This place was much bigger inside than I expected without feeling crowded. There is also a few outdoor tables too. Even though it was busy, there were plenty of staff members and everyone was friendly. The wait looked intimidating at first, we had about 30 groups ahead of us. We ended up waiting around an hour, which was pretty fast considering how packed it was. The food was great overall. My only complaint was the country potatoes. They didn't taste much different from the hash browns. I was expecting diced potatoes with a little more seasoning, so they were a bit underwhelming. For their famous coffee cake, it was absolutely delicious! It was definitely on the sweeter side, but I would honestly come back just for a slice. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable for how much food you get. At the end of the day, it's breakfast food. I thought it was a step above places like IHOP or Denny's and I'd come back again read more

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I love coming to this restaurant. The have great food, quality service, and worth the long wait lol. The coffee cake is a MUST! read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Coffee cake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

I'm a French dip lover and my experience here is that their French dip was the best I've had. Unfortunately my last order everything had changed. The bread, no aus juice and the fries were even different. I recommend that you ask before you buy to eat. Make sure it's what you want and your experience will be great. The service is still strong along with the ambiance of everyone enjoying their food. The photos reflect the old French dip. I really hope this was a mistake and that the French dips are back to normal. read more

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There are so many brunch places in Redlands, maybe even too many. (Not possible.) I feel like I've tried every single one except Carolyn's until recently. I've had their famously delicious coffee cake many times at events, but it was a grave mistake to not dine-in sooner. Their food is phenomenal. So good, the entire family has shared every single plate all together every time we've gone. Amazing portions, creative dishes, and the coffee cake cannot be understated. Thank you for making it an option as a bread side! Looking forward to taking everyone I know here for brunch. read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Carolyn's Famous Coffee Cake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

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Eggs were wildly inconsistent across the table. I ordered over medium and received undercooked eggs with visible albumin. My son's over medium eggs came out fully cooked through, while my mother's were actually prepared correctly. The hash looked promising at first, but once the few larger pieces of corned beef were picked out, it was almost entirely potato. Overall, it leaned heavily toward overcooked, mashed potatoes with very little actual corned beef and lacked proper crisp. Toast wasn't toasted--just loaded with an excessive amount of butter. Drew, our server, was super personable and attentive and easily the highlight of the visit. read more

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Came here on a Tuesday morning with my kiddo. This place is located in a strip mall shopping plaza. The interior had a typical diner aesthetic, nothing special inside. You can tell that a lot of people here were regulars. The staff were friendly and the food was good. I got the breakfast croissant and my daughter got the kids pancake meal that comes with two sides. She really enjoyed her eggs and pancake shaped like Mickey. If ever in the area, I would come back to try other menu item. read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Buttermilk Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

Carolyn's is a great breakfast/lunch stop that has a classic diner feel to it. There was a bit of a wait, but the staff was really friendly and helpful. The portions here are huge. So be sure to bring your appetite. I had to try their coffee cake. And it was worth sharing with the table. Highly recommend. read more

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It's been a while since I've been here. Came here with a couple friends. My rating hasn't changed and as usual they're busy. This time I ordered the breakfast (smothered) burrito with gravy. It was good! Friends got the corned beef hash and the birria hash. We also got their infamous coffee cakes to go. It is still delicious! Oh and customer service is excellent! read more

Carolyn's Cafe - "Smothered" Breakfast Burrito, Home Style Corned Beef Hash, Birria Hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

‍ EVERY single time we come here to visit, today was a special one too to honor my father in law turning 78 years young. Lacey was our amazing server who was incredibly attentive and giving suggestions on what her favs are. Food leaves me speechless. A must try if you're coming for the first time, 10th time, the coffee cake is something my baking heart wishes I could just observe how they make it and carry it to the grave and the way that melted butter just soaks into the cake, just perfect. Tried to keep it balanced by going a little healthier today and ate the California omelet with turkey bacon, with country potatoes that was seasoned well. The table went silent as we all welcomed our plates placed in front of us and gasped in awe of how fast our food came. You gotta come early if you don't wanna wait but post 10 am and guarantee a 40-50 min wait depending on your party, which we had 6 total. Inside it's cozy, reminds you of home, and the smell and sizzle of butter just fills your nostrils up. There's no place I'd rather pick if we want a great brunch spot where they'll make you feel like family every time. Much love always read more

