Service was quick and easy. It was definitely faster than Black Bear Diner, but not as tasty. The chain diner beat the mom & pop for flavor on this one. The vibe was cool, the decor was like you were in someone's garage eating breakfast and you could tell who the new people were. They definitely have their regulars. Anyhow, the food was very bland. No flavor town here. My husband and I shared everything just to make sure neither one of us was missing anything. We ordered the French toast half and half, eggs Benedict, blueberry pancakes plate, hash browns, & country potatoes. The best tasting thing was the bacon. It was not over crisped or under cooked. It was perfect. Hollandaise sauce was too thick and didn't taste like your standard hollandaise. Pancakes were watery, potatoes were burnt... I don't know what to say. The food was not worth the calories. I was so excited too. Breakfast is my favorite. It was packed but I think it was more of a congregational thing. read more

Can I just start off by saying YUM!!! Had breakfast here last weekend and we were very hungry after the 30 minute wait trying to grab a table. We sat outside and once we were sat, everything went very quickly. Our waitress was very nice, and she put in our order for the chicken fried steak, and the corn beef hash breakfasts. Both of our orders were cooked perfectly. My chicken fried steak was seasoned very well, and the meat tasted very good and high-quality. I asked them for crispy hashbrowns, and those were also cooked just right. My fiancée loved her corn beef hash too. She let me try it and they did an awesome job of not only flavoring it, but also making it crispy, yet not over cooking it. This place is definitely no frills comfort food. We will definitely come here again if we are ever in the area and hungry for breakfast read more

The service, food, and restaurant were all great. The establishment was very clean, the staff were super nice, and the food was amazing. Very large portions and flavorful! Definitely recommend. read more

My oldest asked to return for her favorite breakfast. Service was fast since it was during mid week. Food is great...try to avoid on weekends. read more

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We have been coming to pop's for over 15yrs. Service is always good, staff very friendly attentive. Food is always on point, but last weekend I had the porckchops for breakfast and the porckchops were dry. read more

Great food awesome service I love it can't wait to go back soon. The prince is good as well

If I can give this place negative stars I would. Waited over an hour party of 4 including our toddler was told Wait time is 20-30 mins. Staff sits parties of two almost instantly but keep larger parties waiting... please make that make sense. We gonna gave up after staff told us we next and sat another family then saying ohh they were actually next. They can't even keep track of the list since they skip over anything over two. We ended up walking just down the parking lot to Toms JR and thank goodness for that!! Food was amazing, price for family $30! and service even better. read more

Sooooo good!! Had the chicken fried steak, FRIED French toast and hashbrowns. Can't wait to come back and try their house made corned beef hash! Our server Bailey was a doll!! Really recommend for breakfast! Not sure the other menus but would trust it's just as good. read more

Pop's Cafe - Packed restaurant! Always a good sign - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

We had a great breakfast here, with great service from Ivan. My gourmet omelette, had sautéed mushrooms and avocado and cubed Irish potatoes which were also amazing. Highly recommend this little hole in the wall restaurant if you wanna get your money's worth read more

Pop's Cafe - Enjoying our delicious breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

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Breakfast is always delicious, and service is great. Try the deep fry French toast amazing read more

Pop's Cafe - Gourmet Omlet and Pops country breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

The food is always fresh and delicious, price is affordable yes everything has gone up and that's ok as long as the quality of food is good I do not mind paying , I highly recommend the fried French toast it's so delicious read more

