Loved Pat's Café for Years -- It's Not the Same Under New Owners Pat's Café was one of my absolute go-to spots for years -- I've been going since around 2005-2006. My mom, grandmother, and I all had our favorites there, especially the stir-fry beef dish and the classic corned beef hash the original owners served straight from the can (cooked just right). It felt like a reliable neighborhood restaurant with solid, consistent American-style dishes. Since the new owners took over, the consistency and quality have slipped badly. Dishes now come out differently almost every time. The Pad Thai toppings are sometimes mixed on top, sometimes served on the side like an afterthought, and extras appear or disappear randomly. It was noticeable but not a deal-breaker on its own. On one visit I ordered the country fried steak. There was a fairly large, hard piece of plastic in the meat. I bit down on it hard enough that it could have easily cut my gums or mouth if I hadn't noticed. I showed it to the server, and the only response I got was that they buy the country fried steaks from a vendor, so it wasn't something they made in-house. No apology, no offer to remake the dish, no discount -- nothing. I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and returned for another meal. That next visit (or the one shortly after) became the final straw. I ordered the green curry. Eggplant is a major ingredient that adds essential flavor and texture to every bite -- right alongside your choice of protein (chicken, beef, etc.). I ate several bites before realizing there was none in the entire dish. When I mentioned it, the waitress simply said they had run out. They never disclosed the missing ingredient when I ordered or before serving the dish, and they didn't offer any adjustment, remake, discount, or comp. They just served an incomplete meal and charged full price. The lack of basic customer service on both visits was shocking and felt disrespectful. Finding a foreign object in your food should at minimum get a sincere apology and an offer to make it right. When a key ingredient is missing, the restaurant should let you know upfront so you can decide whether to order something else. On top of that, beloved items have disappeared or changed for the worse. The stir-fry beef my family loved is gone from the menu. The original corned beef hash was replaced with an in-house shredded version that just isn't as good. The place even seems to be going by a second name now (Phuket Thai) alongside Pat's Café, which adds to the confusion. I'm really sad about this because I genuinely loved the old Pat's. The new version just doesn't feel like the same welcoming neighborhood spot anymore. If you never knew the original, you might still find some decent meals, but for longtime fans, the changes -- and especially how both of these situations were handled -- make it hard to recommend. I've stopped going and am now looking for a new regular place. Hope the owners read this and consider bringing back more consistency, better food safety practices, and better communication when ingredients run out. read more

the food was so salty :( I so sorry, but we tried to not pay too much attention to it, but it was hard. thankfully, the waitress was on top of it to fill up our water so that we could wash it down. the waitress quickly took our orders and was watchful if we needed any more re-ups. I will say that the bite of the hash brown was very welcoming with the warmth and that the French toast was smoothly made. could have been nice with more syrup made available to us as well as more servings of fruit on the plate. but, we worked with what we got and grateful to have had the table with the different dressings and sauces beside us to tweak the taste in the dishes. when you enter the restaurant, it could be a bit confusing because there is another restaurant right next door, so if you enter through the doorway in the direction of where the gas station and parking spots are, go on the left side if you want to eat here. quite crowded in the restaurant, too, with the tables and chairs overwhelming the floor space. will say that I love how the kitchen is just there so that you can watch them cook and connect with the chefs in conversation. read more

Pat's Cafe - French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

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Sometimes you're hankering for a good breakfast without all the frills. And Pat's Cafe delivers just that. Food: I was pleasantly surprised at my boyfriend's corned beef and hash. I'm dubious of "fancy" corned beef because it always tends to be dry and inedible but it was DELICIOUS. The savory, salty and soft corned beef went well with the crunchy bell peppers and onions. My skillet was decent as well. The hash browns were a little over fried but I like my crunchy lol. The coffee was hot and fresh and served in gigantic mugs. Service: sweet and friendly staff, I believe they may be a family. They also offer Thai food which I might have to try out. We didn't have to wait long for our food. Ambiance: clean, brightly lit with some traditional Thai decor and modern farm house feels. I believe the restaurant was converted from a house. read more

