This is your standard cafe with no bells and whistles. I do not like the five star system but 3 is appropriate here. Food is traditional American breakfast which they do well. Once busy, service goes out the window. Certain times of the day they are inappropriately staffed. When not staffed, there are employees standing around not greeting, helping, not acknowledging they are busy to their customers. We saw a gentleman working here wiping his nose with his hand and shirt then serve multiple people afterwards. He was also eating as it appeared he was on a break or off. In California, I'm pretty sure it is against the law to do that. I think I came on a particularly bad day. I have been coming here for years with my grandfather and now carrying on the tradition with my family. Today is the day I stop. There are other fine diners in the area and recommend them. read more

I like the old fashion diner feeling in this place, although my friends call it the "old people" restaurant. Nonetheless, I would love to go there again. read more

This place is amazing and needs to stay in business. A throwback to the old cafes and diners of the 1940s - 1960s, with prices that still seem that low! It's really hard to spend more than $4 on a gigantic meal here. read more

It terms of value for your breakfast dollar in SoCal, it's hard to beat this place. When I'm in the Arcadia area (usually to go goof off at the horse track) I love to come here to Chef's beforehand. A perennial deal on the chalkboard is the "Sunrise special" (even in the afternoon!) priced at $6.99. The deal gets you coffee or juice, two eggs cooked to your liking, hash browns, pancakes plus 2 sausages AND 2 strips of bacon...and the quality of the ingredients is better than you'd expect for the price. Bacon was thick cut & flavorful...not 90% fat w/10% pork like so many breakfast places now-a-days. Sausage also had a real meat texture. Not like the modern standard that's all fat w/some chemical flavoring...restaurant supply companies, I'm glaring at you! Which begs the question, why can't there be more places like this around LA? I've ordered the same combo in a 15 mile radius & been charged at least double the price. But obviously the economic model is working here. Chef's might not be everything to all people, but it definitely isn't greedy. Making it easier to tip generously & have a good experience going out to eat. read more

Grrreat (inexpensive) breakfast spot. No fanciness, no frills. Just a good old-fashion American diner.

Really good food at very reasonable prices. If you like "local flavor" and a laidback attitude then you should come here. Don't look for tons of flare just come hungry and maybe open yourself up to some nice conversation. A great piece of Americana. read more

Been coming here off and on for almost 30 years. Just ok, nothing special. Service can sometimes be uneven. The older ladies that worked here years ago were pretty efficient and the new generation of help doesn't come close. What is consistent is the LOUSY coffee. Coffee colored water. That has never changed. Probably the single reason we stopped coming on a regular basis. I guess the reason it doesn't change is that the clientele, of which the average age is 70-75, wouldn't know a good cup of coffee from a bad one. Probably economical to water it down especially if no one complains. Today is probably the last time we come here which is a shame. In summation: food ok, service ok, coffee LOUSY! read more

My family and I love Chef's I remember it as "Pie King" years ago when I would go with my grandfather to drop off my Mom at work. Anyways fast forward many moons, and my sister and I were going by it looking for somewhere to eat with children and well we stopped here. We loved it, the Friday night special of Mac 'n' Cheese is so good as is the Swiss Steak with au gratin potatoes. This is diner food no frills just good. The spaghetti is excellent! The staff well if you're nice they are too. We love them all, even Betty, who can be a bit difficult but it is what it is and we see her smile every now and then. The price is right and the food is good. Don't forget to try the pies, they're better than Marie Calendar's by far. read more

Been coming here for years. One of the few restaurants in the valley which maintains that "traditional american" vibe. Never have I been the slightest bit unimpressed with anything I've ordered. If you ever happen to be in the Arcadia area and are looking for a nice little diner, Chef's is the place to go! read more

Great conversation, a blast from the past! Food was delicious and filling! Would 100% eat here again!

eating here is great, but when ordering on the phone your order, they suck. happened to my family almost ALL the time we called in, they forget soups salad, stopped calling in cause they do this too much, i mean we pay and we dont get our salads or soups, yea i dont recommend calling it in, but eating here inside is a different story. great service. the call it in and pick it up not so much read more

. Good food and prices for this great little hole in the wall. My favorite breakfast plate is the biscuit and gravey and the fast service provided. read more

Great service and great food. Love the corn beef hash. They make the most amazing homemade pies. Can't go wrong with any of them.

Old school, absolutely amazing employees and waitresses, awesome food and love the look of the diner. Recommended!

HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!! I decided to take my parents here for breakfast and when we were ready to pay, I handed my debit card to the server. He disappeared for about 15 minutes. When he walked by us, I asked for my card and receipt. He tried to hand me a credit card that wasn't mine. When I handed it back and told him that this was not my card he just walked away. No apology nothing. I proceeded to get up and walk to the front cashier where there was a younger guy. I asked him where my card was and again no answer. He walked out the front door and apparently they were looking for the customer that they gave my card to. The customer had already left and both server and cashier looked at me dumbfounded. I was so upset, and still no apology! Even when I asked for a manager, a lady walked by and said she was the manager and she disappeared as well. The young guy gave me the owner's number and told me, "If you want to call him and get me fired you can, I only make $8.00 an hour." All of this was said while he was disrespectfully pointing his finger at me. I was appalled!!!! After no apologies and feeling helpless, my family and I left. I immediately called the owner three times and then a fourth time I left a voicemail. I still have received no response. I always want to support our local restaurants, but with service like that, no way! I completely understand that people make mistakes, but when you are running a business and your employees are rude, disrespectful, and take no accountability for their actions, this is impossible! If you like to be served by inconsiderate people, then eat here! read more

This review must be posted for everyone to read. Our family has been coming to chefs for years. But unfortunately I am posting a disappointing review about Roberto, our waiter. He neglected our family. He keep on offering us refills on coffee but failing to bring our food. We watched as the surrounding tables got served except for my family. We were only two adults and two kids. Our order was simple. The only reason why we ended up getting our order is because I asked a different waiter for our order. And when our food got the table half of the order was hot and the other half was cold. I expressed our concern to the cashier and she ever so kindly offered a discount. I expressed to her that I am not and do not wish to get a discount. We paid full price. But chances of our family returning to this restaurant are a great "no thank you" . I am extremely disappointed with our experience. read more

This place has been opened for YEARS! Decade kinda years... I've been here since I was a kid... 15+ years... really surprise they only got 220 reviews... but their food is really good, definitely worth a try... read more

Very poor service every time we come here and this time is was just downright agonizing. They really are slow and the waitress we got was rude. We theorize that because they have been here so long, they feel they can behave however they want. In fact, maybe they think it is an honor for the patron to be served here. Whatever the service, I have been coming here since I was a child and they do have tasty, comfort food at very reasonable prices. Try the a la cart items also to get just-the-right servings for a busy day. Great pies. Bathroom door is very hard to use...the door is very heavy and the handle not good. They have a nice waiting area. Clean always and you can also get food to go. read more

Well, it may be cozy and charming, but it's totally inaccessible to wheelchairs. The only seating choice is a booth. When we came in, they first took us to one, assuming my husband could transfer to the seat without even asking. (He can't.) At that point, they were stumped. They tried to have him pull up to a booth from the side, when clearly the outside table leg prevented that. They then declared they couldn't seat us. I said, "so you're telling me you're not wheelchair accessible." They said, "Yes -- sorry." There is no excuse for not having a couple of tables with a bench on one side and removable chairs on the other. Please!! read more

I've been coming here for about a year, it's your typical old-fashioned Diner. Nothing special just good old-fashioned food. The employees are always nice though the young kid behind the registers moves like molasses haha. I come here after church as they give 20% off if you bring in your church Bulletin, that's a great savings on your bill as it covers everyone. Food is good not great but good. I give five stars for the atmosphere, you can tell their customers love them read more

yummy. old school diner. service seems like it's getting better. i've been coming here for years and i hesitated on rating this place because of the crappy service but i keep returning for the food. read more

Amazingly good prices for oodles of food! Staff is super friendly. Love the old school diner feel. Family loves it :)

I couldn't give this place a lower score. I went in today for a nice breakfast with my dad and grandmother. I was eating and left my retainer on the table. I forgot about the retainers and left for not even 5 minutes. And when I went back. They said they were gone. GONE. In the two minuets I wasn't there they got up and walked away? No no no. I asked if I could go look for them and they said they couldn't by law. So I asked if they could look for me then and they said they moved a few things and couldn't find them. They didn't even want my phone number you have got to be kidding me. NEVER GOING BACK. AND I DO NOT SUGGEST THIS PLACE TO ANYONE read more

The food here is good but the older waitresses are rude and ugly and need to be replaced by younger better looking women and in return the food will start to taste better and you'll build up a younger clientele rather than the majority fixed income crowd you have now. read more

They have the best waitress there named Kimmy. She is very nice, always gives you your food when its hot and fresh, refills your drinks the instant they are gone, and is the best. I love the cheeseburgers there (yum!!!), and their fries are soo good. I would reccomend this to anyone and everyone that I know! = read more

Went here finally to get some breakfast with the gf. It's pretty cheap, and they have a really large selection. Kinda greasy though, but you do get a lot of food. Ordered the hobo Omelette with the homemade biscuits and gravy and the gf ordered the cornhash with two sunny side eggs and toast. It was good, but totally wanted to fall asleep right afterwards. 3 stars for the okay good and service, but we noticed that everyone there was really really advanced in their age. Maybe it was because it was a sunday, but this is not a hip place to eat at it. read more

I don't any other place you can get a full on meal for less than $5.00. Pies are fresh daily try getting all this at any other restaurant. Go ahead I'll wait...! Haha I will most definitely be returning. I love how it looks and feels homie. It's definitely a diner. Enjoy. read more

This is the best Waffle and Salsa place in town! Don't pass this place by!

