This place is awesome. My wife and I come here every week. Chef Vargas is a wonderful person and his staff is super friendly. The empanadas are the best I've ever tasted. Everyone raves about the chicken and waffles as well. Support local businesses and give this place a try. read more

First yelp review, had to give it to Chef Vargas. We've been to Forcella and Flora in Jenkintown and decided to try Chef Vargas since it belongs to the same owner. The food was delicious, great service and everything was fairly inexpensive. Highly recommend read more

Chef Vargas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

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Just moved to the area and couldn't wait to try this spot out, it did not disappoint! Tacos were amazing and the sauce is soooo good plus the salad was refreshing and big too! Definitely coming back often to try everything else on the menu read more

I don't think I have ever given only two stars to a restaurant on Yelp. Unfortunately I made a mistake in not checking the dates of people's posts that this place was so awesome. Won't do that again. Pretty much all the reviews are 1 and 2 years old and not only are items that people Rave about no longer on the menu but what is still on the menu is questionable. I was greeted walking in with the sight of the waitress eating. Even after she saw me she took another bite before addressing me. During my meal, which took forever even though I was the only one there, I witnessed the chef eating behind the counter right where he was making the food. I got the salmon omelette with toasted bagel and cream cheese. I asked for my home fries well done with onions as I always do. The bagel could not have been considered toasted, the cream cheese schmear was on The Omelette not the bagel, there was a minimal amount of salmon in the omelette and the potatoes were far from well done and had about four small pieces of onions. The waitress was very sweet but checked on me once during the meal and never again. I had to holler out for her and still it was the chef that heard me and told her to come over to my table. Also, placr could use a good cleaning and watch put fpr the extension cords everywhere. Sorely disappointed and will not be back. read more

Chef Vargas - The chef, who enjoyed his own food while making others. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

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Good food. Friendly staff. The venue was difficult to find. Otherwise, everything went well.

It was great the first time I ate here a few months ago. I came here for a 2nd time (ordered the same dish) and it wasn't the same experience. The waitress looked like she was too young and her experience matched her looks. She wasn't a good server at all. I ordered the Eggs Rancheros and this time, it was over cooked. I also ordered Turkey bacon on the side and the server gave me the bacon before the dish was completed. I am not sure if I can return for a 3rd time read more

Ordered Chilaquiles. They gave me CHIPS with salsa on them. Completely different than what the menu stated. Flavor was good but it would of been nice to get what i ordered. Also overpriced read more

Great little spot. Food was great. Highly recommend this spot for brunch. Chicken and waffles were very tasty. The Caribbean Eggs Benedict was simply wonderful. read more

Great breakfast food! I can't wait to come back for the lunch and dinner options. I had the Caribbean Benedict and it was delicious. The pork was nice and juicy. Perfectly combined with egg and sweet plantains. Guava turnovers at the end were amazing. They are so good that it's really hard to tell yourself to wait to let them cool down. read more

15/10 spot. A go-to for my family. We've yet to dislike anything on the menu, everything is a hit. Top tier food.

We love the food BUT hate to say it because i normally can just deal with people. Sorry but Michele needs to step up her game. 1st time thought ok maybe she is new. NOPE, slow, forgets everything, acts like she has no clue what is going on. Makes us really not what to come in. Next time will ask for the other waiter or waitress. read more

Great place to eat breakfast!! Although the initial impression was yikes. It's inside of an apartment building and the entrance around the back had calf building steps and upon ordering I was given a cup of the most delicious coffee, tiny, but delicious. After emptying the cup, I noticed a foreign object inside. Not a bug, but something. I got a new cup with floaters and that too was replaced. Ordered two eggs over easy, potatoes, sausage and a waffle. All was great. Would have given this place 5 stars but you actually have to ask for more coffee and not so spotless cups. Service overall was awesome!! read more

Nothing describes this place better than being a hidden gem! Veryyyy lowkey but nice people and awesome food!

This is a surprising gem. I had the Empanadas, chicken and waffles, and the chilequilles. All were a combination of sweet and savory, and very good. The ambience is what you would expect from a Mom and pop establishment, which isn't a bad thing. The young recently married waiters add another charm. I would def come back. read more

Visited Chef Vargas restaurant a week ago after seeing the "hints" of a restaraunt advertisements on the apartment complex property forever. Good food and options, I was excited about the chicken and waffles but wished the breaded chicken cutlet I got with the meal was bigger -hence the 4 stars (although it was adequate for the chicken/ waffle ratio) Next time I may order extra chicken. I was hoping for more taco options since Vargas taught "brunch and tacos". The staff was great and chef Vargas kind and made everyone feel welcomed from the "regulars" to new comers like me. Short wait to be seated at 11:45a.I like that. Going back soon. I can tell this will be a regular stop. read more

