the 70's. Not the neon orange shag carpet 70's, but more the faded furniture kind. The cash register looks like a 1930's throwback and like the 1800's they don't accept credit cards here. (Note: I understand the small business credit card fees argument, I'm just pointing out that you need to bring cash to this establishment.) Prices are probably average to slightly higher for the Ballard breakfast; a recent breakfast for two was just under $30.
Fortunately, the fare here is also standards from the good old days: omelets, scrambles, french toast and coffee fill the menu. At the most recent visit, I had a ham and cheese omelet with toast and coffee. I'd call the food here average for the breakfast category and the service pleasant. I've never had a bad meal here, but I've never been wowed either. It's not exciting, but just basic food.....like you'd expect from the name.Listed in: Breakfast Blowout
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Review from Adriana K.
Seattle, WA
A second trip to Vera's I brought my brother. He laughed when he walked through the door, expecting some trendy brunch spot in Ballard, '''It looks just like a Dennys". Truly it does. Lots of tables and good for groups. Both times I have gone, service has been slow, but friendly and efficient once orders were placed.
I tried an omelette last time, which was fine. This time I tried the crab benedict which was good, but paled in comparison to an amazing crab benedict in Portland several weeks prior (VQ; a-mazing!). Eggs were poached well, and the crabcake had a decent amount of crab (like Tom Douglas, I am under the belief that crabcakes should consist primarily of..crab).
Veras is in a good location and a typical greasy spoon with some urban flair to the menu. -
Review from Brad A.
Seattle, WA
EXCELLENT BREAKFASTS! That's what I'm talkin' about! I like the food there. It's really and truly good.
HOTTIES?: None that I could see.
QUALITY: The food is very good. No surprises.
SERVICE: It's pretty good. Very courteous.
PARKING: In Ballard, depending on the time of day, you can find street parking.
RETURN?: Absolutely. That's what I'm talkin' about! -
Review from Alli D.
Stop #7,463 on the Quest for The World's Best Breakfast. (Note: approximation. Have lost count.)
Loved the atmosphere. Very home-grown and wall-papery. Liked the speed with which coffee was poured and order was taken. Almost liked the idea of eggs benedict, but couldn't pass up the prospect of french toast. Which, by the way, came with not only bacon, and not only sausage. But bacon *and* sausage. And eggs.
So, needless to say, I was one caffeinated and satisfied young lady by the time Vera was done with me. I'm not so sure it was the best breakfast ever, but maybe once I reach #10,000 I'll have a better basis of comparison.Listed in: You say 'breakfast', I say…
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Review from Minda w.
A good solid diner. Clean and friendly.
Ballard Scramble - bacon mushroom green onion sour cream & cheese scramble. comes with hash browns and toast. delicious. big portions.
*This place is cash only. -
Review from Jane R.
Seattle, WA
This place has everything I want except super parking. They cook my eggs perfectly. Most places don't know what "over medium" means. Service is excellent. I love the un-pretentious atmosphere. They are family and toddler friendly with high chairs.
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Review from Phil S.
Seattle, WA
I got hungry for one of Vera's Smoked Salmon Benedicts and was delighted to see that they now take credit/debit cards. Thank you Vera's and by that I mean Yay!!!!
Listed in: Now that's good eating!, My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/24/2006
I like good Eggs Benedict dishes and Vera's has the best in my opinion. In addition to Eggs Benedict… Read more »
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4/24/2006
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Review from Stephanie P.
Seattle, WA
Some friends of mine recently came to visit from out of town, and as eager as they were to sample Seattle's exotic cuisines, by day three our stomachs were pleading for some normal, ordinary food. We happened to be in Ballard for the obligatory Archie McPhee/Cupcake Royale run, and decided that a lunchtime trip to Vera's was the best thing for our traumatized bellies.
Vera's is an unfussy, no-frills diner that serves your basic American cuisine: hamburgers, sandwiches, and hearty meat breakfasts. From the fake-wood paneling to the hand-lettered signs taped up behind the cash register, there's nothing fancy or pretentious about this joint, and therein lies its charm. The servers are friendly and attentive without being sugary. When I pointed out that I was missing a side dish, our waitress frowned, agreed, and dashed off to the kitchen to get a replacement.
I'm fond of the Bird in a Bush, which is embarrassing to order but also delicious. It's nothing fancy --- a turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce, cream cheese, and sprouts --- but it's so good, it's worth the humiliation of speaking its name. The gyro isn't the best I've ever had, but it comes generously stuffed with tender, well-seasoned meat, and the tzaziki sauce is very tasty. Their fries are always crispy and golden, never flaccid or overcooked. My dining companions were pleased with their grilled chicken pita sandwiches, waffles (the small-hole kind, not Belgian), and milkshakes.
