Elmer's Restaurant (Tacoma, WA)

Bottom line. Uninspired and on the bland side but executed well and that makes a huge difference for breakfast food. When you see a lot of older people at a restaurant, it's usually a sign of a few things, but the main draw on Elmer's in this location is that it lands its execution of the food. The food matches what you see on the menu pictures and it's consistent. The service is a well oiled machine and the place is packed on weekends. The food is not really seasoned, eggs and hash browns needed salt and pepper. The chicken fried steak, omelet as well as the cheeseburger could have used more seasoning and all seemed a little soft/could have had a crispy coating or bun, etc. The best item was the crepe with strawberry whip on it. The bloody Mary had a great flavor and did taste like it was made in house. I couldn't taste any alcohol in it though and wouldn't recommend it for the price. The kids menus with a toy mask in them and multiple pages of activities was amazing. It kept the kids busy just long enough before our food came rather quickly.

I can't stress how amazing our server was, Fernanda kept our coffees full and made sure our food was cooked to our preference. We wanted for nothing in her care. I recommend the German pancakes and loaded hash browns. However, the sandwich was dry and disappointing. The atmosphere is dated, but everything was clean and well lit.

A wonderful place, awesome 👌 👏 , beautiful, exelent,perfect marvelous 😀 ♥, and delicious 😋 I can say that after enjoying a Greta breakfast with my wife , she loves tha place the atmosphere feels you, like a comfortable home far from the city . The flavor never never is comparative to another restaurant . The Elmer's have something different to the others , I can't explain, but I'm so happy ,the server is super nice , that people know how treating you. So thanks

We went on Sunday afternoon with our grandkids. Chocolate chip pancakes, strawberry crepes, Cinnabon pancakes and a Ruben sandwich with hash browns. Everything was fantastic and Larry was a first class server.

Comfy breakfast place. Extensive menu. Our server was great and kept the refills coming. Eggs were cooked medium. Cozy atmosphere by the fireplace on a cold 30°F morning. Highly recommended 👍

I am not the type of person that tries new and interesting things on restaurant menus but I love a potato pancake. I had the potato pancakes and they were studded with onions, bacon, cheese and flavour. I really enjoyed them because of their crispy cheesy edges although I couldn't eat it all because they came with eggs and three sausage links. I also got a pancake on the side and it was a decent pancake. My husband got the crab omelette and it was stuffed with crab. He also said the hollandaise sauce was good because it's a lighter sauce than most other places serve. Our server was nice and friendly. She made sure the coffee was flowing and kept us updated on our order because they were pretty busy. I also appreciate their diverse staff and it was a very friendly and welcoming environment.

I would give it ten stars if I could. I didn't really expect much except mediocre diner food but I was so pleasantly surprised! The first bite of my steak was as good or better than any steakhouse hands down. Hubby's food was excellent as well but I was too busy enjoying mine to notice. Our waiter was spot on and very nice. We came back the next day and had the exact same experience. The place is spotless and just homey enough but not frumpy. The staff knows how to handle a crowd so even when it's busy the atmosphere is still relaxed and welcoming. I am a retired line cook and bartender and am not easily impressed but this place is the real thing.

Good portions and delicious food options. When we went it was very busy, yet there was nothing to complain regarding service. We got a coffee, a hot chocolate, French toast and a vegetarian egg bowl. These came with some scrambled eggs and hash browns. Highly recommend. Great ambience to bring family!

Elmer's remains a solid choice for breakfast; packed with flavor, cooked perfectly, and better than many places around. The service here is impeccable, with every need seen to. The interior is kept clean, and while busy, the height of the booths serve to give some privacy. Overall, I would highly recommend this establishment.

The food was delicious. Our server, Richard, was so attentive and sweet. The place gave visiting Grandparents vibes, so very comfortable!! I loved it and will definitely be back to visit.

Big portions. If you go away hungry...
Our server, Corey, was so nice. I really enjoyed the chicken apple sausage and the biscuits were delish, of course I put a little gravy on them.

Phenomenal all around service for our family dinner! Michele took exceptional care for us, even suprising our kids with a special treat & my wife with a welcome letter ....best customer service I've had in years! You won't be disappointed. We'll be stopping here first thing next time we visit.

Waiter was very friendly and gave us good suggestions. I had the chicken fried steak bowl and it was delicious. Tried a German pancake for the first time, and loved it.

We have not been to Elmers for over a year; we use to live closer and now it's a drive. My daughter was craving their amazing French toast and we decided to take the drive. We were extremely happy we did; the food was great but what took it over the top was the service we received from Jay. She was exceptional in every way; she was attentive, pleasant and friendly. The previous Sunday we went to Anthony's on the waterfront and the service Jay provided us was hands down 100% better than what we received at Anthony for a fraction of the cost. Jay thank you for making our night!

Read previous reviews so we gave it a try! Everyone who gave reviews on pancakes, bacon...overall quality of the food being amazing is spot on!
My husband had the French toast which was a huge portion...loved it.
I opted for the Avocado Tomato Benedict!
Our 10 year old had the mac and ham from the kids menu with the fries and was very happy with the quality of both!
We ordered a half order of pancakes just so we could try to see what the "fuss" was about....they didn't disappoint!
Came hungry, left full....with "leftovers". (We didn't take the left overs as its breakfast food and we weren't going home immediately) They give good size portions.

Split a Cod, shrimp n chips, the avocado bacon burger and a bowel of clam chowder. The food was excellent, the service was prompt but not intrusive. Our wait staff was very friendly and attentive. The restaurant and bathrooms were very clean and welcoming.

I love breakfast joints. I was invited by a friend to enjoy a meal here, and I was incredibly satisfied with my German pancake with lingonberry sauce. I hear this place gets packed on the weekends. I can only imagine! It was starting to fill quickly on a Tuesday morning.

Great service and super tasty food. Had the crabacado omlet with loaded hash browns, side of gravy for the biscuit. Ice tea was fresh brewed, nice and strong. My wife stole half of my breakfast instead of eating her Rubén. She said it was good. But mine was better.

I had the egg white and veggie bowl and split the ligonberry crepes with my dad. Both were so delicious. Great service and atmosphere too! It's usually very busy on weekends for breakfast, and for good reason. I'll definitely be returning.

Delicious food, great service, and amazing prices!!

ONLY issue is the consistent long wait times... Unfortunately, this venue does not take reservations, which can make things rather difficult when attempting a simple meal here, when parties of 5,6,7,8+ can just "pop by." Leaving a simple party of 2 to wait an hour or more.

Wish they made parties of 5 or more reserve tables ahead of time. That would make things flow A LOT smoother for the patrons, as well as staff I'm sure. Hopefully that is something to be considered in the near future for this business.