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Name: Geraldine’s Counter
Address: 4872 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98118
Telephone: (206) 723-2080
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.15

Geraldine’s Counter

4872 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98118

(206) 723-2080
Store is closed

Geraldine’s Counter Menu

Hearty Fare

Steel Cut Oatmeal

Geraldine's Housemade Granola

French Toast

French Toast (1/2 Order)

Three Pancakes of the Day

Three Pancakes of the Day (1/2 Order)

Slammin'

Bacon, Egg & Arugula Sandwich

Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs

Biscuits & Gravy

Geraldine's Casserole

Corned Beef Hash

Counter Special

Steel Cut Oatmeal

Geraldine's Housemade Granola

French Toast

French Toast (1/2 Order)

Three Pancakes of the Day

Three Pancakes of the Day (1/2 Order)

Slammin'

Bacon, Egg & Arugula Sandwich

Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs

Biscuits & Gravy

Geraldine's Casserole

Corned Beef Hash

Counter Special
Omelets & Scrambles

Eggs a la Mexicana

Sweet White Corn

Emerald City Scramble

Herbed Omelet

Spinach, Feta, Basil & Tomato Omelet

Avocado & Pepperjack Omelet

Eggs a la Mexicana

Sweet White Corn

Emerald City Scramble

Herbed Omelet

Spinach, Feta, Basil & Tomato Omelet

Avocado & Pepperjack Omelet

Diabetics at Whataburger

Diabetics need to be a bit cautious while dining at Whataburger. Almost every burger is rich in sodium content and it is highly recommended to keep your burger cravings in control while dining at Whataburger. However, you can always satisfy your cravings for a burger by choosing Whataburger Jr. or other non-burger items from the menu.

Foods to Avoid at Whataburger for Diabetics:

A diabetic should resist from ordering any extra meat-based burger such as Double Meat Whataburger or Triple Meat Whataburger to limit the sodium intake and calories. Most burgers except the Whataburger Jr. are high in sodium and hence should be avoided.

If you are a diabetic, you should also avoid Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich and Whataburger Patty Melt at Whataburger. Chicken Fajita Taco is also off-limits for diabetics. You must also avoid Breakfast Platter and Pancake Platter from the menu. Pancakes and Cinnamon Roll from the breakfast menu are also off-limits for diabetics.

Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Whataburger

Double Meat Whataburger Jr.®

Nutritional Facts: 420 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 1g & Sat. Fat 6g), 700mg sodium, 37g carbs, 6g sugar, 2g fiber, 23g Protein

Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuit

Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 12g), 730mg sodium, 31g carbs, 0g sugar, 2g fiber, 8g Protein

Biscuit with Bacon

Nutritional Facts: 360 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 790mg sodium, 32g carbs, 2g sugar, 1g fiber, 8g Protein

Hash Brown Sticks

Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2g), 500mg sodium, 21g carbs, 0g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g Protein

Garden Salad with Grilled Chicken

Nutritional Facts: 290 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 770mg sodium, 12g carbs, 4g sugar, 6g fiber, 34g Protein

Taquito with Sausage, No Cheese

Nutritional Facts: 380 calories, 23g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 8g), 480mg sodium, 28g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 16g Protein

Apple Slices

Nutritional Facts: 30 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 7g carbs, 5g sugar, 1g fiber, 0g Protein

Healthy Meal suggestions for Geraldine’s Counter

Hearty Fare

Steel Cut Oatmeal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Geraldine's Housemade Granola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Toast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Toast (1/2 Order) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Three Pancakes of the Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Three Pancakes of the Day (1/2 Order) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Slammin' [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon, Egg & Arugula Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Biscuits & Gravy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Geraldine's Casserole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Corned Beef Hash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Counter Special [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steel Cut Oatmeal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Geraldine's Housemade Granola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Toast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Toast (1/2 Order) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Three Pancakes of the Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Three Pancakes of the Day (1/2 Order) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Slammin' [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon, Egg & Arugula Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Biscuits & Gravy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Geraldine's Casserole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Corned Beef Hash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Counter Special [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Omelets & Scrambles

Eggs a la Mexicana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet White Corn [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Emerald City Scramble [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Herbed Omelet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach, Feta, Basil & Tomato Omelet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado & Pepperjack Omelet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Eggs a la Mexicana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet White Corn [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Emerald City Scramble [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Herbed Omelet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach, Feta, Basil & Tomato Omelet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado & Pepperjack Omelet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

High Blood Pressure at Whataburger

High sodium intake can be lethal for people suffering from high blood pressure. If you're someone with high blood pressure and dining at Whataburger, then you got to be careful. Most burgers and sandwiches at Whataburger contain high sodium which can spike your blood pressure levels.

Foods to Avoid at Whataburger for High Blood Pressure

Skip the Double Meat Whataburger and Triple Meat Whataburger at the restaurant if you don't intend to shoot your blood pressure levels. Avoid all types of Bacon and Cheeseburgers at Whataburger as these items are high in sodium. You must avoid Chicken Fajita Taco at Whataburger as it is too high in sodium as well. Skip the Pancakes Platter and Pancakes from the breakfast menu to control your sodium intake. Cinnamon Roll and Grilled Cheese are also the best to avoid at Whataburger for its high sodium content.

Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Whataburger

Whataburger Jr.®

Nutritional Facts: 310 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 580mg sodium, 37g carbs, 6g sugar, 2g fiber, 14g Protein

Biscuit Sandwich

Nutritional Facts: 400 calories, 24g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 680mg sodium, 32g carbs, 2g sugar, 1g fiber, 12g Protein

Hash Brown Sticks

Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2g), 500mg sodium, 21g carbs, 0g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g Protein

French Fries

Nutritional Facts: 420 calories, 21g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 260mg sodium, 52g carbs, 1g sugar, 4g fiber, 5g Protein

Hot Lemon Pie

Nutritional Facts: 320 calories, 16g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 230mg sodium, 41g carbs, 12g sugar, 3g fiber, 4g Protein

Apple Slices

Nutritional Facts: 30 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 7g carbs, 5g sugar, 1g fiber, 0g Protein

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

High Cholesterol at Whataburger

Calorie intake is the main concern for people with high cholesterol while dining at a fast-food restaurant like Whataburger. Well, you can always try the Lighter & Smaller options from the menu to cut down your fat intake. Opting for grilled sandwich or burgers are preferred compared to double meat or triple meat cheesy burgers which contain high cholesterol.

Foods to Avoid at Whataburger for High Cholesterol

Cut down on your meat intake to control your high cholesterol. You must skip Double Meat Whataburger and Triple Meat Whataburger at all costs. You should also avoid Avocado Bacon Burger and Monterey Melt as both these burgers contain a high amount of fat. Sweat & Spicy Bacon Burger will add extra 1080 calories in your diet so skip that as well. Whatacatch Dinner may sound tempting but the famous fish sandwich is also full of calories and unhealthy fat. Lastly, avoid French Fries and Onion Rings at Whataburger if you are already ordering a burger or any other heavy meal.

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Whataburger

Whatachick'n® Sandwich

Nutritional Facts: 600 calories, 26g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 890mg sodium, 57g carbs, 11g sugar, 4g fiber, 33g Protein

Breakfast On A Bun®

Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 15g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 910mg sodium, 34g carbs, 5g sugar, 1g fiber, 18g Protein

Egg Sandwich

Nutritional Facts: 310 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 740mg sodium, 34g carbs, 5g sugar, 1g fiber, 15g Protein

Justaburger®

Nutritional Facts: 300 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 570mg sodium, 34g carbs, 5g sugar, 1g fiber, 14g Protein

Hot Apple Pie

Nutritional Facts: 270 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 260mg sodium, 34g carbs, 7g sugar, 2g fiber, 33g Protein

Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Nutritional Facts: 230 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 180mg sodium, 31g carbs, 18g sugar, 1g fiber, 2g Protein

Double Meat Whataburger Jr.®

Nutritional Facts: 420 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 1g & Sat. Fat 6g), 700mg sodium, 37g carbs, 6g sugar, 2g fiber, 23g Protein

Apple Slices

Nutritional Facts: 30 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 7g carbs, 5g sugar, 1g fiber, 0g Protein

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Sandra Y.

Heaven. Crunchy savory heaven to be exact. Geraldine's French Toast that is.. It comes with a fruity topping, and while that changes daily, the amazingness doesn't. Oh and foodgasm. Silky and savory foodgasm aka Geraldine's Chicken Pot Pie.. It's almost the consistency of soup, with two homemade buttery biscuits on top. Mmmmmm excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard. Order: French toast and the chicken pot pie. I know. Chicken pot pie at breakfast? Just do it, you can thank me later. On my first time BFF and I ordered those two items, but I was also craving hash browns. So in addition, I ordered some platter consisting of HBs, two eggs any style, chicken sausage (you also have bacon or sausage to choose from) and an English muffin. Needless to say, my platter remained untouched because I devoured Heaven and Foodgasm. I was actually a bit mad at the amount of table space the breakfast platter was taking on our table.. It made access to the other delectable items that much harder to get to. Don't order: the pear soda. Immensely sweet to the point it almost tasted like children's cough syrup. Tips: Parking can be tough, lines are known to be super long, and if you pay in cash, for every $10 you spend (pre-tax) they give you a $1 coupon to entice you to come back (like that really is necessary). Happy eating!
(5)
Ryan N.

The BEST FRENCH TOAST you will EVER try in your life. Nothing like it out there....yet. Get a FULL ORDER of the FRENCH TOAST since you're gonna be wanting more after the first bite. Typical Brunch wait on the weekends. Breakfast ALL-DAY is a bonus. If there's one thing they can improve it's the Coffee....too watered down for my liking.
(5)
Dominique P.

I loved My food, every bite of it, but as I walked in I saw another customer complimenting the restaurant on their good service and great food. I ordered to go, so I waited at the bar. I paid My bill and received My food. The lady who helped me smiled at me and said have a good day. I sat and waited longer and the same woman smiled and kept going. I had to ask another waitress for My drink. The other lady said she forgot and she wondered why my bill was so high. She acknowledged me twice without asking was there anything else. I had already tipped her by then, but I wouldn't have. No courtesy for me.
(2)
Monica G.

Came here recently....how recent? seven hours ago!!! And i regret not coming hungry! This place is simple, yet delectable, and quite reasonably priced! what we ordered: -the cornhash: to my surprise, the meat was actually in cubes...the usual corn hash i am used to is shredded meat! but not this one! cubes of corn hash and potatoes and other veggies, were all sauteed with two sunny side eggs resting on top, which adds to the taste and consistency of the the corn hash and veggies when you break the yolk! came with a big lump of biscuit! i just tried three cubes of the corn hash and it was pretty tender and not as salty as usual corn hash is. -the counter special: -two eggs any way you like them, we got them scrambled, and they were well...eggs, so typical. -hash browns: WOW, usually i am very skeptical of breakfast style potatoes because they can either be burnt or under cooked, but these hash browns were something else..thinly cut, and cooked just right, tender and crispy at the same time. I wasn't hungry but eating this made me definitely hungry for more. -one cup of fresh squeezed oj and one cup of fresh squeezed apple juice: i think these "fresh" juices were okay, but not worth the 3.50. so skip this and stick to the food and free water. total for all of the above: $24 so overall, i liked the decor of this place, lots of paintings of weird characters with big noses.....friendly service, and yummy food that is affordable! if only i tried the french toast......
(4)
Raj V.

Great breakfast and lunch food. Great service and busy diner atmosphere. Lots of healthy options and high quality ingredients all around- try the homemade coffee cake or biscuits.
(4)
Mayra H.

Amazing pancakes ! Shed a sweet tear of joy at first bite ! The orange juice is freshly squeezed and the sausage and hash browns are easily the best I've ever had. This is one sweet place and if you're in Seattle area, this place is a must! I just had breakfast but i can only imagine how great their lunch is. Wow! Amazed
(5)
Curtis L.

I went here for lunch on a Saturday at my friends request and as expected, there is a wait. Always wanted to try but never nearby or wanted to wait. The food is good here and decently priced. Service was friendly and we were not hurried to leave. We were there for over an hour and the place was half empty when we left. I would go back to try other items.
(4)
Linda H.

Arrived here around 10:45am on a Sunday. Didn't like the wait...it was a bit longer than expected, so make sure you arrive a bit early. Once seated the wait staff was very friendly and the decor for the place is well done. Food we had: Biscuits and Gravy - This is the closest thing to my Boyfriend's mom and dad makes! Mmm mmm good. Seasoned well, smooth and well flavored gravy. Beef Corn Hash w/ Vegetables - The beef in this dish was a bit dry but the veggies were perfectly grilled. I might not try this dish again but will definitely come back and try the omelets!
(4)
Quyen Q.

Cute place. It was a sunny day so the bright decor and big windows make the place feel really cheery. We had brunch. Great coffee (Caffe' Vita I think). Good Service. Our waiter was very attentive and always there when we needed him. Good food. I had the Egg and Arugula Sandwich. The sour dough bread on my sandwich was toasted perfectly. Eggs were light and seasoned just right. Bacon was thick-cut and crispy. Hash browns had lots of crispy edges (just the way I like them). You can tell they use quality ingredients. However, my husband had the Egg Casserole and it was a bit heavy for him (surprising since he can eat a 3 egg omelette with no problems). It was tasty but the consistency was probably too rich and with a generous portion, it's hard to eat it all. Over-all, I'd recommend the place. Lunch looked good also. We haven't tried it yet but saw lots of people ordering burgers and fries.
(4)
Morgan R.

A nice little breakfast place in Columbia City, with it's heart in the right place And the food is good too. Whenever we're in the area, we stop there for breakfast. There's often a queue, but it moves quickly. You can tell that the folks in the neighborhood love this place - and for good reason. Standard breakfast fare with quality ingredients and a bit of a southern flair. Local suppliers, often organic, for most items. Well worth a trip. Not good for parties larger than 4 or 5 (4-person booths and tables). And they do serve meals other than breakfast -- but breakfast is their forte.
(4)
Monica T.

Had to try out this place because I heard great reviews on their breakfast food. Went late on a Sunday morning and saw a HUGE line out the door. Was told approximately 30 minutes for sitting but probably actually got seated within 10 mins. The staff was nice and friendly. I ordered the oatmeal with somee eggs. The breakfast food was super yummy. Worth the wait. The food came out quickly. Will for sure be coming back. Haven't tried their lunch or dinner menu yet but for sure they are on my top list for breakfast spots!
(5)
Glaciala A.

The avocado omelet was delicious, definitely a lot more avocado inside than I had expected. Service did lack in friendliness, at least our server, but food was solid. I wasn't as much of a fan of the french toast, but the omelet was great.
(4)
Heather S.

Love this place. I'm always getting the pancakes. The kind/topping changes daily (or almost daily). And, of course, a bloody mary. Because bloody mary's are for breakfast. Oh, and if you pay with cash, they give you Geraldine Dollars for every $10 spent.
(5)
Alli D.

Geraldine's is exactly what you'd imagine when you hear the name: A bright and cheery diner with an inviting counter and down-home food. I've been here twice for breakfast and both times there were so many people that we opted to belly up to the counter. Normally that situation wouldn't really appeal to me, but here it's fun to watch all of the people with their different jobs: Toast Girl, Coffee Maker, Bus Boy, Dish Washer, and Various Waitstaff all do a well-choreographed dance in the tiny space yet never seem to get in each others' way. The first time I was here I had the pancakes of the day, which I still clearly remember even though it was over a year ago. They were apple sauce pancakes with cinnamon apple slices on top. YUM. Then a few weeks ago I had the tomato, spinach, feta, and herb omelet. It wasn't a huge portion, which was nice, and the hashbrowns and toast were perfect. They have freezer jam in little jars for you to help yourself to; it was hard not to down it like a beverage. They do have a nice lunch and dinner menu, plus a few beers on tap. For me, I think I'll stick to breakfast. And with a different pancake option every day, it will never get old.
(5)
Derek J.

On special for lunch was crab eggs Benedict. Lunch crowd packed the place but service was quick and food tastes great. If you haven't been to Columbia city lately might be worth a trip.
(4)
Danielle W.

As someone who lives in the Columbia City neighborhood I have the ease and convenience of frequenting this restaurant on fairly regular basis. Though if I did not live nearby I would still make the trek to Geraldine's the food is that good. At this point I have tried almost everything on the breakfast menu and have yet to find something that I did not enjoy. The french toast is amazing and the pumpkin pancakes are quite possibly the best pancakes I've ever had. The only slight problem is the pancakes and french toast toppings change on a daily basis so you won't know what is available until your server informs you. Along with the great food the service is also usually on point. Even when the restaurant is extremely busy the service is incredibly fast. Note that if you choose to go to Grealdine's for Saturday/Sunday brunch there is a good chance you will have to wait a while for a table as it is normally VERY busy during that time.
(4)
Mariah M.

