We dined at Original Mike's Diner on a Thursday evening to take advantage of their senior night special, where regular menu items (excluding steak and the senior menu) are 50% off from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM when you order a beverage. It's a great deal and made it easy to justify trying one of their signature comfort-food plates. Here's what I got: 4pc Broaster Chicken The Broaster chicken dinner was the standout and easily my favorite part of the dinner. The four-piece meal is regularly priced at $19.99 and comes with a choice of side, plus garlic toast or cornbread, along with a salad. The chicken arrived golden, crispy, and exactly how broasted chicken should be--moist inside with a crunchy exterior that tasted fresh, not greasy. I chose the mashed potatoes as my side and they were creamy with chunks of potato whipped within. They were topped with country gravy, turning these spuds into full-on comfort food. The cornbread was a large, satisfying portion; the whipped butter and honey on top rounded it out nicely and made it feel like a classic diner treat. Vegetable and Salad The vegetable side was the one miss on the plate. The zucchini, broccoli, squash and carrots seemed to be steamed and were noticeably overcooked and sitting in water, which made them soggy. The side salad, on the other hand, was solid. I opted for blue cheese dressing, which tasted like it was made in-house and added a lot of flavor. There were a few pieces of lettuce with brown edges that I just removed, but overall the salad was fresh enough and a nice way to start the meal. Service was friendly from the moment we walked in. We were greeted right away, offered a choice of a booth or table, and seated quickly, even though it was senior night and the discount window can draw a crowd. The interior looks and feels like a classic diner: red accents, country-style decor on the walls, a TV with the news playing, and a front counter where you pay as you leave. Near the entrance there's a pie case showing off their desserts--in particular, an apple pie that looked very tempting and is on my list to try next time. Overall, Original Mike's Diner delivers satisfying diner food, warm service, and a straightforward, old-school atmosphere, with the Broaster chicken and sides carrying the experience. The overcooked veggies keep it from being a perfect visit, but the generous senior discount and friendly staff make this an easy 4-star spot I'm happy to return to--especially on Thursday nights. Simply Wonderful!! read more

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Decent place, very retro diner style inside. Came early on a Sunday morning with 4 and only waited 10 mins for a table. Ordered 3 different omelettes and one senior meal. Food was a little slow to come out but was decent. Started to get a little busy so service started to lack but overall, they did check up on us and fill our waters. Check came out and no one seemed to pick it up so I ended up just walking up to the counter to pay. read more

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I love the breakfast is here in coming here for the last 20 years there chicken fried steaks incredible, chilli omelettes pretty darn good, waitresses is a super nice, has a 50s motif it's a must go. read more

Went here today because we were in the area and were hungry for breakfast. Read some reviews and decided to try this restaurant. It did not disappoint. Our server was attentive and the food came out quickly. Good size serving and our omelettes were well prepared and tasted good. I would go back for another meal. read more

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Today is Nat'l Pancake Day! Was working so taking a late lunch break today and had to run out and grab me some pancakes to celebrate. Love coming to this ol' school diner to grab an d fashioned breakfast or lunch special. Today I am getting the pancake combo (and senior menu bcuz I qualify!) and enjoying every bite. The pancakes are the cakes are the great old school malty type that taste so goooood! From the jukeboxes on each table to 50s -70s hits playing when I walked in, I am instantly transported back to when life was simpler...which makes my pancakes taste even better! The wait staff is always pleasant and friendly. Perfect place to chill and enjoy breakfast and lunch. Also try their broasted chicken if you havent...think light and cruspy fried chicken that isnt greasy! read more

Original Mikes Diner - Pancakes (Hotcake) Combo - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

I am very disappointed! I ordered burgers to go for the kids. My 5 year old didn't want to finish his burger and when I went to look at it, it was undercooked. He already ate a third of it, hoping he doesn't get sick. When I looked at the other burgers, they are all undercooked. It has been a long time since I've dined here and I definitely won't be back. Writing this review so I remember for next time. read more

Original Mikes Diner - Undercooked child's burger - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

We always have excellent service when we come here! We love coming for breakfast and enjoying the diner style atmosphere. Our dishes are always so good and comforting! The portions are great sized and food is just delicious! read more

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Cute little diner around the area. It gives me vintage vibes. I came here for breakfast and got the waffles with bacon and eggs. They were a little busy so we had to wait about 15-20 mins before we got seated. Food came out fairly quick. Only down side is one bathroom and the table we were sitting out didn't have the music player working. read more