What a hidden gem!! For real, it's a little hard to find if you're not familiar with the area, but totally worth the trip. I'd leave a 5 star review if it weren't for that. The staff and chef were so welcoming, friendly and attentive and the food was AMAZING. Definitely making this place my new favorite brunch spot. My boyfriend ordered the chicken and waffles while I ordered the Caribbean eggs Benedict and it did not disappoint. Great flavors, wonderful service and a friendly atmosphere :) highly recommend!! Update 11/5/2017: the food is still great but the service is SO SO SO TERRIBLE. Expect to wait...a lot. Drink orders took over 10 minutes, our food order took even longer. I'm currently sitting here now post brunch waiting on my check. I'm not sure what happened from my first visit here until now, but it's definitely making me not want to come back. read more

probably the best place to get brunch on a sunday morning. It really is all delicious and the service is great ! Would def recommend.

Terrible ... total bullshit. A real dump. Frozen food all the way. Fried chicken... a joke @ chicken fingers from Wall Mart. And for what you get...expensive. If being chef Vargas means defrosting low Quality fish sticks and chicken fingers ? These positive reviews are a fraud. The decor is modern junk yard. The place doesn't have 2 tables that match. The air conditioning Barely works. The had to point the old floor Fan at me. A total disaster. So bad that it's funny. read more

Great food, creative menu, and very nice people! The place is small but cozy. Give them a try.

Hard to find, little out of the way gem ....the food was outstanding. My friend told me about it and I'm so glad she did

Chef Vargas was great! The food is made with love. He is very passionate about cooking, you can definitely taste it in the dishes he prepares. For me, there was a toss up between the open-pit burger, and the fish tacos. The decision was easily made when I ordered the fish tacos for an appetizer and the open-pit burger for my entree. Let's start with the fish tacos, they were perfectly seasoned and lightly fried, delicious!!! The open-pit burger was excellent! My hubby and son ordered the burger with the fried egg, they said it was delicious. My daughter had the French toast stuffed with Nutella and bacon. I had a bite of hers, because it looked absolutely delicious, and was very pleased. I highly recommend this family friendly restaurant. Oh, I almost forgot to mention its a BYOB. Enjoy! read more

One of our family favorite go-to's! The food is out of this world! So much love and talent goes into each plate. It's not your ordinary assembly line type of food, where everything is just as "normal" as the next place. The savory flavors and authentic spices are what makes this eatery an absolute favorite. I have introduced Chef Vargas to several friends and family and they, too, have boasted how delicious the food is. Compliments to the staff for having friendly personalities and happy-to-help kind of attitude. Tucked into a large condominium complex, it's location is a hidden gem. Relaxing and comfortable environment with trendy decor. We will continue to be a regular patron and support a prideful business. We love Chef Vargas! read more

Chef Vargas - Odd location but we shall see. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

A little over four years ago, we had closed on our NJ house during the day and were supposed to close on our house in Elkins Park that same day, and due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to do so and we had to scramble for a place to stay that night. We wound up staying at the Elkins Park House, which is an apartment complex that typically caters to the senior citizen crowd. Boy, did we feel young and vibrant that night! We have passed the Elkins Park House many times since moving to the area. Each time, we would have a laugh, remembering that bizarre day we had and night's stay there. Never before did we say to one another, "wouldn't it be amazing if there was a cute little restaurant in there somewhere?" We would never have imagined it. Yet, it's totally there. You have to look around carefully for it, and it's literally through what looks like a locked door on the outside, then hallways that appear as if they lead to nowhere. But then you open the door to a magical haven of fabulousness. The Elkins Park House has a secret, and this is it! The menu dares to be different and it was hard to choose what to order with so many enticing choices. I went with the chicken and waffles, and they were delectable. The chicken was perfectly crispy and seasoned well. The syrup was not too over the top and not overly sweet. Would love to return for their Mexican night on the weekends. I thought the service was great and was impressed that the Chef came and introduced himself to us and made sure we were happy. Now that I know where to find it, I will be back! read more

I have known Chef Vargas for several years. I knew him in his prior job too. He is an amazing person and an exceptional chef. I decided to visit him at his restaurant to have some lunch and again it was amazing. His restaurant is small and can get crowded quickly; he does take reservations. Chef Vargas is very casual and welcoming. read more

Chef Vargas - My lunch at Chef Vargas was unbelievable. The place is not very large...sometimes you have wait; they do take reservations. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