Good food, wonderful waitstaff, and overall good atmosphere. When you get there, make sure to write your name on the list. The wait on a Saturday for breakfast was not to bad, food came quickly.
(4)
Henry S.

My only regret is I should have come here long time ago! I love the location, the decor, the atmosphere, the service, and above everything else, the food. I ordered the columbia city corned beef sandwich, half order of french toast, and grapefruit juice. Everything looked beautiful and tasted great. The corned beef was perhaps the best I've ever had - the bread was nicely toasted so it had that crunch on every bite, the slaw and the thousand island dressings totally complement the corned beef. But I gotta say the fries was too salty, but I only had like 3 of them anyway, so I don't really care. The french toast was thick, very crunchy on the outside but chewy and moist on the inside w/ a generous amount of fruit toppings. I think french toast is something that's easy to make but difficult to done right. I can't say gerladine's french toast is the best I've ever tasted but it's definitely as good as it gets. I'd definitely come back to try their casserole, emerald omelette, and perhaps another french toast. Note: parking can be an issue.
(4)
Vince N.

I don't like breakfast, but this place makes me go hmmm! Geraldine serves up some of the best corn beef hash that I've had anywhere. It's not canned, chunky and cooked to perfection. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for good wholesome food. Ingredients are fresh and so is the service. Our waiter was extremely friendly and pleasant to be around. I'm coming back and if you want good food in Columbia City this place does not disappoint.
(4)
Andrew L.

Warm goodness, foodalicious flavors and righteous menu options. This is the place when you decide you want to go home, but have been kicked out by a mother who has decided that you have had enough to eat, but you still want more, but have no idea how to cook food that tastes amazing. There I said it; because here lays a bastion of breakfast delights, a cozy homely welcoming feel, diner yet not, all at the same time. Casseroles for breakfast? Why Yes! They have made breakfast into what people should smack a bottom dinner style delight. Oh my, it's not a small portion, so if you come here, and you will, it will make you happy. Look, you have egg, cheese, sausage, Pico de gallo, among other things delights, in a casserole. Does it smell good, well the verdict is that if you walk out of the place without finishing, I will hunt you down and smack some love into you. What I'm trying to say is it's a Yummy slice of heaven. What else? How about their French Toast, which are not wussy slices of bread, instead they are large cut pieces of bread, cooked wonderfully, with soft pear on top and of course naturally made maple syrup. It comes with fruit, but the delight is really when you bite into a piece, and you tear up and cry just a little. I saw a ton load of menu items I wanted to try, however my car sitting in a 1hour spot, I had to be, in and out.. but trust when I say, there will be many return visits, and those shall be epic... (I saw mac and cheese, and thou should be mine soon). Recommendation: Come early, and often, and enjoy, because you will, it is American food, made with a classic taste, and modern twist. Eat away, because you will find out why all the locals call this place a favorite.
(4)
Richard P.

I had breakfast for diner. The french toast is to die for, felt like I was in New Orleans (and I have never been in NO) and the bacon....mmmmmm This corner in Seattle is an excellent place to dine, with Lotties Lounge Across the Street and Jones BBQ a couple of doors away. Geraldine's is just like one of those places you see on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! A Seattle treasure. For around $10 +/- you get a great meal.
(5)
Susie G.

The food was fabulous!!! My friends had the french toast and it looked so good!! They raved about it! I had an omelet and it was GREAT!!!! It is definitely worth the money. The downside is they don't do separate checks and if you are paying with more than one card they charge extra. I'm only going there on my lunch break with co-workers and I usually don't have cash on me.
(4)
Benjon P.

this is the best french toast on the planet! ON THE PLANET! the hype lives. it's worth the wait. you can order out and have the hype to-go too! MUST GO HERE!
(5)
Joanne B.

You really can't go wrong with having breakfast here. Make a reservation if you decide to go during the weekend. It's a very popular restaurant. The menu is pretty simple, yet tasty. Meaning, anything and everything on the menu is good!!
(4)
Daina M.

My favorite seatte breakfast spot! Cant go wrong with the counter special, chicken fried steak, or omlette with avocado and pepperjack. Food is fresh and local, service is friendly. Whatever you do, have a biscuit. They will blow your mind.
(5)
Dave L.

Good tomato soup. Nice fresh salads and ingredients. Breakfast is the star here. Love those biscuits. A bit of attitude depending on who your server is. A great diner though, and I'm grateful they're in the neighborhood.
(3)
Mikenoise S.

French toast, buttermilk biscuits, organic bacon and coffee. So delicious. On a Sunday morning it's far from quiet - but who cares. You're there to eat not talk!
(4)
J. H.

I patronized this establishment earlier this year with a couple of friends. I have to admit that my breakfast was exemplary and by what I gathered from my friends, likewise with theirs. However, when it came time to pay, we asked to split the check since I did not want the couple I was with to pay for mine. The waiter proceeded to tell us that there would be a surcharge to split the check! I thought at first he was kidding, but sure enough when presented with the check, that is exactly what happened! So to quote the poster A.F. who posted a comment about 9 down before me and also gave two stars, "So it was overpriced for the food and experience we received. Not for us and we won't go back."
(2)
Rafael R.

This is one of those pet-peeves restaurant reviews. Cooking and serving breakfast isn't really rocket science. Hashing some potatoes or cobbling together some home fries is simple, filling fare but doesn't require a culinary degree. Properly preparing hen fruit aka eggs only takes some care and consideration since it really only is one single ingredient. A lot of eateries get raves about what in reality should be expected: Simple food prepared competently and served promptly and piping hot. There really is no excuse for not getting five stars for serving a two egg breakfast. About a mile east of Geraldine's Counter is another neighborhood breakfast/lunch joint called Both Ways Cafe. Both Ways Cafe serves one of the finest buttermilk biscuits ever made. As opposed to Geraldine's creamy hash browned potatoes, Both Ways serves up home fries sexed up a little bit with the addition of some variously hued bell peppers. I'm sure they both source their eggs from good suppliers and both of these places know how to cook them, serving up tasty, fluffy scrambled eggs which shows they pay attention on the line. But this review is about the biscuits, and the ethos behind the establishments that serve them. What is the difference between Both Ways Cafe's buttermilk biscuit and Geraldine's buttermilk biscuit? Not a huge amount. They are both very good biscuits, and are served fresh tasting and not stale. I would give the biscuits at Both Ways five stars and Geraldine's four, but neither biscuit would in my mind disqualify either restaurant from a five star rating based solely on the quality of the food. The biggest difference for me is that at Both Ways Cafe the biscuit comes with the breakfast. At Geraldine's when you sit down and tell your sever that you'll just have the two egg breakfast without glancing at the menu and inquire of the "other" starch options, which to me means you haven't been studying the menu closely if at all, and you're given a list of white, wheat, sourdough, English muffin and biscuit and when you discover when settling up your bill that in fact Geraldine's charges an additional dollar for the biscuit option and you get told "It's printed on the menu." And indeed it is likely printed on the menu, probably in fine print, at the bottom where they mention mandatory tips for large parties, but when you up-charge for a piece of cooked dough, and don't mention it when it is ordered, and you brush off inquiries regarding the practice as being cleared by the legal department, it leaves a bad taste in this eaters mouth after what should have been a pleasant morning out with one's number one daughter. So that's how Geraldine's disappointed me one gorgeous Seattle morning last week and reminded me of why I almost always drive the extra mile to visit Both Ways Cafe, and enjoy a scrumptious buttermilk biscuit slathered with honey warmed atop the espresso machine, at no extra charge.
(2)
K J.

Best breakfast place I've ever been to! You can't miss with the French toast (they change the toppings each day) or the breakfast sandwich! This is a must go to place!!
(5)
Daisy C.

Just had Geraldine's chicken pot pie - SO delicious!!! Most chicken pot pies I've had are cream based and this was not. It was soup based and oh so yummy! Full of flavor and not too much salt. There was no need to have salt and pepper at our table tonight!! Also, the place is VERY clean.
(5)
Stacey P.

If I lived blocks away from Geraldine's Counter I would never cook again and eat here all the time. Their food reminds me of something my grandmother would make when she enjoyed cooking - simple, delicious, home style cooking. You can't go wrong with anything you order at Geraldine's. Their French Toast will leave you in wonderment, their three cheese sandwich with avocado will let you see what grilled cheese can be an adult's meal, their bacon is to die for. Everything is local, they get their bread from the bakery nearby, their fruit from local markets, and everything is fresh. If the fantastic heavenly food wasn't enough, you will be tempted to return here time and ti me again for the cheery service. They enjoy working here and they enjoy their customers making it so much easier to be swept up in the atmosphere. It is cute, it is fun, and it is a delight.
(5)
Michael T.

I've been here several times - for breakfast and for dinner. The service can be slow, particularly when they're busy, but never terrible, and the food has generally been good. A favorite of ours for dinner has been the fish tacos. Tonight, though, Geraldine's was struggling. Glacial service combined with fish tacos that had bits of bone in the meat with lukewarm beans on the side - not good. So, if I go back to Geraldine's, I'll probably stick with breakfast - but only on a weekday.
(1)
James F.

I very rarely venture out this far for food, but I'm so glad i did. The food was great, well priced and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I had the pumpkin pancakes which were delicious. Their bloody mary also hit the spot perfectly.
(4)
Chanele B.

We came here with high hopes based on other reviews and the promise of "Americana comfort food." Maybe I am just silly, but that phrase conjures images of Southern, maybe Midwestern, hearty dishes that bring back memories of my mama. Um. No. I opted for the biscuits and gravy, and I can't quite remember being more horrified by a meal gone so horribly wrong. The gravy was some watery, grey liquid with chunks of mediocre crumbled sausage in it. I added some Tabasco (ok, A LOT of Tabasco), but the damage was done. Biscuits and gravy is NOT a dish that should include the term "watery." We're not in prison. Hell, you're charging me $9.50 for this abomination!The whole concept reminded me of people who put sugar on grits - they understand the concept sort of, but they fall way short in the execution. My dear, sweet, Southern mom's response when I called her in horror after the event was, "Did you send it back?" I should have listened to my mother because few foods require an explanation like this one did. The other entree ordered at the table was the casserole, which was average. It is nothing memorable, and definitely nothing to encourage my return.
(1)
Marina H.

Decent breakfast. Decent atmosphere. Decent restaurant. That's all it is: decent. I say skip the weekend brunch wait and hop across the street to Lottie's for some AMAZING breakfast.
(3)
Joanna D.

Fresh apple juice and the best French Toast in town!!!
(5)
Victor T.

One of the best breakfast joints in Seattle. It is the perfect place to take your mom. It works for a hangover cure, but it is so much more classy than that. Not snooty. Just classy. Omelets are top notch. Juice is fresh squeezed. Staff is nice as all get out. Do not leave without sharing a coffee cake amongst your table. Seriously. Don't be dumb. Get the coffee cake.
(4)
Shauna H.

Having moved to Columbia City a few months ago, I've finally hung around the neighborhood enough to start reviewing all the local haunts. Geraldine's is a solid restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and out of several visits I don't think I've had anything less than a great experience. Breakfast/brunch (served all day, every day) seems to be Geraldine's strong suit. A full page of great options that all seem to sound good no matter what mood I'm in. The bright plates of food on my neighbor's tables always make me a little jealous I didn't order whatever they got and keep me coming back for more. I've had to wait 15-20 minutes for a table a few times during peak brunch hours, but it's never unreasonable, and the staff (though sometimes rushed and a little frazzled) still manages to stay attentive during busy times. Lunch/dinner are also great in their own way - they have an admirable selection of salads and sandwiches, almost enough to make deciding between them impossible. I usually get the cobb salad, a delicious mountain of everything in perfect amounts, chopped, dressed, mixed. Yum. They also have great iced tea! Most weeknights have a decent recurring dinner special (meatloaf, fried chicken) with another chalkboard special advertised in the window each night. A few other entrees round out the dinner menu. They've also got beer and wine (though this is certainly a place to eat, and not one to get a drink or two and hang out with friends), with half-price bottles one night a week. One star off for occasional waits, sometimes too-loud and kid-saturated atmosphere, freezing cold bathrooms (get a space heater in there, guys!), no dinner Sunday and nothing on Mondays (this would be the most amazing 24-hour diner...). Despite these minor issues, making the strenuous two-block hike from my house to Geraldine's door is never a bad decision.
(4)
Myduyen N.

Geraldines is the best place to have BRUNCH on the weekend!!! THe food here is delicious, hence the fact that it's always packed!!!!!!! If your going for brunch I highly recommend coming before noon because you can be waiting for quite some time. Most of the things on the menu are good but the top 3 I would recommend would be:1, French Toast because is not like any french toast this one is deep fried I think, it's super crunchy and delicious! 2. Corn beef hash, I'm not a fan of eating veggies but everything that's in it compliment each other. 3. Casserole for all the egg lovers, its really cheesy and the pico makes it 10 times better!!
(5)
Sandi B.

We tried Geraldine's for the 1st time this morning for a party of 6 with a 5 month old. They were very accommodating for our large party on a busy Sunday. They were efficient by getting us in within the 25 minute wait they quoted and getting our food out quickly. The Avocado Omelet and French Toast that my husband and I had were great! Everyone really loved their food. We'll definitely be returning soon :)
(4)
Sara F.

Always solid breakfast and lunch food. Really love the chicken burger w/guac and pepperjack. Nice staff, quick service. I would never go on a weekend am, there's a huge line, but it's great at all the "slow" times of day.
(4)
Amne N.

Honestly I'm an instant fan of anywhere that serves Cascioppo sausage (I'm a native Ballardite and love my local italian meat market). I decided to venture away from my usual breakfast spots and try something new in Columbia City neighborhood and I can say that Geraldine's is worth the drive from Ballard. What to order next time? Herbed Omelet with smoked salmon and a side of sausage (oh yes) or The Counter Special!
(4)
Paul H.

Sometimes I read great reviews about a restaurant and think, "Wow this place must be great" and we run out to try it... only to be sadly disappointed. Well, not this time. I read all the great reviews on this place and we decided to give it a shot. WE WERE NOT DISAPOINTED!!! This is my favorite new breakfast spot! I had the French Toast and it was fantastic! My wife had the Ruben Sandwich and said it was the best she had tasted in a long time. Not only was the food great the service we received was also top notch. We had to wait outside for a table and the Manager kept checking on us and reassuring us that it would not be much longer. He talked to us like we were friends coming over for dinner and made us feel very welcome. We will be back to try the many other great looking items on the menu and highly recommend you do the same. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Elaine J.

Theeee best french toast I have ever had in all of my days. Fresh eggs. Great orange juice. Chicken sausage or other varieties of breakfast meat. Hash browns weren't the best. And the prices weren't bad at all. I'll be back in the near future, for sure.
(5)
Kendi T.

Had the emerald city scramble-delicious! We waited in line for over a half hour, but it was on a weekend. The wait is well worth it. Food is great, good portions, and coffee is better than your average diner. I love that they use local farmers, too. Only negatives seem to be the wait, the loud atmosphere, and the food was a bit pricey. Great place, though!
(4)
Elise W.

I used to frequent this place all the time, and loved taking my friends from out of town there - that was until the last time we went. They asked how many people, I replied four and the host retorted "Oh, four and a half?" while looking at my stomach and slightly smiling. SCREW YOU - I'M NOT PREGNANT, DICK. Geraldine's has good food, a long wait and assholes for staff. They either need to all take some classes on how to be polite considering you work in the service industry, or fire them. Rude.
(2)
Jackie T.

My breakfast at Geraldine's was pretty delicious. I went for the french toast based on several recommendations and was not disappointed. The seasonal topping was pears and these were cooked perfectly. Arrive early so you don't have to wait for a table!
(3)
Malcolm L.

I had the chicken sandwich and a cup of chili. Everything had a wonderful flavor. The corn beef and hash was also good from what I was told. Only downfall there was no dessert. I'll be back
(4)
Seila K.

Mmm, gem of a place in Columbia City! Great food in the middle of an up and coming neighborhood. Atmosphere - Place has such a great vibe to it. I love the counter with the bar stools that gives it an old diner feel to it, giving people who are dining alone or just with someone else a great seating option to the other tables and chairs in restaurant. Food - We got several items that I was able to try a little bit of each. French toast - delish. Nice crispy french toast with peaches on top. I actually didn't need the maple syrup. It was great with just the french toast and peaches. Biscuits and gravy and country fried steak. Mmm, those biscuits were yummy along with the sausage gravy. The country fried steak was good, but it wasn't anything better than what I've had before. Definitely some comfort food and it was all gravy! Hash browns - Just how I like em. Crispy and fresh hash browns. Definitely will be back here. The people were friendly, the food was great, and the place was nice and relaxing.
(4)
Robert V.

OH MY JONAS! It is so worth the wait for a killer weekend breakfast! Is it bad that I only ever get one thing? The herbed omelette had me at hello, then it broke up with me when I tasted somebody else's pancakes, and then we made up when I licked my own plate clean. The staff are phenomenal. They are so fun, attentive and diverse that you wonder why other businesses don't follow suit. Thank you Geraldine for always surpassing our expectations and making us feel welcome!
(5)
Kerri L.

