Anytime there's a restaurant or establishment with over 3000 reviews on yelp it peaks my interest. Especially when its well above a 4 star review. I just had to come try this place out. They close at 1pm, but when we arrived at 12 this place was still busy. And by 1230 people were still coming in. They have several small tables outside and lots of seating inside. Customer service is really friendly. The waitresses here are quick. They joke. They are attentive. Always topping off our coffees before they reach half cup. The biggest problem we had was deciding what to order as their many is extremely expansive!! Everything sounded so good and I wanted a little of everything. The food too comes out quickly. And are extremely large portions. Most importantly though we were in and out in about an hour without feeling rushed! I ordered their country fried steak breakfast with potatoes and their famous coffee cake. It was large enough portions that I didnt have to eat the rest of the day!! The country fried steak was gathered in graveyard. But it lacked a bit of salt and flavor. The potatoes were good. Some charred and burnt bits, really added to the crunch. And you get 2 eggs your way also. It was a very hearty meal. The coffee cake was amazing!! Moist, warm, decadent, rich, not overly sweet. It was pure awesomeness. They provide you eith some syrup, but the crazy thing is the syrup is warm!! Never had that before. Not room temp but actually warm, which really kept the integrity of the warm coffee cake. That and the cup of hot black coffee would be enough for a nice little treat next time. The pancakes were OK. You can upgrade the regular buttermilk pancake for any of their specialty pancakes. The cinnamon taste of the cinnamon pancake was just lost in the sugary drizzle. The lemon blueberry poppy seed pancake was slightly better. You taste the nice subtle flavors of the blueberry and the lemon. The Pan in Gardena I feel has far superior pancakes. Overall a good establishment for breakfast and brunch. Their coffee cake is a must try, even for those who dont like coffee. There's something there on the menu for everyone. The food is very filling. I kinda didn't like how it made me feel after. I was stuffed!! Its been 18 hours since I ate and im not even 1 bit hungry. read more

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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

Their breakfast never misses. I tried the chilaquiles today and this is the best thing I've had on the menu. The service continues to be great and I love the ambiance. read more

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

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Rolled into Carolyn's Café around 8 AM and the lot was already packed--always a good sign. Parking? Surprisingly easy. Inside, I was greeted right away by a friendly team that let us take our time with the menu. The insider tip here is the coffee cake, and trust me... don't skip it. Crunchy top, fluffy sponge center--it's a slice of perfection. Honestly worth the visit just for that. I went with the smothered burrito covered in gravy, and wow--it was huge and packed with flavor. Comfort food at its finest. A friend tried the chilaquiles, but heads up: they're not traditional Mexican style. That said, there are plenty of hits on the menu. Pro tip: Come hungry, save room for the coffee cake, and maybe bring a friend to help tackle those massive portions. Carolyn's Café is an easy 10/10 for me--friendly service, generous plates, and that legendary coffee cake that lives up to the hype. Definitely a must-stop in Redlands! read more

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

Came here for the famous coffee cake... always delicious. I got churro French toast from the fall menu. It was pretty good. A little too sweet with the icing but good nonetheless. The eggs were a little too watery and the sausage a little dry. But I still enjoyed my meal. Can't say the same for my husband's burrito. He was very unsatisfied with it. It tasted like canned sauce. The service was fantastic, we sat at the bar and our waitress was on it! This place is always packed with a wait l, it's also super loud. But I think it can be worth the wait if only for the coffee cake. read more

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Tried out this brunch place on the way back from a Big Bear trip, and it was amazing and so worth the wait!! The yelp waitlist was closed (probably due to it being so popular), so we arrived there and checked in. We had a group of 7 people + 1 dog, so we requested outdoor seating. We were quoted around 1-1.5 hour wait, but we got seated in around 40 minutes for an outdoor table. The food is delicious - great flavors and portions!! Most of their dishes come with your choice of country potatoes, hash browns, or fruit, and your choice of toast, pancake, or their famous coffee cake. I ordered the California Scramble with turkey bacon with country potatoes and coffee cake. Their coffee cake definitely lived up to the hype. It was so flavorful, buttery, and had some crunch and nice texture! The service is also amazing!! They checked up on us frequently and were quick when we asked for things. They refilled our coffees and waters frequently as well. I would definitely come back if I'm in the area. read more

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

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Food and service are always great, even when the place is packed. Love, love their coffee cake!