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Bad- waitlist is long . Seating is not instant. Wait time needed. Also, price point is not cheap. For what's it worth, I don't think is affordable for families. Good- coffee cake is only thing that caught my eye to visit but as far as other breakfast items, it's not giving "wow" factor -pretty basic. Coffee cake is tasty! read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

Another great breakfast with Mom at Carolyn's! Always delicious with generous portions. The weather was fine, so we chose to sit outside this time where it was a bit quieter and had immediate seating. One thing that can make or break when choosing to sit outside is the service. You won't be forgotten here! Big shout-out to Drew for keeping timely tabs on us and for his all around great personality. read more

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Found another delicious cake and I am so happy. The restaurant is always busy, and the service is quick and attentive. I dined in once and decided this is my go-to spot for coffee cake to go. I am not a big fan of their breakfast, but the cake is a big yes for me. It is not too sweet, very tasty, and comes with butter on the side. I sometimes buy a few to gift to my family and friends, and they love it. read more

Everything was delicious..... especially the coffee cake.... The homemade potato's are pretty terrific too.... Staff is professional and quick to make your experience great.... Very attentive and friendly.... Get here early... the place does fill up... but it's always been worth my wait... I love it read more

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We came back to Carolyn's Café on Christmas Eve for a family breakfast, and once again, it was absolutely wonderful. They're featuring a new fall menu, and the birria omelet is hands down to die for. It was so good that when Jan, the owner, stopped by our table to chat and ask how everything was, I told her she had to keep it on the menu. To my surprise (and excitement!), she said it's actually being added permanently! That personal touch meant so much--Jan taking the time to talk with us really shows how much care goes into this place. We planned to share the omelet, and when we mentioned that, they thoughtfully split it into two perfectly plated meals. Honestly, it looked like (and was) a full meal on its own, so generous that I thought I was going to split that portion but ended up with my own plate instead of sharing with my husband. The kids' bunny chocolate chip pancakes were such a fun and thoughtful touch, and of course, the coffee cake is still to die for, as always. Another well-deserved five stars for Carolyn's Café, amazing food, generous portions, warm service, and exciting new menu updates. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Food was delicious, portions were HUGE, and the service was friendly and welcoming even with the place packed full of customers. Staff worked hard to keep everything running smoothly, and the atmosphere felt comfortable. The biscuits & gravy were excellent and the Birria hash was seriously good. Only downside was the churro waffle, great idea, but it seemed to absorb too much oil, giving it a strange texture and aftertaste. Everything else was great though. Would definitely come back. read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Churro waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

The place gets very busy and we went on a Tuesday. The place is big and has outdoor seating. The food is enough for two. The service was fast and friendly. A must try is the coffee cake. read more

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The standout for me was definitely the coffee cake--it was absolutely delicious and worth ordering. While I thought the main breakfast dishes could have used a bit more flavor, the overall experience was still positive. Between the warm service and great baked goods, I would definitely come back and give more of the menu a try. read more

Found this place on Instagram after seeing a review about their coffee cake--specifically the one covered in butter--so I had to check it out. By far one of the best coffee cakes I've ever had. It was rich, flavorful, and exactly what I was hoping for. I also ordered the California scrambler, and everything on the plate was on point. The country potatoes stood out--crispy, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. Overall, the breakfast was excellent. Portions are big and definitely shareable, which is always a plus. Service was also great. The waitress was friendly, attentive, and very communicative throughout the visit. If you're in the area--or even if you're not--it's worth the stop. Highly recommend. read more

This was my first time at this restaurant, and although it took quite a while to get a table, it was definitely worth the wait. I recommend going early, parking in a shady spot, and waiting until your table is ready. You can also reserve online, but for some reason the app wasn't working the day we went. The servers were friendly and attentive, and the portions were huge--we ended up bringing leftovers home. Everything we tried was delicious, but their coffee cake is to die for! I had to get a slice to go. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