The french toast here is delish! Extra crispy coating (how do they do that?!?) that has me wanting more. Darn me for ordering a half order! Of course, I'm glad I did because then I was able to try the Geraldine casserole. We ate it family style so we could all try it - but I admit, I *may* have ate the lion's share... and may have licked the plate. I would definitely recommend this breakfast spot!
(5)
Terrill V.

Food was excellent. Had the Biscuits & Gravy and half order french toast. Very good service, they had the sugar free syrup I requested. Quick service as well. I enjoyed my experience and would gladly come again. Went during lunch time and thank goodness I arrived before a big rush of people came through.
(5)
James K.

The Kick Butt Chili does indeed!
(5)
Mica D.

French toast is high up there on my favorite naughty food lists. Whenever I go out to a breakfast joint that serves it, I have to order. Most are just as I would make at home, some not so great, some even better. BUT, Geraldine's? BLOWN AWAY! Good thing I just signed up for a membership at the Columbia Fitness Center down the block from it. Mouth is watering at the thought of them! French toast. Just do it.
(5)
Monty M.

In town for the holiday and local family recommended for breakfast. Wasn't disappointed. The amosphere is busy and style eclectic diner. You can sit on a stool at the counter or one of many tables and booths. Hostess was friendly and efficient. Waiter was excellent. Attentive, knowledgable and even created a modified dish to suit my tables one food allergy. I had the biscuits and pork gravy. Eggs and hash browns cooked perfectly. Gravy not too thick and had plenty of pork. I used it as a topper for hash browns as the biscuit was one of best I have had. Crunchy on top and bottom, fluffy inside and perfectly cooked. A must if you want a treat. The table also had fresh raspberry lemon jam that was excellent. I spied a sandwich at next table that also looked great and was served on some wonderful looking crusty bread. The fresh fruit was Fresh and sweet. Most of dishes run about 10 bucks, so with coffee and tip plan on about $15.00 a head I can't imagine you not enjoying this place and adding it to one of your favorite breakfast places. You will enjoy the food here, I guarantee it!
(5)
David L.

100th REVIEW! I went here for brunch with my girlfriend last Friday and even on a weekday there was a short wait! All of the employees were very friendly and the place is decorated very nicely. Breakfast is served all day and we were both craving breakfast (even though it was lunchtime) so she ordered the oatmeal and I ordered the spinach, feta and tomato omelet. Both meals were perfectly proportioned and the food was top notch quality! I would highly recommend this place if you're in the area and want a hearty and fresh breakfast!
(4)
Vito C.

This place is hopping on a Sunday morning, so get in early. They have a wide range of food, but I stuck with the basic comfort foods and was not disappointed. Hash browns were crispy and great, eggs were okay. French toast was rustic style bread, not the normal soggy bread. I wish I had the corned beef hash as it was done right with chunks of beef, potato, etc. My wife had an egg sandwich with avocado. Place is loud due to people and bare brick walls, so may be hard to have a conversation. Coffee was mediocre, which is odd for an establishment in Seattle. Overall a very nice place.
(4)
Patrick H.

Ever since I helped my bestie move to Columbia City, I have been raving about Geraldines. I effing love this place like an alchoholic loves alcohol. It is simply great diner food. the pancakes are perfect, not too thick, not too thin. a nice mix of fruit for them, and served with REAL EFFING BUTTER. My previous favorite place, Charlies, I never was sure 100% that is was in fact butter. And being a Foodie, that makes a difference to me. The eggs are always perfect, (scrambled), and the hash browns are too. PACKED on the weekends. PACKED.
(5)
Liz M.

This was a great way to close out Breakfast Club for the year. As the sister restaurant to one of my favorites (table 219), I had high expectations and Geraldine's Counter didn't disappoint. The space is more cafe/diner style than intimate and cozy, which makes it a good hangout for friends having breakfast together. It obviously gets quite busy after 9am on the weekends, as the crowd huddled outside and around the door could attest. Despite that, the staff is on the ball, taking orders, refilling coffees, etc. Large groups can easily throw any server off his game, but ours was on top of it and whisked around the table taking orders as people filtered in. Someone recommended I try the Casserole, and I was grateful for the recommendation, as I might still be sitting there trying to decide otherwise! The casserole was very good, and the sourdough toast that came with it was really good, and I generally don't care for bread. I will probably try another item next time I come here, just because there were so many good sounding choices. The two negatives were small -- one, the way the tables were arranged, I had a less than thrilling view of the hall to the bathrooms, and two, my coffee mug had a large crack running down the side. I'm sure they would've replaced it had I asked, but since the liquid stayed where it belonged, I didn't bother. Prices were very reasonable, especially for the large quantity of food served.
(4)
Jodi W.

Well, two stars for Geraldine's. They get two because the food is tasty...BUT...' Service! Ugh. I've been there numerous times and most of the time, the server acts like they're doing you a favor to come to your table. Uhmm...hello. Isn't it your job? You applied to do this. One time I was there and saw both a server AND someone in the kitchen eating food with their fingers while they were working. Yuck! Don't get me wrong. I don't begrudge people food. But can you not lick your fingers and then touch the food you're going to give me? In fact, they've been cited twice by the health department for "bare hand contact with ready to eat food". As well as improper storage methods. Here's the link. info.kingcounty.gov/healâ€¦ Counter&Business_Address=&Longitude=&Latitude=&ÂCity=Seattle&Zip_Code=&Inspection_Type=All&ÂInspection_Start=&Inspection_End=&Inspection_ÂClosed_Business=A&Violation_Points=&Violation_Red_ÂPoints=&Violation_Descr=&Fuzzy_Search=N&Sort=B After that, I decided not to go back to Geraldine's. Then it had been about a year, I checked the health department and it was looking good for the last year...and I saw them on Groupon and I was like, what the heck. They're in my neighborhood...I'll give'em another try. So I buy the groupon which of course, expires. As suggested by Groupon, I e-mailed them to see if they'd still honor it for the amount I paid...and what do you know? ZERO response. Seriously, if they'd responded and said "no" I would have been fine with it. But really? Just no answer? It's no wonder the servers act like they're doing you a favor when the management can't be bothered to respond to a simple question. So, I guess if you're not too particular about cleanliness or service, go enjoy the tasty food.
(2)
Jen P.

Solid. Wait wasn't too bad. The decor was super cute. I liked the whole look and feel of the place. Service was good. Coffee was good. Food was good. Prices were good. I'm a fan! And will return!
(4)
Max R.

Having just gotten to town, and jet-lagged, I needed coffee and eggs pronto. Sat at the counter at Geraldine's and the coffee kept on coming and the eggs were just perfect. Very attentive staff and awesome conversation with locals. Will definitely stop by again before I leave town.
(5)
Neil K.

This place is AMAZING. The food is so fresh and tasty. I ordered the Emerald City Scramble and I couldn't get enough of it. I wish this was located closer to Fremont, but I may have to make the drive down every once in a while when I'm hankerin' for a good scramble. BONUS: For every $10 you spend in cash, they will give you a $1 off coupon for the next time you visit!
(5)
Daren D.

For my first breakfast club since perhaps Bang Bang Cafe, I came here with fellow Yelpers and the Food Ninja himself... not bad. It felt like a smidge too much hype here; maybe I just didn't get something that suited me. I forgot which, but I got one of the middle scrambles... nothing special. Kimber didn't want her toast, so I finished it, I think.... not really good, and rather tough. They seemed to do a great job serving our group, though. I might try lunch or something else later.
(3)
Tonya W.

Delicious breakfast and awesome burger + sweet potato fries. It's seriously difficult to stay on my diet working just a couple blocks away from this place!
(5)
Marneaux W.

I've not been dissatisfied at G's yet! We live in the hood, so its too convenient to walk on down the street after work or for a weekend breakfast - the menu is varied with some new-fashioned diner dishes and some daily specials that will knock your socks off. And I like the featured art upon their walls - they rotate artists monthly I think. All around great servers and tasty tasty dishes. If you have a problem with dining among the screaming me-me's - weekend mornings may not be safe. Do try the bacon.
(4)
Kay S.

I was looking for a decent breakfast place over the weekend and decided to check this place out. I'm happy to say that this place was more than just 'decent'. I went on Sunday around noon and was surprised to find it so packed. Apparently, it is always like this on the weekend around 11-1(warning). I had to wait about 30-45 minutes for a table. We were seated at the bar (if you are short like me, I suggest waiting longer for a table! It was uncomfortable because my feet dangled off the stool and couldn't quite reach the floor). On the plus side, since I was sitting at the bar, I was able to look at all the different stuff that people were ordering and everything looked fabulous! I ordered the corned beef hash because I saw so many raving reviews about it. As soon as my plate came out, I remembered I really don't like corned beef and after eating a piece I remembered exactly why I don't like it. I am not a fan of the texture or the taste, but of course, it was my stupidity that made me order it, not the restaurants, HA! However, I did like all the veggies that were cooked with it and gobbled those up without a second thought! My brother ordered the french toast and it was pretty darn tasty! It was topped with the 'fruit of the day' which happened to be peach. I can't wait to come here again and try their other dishes!
(4)
Carol D.

Food was about a dollar too much on everything, and ill never pay 3.50 for a glass of oj again. Otherwise, the service was impeccable, unobtrusive but friendly. The food was excellent as well, and despite the high prices, I will be back and bring friends. French toast.
(4)
Aaron H.

Wow, that breakfast is good.. i ordered the French Toast of the day and must say it was some of the best French Toast I've had that I can remember. More food than i could eat but it was still good when I was hungry again. I've been here before and had the Mexican style breakfast , not sure what it was call but it was good too. I can't wait till I am in Columbia City again for some more of this good grub
(5)
Stacey D.

One of my favorite restaurants for breakfast and brunch! I love how this cute little place is just minutes away from my house. I highly recommend ordering the french toast with their thick bacon strips! Their bacon, egg, and arugula sandwich is also very tasty. I have been there multiple times and there is only one time my dish was a little disappointing -country fried steak (it was delicious the first time I ordered it, but not so much for the second time).
(4)
Vas S.

Fab! Chicken fried steak for brunch is superb. They have a nice interpretIon of chicken pot pie - a nice chicken soup / stew (not as thick as a stew, but super chunky - thick with chunks of chicken and veggies, not starch) roped with a biscuit (the biscuits and gravy kind). Great place for a group brunch. Sometimes a long wait.
(5)
AK J.

I love me some columbia city. This is a fantastic joint and I would love, love love to live down here. Alas, it leaves for a good time to get out of the City and enjoy the space down in these neck of the woods. Pros: Diner "style"; pancakes and fresh Columbia City baked goods; amazing bacon; breakfast all day. Cons: Underwhelming omelets and eggs, just coated in butter and greasy. Overall: Not worth a separate trip, but if you happen to be South, enjoy a stop.
(3)
Avian N.

I love Geraldine's for breakfast. I always order the special to try the best of something new. Their fluffy, flavorful eggs remind me of all the times I dined at Geraldine's with my sister who had passed away last May. -Don't order the salads, because they can be quite bland in color and taste. Besides, there are so many other options that you should try instead!! -If it's your first time, come skim over the breakfast menu and order the french toast! The shell is buttery crisp, and the inside is warm and 'tickle-me' sweet. They also come with fat, juicy blueberries that are more than happy to be devoured. They make the perfect two! -Biscuits and gravy is also fantastic. The biscuits are like pillows, big and fluffy, and the gravy is smooth and rich. -If you pay in cash, you get $1 for every $10 you spent to use for the next time. Great deal. -If you're with a friend or by yourself, consider asking for a seat at the counter, which the place is named for, after all. I always consider Geraldine's when I'm planning to impress a friend on a day out.
(4)
Sabrina K.

Love love love this place. Breakfast is top notch in Seattle. They also make a dynamite Bloody Mary. No espresso machine here but they always have fresh brewed coffee. The herb corn scramble is my favorite, but on Mothers Day I tried ther spinach omelette for a change and I was very satisfied. Had an excellent flavor (might have been the goat cheese ~ another favorite of mine).
(5)
JR P.

I went here for the first time the other week. I live in the area and have heard so much hype. I have to say that they lived up to it! I ordered the corned beef hash and it was delicious. The beef was cooked well and the veggies were very tender. I peeked around at other tables and other dishes looked amazing. I can't wait to go back and try something else. The serve alcohol which is always a plus! Decent amount of seating, but there still is usually a wait during the peak lunch and dinner hours. Staff is very friendly and the inside of the restaurant is very cute. No dedicated parking lot so you might have to search a bit for a street spot.
(4)
Holly D.

I had a late weekend brunch and got in right away which made me happy. The service was prompt and friendly, and my corned beef hash was done really well. I liked that the hash used butternut squash and it gave the corned beef a nice flavor. My husband had Geraldine's Casserole, the highlight of which was the fresh salsa on top. The rest was pretty uneventful because it was mostly cheesy eggs with not as much filling to balance it out. Geraldine's was comfortable, served a good meal and the only drawback for me was that my fruit all tasted like onions. I would go back if I was in the neighborhood, but wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)
Stefanie F.

I love this place! Breakfast is delicious and they always have amazing french toast and pancake specials. My favorites are the banana pancakes and strawberry french toast. Their mac & cheese is creamy and well-seasoned with a little kick. And their chili...where do I begin? Normally I'm not a huge chili fan, but I'll order chili from Geraldine's any day! Both the mac & cheese and chili are perfect comfort foods to enjoy on a rainy Seattle afternoon.
(4)
Christopher G.

Geraldine's is my favorite breakfast restaurant in Seattle. Whenever I have guests that come to town, or I'm in need of some comfort that only food provides, this is my go to place. Everyone I've brought has given rave reviews. I don't know that I've ever used the word "amazing" to describe French Toast before. Theirs is. Seriously. The chicken fried steak is heart-clogging, artery-hardening goodness. Bring your Lipitor. They even serve a great cup of coffee. The wait can sometimes be a little crazy on weekends, but it's always worth it. The service is always efficient and friendly. I've enjoyed Geraldine's on a few occasions for lunch and dinner and have been equally impressed. Cute place, great service, fantastic food. How can you go wrong? And did I mention the French Toast?
(5)
Sarah A.

Nothing amazing, but not bad. I personally didn't like their twist on the crunchy french toast, but I appreciate their diversity. The best thing by far was biscuits and gravy which they let us order a half order to accompany our meal. It was TASTY! I really liked the thick cut, crispy bacon as well. BF had the hash, which was pretty bland, and nothing impressive. We came later in the afternoon, so we didn't have a wait and the service was very good. Probably won't drive out to Columbia City again for this, but if you're in the area, it's a good option.
(3)
Cheryl R.

I love Geraldine's Corner, especially for breakfast or late brunch when I'm in Columbia City for some shopping, the Farmer's Market, or a trip to Retroactive Kids for my daughter's occasional haircuts. The food is good, the portions are hardy, the Bloody Mary's are spicy and strong, the servers are friendly, and the atmosphere is lively. I just wish we had something like this in West Seattle, we'd be there ALL the time!
(4)
Jake M.

I work in Columbia City and I often find myself lunching at Geraline's. I specifically love their pancakes of the day (the applesauce pancakes with stewed apples on top are absolutely the best!) and their thick cut bacon is the best I've had in Seattle. Great and friendly waitstaff, almost never a wait and the food comes out fast.
(5)
Madge B.

Excellent service, waiters are attentive, polite and friendly. The menu was described well and choices are plentiful. My husband had the 'Counter Special,' and I chose the 'Avocado Pepper Jack Omelette.' Coffee was hot and refreshed again and again. We dined on a Saturday morning about 09:30, but didn't wait for a table. Even though this was our first visit, we will be back, guaranteed!
(5)
Jim K.

Pros: Fantastic breads, fresh food, local micros on tap, great looking place, menu is large and everything looks delicious. Cons: Parking, there ain't none, service was great at first then as it got busy she forgot about us. Excellent for lunch, breakfast too of course.
(4)
Av A.

I'm pouting as I type this review, only because I cant run to the arms of Geraldine's Counter when I want some DAMN GOOD breakfast. I was a regular here when I used to live in Seattle, and most likely when they had first opened. I recommend trying Geraldine's Casserole and Avocado and Pepper Jack Omelet.. those were my two staples on the menu. It sucks that the service seems to have started to slack, but it was great all the times I went. *shrug
(4)
Amanda B.

This is such a great spot for brunch! The French toast is delicious and the arugula egg and bacon sandwich is one of my favorites!! I always bring friends who are visiting Seattle to geraline's for some great food!! Friendly service and an all around great place in Columbia City!!
(4)
B. F.

Not gonna lie, I love breakfast. The food here is really good, but not great. The ambience is pleasant, probably a good place to bring kids. Safe bet: you probably won't be disappointed, but there are other places to try.
(3)
Janny W.

