Another Sunday another 1st time review. We came down for the gem show since part of it was running right along the Kettle Restaurant. First things first, don't think about parking here and walking down to the gem show, they won't allow it unless you eat there first. Walked in pleasantly greeted, allowed to choose our own table. Two ice teas were brought out quickly. This place has been here since 1968, it is showing some wear and tear but it is clean. Very 60's decor, outdated oak buffet and fake granite laminate dots almost everything. An outdated formerly semi upscale 1960's diner at best. My son ordered the "I cant decide" sampler, cheese sticks, onion rings, chicken tenders with ranch and bbq sauce. Nothing out of the ordinary. Cute name. His burger was called the "Master burger" 2- 2/3 patties with the normal fixins and Cole slaw. When it appeared it was nothing amazing, two patties and cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion on the side with pickle slices. He ate it, said it was good, that was about it. I went with the chicken fried steak breakfast with two eggs over medium, hash browns and bacon with a waffle. Standard frozen chicken fried steak, pepper gravy which saved the steak. Decent crispy hash browns, two eggs cooked perfectly to order. Bacon, ZERO flavor, in this economy I can understand it probably being generic, non cured bacon. The waffle was homemade but the syrup was so sticky that you had to twirl the fork to keep the sugar stands from running down your chin. I give it three stars mainly for the friendliness of the staff. They weren't busy even though the gym show is right there and it took a bit of time for even the appetizers to come out. With all of the food choices around this town, there are much better burgers and breakfasts around and close by. If it was the only option for the type of food I guess I would go, however I am not going out of my way to return. read more

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We've been coming to Kettle Restaurant since we moved to Tucson in 2020. The food is always good, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. The waitstaff is always friendly and attentive. It's a great place for homemade food, whatever your taste buds are craving, and no matter the time of day. It's a laid-back atmosphere. No rush to get you out the door. And the owner, Sam, always has time to check to see how your meal was! We highly recommend Kettle, any time of day for the full menu, or during specific buffet times. A breakfast buffet ends at appx. 11, switches over to a lunch buffet until appx. 4, and then ends the day with a dinner buffet. There's also a large menu to choose from, which includes desserts of delicious pies and ice cream, including a banana split big enough to share. read more

Super friendly staff, food was amazing. Restaurant was clean and very inviting! Prices are very reasonable! Both the buffet and the menu items are delicious! My glass was never empty and the food was superb! read more

Just wanted something easy. I would have been happy with just the salad bar, but was So Impressed with the service! The last thing I expected was a warm welcome from the manager AND delightful warmth, happiness, and helpfulness from the waitress. Such a wonderful person! read more

Recently attended a beer festival in the area, and this restaurant was conveniently located right near my hotel, so I gave it a shot. I chose the buffet as I was quite hungry, and didn't want to wait for made to order food, huge mistake. The buffet selection was rather small and the food was not very good. The worst baked chicken I have ever had, and BBQ Ribs that were ok but kind of tough. Biryani that had way too much cinnamon in it, and a small salad bar that was ok, but how do you not have cucumbers? One good dish was some kind of meatballs in a tomato based sauce, that was tasty. The place was clean however, and I was greeted at the door, and my server was pleasant and efficient. Doubt I'll ever go back, but I can't say never. I like to give places at least two try's. read more