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

The food rocks! The service rocks! This was my 2nd time here and I'll be back! They seat you quickly and even if there's a wait they make it go very smoothly. Quick, efficient and friendly service read more

10 stars. Delicious food and wow what an extensive menu. Something for everyone and more. Service was ok, but expected as they were super busy on Saturday morning. High 5 to the BusBoys as they were hustling all morning, and were super attentive to the diners in the absence of their Server. We got on the waitlist from our hotel, travelled the 15 minute drive an then waited maybe another 15 which the app said 30-35 minute wait so they were right in! We sat outside so ambiance wasn't exactly special, inside looked like a cozy kitchen diner. Will be back when in Redlands. Oh! And the coffee cake was amazing! Can't wait for another slice! read more

Amazing! Coffee cake, big portion, shared a plate. Love this place. It's worth the wait. read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Breakfast, Gravy biscuits with egg on top and hash browns. Coffee cake. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

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The coffee cake is to die for! I ate some with my meal and bought a piece to go, and I'm so glad I did.

Coffee cake is FIRE! Typical breakfast food otherwise. Long wait (for popular cake), good service, and food.

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

We stopped in today for brunch and it was a packed house. Highly recommend getting in line on Yelp or making a reservation ahead of time. There was In And outdoor seating available. Plenty of breakfast and lunch options with a good number of vegetarian options. Clam chowder was good but nothing to write home about. Coffee cake was good but I think the butter made it a tad too salty for me- I think a sweet cream unsalted butter May be better?! Not sure but I'd order it on the side as it melts all on the plate soaking into the cake. I ordered the veggie hash. 3/5 too many potatoes which were flavorless. They veggies however were good, egg was supposed to be cooked medium but came out quite easy and the whites still runny. My significant other ordered the Florentine Benedict which he enjoyed but the muffin it was served on was dense. Served with a side of potatoes or hash browns- came with enough hash browns for 2 . Service was quick and the waitress was pleasant. I also notice the waitress speaks sign language which I feel is so useful and awesome seeing her interact with the couple who needed her skills. Place was casual, home style and nothing fancy. Overall I'd say 3.5 is my rating based on the food. 3 for ambiance . 5 stars for service . read more

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Today was the first time I dined at Carolyn's Cafe, There was a wait, but the food was definitely worth it! The staff were so kind, friendly and professional. Their Coffee Cake is SCRUMPTIOUS! Looking for a great place for awesome breakfast grub try Carolyn's Cafe! You won't be disappointed! read more

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Carolyn's Cafe is one of those spots that just never misses. I've had most of the menu at this point, and the food is always amazing -- no matter what you order, it comes out fresh, flavorful, and exactly what you're hoping for. It's that classic, comforting breakfast and lunch spot that just hits every time. The ambiance is just as great as the food and service -- it has that warm, cozy, small-town diner feel that makes you want to sit back, relax, and actually enjoy your meal. It feels welcoming the second you walk in, like a true neighborhood staple. The service is top-tier. Everyone who works there is extremely friendly and genuinely makes you feel welcome. They go out of their way for you, and you can tell they care about the experience, not just getting you in and out. It's a true IE classic -- the kind of place that's been doing it right for years. There's usually a bit of a wait, but it's 100% worth it every single time. And you have to try their famous coffee cake -- it's a must. Perfectly moist, sweet, and honestly one of the best things on the menu. Never disappoints. A true oldie but goodie. read more