In celebration of wrapping up a semester of school, friends and I visited the renowned Carolyn's Cafe. It was all of our first time. We heard that Carolyn's Cafe offers great brunch options, and the reviews are Correct. As soon as we got the menu, our eyes could not rest as we were reading through all the variety of menu items offered. You can get a burrito, an omelette, pancakes, French toast, coffee bread, salads, hash browns, rice bowls, and more. We each got an assortment of coffee cake, pancakes, and omelettes. The portions are generous and range from about $15-$20 for a plate. We were regularly checked in by our server Lauren - thank you so much. The whole cafe bustled with family and friends gathering together to spend time with one another. I sensed a comfort of home just being here. There's plenty of seating inside and free parking outside. Please don't miss the coffee cake! read more

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Came on a Saturday morning and it was so busy. I came with a party of 6 and there was a 20 min wait. The menu is very vast and made it hard to choose what to get so I got a bit of everything. The Reese pancake was good but the peanut butter cream mixture they made was way too salty it threw off the dish. I added a side of eggs and bacon to this the bacon was not crispy enough it was floppy. The steak and eggs were good and the steak was cooked pretty well. The country fried steak and potato's were delicious I loved the crispy steak and the gravy was nice and flavorful. The coffee cake is also delicious, moist, and soft. The portions were huge we all took togos. The service was nice and fast and ensured our coffee cup was always full. Overall, good experience I would come back. read more

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Service was fast at 9am We came in and it was busy but seated right away. Very sweet lady attended us They have great service, they walk around to make sure you don't need anything while eating Food was delicious! Huge portions also Very very big portions, we had a lot of leftovers Super worth your $$ It was so good! Great flavors Perfectly salted, potatoes with bell peppers and onions for .99c more was super worth it Big menu and many choices but the gravy was sooo yummy! Coffee cake was amazing also read more

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This deep fried coffee cake is served with carmel sauce and butter. If you get it, plan on sharing. :) It's a lot to handle, and totally a dessert vibe. read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Deep Fried Crumb Cake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

Always busy and always good Worth the wait!!! We come from up the hill to enjoy this wonderful Cafe! John&Barbara read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

The food is worth the wait! The service is super friendly and wonderful and they check up on you throughout. The vibe is a cute breakfast nook kinda feeling and I love it! I got the heart healthy but with whole eggs and bacon and it was CRISPY bacon! With the biscuits and gravy and my partner loved it! He got the Nutella and strawberry pancakes and they're HUGE with HOT PANCAKE SYRUP!!! They do not MISS here! I can't wait to come back!!! Thank you guys!!! read more

Came he after hi king for the first time And it did not disappoint, the food is so good Friendly staff and well, highly recommend read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Frisco Burger - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

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Still my favorite coffee cake hands down !! Service is always great ! Food is always made fresh and very family friendly. They only have one bathroom which is hard when you have little ones who can't hold their potty. But it's always clean inside. Came in on a Wednesday around 11 there wasn't a wait, gotta seated right away. The chicken fried chicken was great just wish they added more gravy. Love coming here, definitely a must try !! read more

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Been coming here for years and never had a bad experience with food or service. Place is always packed but clean and organize! So today, from all variety of food I've had eaten here.. this would be my favorite ones and would continue to order whenever I'll come back! I had order Birria Hash and lovely waitress recommended with hot green sauce. OMG it was so delicious! Def recommend to try and don't forget the coffee cake too yall. read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Birria Hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

Their coffee cake was soooo good fresh warm and it wasn't too sweet or bitter or dry at all .Breakfast was also great too. nice portions and at a great price definitely our new go to spot for brunch. Our waitress was attentive and kind. read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Their coffee cake was just so good not too sweet or bitter.it was fresh and warm and the butter was amazing. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