Kettle Restaurant - Buffet Food. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I kinda stumbled onto this place by accident but I was hungry and it was quick and I needed to eat before I had to be somewhere soon. They have an all-you-can-eat buffet which I was allowed to look at and decide if I wanted, but frankly I'm not a buffet guy because I tend to overeat and the quality of the food just wasn't appealing to me even though it was just $15.99. In times like this, I turn to breakfast for dinner. Prices were reasonable and I just wanted biscuits and gravy and hash browns. I want to say this restaurant has hard working and very polite staff from the waitress who had the biggest smile, to the cashier who was felt like my mom when talking to her. Such a motherly feeling. I loved it. She pulled me right in with her attention to me. The customers in here were regulars. Why do I know that? That's because they were asking the waitress how her kids were doing. They have a connection in this place. It's a family owned business even if the staff aren't actual family, it seemed like they were. The theme at The Kettle seems to be food themed city names from around the US and they have clocks all around the restaurant so to the time in those cities. However, the time is completely off. Not just the hours but also the minutes. DST must be a pain for them to sync up all the clocks. Still it's a cute theme. The inside and the outside of the restaurant was beat-up and rundown looking and the furniture, the carpet, and the buffet bar need some serious TLC. It just felt dirty. You can tell everyone is trying hard but the place needs serious renovation. Anyway, my biscuits and gravy and hash browns came out quickly and it looked delicious. There was nothing particularly wrong with the food, it tasted fine, but the biscuits were not fluffy. In fact they were very flat. They gravy was lacking and kind of sausage bits. I was surprised. Again, it's a quick and cheap place to eat and it gets the job done at a reasonable price, but this is a case of you get what you pay for. I totally like to support the local restaurants vs the chains, so I am glad I gave them a try. It just feels like the kind of place you would go to after a late night of drinking and you got the munchies. The reason for the score is mainly the quality of the food and the cleanliness of the restaurant. read more

Kettle Restaurant - 2 Biscuits and Gravy with Hashbrowns - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Ambiance was great! Loved the chill and mellow vibe the place had, certainly a throwback to the kinds of buffets when I was a kid. The service was really good they kept our drinks filled and were asking if everything was great and it was. As for the food it was was good! We got the all you can eat breakfast buffet, the sausage, bacon, and cooked veggies were delicious! The only complaint and what ultimately made us choose four instead of five was the bread. It needs to be changed out more frequently, the biscuit and pancakes were hard when we first went up. The second time when new ones were brought out were much fluffier. Other than that it was a pleasant experience and we'll definitely be coming back! read more

First time eating their food. My hubby had the chicken fried steak and I had the spaghetti and meatballs. Best food we have had in a long time We did delivery and will do so again. I couldn't believe 6 large meatballs in my spaghetti. So much food for your money. I am very picky with spaghetti and only complaint I had was wish I could have had the option for angel hair pasta. But still so yummy. read more

Service is great. They are very friendly, outgoing and helpful. I would avoid the buffet. Maybe regular menu is okay, but the buffet items were not good, and can not recommend. It's too bad, because they are very nice people. There was nothing I would try again on the buffet, avoid. read more

Food is not very good and the prices are high. I ordered the cheesesteak sandwich and it tasted like dog food. Literally the frozen microwave sandwiches from the supermarket are better than this. I've had other things here that are mediocre in quality but there are better options - even Denny's is much better. I'd go to waffle house instead. read more

Amazing restaurant and food, really enjoyed some nice home cooked food. The service is excellent and friendly. Restaurant feels comfortable and the ambiance is relaxed, great place to stop and enjoy delicious food. read more

Kettle Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We love going to this place because it has good food and great quality service. And its homey ambiance feels like coming home to a great food in the table. I always and definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone. read more

Buffet food was terrible. Sits out all day. Inedible. Do yourself a favor and don't eat here.

Great homemade food. Owner and his daughter are very friendly and accommodating. They have daily food features like Italian night or Taco night. A must dine location for Tusconians. read more

This restaurant was right next door to our hotel so was a convenient stop for lunch. I wasn't sure what to expect especially since their sign advertised a $12.99 buffet and was pleasantly surprised at their buffet options. Before I get into the food, the service was great. Our waitress greeted us right as we stepped in the door, was super friendly and even applied a coupon since we asked if there were any discounts for staying at the adjacent hotel (there usually is not). On to the food...the soup of the day was homemade vegetable soup and let me tell you, was pretty amazing. I wish I knew how to make soup that well! For the entree I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs which came with garlic bread and a side of veggies. Personally I thought the sauce tasted a little like chef boyardee and a little too sweet and tomato-y than I like. Lastly, they had a good selection of pies and cakes and ended up getting the chocolate cake which was rich & delicious and a good way to end the meal. It was also quite cute because there were quite a few regular customers that were there and even designated their usual tables. read more

