Mae's Phinney Ridge Cafe
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 782-1222
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- 65th Street
- Hours:
- Daily 7am-3pm
Editorial Review for Mae's Phinney Ridge Cafe – by Citysearch Staff
The Scene
On weekend mornings, the line outside Mae's is a microcosm of Seattle. Couples in athletic clothes, others in Birkenstocks, families with young children and even youths with varicolored hair, tattoos and body piercings. Diners wait in line for the same thing, namely a spot in one of four themed dining rooms--such as the fabled Moo Room or in the booth that looks like a giant mouth.
The Food
Breakfast is the specialty and it is served all day. Thanks to Paul Bunyan-sized portions of potatoes and toast (or a biscuit) served with almost every breakfast plate, no one leaves with an empty stomach. Pastry lovers should opt for the king-sized cinnamon rolls, while spud fans shouldn't miss a pile of potatoes topped with cheese, sour cream and salsa aptly dubbed "The Spud Fest." Add a milk shake for a truly decadent breakfast.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoThis neighborhood spot is crowded on weekends. Hit the walk-up window for an espresso, then get in line and do some people-watching.
ParkingPhinney Ridge offers ample street parking nearby.
User Reviews for Mae's Phinney Ridge Cafe
08/17/2007 Posted by phinneylove
Mediocre food, indifferent service; that sums up this restaurant. Because it is walking distance from my home, I keep trying to make it work - but botched orders, mysteriously long wait times (lot's of empty tables and staff but no one to check on waiting customers), indifferently prepared food (burned bacon, undercooked pancakes, hard cold biscuits and potato dishes that consist mainly of green peppers and little else) have left me with no alternative but to drive someone where else if I want breakfast out. The big sign on the front door says, "Open 7 to 3 Daily". But, I've been turned away on several occasions with various excuses, (at 2pm - "the kitchen is closed", at 7:15am - "I know we should be open, but we are not.") Maybe Mae is tired, right now the restaurant seems to be coasting on a reputation built long ago. First-timers may be charmed by the kitchy quirkiness of the decor, but food is why you would return again and again to a restaurant like this one, and the food preparation is inconsistent, at best. Try it if you dare, but expect to be disappointed by the wait time, lack of customer service (it takes a long time to find someone to either seat you or take your money when you are done) and the surprise of digging into that huge plate of food only to find that it is cold, or poorly prepared.
Pros: Large portions, good location
Cons: Inconsistent food quality, poor customer service, can't depend on posted operating hours
08/09/2007 Posted by ladyheidijean
GO TO THE EGGNEST DOWN THE STREET INSTEAD! I've been to Mae's a number of times now with friends over the years who want to go there and except for the memorable and deceivingly cute and friendly cow theme, I fail to understand why the place has such a big ego. (They have the gall to sell cards, hats, and t-shirts of themselves - is Seattle just plain retarded?!)I just don't get it. All I can conclude is that there is a sore lack of good breakfast /lunch places in this town. The service is almost always slow if not ridden with attitude as if they're doing you some kind of favor by acknowledging your presence. Yesterday, having run out of lunch places to go with my mom and dad, we stood in the front for several minutes before wandering around a bit looking for someone to acknowledge us and find us a table (the place was not packed). I came across a sweeper who wouldn't look at me and couldn't speak English. My father finally asked the cook what was going on and he just told us to get back in our place. Ridiculous. They must have sold their soul to the devil or something. We went to the Eggnest which was close by with a friendly Greek woman running the place and had good grilled sandwiches.
Users Like You Also Viewed
Eric Sorensen Catering
8534 Nesbit Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
The Black Cat Cafe
5000 30th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105-3156