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Been here like 5 times. I'm actually waiting to be seated as we speak. Highly recommended. Love this place. The food and service is amazing. I live in Ontario now but still eat here any chance I get. read more

It's been about 2 years since we last eaten here. Mostly cuz of my husbands work schedule. But he had a day off during the week, and we're had time to wait for bomb food. We waited about 30 min. But it's totally worth the wait. I really don't care for coffee cake. But man oh man every time my husband gets his I'm always sneaking bites of it. He always tells me to get my own. So I brought one home lol. I'm not waiting another 2 years to come back. read more

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The coffee cakes are sooo good must have. The food is pretty good. But the coffee cakes are the best

5 stars purely based off that coffee cake OMG it's too good to be true!!! I haven't even received my breakfast yet and I ran here to write about how amazing it is. read more

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

Their own special coffee cake is the bomb! Now they went over the top. They made the coffee cake into French toast. Definitely a sugary tasty treat!! read more

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

Carolyn's staff, service, and food is just amazing! I've never had a bad experience and will continue to visit here for the food and atmosphere. Appreciate you staying consistent. read more

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

Carolyn's...one of my favs. The coffee cake...this is why we come here. So good. Their breakfast selection is well rounded and always has something for everyone. They have a pancake of the month you should check out. The staff is always nice and does a great job of tending to everyone whether you're seated inside or outside. Pricing isn't bad, portions are on the plentiful side. Cute decorations adorn the walls inside, outside seating isn't your typical "patio dining" your near those that may be waiting for their turn to be seated and the parking lot. read more

Food was ok. The coffee cake was good and service was great but sitting at the counter while you see flies land on the coffee cake that's not covered was not appealing to watch. Sadly there was a young white guy with semi curly hair that was just standing not helping much and it was very frustrating to watch. I kept hearing a lady ask for his help shhe was busy but was just standing there. read more

COFFE CAKE DREAM... Amazing coffee cake and food. Love the burgers with Ortega chiles and the breakfast omelets are great tasting and chicken fried steak lovers dream read more

Late post for Mother's Day treat from my son snd daughter- in- law! Since we arrived before they opened @7 am ,we were seated right away! Got pretty packed within the hour! This restaurant offers breakfasts and lunch menus till they close at 1 pm last June! Large serving portions breakfaplating can be expected! I had the Fried Chicken Benedict ! It was served with poached eggs topped on English muffin, hand- breaded deep fried chicken breast , smothered with country gravy , sides of country style potatoes and toast. Coffee cake was the finale of the meal! read more

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I would come back for the coffee cake alone. I get why it's famous. It's moist and flavored just right, not too much cinnamon, not dry just delicious! Never thought to put deli meat in a scrambler so have the deli scrambler a try as non-pork meat options were limited. Can't say I would get it again, the potatoes are seasoned well and service was excellent. It can get pretty busy so recommend making a reservation or going early. read more

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Love how they give you a stir stick for your coffee! The loaded breakfast burrito was covered 1/2 in gravy and 1/2 in a green sauce..great combo. You can tell the tortilla chips are made fresh for the chilaquiles. The crunchy corn flakes and almond chunks was a nice touch on the French Toast. We did try the famous coffe cake. Yee haw that cake was delicious with its heaping scoop of butter plopped and all melty on top! We dug into it so fast we didnt take a photo LOL. Servers are friendly and come around to top your drinks often! Outside seating is comfy and the inside is cozy! read more

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Carolyn's is the kind of place that's buzzing from the moment the doors open--casual, busy, and definitely on the louder side (in a fun, local diner kind of way). Come early, because they open early and close early too--so no brunch procrastination here! Service? Carolyn's got it down. Friendly, fast, and warm--she makes you feel like a regular even if it's your first visit. As for the food: the country fried steak was tasty and satisfying (comfort food done right), eggs Benedict were just okay (not bad, but not a standout), and the coffee cake with butter? Yum--definitely the sweet spot of the meal. Overall, nothing mind-blowing, but a solid breakfast spot if you're looking for that classic diner feel and great service. Would come back for Carolyn's alone read more