I've never had a problem getting seated here, so it's easy to get in and out relatively quickly. Yes, it is kind of lame that they only take cash, but as long as you're aware of that going in, you can plan accordingly. Come on, you can handle it. It's worth hitting the ATM beforehand in order to enjoy their meatful, reasonably priced sandwiches and perfectly golden fries. Just because it's not exotic doesn't mean it's not special. -
Review from Natalie W.
Raleigh, NC
How it all adds up at Vera's in Ballard- CONVENIENT FROM EVERYWHERE... according to me*
Salmon Benedict= Delicious and filling... check
Chicken Fried Steak= Perfect according to the Bro... check
Artichoke Omelet with Hollandaise sauce= Couldn't be better according to the Father... check
Good portions that fill you up but don't make you feel llike you are rolling out of the dive after you eat... check
The toast and potatoes aren't main attactions or try and overshadowthe main event but sides to round it all out... check
Constant good coffee refills offered with a smile... check
Country diner feel with great service and a sign that is NEON... check
Water always topped off... check
Cash not taken with sign clearly posted as you walk in and a couple ATM's within a couple minute walk... check
Basic menu with a few fun surprises and weekday breakfast specials... check
Hollandaise sauce that is thick and perfect... check
Has a counter with chair bolted in place and a large table seating area... check
FINDING A PLACE FOR A BREAKFAST OR LUNCH ANYTIME- SINGLE OR WITH A GROUP- THAT IS AMAZING... check- done done and done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Listed in: From out of town?, Breakfast and Brunch, Eggs Benedict
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Review from alina m.
Seattle, WA
Vera's always serves me overwhelmingly filling breakfasts and perfect sandwiches. Huge portions, cheerful diner atmosphere and kind wait-staff. I also appreciate the prompt takeout service. Everything vegetarian on the menu is delicious; I've tried it all!
I only wish they were open past 3pm! -
Review from Nina W.
My daddy has been really sick lately, and I just happened to be coming from dropping off my sisters downtown at the convention center, when I thought I would go to Vera's for some pancakes.
After all, it had been 20 years or so since I had stopped in. My parents took me to Vera's a lot when I was a little kid.
The interior has not changed, but the ownership has, and so has the menu.
I ordered a stack of 3 blueberry pancakes and a coffee.
The pancakes were good, not great. They had the perfect amount of blueberry to batter ratio for my preference. Blueberry lovers would maybe feel schist-ed by the amount, but I'm not a blueberry lover so it was really perfect for me.
I found weekday service on a Friday to be fast and friendly.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/28/2008
I guess im biased because i have technically been eating at Vera's since i was in the womb. My… Read more »
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7/28/2008
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Review from Quinn R.
Solid american breakfast food. I don't know how many times I walked past this place before finally walking on in to sample there breakfast fare.
Hearty large pancakes, crisp delicious bacon..pretty much everything I want out of a breakfast place. This is how I'd make breakfast if I could cook bacon at home and knew how to not burn pancakes.
If you like simple fare this is a place for you. -
Review from Betsey S.
Vera's has so many redeeming qualities! It's old school, the servings are huge but not disgusting, the menu has all the breakfast staples plus some delish and creative specials, fresh squeezed juice, fast and efficient staff, a counter, a central location, reasonable prices, and their toast rules. I think it's homemade bread and really thickly sliced.
Vera puts lots of vegetarian things on the menu, and despite being a diner, it's very possible to get a couple servings of vegetables into your breakfast via an omelette or scramble. Even if you have to wait to be seated at Vera's, it's never very long. I think it's because there's a good mix of seating options here, from counter seats for one to two tops to large round tables for groups.
They only take cash, but like I said, they're old school. It would really hurt if Ballard lost Vera's. -
Review from Doni W.
Seattle, WA
Oh Vera, how I crave thee.
When I'm lucky enough to have a weekday morning off from work, Vera's is where I like to go for a real breakfast. No need to scan the entire menu. Just flip it over to the back side and simply pick either the A, B, or C breakfasts-- if memory serves, they're about $6 each. Not a gluttonous amount of food but just right, and no gut bomb hangover that you'd otherwise get at Denny's for your all-American breakfast. Top it off with a bottomless cup of coffee, and I am ready to rock my day. Or take a nap, which ever comes first.
Okay, it's probably the nap.
**P.S.-- The only con: They only take cash or check, so come prepared one way or the other! -
Review from Lauren D.
Seattle, WA
I'm glad to have a diner in Ballard - don't get me wrong. Being from Jersey, I know that having a diner close at hand is super, super important. But there's just nothing that special about Vera's....it's comfortable and it's consistent but it's just...there.
The florescent lighting is a little undesirable. The food is basic - tastes a little store-bought, really. Big omelettes and other typical brunch options, but a bit pricey for the quality involved.
Always friendly service though. -
Review from Zanne R.
