Kudos to the waitress dealing with bizarre and rude patrons. Loud family discussions, complaining because an item wasn't made the way you thought it would be and worst of all, people talking on their cellphone in the restaurant! The food and service were both very good. Thank you! read more

Great staff, good food, delicious lattes! Kind, attentive employees and large portions for the price. I haven't been back since they reopened & wasnt sure what to expect but it was as good as ever! read more

I was considering giving this place four stars because to be honest I waited quite awhile for my food. I finished like two whole cups water and could have finished another one, but I didn't want to get full on water. HOWEVER, they truly made up the waiting with their food. Although, I waited awhile they kept me and my friend assured our food was coming. I ordered the Focaccia sandwich with fries. The bread was divine and it was fully loaded!! The portions are great and the staff is wonderful. Not overly crowded, but still quant. I will definitely be visiting again. read more

The Big Blue Cafe - The chicken and avocado focaccia sandwich with fries. YUM!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Arcata, California

Greatest local hidden treasure on the plaza! NOT FAST FOOD,quality healthy ingredients in an awsome setting for semi-privacy and good service. Take out also available and they close at 3p.m. Breakfast & Lunch & reasonably priced. read more

first time back since it was closed for a while due to the construction. This was my go to spot whenever I would come up before I lived here. This morning I got the chorizo scramble which came with a two eggs with chorizo, peppers, onion, salsa, and lime. Also, came with two tortillas (corn or flour) and a side of beans with cheese. It was pretty good. I'm not a chorizo connoisseur so I can't speak on the quality of it. Just me going for something I don't normally get and thought it was good. Loved the salsa. Also got some organic coffee (don't remember the brand) and it was hella bomb. Service was great and fast. The whole place was super clean as well. Glad it's open again! read more

I was craving breakfast foods but it was already noon so I doubted I'd be locating what I was fancying, especially on a week day, but it was my lucky day, this cafe serves breakfast all day! I ordered a single slice of French toast with banana, a side of potatoes and a soy latte. My latte came out first and was huge! They served it in this excellent mug that just made me wish I was curled up in a comfy chair by a fire with a good book. It was deliciously creamy and reminded me why mom and pop coffee shops are so much better that Starbucks. My French toast came out and I was glad I only ordered the single slice, the piece was thick and fluffy, easily the size of two pieces you might get at other places. The bread itself was clearly very fresh and had just the right amount of cinnamon on it. Choosing banana slices to go with it was an excellent choice as well. The potatoes also were a healthy helping and were cooked to perfection. They had just the right amount of seasoning and the only thing I added was some ketchup. Service was quick and friendly and I thought the prices were actually quiet low for what they were serving. Definitely two thumbs up for this spot! read more

The Big Blue Cafe - French toast with bananas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Arcata, California

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We went to this location after going to the Arcata Farmers Market as this is in the same center. This is a great location with a decent menu. We found the service to be attentive, friendly, and consistent. They have restrooms and a lot of seating. The meal was 3 stars and I would eat here again. The service from Allison (Ally) was 5 stars and definitely a great part of the experience. read more

Food was delish for our party of 2adults 2 teenagers and customer service was super friendly and efficient.

I definitely recommend this place. The variety of dishes in the menu, the coffee, the tasty food and the service is excellent. This is a cosy place for friends and family. read more

My pancakes were burned but undercooked in the middle. My boyfriends fries were half cooked, and his burger was soggy. Service was ambivalent and a little rude/abrupt. Would not suggest going here-go to Brios instead. read more

My son and I just recently discovered Big Blue and it was going to be our go to weekend bfast place, and also the place we take friends and family when they visit this summer. Out experiences had been excellent until today. The hostess was very polite and promptly brought me my drink order. Unfortunately it went downhill quickly from there. After sitting for ten minutes with a closed menu, the universal signal that a customer is ready to order, the waiter walked by, gave me a sleazy wink, and then said, "be back in a minute. I just have ONE MORE." Um, one more what? One more knee operation? One more full course meal to cook? It literally takes me 2 minutes to order because I always get the same thing. The waiter, who I later learned is named Jorge, then spent a lot of time checking in with a few customers who were done eating but nursing coffee, not ready to pay their bills. He walked by my table several times, winking sleazily each time. Until I encountered Jorge at Big Blue today I had no idea I could feel so ignored and so sexually harassed as a customer at the same time. After circulating to the customers who needed nothing, Jorge then went to the cash register and got into a long flirtatious conversation with a young woman who was paying her bill. He literally turned his back on my table and was touching the customer's hands suggestively. When this has gone on another ten minutes, I'd had enough of Jorge's ridiculously bad sleazy excuse for customer service. I left and went to another restaurant that was actually willing to serve me. This is the first and only bad experience I have had at Big Blue, but it was so terrible it is unlikely we will return or recommend to friends. Management should not allow employees to use the place as a sleazy pick up joint at the expense of paying customers. Very disappointed! read more

