Great day in the morning beautiful people of Yelpsville. Thank you for sharing a moment of this fine life we're living, together. The 250th anniversary of being the new kids on the blue marble is upon us. My fam decided to make a pilgrimage back to the wifes stomping grounds. The heartland, Kansas. We're staying in the "Little Apple", Manhattan, Ks. Home of K-State University. Well also home of The Chef, which should be just as famous and endeared. The Chef is this gorgeous, chic, yet not so that it's kitschy diner in the heart of the main district of Manhattan. A classic diner, from the hospitality of the service staff, to the lunch counter with cute doodads for salt and pepper shakers. You've been here, because you've been home, or so it feels. Yes, be prepared to snuggle in for a teensy wait, because everyone loves home cooking, especially when someone else is doing the dishes afterwards. The portions are truly well beyong the prices. I ordered a CFS, smothered in sausage gravy. Was plated a Texas sized portion, thick steak, lightly crispily breaded, with a savory southern styled country gravy that honestly looked a bit intimidating in quantity, but I'm no fraidy cat. I came to conquer. Two perfectly running over medium eggs, whites done, yolks on the run, my style. A mountain of softly crunchy, better-than-homestyle fried potatoes, and a slice of thick cut wheat toast. This was a ton O' grub Bubba dub. Each component treated and seasoned well enough, to eat stand alone. Our meal partner kept checking on the family to see if we needed any more of that rich Arabica bean juice, or water, with the care of your fav Auntee from Mississippi, but right here, in the Land of Ahhhhs. She was winning us, even as much as The Chef that prepared the feast itself, and the food. Whew. The belly beat down was in effect, but I didn't tap out. I took that esophageal excitement with relish. Well not relish, with a sweet house made strawberry compote on toast. I wiped the plate clean. $15. You read that right... just $15. Oh I understand $15 is real money in this economy, but in relationship to the level of service, quality of service, epic portion sizes, and the finesse with which this small diner beat most anywhere we've been, and we share 39 years of worldwide travel as an old married couple, this was a bargain at $15, in the 90s. For sure back home in Texas this was honestly a $21 - $26 plate, and we're a beef producing state. Still with me? You're the real hero for hanging in here, and I truly appreciate you. If ever you want to taste Americas 250 years, in one sitting, visit The Chef in Manhattan, Ks. It's families feeding the community. No political spin, no feeling unwelcomed. An open door, to open hearts, feeding hungry bellies, without crushing your purses and wallets. They leave room in your account to make you want to reciprocate with generosity in returning, but also, tipping heartfully, without pressure. I miss when a meal was worth tipping huge without feeling it wasn't worth it. Here at the Chef, the earn it the old way. Be well, be loved, we're in this life past this page no matter what social media tells you. Hugs to you from me and mine. Go out and smile like ya mean it. Laugh like you're cray cray, and love like tomorrow isn't coming. Want pics? Nope. This place is worth you seeing for yourself. My pictures wouldn't do them justice. Peace y'all. read more

Solid breakfast spot. Yummy drinks, food variety has something for everyone, and a cute cafe ambiance tops it off! read more

The Chef - Huevos rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

On a recent cross-country road trip, I talked my husband into taking a side stop in Manhattan, Kansas, as I am a big fan of the show Somebody Somewhere. We hit some rain and weren't able to get there until 2:30. I noted that closing time was 3:00. I looked for a quick/easy order (pie or a cookie) but there is nothing like that on the menu. So I ordered French Toast (for the table) figuring that was a quick and easy dish. After placing our order, we were loudly berated by the kitchen staff. "Who orders breakfast in the afternoon?" "Who does this?!", etc., etc. It was incredibly uncomfortable and crystal clear they were talking about us. We took a few bites and dipped, out the door well before 3:00. I hated everything about this experience. I still love the show, though. read more

The Chef - French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

First: Our waiter had a horrible attitude, red hair, tale, pale, and would continue to roll her eyes at us as I would tell her I needed more time to find out what I wanted to order being that it's my first time eating at this establishment. She waited about 8min to bring us our water and we didn't complain to call her attention as we could see she was busy with other people which I completely understand. Second: the food was good but not great. I could definitely taste the freshness of the potatoes and with the Florentine Frites. The portion size for the food was big, more than I could eat. The bowl of chili that is stated to be homemade did not taste like it was homemade, the chunks of tomatoes tasted like from a can and very mushy. The chili was served lukewarm when it should've been served hot and up to food safety standards. Prices here are affordable for a family of 4 or just for 2 people. In total for everything I spent less than 40$ and that's including one coffee. read more

