Lately, when visiting Pocatello, we've been able to visit a few places that are clustered together in what could only be described as the traditional Grandpa's-Diner-Club. This most recent visit was to Elmer's Restaurant. They have a nice-sized corner parking lot, with lots of big blue signs to alert you that the spots are reserved for Elmer's guests. Up against the building, an alcove sets out where a sporty red car sits in front of a paper 'No Parking' sign--surely Elmer. The building is one of those old, deep-foundation squat ones where only a very short wall holds the windows higher than the sidewalk. We made our way to the entrance, and I pulled open one of those classic, heavy glass diner doors. While the other two in my group, being ready for menus, quickly stepped in, I stayed holding the door for a party of five right on our heels. That was pretty much the story in there: not a single two-top in the place. It was fairly busy, with all big-tops having three to six people. Each of the three servers was handling their fair share of them--keeps a server moving. There was a fourth server, an older woman, tediously wrapping up silverware during the coming rush--this restaurant's still hanging in there OG. As far as the atmosphere: The noise decibel was low, as relaxed energy peacefully flowed from the families dining in there, but the three servers on the floor keeping up with the large tables were humming around as if motor-powered. We were sat fairly quickly by a highly energetic young lady (the youngest in there) who had that nervous smile of 'don't show the stress' plastered on her face. She was very nice and gave a nod to our server, who quickly approached us for our drink orders. I didn't need a menu for that, "coffee please" were my very first words spoken at Elmer's, with my other half quickly echoing. The third in our party, as is her norm, ordered the most dazzling fruity concoction on the menu, lol--she loved her Blended Strawberry Lemonade. With drinks out of the way, we turned our focus to the menu. The menu is pretty big with three pages of breakfast alone, and lots of tantalizing photos of dishes to tempt a hungry reader. It is hard to explain, but it strikes a perfect balance that seems to be 'unique-traditional'--Elmer's signature. Two of us, including me, got the delicious Potato Cakes Breakfast, with eggs and sausage. Topped with sour cream, the cakes come with cheese and onions cooked in. I added some chunky salsa on top--ohhh my goodnessmagnificent. My other half ordered the very different Fresh Fruit German Pancake, and Chicken Apple Sausage links. She especially loved the sausage, but said both were very good. Elmer's food is all great! I doubt the owner's name is Elmer (as the door sign reveals--owner's name is Earl), but our server told me that he snapped the pics of the nature prints around the walls, so I do know he's a great photographer. The coffee is really good, the food is spectacular, and the service is flawless! Elmer's can be summed up as 'a perfection of that hometown, unpretentious hospitality and hustle.' One of my highest breakfast diner recommendations--Super-Scale 8* read more

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We were in an hour and a half prior to closing and were seated in the table area of the restaurant. Our server was especially sweet and obervant. The food was okay-if a little bland on the hashbrown gravy. However, prior to getting our meal half of the dining room we were in was closed off and before we finished our meal (a good 45 minutes before closing) they were vacumning on the other side of the partition they'd pulled across. Not particularly welcoming, Elmer's and it's not the first time it has happened to us. This doesn't even include the table full of tomorrow's set ups that employees were working and gabbing at. Ultimately, either you're open or you're not. Vacumning around people trying to eat is rude. Be better. read more

We have been regulars at Elmer's for a long time, which is why this experience was so shocking and disappointing. My husband, daughter, and I came in for breakfast and were served by a waitress named Breanna. This was, without exaggeration, one of the worst service experiences I've ever had. From the moment we sat down, she was cold, dismissive, and clearly irritated. No greeting, no introduction, not even a basic level of courtesy. Throughout the meal, her attitude was consistently rude and condescending. At one point she rolled her eyes at my daughter, which was completely unacceptable. I also witnessed her speak to an elderly man at a nearby table in a way that felt demeaning and disrespectful--it was honestly uncomfortable to watch. She was also training a new employee, and while the trainee was kind and professional, Breanna was noticeably harsh and dismissive toward her as well. It raised serious concerns about how staff are being trained. I'm a nurse and have also worked in the service industry, so I understand stress and busy shifts--but this went far beyond that. This was a pattern of rude, hostile behavior that affected multiple customers. Because of this experience, we will not be returning to this location. Extremely disappointing. read more

crab Benedict who was really good, the bacon was just exactly seasoned. The German pancake is a little bit eggy, but I think that's how it's supposed to taste like. Both were good. The place is easy to find, and there was a lot of parking. read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Dungeness Crab Benedict and Classic German Pancake ... - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

