Quaint little diner style cafe. It specializes in breakfast and they do it right! The food cooked perfectly to specifications and the portions were right. For breakfast the prices were higher than average but it is quality food. We found the service to be exceptional. Something different you don't regularly hear is the saying how they appreciate the other. It added an extra level of delight to the experience. read more

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Here we go! Little chunky monkey here is on a road trip, which means...fooood! Let's get this first review out of the way! Looking for a breakfast place in Charlevoix, after enjoying a friend's wedding the night before, I settled on the Harbor View Cafe. Mostly because I wanted your basic, down home style breakfast. I wasn't looking for frills or fancy dishes. That's exactly what I got here. It's just a little diner amongst other shops in a strip mall setting. Because of this, there isn't a ton of seating, but oddly enough the wait isn't that long either. So far, the hole-in-wall-ness requirements checks out. But sadly, the buck kind of stops there. Here's the rub. Unless you really mess up my food, like really just somehow take my order and BOTCH it like a thrift store face lift, I'm not going to put up a fuss. Which always makes these kinds of reviews tricky, because everything was mid, at best. I ordered the 2x2x2 (two eggs, two bacons, two sausages, and potatoes), plus two silver dollar pancakes. And because I'm a little piggy, I also ordered a half order of biscuits and gravy. The eggs were good, basic scrambled, salt and pepper. I dug them. The American Potatoes were pretty good as well. The bacon was medium thickness, which I liked, because sometimes bacon is paper thin, which is hard to cook floppy, which is the only style of bacon I'll eat. And if it's too thick, then it's just ham. The sausage links were eh. Not much flavor. If sausage shape, why not sausage flavor? The pancakes were actually really good. I would go back right now just for an order of pancakes. The real drop off here were the biscuits and gravy. I love biscuits and gravy. These looked fan-tas-tic. But for some unknown reason...the gravy had a slight tang at the end. Like, the initial bite was great, but after a few chews...a little zip. It threw me off to the point where I couldn't finish them. The other thing that got a little spicy was the service speed. We sat for just under an hour before we got our food. Our drinks were brought out in shifts. Refills were almost nonexistent. This all seemed weird simply because it wasn't a large seated restaurant. I'm never looking for an out of this world experience with food unless it's highly recommended by someone or it's supposed to be a special dish or something that is regarded as the "best" or "tastiest" or "has no zing". I just really felt like this was middle of the road, could get it anywhere, didn't make my tastebuds do backflips. Pancakes 10/10 Thiccc bacon 8/10 Service 3/10 Sides of bread toasted when asked for toast 1/2 read more

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Mrs. E managed to get in next door to get nails done for the Fourth. Too hot to sit in the car, home is too far away. After several threats of stopping in this café over the years, today I make it a reality. They have a modestly priced breakfast sandwich that tasted great. Add two cups of coffee and a water, I was all set. Pro Tip: Sit at the little snack bar and you'll get the best service of your life. Super friendly, too. Fair warning. It's summer time. The restaurant is jam packed and loud as hell. But, if you're okay with that, you should check this out. 07/24 read more

We are local and stop in 3 to 4 times per month. Lately there's a different vibe and it's not the same friendly place it used to be. The regular waitstaff has left and the new crew is not nearly as friendly and welcoming. At our last visit, one server was looking for a missing check folder and about knocked us out of the way to look for it. In fact, the whole service crew and some of the kitchen were consumed with finding it. Meanwhile we sat wondering if someone was going to offer to take our order. The food was delicious as it always is, but the gaggle of servers hanging out (or should I say complaining) at the counter was distracting, as was the cook who leaned on the counter in the kitchen to observe the dining room, rubbing his nose and face frequently. Our server brought our check well before we finished eating and the final straw was noticing a bright sign with the F word prominently displayed in the kitchen, which could be seen because the swinging door to the kitchen is always open - the better to watch the staff scrape plates into the trash and screw around. Oh, and a young child was running about the kitchen while we were there. Where is management? Or even a lead server to provide direction? Again, good food served hot and efficiently, but the atmosphere leaves much to be desired. read more

As restaurants go this one was just okay. We were seated and felt as if our server was ignoring us and just concentrating on her regulars, once she arrived we ordered Mine: California eggs Benedict- arrived as I requested with no tomato however the english muffin was a little bit to toasted and the poached egg was over cooked (hard yolk). Also had side of hash. Server came by asked how things were and I didn't have to say anything she immediately noticed and took back to kitchen to have a new one made, this time much better. As was the service after that. Husband had omelette with side of toast Our aunt had the 2 of everything with rye toast. Bathroom was clean as was the dining area. With many choices in town for breakfast I might try somewhere else but not completely off the list. read more

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Good food and a great spot. Adorable local diner. If you see complaints about service, it's likely from seasonal tourists who think the world belongs to them. Lovely spot! read more