Kettle Restaurant - Daily soup - vegetable - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We ate again at a great restaurant here in Tucson. I had the mushroom burger, and homemade cole slaw which is excellent. The service as usual was fantastic, and the waitress was very attentive. They make you feel like you are family, which we like very much. The prices are great, and the food is delicious. What more can you want? read more

Frozen and powdered food. Indifferent staff and surprisingly expensive for what you get. Also a super dead atmosphere. For the same cost you can do much better in Tucson. read more

This place has wonderful staff very friendly . Food not so good. Very sub par. Wouldn't go back

I love eating at the KETTLE restaurant. We were there for our dinner, and I ordered chicken quesadillas with refried beans. Both were excellent, and reasonably priced. The service was superb, and the owner is always friendly. You are treated as family at the Kettle. The food, as I said was excellent. I will go again. read more

Kettle is one of those places that can satisfy whatever you're craving and do it well. The menu is large and well executed and the owners and employees are some of the friendliest people you'll meet. My favorites are the chicken fried steak, beef ribs, which always fall off the bone; not easy to don if you've ever tried cooking them, and the middle eastern food from the buffet. Kettle is a unique and one of a kind Tucson gem. read more

W e eat at kettles quite frequently as we have always frequented this business. The food is great services is super they all know us as we watched the owners kids grow into young adults the food Is great and cooked well and the resturant is very clean the atmosphere is very good and it is a pleasure to go where you are treated like a family member very folks and homy food is very reasonable in priced family oriented great food and management linda sides five stars keep up the good work ***** read more

Super Fast service, super friendly, tasty food. As soon as I walked in I was served almost immediately, Services was very good my waiters were very friendly and funny and super fast with serving me, food was phenomenal, very tasty I do recommend eating here, this Is also a family owned businesses and is small, but it's great read more

Thank you for delicious food and excellent prices , I also appreciate early morning hours and later closing hours

Been seeing buffet sign from the IH10 for about the year I've been living here. Well let me tell you something.....worst buffet I've ever been to. Don't waste your money! read more

The food is delicious. Their breakfast, lunch ad dinner are awesome with both their buffet and menu options. Service is good and the waitresses and waiters are friendly. The owners make you feel like family. ​ read more

Super friendly and nice. Manager was very sweet to my baby, He gave her a bag of apples to take home! Super sweet! Food was also good! My mom and I loved their ribs! The service were amazing the check up on us making sure everything was good. Loved the vibe and will definitely be coming back! read more

We've passed The Kettle a zillion times and finally decided to give it a try. We figured starting off with their breakfast buffet would be a good place to start because if you can't manage to do breakfast well, you probably can't manage other meals. We will not be testing that theory, as this was our first and last visit. I don't care so much about atmosphere if the food is great. I've eaten in many dingy diners that have had some of the most amazing food. Unfortunately the food matched the atmosphere at The Kettle. It's your basic rundown, dingy diner with food to match. My biggest complaint was the food temperature. Nothing was hot. Everything was barely lukewarm. I'm 100% positive the temperature of the buffet food would not pass a health department inspection. All three of us were honestly questioning whether it was safe to eat the food. We chanced it and tried some things. Here's what I personally tried: *Scrambled eggs-good texture, needed seasoning, cold *Biscuits and gravy-Biscuit was dry, the gravy had zero flavor, cold *Bacon-its bacon. I would eat bacon hot or cold. *Hash browns-zero flavor, cold *Fried zucchini and fried mushrooms-both had a flavorless breading, seemed very stale, cold *Longjohn-type donut-Colder than room temp and VERY dry and stale. I managed one bite. My husband and daughter tried a couple other things like pastries and sausage and also found things flavorless, cold and/or very dry. The only high point of breakfast was the service. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive and kept our drinks refilled. They always had a smile. Thank you! We spent $48 plus a tip on this garbage meal for three of us. What a waste. Even fast food would be far better and definitely cheaper. read more