Pat's Cafe - Skillet scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

Finally stopped by Pat's on the corner of Pacific and Carpenter, and wow, what a gem! It looks like a little house on the corner, super cute and inviting. I've driven past it for years, always curious, and now I'm kicking myself for not stopping in sooner. Recently, they added Phuket Thai to the mix, which cranked my curiosity up even more. While the economy has definitely tightened how often we eat out, when we do, my fam bam and I make it a point to support small local businesses. And this is one I'm thrilled to shout out to the community. Pat's is open for breakfast and lunch, serving up both classic American fare and Thai dishes, yes, you read that right! The food was absolutely delicious, the Thai coffee was chef's kiss, and the vibe inside? Friendly, clean, spacious, and totally welcoming. We'll definitely be back. Don't sleep on this spot, it's a neighborhood treasure! If you're in the area, stop in and grab a bite and say hi. You won't be disappointed. read more

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We decided to try this place out. Based a review from 3 years ago with a picture of homemade corn beef hash and eggs. I ordered a corn beef hash and a single pancake with a water, my wife ordered the same without a pancake. The tab was $64 with a $8 tip. I normally do not leave a tip for bad food but the servers were great. They have no control over the food quality. The food was frozen hash browns, corn beef hash cubes, nothing like the advertised picture on the review. Cubed frozen potatoes. The food was very minimal portions for the price. The pancake was great, the eggs were ok, but to serve such tasteless food is an embarrassment. The dining rm smelled like smoke and I could barely breath, cloth smelled like beacon when we left. It was a processed breakfast and nothing was fresh. The owners could make this place something special. But the food was far from it. read more

Great food and service. Drove by there so many times before Pat retired and sold it to a new owner. Still great food. I heard that from someone who's been going here for years! read more

Excellent breakfast. The food was delicious and the ultimate breakfast was full. Great pancakes. We have been here twice since we found it a couple weeks ago. I love friendly family owned business. Please give a try. If you're looking for affordable it is that without having to drive to Black Bear Diner in Lakewood. Love the ambiance. It's a shame we don't honor families owned anymore. They are wonderful people here. read more

I only ate here once. The food was good. The customer service and e wasn't that great. I will give it another try sinceI love breakfast food! read more

Wonderful experience! Chicken fried steak was great, crispy, hot. Not Southern, but a nice meaty sausage, beef gravy. I will have it again. Eggs perfect. I also loved that I had Tom Yum soup available to go. Please visit. Great customer service, friendly, small, so plan accordingly. Only complaint (not really), I LOVE spicy and asked for as spicy as I can get. Got 5 stars. The soup was wonderful and I've been eating at it all day. It has spice, but I need Thai spice . Add an *at your own risk* option:) . read more

Great breakfast and great service. This was our first time there and we will definitely be back. Biscuits and gravy were amazing! Such a cute place. The people were so nice. They also have all day Thai food which smelled so good! read more

I've passed by this restaurant for years and just this week decided to try them out! It's very tiny inside, but the pricing and service was decent. If you're in the mood for a traditional diner or brunch spot definitely give Pats a try. read more

There is absolutely nothing fancy about Pat's Cafe. Just good sized portions and tasty food. DO NOT go if you're in a hurry. Food is made to order on a small grill. It really should only get three stars (maybe) but the staff are so kind, efficient and apologetic. They were very busy and seemed to have quite a few return regulars. Looked like a good place for young families. Special straws on the tables for younger patrons. Hopefully those younger patrons aren't starving. read more

Pat's Cafe - #11 Farmers Scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

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OUTDATED. Like eating in a dirty museum. Dusty and food is worse than Dennys. I have no idea how its still open. Im sorry but retire already. read more

We had a great time here! Our server was so sweet and did a very good job! Our food was good! We plan on returning next time we are in town!