Original Mikes Diner - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

We ate here with a large group to celebrate my mom's birthday. The decorations were perfect for the old-fashioned diner style, and we had fun choosing music from the jukebox. The jukebox wasn't taking our money, so our amazing server had us write a list of the songs we wanted. This felt above and beyond. All of our food was prepared correctly and quickly. There were no complaints about the quality as well. I ordered pancakes and they were delicious. The fresh scooped milkshakes were tasty as well. They sang happy birthday to my mom and brought her an ice cream sundae as well! Our server even brought a little slap bracelet gift for my nieces. Overall I felt that the service was perfect for our occasion. Our server went above and beyond multiple times. read more

This place is extremely over priced. 15.99 for a waffle combo is fine, 14.99 for the Sr waffle combo with half the food is nuts.... You charge a dollar less and take away half the food???? Why even have a Sr menu lol everything on it is 15 bucks Sr menus are supposed to be cheap with less food not a dollar less with half.... read more

Original Mikes Diner - 15.99 for a waffle combo is fine, 14.99 for the Sr waffle combo with half the food is nuts.... - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

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Stopped by after a movie for a milkshake and it was great. Just like a soda fountain one shake in a glass the rest in the metal mixing container like two for one. Great ending to an afternoon of popcorn at the movie . read more

Traveling thru Elk Grove for a visit with family, I wanted to find a 50's-ish diner, this one hits the description. I'm not sure why there's only 3.5 stars, this should have 4.5. Why? The Service is friendly and quick. Restaurant is clean and organized. Food was prepared wonderfully. I ordered the waffle breakfast with added spinach to my scrambled eggs. My wife ordered the NY steak and eggs, prepared perfectly- right temp and flavor. Was very tender. I'm saving this place for our next visit to Elk Grove. read more

Original Mikes Diner - Diner - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

Omg, the waffle. By order of the court, you must order this! So delicious & cooked perfectly. The hash browns were very crispy. There was still some softer parts in the very middle. Eggs were cooked well, I can't stand when diners kill their eggs and have a bunch of overcooked brown on the outside. Ours had one little corner like that and I know some people love that part. The bacon was just ok. I didn't really love the flavor but I'm not the biggest fan of bacon in the first place. The portions are huge & prices are reasonable. It was very busy but were seated pretty quickly. Love the jukeboxes on the tables! Decor is very diner & has a 50s vibe, keeping in mind it's in a strip mall. read more

I LOVE Mikes !! The food is always fantastic , service is always great and it's a good time !!

Underrated place in Elk Grove. Food and service were great. Their milk shakes are *chef kiss* and their onion rings were perfectly battered. Burger and meat loaf were cooked to perfection. The steamed veggies needed some salt. I like the ambiance of the restaurant and their music selection. read more

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It's been over 10 years since dinning. The ambiance is still the same. Our server Amie was bubbly with personality and suggested the Mikes Famous Route 66 Burger with Bacon comes with Fries, we ordered two. We were happy that we ordered what was suggested by Amie our server that provided excellent customer service. We will be back. read more

When a friend invited me out for lunch, we quickly narrowed our choice down to Original Mikes. We unanimously agreed that it was the best place to go due to the large variety of options on its menu. There's just so many delicious items offered. Breakfast can be served all day, along with appetizing lunches, dinners and desserts. I like to call it comfort food at it's finest! This time I was in a more healthier, fresh salad mode. I ordered the Crab & Shrimp Salad: A combination of crab and shrimp over fresh greens surrounded by avocado slices, tomatoes, and a hard-boiled egg. Served with your choice of dressing, ( I got Honey Mustard). My friend ordered a senior Cheeseburger: A beef patty, cooked to order, and served on a white or wheat bun. Topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sliced white onion. Served with your choice of French fries or fresh fruit. He got a generous serving of French fries which he also generously shared. My other companion was in a stressed, somber mood and took a long time deciding, but eventually just ordered a large bowl of oatmeal. We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon just sitting and talking as we consumed a tasty lunch together. I was a little worried that we were using up too much of the servers time, but she was very attentive and gracious as we sat in deep discussion about our controversial morning's events. Fortunately it wasn't too busy during the late afternoon. Basically our whole experience made the rest of our day pleasantly satisfied. I look forward to returning again soon and trying more menu options! read more

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Our family has been coming to Mike's for over 10 years. Our youngest daughter asks to eat here for her birthday. We always get the same thing...the chicken fried steak plate and the skillet and their pancakes are our favorite. We always get great service from everybody but we do love Ema the best. Love this place. read more

10/29/2023 Visiting our old stomping grounds.. I know I've had reviews in the past.. So good to see they are doing really well.. Lots of regulars and buzzing with friendly staff.. Orders: breakfast burrito- big and full of ingredients.. Two egg with bacon - perfect and hit the spot for me.. Son got the scrambled eggs and sausage and he devoured it! So glad we came! Coffee was always filled to the brim! Can't wait for lunch.. read more