Great service. Great food. Great manager and staff and great selection food on the buffet and menu. There are also cool little arcade machines and candy machines in the entrance area for kids. Been here many times and I've liked it every time. read more

They have exceptional watch Ibrahim is a really good waiter great service! 5 stars Baked Chicken read more

Kettle Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The service is fine and the staff for helpful Ambience is lacking, both outside in the inside of the restaurant should be a code violation for the fashion police The food would be better served to prisoners for free. it was disgusting though cheap to purchase. You can have as much as you wanted. I would suggest not coming here unless you're on a budget and are starving I need to binge. Let me put it this way. You can go and get free food handouts from the homeless shelter. And the homeless shelter. Food has better quality food than this place. I don't wanna be mean to these people, but it was so disgusting. I was shocked that this place is open. I saw what was coming here to feed as patrons. And it's basically what I described. It's hard up people that are working class Tucson Desperate for food, eating their one meal at the all, they can eat buffet. Slamming as many plates as they can to get as many calories as they can. Actually went behind this restaurant to my car and force myself to throw up. Then I drank half a bottle of Pepto-Bismol. I didn't complain I didn't file a health report to the health inspector, I just should've known better when I walked into the place, I should've just turned out, turned around, got in my car and drove off Literally, it was my fault after seeing the inside of this place and the outside of this place for eating here If you come here and eat, literally you're taking your life in your own hands and you're risking food poisoning Like I said the staff was nice and I feel so bad and so sorry for him. I didn't call the health department or I would've. I left them a tip of five dollars because I felt so bad for the staff working here But unless you're like starving and cannot get food stamps because you're one dollar over the $23,000 poverty limit. Then don't come here. Oh by the way, I think they do take food stamps, but I could be wrong on that. I mean just go drive around the place a few times and decide whether you want to play Russian roulette with your health. And if you do if you want an experience in Tucson where the staff is nice, but the food looks like something out of a Godzilla movie. Then, please go Tell me it's like one of those Halloween horror movies on your plate that like reaches up and just grabs your throat and pulls you down into the plate while you're screaming and then they take your digestive body, put it on the goddamn buffet I'm I mean, literally, drive around the place then poke your head in and decide do I want to eat here or not? I mean it's your fault for eating here it's nobody else's mean you you can check the health department listing on this place. I literally ate here in 2023 for the first time and I've lived in Tucson the majority of my life, and this place is older than me. I don't know how this place survived other than the patrons of this establishment that came in look like they could eat a Texas breakfast, which include an ostrich deep fried in pig fat, and not even blink So I am, I'm actually gonna give the staff three stars I'm not gonna rate the quality of the food or the ambience because you might actually need an ambulance after leaving this establishment. Because I did not put my finger down my throat and puke. I hurled before I hit my car. And the most expensive thing on the menu that I consumed. Was my bottle of non-generic Pepto-Bismol, because I wanted to make sure that I survived this encounter And I never came back again , it was such a nightmare that I actually wanted to forget this experience. I drove my mother here for her birthday, and she started screaming at me and hollering at me that she wasn't going to eat here again. And I had to tell her it was just a joke that we were going to a steakhouse read more

Food was good as hell!!!! But filers sucked, no notification, our food sat out side for how long... we don't even know, notification would be nice read more

Very reasonable price for a buffet. Food is ok, average for this type of place. Especially for breakfast there are few buffets here.

Customer service 10/10 my waitress Michelle was very sweet and attentive. Food was great and there was a variety to choose from, buffet had many options but I did have the Steak and Shrimp special and the Master Burger and both meals was a very generous-large serving and they have a tasty dessert section. Would highly recommend to any locals or visitors coming to Tucson. read more

Have been a customer of The Kettle for a few years. Owner is a very enthusiastic food service guy who is American by choice. His family works it with him. For breakfast, I order off the menu. They have a senior plate (when did I turn 66?) that is hard to finish for under $15 with coffee and tip. They make fantastic BBQ ribs on the buffet, and their soup will usually cause 2nd degree burns, like I like it. They also have some very good pies a la mode for desert. They usually offer me a lemonade to go when I had one there. Once in a while if something isn't to my taste, they fix it gladly. Last time I ordered a burger, the cook came out and asked me exactly how I wanted it cooked and seasoned. Never had that happen at fancy joints... Very hard working people, not a fancy place at all. Good attitude from cook through owner. read more