This is usually a solid breakfast joint for us. Their french toast is my favorite thing there as they are crunchy on the outside and soft inside. They also come topped with some sort of fruit: peaches soaked in honey, blueberry compote, etc. I visited today and their topping was honey soaked peaches, which happened to be the topping the last few times I've been in--they're not bad, but I want something else. Since they're so busy in the morning hours, service can be iffy. Today the server forgot that we ordered french toast instead of pancakes, but she let us keep the whole plate pancakes and all instead of taking it all away.
(4)
Carla J.

Addiction is a terrible thing, especially when it comes to multiple items on one establishments menu. 1-Chicken Fried Steak! HUGE! 2-French Toast! Delightful with fruit on top 3-Casserole (creamy cheese, sausage in eggs and pipping HOT!) 4-OATMEAL!! I love them all! NOW THEY HAVE BLOODY MARY's!!! Mimosa's and MORE!! Breakfast anytime with a drink! Now THATS the ticket!!!
(5)
Jill M.

I came here specifically to try the french toast. The full order came with 3 pretty big slices and a fresh topping of strawberries. The whole outside was very crispy and the inside fluffy. I mostly like the crust of french toast so I didn't have a problem with it being very crispy all around. But if you are more of a fan of the softness of french toast, you might not think the same. I'd definitely come back for it. Everything else about this restaurant was great! The atmosphere was very lively. I came in pretty early to beat the rush! In addition to the french toast, I had the Emerald Scramble: pork, spinach, bell peppers, onions, topped with pepperjack. All ingredients were plentiful in the scramble. The orange juice was also really fresh and tasty.
(4)
Paddy M.

Best homemade biscuits I've EVER had! Wasn't even tempted to put butter or honey on them. Also ordered their french toast (thickly sliced, but lightweight and friend in a unique & tasty way), which comes with creme fresh and fried apples, and an order of their beef hash. Was pleased with everything, plus it's slightly cheaper than competitors (e.g., Portage Bay, Skillet) and in a much more cool & diverse part of town (being the Columbia City neighborhood). I'm going back within 1 week!!!
(5)
Mimi L.

I had the best French Toast ever yesterday at Geraldine's. They get their bread from Columbia City Bakery across the street. The toasts had a nice and crunch texture on the outside, yet still soft and fluffy on the inside. Although they don't have all the free toppings like at Portage Bay, they have a really good blueberry compote to top it off. I also had a taste of the corned beef hash and it was pretty tasty as well. We didn't have to wait too long to get it...maybe about 10 minutes. I definitely will come back to this area for some unique stores and restaurants.
(5)
Briana C.

Love the french toast! The staff is always friendly and I never feel ignored even when it is busy.
(4)
Ian L.

This place has long been on my radar as a brunch place to hit. It's a bit tough to get to being down in Columbia City, but it was well worth the drive, and it's such a cool neighborhood! Getting down to the details of the meal, I listened to other Yelpers, and my gf and I tried some of the heavily recommended dishes. I was in a toss-up between the biscuits & gravy and the casserole, so the server made my decision easy: he offered to give me a biscuit & gravy on the side of my casserole for just $1 more. The biscuits & gravy was very rich and tasty, with pork sausage in the gravy. The casserole was also good, but pretty heavy. My meal ended up being so big that I took most of the casserole home and ate it as a full breakfast the following day--score! My gf had the slammin'--2 eggs any style, choice of sausage/bacon, and pancakes--and got french toast instead for $1 more. Again, what a great decision! The french toast was very light and crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside as others have claimed. It almost seemed like they didn't dip it in egg batter before they fried it, since it was so light. The taste was sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, and it went well with the accompanying berry topping and maple syrup. The interior is hip with the color schemes and paintings on the wall, but still retains a casual feel. I really liked the transom windows near the front, since they let in a lot of natural light during the day. It seems like some Yelpers have had less than stellar service, but there is nothing bad I can say about the service I received. Heck, if you're gonna make a tough decision easy by offering both brunch choices I'm interested in, then what's there to complain about? I'll definitely be back, especially with the other great businesses in the area.
(5)
Crystal L.

Geraldine's is within stumbling distance of my house, and that is a great thing when you need a good, hearty brunch. The place is always bustling, although if you have a party of 2, you won't have to wait very long- so don't despair. The counter seats are more entertaining anyway because you see all the action! The portions are huge, and the menu is simple diner food with a local twist. I love the BLAT (Bacon, Lettuce, Arugula, Tomato) on Columbia City bread with aoli. The French toast is also delicious. Dinner's good, but the ambiance isn't the best and it is a bit overpriced. It's best for brunch. They do have wine and cocktails. Strong cocktails.
(4)
Sam H.

Came here not knowing what it is about. I actually like going to restaurants that way b/c... you have no expectations. And I'll have to add, As infrequently as I do, I really enjoying going out to eat breakfast because... well it's often memorable for one reason or another rather it be b/c you just woke up early to meet friends, or... tired as all you can be b/c you were out with friends. Either way stopping with the regression, Geraldine is one of those well windowed and lit restaurants with colors to say "good morning" There is a barista sweating their way through steam milk and espresso shots with a bar counter, and waiters dashing back and forth between tables in a small place as it is. But the food there is pretty kick ass. I had to order two breakfast b/c... well it was like 10-11 and my eyes were more hungry than my stomach and if I kept good place it was gonna be both breakfast and lunch, and I am in need for at least 4-5 meals a day to keep some steam in my game. So what to order... FRENCH TOAST.. ORDER IT!!! you don't like french toast??? Well then have somebody else order and and try it. when they offer before they take their first bite. B/c I offered and if you didn't take it on my first offerI inhaled it!!! Comes with toppins of freshfruit of the day... and I got double. (however much more they charge for that) Scrambled egg with veggies.. I think it's more like omlet that is scrambled.. or omelet that you were too lazy to fold so you just scramble it. Anyways... 2nd meal... still good and comes with it's sides of... well what ever it came with it was good too. I forget. (plus i'm fan of the combo of egg, spinach, tomatoes, and onions) Well that's it. :) holla at me and come to Geraldine for some pick me upper breakfast. :) and to top it off.. my friend paid!!! ha ha thanks chris!!! the joys of friends doing well after the years :)
(4)
Randi Y.

I give this restaurant five stars for the french toast alone. My husband and I stopped here on our way up to Vancouver on our honeymoon. The french toast was made with brioche and had a warm berry compote to accompany it. It melted in my mouth. The topping does change seasonally so it may be something different when you visit. We also had a scramble that was also delicious. After my few trips up to the Pacific Northwest, I am convinced that the drip coffee there is better than coffee anywhere else in the world. I've never been to Europe but that may be the only place on earth that could contend with Seattle coffee. If you are visiting the Seattle area or live here, please do yourself a favor and hit Geraldine's for breakfast. You will not regret it.
(5)
Kristen D.

Since arriving to Columbia City a mere 4 months ago, all we've heard of is how great Geraldine's breakfast is. I'm not sure I'd go as far as great, but it was pretty good. I got the bacon, egg and arugula sandwich. It was quite tasty. I LOVED the alioli sauce on it; the bacon, however, was a little thick for my tastes (I prefer thin crispy bacon). The overall flavor was fantastic though. My boyfriend on the other hand got the corned beef hash. It was pretty good as well. We are use to the beef, and vegetables being in small little bits so you can get a variety of flavors in your mouth. At Geralinde's the meat and veggies are huge chunks so there's a limited amount you get put on your fork and in your mouth. It tasted good though. We've wanted to go to Geraldine's since we moved here, but the wait is always WAY too long for brunch. I"m not a patient person, so when we check and the wait is an 1+ we walk around the corner to Empire for waffles. Yesterday though was a fluke I think. We got there around 1:30 and were seated immediately. Overall experience was good; the food was good; the service was good, but it was just good
(4)
Jen S.

Delicious and super cute diner in Columbia City! Geraldine's is my go-to spot when I'm craving a grilled cheese and fries. They grill the sandwich on amazing bread and their sweet potato fries are seriously the best I've ever had. Service is almost always great and I love how traditionally "diner" the place is. Cute salt and pepper shakers, flowers at every table, pretty painted walls etc. The wait for breakfast is almost always a little long so I tend to frequent it more during the weekday evenings. Plus they serve breakfast all the time, so if you want their yummy french toast for dinner, you can have it.
(4)
Chira V.

Top 5, for breakfast ever.... French Toast is AMAZING. Eggs ala Mexicana are delicious. Biscuits and Gravy hit the spot. Bacon perfectly crispy. Don't worry I didn't eat all of this myself, we all shared.
(5)
Jens J.

I realized it is not fair to penalize stars on a place because it is so ultra-popular and crowded -- hence, I move Geraldine's up to a 4. My current favorite off the breakfast menu is the bacon, egg and aragula sandwich. Sweet thick bacon, fluffy scrambled egg with a tangy contrast from the tomato and aragula. All on perfectly toasted bread. It's so huge, go ahead and yield to the temptation to eat with a fork. Per $, a real good value too. Love the hash browns and blueberry struesel too!
(4)
Suzy K.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. Everything is wonderful, seriously - every time! I have been here a handful of times over the past two years for breakfast and lunch. The food is perfect every single time. I try a new dish with each visit and it is all delicious. Disclaimer - I am a vegetarian so I have never had anything with meat but I can only imagine with the crowds they draw that it is just as good as every other non-meat dish. Always busy, but worth the wait - and if you are willing to sit at the counter (and why wouldn't you be? All of the servers and cooks are soooo nice it is pleasant to sit near their hustle and bustle) your wait drastically decrease.
(5)
Maricris M.

Super cute breakfast place! The place is really modern and clean for the area. They use fresh everything, even my apple juice was fresh squeezed! They only had 1 waitress so it took a little while for the food...but the chicken fried steak was delish!!
(5)
Keriche C.

After 2 visits to Geraldine's, I have an idea of what I like and don't like about this restaurant. Like: The biscuits and gravy! They put some delicious herbs (maybe thyme?) and good sausage in the gravy. It's thick and full of earthy flavor. The biscuits are pretty good too but they're really just there as a vehicle for the gravy, right?! The eggs were scrambled light and fluffy and the hash browns were crispy and not too greasy. I had a cup of really good coffee and we all agreed they have the cutest mugs. Lots of open space. Very clean atmosphere. Don't like: There's not a lot that I don't like about this place but there are a couple things that make it 4 stars instead of 5. The server was nice but he wasn't that attentive. He also ignored how we wanted the bill split so it became frustrating and a bit confusing. They will only use one card per table so if you're splitting the bill bring cash. There is sometimes a long wait but we only waited 5 minutes on a Saturday morning. This place is right up the street from my house and with biscuits and gravy like that, I will be back for weekend brunch very soon!
(4)
Christie A.

Talk about a super cute diner that serves delicious american traditional comfort food in larger portions. Breakfast is served all day which is especially amazing for those of us whom are not awake during normal breakfast serving hours. Thursday is half off wine bottle day. The only downside of Geraldine's Counter Restaurant is that they do not have many vegetarian options and no on the menu vegan entrees.
(3)
carrie k.

A friend of mine once dated a guy who told her he "loked" her. "Loke" is a word that combines like and love. And a word that only a douchebag would use. And me, in this review. I loke Geraldine's. But I really wanted to love this place. It's a charming, local restaurant in a neighborhood that could really use some more charming, local businesses. My husband, 6 month old daughter and I made the hike from Fremont to meet up with 4 other friends, braving the weekend brunch crowd. Our wait was reasonable, just 20 minutes or so, after which our table was ready to go, with a high chair all set up. Another plus for folks with babies, there's a changing table in the bathroom. Service was perfectly friendly. The coffee was good. The food was fine. Yeah, just fine. I ordered the egg sandwich with bacon and arugula. Great bread. Really tasty bacon. But it was thick cut. Wrong choice for a sandwich, unless it's super crispy. Otherwise each bacon-y bite requires a bit of gnawing. You know, when you bite down, and then have to sort of grind your teeth through the meat in order to detach your face from the sandwich without pulling out a gob of bacon, which is not very attractive. So, you'll want to avoid this dish on a first date unless your teeth are Edward Cullen sharp. Also, the eggs were scrambled. Eh. I'm a disciple of the fried egg sandwich. Apparently I'm not a disciple of carefully reading the menu, which describes an egg sandwich with scrambled eggs, but I digress. Two of my friends ordered breakfast casseroles. Neither seemed to love or even loke the dish. Another friend ordered the avocado omelet which actually looked pretty good, and I'm not an omelet person. The standout dish was definitely the biscuits and gravy, with which my husband was very happy. I think if you're a biscuits and gravy kind of person, you'll be very happy with brunch at Geraldine's. But I'll keep going to 35th Street Bistro for my egg sandwiches.
(3)
T t.

2 Stars for the hella bomb french toast w/ vanilla poached pears 3rd Star for the pretty good sweet corn scramble 4th Star for the MAC & CHEESE I really recommend the french toast and the mac & cheese. The wait wasn't too bad for a Saturday morning (about 15 minutes). The staff are friendly and courteous (always a plus). The coffee is pretty good too! Prices are good as well! P.S. I still dream about their french toast. I wish there was a Geraldine's in Norcal!!
(4)
J K.

Okay, I'm on a search for the perfect burger and fries, and Geraldine comes close.
(4)
Hunter O.

came here with family and friends pretty good food the staff seemed over a little over busy for the amount of customers.. i would be back for another round of food.. the only down side is the portions could be a little bigger.
(4)
Madhumitha N.

I am not sure how to write an honest review about this place since am a vegetarian. I went to this place for weekend brunch and was really disappointed to see they don't have many options for people who actually try vegan or vegetarian food. Anyway the pancake was ok not really that grt, but the maple syrup was good. I would say there are many restaurants which had many options than this place. I don't see anything that great about this place.
(3)
Julie G.

Not so impressed by this place. We went in the late afternoon, it took forever to get a table then forever to get service. The menu is small, and the food was just okay. I think the only thing I was impressed by here was free tampons in the bathroom, and nice decor.
(2)
Midge C.

Breakfast for dinner! For Christmas, I decided to treat two of my friends to brunch at Geraldines. Great idea, right? Well, one of my friends works at a restaurant on weekend mornings, sooooo... not a well thought out gift on my part. I was starting to panic when I realized that we are more than halfway through 2010 (gasp!), but checked Geraldine's website and breathed a sigh of relief. They serve breakfast ALL DAY! My friends both ordered breakfast and I ordered the Reuben (I seriously CAN'T pass up a Reuben) with sweet potato fries. I loved my sandwich and it wasn't too greasy. The fries were crispy and fresh. They now have a liquor license, but have a few kinks to work out. I ordered a Mac&Jacks and my friend ordered a pear cider (both on the menu), but they didn't have either of them. We both opted for a Lazy Boy Amber, which was pretty tasty. See you soon, Geraldine's Counter!
(5)
Jovana F.

A staple for weekend Brunch. Geraldine's does all the basics well. Their French Toast is delicious. so is the herb omelet with smoked salmon. I have noticed some inconsistency when it's crowded: undercooked chicken sausage, burnt bacon, burnt/undercooked french toast. So beware of that. the service is usually good. the wait is usually at least 20 minutes on the weekend. check out the Columbia Bakery across the street for coffee and delicious brownies while you're waiting
(4)
David W.

The best damn biscuits you will EVER have. We got them with our meal, and we got extra for the car ride afterward. So yummy! Everything else was great too. Solid brunch!
(5)
Mutant O.

Even better burger and sweet potato fries. I was forced to defend my plate from all and any encroachments. Hearty and colorful Cobb salad, too good to leave any scrap of green uneaten, so I've been told.
(5)
S. M. K.

Words are not enough to describe the food. You must go, sip, dine, enjoy! From the breakfast to the lunches delish. I only hope to get back soon for dinner. The bacon egg arugula sandwich oh my!
(5)
John E.

The best French toast I've ever had. Geraldines has the look and feel of a classic diner, but they have higher quality food. If you are a French toast fan, try it here. Not for people counting calories. John
(5)
Jen L.

Busy on the weekends. A little bit of a wait. I was there for breakfast. I had the avocado omlet with pico on tops. It was great with some hot sauce. Hashbrowns are perfectly shaved and crispy. Solid breakfast place! Needs capuccino and lattes. Bigger water glasses would be great or faster refills.
(4)
Sierra S.

Walking into Geraldine's on a cold, overcast, soon-to-snow morning was like entering a cozy cocoon. The brick walls immediately won me over, as did the brightly colored mugs & plates. This is the type of place everyone hopes to find right around the corner when they move into a new neighborhood, the type of place where being a regular means having a home away from home. The batter on the Chicken Fried Steak - spicy, savory, richness that almost made me groan, and definitely made steal more from his plate. The strawberry-topped ricotta pancakes on my own plate? No less divine, with a rich, light, airiness that I couldn't get enough off. The entire meal was a constant debate over what I wanted the last bite to be, with each bite more tasty and satisfying than the last. Now if only I lived around the corner :)
(4)
Matthias W.