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We were passing through town and stopped here for breakfast. Definitely worth the wait. Food was so fresh and portions were good! read more

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We stopped in on a Saturday morning and sampled the Breakfast Pizza and the Chorizo Burrito, both of which were above average for taste and definitely worth trying if you haven't already. We got a table within 30 minutes and were well taken care of by the staff. The Chef is clearly a popular spot in downtown Manhattan, and we can see why after visiting ourselves. You can see more of our experience here and around Manhattan on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Tmk-JQyvfv8 read more

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Food was good, staff friendly and fast. Not cheap but plan to spend about $25-30 for two people. Good location.

Fabulous breakfast spot we found by chance on a stop through Manhattan. It is clearly a favorite among the locals because we had to wait a few minutes but it was well worth it for fresh, high quality food. read more

After seeing the reviews and talking to the locals, I knew I had to try The Chef. I can't say enough good things about this place! I debated between patio seating and indoor dining but ultimately chose to sit indoors by the window. The ambiance in the building is really cool, and I enjoyed just looking around. I had coffee very quickly and a menu to peruse which had so many options that I wanted to try. I ultimately settled on the breakfast special which was Steak Tacos. They were phenomenal! Ashlyn kept my coffee cup full and took great care of me while I was there, and I really enjoyed my visit! Update: Enjoyed the first visit so much I went back the next morning as well so I could have the breakfast pizza. Service was just as good, and the food was enjoyable. I started to order a side of gravy to drizzle over the pizza, in hindsight I should have, and next time I will! read more

The Chef - Steak Taco special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

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We stopped by this place for brunch the other day. It was fantastic! Our server was great. I had the Buenas Dias fritata with the hash browns. The frittata was huge and delicious. The chipotle sauce was so good I asked for extra. We will definitely be going back! read more

My grandma was not to happy with the service provided with this diner. Server didn't provide silverware or napkins until after we received our food and only because we asked.. he was respectful but unfortunately if your having a bad day you don't carry it onto the next customer or a bad day from home you leave it at the door. The was a lack of flavor in the food. Personally the biscuits and gravy were plain and dry.. the macaroni my sister got didn't have much flavor either. Who knows? Maybe it was a bad day for the restaurant... give it a try for yourself. It's in a very beautiful spot murals across the street to see and some sweet spots to pick up something sweet after. I don't see myself going back here when i visit Kansas again. read more

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Fantastic service and food! I was fortunate to slip in between crowds and was seated immediately. Server was very attentive and food came out fast. I had the chorizo burrito with hash browns extra crispy and it was delicious! read more

Was a 30 minute wait for sub performance. Biscuit was hard. Pancake looked like it had been smashed. The hash browns undercooked. Not worth the wait. read more

I've heard good things about this place and it always looks popular when we drive by. Finally decided to try it out. We got there early and it was just my husband and I so we luckily didn't have to wait which was nice. I almost forgot a photo because I couldn't wait to dig in. I got the smothered burrito although I did trade potatoes with my husband because the breakfast potatoes were too spicy for me. The hash browns were great though! Quaint little place for how busy it always seems. read more

The Chef - Smothered burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

Not a terribly long wait and their staff did a fantastic job of getting us settled in the right spot with our little girls. Wasn't too fond of the food though. The eggs were ordered over medium and came out very runny and undercooked. The French toast was bland and coated in way too much cinnamon. read more

Order to go and head to City park on any given day for a delightful way to enjoy their creations outside the fray. It can get busy here but don't pass on the menu just because you hate lines or seating next to a crowded tables. There is seating outdoors but think further outside the box. Your meal is packaged well and you shouldn't miss out on the food experience. Seriously, if impressions are your thing, order, pick up and find a nice spot with a blanket or at a picnic table in city park. We are so glad we didn't miss out as we drove through from Manhattan to Lawrence. read more