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We ordered for pickup and had to wait nearly 30 minutes passed the pickup time. Take a look at this photo of the most horrendous restaurant food I have ever had in my life. I have been a regular customer for years but will never go back there again!! read more

Original Mikes Diner - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

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I enjoyed their steak breakfast! Very good! It was season well, and it was warm as if it was just being served off of the stove. Mind you, it was a DoorDash order! read more

The food was amazing and in good size portions. My daughter had pork chops and eggs w/country potatoes. I had the crab and shrimp omelette w/country potatoes (add onions and peppers). Everything was perfectly seasoned-the pork chops tasted like "home"! My only complaint, was this was a to go order and we received a biscuit w/ no gravy. But they were SUPER BUSY and we overlooked it. But we will DEFINITELY be back!!! read more

There aren't too many breakfast spots in Elk Grove. Original Mikes has been around for many many years and they are good. Definitely better than your standard American diner. It's a nice casual spot to go with a group. read more

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Came in for Saturday morning breakfast. It was pretty busy but we were seated right away. Hostess took our drink order right away as we waited for our waitress. Love the old diner look. I ordered country fried steak with hash browns and sausage n gravy. Country fried steak was delicious. Hash browns were pretty standard. Biscuits and gravy were cold so I only took a bite. My kiddo had chicken tenders with fries and a side of corn bread. Chicken tenders were good. Juicy and not dry. Fries were basic and kind of limp. Delicious corn bread & honey. read more

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I'm so happy Black Bear Diner was full, I was able to find this little gem! Upon pulling up, we weren't sure if it was open because they had their shades down to block the bright sun, & it was hard to see inside since they had so many things on their door. When we walked in, first impression was that it was a cute little diner with those mini jukebox on the table. It wasn't that full for a Saturday morning. The girl in the front seemed as though she was tired of her job, she didn't feel welcoming & I noticed it was a thing around the restaurant - not that many servers seemed happy until ours came. I wish I would've gotten her name, but she was super sweet & I loved her smile! She was very attentive & gave recommendations as it was our first time. I got the California Benedict with the country potatoes extra fried (recommended by our server) DELICIOUS! My kids both ate most of my potatoes as they love potatoes & they kept dipping it in my hollandaise sauce. My kids shared the kid sampler (I have a 5 & 1 year old) & they enjoyed it a lot. My husband got their pancake combo & he was very happy & satisfied. Overall we will definitely be coming back here! read more

Original Mikes Diner - Kids sampler plate - but my two kids shared - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

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Wanted to say thank you very much this morning or this afternoon. I had an amazing awesome incredible server. Her name was Nancy thank you Nancy and your sister. You guys are amazing. What quick and fast tasty food quick with the drinks and the food hot amazing everything didn't have to ask for anything was great with the drinks. The food was amazing. Just wanted to say thank you appreciate it very clean area like always haven't been here in a while but it was amazing and thank you. Appreciate it. I'm gonna come back and visit I like to come here because you guys have an awesome selection of breakfast thank you for the tea. It was amazing the lemonade iced tea wasn't raising. I appreciate it and I like to leave notes and I just wanted to say thank you and appreciate your hard-working especially during the holidays appreciate it but it's like it comes naturally with you. Some people are very Rushing and they don't really pay attention. I'll see you soon. Thank you again. My husband and I appreciate your service Andrea and Noe Suarez read more

Full disclosure - I am not a breakfast/brunch person; however, I really enjoyed my breakfast. For a Saturday the restaurant was pretty full but luckily no wait. There was no skimping on the tasty gravy on the chicken fried steak. The country potatoes are more similar to French fries than typical breakfast potatoes. Overall good food for breakfast. read more

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Number One place for a good diner breakfast in Elk Grove with good portions! The service is AMAZING! Emma, Brooke, and Sabrina are so wonderful and personable. They remember your name and even your typical order! It is usually pretty busy, especially on the weekends, so you may have to wait a few minutes to get in, but I don't mind waiting. The atmosphere is fun, and you can tell that the staff enjoy working here. They are like family to each other and will treat you like family while you are there. I love the energy and atmosphere at this diner. We supported this business during the pandemic and will continue to support them for as long as we are around! read more

Husband and I enjoy coming back here. Friendly staff, food was delicious, and ambiance gave me the 80's vibe! read more

Original Mikes Diner - Route 66 burger - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

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Best steak and eggs ever! And their jambalaya soup.. omg, yum. We strolled in at random one day and made this our new favorite breakfast spot in Elk Grove. read more

The men's group from our church has breakfast here once a month. The food is great and their service is always excellent!