Before you read my review, you should know this about me: 1. I'm a southern Californian born in Taiwan. 2. I've lived in north Orange County all my life minus the four years I spent in UT for college. 3. I love to eat, and refuse to eat anything I don't think taste good.  REFUSE. 4. I don't mind spending money to eat well. 5. My parents owned two sandwich shops while I was growing up.  I worked there as a kid, through college and beyond, so I'm a big fan of mom and pop shops. Needless to say, with a name like Pop's, I'm already biased for this place! On my way there (I was killing some time between a doctor's appt and going to the local Salvation Army), I saw SO MANY places I thought, MAN, maybe I should try THAT place. If anyone is ever visiting or driving through Downey, let me just say there are plenty of good lookin' food places to eat! Snapshot scores: Overall Score: A- Service: B+ Ease of Parking: C How they are handling Covid: A- Variety of dishes: B- Quality of dishes: A Quantity of food: A Let me preface by saying, I'd give this place a 4.5 stars if we could do 1/2 stars on Yelp. Here's the short version of my review: Pros: 1. Simple menu and very reasonable prices. 2. Good service: they will not be fawning over you or neglecting you. 3. Plenty of food on each plate: I'm a HUGE eater (I've been told I eat like a man) and I was VERY satisfied. 4. Option of eating inside or out, which is really nice! Cons: 1. Parking can be a bit of a bear. I suggest you be patient or just go during off hours. They close at 2 PM, just FYI. It's a strictly breakfast and lunch place. 2. This isn't a con for ME but it might be for some: this is not a foo foo, fancy spanzy place for breakfast. Very white-American traditional food. If you're looking for unique or interesting, this is NOT the place. My tips: 1. This is a fun place if you have 4 or less in your party. Any more than that, this might be a struggle to get parking or a table close together. 2. If you're not a big eater, or just want to count those calories, go halfsie with someone or take 1/2 of your food home. I'm telling you - blue-collar (and I mean that in the MOST positive way possible) portions here. 3. You can park a little more down a ways in the strip mall and just walk down if the parking is a little hairy. You'll need the steps to work off those calories any way. 4. If you like chicken fried steak, you won't find one this cheap at this quality or quantity. I'm ordering that AGAIN soon!!!! Conclusion: I'm bringing my 16 YO daughter here tomorrow. 'Nuff said. ============================================================= If you want to read the ENTIRE review, read below. ============================================================= How they are handling Covid stuff: - all staff wearing masks - good about cleaning after tables have left - everything is clean clean clean - all tables are very much 6 feet apart indoors; the outdoor tables are NOT 6 feet apart (that doesn't bother me but it might matter to some Yelpers) Service: It was a HOPPIN' place for a Thursday morning (I was there roughly around 10 AM). Just about every table has been claimed and everyone looked very content to be with their food, let me also say. I was left looking like a hungry fool for about three minutes when one of the young waiters delivering drinks to a table noticed how pathetic I looked and seated me. I was checked on once during my meal. Which is fine by me since I usually don't need a lot of service at most places. The first order came out wrong, and without a face or a grunt, the young waitress went back and got me the RIGHT order within three minutes. Considering I was sitting there for about 10-15 minutes waiting already, I was impressed. Quality of food: I ordered the chicken fried steak with gravy on the side, squaw toast and Irish potatoes. The potatoes were nothing to write home about but they were solid. I actually did NOT care for the squaw toast. It tasted like regular white toast but LOOKED darker. The gravy was GOOD and I'm really glad I got it on the side to preserve the crispy outer layer of the steak. read more

Pop's Cafe - Current menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

Best breakfast spot in town pretty busy on weekends but fast service... great prices for food considering every other business is abusing price gouging but not here... keep it up read more

Everything here is delicious and tastes so homemade! I asked for a special order once and it was made perfectly! Atmosphere is cozy and service is phenomenal! Downey Gem! read more

Breakfast was wonderful, food did take a while to be served. Sat outside was a bit warm but quite then inside. Service was ok cause it was busy. read more

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Pop's always a good place to eat prices are reasonable and service is great. When you come here need to be patient the wait to get in is always 15 to 20 minutes. read more

Food was pretty good but they totally screwed up my order to go. They forgot to add the egg on my "egg and bacon breakfast " Also got the wrong toast. read more

Food was delicious and not overly priced The service was great and a very clean environment read more

This is such a gem in a random little parking lot. The food is amazing. The service was quick and friendly even though it was a busy weekend. I loved all the cool car stuff on the walls. I enjoyed eating here for the first time and will be returning for sure. read more

Pop's Cafe - Hot chocolate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

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The best breakfast I've ever had. Every thing is so perfect. I also really like cappuccino coffee. read more

Pop's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

I'm all for a good hole in the wall breakfast spot, and supporting small local businesses, but Pops was disappointing. They sat us down fast, party of 2. Cool. I ordered an omelette and it took 45 minutes to get our food. Not cool. It's a bit excessive considering the server never once came back to check on us after taking our order. My friend ordered the steak and eggs, medium, but came out fully cooked and dry. Overall , the food is mediocre/bland/unseasoned. 3 stars because they discounted a percentage off our bill for the steak, the bussers are really on their job and also a different server checked on us at the end, since ours never came back around, and she was very nice. Doubt i'd come back. Many other great options here in Downey. Go to The Marketplace across the street. read more

Meh. Subpar for sure. They have friendly service from how I observed the wait staff be with the other patrons. I had pancakes and one egg with bacon, they were flavorless and lackluster. The egg seemed to have come out of a carton. The bacon was they highlight of the meal. I literally only took three bites of the pancakes and tired everything to dress them up with syrup and butter to make them taste better. You would think that it would concern the waiter seeing that the plate was almost untouched and inquired about how everything was tasting, it didn't. When they asked if I wanted a box to go I said no thank you they didn't taste good. All I got was an "okay" but nothing to try and remedy the situation. The coffee tasted like a burnt pot. The potatoes weren't thoroughly cooked. I wouldn't come again. read more

The biscuits and gravy were excellent. The service was OK.and the ambience was very pleasant.