Best French Toast I have ever tasted! Can't wait to get back to Seattle for some more.
(5)
Lily S.

I've passed Geraldine's a couple times, but never really had the opportunity to go in. Til this morning. I's hungry. HUNGRY. And I wanted breakfast. Which they serve til 3pm. YAY ME! Service was quick, the food was good, the bill fairly cheap. I will visit Geraldine's again...this time I'll try out the lunch.
(4)
Carrie E.

This is a quaint neighborhood diner type place with great food. With that being said they are also not real customer centric. The only have one type of pancake a day. If it is orange pancakes that is ALL you can have that day. No regular pancakes, period. For a kid that is a hard pill to swallow. They DO NOT allow you to do separate checks. If you are going to dine with a large group you all had better have cash because they will not split your check NO MATTER WHAT. The upside of paying with cash is they give you Geraldine bucks that you can use in the future like money. If you do want to use a debit card they will pass that transaction fee right on to you. Like I said not very customer friendly. On the plus side...their french toast is probably the best thing I have ever had. Add some of their amazing strawberry jam to it and that is worth the hassle. The food was all outstanding which is a good thing because their customer service is not!
(3)
Brynne H.

Definitely a solid 4 stars here. Since moving to Columbia City, I've had several chances to visit Geraldine's, and I can tell you with certainty that it is one place that will never disappoint. Good coffee, comfort food, and a warm, homey environment. Now with a full bar! Icing. on. the. cake. My first time with Geraldine, it was all about the mac'n'cheese. Comfort food at its best, purest form. Cheese and pasta, pasta and cheese. Love. Geraldine's throws in 4 or 5 cheeses, tomato, and a kick of spice, all of which I find completely enamouring. Perhaps more importantly, Geraldine's has AMAZING French toast. Like melt in your mouth delicious. Whereever you are in the city/greater Seattle area/US mainland, I suggest you make haste to Geraldine's, just for the French toast. And let me tell you, sometimes it is so crowded that it feels like all of the US mainland is there. Really, Geraldine's Counter is just a really perfect little homestyle restaurant on a corner of one of the best three block areas in all of Seattle. You should make the trip down Rainier to check it out!
(4)
Tarah M.

I've been itching to get here and try Geraldine's breakfast and I finally got my chance when celebrating a friends' birthday this past weekend. Considering the hustle and bustle of everyone wanting to get their eats on, 9 of us were leery about the wait as we tentatively placed our name on the list and expected to be called about 20-30 min later. This was not the case as the gentleman host assured us it would be about a 10-min wait as they arranged tables for us. So accomodating they were! As promised, in about 10 min we had our table set and ready for us to enjoy our brunch feast. So now, all of us famished and ready to eat pronto, I was now leery about how long the wait would be to order our food. Boy, did Geraldine prove me wrong again. In the time I can say "where is my fo--," we were swiftly served with our breakfast goodness. And goodness it all was..my spinach & feta omelette cooked and flavored to perfection, hashbrowns delicious and plentiful, and the strawberry jam was so on point, I ate 3 slices of bread, just to be able to gobble more down my gullet. I told you, I was famished. The coziness of this place is wonderful. Staff is super friendly, food is super tasty, and prices are absolutely reasonable. Come here again and again? Yes, please.
(4)
Thomas L.

I've been a semi-regular for the past few years. The corn and Havarti scramble is my usual order, I love it. The staff is always friendly and the interiors are modern,clean and cheerful. Biscuits and Gravy is also very tasty.
(4)
Tina N.

Best pancakes in Seattle. I've been here several times for breakfast and brunch and have never left disappointed. I've tried almost everything on the breakfast menu but if I had to choose one thing to try it would be the pancakes. Soft and melt in your mouth! The service is always very friendly and welcoming.
(5)
Zachary Sam Z.

My learnings from prior brunchings hold true at Geraldine's Counter - you can easily bypass a long wait if you opt to sit at the bar. However, here's a tip to avoid an obvious faux pas: Here, you ask to sit at the counter. It's in the name, after all. Sadly, we didn't get a chance to ask, because we were offered seats at the counter right when we came in. We sat down, got our drinks, and immediately began perusing the menu. Everything looked amazing, but I had to opt for the chicken-fried steak. And I was definitely not disappointed!! I loved every bite. I'm definitely a fan of both Geraldine's Counter and Table 219, and they're both at the top of my Seattle brunch list. Personally, I like Table 219 a tiny bit more because of their unique dishes; but if I want food that borders a bit more on diner-y, Geraldine's Counter is my go to spot!
(4)
Curtis C.

Im giving this a three star mark. I guess i had a cold and the chicken pot pie which wasnt that good. The service was good and the the waiter attentive. The location was good with ample street parking. I got the chicken pot pie which was mainly soup with two pieces of buscuits on top. How disappointing. It wasnt what i was expecting and was not that excited when i saw it. I also had coffee and it was good but then, you can never go wrong with brewing a pot of coffee. I need to come back again for something else but then, after their chicken pot pie, i dont think i need to again.
(3)
Corliss P.

Order the french toast! It is crispy and delicious! We have come here for breakfast for mothers day and fathers day and the french toast is the star of the restaurant. I get a side of bacon and hashbrowns too! I also love their strawberry lemonade!
(5)
Scott M.

I ate here for breakfast and I have to say it was just ok. I think the issue with this place is they emphasize more on being a hip Columbia City restaurant than on actually being a good tasting restaurant. A lot of restaurants in Seattle and other cities fall into the same trap: if we build a trendy, retro restaurant with flashbacks to an earlier time and staff it with hip people, they (similar trendy Seattlites feeling novel about going to a gentrified neighborhood with little to no parking--ride a bike, why don't you-- to eat fatty, high cholesterol food with a vegan twist) will come. Just give me good fatty, high cholesterol food with or without the vegan twist and I will be happy forever.
(3)
Crys G.

Stumbled upon Geraldine's while killing some time waiting for a car repair in the neighborhood. This place is fantastic! Bright with lots of windows-- constant stream of customers. Breakfast is served all day. They truly have countertop seating in addition to tables. I had the biscuits & gravy plate (including eggs & hash browns). The biscuits were the best that I've had since my childhood down South. Service is friendly and prompt. Will make a special trip over here to dine again!
(5)
Steve L.

Geraldine's is an ordinary diner, not something trendy that one would expect in Columbia City. To be completely honest, I have only been to Geraldine's once and I'll try to give them another chance soon. The servers were nice and friendly, but that's where the positive experience stopped. The ambiance was ok but the south wall was completely bare. Three works of bird art (big surprise for the Pacific NW!) occupied the middle wall, but that was it. This place looks like it is in the process of opening or it is being renovated. I ordered the Emerald City Scramble and my wife ordered a Reuben. My scramble came in a small $9.75 lump with two small pieces of toast, one pathetic orange slice, and a piece of honeydew that looked like it had a small bite taken out of it. I finished my $9.75 scramble in about 2 minutes and proceeded to eat some sweet potato fries, which came with my wife's Reuben, which was average but it cost $9.95. Usually, a traditional American restaurant prides itself on big portions and cheap prices but Geraldine's has neither.
(2)
Kristina J.

We've always been curious about this neighborhood diner, so we decided to poke in a few evenings ago (for our weekly "breakfast for dinner" night). It's definitely a step up from a "greasy spoon"- type place, but not worth the (very) high prices. We wound up splitting a bloody mary, which was awesome. Our meals were just okay. I wasn't floored, and, frankly, I'm confused how they are always busy. There are better deals and service to be had. I think we saw our waiter a total of 3 times and had to get our own napkins and silverware from the bar. If you're in the area, swing by to splurge on a bloody mary (and sit at the bar / avoid the long wait). Otherwise, there are much better brunch options around.
(3)
pete h.

I've been here a few times now, both for dinner and brunch on the weekends. Two things that really stand out here is the french toast with fresh fruit and the panko battered fish and chips with sweet potato fries. For brunch, you can ask for maple syrup, which is 100x better than the sugar syrup you get at most breakfast places. Now for dinner, the fish and chips is always so good. The fish was pipping hot and super moist on the inside. Then add in some sweet potato fries and you've got yourself a meal. The prices are also very decent here and they have a counter to sit on so if you're a single diner like me sometimes, you won't feel awkward at a huge table. If I am dining alone for dinner, an order of fish and chips with a ginger beer is less than $20 dollars including a 18% tip. Growing up in the neighborhood, it's an awesome feeling to see the revitalization that has been ongoing in Columbia City. People are actually walking around at night instead of running for cover from the drive by!
(4)
Jaclyn B.

Geraldine's- I would give you 5 stars but your waiting list system on the weekends is bananas! I'd never been there before and walked in. There was no hostess to greet us but there was a clipboard. No sign explaining the process. We were waiting for a host to come over when this rude customer walked right up, grabbed the clipboard and put her name on the list (It was clear we were waiting) ahead of us. Seeing her do that showed us how to sign in for a table, but pre-coffee and being new to the restaurant really put a thorn in my side. However, great food, lovely service. Also, the restaurant itself is insanely loud inside, so prepare for that.
(4)
jenn v.

I saw the gargantuan French Toast and it looked really good, but I was at Geraldine's for one thing and one thing only: biscuits and gravy. Some web research showed that this might be the best biscuits and gravy in Seattle, and I was having a serious hankering for some b&g. The food did not disappoint. I thought the gravy was a little thin (nothing like my grandma's country gravy, which was as thick as mashed potatoes), but the sausage in the gravy was really delicious. The biscuits were flaky and nice. I also ordered an egg, cause it seems healthier than just a fat plate of mostly flour and starch. Needless to say, it was far more food than I could ever hope to finish in one sitting.
(4)
Sonia G.

I have visited Geraldine's for years and have enjoyed both breakfast and lunch. The ingredients are always fresh and full of flavor. My favorite breakfast dish are the pancakes and for lunch you can't go wrong with the salads, soups, or grilled cheese sandwich. The service is always courteous but can be a bit on the slow side. Have not visited since they started serving adult drinks but reckon I'll be back soon.
(4)
Myra G.

I'll need to make another trip out to Seattle to try out more items on the menu. The place itself serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Simple decor with a few art work on the walls. My brother order the corn beef hash with a biscuit. It isn't your typically corn beef hash as the meet is cut into cubes with the vegetables. It also comes with two over-easy eggs on top of the corn beef. My sister and I shared the Counter Special which was two eggs (any style you choose), hashbrowns, and choice of toast. It also came with two slices of oranges and pineapple. I had the eggs scrambled. It was SO good! We both got a glass of fresh OJ and apple juice. Eggs were NOT oily and the hashbrowns were just right, not too crispy or undercooked. The jam that I put on my toast was delish! What I really enjoy about Geraldine's is that their portions are just right, not too big or not too small. They definitely don't skimp on the quality of their food. Their eggs are cage-free and they also have substitutes (at an additional cost) to their menu to make the meal healthier. I wish there was more of these back in NorCal. Service was great! Like I said, I gotta come back again!
(4)
Jamie J.

WOWWWWWW. Let me start with... Our table was SPEECHLESS the whole time we ate. That's how you know a place is good. When no words can even describe it... Here everything is top notch. The service, the cutsie neighborhood, the decor, and most importantly - the FOOD. You might want to go with a group so you can try everything on their breakfast menu. It's pretty amazing. The Breakdown: Pancakes: They make their mix fresh daily, the day I went it was Ricotta. A very nice fluffy buttermilk flavored pancake. One of the best I have ever had. Served with 100% pure maple syrup. Amazing. Hash Browns: Not too greasy and not too crispy. JUST right. A must have side. Biscuits and gravy: Ohhh myyy gosh. That's really how good they are. Bacon and sausage gravy. Served on fresh buttery biscuits. Truly fabulous. Please try these. French Toast: This is the hot pick breakfast item and I can see why. Fried to a crispy perfection. Not too light and not too dense. Very nice. The inside is gooey with a kick of cinnamon. I'm not a huge french toast eater but I can respect a mean french toast and this one just was ridiculous. Bottom Line? You just have to go and check this out for yourself. It really is great. Everything about it will leave you wanting more. I almost went back the same day and got lunch. From Calorie Counting to a Junkie Feign... this place has something for you and I promise it'll be great. Fantabulous Eats.... GOSH.
(5)
Cameron B.

What a fantastic breakfast/brunch place in the Rainier Valley. I've been here a few times since my initial encounter, and I've always walked away full and satisfied. There sometimes can be a wait, but the staff is good at turning around the tables quick and getting new people seated. There are a lot of options, but I've had the corned beef hash, and a basic egg/hash brown/breakfast meat plate. Both tasted good and were not over-cooked at all. They also server Cafe Vita coffee, and keep the cup filled up, which I was happy with. This place is definitely worth the trip, if you want check out some of Seattle's best breakfast joints. It is only a short walk from Link light rail down Edmonds St., and is also easily accessible from the #7 and #8 buses down Rainier and MLK, respectfully.
(4)
Billy L.

Overall a solid breakfast resto--friendly service and good location. The omelette was fairly bland, i had to add all kinds of hot sauce and salt just to get a decent flavor out of it. Maybe b/c the hype is so high, I let my expectations get out of control. Most people love it, so you might also, although to be honest, most people like bland food (e.g. oatmeal), which is not my cup of tea.
(3)
Jennifer K.

Great food and very friendly service. I had to wait for a seat, but was worth the wait. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Julie P.

I went here with two other friends and we mainly were there to see if the french toast lived up to its name. IT DID. I have no idea how they get it so crispy on the outside and yet still soft on the inside. The rotating fruit topping as peaches, although our server said it was pears but maybe he thinks peaches are pears?! =D It was still delicious. We all got the Slammin' breakfast because it came with your choice of sausage/bacon, eggs, and pancakes which we substituted the french toast for only $1 more, what a deal! We all got scrambled eggs and, again, I don't know how they keep the eggs so moist without scrambling it into little tiny pieces. I wish I had room for their biscuits gravy because I read that's the other thing they are known. We paid in cash and received some "geraldine bucks" for next time, so I will get to come back and get more toast and my biscuits gravy!
(5)
J O.

Food is tasty, service is ok, but the place was packed and I could understand the server being a little overwhelmed. The owner freshened up my coffee, twice, and had to get me the check and a box because we hadn't seen our waiter in twenty minutes. The coffee cake is not as good as everyone claims it to be. We ordered the mixed berry, which tasted like sponge cake with an occasional berry. The jam on the table made it amazing, though. I can not say enough about the jam. It was awesome. The biscuits were fantastic. If you don't want to wait for a table for an hour, don't come here. When we got there, there were people on the list for nearly an hour. We were seated within twenty-five minutes, just by luck, because we got there just after 10 on a Sunday, but those people above us on the list were seated only minutes before us. The wait time was partially created by the way the seating was being done. There were open seats at bars and tables for two, but the tables were dished out according to the list. If the next up was a party of five, well then everyone waited until they were seated, then the rest of us smaller groups got put into the open tables.
(4)
Alex C.

Went there on a Sunday with 3 friends at around 11. Place was pretty busy. Waited about 20 minutes for a table. Wait staff was nice. Ordered the country fried steak breakfast with biscuit. Tasted great. Overall experience was good. I would definitely come back.
(5)
Joseph L.

A south seattle gem.. Everything seems to be done from scratch The orange juice Is tooo good!! (tastes a lot like the stuff they've got over at pcc Columbia river gorge brand not sure) The biscuits ughhhh The biscuits and gravy Ughhh The best chicken fried steak intown.. No seriously... Come early!!! And still expect to wait.. Grab a Bloody Mary from one of the surrounding spots next door and come back in 25 mins.. There should a couple of seats for you when you get back..
(5)
Charlie M.

I'm being nice. The service was OK but more towards bad....I had the chicken fried steak....honestly it was not good at all....did not seem like it was cooked good or good quality meat....this whole experience was a bust from looking at the other reviews and expecting a wow experience. Oh and the OJ price is ridiculous ...small cup for 3.50.
(2)
Debbie P.

OMG! Why have I not been here before?! I could kick myself for not coming sooner!!! We came on a busy Saturday, waited about 15 minutes (not bad) and sat at the counter. We were impressed watching the symphony of food passing our hungry eyes. Everything looked good on the menu, but we settled on the corned beef hash and the slammin' with French toast. Let's just say we did not speak from the moment the food was laid before us, except to comment with on how good it was. Tip: A nice bonus if you pay with cash is that they give you "Geraldine's Counter Cash" back in $1 denominations per every $10 spent. I guess we'll have to come back and use that "cash". Such a sacrifice...
(4)
Rachel H.