YUMMY I have not had a bad breakfast here and I am always satisfied with how filling and perfectly portioned their meals are. I was 9 months pregnant and it was my birthday the first time I ate here and the waiter actually gave me and my partner free chai tea lattes with our breakfast! He was chatty and an experienced server. I felt that the food came fairly quick and the servers are willing to make changes to your specifications on the menu. read more

The best chicken fried steak I have ever had. Biscuits and gravy had the proper ratio of gravy to biscuits Excellent service as well read more

Had lunch here with some friends and it was a nice experience. The food was a bit bland, but still who wouldn't benefit from food that is not overly salted. I definitely want to return and try a couple of other dishes before I give it more than three stars. read more

I will never understand the hype over this place. It is not that good. I went there for the first time and was no pleased whatsoever. The food looked decent, portions were large enough, but once I took those first few bites...disappointment. I even tried to smother everything in Tapatio sauce and still flavorless. The food is bland. Needs seasoning. I'm sending them a care package with a ton of Lawry's. Not to mention the guy serving us needs to learn some damn boundaries. He repeatedly kept placing his hands on my partner. He should take a class teaching about 'consent', because he's clearly lacking in that department. read more

Great place for breakfast We had the Butler which is a nice touch for scrambled eggs. Fresh tomatoes and delicious melted cheese on an English muffin. Small place that can get a little crowded but worth the wait. read more

I was in Arcata for the farmers market. The food venders at the market looked great. I was in the mood for breakfast. Since I was at the plaza already we tried The Big Blue Cafe. The food was great and so was the service!! Had my go to chicken fried steak and eggs. My lovely bride had "The Butler". Thank god it was a little loud in there or the patrons would of heard my wife moan!!!.... lol.. Can't wait to go back and try lunch. read more

The Big Blue Cafe - The "Butler" breakfast. My wife loved it!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Arcata, California

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Let me preface this little story with two facts 1. I'm a waitress- I love being a waitress (I'm not bitter) and I am VERY forgiving of waiters. 2. I've grown up in this town, so I've had many opportunities (mostly unwanted) to form this two-star opinion of this restaurant- it's based on countless terrible experiences at this place. My most memorable moment of this place is this beauty, let me lay it out for you..... It's a slow sunny summer afternoon on the plaza and - I walk in to the big blue with two friends and we sit down-- they are hungry and so, wanting to not be a pain in the ass I agree to go to what I feel is one of the WORST restaurants in Arcata (I haven't yet been to the creepy chinese place on Samoa blvd- but I think it's just a drug cover any way) I order a grilled cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread with added avocado. After a LOOONG time (but I expect this here even if we are the only customers) the waiter comes back and puts my sandwich in front of me. "Ummmm, I asked for whole wheat and added avocado"........I say, after taking a quick peek beneath the sad white bread greenless interior. the waiter mumbles something and takes it away. My friends eat their lunch, and I wait. ...............and wait (remember, at this point, my sandwich is the ONLY thing happening in the kitchen). I wait. My dear friends have neared the end of their breakfast burritos (which are pretty good they report, only making me that much hungrier) and are getting ready to go. I'm STARVING at this point and my friends are getting out their wallets. Not wanting to hold up their day, I flag down the waiter and ask him if I could just get my sandwich to go since my friends are finished. He nods and comes back with an empty to-go box which he places in front of me. "UM I DON:T HAVE THE SANDWICH YET DUDE!!!" "you don't he asks?" (in a disbelieving voice). "No, thank you, I don't. Could I please have my grilled cheese sandwich on wheat bread with avocado in a BOX, to GO!!" ......he didn't apologize and it was only when I started laughing at the fact he charged me full price that he lowered our bill. granted, I've had many a great soy chai here- but man don't ask too much of your waiters- they just can't handle it. read more

Hurray for breakfast at Big Blue Caf! This is what breakfast should be like. The diner is cute with its blue and white-checked floors and local-artist dcor. Their menu boasts great coffee; I ordered the locally-made chai. It was everything I love about chai--spicy, zippy, peppery, and pleasantly heavy on the cardamom. What a great way to wake up! The menu had unique choices, which is difficult to find in a standard breakfast diner. Instead of a side of toast, for instance, you can choose a side of beans and tortillas here. They also offered rye toast--not many places do that. The menu contained the must-haves: eggs, pancakes, omelets, bacon. They also offered breakfast sandwiches and huevos rancheros. I ordered the perfect accompaniment to my chai: oatmeal with "the works." I have never seen "the works" offered outside my home kitchen. This led me to believe that the owners of this joint actually eat what they serve. They offered the standard cinnamon and brown sugar, but also threw in bananas, blue berries, almonds, and walnuts. Now, that's a bowl of oatmeal! read more