The Grant "The Perfect Breakfast" containing a half order of biscuits and gravy, two slices of bacon, and eggs-over-easy over hash browns was good. The gravy was rich and creamy, and the biscuits and bacon were crispy. However, the hash browns could've used more salt since it was under-seasoned. On the bright side, service was pretty fast since I didn't wait very long to get the food after ordering off the menu. I will go back again. read more

The Chef - The Grant "The Perfect Breakfast" containing biscuits and gravy with slices of bacon and eggs over easy over hash browns - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

This is average diner food with mammoth portions so you are sure not to leave hungry. Beware that there is a $1.25 upcharge for an english muffin that my wait person didn't bother to tell me about when explaining my toast options. I wouldn't have opted for it if I knew there was an upcharge clearly because it was left mostly uneaten. The biscuit and gravy was more successful than the corned beef hash. I should have ordered the a la carte version of the corned beef hash. It would have been a more suitable portion. This place is smaller than you'd think but tables turn quickly as people come and go. There is seating on the patio outside which is nice since they do not get sun in the morning. There is a lovely playlist of late 70s/early 80s soft rock in the background which really sets a pleasant tone. There were two unironic and genuine mullet sightings while we dined. Not a hipster to be found. read more

The service was great and the decor was on point. I had biscuits with gravy. The biscuit was almost inedible and hard. The food lacked flavor and the gravy was super thick and not very good. I would maybe return and try something different like babas foster pancakes. read more

The food. Amazing. The staff was so nice and with a old school vibe. Definitely a favorite when I'm in town. No bottomless mimosas, but at least they had mimosas available. I highly recommend this place! read more

The Chef - Breakfast steak egg and country potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

Food wasnt great, french toast was a little burnt, biscuits for buiscuits and gravey , not great. waitress was kinda rude . Wont be back..... read more

If there is a wait that's a good thing. I ordered the bowl of chili and was surprised by how big it was. Secondly it was homemade and had high quality ingredients. It was great. Looking around other people had great looking food too. It's a very nice restaurant and it was fun to sit outside in the comfortable surroundings. People watch and wait for your table. Plenty of variety on the menu. I want to try other things .yet, that deep bowl of delicious chili will be difficult not to order. Friendly people at The Chef! Highly recommend. read more

I think this is one of the best breakfast places here in town. Just a heads up if you don't go early there usually is a wait list.

Very popular place but they served beverages outside while we waited. Waite staff was very friendly and attentive. I ordered a hot chocolate.... Tasted as good as it looked.... Very chocolatey and picturesque... Everyone's food was fantastic, we all like to share bites with each other to try different things. My breakfast burrito was hot and fresh. I got a sample of my girlfriend's chicken fried steak and the coating on it was fantastic. Very flavorful and tender. Overall, a wonderful breakfast experience. I definitely would go there if you're in Manhattan and looking for a breakfast spot. read more

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The BEST breakfast place in Manhattan, KS. Recommend getting there early as it's usually pretty busy. Everything on the menu is a 10/10 as well as the vibes of the cute breakfast restaurant downtown. The service is also always very sweet & friendly. read more

The Chef - Crab Egg Bennie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

Great Bunch menu . Prices a little high so be prepared to pay a lot . Employees are friendly. Sometimes you have to wait not a lot of seating be prepared wait but worth the wait . read more

Cute restaurant in Manhattan. Veggie omelette and coffee were great. friendly service was great too. Thought the mac and cheese could be cheesier though.. will come back next time we're in town. read more

We came here with the family based on a recommendation. You must be prepared to wait but it is definitely worth the wait. Portions are big and flavors to match. I had the chicken fried steak and the gravy was flavorful with a kick. Wish it had been warm enough to sit outside but inside is roomy and eclectic. Great hometown feeling and service. read more

The Chef - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

Just had breakfast there The food quality prep has gone down from previous visits Hope this is not a permanent situation read more

So happy that a friend suggested we visit The Chef! It was a very short drive from our hotel. We found a spot out front, but there was plenty of street parking nearby as well. It's a smaller restaurant, so the wait can be a bit long. We really wanted to give it a try, so we were fine with the 25-35 minute wait. It's located right across the street from the mall, but it was Sunday morning, so we opted for a quick walk around the area before waiting in the car for a bit. They also have an outdoor area to sit, chat, and drink while you wait. The food and customer service were great! Our waitress was amazing and wore the cutest earrings lol. I ordered the Turkey Sausage Omelet and my bf got the Chicken Fried Steak. The food was delicious and very hot when we received our plates. Portions are hugeee; I couldn't even finish my omelet. The mimosas were the perfect balance of champagne and orange juice and so yummy. If we're ever back in Manhattan, best believe we're definitely catching brunch at The Chef! read more