Wow what a fun place I had the privilege of dining their Mediterranean buffet and I will be coming back again and again delicious food and nice ppl love all the clocks read more

Good family atmosphere and good service they have a all you can eat buffet that varies in menu through out week .they have a good menu to order from and steak dinner and breakfast are great read more

The food is amazing breakfast and lunch, the service was also amazing! Servers and cooks are very friendly and make sure everything on top notch. My drink was always full. The location is clean and organized. I will definitely be going again with our family! Thank you read more

If I could give this place negative-5 stars, or negative-50 stars, I would. Alas, I have to give it one. After calling in advance the evening before (Sunday) and being told by a manager on duty that the (by now famous) Middle Eastern lamb and rice is indeed being prepared right now and is available in the evening, I eagerly made my trip for the following day (Monday the 30th of January at approximately 7 p.m.). Upon arrival, I found an absolute zoo/madhouse (understandable due to the next-door Gem Show) and the supernaturally cheerful counter girl trying to stay on top of things. While very kind and courteous, she didn't know much about the lamb and the servers (also busily hustling about) all said something different. For instance: was the lamb in chops or chunks or shanks, or was it diced up in small pieces mixed up with the rice? A young man table busser said he would ask the owner about it, but never did because he was too busy (and no, he didn't come forward to admit that; someone else had to ask him what was going on). So, aside from the cash machine girl, you can see how much service and respect I was getting. Eventually, the owner Sam comes out and tells me that they are all out of lamb for the day. His explanation was choice: "We don't buy a lot of lamb because it's so expensive, so we sell out of it immediately when it's prepared each evening. It is only available for a very short time each day." Wtf??? How does that even make sense? If he has bustling demand for it, so it's all out of stock as soon as the shanks are grilled, why is he complaining about it being expensive? (Ask me if Sam apologized for this or my fruitless waiting time, or if he offered me something else on the house or discounted.) If I could have been told this *immediately upon coming inside* instead of having to wait at the register like an idiot for almost a half hour, being told something different by every other waiter, I probably could have looked the other way. But, this is atrocious. It is egregious--as is the way the employees are overworked. (They at minimum need to set up a second register.) I will never give Kettle another chance (lamb "season" or not), and will not recommend that anyone I know gives them a chance either. There are far too many other beloved Tucson restaurants and chains to choose from... that actually have what they claim to have and offer to the public. Thanks for being a total waste of my time, Sam. That's exactly what your worthless restaurant is. And, if you are reading this, kind and energetic register girl--I would seriously consider no-calling/no-showing as soon as you get something, anything better lined up than this piece of crap "job". read more

I truly appreciate this diamond in the rough restaurant. It is a gemstone. I am from San Diego, California and for the past 3-4 years I've traveled to Tucson for the crystal and gem show. The Kettle restaurant is conveniently located right outside the 22nd street show stop so it's an easy walk for a breakfast and lunch, both of which I've enjoyed on separate trips. The dinner fare is good, but it's the astounding customer service that is the $10million dollar winner and why I will always return here. Last year, we had a young male waiter. I believe he was the owner's son, but I do not recall his name. He went over and above in his service. It was notable and he definitely put more care in his duties. Yesterday, we had Katy (Katie) as our waitress and again, the service was over the top exceptional!! Of course Katy was friendly, talkative, and approachable, but it was it was her going the extra mile that was so appreciated. Even though the restaurant was packed she managed to keep all customers fully stocked and satisfied. She stood in the menudo buffet line for me and served my dish after seeing my frustration with one customer for took 5minutes to purposely pick all the meat out of the soup! She brought me freshly made French toast when she noticed the buffet French toast was looking a little tired. Our drinks never went low and the ambience was kept so positive. I will continue to return to this gemstone for for as long g as I take trips to Arizona Crystal shows!!! Keep up the great work Kettle!! read more