Cool little caffe in the Arcata square. Fairly easy to find, it's on the side of sleep world. Not too hard to spot. There's usually parking around since its at the square but beware those weekends with the farmers market or any big events. Walking into the cafe, it's a nice place with a little bit of a cool vibe and not too hippie-ish. You got your menu on the right, and a sign that says please wait to be seated. Waiting after 3 different workers sees me in the front, one walks up and finally ask me how many in my party. After that, she couldn't even grab me a seat for one, it was just "as you can see we're not that busy so wherever you want..." Yet it seemed like she just was almost hinting at those tiny bar tables in the back. I was just standing there like... Ok... A bit of awkwardness but I just let it slide. Just go to the table and sit. Just got to add, the place is pretty nice for all ages but it's more on the younger side, not that older people can't go and have a bite. Nice paintings on the walls and good not too obnoxious music. So far, so good minus the seating issue. So the waitress asks me what do I want to drink. I tell her water for now. She gives me one of those weird looks like that's it?! Then she leaves. Now after another 10 mins wait she finally drops the water (as if it's that hard to go get water and bring it back), then another 5 mins go by and another waitress comes up, this one seems nicer than the first one btw...The waitress asks me for my order. "I'll get a croissant sandwich please." She replies back "what kind of meat?" So I tell her "bacon". Then she asks "avocado or tofu?" Avocado, I say. The sandwich already come with an egg too she adds. I'm thinking that sounds awesome! So then she leaves and says "Coming right up!" I'm thinking finally something will get done without the awkwardness of just being greeted properly. Now for what really matters, the food. The croissant was delicious. It seemed as if they made it in house, nicely baked and fresh off the over. The blend of avocado, with bacon, and the egg was just great. I slice thru the whole thing with my knife and u see everything just right. No overcooking. You take a bite and you're hooked. So I'm there, just barely 1/4 way thru the sandwich when the bill is already on my table... Like really? You couldn't wait another 5 mins for me to get thru at least half... So I ignore it and stay on my phone for a bit. Then once I finish my order, I look at the bill... So on a picture from the Yelp menu, it says the sandwich cost $6.49. I look at the bill, it's $6.99. So I'm thinking ok may be there's been a price increase... No biggie... But then I see the bacon and the avocado were an extra $2.49, with tax and everything brought it all the way up to almost $10. And asking for tip, the total was close to $11. I mean for one, I don't mind paying for good food, especially if it's quality, but what tripped me up was the fact that the menu made it seem like all those items were included, the waitress made it seem like they were included... Which makes me assume everything was included.... Overall, I would give this place a 2.5 stars. Place itself is pretty chill and mellow. Parking is there, minus big event days. Service is left to be desired. The waitresses should probably work on their crafts a little bit better. The cooks tho are on point. They are definitely the selling point of that place. Prices tho, if you want to be exact on how much things cost, make sure, or your bill will have some surprises. read more

Hands down the very worst of all the worst's ... biscuits and gravy. Please... for the love of (insert personal preference of religion here) taste your biscuits and gravy. Very hearty servings... too bad they went into the trash. I really hate to waste food and money... but they were that bad. Very nice place and friendly people ... just really horrible biscuits and gravy :/ read more

Pleasant place, unremarkable food. We only ate one breakfast there, and there is not much to say about a couple of eggs and a thin slice of ham. Good service and spacious layout. Maybe exciting food things happen later in the day. Not a place for hungry truck drivers, much better suited to college girls. read more

The Big Blue Cafe - Nicely decorated restaurant. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Arcata, California

Fantastic breakfast spot on the square in Arcata. we were on our way out of town and needed to fuel up for a long drive. I am so happy a local recommended Big Blue. Food: I ordered a breakfast special, a breakfast quesadilla, which was loaded with eggs, potatoes, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and salsa. It was a large portion, and every bite was excellent. The missus ordered an omelette and ate it all up before I knew what was happening. Kids each ordered a two-egg breakfast, scrambled, one with sausage, one with bacon, and a pancake. Seldom do the kids quietly eat their food sans complaint. Especially when it comes to the way their eggs or bacon is prepared. But they happily and hungrily ate their breakfast, which allowed me to do the same. Service: So nice and friendly. Food came out quickly, and while we waited, our coffee cups and juices were kept full. Service is definitely good at Big Blue. Vibe: Diner-on-the-square-cool. This is the best kind of breakfast place - one that is in the middle of town, has friendly patrons and servers, and lets you sit down, read the paper, and enjoy your food. Family-friendly: Yup. Got kids? Go here. Summary: I never know what types of places I'm going to find when we're on road trips. Big Blue was a local, friendly, high-quality establishment. Just the type of place that you want when far from home with your family. Not sure when we'll get back to Arcata, but if we do, I sure hope Big Blue is still around. read more