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I had my first experience with Carolyn's Cafe a few days ago. Carolyn's is a very busy breakfast cafe rated very highly for their food and service. We were a group of six and it was Sunday morning and they got us in and seated within 20 minutes. We were waited on quickly and our food came out quickly. The food was delicious and in very large portions. This place does it right. We will be back. The staff (wait personnel) were outstanding. They appeared glad we were there and happy to be waiting on us. read more

I wish this cafe was local to me, it's so good! I plan on eating here anytime I'm in the area. Don't miss out on this gem of a place. Good service and great food! Always a wait, but you can join the waitlist on Yelp. Coffee cake rocks! read more

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Busy Busy But perfect for a birthday party ... yelp is a great way to get in line ... a true gem in Redlands

My experience is going to be limited as I didn't actually dine inside. Instead we used DOORDASH to order their INFAMOUS coffee cake. It took a brief 10 minutes from the time we placed the order to when it was ready. They served it hot/warm with a hefty dollop of butter (salted) which was melting down the entirety of the cake - also a good size that's shareable for 2 (or delicious just for one when you really feel like indulging!) I was not steered wrong ! This coffee cakes takes it for me. Perfectly sweet and salty with the butter. Bites with soft cake and crunchy bits. So worth a trip here even if it's just for the coffee cake. Luckily I live far away - or I'd be here much too often for my own good ! 10/10 from me ! read more

Went to this restaurant and waited over 45 minutes. Heard it was worth the wait. Coffee cake was fantastic. Breakfast unfortunately was not. The country fried steak tasted off. I only ate a quarter of it. Shortly after I became violently ill. Diarrhea and vomiting. My husband phoned them and let them know. Their response was. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. That's it. Never going back! read more

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

Good food. The feel of the restaurant is homey like if you are in your own dining room. Staff is always happy even when there is lots of people waiting. I especially like the new wait text, I can wait in my car or walk around area without missing out on my name being called. Great job Carolyn's read more

I remember when this was a little hole in the wall place across from the freeway. Word got out and now everybody knows about their coffee cake. It's out of this world. We might live an hour and a half away depending on traffic, but we would still travel for this coffee cake. In fact I would crawl through mud for this coffee cake. The people there are amazing. Yes you have to get there early and put your name on the list but it's worth the wait. read more

As always, the visit to Carolyn's was delightful. The service is ALWAYS wonderful. With friendly and attentive servers. The food is super delicious with the cooks always nailing special order instructions. {I always get the chorizo scrambler with my breakfast potatoes extra crispy and it's delicious!! Cooked to perfection} But the reason we first came and what brings us back every time? The coffee cake!! To die for. With the perfect amount of butter added to the top, served warm. It never disappoints. And fingers crossed, you'll get a corner piece!! read more

Carolyn's Cafe - Coffee cake, with butter on top!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Redlands, California

What an amazing experience! Stopped in on the way home after a concert overnighter at Yaamava. It was a Tuesday at 11a and it was an HOUR wait!! We were shocked! But after seeing some of the food, we got patient real quick!! About 35 minutes later, we were seated. The place has a cute, diner feel. The servers were nice and informative because there is so much to choose from on the menu. The four of us chose different items and were all pleased. Everything was tasty with huge portions! But that coffee cake....life changing! Would never plan on getting coffee cake but so glad we did! We thought at first glance it came with ice cream but no....it's a scoop of whipped, salty, creamy butter melting down a moist, cinnamon crunchy, coffee buttery cake that will just bring joy to your life. I will dream about it from here on out..... read more

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

First time here and Claudia was our server. Great experience! My family and I were seated in a timely manner despite the busy day. Food was delicious and had flavor. Had their famous coffee cake and it did not disappoint. Will definitely come back here when we're back in the area. Come early to beat the rush! read more