Let me start by first saying that we all know Yelp is a platform where a majority of people flock to when things go awry or only have negative things to say about a business. Sometimes, these situations can lead to unfair and unjust ratings. Such is the case for Kettle Restaurant. Being in town for the Tucson Gem Show, and recovering from a recent illness, I decided to stay in the hotel tonight to rest and continue recuperating. Of course, I got an overwhelming urge to eat--thanks to the unpredictable side effects of the medication I'm taking--and a lack of will to continue my groggy, med induced slumber. I did what most do when traveling, and hit up one of my map apps for nearby eateries. I'm without vehicle, and I'd be damned if I wandered around the area in this frosty climate (keep in mind that I'm Hawaiian, anything below 80 is frigid). Nor did I have specific craving for Mexican food and the dozen or so Mexican restaurants that popped up. Kettle Restaurant was one of two eateries within my capability and desire to walk to. The Yelp reviews gave me a bleak expectation. However, being the adventurer that I am, I said, "screw it," and promptly walked downstairs and into the cold winter night. Running through the door for heat, I was promptly greeted by a friendly waitress. As we walked to my table, I looked around and noticed the buffet. It was ravaged. Not that I minded, since I wasn't very hungry, and had my mind set on just a soup or sandwich. I only really sought to satiate my little bit of hunger and quell the uprising caused by my earlier ingestion of medication. Perusing the menu, I noticed one of my staples--the gyro. I asked my waitress, Luisa, what they were known for. She replied, "the buffet," with a smile. I inquired to the gyro, and she gave me a very truthful, "I love gyros, but not here. Try the buffet." Long convo cut short. I settled on the buffet. Four pieces of chicken thighs, and two robust and tender piece of succulent rib later, she asked me if I would like to try the lamb shank, as it was included with the buffet. Having already eaten a huge portion of food at a speed as if it were the first time I've ever eaten, I nodded my head excitedly. The ribs and chicken from the buffet had stoked my engine, like a shark getting a whiff of that first drop of blood. I was ready for more. My previous expectation of this place swayed by past reviews were shot--I was upset and disappointed that Kettle Restaurant didn't have higher, more true-to-life ratings average. Hence, this review to attempt to right that injustice. Anyway, back to the food! Luisa brought me a plate with a huge piece of lamb shank. "Holy hell," I thought, wondering how I would devour that huge portion. Well, I did...and more. Luisa brought me a plate of the Jordanian jasmine rice the wife of the owner made. My taste buds were dancing in harmony to the mix of perfectly tuned flavors. At this point, thinking of the past reviews I had read was making me more determined to see what I could do to right the injustice of last reviews. I understand that some places could be disappointing, especially when you go in with preconceived notions of five star dining. But c'mon, man. This place is a gem, and a best-kept-secret of Tucson, in my not-so-humble opinion. The lamb is a Jordanian specialty only prepared during the period of the citywide Gem Show. I was lucky enough to just drop in on the final night. There's so much care in the making of the lamb shank (and all the food, mind you), from the freshness to the traditional preparation and blessing of the food, that it's hard to fathom the detail no one but the staff sees. You can taste that extra freshness and deep family history of the recipes that went into the food. The cost of my experience? $15.00. I was lucky enough to meet the owner, Sam, as he worked to personally restock the buffet--which I had mopped up in my two run through--and got to speak to his wife, Sandi. I promised her, and my waitress, Luisa, to leave a thoughtful review in hopes that someone who reads this will disregard past reviews, and all expectations, and really give this place a shot. Having googled and yelped, and read reviews about Kettle Restaurant. I also developed the expectation of an "American Dining," or an experience in "American Food." If you have the opportunity, speak with the waitresses about options--they'll give you the honest lowdown--and take a dive into the true core strength of this gem. Go for the ethnic, cultural experience. I believe they'll do a great job with eggs and waffles, but treat yourself and wander into the unknown. You'll be pleasantly surprised. read more