First time here and I can tell you why the food is good! The cooks and employees have been here for a long time ! They all are very happy and communicate well. The cooks are really good and make everything tasty. The coffee is a little too light for me but other than that this place is worth the food and time. I'll return when back in Elk Grove again ! read more

Original Mikes Diner - California Benedict - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

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Mikes was a favorite of ours, I'm not sure what's happening theses days. The last couple times we've gone, I've brushed off the service making excuses like, "oh, they must be slammed" or "I don't think I've seen her, she must be new" but I simply cannot anymore. The service is hit and miss, some hustle and others not so much- this time in particular they weren't busy and still forgot to give our table waters or even ask what we wanted. The food is generally consistent, however this time the portions were ridiculously small! After eating our meal, which did not come out correctly, we ordered a French dip to go. There was two to three pieces of meat and they forgot the au jus. The fries were also very undercooked! So it was primarily dry bread in a box that we paid $14+tax for. I hope they become more consistent again. read more

Original Mikes Diner - French Dip- almost no meat, no au jus, and fries undercooked. - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

Although we came in near closing time, they didn't rush us to order or make us uncomfortable. The food was delicious and Vanessa was attentive and very nice. read more

I don't want to say Mikes is racist but I'm saying Mikes is racist. Went to Mikes today for breakfast was told 20-25 minute wait for two. Not upset about the wait it was full and it's Valentine's Day. What I'm upset about is the three parties that came behind us that were sat before us. I was standing close to the register so I heard each party be told the same thing and the parties were the same as ours "two". When I went up to ask about the pass up I was told "they were missed from before and I'm sorry". Now like I said, I was standing next to the register where you check in and I heard them all be given the wait time. Not one said you passed me or I was here before and was never called. The only difference between them and me is I'm black so all I could "assume" is that was the reason. We did leave and will never be back. This was a decent restaurant at one time but we will never be back and that's a shame. read more

Original Mikes is not the same as the Sacramento area Original Mel's chain but is a local diner with an old school vibe and decent food. The menu is pretty large with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. I ordered the Route 66 burger since it was highly recommended. Overall it was pretty big and had a surprising amount of bacon on it. Unfortunately, the patty seemed under seasoned and not very flavorful. For being a signature item I was a little disappointed. I also tried the Mac and cheese fries which our waiter recommended. The Mac and cheese was from a box, not homemade, but would be a fun treat for kids. My favorite thing I tried was the Oreo milkshake. It was delicious! The portions were good and I left full. The prices were reasonable too. Overall the food wasn't outstanding but not bad either. Original Mikes would be a good place to bring a family with kids. read more

Original Mikes Diner - Mike's Famous Route 66 Burger - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California

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Food is great and they give you alot. Service is great. Always go for breakfast.Broasted chicken is really good also.

We always sit at the counter when we go to a diner, that way we don't have to wait to be seated. We had to ask for a menu but once we knew who our waitress was it was th experience was like "butta". Food was hot and delicious. Potatoes crispy and toast had plenty of butter. The skillets are huge and enough for two. It's really busy but the staff seem to have it together. Prices are a bit high, but everything is high right now. read more

Been a few times with church family friends after Sunday morning mass in Elk Grove for breakfast/lunch. Usually a party of 4 can be a little bit of a wait for a table, both times have been in the back. The one time I went on a weekday morning had a regular booth. Breakfast is all-day which I lean towards but their lunch menu includes the usual diner food: burgers, sandwiches, salads, broasted chicken, etc. My go-to is 2 eggs any style, plus bacon or sausage, hashbrowns or country potatoes, toast or english muffin or biscuit (hotcake or muffin additional substitution). Coffee is okay. This latest visit though, I strayed and got instead the Popeye 3 egg omelette (spinach, bacon, mushrooms, cheese) with a blueberry muffin instead of toast, country potatoes instead of hashbrowns. I ended up helping polish off the side order of 2 pancakes for the ones with smaller appetites. Food took a while to arrive. Coffees and ice waters refilled, creamers brought to table. With every plate of bacon cheeseburgers, fries, and french toast that came by for another table, our hunger grew. At least we stopped by the fundraiser booth at church beforehand and had a donut and coffee as a warmup to brunch. Others got the San Francisco Scramble and the Crab and Shrimp Omelette, and the vanilla milkshake were all good too. Smaller portions/cheaper options for seniors. read more

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I have driven by this place for over 5 yrs and finally decided to stop and try their burgers. Nothing like a homemade tasting burger. Only thing I would say is the bun was a little big for the patty however the patty was not small and they loaded the burger with plenty of toppings. Had a side salad with it and Lordy it was huge. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. read more

Original Mikes Diner - Diners Near Me - Elk Grove, California