WA
Vera's is a great place for a hearty, reasonable breakfast. The service is quick. Servers are friendly and always keeps your water glass full and your coffee piping hot. The atmosphere is open and has classic diner touches with booths and a wide variety of clientel. Despite the tray ceiling the place feels homey; it is bright and cheery.
A great place to meet friends for breakfast any time of day. -
Review from Mike M.
Ballard, Seattle, WA
Always great food and wonderful service. Love the small town feel this place offers. Don't come in expecting a grande dame of restaurants, its basic diner that serves diner food. The Ballard Scramble is great, as well as the basic pancakes, bacon or sausage, eggs, and hashbrowns breakfast. Love this place!
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Review from Sharon F.
Seattle, WA
I'm sitting here, at my new job which starts at an ungodly hour of the morning. And I am starving. I, smart girl that I am, left my ID and bank card in the pants I wore last night when I went out. Due to "the nature of the business" (concierge) being away from my desk from more than 10 minutes is frowned upon, so I cannot go home to get said ATM card.
But wait...my wallet still contains my check book, and Vera's actually takes checks! I wonder if they will whip me up some Eggs Benedict that I can just pick up and run back to my desk with?
OMFG They do to-go orders! YAY!!! I'm saved!
I like to actually eat in the restaurant, too. I savor their big ass bowl of perfectly cooked oatmeal served with a diminuitive pitcher of milk, raisins, brown sugar and butter. Yummmmm. I didn't think it would hold up very well for to-go, though. -
Review from Haley B.
Seattle, WA
I love this place. The Ballard scramble rocks and the blueberry waffle is fresh. It's a classic diner all the way, nothing too fancy. Skip the Mexican breakfast items, they are better at Senor Moose.
I just wish they would stay open late night on the weekends - then Ballard would be complete! -
Review from Aros S.
Seattle, WA
This is how a diner should be. Clean, fast, friendly and tasty! I've been going to Vera's since 1991 and have yet to find a better diner in the whole Seattle area. My personal favorite entrees are:
The hamburger patty breakfast, the veggie omelet, the eggs benedict and the gyro (best gyro in town ever since Georgo's Gyros went out of business).
The prices are fair. The only drawback to Vera's is the parking. Especially on the weekends. During the week and not during lunch you can usually find a spot on Ballard Ave. -
Review from steve c.
Denver, CO
This is what a cafe should be, namely family owned, not a chain, with good food and good prices.
I had the greek omelette, which was very tasty-my service was good (i.e. the waitress was quick, friendly but not too friendly)....highly recommended. Next time I'm in Ballard and am looking for some good breakfast grub, I'm going to come back.
Cons: (only reason they don't get 5 stars).............don't accept credit/debit..........need to take more care of cleaning the place up -
Review from Lindsey S.
San Francisco, CA
You should at least try it once, even though it's all the way in Ballard. It's amazing and delicious at the same time!
It's a diner and prices are pretty darn good for breakfast. Their eggs benedict is one of my favorites. Basic toast, nothing fancy, just yummy.
Hit the ATM, it's cash only (like most good places) -
Review from Rod O.
Seattle, WA
Ever craved diner food, hit the local greasy spoon, then walked away feeling somehow empty inside? That won't happen at Vera's. All your diner favorites are here, without the extra grease, soggy buns & fries, and gastro-intestinal distress so common at other places.
Vera's has the best bacon cheeseburger in town, and the french fries are always crisp and golden brown. Any of the grilled sandwiches are also excellent, as well as the specialty eggs benedict dishes (salmon or spinach) and the Monte Cristo. Portions are more than generous, and most come with a garnish of fresh fruits (kiwi, banana, orange, etc.). The waitstaff is friendly and generally attentive, especially when they get to know you, and even when it gets busy they do their best to keep your cup full of joe. Prices may be slightly higher than some places, but for me the quality of the food is worth an extra buck or two. The best time to go for fast service is between the breakfast and lunch rushes, between 10 and 11:30.
I suppose I ought to smear the place so that I can get a table faster, but honor demands giving credit where it's due. I've never posted a review like this before, but the folks at Vera's deserve some recognition for their fine work. I just wish they stayed open later than early afternoon. -
Review from Paul R.
Seattle, WA
Vera's is a great breakfast place and fits Ballard's personality to a "T".
The exterior masks how large the place is and the menu is that of a really good Diner.
I think what truly stands out is that there is zero pretension. If anything, someone going in there with false airs would feel unwelcome by both customers and staff alike. -
Review from Tracy M.