When you have an owner that is well trained before opening his own restaurant that has an incredible work habit and is involved in every aspect of his restaurant, including running the kitchen, you know why there is a wait almost every time I go to The Chef. I had the Steak and Eggs for the first time today (fantastic) but also highly recommend The Grant, the Corned Beef Hash, the Grant, the B&G, the coffee...heck, everything is good! (Ambiance? Cool, hometown vibe!) read more

Food was standard breakfast food. Not sure what all hype is about. There seems to be a considerable wait in weekends when school is in session. read more

Nice breakfast/brunch location! Multiple excellent options, clean, and great service! On-street parking is limited, and small interior and popular place, so get there early to ensure not having to look for parking and endure long lines outside. Does not take reservations, and is first come first serve, so plan accordingly. We will be back! read more

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Food was average, good size helpings but not much flavor. Staff was very friendly and edgy.

Showed up 2.5 hours before close and they turned me away because they were closing early due to "not liking how their kitchen was performing" I didn't enjoy this one bit. You can't just close early and not post it anywhere. I drive there, find a parking spot, and show up just to be told it was a waste of time? Don't close early just fix whatever is going on in the kitchen. Really annoyed. read more

The Chef - Frittata - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

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Absolutely sensational breakfast location! Very mom and pop vibes the second you enter. The service is very friendly and knowledgeable of the entire menu! I myself got the Breakfast Burrito the was coated in gravy. It was the perfect size and the flavors inside were even better! My little brother had the chocolate chip pancakes that were to die for. If you want an amazing breakfast in the Manhattan area, this is your spot!! read more

The food was good, can't go wrong with anything here! Considering that there aren't very much options for good food or breakfast here that are unique or local and not a chain, I think this would the best in the area. I got the chili hash and salmon scramble. Hear me out. Do not knock it until you've tried it! My boyfriend also judged me when i ordered it but once I convinced him to try it, he agreed it was pretty good! The staff were all amazing like their food. Also I do have to note, BEST biscuits I've had in a long time!! It might not be much but definitely get it as a side if you could! read more

The Chef - Salmon scramble and chili hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

If you are looking for a serious breakfast and / or brunch spot then you have found it. The menu features all of the usual suspects. It's a little heavy, which is mighty fine if you ask me, but does include some salads and light sandwiches if you're trying to count calories. I'm not, so I went for the chicken fried steak which was smothered in country gravy and served with eggs over easy and hash browns. It was super tasty and hit the spot. Small notes... This is a small restaurant so if you're anywhere close to peak times, especially on the weekends, then you should expect a wait. There is a small kids section on the menu. There is also a small adult beverage section as well, so you're well covered for whatever typing of adulting you're aiming for. read more

The Chef - This the chicken fried steak with eggs over easy and hash browns. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Manhattan, Kansas

I love college towns: Evanston IL, Columbia MO, Lawrence KS, etc. Now add Manhattan, KS to the list. Went to K-State to see a concert. I wouldn't say The Chef staff welcomed us like family. If that were the case, I'd have dishes thrown at me, called horrible names and flipped off. We were treated like old familiar friends. The atmosphere was funky and charming. From the whimsical (and different from table to table) salt and pepper shakers to the big giant egg click (should have taken picture). But what about the food? Is mmmmmmmm really a word? Damn well should be. I had a sausage gravy covered breakfast burrito. Huge portion, peppery gravy, burrito filled with the usual. I ordered a side of bacon that was cooked to the perfect (for me) place between crispy and gummy. Excellent some flavor, too, and thicker than your average porky perfection. The only drawback was the home fries potatoes were slightly undercooked. So what? Though I don't see another 5-hour trip that way any time soon, I will stop there if ever in the area. read more

Great breakfast place! Open very early, even during the weekdays, and consistent with their food. It does get busy on the weekends, so be aware, but also goes to show how great it is! read more