Wow! Big changes in place for Pat's Cafe! Cassie is back, the previous owner's daughter, and she's got plans. The metamorphosis has already begun, with new fresh paint and enthusiasm when you walk in! Gone are the knick-knacks of yesteryear, the old paintings on the walls, and the counter at the front door that took up valuable real estate. But not to worry, the menu stays, and the bones of the rooms remain the same. Simply put, you can't take the charm out of this place...but you can bring it to the 21st century. Congratulations Cassie! Market the hell out of this special place, keep the great food, and stay enthusiastic. You've got this! read more

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Service amazing my server was alicha she was so kind and funny !!! love this place the food was super good too. and it have a nice homey vibe. read more

I took my little family here for breakfast a few weeks ago and we left completely satisfied. The service was great (such nice people) and it wasn't busy this Sunday morning so we got our food pretty fast. Thank you for the delicious breakfast and excellent service. We'll be back. :) read more

Driven by this place for literally decades...finally decided to stop in for brunch. Bigger inside than I imagined. Service was a bit slow. Coffee was weak. Asked about the hash--not house made. Went with Farmers Omelet. Was not very tasty. Came topped with a melted slice of American cheese...yuck. Just was not that great unfortunately. I cannot say that I would want to return. read more

Pat's Cafe - Farmer's Omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

We have been looking for a new breakfast spot since Medicine Creek shut down. They were very friendly here, there was quick service, and the food was good. I gave a 4 instead of 5 because the food was good but not great. read more

Basic breakfast. Lots of seating. Dated inside and doesn't have great ambiance. Nothing unique about the menu or food. Everyone's food was decent. Convenient location in Lacey. read more

Pat's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

Breakfast and Pad Thai chicken were delicious, employees are dedicated, nice and they always have a smile read more

Pat's Cafe - Delicious Pad Thai chicken @ Pat's Cafe in Lacey. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

Delicious, perfectly cooked food in a small restaurant. Definitely worth a visit. Make sure you check their business hours before you go as they're limited but worth it. read more

Pat's Cafe - Biscuits and gravy with hash browns. Perfectly cooked over easy eggs. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

I have driven past here for like... 10 years.... Never stopped in till today. BOY was I missing out. Food was phenomenal, service was prompt and quick. Would definitely recommend this place if you love a classic diner with classic Americana food done right read more

Pat's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

We just moved to the area and my husband found this online. The staff (family owned) were super friendly and the service was great! I ordered the pancakes and they were the fluffiest I have ever seen! I wish I took a picture before eating. My husband said his chicken fried steak was delicious. The atmosphere is peaceful and quiet- great for conversation and a wonderful start to the day. We spoke to the table next to us and the woman has been coming here for 8 years! We will definitely be back. read more

Good stuff for the price..chicken fried steak was plenty of food excellent service...hot coffee..will definitely be back.

My friend and I stopped for breakfast at this family run diner. Awesome homemade biscuits and gravy, homey environment, and swift kind service. We were highly impressed. Best breakfast in oly area, hands down. They also have a daily special, forgot to take a pic of that. read more

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Nice little breakfast spot close to my daughter's new home. Breakfast was great and I was very impressed by the biscuits and gravy-great flavor! But was most impressed is that they also serve Thai food. I didn't try any but my family did and they enjoyed it. Try it out ! read more