My local breakfast go to spot. I really like this place ever since I went there for my bday breakfast pre pandemic. I got the chicken fried steak this time. Pretty good with the biscuits and gravy. I'm gonna go for the pancakes next time. And the price is affordable. Service is awesome. They're always checking on you and refilling my coffee, which I appreciate. read more

Pop's Cafe - Chicken fried steak and Irish potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

This place is great! Fast, friendly service, great food and great atmosphere. The sausage gravy is excellent! Will come back when we're in the area. read more

I can see why Pops has a line during peak hours. The staff is friendly. The food is great no matter what you order. The coffee is good and strong and please don't forget the pancakes. Probably the best pancakes in all of Downey and maybe all of the Eastside of L. A. read more

Pop's Cafe - Blueberry pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

The prices are great the food is the bomb and the staff is super I promise you will go back I can't wait to go back

Great and amazing service!!! The food was really good and the waiter was great too! We came in for breakfast and we took some home. The food is reasonably priced and the plates are well proportioned. Loved it!! read more

Love this local spot! They always provide warm service and the food is classic that has an old school feel with a diverse menu to choose from. Me and the fam like to come regularly. We love Pops! read more

I usually get a burger and enjoy it. I decided to get a breakfast burrito, asked for no bacon extra sausage. Burrito was mostly burned hash brown little to no egg or sausage. Worst burrito ever. Didn't complain because I was out with my girl but I was very disappointed. Waiter was nice and friendly. read more

I love the energy in this place!! I can't wait to go back. The food was super yummy. The place was so busy but the workers were super friendly. The food came out hot and fast. I had the pork chops and yes I will try them again. The pancakes were yummy and they didn't have a problem giving me extra butter. Paris was our waitress she's nice friendly and helpful I told her it was our first time and help me decide what to order with all my questions. Thanks Paris you made our morning with your willingness to help and the smile on your face. My husband and I will be coming back again. read more

Pop's Cafe - Hot chocolate so yummy!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

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Parking lot is as busy as is this Downey gem. Can't go wrong with anything you order here. My favorite is the chicken fried steak & eggs. The chicken has a nice crunch and the gravy is made from scratch. It's delicious! They specialize in breakfast and lunch and close at 2:30pm daily. There may be a bit of a wait for a table as it's a town favorite, but it is worth it. Staff is friendly and efficient. read more

Not only was the food great but the service was too. I would definitely come here over Black Bear Diner. The ambiance was nice, homey, and clean. Don't think about it and try this place out! read more

Pop's Cafe - French Toast Meal Steak & Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

First time and loved it from the food to the service thank you for welcoming my family

It gets busy but well worth the wait. I had the country fried steak with gravy and eggs. It was delicious, and my friend had the fried French toast, it's a must try. read more

I went in today, and my server, Layla, took care of me and was super friendly. I would go again.

Had the french toast. It was very tasty. Service was excellent. Highly recommend this place!!

Pop's Cafe is our go to spot on weekends! The food is amazing and always taste like homemade food! The servers are always friendly and quick to serve everyone, no matter how busy it is! Honestly the BEST breakfast spot in the area :) read more

My favorite go to for chicken fried steak, there is nothing better. I've been visiting for years and still the same. read more

Pop's Cafe - Chicken fried steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Downey, California

Tried this spot after hitting up the farmer's market in Downey this past weekend, and I'm glad we did. First of all, I forgot to catch the name of our server that was wearing a Seahawks ball cap, but his attention to us was outstanding. Outdoor dining of course, in this day and age of the Rona and I'm pleased to announce that the tables were separated for social distancing the way they should be as opposed to other places that still bunch up the tables. It was also a relief to see that all staff wore masks and wiped down tables between guests. Getting right in to the food, we all got something different and picked at each other's plates. Why? Because we basically all have the same germs and know where each other's been! My son went with a club sandwich, basic but well executed with plenty of bacon in every bite, fries crunchy on the outside, nice and soft on the inside. My godson opted for the chili cheese omelette and what I loved about it was that it was beanless chili, so the chili stood out while complimenting but not overpowering the cheese or egg. Sister in law wanted steak and eggs and asked for it medium, but it was closer to well done than it was to medium. Funny thing is, despite the fact that it was a minute or two away from being shoe leather (not really, I prefer my steak medium rare so anything higher than that is ruined in my humble opinion lol), it was somehow very tender still, and also well seasoned, because not even almost burning it (dramatic, I know!) could diminish the flavor. Rounding out our little family breakfast smorgasbord was my wife's pork chips and Irish hash browns and my corned beef hash with country potatoes. Lastly, but certainly not least, a short stack of pancakes was also ordered. Chops must've been good cause I didn't get to taste them. I don't know why the hash browns were called Irish since onion and bell pepper were the only things added? Back in my day, those were called potatoes O'Brian. Maybe somebody told Pops that was offensive and they had to change the name o' the spuds? I know this is gonna sound anal, but the only reason I'm knocking off a star is because my buddy in the Seahawks hat didn't know his menu well enough to tell me that the corned beef hash was in fact, NOT MADE FROM SCRATCH. I asked him, he said it was and I believed him. But when it came to the table, it was clear as day that what should have been chunks of corned beef and their delicious country potatoes combined with the onion and bell pepper from my wife's Irish hash browns , was not going to be what I was led to believe I was gonna git. Overall, the fluffiness and the deliciousness of the yummy pillows pancake i didn't really talk too much about and everything else being so damn tasty is more than enough for me to stop being a cry baby about the "fake" corned beef and come back to try other things on the menu when in the area again. read more

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