My daughter had a soccer tournament this weekend in Redlands so I searched for a breakfast spot. We arrived on a Sunday around 10ish. The wait was between 35-40 minutes. The place was busy, but everything seemed to be moving quick. We finally got our table around 40 minutes later. Ordered some coffee to start off. Looked over the menu, my son and I decided to order the California scramble, my husband ordered the biscuit Benedict and my daughter got the banana chocolate chip pancakes. Of course we chose the coffee cake as one of our sides. The coffee cakes came out first, they were warm and topped with butter. I can see what the rave is about. The coffee cake was delicious! Our food came out soon after. We all enjoyed our food. The pancakes can definitely be shared between 2-3 people, they were a stack of 2 huge pancakes. My son and I loved our scramble and my husband said his food was delicious as well. Too bad we don't live close by, this place would definitely be our go to breakfast spot. read more

This place has become one of our family's regular spots, and we probably eat here a couple of times a month at this point. It's one of those places that feels comfortable the second you walk in -- good food, friendly atmosphere, and the kind of local cafe you keep coming back to without even thinking twice about it. The coffee cake is basically mandatory for us now. We always end up getting some at the table and extra to go because somehow one piece is never enough. Soft, buttery, and dangerous in the best way possible. Our usual go-to is the breakfast burrito, which is consistently solid every time we come in. Big portions, flavorful, and actually filling without feeling overdone. I'll also switch it up sometimes and get the chorizo Benedict, which has become another favorite. The chorizo gives it a really good kick without overpowering everything else. Service has always been friendly, and even when they're busy the place still has that relaxed hometown breakfast vibe. Definitely one of our regular comfort-food spots in the area. read more

We came 1/2 hr before closing which was 1pm. Ordered lunch and the sandwich's are Hugh! No room for dessert! The place is packed and noisy! But that's ok u come for the food! read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Pastrami Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

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Great service, good portions, and delicious dishes. Can be a wait but there's always to-go orders. read more

Horrible service, I understand being busy. However dirty utensils, COLD FOOD, sloppy food being brought to customer is unacceptable. How do you have that many people working there and have zero sense of accountability or quality control. QUALITY HERE HAS SEVERELY FALLEN. Don't believe me check your forks, spoons, cups, and plates. read more

The food is so good. So far this is my second visit. First time the chile verde omelette. Oh my so tasty. The coffee cake warm and fresh. Second visit the Beef dip with a side of pickles and pepper jack cheese. (My choice). This sandwich didn't disappoint. Meat pirtion was perfect and grilled red onions yummmmmmy! I will definitely get this again. Service was good. We sat outside it was a nice day to be outside. read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Beef Dip with Pepper Jack cheese, Fries, side of pickles. Onion rings & fries. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

Carolyn's has always been great service and great food. Never been disappointed no matter how busy they are air what time we pop in there. It's a great home cooking restaurant. I cooked in restaurants a very long time throughout my career in the food service industry. This restaurant is always clean and my favorite thing on their menu is of course the coffee cake. Can't go wrong with their biscuits and gravy either read more

Definitely my favorite breakfast place. I've been coming here for years and have never had a dish I didn't like. I would definitely recommend the mediterranean omelet and the coffee cake of course. The servers are always so kind and everything feels cozy, just make sure to get there early because there's always a bit of a wait. read more

Loved my food! Service was great & I checked in on Yelp to expedite the process of being seated (highly recommended, they're busy everyday). The ambiance is nothing short of an old school diner feel, and it is clean with indoor and outdoor seating (strip mall). The staff is always so kind, from start to finish. I had the chicken fried chicken & was honestly expecting to not be pleased with the gravy & flavor of the chicken , but it was great and I would come back to order it again. I opted for potatoes O'Brien with it , poached eggs & the famous coffee cake. Coffee was my drink, their coffee is honestly so light to where it tastes like water. That's my only complaint here. I'll be back! read more

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Birria Hash- 4 stars (L) Big Breakfast- 5 stars (A) - 3 eggs, biscuit, 2 sausage patties smothered with gravy and cheese Country fried steak- 4 stars Country potatoes- 4 stars Sausage gravy- 4 stars Coffee Cake- 5 stars Service - 5 stars for a greasy spoon. read more

Food is amazing! The staff are wonderful and friendly! the coffee cake is to die for. A must if you are in Redlands read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Spinach, Mushroom Omelette with bacon added and the delicious coffee cake!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California