This was our first visit after driving past many times over the years. We are so happy we stopped! We were greeted warmly by a friendly server and chose our table. The restaurant was recently acquired by new owners and is now a family business. The owners are Thai and plan to expand the menu and extend hours to include dinner, where they will serve Thai dishes. Today we had the special - 2 eggs, 2 slices bacon, and 2 slices of fluffy French toast, with a side of biscuits & gravy (my test for a good breakfast restaurant). The side of biscuits & gravy were very good - two biscuits, split and covered with a yummy sausage gravy. The sign for the special said two eggs, but judging from the mound of fluffy, moist eggs on my plate, they either use huge eggs or they actually scrambled up 3 eggs. The bacon was cooked to my liking and tasted very good. The French toast was served as 4 triangles, nicely battered, golden brown and topped with a scoop of butter. It was fluffy and had a hint of cinnamon (I would actually prefer a bit more cinnamon). The syrup on the table was nothing special - the usual thick syrup with maple flavor. I would prefer that they served real maple syrup, but few places seem to do so. Still, for $8.95 we found both the quantity and quality of food to be very good. The restaurant is located in a renovated house with two dining rooms that can accommodate several diners. We sat in the lower dining area near the entrance where we could see the open kitchen. I would definitely recommend them for breakfast! The service is friendly & efficient and the food really hit the spot! We are looking forward to returning and trying out the expanded menu. read more

Our server Alicha was so kind and talkative. Food service was amazing and came very fast. Cozy ambiance and friendly warm welcomes. Would highly recommend. read more

We loved this homestyle cafe! We have been meaning to try it and saw they were open. We had biscuits and gravy and pancakes which were amazing! The eggs and hashbrowns were so tasty. The cook and waitress were both so friendly . I like the idea of having the menu under the tablecloth. It feels like the comfort of eating at home but without the dishes! :-) We will be back! read more

Amazing service, mouth watering food, and a cozy at home atmosphere. I would 1000% recommended this place any day. Not to mention a BUNCH of food for a good price. All in all this place deserves a 5 - 5 star review. read more

Pat's Cafe - Biscuits and gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

Delicious and Friendly. Highly recommended. The food is delicious and appropriately crunchy. I'm definitely coming back.

We were visiting from out of town and stopped at Pats cafe for breakfast. Very clean diner, and great food. The waitress was very kind also. read more

It's a little old, but you get a warm welcome when you come in. The staff is friendly and helpful. Food is basic America. It was tasty and hot. Will see you there again. read more

Pat's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lacey, Washington

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I wish we would've tried this place sooner! My son and I went for the first time today and it was Perfect! We walked into a homie welcoming environment, and we were greeted immediately. We ordered the Big Father breakfast plates and the portions are Huge & prices are low. The food came out so quickly, I hadn't even finished a cup of coffee. The ham steaks are delicious and the sausage links were cooked perfectly to my tastes and our eggs were perfectly cooked.. And my absolute favorite was the Pancakes. The pancakes are a made from scratch recipe and they are so Delicious! I didn't even need syrup just the light powder sugar dusting they were served with and they are so perfectly done. My Son and I both agreed we've found our Breakfast spot. read more

I'm loving this place, the service is amazing, very friendly, the food is wonderful and quick! The ambiance is relaxing as well. The prices are right too. Been here twice so far and will definitely be coming back. read more

My first time here today 01/06/24 it was a warm welcoming from the staff Penni. Food wise is so good pancake I loved, coffee is good. I would recommend! read more

Good food, reasonable prices, good service. They make their scrambled eggs perfectly! I also like the pancakes and sausage. Feels very homey inside. We recently discovered this place, have been a few times, and will definitely be going back. read more

I'm giving this place a thumbs up! I'm happy since.. really, at small places like this, it's difficult to deal with a picky eater. I wanted an omelet with a few things but not all things. None of the choices on the menu tickled my fancy. So when the order was taken, and it was special.. I'm happy at the fact there was no backlash! And the family was taken care of ... so throughout the meal, we all were semi quiet. Another indicator that the food was good. Service, plus. Food, plus. Portions, plus. Win all around. I'd recommend coming back to this small family owned spot. read more

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It was a great little find, me and a co-worker decided to try it out. We both had the chicken fried steak breakfast, usually in the past at other places that meal is just to much for me and this was just right with the portions. Service vet friendly , no long wait time and very attentive in keeping our coffee coming. Cozy place, I felt like I was at my grandmas kitchen table! I would very much recommend. read more