It's hard finding a place that offers traditional well made breakfasts in a comfortable setting Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe is that place. And I love that it is employee owned. You cant tell there is pride in everything they do. We had the French Toast with home made sausages and eggs. Super tasty and filling. Matt says, if you find yourself near Emeryville, maybe you are doing a quick trip to IKEA or taking in a movie at AMC Bay Street 16, drop by Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe for an experience you won't soon forget. read more

Ahh! I can't believe I haven't reviewed Rudy's! It's delicious and fun spot to dine. If you haven't already check this place out and dine here. I highly recommend doing so it's a nice alternative to IHOP and Denny's. Enjoy! read more

The name of this place says it all -- can't fail! It's a no-fuss, casual breakfast spot with extremely friendly and fast service. I ordered the combo plate with French toast, eggs, and veggie sausages, and it was the perfect portion, delicious and satisfying. It's worth noting that my teacher colleagues and I had a pretty terrible experience at another nearby breakfast spot, so coming to Rudy's was a breath of fresh air. The contrast in service and atmosphere was night and day. To top it off, the owner gave us free mimosas after hearing we're teachers celebrating the end of the year. Such a thoughtful gesture. Big shoutout! read more

My friend had some errands to do in Emeryville and suggested we meet for brunch there. I sent her some Yelp links to different brunch spots and she picked Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe. I had been many years ago with my family as a preteen or teenager but unfortunately I don't remember what I had then. Today I had the breakfast burrito and she had My Own Private Idaho. Burrito was tasty and filling. It came with a side of black beans, sour cream, and pico de gallo. We each had a cup of coffee. Coffee wasn't on the menu so my friend had to ask when she ordered at the counter. You order at the counter and seat yourself. Credit/debit cards only. Food was brought out quickly and our server checked in to see if we needed anything. We sat at a booth away from the door and it wasn't noisy or chilly. Despite today being a holiday, the restaurant wasn't crowded at all. We spent ~2.5 hours there as we hadn't seen one another in 4 months (I'm visiting from out of state) and they refused to rush us. I parked in the back lot and my friend was able to park on the side streets. I'd come back if in the area to try other items - their chilaquiles scramble looked great and they have a lot of plant based options. If the weather was warmer, I would have tried their milkshakes! read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Breakfast Burrito Plate - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

We very much enjoyed our meals. The crab with poached egg was excellent and I had corned beef hash with eggs, it was the best I've had yet. The mimosas were good and so was The mocha latte. The service was great. read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Corn, beef, hash with eggs, best I've had yet - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

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Came in for lunch with a friend. My friend is currently disabled and walking with a cane. There were quite a few people there. We came in grabbed our menus and found our seats but then had to go back to the counter to order. I had the California chicken sandwich with garlic fries. It didn't have cheese so I added pepper jack. The sandwich was good. The fries were ok not as garlicky as I had hoped. My friend had the Rudy's breakfast and enjoyed it. She also tried the tuna salad and liked it. I had to go back to the counter to get a refill for my friend and then again for myself. I didn't like the idea of no servers and was concerned that if my friend and come her by herself she would not have been able to make multiple trips to the counter to get what she needed. Honestly not sure if I will come back. read more

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This place has been around in Emeryville for about 15 years. It's sits across the street from City Hall. On weekends it gets busy for brunch and during the week it gets busy for lunch. Parking is generally available within 1 to 2 blocks. They have a small parking lot, but it always seems to be full. The ambience on the inside is cool. There's lots of little trinkets and what not to look at on the walls and in the tables. The food is pretty good. I always get the bacon and eggs and ask for the bacon crispy. It comes out crispy about 60% of the time. The service here is rushed and sometimes your water cup gets left dry until the check comes. But it's pretty good. read more

It's been a minute since I had Rudy's. When I worked in West Oakland, it was on the lunch rotation. That was a decade ago. But I didn't hesitate to order lunch when they popped into my feed. I had the tuna sandwich on sourdough with a fruit cup. The sandwich was stuffed, with tuna salad spilling out of it. It was plain, with onion and celery, and really good. I wish it had a tiny bit more mayo because it was dry. But otherwise, yum! I loved the sliced banana in my fruit cup. I also had to dessert. The chocolate hazelnut cake was rich and delicious. I actually got two meals out of my order. Good portions and longtime consistency. Recommended. read more