Ballard, WA
Enjoyed a yummy breakfast here Sunday morning. Rolled in shortly after 9 AM & was surprised to see only half the tables taken. My Smoked Salmon Benedict ($10.95) was flavorful, hubby's Italian sausage omelet ($9.95) was tasty. Coffee was something like $2.40, is that a lot these days for a cup 'o joe? Service was prompt & efficient, the food came out a teensy bit too fast (can you believe someone is 'complaining'?) our hash-browns, my muffins & the cheese topping his omelet could'a spent another few seconds on the grill. Yet heck, if it can't be Perfect, it was still scrumptious & lickity-split is better than glacier-slow :-)
We'll be back & next time I won't be such a dork & pull out of my excellent parking space to realize too late - doh - Ballard Sunday Market was underway & I should'a stuck around & bought some flowers :-) -
Review from A B.
Seattle, WA
I have been to Vera's on two occasions now. The first time I went, I had the Greek omelette, which was delicious, and the second time I got the #2 waffle breakfast, which was less impressive. The second time I went with my boyfriend who ordered the Ballard scramble which was tasty. They do the classic diner well. Although I would stick to the omelettes and scrambles.
The service is perfectly acceptable for the place, the coffee is cheap diner fare, and the decor matches the coffee well, which is not always a bad thing.
It feels a little overpriced for what you get, but that seems to be par for the course when eating in Seattle. -
Review from Stephanie T.
San Francisco, CA
Vera's is where Capitol Hill hipster-bar meets small town diner. I know it's hard to imagine, but I don't know how else to describe it -- you go and it makes sense.
Everything tastes homemade--you're not going to find that many other places. The egg-hashbrown combo is great (huevos rancheros are definitely among the best in Seattle) and sweet breakfasts (at least the waffles) are excellent; I can see why you would come here for an all-around great neighborhood experience if you lived anywhere near Ballard.
FYI, I don't know if I've been to another place like this, but Vera's takes only cash and personal local checks. -
Review from James F.
Seattle, WA
Going out for breakfast after a night of a little too much to drink is the best. usually the food is good because of my lowered expectations. Upon walking into Vera's it reminds me of the Salmon Bay Cafe just around the corner, very similar food, and atmosphere.
I order up some drip, and some breakfast, hash browns and an omelet with a side of fruit, which takes an unusually long time? When I get my order the breakfast just doesn't seem to do it for me, kinda bland yet distinctly edible and filling. The best thing I had was the side of fruit, which was fresh and delicious.
I think you can find a much better breakfast most joints in Ballard, nothing to special about Vera's. -
Review from Alexi M.
Seattle, WA
I usually love the diner experience and I am fine with "dives" but I have had a few bad experiences here. The wait staff has been rude and the food was certainly nothing special. Yes, the portions were the usual F.A.S. (Fat American Size) so you will be full at least.
Both times I went were during the busy breakfast rush, so maybe it's better to go for lunch. Oh yeah, when I was there last NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED, not sure about checks (?).
The best thing about Vera's is the awesome neon sign out front (a listing of Seattle's Best Signs is coming soon) -
Review from Lenny L.
Seattle, WA
True true.. No credit cards taken here.. But come on! This place has been around forever and it is part of the culture that makes this place rad.
Its just a old school diner.. which are rare in Seattle..
Decent food, decent price and good service.. If you are into diners.. this is perfect.. Nothing too fancy.. -
Review from Claire D.
Seattle, WA
I wanted to like Vera's but I was really underwhelmed. I don't really understand how this place is rated with only one $ sign cause my strawberry waffle was $8 by itself. Then add on another $3 for the not-included bacon and any drink and you're well over $11. So only expect one $ if you stick with the specials.
The waffle was tasty and the strawberries were sweet. Bacon was tasty like only bacon can be...but I just can't say $11 good. Service was somehow awkward, and I can't quite peg why.
I know it may be an unpopular thing to say...but it didn't knock my socks off. -
Review from Liz R.
Seattle, WA
Amazing coffee! Wonderful atmosphere!
Vera's has a large selection of tasty, filling breakfast dishes. I've sampled the california and salmon benedict- both yummy. The california invloves bacon, avocado and tomato and spinach, a combo you won't find many other places. I'm forever searching for eggy breakfasts that also offer a little something green and veggie-like, but without skipping the meat. Vera's had a lot to offer me.
The salmon benny came with an impressive pile of slamon- so much that my man couldn't finish it- and that's a rare thing.
My only quibble is the hollandaise sauce- good, but it ain't no Glo's.
Also, Vera's only takes cash, so make sure you show up with some! -
Review from J D.
Seattle, WA
Let me get this straight, Vera's: you are with the times enough to realize you can get away with charging nine dollars for a taco salad, but you can't be bothered to get a debit card machine?
Than Bros I'll get cash for, because I see how the low overhead benefits us all. But for you? I think not. -
Review from Christine S.
Seattle, WA
Stopped in to grab breakfast Sunday morning around 11am and found it only slightly more than half full. A place in Ballard that isn't overrun on the weekends?? Get. Out. Standard diner breakfast here. It's not rocket science, but it filled our greasy spoon breakfast craving, the staff was great, and we'll be back!