We were visiting for HS Graduation and had Breanna as our server. She was friendly and personable, she made us laugh. We truly enjoyed our dining experience. Thank you read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

Staying out in Pocatello Idaho for school, I woke up hungry and wanted to breakfast. I stumbled upon this place on Yelp. Yelp not really used like it is in LA. I was seated quickly as it was just me. I ordered their house coffee, was good. I was pretty hungry so I ordered their Hungry Rancher option. Plate was covered with food edge to edge. The biscuit they serve is very good. The ambiance was pretty much diner vibes. It did get pretty busy. Everything was good. read more

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Just in town for a short visit. We stopped here for breakfast as my husband remembered eating here as a child. It was as good as he remembered! We split the German pancake with lingonberry butter and the bacon & tillamook potato cakes. They were both very good. He also stated the ice tea was very good. Our server was very friendly and kept my husband's iced tea filled. The restrooms & restaurant were very clean. They had a very large selection on the menu! read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Bacon & Tillamook Potato Cakes & Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

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Sooo much better than an IHOP or Black Bear Diner. The waiters here were so nice and made sure all our drinks were filled, the ambiance was loud, but clean, and the food was surprisingly good for just being a diner. We'll definitely be coming back here next time we're in Pocatello. read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Chicken-Fried Steak Bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

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Food here is always good, service is nice, overall this is a nice place to eat. We have eaten at several locations they are all good.

Great place to have breakfast in Pocatello. Seated quickly and Clinton my server was efficient and friendly. Delicious omelette and the hash browns weren't your normal prepackaged, but tasted home made. Perfectly crispy. read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

If you are looking for good simple food they this is your spot. Seriously, this isn't a fancy spot, think diner with a twist as they do offer things that you aren't going to find at IHOP. We came in and were seated quickly. The server made some drink recommendations - she stated that the OJ wasn't freshly squeezed but wasn't concentrated, i disagree and I got a butterscotch white chocolate vanilla latte - couldn't taste the butterscotch in it so I'd stick to one flavor. When it came to food, I got the Dutch baby and it came to the table quickly which I'm sure most people would appreciate however whenever I've ordered them other places I've been told to expect a wait. This one was much thinner almost crepe like and it sadly wasn't as hot as I would have liked it. Sadly that can be said about all the food. It's like it day in the window waiting to be brought to us where it cooled down. Even with that said, I'd go back and give it another try if I ever found myself in the area. read more

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Service was excellent. Food was amazing. We had the crab omelette and stuffed hash browns-big delicious portions.

The service was good and the vibe is old school diner. The prices were super expensive especially for breakfast but overall was a good experience. read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Bacon & Tillamook Potato Cakes & Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

The Plus Friendly staff, clean tables, menu was more varied than the competition (e.g., Denny's or IHOP). I had the Looking for Sun omelette, which was quite good. Chipotle bacon, cheese, green onion, avocado, salsa, sour cream. Definitely order this again. Biscuit was fresh and tasty. Substituted fruit dish for hash browns. Grapes, sliced strawberrynand banana -- fresh and good. My dining partners had the hash browns and said they were good. The Minus Pricey overall. Dining partners didn't love their Denver omelettes (but otherwise enjoyed everything). read more

The quality is immaculate!! Food is delicious! Hands down will travel out here again to come eat here again. I want to try lunch next time! Service was a little slow but it was also super busy. Despite it being busy we were sat right away. When we did receive assistance they were very kind. read more