I live nowhere near Columbia City, so its taken me far too long to make a point to travel over here, especially, because the main drag in Columbia City has a great, historical feel to it, and Geraldine's Counter, on the corner, is a warm, hopping diner type breakfast with a straight ahead menu with dishes that stick to your bones. The breakfast food here is elevated diner-sytle. Think hashed browns, biscuits and gravy, scambles, pancakes, french toast. Simple, colorful plates and things that look consistent with what a good home cook would whip up on any given Sunday morning. My recommendation is for breakfast only. The dining area is spacious, well-lit and colorful with terra cotta walls, giant oil paintings, and an old school counter and open kitchen. Waits are long seeming, but move quickly, so don't go too far away to get your latte. We tried the sweet corn, havarti and herb scramble which was simple, tasty and came with toast, hash browns and a couple slices of citrus (grapefruit and orange) to add some color to the plate. We also had the Emerald City Scramble, which was a hearty dish. In all, lots of friendly service here, good food and relaxing family friendly atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the turn of the century photos in the bathroom of the Columbia Drug Counter, which is today's Geraldine's, to get a flavor of this place a hundred years ago.
(4)
k j.

I think this place is overrated. Always a wait (about 25 minutes for 2 people), I usually end up across the street instead and happier for that. The menu is generic and uncreative. Large portions. The decor is very diner-esque and bright. But ultimately I think there are better options.
(3)
Ivan M.

came here on sunday for an early afternoon brunch with some pals. i had been here once before but i had a salad that time (I KNOW!! wtf, right? you don't win friends with salad - word to homer simpson!) and i wasn't impressed by my choice. fast forward to yesterday, however and this time i ordered The Slam (or something thing like that). pancake du jour (+$1 for french toast) with choice of sausage patty (pork or some kinda bird meat - mebbe chicken or turkey, don't recall) or bacon and couple eggs cooked to order (i got 'em scrambled this time). i opted for the french toast and let me tell you, that sh*t is the truth my friends. it was soooo good. they had it with stewed peaches that morning and it gave it a nice velvety richness that wasn't overly sweet. they told me the bread they used is sour dough and it held up very nicely as french toast - crunchy on the outside but airy in the middle. i coulda ate a whole other order of just that french toast. the 2 thick cut slices of bacon were meaty and crispy and meltingly fatty AT THE SAME DAMN TIME. the eggs weren't fluffy enough and non descript. they just simple scrambled eggs, nothing to write home about. service was brisk and waters refilled on the regular. not a talkative bunch but they answered my questions and were knowledgeable about the food. i'm sad to see the old 'hood so gentrified but i don't miss the drive-bys and the crack, tho. park across the street in the lot for $1/hr if you can't find street parking.
(4)
Giang H.

I've heard a lot of great things about this place and I was finally able to confirm it - this place is legit and deserves each star and the line of people often waiting outside. Thumbs Up: - The food obviously. I had the mac and cheese and their creamy tomato soup. The mac was tender, super hot, cheesy but not overwhelmingly so, and seasoned with the right amount of jalapenos and creaminess. It was a perfect pairing with the cup of soup, which was a great deal at $3 for a full mug of awesomeness (not a tiny ramekin's worth of soup that so many other places sell you). It was creamy, chunky tomato soup that was deliciously sweet and not at all tart. I usually never order the same thing twice, but I would totally go back for that meal. I also had a bite of the french toast with honeyed peaches and that was pretty spectacular as well. - Service was fast and attentive. Despite it being a packed house, we were seated at a clean table, told of the specials, ordered in time and got our food for a table of 4 quickly. The waiter refilled our water glasses and checked in on us a few times. No complaints. - The wait. I hate waiting, but it went by faster than expected. On a Sunday, four of us came by at 930, told it would be a 20 minute wait, and got seated in 15. - The celebrities. We spotted Jamal Crawford, shooting guard for the Clippers, coming in for takeout. Thumbs Down: - I wish it were closer to me, so I could be a regular there.
(5)
Danielle C.

This is such a cute restaurant in Columbia City. It feels diner-esque but without the dirtiness. This place has the best chicken fried steak ever! I usually am not too keen about fried items for breakfast but the way they made the chicken fried steak was right on. Oily enough so that it has good flavor but not overwhelmingly so. The pancakes I got were definitely interesting. They were a lot thicker than how most places make them, and it tasted like whole wheat. They added some apples on top as well. Their bacon strips were incredibly thick! And delicious. My boyfriend got the corned beef hash. I think the pieces were a bit too big for corned beef hash but he said the flavor was still pretty good. I'll definitely come back for some more brunch food items.
(5)
Doug S.

Its small crowded and awesome. The food is wonderful. Their breakfasts are worth the 20 mile drive and 1/2 hour wait on a Saturday. The French toast and pancakes are better than any you have ever eaten. Even the bacon is great.
(5)
Michael W.

South ends version of the hi-life. Their sausages are fresh and tasteful. But their signature has to be their French toast. Love 'EM. Long waits though make it hard to frequent too often.
(4)
Cindy L.

I have to say that this place has the most delicious meals that I've ever eaten other than my mother's home cooked meals. Their biscuits & gravy are outstanding! And is one of THE BEST gravies that I've ever eaten. Their customer service is wonderful and Columbia City is the perfect location. I adore this place very much. I need to bring more of my out of town friends and family to try Geraldine's.
(5)
Alison M.

The BEST breakfast spot in seattle! Have been here many times. If you have to wait to be seated, it is worth the wait. Prices are all reasonable and food is always perfect. Service is great and staff is friendly.
(5)
Sara Q.

Daaaang! This place is on point. I got a blt with arugula and shredded hashbrowns and I am sooo happy. The aioli spread they put on the sandwich was creamy and provided the perfect accompaniment to the saltiness of the bacon. Everyone knows how much I love bacon and this place delivers. They were thick sliced pieces cooked/baked perfectly to retain the flat shape which made the sandwich so much easier to eat. I got to try the country fried steak which was also real good. Although smothered with gravy, it still had the crunchiness which made it all the better. Hashbrowns were soft while being crispy which means you can't go wrong. Biscuit was just okay, didn't have a ton of flavor but oh well. Service was awesome even though we came in 40mins to close. Thanks Geraldine's, ill be back!
(4)
J P.

Anytime my family comes into town, we have to go to Geraldine's. Yes, we may have to wait 20-30 minutes and it may be a little loud but it's well worth it. Best French toast and the bacon, arugula egg sandwich is heavenly. I'm Korean, so my entire family is opinionated, especially when it comes to food. Neither my mom nor my sister have complained, that says a lot!
(5)
Diane M.

The line here Saturday morning is crazy. Everybody is lined up waiting for the best French toast in town or maybe Geraldine's casserole, either way you can't go wrong.
(5)
Kayla A.

Awesome breakfast spot! In search of a place to get a decent breakfast I came across Geraldine's Counter. Trusting in Yelp, my boyfriend and I decided to give it a try, and I was NOT disappointed at all! My boyfriend had the chicken fried steak and I decided on the corned beef hash. The corned beef was very tender and the veggies and poached egg was a perfect compliment! Also, you definitely get what you pay for! The portion was huge and definitely filling. I also had a taste of the chicken fried steak and it was definitely savory and delicious!! In terms of parking, there is really only street parking. Be prepared to wait, especially on the weekends. This place has really good reviews on Yelp, therefore there will be a wait. :)
(4)
Sarah R.

Love the breakfast casserole. If they are slammed, an order of coffee cake helps. It's delicious and typically served warm. Also great is the kids mac and cheese - my nephew goes crazy for it.
(4)
Syde K.

I was very excited to try out this place. Went in on a Thursday during brunch and already there was a crowd of people outside waiting to be seated. There's not enough waiting space either. It us about 35minutes to finally get seated. Restaurant isn't very spacious. I ordered their French toast which seems to be very popular, to me it was too sweet, the outer crusts we're hard while the inside is moist perfect. But for $9 French toast I expected a lot. The apple juice which was $3 tasted like it was from those plastic bottle when they claim it's made from fresh organic apples. /:
(2)
Kaylene F.

Breakfast has to be one of my most favorite meals of the day and this place hit the spot. The food was amazing. The biscuits and gravy was delicious.. the gravy was very meaty and flavorful. I will be looking in the casserole next time around! The service was quick, the restaurant was clean and people were friendly. The only down side was the parking situation. If you are not walking in from a surrounding area... and it is the evening time.. you might be looking for parking. But with that said this place is worth the walk!
(5)
Tandi G.

Food was good, service friendly, wait wasn't too bad, & cool thing, if you pay with cash they give you $1 off coupons for your next visit.
(4)
Carlos Felipe F.

Great breakfast place in Columbia City---part of a boulevard strip that gives off a small town feel. The service was great and the food was phenomenal. I had, what I normally consider a "typical" American breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes; although Geraldine's pancakes were pumpkin-cinnamon pancakes, which were amazing! The bacon was thick-cut and smoked perfection. Eggs were typical diner/restaurant scrambled eggs. Enjoyed the calm atmosphere and speedy, but not fastidious, service.
(5)
Rachel P.

Geraldine's is really the only mainstream breakfast spot in Columbia City and unfortunately always just misses the mark with me. Their food is standard american breakfast, and the quality is consistently good. It's really the price for what you are getting that just puts me off. While the french toast is their signature, you'd expect a bit larger portion for the price. Generally the wait time isn't too bad (depending on if you're in the morning rush or not). I just wish this place gave you a bigger bang for your buck. I never feel 'wowed' or blown away here, but overall the food is good.
(3)
Shelly B.

Always a wait on the weekend for breakfast. But it's worth it people. Biscuits are amazing. Bacon is amaZing. Pepper jack omelet. There actually has not been anything I've tried that hasn't been tasty. Not fine dining by any means. But if you're looking for a great breakfast or diner meal, this is the place in the south end!
(5)
Michael J.

Besides the wait, it was amazing. Everything on everyone's plate looked delicious. Awesome French toast!
(5)
Masil M.

I really like Geraldines, and not just because it's one of a very few brunch places in the south end. As long as you prepare yourself for the long wait, everything will come up roses. The space has a nice feel, though it's a bit noisy. The servers are nice and generally attentive, particularly considering how busy it is here. The food is great. I have not had anything I didn't enjoy, though I will say that there is nothing I have enjoyed more than the chicken fried steak. And they do a great job on their hash browns. If you pay with cash, you get credits to use for a later visit; but check your change...I've gotten back the wrong amount a couple of times.
(4)
Jenny H.

I came here with my boyfriend for breakfast and ooo wee!!! It was delicious! The place is cute and yeah there was a line when we got there around 9 in the morning so EXPECT a line if you come later!!! I got the country fried steak with spicey gravy and my boyfriend got the arugala sandwich. The spicy gravy was delicious! The taste reminds me of a traditional Hmong dish that my grandma would make, which made me thought about her and was a bit sad because I hven't seen her for almost a year now.... OK BACK TO THE FOOD. The Arugala sandwich was A-ok. I'm not a big fan of arugala so I didn't eat much of it but my boyfriend was constantly on my country fried steak so of course, I shared with him. The portions here are huge and the food was great. Must have the country fried steak!! I was at first confused at the location of the restaurant. The Rainier I knew was pretty lets say ghetto? But wow! This place was located on a cute strip that reminds me of California Ave in West Seattle! Who knew that there was a cute part of Ranier that existed??
(4)
Conal G.

We had great meals. French toast, skillet and biscuits n gravy. Orange juice is SUPER expensive and I, of course, got a large @ $7 (biscuits n gravy was $9.95). Was good but I will not get that again. Busy.
(4)
Justin B.

Diner food with a homemade feel. They pretty much have classic Americana diner food with a homemade personal twist. The waitress we had was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu and also went out of her way to make cocktails for us not found on the menu. I'm a fan.
(4)
Maria P.

I've never had a plate from here that was less than impressive! These classic diner breakfast options are brought to the next level with locally sourced foods and ingredients! Without fail, every Sunday brunch we have at Geraldine's adds a little sunshine to our day, no matter how gray Seattle decides to be. This little place is just the anchor Columbia city needed to breathe life and economy back into it. You'll likely wait 20-30 mins at peak times for a table which is why I'm a little slow to tell people how amazing Geraldine's really is; but in actuality I cannot keep my mouth shut--I guess that's my stomach talking.
(5)
Camille T.

Best breakfast in town! Worth the wait. Even at how busy they are the service is amazing. Get the French toast!!!!
(5)
Dan L.

We were traveling in the area and found this place on yelp for their good breakfast reviews. I was sure glad we stopped to try them out. The best omelette I have ever had. The goat cheese was so good.
(5)
Jessica R.

Geraldine's is in my rotation of top-five-favorite breakfast places around Seattle. The first time I came for breakfast (a few months ago, in the days when I still ate gluten) I got the french toast and I basically didn't talk the whole time I was eating other than to say "ohmygosh, this tastes like some kind of magical cross between french toast and a donut." Because it did. It was MAGICAL. Since I can no longer eat the magical breakfast treats without getting itchy, I now usually get the emerald scrambled eggs, getting fruit instead of toast. It's totally something I COULD make at home, but it's just so much yummier when someone else makes it! And I don't have the cute oval fiestaware plates they have. Their coffee is also pretty good, which is important. Good food needs good coffee, otherwise you just have to make an extra stop for good coffee! I've only ever been in on weekdays and never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a table, but I'm sure it gets a little crazy on the weekends.
(4)
Liv H.

The sour cream pancakes with berries were amazing! And everything else we had was delicious, including the chicken sausage (quality flavorful sausage), they use good sourdough bread for their toast, have really yummy raspberry jam and great coffee. Wish I lived closer so I could go back all the time!
(5)
Malisa W.

My family and I have been long time customers of Geraldines. But today, will be the last time we eat there. The food is great and tasted wonderful. But something said by worker was appalling. This is the guy who usually greets me at the front door. He is tall, slender, and has white hair. As we were paying for our bill, he returns back with a penny. While pouring my water he says "Is that all you're going to leave?" This is as I was reaching in my wallet for money to tip. I was so shocked and surprised I almost did not want to tip, but I wanted to make sure my waiter (Dylan) got the money. I don't care if this was a joke or not, it is something you simply do not say, especially to someone who has been a long time customer. It is very unprofessional for anyone to ask for tips as it is not required. Great job Geraldines.
(1)
Jenifer L.

One of my favorite neighborhood spots, and it has quickly become everyone else's too. The food and staff are top notch which probably why this place is so popular. Portions on the kid's menu are ample and even an "eater" will be satisfied. I haven't yet had a breakfast or lunch here that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. The setting is bright and bustling, and the aromas delicious. Their bloody marys and brewed coffee are damn good too. My only issue is that most weekends there's quite a wait... my tips are: 1. Try a weekday visit... it'll be less crowded. 2. Weekend visit? Be prepared to wait, especially if you are particular about seating. Bring a toy, book, and/or snack plus sippy cup if you bring your kiddo. 3. Don't feel like circling for free street parking? There's a $2 pay lot down the street. Can't beat that price, and a ton of spots! Great location and place. Don't be put off by the crowds... It's well worth the wait.
(4)
Jeanna L.

I must admit that I tend to avoid most of South Seattle, but now I have a reason to visit! I had the corned beef hash and a half order of french toast. The corned beef wasn't as salty as most places (plus for me) and I loved that there was butternut squash in the hash. The french toast was delicious too!
(4)
Lauren W.

I'd give this a 5 for the food and a 2 for the service. We've been here a few times after attending the gymnastics playground nearby. I thought it was just our bad luck that we caught rudeness from the staff, but I began to recognize it was a pattern, so now I won't willingly go back there. The person I think is the owner always seems to have a scowl for us, which is really unwelcoming, and the servers we've had seemed disinterested. We've also had problems with servers or the kitchen not being accommodating of our dietary needs, which is a bummer. To order things that are separately prepared or served more plainly is apparently out of the question. For instance, my son wanted pancakes once, which are on the kids' menu -- only, that day they were only serving pumpkin-batter pancakes. Dude, not everyone likes pumpkin flavored. You'd think requesting plain pancakes would be a go, but it's not, and we were made to feel dumb for asking. There's also some attitude when you pay with a credit card, like at a lot of local places, including $0.50 per additional card per table. I don't appreciate that. I'm offering you money; you deal with the fees. (I'm a retailer myself and have the same bargain with my customers, and gladly.) That said, the food I've gotten I've really enjoyed. I love the pulled pork and the sweet potato fries. The fruit plate is lovely and a good choice for vegetarians/vegans/fruitarians and young kiddos.
(3)
s p.

The food is fresh and fantastic! Love that they source local ingredients. The service is good and the servers have great knowledge about the menu. Would totally recommend the French toast and chicken fried steak. Also this place is great with kids. The only negative part is the wait. Wait times can get pretty ridiculous so pack a snack.
(5)
Grant M.

This place is so great! I got the french toast which was to die for. The service and atmosphere was lovely too. It's in one of the cooler areas of Seattle too.
(5)
Robert H.