When my wife and I travel we always try to eat at local places and support the local economy. Looking at this place's menu we thought it would be a good place to check out. Once we arrived we were greeted by the friendly wait staff and were seated right away. I love a skillet so I always order one when it's on the menu! I decided to splurge and get the sausage gravy on top. I then asked for the homemade bread and she rattled off many options! I decided on the cinnamon bread and I am so glad that I did! While the skillet was amazing the cinnamon bread was the star of the meal! It was so good we even got a loaf to take home with us! This place had a great diner feel and has amazing staff! Highly recommend giving this place a visit while you are in town! read more

Harbor View Cafe - Skillet with Sausage Gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlevoix, Michigan

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If you're not a local, don't bother as the waitstaff acts quite disdainful. The restaurant was only half full but they're definitely hurrying you along, trying to take plates away before you're even finished. The prices are RIDICULOUS for what you get and EVERYTHING is an additional cost. Who charges for hashbrowns with your eggs?? Choose better than we did!! read more

HARBOR VIEW CAFE? MORE LIKE HARBOR RUDE CAFE!! My partner recommended this place to me, as he saw it online and really wanted to give it a try for a quick late breakfast. When we came in there is a sign that states "Host will seat you" so we stood and waited as everyone does. We waited & waited & waited for almost maybe 8 - 10 mins while multiple servers and workers looked at us and passed us by some even staring at us and giving rude stares. We then were informed by the rude bus boy that we can sit wherever we want. We finally got seated and waited another 10 - 12 mins for anyone to even approach us, my partner finally got tired and decided to get up and leave. I decided to stay and give it a chance. Unfortunately that was even more of a mistake. The food was quite poor in taste and flavor and was dry. I had the biscuits and gravy and the breakfast burrito and neither were memorable or tasty. There was almost no meat inside the burrito itself(pictured below). I can positively say I will NEVER be returning to this awful spot. Please for goodness sake work on your customer service model. read more

Harbor View Cafe - Breakfast burrito, little to no meat in it! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlevoix, Michigan

Nice little local diner. Great fish and chips. Just a casual quick meal with friends and locals.

Had a great experience on our visit to Harbor View Cafe. One of my pet peeves of any breakfast place is the lingering smell of what I think is grease that permeates the restaurant and the area outside. Harbor View is the opposite - no smell, squeaky clean, bright with great art work on the walls and a staff that delivers. Menu is pretty complete with just about anything you would want for breakfast. Our orders were pretty basic-pancakes with crisp bacon and eggs over medium with bacon. First let me say, 8 out of 10 places get the eggs over medium wrong. They were perfect here. Pancakes were excellent but the bacon is what I need to rave about. The bacon was thick cut with a great flavor. Both orders were also cooked perfectly-mine crisp and hers not. Service was excellent and attentive throughout our meal. Let me get back to the art part. You usually don't see original artwork in a small breakfast type restaurant. A very nice touch for a very good restaurant. Look forward to our next visit. read more

This is a very nice, friendly clean place. Looks like recent remodel. I hade the California Eggs Benedict, which were great. Busy on a Sunday morning Very reasonable prices read more

I had a terrible experience at the Harborview café, and it probably deserves zero stars I asked if I could substitute a hamburger patty(instead of bacon, ham, or sausage) figured there would be a small up charge, but didn't ask before hand as I thought it would be reasonable. Big mistake.‼ The manager up charged $14.50 or one simple, hamburger patty, just outrageous‼(and the irony was that the hamburger patty was tough as shoe leather) Even my server thought the up charge was ridiculous and wrong. I protested, and the server got the manager to lower it somewhat.(the manager stayed hidden in the back room, the whole time, never coming to my table.) $10 is still ridiculously high and I paid a $25 bill for a single breakfast under protest. The reason the manager never came out to my table is she knew it was wrong and displayed managerial incompetence ) An example of price gouging at its best......... or worst‼ Stay away from this place, as there are too many other choices....... read more

Terrible service. Rude. The younger one has shorts on with her bottom hanging out. Water tastes like pool water. After telling her no water she brought it anyway then proceeded to crowd the table more by bringing a pitcher of water. The Mickey pancake came out with whip cream (not stated on menu) I said we would need a new one. My (autistic) son will not eat whip cream. She rudely said, "Can't you just scrape it off?" And rolled her eyes. I will NEVER come here again. Staff, service, food and water or 0/5. read more

Just traveling through and randomly picked a place for lunch. Nice to have a parking lot instead of street parking downtown. Service was fast and friendly! My dad loved all the meat in the omelet and they did a great job with a couple special requests. Great atmosphere and the colorful local artwork was so much fun! If we lived closer I know this would be our go-to breakfast spot! read more

Best and currently the only full service breakfast downtown. Fast service even while they were slammed @ 9 am. Food was wonderful and we will be back for another visit. read more

Harbor View Cafe - Triple Cheese omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlevoix, Michigan

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Good food. Great service. One of the best omelettes I've ever had. Family type restaurant. Nothing fancy here just good down home cooking.

Great breakfast choice. Clean light filled space with really good service. Friendly staff and wonderful breakfast WiFi

My favorite breakfast place. Great food and excellent service. Keep up the good work.