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The food was amazing and the portions are large. The restaurant is so clean and so were the bathrooms. The service was top notch. Definitely will make the trip to this restaurant again! read more

Wednesday My wife and I both ordered the California omelette. About The third bite my wife took she looks at me ,then proceeded to pull out a very black thick Hair, about an inch and a half long. When the waitress came we showed her the hair. She took it back to the kitchen and got her a New order. The waitress was very pleasant. But , we live about 30 miles from Pocatello. On the ride home we both started feeling nauseous and sick. Later that afternoon I spent way way too much time on the commode. Let's just say Montezuma had his revenge. Not planning on eating there anytime in the near future or the late future if you know what I mean. read more

Amazing service from Kari. The food was amazing. We stopped here for lunch, and was greeted immediately and sat instantly. I recommend the Caramel Latte, and the avocado eggs benedict. It was seriously amazing- I cleared my plate. "The works" hashbrowns was also ASTRONOMICAL. If you really like hashbrowns then i really recommend trying these. Everyone I ate with loved them. Also- the German Pancakes are HUGE. My dad and brother got them and said they were great. I would definitely eat here again if i'm ever in town again! The restaurant had amazing hospitality and as we left we were told either "Have a good one!" Or "thanks for coming in!" By multiple employees. The only complaint I have is it was a little bit cold, but i was wearing a tube top so it's really not their fault. Anyways, i really recommend!! read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Outside of restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

Passing through pocatello we decided to stop here for lunch based on positive yelp reviews. It did not disappoint. We were seated promptly and the staff was friendly. The menu was not extensive but it had plenty of items that appealed to us. My husband had the grilled cod dinner with their delicious side salad and i had the fish and chips. We both had the smaller portions which were perfect for our appetites. The food was very tasty and my husband said his arnold palmer was one of the best he's ever had. We would definitely stop here again if ever in the area. read more

We were told they do not take to-go orders on Saturdays and Sundays, and I thought that was fair since they probably get busy. But then we were offered to dine-in so they can give us to-go boxes so us, the customers, can box the food. I actually thought that was funny but unlikely for us to come back and that is okay! I'm sure this establishment will survive since the locals seem to love it. The rules did not make sense here, but try it and find out for yourself! read more

AMAZING EXPERIENCE. Best brunch I've probably ever had & I am not a breakfast person. Service is fast & great prices. read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

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I've been to Elmer's a few times and with my family it's been awesome again! When we were deciding where to go we choose Elmer's because they've given so much to the community. Our server was lovely and dinner was tasty! I especially loved the homemade ranch, potatoes, broccoli and cinnamon roll pancakes! Everything was good! I still wish I'd gotten the pancake in the oven! We were just too full. Guess we'll be back! read more

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We went to the Elmer's in Palm Springs and it was AMAZING. This one was sub par, everything felt barely average...disappointed.

Having a perfect Eggs Benedict at Elmer's. Nicely poached eggs, great hollandaise sauce with a side of fresh fruit. I've always had a great meal here with topnotch service. I also enjoy the crab BLT salad with "real" crab - not that imitation crab. Check them out you won't be disappointed. read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Classic Eggs Benedict with fresh fruit and mimosa, great breakfast. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

Amazing! Clean, extremely well run. The food is excellent and completely consistent every time. Well priced. Well run. It's not wonder they've been there over 40 years read more

Stopped here on a roadtrip trying to get a quick breakfast and we were in and out in 45. Food is simple but awesome staff is friendly, sometimes you hear some gossip which sets the vibe for this lil town diner. I fw it read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

We went last night for Prime rib. The whole meal was very good! The salads were great; homemade honey mustard and blue cheese with chunks of blue cheese. Tasty fresh garlic bread, peppery crusted medium rare prime rib, great mashed potatoes with brown gravy, fresh green beans with garlic, and tasty aux jus. The waitress was sweet. We like to sit by the window in the back. Great dinner! read more