You can never go wrong with Geraldines! Fast friendly service of classic , and modern twist diner fare. This place is always busy, with good reason. Rotating specials, and a decent permanent menu keep me coming back time and again. They also offer a great selection of local beers and wine. Definitely worth a visit. My only complaint- they aren't open on Mondays :(
(4)
Michael B.

This is my new favorite breakfast place I have found in Seattle. There are a good variety of breakfast & lunch options, some stuff has half orders which is nice so you can have more variety. The service has been pretty good every time there are 2 bus routes that go by (7 & 9). The only drawback is I often have to pay for a Lyft because it takes a painful amount of time to go from Capitol Hill to Columbia City even on the "express" route 9.
(5)
Ann W.

Geraldine's has become my favorite and most frequented breaky place! It is a short drive from my new hood, and my friend and I love treating ourselves here after a run at Seward Park! My favorite picks are: --sweet corn, havarti, and herb scramble (sweet and savory--my favorite combo!) --counter special: eggs, hash browns and toast (I like to add a side of their delicious thick cut bacon!) --corned beef hash: so hearty with tons of fresh veggies. --chicken pot pie: absolutely delicious...it is broth based rather than cream based, and tastes amazing with a huge, crispy, buttery biscuit on top. The service is always friendly, though not consistently observant or quick. Bygones.
(4)
Brent M.

If you can't make a good biscuit for breakfast then find new work. The biscuit here are excellent. Hot, crunchy outside, soft inside and savory goodness. Chicken fried steak could get the same description only meaty. Our party also had French Toast that was unlike any I've tried. It was like it soaked in creamy wash a long time before being thrown into the fryer. The result was a crispy crust filled with a gooey, chewy center. Another had a scramble that sounded boring but when it came out green in color I had to try. It had turkey sausage and the flavor was again awesome. They were also moist and not over done as scrambles often are. Service was friendly and efficient. Overall a 5 star.
(5)
Jocsan R.

Don't get me wrong, "Best breakfast food of all time" Just today when I went back for the 3rd or possibly 4th time, I was humiliated and made fun of. I asked for mustard and an older gentleman man came up and harassed me, said "So what are you putting that mustard on" I replied on my hash browns, then he said "Gross". I could not believe this. I just asked for mustered. I lost my appetite instantly. I've never experienced this, it was very sad and very shameful on behaves of Geraldine's restaurant. "great food" "Down Right just Bad Service'
(2)
blake d.

I've been coming here for years and the food is always quality. Came here today with my girlfriend and got chicken fried steak and she got the French toast as usual. The greeter (lady w glasses)was super friendly but our server was a complete douche (he also has the nerve to wear cargo shorts in the middle of November). He snatched out menus for us, every time we said thank you he wouldn't say anything back, and just came off rude. Probably will think twice about coming back here. Unless he wears pants and isn't my server. Ps: the bacon sucked T___T
(2)
Tuyen T.

This place is good but it's not mouth-watering, omg I'm gonna die if I don't try it. For some reason, this restaurant is always packed. The menu items are very typical for any American breakfast/brunch restaurant. It's priced decent, around $10-13 for a big meal.
(3)
Beth L.

The food was excellent. The staff was so sweet, nice, attentive. They even comped some of our meal and gave us dessert because they felt we waited to long for our food (which it really was not long). They made us feel at home and really good food.
(5)
Christine Y.

Geraldine's is a solid breakfast joint. I like how bright and cheery it is in there, from the paint job to their plates. I like how they give you enough choices but don't overwhelm you with variety. I appreciate the lightness of a hearty meal (read: no grease). I think most people will enjoy what they get here. (Thumbs up to the spinach, feta, and tomato omelette and the french toast with poached pear and creme fraiche.) I just wish breakfast wasn't so carb heavy (many items come with hash brown and toast), and that people don't get penalized for wanting something other than carbs ($1 to sub out hash browns for fruit). There you have it. P.S. Pay by cash and they give you a dollar off coupon for next time per $10 you spend pre tax and tip!
(4)
Nicole P.

One of my favorite places for breakfast/lunch/dinner. Great kids menu & breakfast items are served all day. Super-friendly staff (and the owner Gary is awesome), great atmosphere, and fabulous food. Breakfast/brunch is crazy on the weekends, so there can be a big wait for that, otherwise there is usually no (or very little anyway) wait. (No reservations.) Highly recommend!
(5)
Serena G.

Its hard to find a good breakfast places. But Geraldine s is great, they have a great brunch menu, good ambiance and its in a cute location. Their coffee is a little rough, but other than that its pretty great.
(4)
Foodie R.

I live around the area. It's a great place to eat breakfast. Very Family Friendly. Even if there is a long line outside the wait isn't too bad. usually less than 15 minutes. I always get the chicken fried steak with a biscuit!!! Delicious!
(5)
Zak A.

My wife and I had just gotten in to Seattle in the morning and needed a good breakfast spot. We found this one and we were really happy. We had a short wait but it was fine for a saturday morning. I had eggs with chicken apple sausage and my wife had a breakfast casserole with eggs and hash browns and cheese and all kinds of goodness. The sourdough toast was thick cut and delicious. Service was great and helpful about fun things to do in the area. Would definitely come back.
(3)
Kellie L.

The shiz this place is. I gathered a group of my friends this past weekend and we ventured from all over to meet at Geraldines. I got there at 9:20, and all 10 of us were seated in less than 35 mins. UNHEARD OF! yet... true. Most of us had the French Toast with Blueberry Compote, duh. Super delicious. I also had the Emerald City Scramble. Pretty tasty. Our server was really nice and attentive. and THANK YOU FOR GERALDINE DOLLARS!! And lastly, thank you for picking up my phone, Jason, a different server brought it out to me after I dropped it! Siiiigh. I owe you!
(4)
Melody P.

First, I have to say the service was great! The server got us a table quickly (table of 15). And, he filled coffee very frequently. I was happy about it. However, my Emerald Scrambles replaced with chicken sausages was not as good as I expected. It wasn't salty enough. However, I really love my friend, Amy's French Toast with side order of Bacon. She didn't like her bacon because it was too thick! But, it's bacon! Who doesn't like Bacon!? I had a piece of her bacon and a piece of her French Toast. I was satisfied! You got to pour the maple syrup on the bacon. That's the best way I know how to eat bacon :-P Sweet and Salty...
(3)
Quynh H.

I'm really happy there's a great breakfast place in South Seattle. I've been to Geraldine's 2 or 3 times this past year and it's just an awesome place. There's not a whole lot I can say about the food that everyone else hasn't already said, you can't go wrong with anything here. It's usually really busy during the mornings, especially on weekends but I've never found the wait to be too long, pretty reasonable 20 min-half an hour. The staff is full of awesome, kind people. Food comes out quickly, even during busy hours. For a college student, it's a wee bit pricey, but it's quality food and I'm always full when I leave so it's alllll goooood
(4)
Anna B.

Great breakfast spot. My husband and I both enjoyed our omelets, and the service was very attentive. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal.
(4)
James E.

great breakfast spot. friendly staff, fresh ingredients, well priced, cool location. Solid "B+/A-" for anyone looking to start their morning off right.
(4)
Christine N.

Plus: french toast with a mimosa, the arugula bacon egg sammy, local breads, the bacon. Cons: anxiety provoking atmosphere. never again on a weekday in the afternoon unless i have a screaming child attached to me too. expensive for eggs, flour, potatoes and a piece of fruit. neighborhood breakfast joint. eh. can't justify the price, but food was good. not going to be a regular rotation for brunch, but maybe once a year or so if hanging out in columbia city
(3)
Anny G.

I've always loved this place, and we come whenever we are in the area. The food is amazing, and the service is fantastic. Today I brought my two daughters for lunch after swimming. My youngest has a soy allergy which is pretty severe. I remembered to ask what kind of bread they used when ordering and was thrilled that they use Macrina, which is safe for us. However, in the craziness of ordering I forgot to ask about the peanut butter. Fortunately, my five year old remembered and asked when they brought the food. The peanut butter had soy. I happened to have a single serve soy free peanut butter in my purse, and asked if they could re-make her sandwich with our peanut butter. Despite it being a hectic Sunday brunch, they did so with no hesitation. Amazing. Thanks Geraldine's!
(5)
Kristi C.

Great little spot for lunch or dinner with breakfast served all day! Don't forget Thursdays only Fried Chicken!! I would recommend this place to anyone new to the area.
(3)
Chris B.

I stopped in at Geraldine's Counter today with a friend. It was a great time, as always. I've been to Geraldine's a few times now, and the service is always great and the food is always delicious. I had a simple brunch, two eggs, some toast, and hash browns, all for $6.75. It really hit the spot, especially after an afternoon walking around Seward Park. I don't get down to Columbia City much, but when I do, I make sure to stop in at Geraldine's. You should too!
(4)
Dee H.

Since a couple of family members recommended this place, this place was a must-visit on the trip to Seattle. The rants and raves about the french toast left me with some skepticism, but i have a sense of adventure, and was willing to take it to bat. Nice spot in a upcoming neighborhood with enough stuff to do while you are waiting 30 mins or more for your name on the list to be called after signing up. after we were seated in this relatively kid friendly place we had a 10 min wait between our order and our waiter serving us the best biscuits and jam i had in life (sorry grandma!) the french toast and the corned beef hash were excellent too. the crunchiness of the toast was a welcome twist. After the 3 biscuits i had i was finally satisfied, ready to take on the emerald city once again.
(5)
Erika C.

Came in Sunday Morning and it was packed as usual. It took probably 25-30 minutes to be seated but my boyfriend and I didnt mind. We were seated in the counter where all the mayhem takes place. It was fun to see and the staffs were very nice! I ordered the yogurt and half order of the french toast. The French Toast had no similiar qualities as an orginal french toast but the unique thing was how crunchy it was. It was not overly sweet. It was just THAT good. Vanilla bean yogurt with granola and fruits is $7. The yogurt has specks of vanilla bean seeds and creamy texture that is embedded with granola and topped with fresh strawberries. It's pretty expensive for yogurt but you can really taste the quality.
(5)
Orlene C.

The best overall, everyday breakfast spot in Seattle. I am hooked after going two days in a row. The pancakes alone are good but not the best. What makes it wow is their special toppings. When I went, the special was orange butter. Mmmm, it was good. I also love their Geraldine's casserole and the egg sandwich with bacon and arugula. For those of you that like chicken fried steak, you have to try their version. I am not normally a fan of chicken fried steak, but I found myself keep nibbling on parts of one of my companion's plate. Organic food, never too long of a wait even on weekends, easy street parking, and very reasonably priced. As mentioned in my previous review, their burger is excellent as well! I am excited to try more of their non breakfast dishes at some point:)
(5)
Faith M.

Thoroughly enjoyed the pumpkin pancakes here. It was with the Slammin' meal and I'm not sure if they have it every day. French toast was very good as well. It seems like they used a more savory bread than the plain breads that are typically used in French toast. My favorite thing on the plate, however, were the thick cuts of bacon. It's not the crispy, wavy bacon you're used to, but a juicy delicious strip. My friend who introduced me to this place said that the meat may have come from the meat store on the very same street. Nice way to buy local! Friendly, attentive staff. Lots of windows and natural light. Art you can purchase right off the wall. They also have lunch and dinner dishes, as well as wine.
(5)
Kelly P.

The food is good but atmosphere is pretty hectic. Not the place to go if you're hoping to have much of a conversation with friends. It's always packed and wait time is long, which is a compliment to them, just something to keep in mind if you're really hungry or in a hurry.
(3)
Andrew L.

Great place for breakfast, i do not come here as often as i would like due to its location/parking. The menu is stupendous with plenty of options for every taste. i have yet to try anything on the menu that i did not like. the prices are very reasonable. My only gripe is there is no parking.
(4)
Joanna S.

Breakfast was amazing!! Had corned beef hash. It was a perfect combination of fresh veggies and flavorful corned beef. Wife had country fried steak to die for. This is the place for breakfast. Also great service!! A+++
(5)
Katy H.

Geraldine's feels like home. I walked in, totally starving, and hoping for some yummy food. What I got wasn't just yummy food, but a lovely experience. The menu has everything on it. Sandwiches, casseroles, salads, breakfast (served 24/7!!), desserts, etc. Having a hard time deciding between a Reuben and pot pie, I asked the waitress for a suggestion. I really hate when people say, "I dunno" and she very confidently answered, "oh! Try the Reuben!" It was a great suggestion, too! The food was great, the place was cozy, there was local art hanging on the walls and the service was perfect. Everyone was in a great mood and it appeared as though a few of the other patrons eating were regulars. I'll have to go back and try their breakfast!
(4)
Baby mama M.

I'm sure all of the other reviewers have said all that needs to be said. Amazing comfort food and good size portions. My kiddo devoured her pancakes. I was trying to be healthy and ordered a salad. It was very good, but I regretted my choice when I tried the breakfast items. Biscuits are buttery and flaky. Omelets were delicious. Everything is well prepared. Someday I will be back.
(5)
Samandra G.

I'm a fan of french toast, but it has to be done right. It was crisp on the outside, soft and pillow like on the inside and not soggy! They serve with real maple syrup but its not needed with the yummy fruit topping (which I prefer anyways) Food was hot and service was fast! Yes, there is a wait and parking in the area can be a pain, but we found this $2 parking lot behind it a block or so, I think it was for 2 hours, we just checked out other stores and stuff in the area. Will defiantly be going again, probably less wait on a weekday, we didn't have to wait, just sat at the bar.
(4)
Anchie H.

Been to this restaurant twice on the weekends for some delicious brunch. There's a reason why this place is packed. I always get the chicken fried steak and eggs. Super delicious and filling! If you are a coffee lover, then also get their organic coffee!
(4)
Kim N.

We've gone to Geraldine's three times now, and they never fail. The food is always delicious, the prices are just slightly high but not really bad at all. And I like their mimosas. The only bummer is the wait but we expected that because of how great it is. Definitely recommend.
(4)
Stephanie E.

I read somewhere that this received the award for "best breakfast" in 2010, which was enough incentive for it to be chosen as the destination for our Friday "Breakfast Adventure." Hopped on the bus and arrived 30 minutes later. It's on the main strip of Columbia City and is just the cutest diner. The food was DELICIOUS, service was friendly, it was bright and clean inside and exactly what breakfast should be like when it's a special occasion, or just another beautiful day.
(4)
Mo J.

Hearty food. Wholesome ingredients. Good service. Loved brunch here!
(4)
Eila S.

I was in Seattle visiting and decided to stop by Geraldine's for Sunday brunch. Sunday brunch is SUPPPPER busy, but in my opinion, well worth the wait! I had the BLT. AMAZING. I am a huge fan of bacon which has led me to be very critical of it as well. I really enjoyed the HUGE slices of bacon stuffed in between sourdough to the rim. I couldn't have been happier. Their fries were amazing as well. The service was quick and everyone seemed super friendly. If I was from Seattle I would definitely come several more times to try other things!
(5)
Zahn B.

If you feel like good comfort food, you must hit up this joint. The only other place I've been to where I could find similar dishes is the 5 Spot, but I think i'd rather make the trek to Columbia City for my fix from now on. The menu is simple, and to the point. The staff are laid back, and are easily accessible if you need them. For dinner, I ordered a cup of their Kick Butt Chili (it really is kick ass), and the beef stroganoff. My friends ordered the mac & cheese and meatloaf. All I can say is that I was not at all disappointed with my meal. Even more awesome is the fact they do happy hour beer from 4:30 ~ 7 (?). It's best to drop by here for dinner around 6pm, as the place starts to get busy closer to 7. I hope breakfast is just as good as the dinner I had... I shall be back.
(4)
Ani K. O.

Delicious food. Fast and friendly service. Nice clean open area. Love it!
(4)
H C.

Geraldine's is a nice local neighborhood place. It's not the best value, and I am one to splurge on good food. I have had the chicken fried steak, fish tacos, and omelet. The breakfast is definitely better than the dinner. The servers are generally pretty friendly.
(3)
Jennilee B.

I've always wanted to check out Geraldines (they're closed on Mondays), and when I finally did-- I realized it wasn't all that worth it to wait for. All the hype about how awesome the breakfast is...what were you guys thinking? I ordered the East Cost- which was a slice of crusty bread topped with smoked salmon, red onion, egg and dill, and cream cheese. Sounded good on the menu but was blah to my taste buds. Portions? Small. Coffee? I think they needed to brew a fresh pot. Customer service? Well, aside from the cheery server and the hustle and bustle of Columbia City on a Sunday, I might not ever check it out again.
(3)
Shawn M.

Well done breakfast. Will return to try other items. Can recommend the slamin w/ French toast. Beware of the wait on Sundays.
(4)
Patrick M.

I don't often order hamburgers at a restaurant, but I do here because they make them so well. The "All-Natural Burger" is one of the best burgers out there. You can even get avocado on it. Complete it with a side of the sweet potato fries and you will be in heaven. Service is always fast and friendly. Atmosphere is bright and cozy. May be slightly overpriced, but still worth it!
(4)
Christine K.