Have tried this place a couple times. Basic diner (coffee shop) food. Hash browns are great. Other stuff is mostly pretty good. Little stands out for me, but Chef's is still one of the best places in the area. It's just really difficult to get decent diner food, and they honestly do a pretty good job of it. Little stands out but nothing is bad, which is more than I can say for Denny's or other such restaurants. read more

My wife and I go there almost every Sunday morning for breakfast. It is an old establishment and popular with the locals. One of the most popular hostesses is Nikki, a Thai gal. Standing around waiting for a table, I often hear a customer say to the cashier who makes the waiting list, "We want Nikki!" Their lunch and dinner menu is diner food, OK. But their breakfast is varied, hearty, hot, and filling. Reasonable prices, GREAT service. Whenever I see sheriffs deputies there for breakfast, I secretly pick up their tabs, leaving them perplexed and grateful. A busy restaurant is a good sign. These types of old, cozy coffee shops are fast disappearing around here in the SG Valley. Hopefully, Chef's will be around for a long, long time. read more

This place is a basic, American-style diner restaurant. The food is very good and prices are reasonable. Service is friendly and reliable as well, coffee is good, and parking is easy. There is not much else to say. The place was called the Pie King in the past but has been under different owners since it was re-named in 1982. So it has been around a long time, and that longevity says a lot. read more

This is my FAVORITE coffee shop to eat at. I eat there at least 3 times a week and the waitresses and owner are very friendly. The food is good and reasonably priced... that is why so many senior citizens eat there. They have a 10% discount card you can buy for 10 dollars each year. It used to be 20%... I don't like the fact that the percentage has gone down, but I guess everyone is trying to cut costs in this economy. read more

Food good, portions good, and price good. Can't beat that. You walk in this diner and you are taking a step back into time but in a good way. This place is a must go for that classic diner experience. I go for the breakfast and always leave full and satisfied. read more

Me and my wife have put chefs at the top of our favorite restaurants if you enjoy homemade soups cornbread good steaks pies daily specials this the place and we drive all the way from w Covina where there is no where good to eat the staff is outstanding the deco needs a little help but I always say you cant eat that read more

I visit family in Southern California every year, and always make a point of going to Chef's in Arcadia. It is run by great people, has great prices, portions and quality food! The mom and pop feel is endearing, and the wait staff is always so incredibly nice. Worth the trip and the time! read more

I've eaten there twice and and amazing both times. Fresh, fast, good food. Amazing wait staff and homey atmosphere!!!

Best family owned restaurant in the area. The food is comforting, service is excellent (and friendly), the portions & pricing of the food is very reasonable. The environment is casual, clean & family-friendly. I highly recommend Chef's to anyone who just wants a good meal. Breakfast is especially delicious at Chef's. Best Senior Citizen discount in the entire city of Arcadia restaurants. read more

Nice little place. The waffles are really good. Been coming here since I was a kid and I always get out for under $10 per person. The staff are always very friendly. The place is clean and my food is always prepared exactly how I request. read more

My husband and I came here after searching for brunch on yelp. I cannot believe that we've lived so close to this little gem for so long and not even know it! It's not a fancy schmancy place so no need to get dressed up. What it is though, is a mom and pop diner that makes everything from scratch....including the biscuits and gravy...and my personal weaknesses, pies. I ordered the country fried steak which came with eggs, hash potatoes, biscuits and gravy. My eggs which I requested be cooked over easy, was cooked to perfection. Seriously, I've never had eggs from a diner be cooked in such a way. A thing to note is that everything is made to salt on your own. So someone may think that the food is bland but it's made without any seasoning or salt so you can do it yourself. My husband ordered the Texan Omelette which was delicious (we shared our meals) which came with various bell peppers and a great salsa. In summary, all my husband could say is "We found our Sunday spot". You can tell everything is cooked from scratch. I cannot wait to try other things on their menu. Overall, a must try...especially if you like American food made from scratch. read more

Chef's food is always good-always, but the service can be really inconsistent. I bring my mother about once a week, and we never know if we will get "A" service or "C" service. Today's was an "A" to a "C"-we were seated right away, ordered and got our drinks within a few minutes. That was the last of the "A" service, because our order sat up on the ledge while our waitress chatted with a gentleman at the end of the restaurant. When she finally brought our food, (without my toast-something I always have to remind them about), she also brought our check, then went right back to continue her conversation. In the meantime, I noticed that my bacon and cheese omelet had no cheese, and had to try flagging first our waitress then the cook down to get it fixed. After 5 minutes I finally got her attention, and she took it away, finally bringing it back with a piece of American Cheese melted on top, and my now lukewarm toast. Despite all this, the omelet was still delicious, as was my mom's senior 2 x 4 (2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 bacon and 2 sausage). Chef's lunches are always good too, especially their fried fish, and the daily specials can't be beat. All in all, if you are willing to take a chance on how attentive your server is, Chef's food is a can't miss. read more