The service was as good as I have ever had. Seriously fantastic. The family next to me was celebrating a birthday breakfast, and just seemed to be having a great meal too. Was greeted with a complimentary German pancake, which was delish. Moved on to pancakes, eggs and bacon, and demonstrated an unhealthy and gluttonous attempt at leaving clean plates. Thankfully I failed, but boy did I try. read more

This was my first time trying Elmer's and I was excited because I'd heard such good things. My Husband and I went for breakfast and we were seated right away which was nice. The interior was clean and wasn't too loud which I appreciated. There was a large assortment of breakfast options but I chose the eggs Benedict and my Husband went for the German Pancake and -Wow. The Pancake is definitely something I'd recommend. It was huge! Delicious, light, and yummy with the lemon juice and powdered sugar! The hollandaise sauce on the Benedict was very good but the potatoes were a bit greasy and flavorless. All in all it was a great experience, the service was very attentive, and the food was good! read more

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Passing through Pocatello and found this place. Hubby had the crab eggs Benedict and I had blueberry pancakes. Both were delicious. Great food and service. read more

Great breakfast spot. Stuffed hash browns were great and the service was friendly and fast

Always a great stop while in Pocatello! Friendly staff and always a good meal. Recommend.

Simply said, we love this place. Every time we pass by Pocatello, we stop by and eat at Elmer's. Everything we have tasted we have loved. And the staff are just so friendly. Last time we ate there some of the girls working there played with my toddler for a few minutes and I really liked that. They didn't take their job so seriously that they made time for my son. And I really appreciate that. Its a nice and simple diner. Everything about the place is relaxing. So I definitely recommend this place. read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Great coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

Great place for breakfast. Lots of variety. Real bacon, which is a requirement for a great breakfast. Staff was by nice.

This place is awesome! Decided to come here on Father's Day (super busy) with a decent size party. Seemed like they were able to seat people in a timely manner which was great. Food was AMAZING! And came out hot and fresh! Definitely recommend this gem read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Stuffed Northwest Hash Browns - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

Absolutely the best place to have breakfast in Pocatello. Good Food friendly Service. Stopped by for breakfast while visiting Pocatello. read more

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Service was awesome, friendly and fast. Food was good too, I had the stuffed hash browns with bacon, it was a bit salty but the German pancake made up for it. Definitely try this place if you're out in Pocatello. read more

Elmer's Restaurant - Stuffed hash browns - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho

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Elmers is a restaurant that is rare to find these days, so when I have an opportunity to visit one I always will. This particular Elmers was exceptional. It was unbelievably busy, I'm sure there were as many people waiting as there was seated. But that handles it like a well oiled machine. As it was so busy I was happy to take anything available which put but at the counter, right in front of the kitchen. It was a pleasure to watch this picture of efficiency. Their manager was akin to Gordon Ramsey in his hustle and expediency but respect and care in his demeanor. I ordered the infamous "Dutch Baby" or German Pancake, which is notoriously difficult to cook well. Their menu even has a disclaimer regarding this. But my food arrived fast and delicious even when they were facing such challenges. The wait staff as well were hustling but friendly. I over heard the managers interacting with the staff and it was all positive and encouraging. Seriously, way to go! You team should be teaching a course in "Restaurateur" at ISU! read more

My wife and mother-in-law decided to stop in here for breakfast while we were on our way to Lava Hot Springs, and boy we were glad we did. The food here was absolutely awesome and earned smiles around the table. My mother-in-law really enjoyed the strawberry crepes and my wife and I both loved the steak and eggs. Kari was an absolutely awesome server too. We always run into problems, especially with breakfast due to some dairy issues that we both share and Kari was very pleasant and accommodating to ensure we were taken care of. Definitely get here early because the locals definitely know how good it is. By time we were done, there was a huge line out the door. Absolutely crushed it! read more

Awesome food and service Amazing German pancake and biscuits along with omellete n sausages read more

Elmer's Restaurant - German Pancake Combo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Pocatello, Idaho