We found this place looking for an American style diner. There used to be a restaurant on telegraph near 18th by the name of "can't fail". I'm not sure if this is associated with that one which is no longer there but I'm glad we did find this one in or near Emeryville. Their portions are too large, which is good for a lot of people. They give you plenty of fries or whatever your side is and you can choose to eat inside or outside on the patio. It's a simple place, but the food is very good and the aïoli is dynamite. read more

Post-pandemic disappointment Having been a regular in its pre-2022 incarnation, I was disappointed by its post-pandemic rebirth. The menu's changed (no more biscuits or grits), and the food was poorly sourced and cooked. My poached eggs were undercooked and hadn't been properly drained, the toast (which comes pre-buttered) was room temperature, the hash browns appeared to be prefabbed squares with freezer burn, the tomato slices were underripe and inedible, and the decaf coffee was bitter (as if it had been sitting) and undrinkable. The one bright spot was the staff, who were friendly, and helpful in remaking the coffee as a decaf Americano, which was much better. No doubt it's difficult to operate a restaurant in this economy, but I'd pay more for better quality food that's properly cooked and delivered to the table hot. read more

Service was excellent, food ok, prices a little high. Parking is hit or miss, I got lucky.

Yum!! This place is an institution and you see it in the Sunday morning crowd. The food hit the spot for a good diner meal and the staff was accommodating and helpful. They have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options too! read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Cappuccino - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

I don't give bad review unless it is warranted. Not the same old dive cafe I remembered. Took my wife here after IKEA. Been coming here back in 2015-2018 when I worked in Emeryville. Things have changed. Order at the counter "OK" no problem. ordered the Oak something Benedict. Small portions, Luke warm, very little Hollandaise. Ordered a side of hash browns because my breakfast didn't come with it, it didn't even fill a small plate. Service was, drop the plate in front of you and never seen them again. Sorry, loved this place before. Never stepping in again. read more

I've come here for years (10-15+) and have always getting the BLT (asking for very crisp bacon) and fries. However, the last couple of times have been a huge disappointment, including today. Both time this happened, was with the same person taking the order at the counter. She could care less about me asking for very crisp bacon, she was totally tuned out for anything but what they have to ask (bread....bla bla bla....side...bla bla bla). This makes me not want to go there ever again (sadly, since it was my go-to for a BLT with the best fries) read more

Somewhere I read a review that said they had the best and crispiest hash browns. So I drove a few miles from home to check it out, potatoes being my favorite food. It's a very good breakfast and lots of options from fancy to simple. Nice vibes and pleasant service. But my hash browns were just like any other place I have breakfast :). If I lived closer, it would probably be my go to breakfast place. read more

Nice sweet spot, good food well! GREAT food affordable prices! Excellent customer service, friendly staff! They get to know you, like remember you! Good people! Stop by and check them out! Rudy's Can't fail and they stand up to it! read more

Up until near Covid I went here a lot. Loved the punk ambiance with the plastic tables with service dolls & stickers on the wall and the plastic tables with my childhood imbedded in it. After the new management I started ordering through DoorDash instead and found a love for their salsa verde. My current fave is ordering their corned beef hash, pico de gallo, hash browns, avocado, and salsa verde then mixing it all together. Sometimes I wish their weekend dazed and confused item had the option in DoorDash to swap hollandaise for salsa verde and add pico de gallo which would be similar. Oh and on wishing for additions would love feta cheese added to menu? lol Love the history, ambiance and very consistent food. Several steps up from "drinking brew for breakfast"! This place has been very dear to my heart for a long time. To all the people who make this place great, thanks for being there all these years! read more

Fun little spot with a bit of a ramshackle punk vibe, I guess befitting a spot apparently founded by a member of Green Day. We came here for breakfast and had a nice time. I really loved my Chilaquiles scramble--and the kiddo enjoyed the Challah French Toast (I think just fake maple syrup here, no pure--not an issue for him but would have been for me!). Portion sizes are substantial and filling. My girlfriend had the Hot Veggie Sandwich--a bit out of character for her, and she didn't love it--and started pilfering my eggs, much to my chagrin. But overall it was fine, an overall strong meal. Service was fine if a bit slow. Loved the decor--old toys, in-restaurant doodlings along the wall--seem like they have events here as well. Prices seem pretty reasonable for what we experienced visiting the area as well. Overall, just solid, charming and fun. read more