Was just passing through and wanted a nice little cafe to grab a bite to eat. I got the grilled veggie sandwich on pita. The pita was absolutely incredible - so warm and fresh tasting. I had asked for avocado on the pita but didn't get it which was a disappointment. Overall the sandwich was good, nothing too extraordinary though (except that pita, that honestly was out of this world). This is definitely a nice place with a pleasant atmosphere if you want to grab a quick bite. I would have given it more stars but nothing really stood out to me as being incredible, but it was still very good. read more

The time to shine is on a Saturday morning. Oh well..... The wait wasn't too bad, but the waiter was trying to seat strangers at the same table. Sorry, we don't roll that way. Once we were seated, we sat..... and sat and sat. If you like coffee and like your refills to keep on coming, bring a flag to wave down your waiter. Good thing they provide some reading material at the door. I got through the local paper AND the college magazine before I got my cold clam chowder that actually tasted like potatoes soup and my BLT. Seriously, seriously slow kitchen. Make sure you aren't hungry when you get there. You will have plenty of time to work up an appetite. read more

We were very excited to have breakfast here, especially given the wonderful reviews. Upon entering, the gentleman that seated us, appeared condescending and irritated that we came in. My husband and I are pretty easy to please and very low maintenance... but when we tried again to get some water and he made fun of us when we waved at him.. I simply felt hurt and frustrated. Our food had arrived and I must say it looked delicious but we decided to complain to our waitress and she then minimized the situation. We paid without eating and walked out. We've never been treated quite like this and we've been around.. Kinda spoiled the day for us read more

The food was amazing - creative menu for a little breakfast place. Service was amazing - our server was so friendly. Good coffee - always important during breakfast and after a rough night's sleep. ;-) Great view - it was nice to watch the farmer's market being set-up on a Saturday morning in the park across the street. Just go and try them out for yourself! read more

GINGER POTATOES!!!!!! I dream about them. They make a killer huevos rancheros, the beans rock, everything is organic and fresh. The pancakes are so delicious, and the pure maple is such a treat. The staff are ALWAYS super friendly, happy, respectful, helpful and on point. I visit Big Blue at least two times each visit. Can't get enough! 'Nuf said... go here. read more

So yummy! Seriously good breakfast sandwiches! I would maybe wish there were bigger portions but I mean I could have just ordered a side and it would have been a good deal still. It's was super cute and clean. Parking by the plaza - whatcha gonna do. read more

The Big Blue Cafe - Big blue Big Blue Slam - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Arcata, California

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Food: 1 star. Bland, no salt even on eggs. So disappointing to know a two year old could make a better scramble egg. Service: 2 star. The wait at the door wasn't bad but the I could tell our waiter was focused on the elder which was ok. Yet, read below to the down on that, it's a little bit of a shame. Atmosphere: 1 star. It looked like I stepped back into the 80's. Blue and white tile floor that needed a good buffer scrub. Color mismatch and Christmas lights. The only nice look was behind the counter with the coffee mugs. A shame. --------------------- Overall, this place isn't one for me to return any time soon. I decided this place on the count of it being so popular everytime I walked by it during the Farmers market (saturdays). There was some young folks there but mostly elderly (which I wasn't really paying attention to). So one day decided to go in. The wait wasn't bad but seeing how there's a small chair and tiny bench for waiting (3 people seating) made me wonder a tad bit about where the money was really going for this place. Shaking it off I went with my signif. other and sat down. We ordered and got coffee. The coffee was great. (better than that cafe nearby it, bleh). Waiting for the food I realized that the waiter somewhat rushed what I wanted but when it came to elderly nearby he was more hip and caring for them rather than us. Then the food arrived. I got a scrambled with beans and small tortillas. Overall, food was bland. No seasoning, not even salt or pepper was present in the meal. Shameful. I tried to see if my lover had fared better. Nope. It too was bland and looked like a biscuit and gravy (which it wasn't). The only taste I could get was the fresh green onion chopped into her gravy pour over. So then an there I was saddened and realized this place wasn't trying to target newcomers. It was trying to save old customers. No offense but there's a college nearby with younger people wanting to find something nice other than a starbucks for once. Also, I can see why this place might get good reviews on the count that some may have just lost a sense of taste overall. read more

