Cottage Cafe & Fireside Lounge - Cle Elum (WA)

5 /5 AD M: As somebody who travels around for work frequently I always love finding a diner that offers home cooked meals. The drink menu did not disappoint and played into the seasonal ambiance with many selections. The two I chose were delicious, not overly sweet and def not lacking in spirits. But onto the food, if you are someone like me and youre just driving through on the highway, I guarantee this is not a spot that you want to pass by. It was more than decently priced and the portions were large! The food was mouth watering and that is downplaying it because im in a food coma and cant think of a better description. I chose the turkey dinner based off of the waitresses recommendation between that or the pot roast and it brought me right back to being home during the holidays in the south. It was so good I actually had to send a photo to my mom. I live hundreds of miles away and wish I could put this place in my pocket because everything about it was wonderful and 10 stars to my server (Susi M.) who took care of the entire restaurant with only the support of the kitchen, she had at least five or six tables while I was dining and did not make me feel rushed or ignored. If I am ever back in this direction I will definitely make it a point to stop again.

3 /5 Alex Buchanan: This is a family-style restaurant with traditional American food. The food was somewhat oversalted and oily, and the service felt inattentive. I understand they might have been busy, but I hoped for a little more attention.

5 /5 Sonya Byars: Yum! This place has got some good food. We were in town for vacation and ate here the first night. My sister and husband came here on their last vacation and said it was good. Sure was! The friend pickles were really good. Salad was good. Chicken sandwich was good. My fiance got the pork chop and applesauce and said it was great. Service and atmosphere was great. I would definitely be back if I come back to town.

5 /5 Shawn H: If you’re debating whether to eat here, stop the madness and just go! You will not regret it! This is an old-school diner like you’d find at a truck stop in the 1970s. The prices are very reasonable. The waitresses are like ones you see in movies that over-exaggerate southern hospitality. However, these waitresses here are genuine. They are kind, informative, and have the best customer service I’ve seen in decades. They were all Flo from Mel’s Diner in the 70s sitcom, Alice. Even if they served horrible food, I think I would eat there three times a day because of the customer service. The decor is something from decades ago, but it serves a purpose and fits the setting perfectly. Yeah let’s get to the food. I will cut to the chase and say that this is the best breakfast I’ve had in years. The eggs were perfectly cooked. The sausage patties weren’t the best I’ve ever eaten, but they are still an 8+. I just like Sausage with a little kick to it. That is my preference. The French toast is the best I’ve ever eaten. I don’t know how they get it layered like that, but it is phenomenal. Usually, a place will have good sausage gravy, but with rocks for biscuits, or biscuits that taste like garbage. Not this place. The biscuits were very fluffy, warm and delicious. The gravy was the best I’ve ever eaten. This was the perfect meal for me. It is not on the menu, but it is something that I put together because I really wanted to try everything. I wish I would’ve had more room to have ordered hashbrowns, their country, fried steak, and about 80 other things. I was just too full. It is one of the few times I wished I were a cow and had 4 stomachs. As my uncle used to say whenever he had an amazing meal but couldn’t fit another bite, “I wish I had a belly on my back.”

5 /5 allen horne: Was hungry driving through Cle Elum and I didnt want fast food so decided to stop in and try this diner based on the $10-$20 Google cost reference. Most items on the menu fall within this range, although closer to the higher end. I was nervous after ordering the eggs Benedict, but was not disappointed when I saw the portions were very generous. Anytime I see large portions, I worry about the quality...no issue here. This eggs Benny was perfectly poached, the ham was sliced thin and blackened slightly, and the hollandaise was among the best Ive had. I am a big hash rown fan, and the included side was crispy on the outside and buttery in the inside. Outstanding. Will stop here again!