I love Rudy's. Like, so much. I came here about 13 years ago & have come back as frequently as I can, which I wish was more often! I love the Popeye. I'm a big breakfast at any meal person. I have had bites (sometimes a lot of bites) of some of the sandwiches and such, and they were so good. And my partner is a huge fan of the Monte Cristo, which is amazeballs. I am so glad Rudy's is still around. I hope it's around FOREVER!!!! read more

I came here for breakfast and was glad to see that they have an extensive menu so you're bound to find something you'll like. The decor is...interesting, but is somewhat fitting. Order at the counter then take your number to any open table. Employees are friendly here. Food was standard "diner" quality, so nothing really stood out to me or impressed me. Presentation of food is what you would expect - no frills. Overall, I have no major complaints and wouldn't mind coming back. read more

You can't fail with Rudy's Can't Fail in Emeryville. This place has been an established no fail breakfast joint for me since I moved to Bay Area 8 years ago. The quirky decor is my favorite. I try to sit indoors at the tables with the toys in the resin. They shifted to a pay at the counter first method since I last visited. Which seems to work fine and doesn't seem to change the experience. I had the Huevos Ranchero even though I usually have the Tower of Power (because they know what is hip). Go get you some awesome breakfast here. read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Huevos Ranchero & a Hamburger - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

I was in the area and stopped by on a sunday morning. there is indoor and ourdoor seating. you seat yourself snd then order at the register. to drink i had orange juice was the best i ever had it was cold and thick. i had the french toast and it was probably the best ive had. the bacon was good as well. the hash browns were a little undercooked. quick service and such a cool funky vibe. read more

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Solid. Hearty, beefy, not just a pile of beans. Has a gentle kick that builds, not a brutal burn. Topped with cheese and onion. Felt like a real, honest bowl of chili. Between the two? Chowder on a foggy day, chili when you need something to stick to your ribs. Both come with that great sourdough. No frills, just good, reliable diner food. Rudy really doesn't fail. read more

It's out spot!!! Never gets old. Love me some tasty ass diner food! The staff, the various dishes, etc. The challah French toast are like the best thing ever. read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Classic burger, Buffalo Chicken Salad - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

Love Rudy's! Food is delicious, service is always welcoming & love supporting a neighborhood business. Very child & family friendly too. Kids meals are big and we usually have leftovers. You can order items a la carte, make substitutions etc. with no issues. They also have live music in the spring and summer on the patio, which is always a fun treat! Lots of parking available nearby as well. As a New Yorker I miss diners and Rudy's is a great replacement spot for brunch, lunch & dinner. read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Monte Cristo sandwich - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

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They are open on Christmas Day until 2 PM. The service here is very quick. I came in a party of two, we had to order at the bar, and the food was brought to us within 10 minutes. The omelette was so delicious. I didn't want to stop eating it, but I was so full at just eating half of it. The pancakes for just OK, I don't know if I will order them again. But the main event of the meal, was the English muffin! It was so buttery , warm and delicious. I will definitely order that every time. They have outside dining as well. They do have picnic tables for large group and a lot of two and four seater tables. As soon as someone left, the tables were cleared and cleaned. read more

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Absolutely nasty! Soooo disappointing. Can't fail used to be one of my favorite go to's. Maybe once the location on Telegraph closed they lost good people. Perhaps it's the cooks but the tuna salad was bland and nasty and the way the tuna melt was prepared was a shame. They "grilled" it, barely, with... nothing - no butter, no nothing. They sourdough bread and cheese were also of lesser quality then I've had in the past. I didn't finish it. The chili recipe was different - far less flavorful. Hopefully, my meal today is not indicative of the restaurant as a whole, but I'll never know as I've just ordered my last meal from Can't Fail Cafe, who failed me miserably today. read more

It's been awhile since I was last at Rudy's. I was very disappointed you order you food at the counter. So no service they didn't come check on us once after dropping it off. Food not nearly as good as I remembered hash browns are fake premade. Eggs scrambled soft were scorched. They asked for a tip up front when you paid. Not doing that again 20% for nothing so sad. read more

Honestly absolutely love this restaurant. Discovered it from watching Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and so glad I got to experience it! Food & Drink - beers on tap, all sorts of diner food available. I absolutely loved my tuna melt - such a great execution of a classic! Service - incredibly friendly staff & your food comes out quick. Ambiance - indoor & outdoor seating, old-time diner vibes... loved sitting outside at a large picnic table & playing cards while we enjoyed our meal. Recommend Rudy's for a quick bite or a casual meal with friends!! read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Old School Tuna Melt - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