I love this place! It's truly a hidden gem! I have only dined in once because I'm not a morning person. Lol! But I have gotten takeout ALOT of times. It's always correct, hot & delicious. When I did dine EVERYONE was nice, our waiter checked on us regularly. When I order I ALWAYS change something & they ALWAYS get it right. If you don't see a special on the menu just call & ask how to order it thru delivery. I usually get the creme brûlée's french toast, but the cocquito french toast at Xmas is also amazing! I have been ordering for almost 2 years & always consistent even in the pandemic! read more

We stopped in for lunch on a cold rainy day and had an amazing meal. I had the huevos rancheros and he had the carnitas. Both were over the top delicious and satisfying. Huge portions, loaded with flavor and cooked perfectly. We had outstanding service and the ambiance was warm and friendly. What a gem! read more

I went here with a friend for the first time and a guy which I think was the owner came from outside didn't wash his hands and started cooking with his hat and jacket on. I immediately brought it to his attention and his come back was he was using tongs with his hat and coat on. I left never to return horrible experience..GET OUT read more

Great place to eat with wonderful portions. Chef Vargas has such a pleasant and giving demeanor. My wife and I will certainly be back!

This place is amazing!! The staff is friendly and attentive. Everything in the menu is great! The Creme Brûlée French Toast is my favorite so far. Prices are super reasonable. We will definitely come back. read more

Chef Vargas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

This place is amazing and so underrated! They have great food and great service. I cannot wait to try it again and try all of the other items they have on the menu. 10 stars!!! read more

Food was very delicious! The set up kind of gave me the feel of a diner. It was a little hard to find, housed in an apartment building. Food came out quick and fresh. I had the Belgian waffle topped with whipped cream, bananas, strawberry, chocolate and caramel syrup. The fruit was nice and ripe so deliciously sweet. I asked him to hold the pineapples. My friend got the chicken burger which was a breaded chicken, seasoned very nicely. You could definitely tell the chicken burger "patty" was made in house. Definitely planning to go back! The chef was our waiter so that was nice too. read more

Very very good. Small place, in a strange location (underneath an apt complex). Had the savory waffle, and carribean bendedict. BYOB, waitstaff was very nice as well. Definitely will be back. read more

First time here for Hubby & I. We came for Sunday brunch & it was fresh & delicious. Chef Vargas knows good food & it's evident that he would not make anything he himself won't eat. The location is tucked away, with signs leading you to the main entrance. At first you feel like your going to report card conferences at school or visiting your aunt at her condo. Don't be fooled! Once inside, your welcomed by not only the aromas, but the super nice staff. The cafe is quaint, with an industrial yet homey vibe. It's clean & bright. The open kitchen concept is great. Chef Vargas was on point with expediting everything. Service was literally with a smile & excellent. The menu isn't fussy but has a great unique spin to "common" dishes however, the flavors are anything but common. Highly recommend! We can't wait to go back for more. read more

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Best diamond in the rough! It was a little hard to find the place. The first time we couldn't locate the restaurant, and we were not sure the location was correct because it leads your to the apt complex. But he does have signs out there to lead you in now. So our second attempt was a success and has lead to many visits. The food is 5 star for a small diner like atmosphere. We have only been there for a brunch, but dont get it twisted, he is no diner cook. He is a restaurant Chef. The food is as if we went downtown to an expensive restaurant. I love the menu options, and the flexible add ons, which are good for a kid like mines who wants that bacon on the side. This is a def must add to the list for anyone in the area. The price is good, and so is the food. Sundays my son and I hit Chef Vargas and one meal will have us full most of the day. read more

This place is AMAZING! I take my family here a lot and every time we are welcomed at the door and eat well. Complements to the chef!!

The Chef and staff work extremely hard in order to please all customers! I can't say enough nice things about this hidden gem of a restaurant. The location ( side entrance of a condominium building - long climb of steps to gain entry. Please call if you need handicapped access. ) Well worth traveling to Elkins Park for deliciously outstanding food! Check out their menu. Brunch tastes even better than it looks. BYOB. YummY read more

Great place for breakfast, but want to come back for dinner. In the basement of Elkins park house apartments, so it's out of the way; but look forward to going back. read more

Food was very good. Eggs Benedict was delicious. My husband had the meat skillet which he enjoyed. I am definitely going again. Yes it was hard to find, but on a Saturday around 12noon, I did not have to wait. Food was also pretty reasonable. read more

Disappointing atmosphere and food . Maybe I ordered wrong . I expected a large menu and there was limitations and quite small

Whoa. Amazingly fresh and so delicious. I wish I could eat here everyday. The service is great, Chef Vargas is charming and the food is unreal. I had the chicken and waffles, my husband had the Caribbean Benedict, and my daughter had s'mores French toast. We were all eating off of each other's plates while simultaneously trying to guard our own. I can't wait to come back...I'll go feral. read more