Good simple breakfast. Has outdoor seating which allows dogs. You can sorta see the harbor from outside. Didn't love the coffee

Saw great reviews about this place. Walked in, sat down as directed (sit anywhere), over ten minutes before any of the waitstaff acknowledged us. BF's breakfast sandwich was a small bagel with one egg and a slice of bacon- an appetizer. My omelet was good but didn't appear to be three eggs as advertised on the menu unless they are small or medium eggs. Many items not available after 11 am. Coffee is average, $2 extra for their "good" bread, and staff did not seem to be having a good day. Perfunctory service. read more

Skillet was amazing, service was meh. Menu options limited but has main breakfast essentials.

Awesome staff, fast service, and really good breakfast skillet. I wanted to some of the house made sour dough with me.

This place was really good! We got there and had our food within 15 minutes of ordering. The service was quick and efficient, but also felt personal. I got the skillet and it was exactly what I was craving. read more

Great food, terrific service; warm and friendly. Accommodated a couple special orders seamlessly.

Great service, the food is fantastic. After just a few bites my husband and I decided that breakfast the next day would most likely be right back here. read more

I don't like to leave bad reviews for places but this by far was the worst food dining experience I've encountered. Went here on my way through town and had the eggs Benedict and cinnamon roll. Not sure the chef tastes the food prior to serving. Hollindaise tasted more like their base to sausage gravy with a hint of artificial lemon juice squirted into it! Cinnamon roll looked like syrup was poured over the top as icing was clear and no flavor of brown sugar and cinnamon and really dry. I gave this two stars because the service wasn't horrible but the food, I would never go back! read more

Had an excellent, hot breakfast with good coffee. Had egg white omelette and the special cinnamon raisin toast. Excellent combo in a neat little spot. One of the better breakfast spots in Charlevoix! read more

The service and food was so good! When eating breakfast, I usually order pretty simple meals, but I was definitely not disappointed. Everything was delicious and although I came in with a relatively large group, the server did an excellent job. read more

Delicious omelette. Very meaty, crispy bacon. Nice crunchy English muffin (not pale and doughy). We loved our breakfast! Let's support this great place during this hard time...and beyond! read more

If you're having breakfast in Charlevoix you need to go to the Harbor Cafe! It is worth the wait in the summer. I strongly recommend the bacon, blueberry pancake or skillet, but everything is great! read more

every time i've gone there for breakfast i've always had a nice experience! the french toast is amazing, the people are nice, and it's a cute and cozy little cafe right on the main street through downtown. read more

Don't understand the bad reviews. My daughter ordered the club with no turkey. When it came out with turkey they offered to make it again. We all enjoyed the food. read more

Nice clean breakfast spot, relatively normal breakfast menu. Service was friendly, food was hot and tasty and sourdough break was delicious.

I'd give this place a zero if it would let me.. Came into town and thought we would go out for breakfast instead of trying to stomach the continental breakfast at the hotel, big mistake. I'd rather eat a cheap continental breakfast anyday over this place. Waitress was nice but the food is absolutely terrible. The sausage links were undercooked and served cold, the over easy eggs are over cooked, the only edible thing at this place is the toast. The coffee was like drinking motor oil. If you look at the photo attached, that coffee has 3 creams in it and is still muddy. I'd rather jump into the freezing lake to put my hunger pains away than to eat at this joint. read more

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Went there for my birthday breakfast. Food was hot and delicious. I had an omelette. Cooked to perfection. Bacon was perfect. Coffee was fresh and hot. Service was very warm, friendly and fast! Renovations are gorgeous. Like the photos and artwork. Very very clean. I would go there again. read more

Won't be back for breakfast. The food looked good but was way to greasy and yes you have to go back out the front door to get to the restroom. read more

Always a favorite. We've been coming here for years. It is very very small, so if you are going for breakfast, get there before 8:30 during peak times. My favorite thing about this restaurant for breakfast is that despite the 'diner' type menu, it is not at all greasy. I usually avoid scrambled eggs or omelets, but this place has very good omelets, particularly because the vegetables are fresh and the eggs are fluffy. The pancakes are plate sized, so careful not to over-order. The staff is very friendly and we love the crazy-mis-matched coffee mugs. Go early and go often! read more

This poor place is in major need of renovation. Outdated but the least they could do is keep it clean. Yuck! We came here for breakfast and my eggs Benedict was just mediocre. There was water dripping from the ceiling on our table, in between our plates, and if I sat an inch to the right in the booth it would have been dripping on me as well (from a different leaky spot in the ceiling). Our waitress, blonde mid-aged woman, didn't even smile once while serving our table. What happened to customer service?! Will not come back nor would I recommend this place. read more

Terrible terrible place. Please do yourself a favor and walk a couple blocks down to Smoke On the Water, right by the draw bridge for breakfast. This place has no "Harbor View" ... It's in a strip mall across the lake with no view of anything but a parking lot. It's got dirty old everything and rude staff. We walked in and stood there for fifteen minutes while the wait staff walked around us like we were annoying them and in their way without anyone addressing us. It was such a crap hole with terrible food seriously. There are much better places for breakfast in the area! read more