One of my folks favorite spots! We come from San Francisco at least monthly. I can eat totally vegan and my folks can have any meat they like. My dad's favorite is the meatloaf dinner and my mom's is the steak dinner ! And their soups of the day are delicious as well. Support independent ! read more

Friday night live music and crab cakes! Tiny spot with easy parking and much less street crime than Oakland (but that's true for almost anywhere except Somalia) Good bands. Convenient to IKEA and Home Depot for late night runs Cryptic sign across the street (see photo) read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Elevator for acrobats? - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

This photo sums up breakfast. Huevos rancheros is worth while. French toast was tasty too; however, I didn't care too much for the Bloody Mary. read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

The food is pretty good, but it's quite overpriced. The good news is that the portions are hefty, so you can do leftovers and get multiple meals out of it. The service is pretty good, all things considered. We like sitting outside on nice days for breakfast, for example, and the staff is always there for us. The interior ambience is a little loud, but it's definitely a place we enjoy going every so often. The spicy chicken sandwich is especially good. read more

I used to live nearby and this was a consistent breakfast spot. I was sad when they closed for a bit but they reopened shortly after. Their prices got raised a bit so it wasn't as consistent of a "let's check it out". But for me I still love the meatloaf sandwich. I hope they stay open and innovate. The collection of Barbie's and unique tables really keeps it Funky. read more

I have been going to Rudy's since it opened, and I still love it. The food is dependably tasty, the beer taps are clean, and I can always find a comfy booth or nice spot on the patio. They serve a variety of modernized diner food, so I can bring anyone there. The decor and music are fun. Many of the staff have been there for years and are always friendly and helpful. Even though my kid has grown up and no longer begs for a funny face pancake, we still love going. read more

You MUST Try This Place!!! I came into town to celebrate Mother's Day with my family, mom and sister-in-law. On Saturday, I wanted a day to myself. So, I looked for a new spot to try out food. I saw this place was good for Vegetarians, so I made a bee line there. This place is my new best friend - and they don't even know it yet! The food is AMAZING! The staff is AMAZING! The ambience is AMAZING! It's so unique, homey, comfortable, and easy going. You place your order at the counter, get a number, then find your own seat. The servers come and check in on you - but they don't bother you. The food is served with a smile and a wonderful welcome. And, every bite makes your belly happy. They have indoor and outdoor seating, in case you have a furry friend . I would describe this place as a neighborhood staple that must be experienced by all. read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Crab Cake Benedict - YUM!! - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

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I can't believe it has been 20 years since I first visited Rudy's in Emeryville back in 2002. I miss the Oakland location but any chance I have to get back to the original OG Rudy's I know it is going to be a good experience. I'm an east coast transplant so I love a great diner vibe and being bake to get breakfast classics any time of the day. The food is great and I wouldn't hesitate to give anything on the menu a try. That said my favorites are the all day breakfast, the chili, and the burgers. You should also go for the weekend and try the brunch specials! The milkshakes are crazy good and leave room for dessert! Come for the food, it be sure to check out the custom made tables and the Barbie collection. I hope I can keep coming back for another 20 years. read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Introducing my family to the Rudy's experience! - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

Visited on a Thursday morning and it wasn't too busy. There's a parking lot for customers and street parking for overflow. The menu had a great assortment of things and the staff was friendly and patient while we ordered. Both the chai latte and French toast were delicious! Almond milk was available as a sub for the latte, and the challah bread made for a fluffy bite. Decent amount of seating and fun decor, and would definitely come back. read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Chai Tea Latte - American Near Me - Emeryville, California

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Disappointing. First time back in 6 years. I was looking forward to a great meal... Like it was ... Then ..not so much now.. the service was great but the food, even after my order was fixed. Was at best mediocre.. the benidicts were made with no more than 1 tablespoon of cold sauce that resembled McDonald's special sauce . The crab cakes were cold and slimy inside. But the poached eggs were fine Rudys seems to be failing... read more

Solid spot for a quick bite. Chill vibes, friendly staff, and super fast service. Food came out fresh, no complaints will definitely be back! read more

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe - Chorizo Scramble sub sunny side up - American Near Me - Emeryville, California