Indecision has plagued me throughout my life. Which shoes should I get? The black ones or the black ones with the buckle? What dress should I wear? The black one or the black and pink ones? Alas, indecision has always managed to seep its way into my food choices... and this weekend was no exception... what should I get the croissant or the potato thing. After debating with the waiter I decided to get the croissant thing. It was soiid. Croissant, cheese, and avocado. I could have made it myself but they managed to put it together well so I can't complain. I will most likely patronize this place again and once again decide between two menu choices. Plus, I really need to go back at least one more time before I move away. read more

We went on a road trip from Seattle to Northern California to see the Redwoods - a friend of mine told me we should check out Arcata. We stopped at Arcata for brunch and chose Big Blue Cafe from a Yelp Search. This is a great little place - standard brunch fare, very cute and cozy. Our server was super nice. We got pancakes for my son - the pancakes were extraordinarily good, I would love to know what they do to make them so much better than other diner pancakes! I got the Huevos Rancheros (because when in California... get the huevos) and a side of sausage patties. My husband got the Roast beef with ginger sandwich (forget the exact name of it) - all very tasty, tasty. ALSO! Good coffee. Love the atmosphere and decor - very open & sunny. We got there at just the right time, because I can easily see how this is one of those places where you have to wait for a table at peak breakfast or brunch time. read more

Ugh... Where to even begin. We were hoping for some hearty , tasty grub with fresh ingredients. What we got was some of the blandest, poorest excuse for food I've ever experienced. It took almost 40 minutes for our breakfast to arrive and when it did it was cold, soggy, bland, and utterly un-appetizing. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is that the coffee and mimosas were actually very good. Skip this place, you could make better food by frying eggs on your cars muffler. read more

Went here on a day trip into Arcata after hiking in the Redwoods! We had built up an appetite and were in need of a hardy/delicious meal! We walked around the Arcata square area and came across the Big Blue Cafe! So happy we did. Food was great, service was even better, and it was just what we needed! I ordered the Veggie sandwich and highly recommend it, as well as the french toast, that my boyfriend and I split! Also, the menu does not offer sweet potato fries as a side, but ask... THEY HAVE THEM :) YUM YUM YUM. read more

Its a hometown must. I moved away a few years ago, and always make a stop at Big Blue whenever I'm in town. I wish I had a cafe like this where I live now, but the perfect combination of atmosphere, great staff, and amazing food is one that Big Blue has dialed down to a tee. Highly recommend the Karen's Potatos with a poached egg on top. read more

Ya know, I really don't understand why the service gets such a bad rap here. My girlfriend and i just recently moved up here to go to HSU but every trip we made up here for housing or checking out the campus we've had at least 3 meals at the Big Blue. The food is amazing, fresh and original and we've never had a problem with service. Perhaps people should treat their waiters with respect and they'll receive it back. I've witnessed some rude customers in there. The breakfast potatoes are ridiculously good as well as are their pancakes and french toast. The coffee is delicious and again, the service, whether slow or busy, has always been friendly and fast. read more

Excellent lattes and breakfast. Everything is very customizable to your own taste and preference. Vegan/Vegetarian dishes. read more

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They need to up their game .., the basics you all ... serve food hot in a timely manner ... you are improving but you need help out the servers ... they are good people ... ok you have been closed for 2 years because of the fire but don't lose us because of simple fixes read more

First and foremost, I love the waitstaff at Big Blue! They are wonderful. I often recommend Big Blue to out-of-towners, as it is a good breakfast on the Plaza. And I eat here myself! Sometimes my breakfast is the best...but then the next time it is not. Case in point: in a fit of nostalgia I ordered the chicken-fried steak--usually a big no-no outside its natural environs. But it was delicious! So when I was back at Big Blue a month later I ordered it again, only this time the steak was so overcooked I had to saw through it with my knife--and I mean sawing! I worked up a sweat. And I substituted a biscuit for the home fries...I don't know what you would properly al the sad Frankenstein of a baked good I found sitting on my late, but it was not a biscuit. It was yellow, like margerine, and had the same strange oleo-like flavor. It may also have been flecked with dill. I could not eat more than one bite. But, if you stick to the things Californians can make, like pancakes, omelettes, and french toast, you're in much safer territory. read more

I love this place! I try to make it here at least once every other week. The food is delicious, not over priced, and my personal favorite is the sampler with vegetarian gravy. Just call in before you go, otherwise you may be finding yourself waiting a couple of minutes before you are able to sit. read more