Geraldine's counter I love you... Didn't have to wait long, and food was amazing. Many people have said it, and I'll say it again, hands down the best french toast in town! I wish I knew how they made it. You can't go wrong with the Slammin' plate you get a little of everything I chose yummy thick cut bacon, super yummy scrambled eggs and the french toast. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Joanne H.

Due to the whole gluten intolerance thing in general I'm kind of a pain in the ass about breakfast. I know this. I can't eat most breakfast foods and I don't like eggs. What does this leave me? My favorite breakfast is hashbrowns and bacon and sausage. (I know I know luckily I have a decent cholesterol gene). Sometimes I throw in a side of fruit in place of the hashbrowns depending on what they look like on a menu. I recently combed Yelp for decent brunch places and a friend of mine and I tried Geraldine's Counter at about 9:30 on a Sunday morning. We seemed to have beaten the crowd which is always nice. Service was brisk and efficient. A really large group sat down near us but our service didn't suffer as a result. (I hate it when that happens) It's been awhile since we went but I know I always eat the same thing so I would have had a side of hashbrowns and a side of bacon. In reality, it is difficult to screw up those two things. The bacon was local and just the right amount of crispyness. It was thick cut which I also like. The potatoes were tasty and crispy the way I like them. All in all it was a pretty decent choice.
(4)
Willow F.

We have a monthly Breakfast Club - this is my review from our recent outing: So it just ended up being James and I at Geraldine's on Sunday. We chose the counter to get seated right away. I had the French Toast and it really was good. Three oval pieces of thick artisan bread and I don't know how they cook it but it was all crunchy on the edges. I love crunchy. I'd have been happy with a little more egg essence - but it did have vanilla blueberry compote on top plus real maple syrup - yum! Also had a side of bacon. They use the thick stuff - of course I asked for crispy and she sort of warned me against it. It did end up sort of weird but I prefer crisp over soft even if it means a little weird so I was OK with it. Might just have it regular next time though. James had the Chicken Fried Steak. He says it was good. The gravy was a little thinner (in a good way - not gloppy) and had lots of high quality ground sausage. Eggs were cooked just right (over medium) and hash browns were the shredded kind but thick shredded and peppery - and not greasy at all. Coffee was good and strong (cafe vita) and they kept it coming. It was quite busy and a little noisy for James, but it was cheerful noise and the staff were all happy and positive even though they were super busy and working in tight quarters behind the counter. I also noticed that they all pay attention to what's going on with all of the customers and didn't hesitate to clear a plate or fill a cup when needed whether it was their table or not. Using the Netflix rating style (hated it, didn't like it, liked it, really liked it, loved it), James gives it a 4 - I'd go 4 1/2 - the good friendly service goes far for me. I predict I will find myself having to respond to a craving for that french toast at least a few times a year.
(4)
Will L.

I gotta love walking into a place, even if it's been a month or two since I've been in, and the servers greeting me by name. Aww I'm all warm and fuzzy inside, and not just from the SPECTACULAR FRENCH TOAST they serve here. More about that in my original review, below. :)
(4)
Awesta M.

I judge every brunch place based on 1) do they serve biscuits and gravy; and 2) how is the biscuits and gravy. There are few restaurants in Seattle that can do biscuits and gravy properly. It's one of those deceptively easy dishes that actually is, in my humble opinion, very difficult to pull off. The biscuits need to be fluffy and light yet substantial enough to balance the gravy. The gravy should be thick but not so thick that it's a solid gelatinous glop. As I said, a fine balance...and Geraldine's Counter nails it. Then it tops it off with fried French toast that was amazing. If you live in Seattle and remotely close to Columbia City then I don't see why you're not going there all the time, because I'd move back if I could just for this place alone. My only complaint and it's just to do with acoustics of the space is that I feel like I have to yell when I'm there. The high ceilings make the noise level much louder then it really is. Other then that the service and the food are really good.
(5)
C M.

My aunt told me about Geraldine's Counter when I first moved back to Seattle in February. In all the chaos I'd forgotten but then stumbled in one Sunday for breakfast and realized it was the place she'd recommended. This place is great! Seriously, you can bring anyone here and they will find something that will jump off the menu and be thoroughly enjoyed. My husband and I have introduced many friends and family to GC all with 100% approval - even our picky paletted friends. We are early risers even on the weekends so its not usually hard to get a seat but keep in mind the wait can be long if you show up after 8am. I like to describe the food as HOME MADE! It's the kind of stuff you'd make at home - chicken fried steak, pancakes, chili, BLT - you know - comfort food! I only wish they'd get a full liquor license so I could have a bloody mary on the weekend with my awesome breakfast. I love the interior lighting, the clean lines and simplistic decor of the place. It has that local neighborhood feel when you walk in and there's almost always a seat at the counter if the tables and booths are full. They always have fresh flowers from across the street and the rotating art on the walls is always fun to look at in between bites. The raspberry freezer jam (on every table) atop a warm biscuit is TO DIE FOR!
(4)
Ryan s.

I love the food here it is fantastic. I have only had breakfast and have never been unsatisfied. The worst part of the meal is when your plate is empty. I gave this place $$ but it really fits under the $ I just add so many sides and extras because its all so good that it gets more expensive. I highly recommend the corned beef hash.
(5)
Juanita R.

BREAKFAST: solid, but nothing to write home about. granted, there aren't a ton of 'diner-like options in seattle's south end, so it fills a need. especially for the growing population of neighborhood families with kids who seem to be ever present in this place.... but there is better breakfast food and diner-ish food to be had, at similar pricing, just a short drive away. OTHER MEALS: I'll also add that after breakfast, the options and execution seem to take a nosedive. they are okay for breakfast. i cant see much reason to go there for any of the other meals they offer up.
(2)
Patty L.

Obviously had to try the french toast, and I was not disappointed. They came topped with a delicious layer of sweet blueberries and had a nice deep-fried crunch. The bacon was also perfectly crispy and the scrambled eggs bright and fluffy. Not only was the food completely satisfying but the service was fast and friendly -- especially for how busy they were.
(5)
Eugene O.

I thought this place was going to be another hidden gem, but it just ended up being hidden. A little disappointing, but not terrible. The food? I ordered biscuits and gravy, my girlfriend ordered the east coast. Both looked appetizing and yummy, but the food didn't make my tastebuds jump and the portions were small. The coffee? Hot and stale. The service? Not bad. Overall, it's hustle and bustle in here but it's not all that you might think it is. Off to Tommy's Cafe!
(3)
Iris G.

Love, LOve, LOVE the French Toast!!!! Some of the best I've ever had and I usually get french toast or crepes for breakfast wherever I go. I was there recently and had the corn beef sandwich and it was great. Not too heavy or greasy; just right. I've only been there during lunch time in the middle of the week. I would never dream of going there on the weekend or for dinner. But I'll definitely go back and try other things on the menu.
(4)
Shawn A.

Geraldine's is pretty much my fave breakfast joint in Seattle - although it could be because it's within walking distance from my house. The menu has plenty of variety, and the food rocks! I usually get the Counter Special with eggs & bacon and a biscuit. My eggs are always cooked perfectly over medium with the yolks runny. The bacon is that thick cut applewood smoked bacon and is the best bacon in Seattle. The biscuits are towering and delicious with butter and freezer jam and sit in your belly like lead. The french toast is also the best in Seattle. They start with bread from the Columbia City bakery across the street, and cook it up to a perfect texture of slight crunch on the outside and tender on the inside. It comes with a fresh fruit topping that changes every week. I debated between 4 and 5 stars because the wait is often long and when it is crowded the service can be spotty...and lots of kids! However, I gave it 5 stars since I've come here approximately one million times and the food has always been stellar. The decor is wonderful with a red brick wall and a breakfast counter. The dinner is not bad either, and you can get a mimosa or bloody mary with breakfast if you desire. Come before 9:30 am if you want to avoid the wait.
(5)
Shannon L.

Food is good, price is fair, BUT THIS RESTAURANT IS WAY TOO NOISY! They need to do something about the accoustics in this place. We would eat there once a week if the noise wasn't so deafening.
(2)
M I.

If you're not really a fan of French toast, Geraldine's Counter will change your life. After waiting about 25 minutes on a Saturday morning, we got seated and were faced with the challenge of picking something off the menu. I'm a sweet breakfast type of person, so I was deciding between the oatmeal pancakes with blueberries or French toast with strawberries. I chose the FT and will probably never try anything else on the breakfast menu. FT normally is a bit soggy, and the egg taste is a bit too strong. Not Geraldine's FT! The inside of the toast was soft--but not soggy--and the outside was crisp--but not burnt. It was like eating breakfast candy, especially once you poured on the syrup. I had only a half-order, but as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I'd get a full-order the next time around. All the girls at my table ordered FT and loved it. The guys ordered things like corned beef hash and other meaty dishes, but also loved them. I don't think you can go wrong at Geraldine's.
(5)
Elaine P.

Geraldine's is a quaint neighborhood eatery that is full of beautiful aromas and down-home nice folks. Our server couldn't have been more accommodating, friendly and efficient. The french toast has an unexpected crunch and holds its texture throughout. The pancakes were a bit gummy, but the orange flavor was a nice touch. The chicken fried steak was substantial in flavor and size. Thick cut, flavorful bacon was delish. This is our new breakfast haunt.
(4)
Steven W.

just came back from a few diners on the east coast and realized I never reviewed this place! Sorry! It's great!! Corned beef hash.. the omlettes.. whatever else on the menu.. it's great! very nice staff, cool spot, great food!!
(5)
Nick H.

This place is too popular. I love the food, but dislike the long wait and there are way too many kids. Maybe that's just me turning into a bitter old man, but c'mon folks. When I was a kid my dad would make pancakes, french toast or omelettes for us on weekend mornings. But for those yuppies too busy to figure out how to cook for their spawn this seems to be the place to go. And why not? They have the best biscuits & gravy in the city, amazing french toast and excellent hash browns. Call ahead to get yourself on the waiting list.
(4)
Michael J.

Ok, so the first time we went to Geraldine's for breakfast I made the mistake of getting the French Toast. It's not that the french toast was bad, it just didn't blow me away like the other reviews had specified. But luckily my girlfriend ordered an omelette and I was blown away! Every time back has been a complete joy! They have amazing hash-browns, ridiculously good biscuits, and the homemade coffee cake is "to die for". Have to go back every weekend...if only we were trust-fund babies.
(5)
Julie M.

Delicious breakfast, satisfies all the breakfast lovers in my life! Have been here multiple times with mixed reviews (orders messed up on a couple occasions, meat has made it into dishes that were supposed to be meat free). I'm not a fan of the dinner offerings, and am not a fan of the mess ups, but service is typically quite good and the arugula breakfast sandwich makes up for the wait and the occasional mishap.
(3)
James A.

i think it's the best breakfast place in that neighborhood. would go there again for breakfast if i'm happened to be in that neighborhood...
(4)
Mark R.

Had a nice late breakfast. The Emerald City Scramble was good. Loved the thick sour dough toast and strawberry jam.
(4)
N. W.

The sweet potato fries are AMAZING! They might be some of the best I have ever eaten. Though I say that there are a few things I didn't like. I've had the grilled cheese a few times, and it's hard to eat. The crust on the grilled cheese is so hard to eat that it hurt my tooth when I took a bite. I also had the french toast (people said it was awesome) and I didn't like it too much. The bread was a little too crunchy, and there was not enough maple syrup. On the other hand the fresh fruit was delish.. After my dinner I had this brownie thing and it was so nasty. The chocolate was tart, and it tasted like very bad Betty Crocker. I do like this restaurant, it's just if you are ordering anything with bread, be very specific about your order. And never order the chocolate brownie...
(3)
Laura P.

I'll have a side of breakfast with my sweet potato fries, please. And some pineapple coffee cake, thanks.
(4)
Ai F.

I've been to Geraldine's a number of times for breakfast or lunch, and have never been disappointed. I usually get the Slammin' with chicken sausage, but have enjoyed several omeltettes and Geraldine's Casserole. Their coffee is Seattle strong, too (wink)! For lunch, the Chicken Chutney Salad is a hit, and the sweet potato fries are probably the best I've tasted. Service is friendly and I've never had to wait long to get my coffee refilled. Not surprisingly, Geraldine's is a hit, and it's not unusual to have a wait at peak times, so come early or be prepared to wait.
(5)
Michael C.

Execution, execution, execution. Don't come to Geraldine's if you are a looking for a duck confit omelet or a truffled, deviled egg. Instead, Geraldine's specializes in very well executed food (at least breakfast) at a reasonable price. Gerladine's occupies an unappreciated position in the food spectrum that I actually love. You will not find the ultimate in food delicacy or complexity, but you will find traditional foods executed in a solid, yet unique way. The french toast, for example, was topped with honey soaked peaches and had the texture of a fried sourdough bread. The biscuits and gravy consisted of fluffy but substantial biscuits and a nicely crafted gravy. As some have said, the decor is a little weird (awkwardly bright and cold). And although Gerladine's is by no means the most amazing breakfast you can experience, it is damn good for under $10 a person.
(4)
Paige M.

Wonderful food, great staff! Nothing more to say it's busy but for a reason. They have a good system to deal with the weekend rush and do a good job of being speedy to get you a table. Lucky I live so close it's only a stroll and a short wait to wonder the cute little strip of Columbia City or sit it out.
(5)
Michelle S.

Holy moly. Best veggie burger ever. Balsamic onions and avocado make it particularly juicy. Yummmy!
(5)
Cyndi C.

I never have had a bad meal but I only have been here for Brunch/lunch and I am thankful it is served until 3pm on weekends. The East Coast scramble w/salmon and capers has been my favorite so far. However, the Mac and Cheese is pretty darn good choice too. As well as enjoying a side of sweet potato fries at brunch makes it great to have all your options. A nice perk is cafe vita coffee refilled often by attentive staff. I love that they serve your b-fast on Fiesta-ware and even match your mug to your dish and everyone at your table has a different fun color. It's not out of this world awesome.. however it is consistently quality good food and sometimes it is the little things like, good coffee, cool dishes, loose tea options and how they use a local bakery as well. Will be back.
(4)
cindy w.

I love the Columbia City area and it offers many good resturants. Geraldine's is always great with breakfast and the sandwiches and salads are very nice for lunch. Service is pretty consistantly good.
(4)
Molly C.

This place is awesome! The food is fresh, local, and delicious. The staff is friendly and attentive. Breakfast is a must! I'll definitely be back again and again!
(4)
Jimmy B.

I have eaten here twice, for breakfast and lunch. This is a popular spot. Lots of menu to choose from, good service and good food.
(4)
T B.

Geraldine's has practically become a Columbia City institution in just four years. The folks there are friendly and the food is consistent. Weekday breakfast is, for me, by far the best time to check them out, to avoid the weekend crowd. I haven't had dinner there in a while; simply too many other local options I like better in the same price range or better, and I gave up on the crowded and hectic weekend brunch hours when Verve started serving brunch a half block up the street.
(3)
Bettina D.

my brother text me a photo of what they were eating at geraldine's one and i HAD to go there when i visited from san francisco. this place cute without being pretentious. the staff was friendly and warm. THE FOOD - delish! i had the CHICKEN FRIED STEAK AND EGGS. it definitely was not the chicken fried steak and eggs you get at ihop or dennys. it didn't have that processed look or taste!...the gravy on top was YUMMM. another dish that the table shared was the PANCAKE of the DAY and FRENCH TOAST. this are a must! keeps breakfast sweet and savory! i can't wait til i'm in seattle again..i'm going here everytime!
(4)
Koriann B.

Two words: buttermilk biscuits. Absolutely yum. Always good service, never bad good. Leaves you feeling full but not uncomfortable. I love the white corn and havarti scramble. It's kind of a drive to Columbia City, but when I go, it's definitely worth it.
(4)
mandy m.

i really liked this place. parking was so easy. its in cute cute CUTE columbia city. the tables turn surprisingly fast. the menu is well rounded. and the atmosphere is just so relaxed. its not a place that tries hard, and it doesnt have to. they make good food (i recommend the hash), its warm and inviting, and thats it.... and thats all there needs to be.
(5)
Brian M.

If Middle America was filled with Starbucks-drinking yuppies, every exit on the highway would have a Geraldine's Counter. The brick walls remind the 30-somethings customers of their 20's in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Austin, TX or some other hipster heaven, making the diner food ever more comforting. The faux-retro fixtures and furniture are just the right amount of kitschy, soothing the regulars and their need for irony. Often, young children cry here; they cry more than you'll ever want something living to cry, but the parents-- in their cool liberalness-- let the little animals cry and throw food and play with other tables' salt shakers because they are "expressing themselves," the yuppies will tell you. The food is a lot like the decor-- only worse. The corned beef sandwich is piled high as an ant hill and tastes about the same but with gruyere. The meat in the stroganoff looks like leftover Mama's Meatloaf over noodles. I can't say much about the fries because there were only a few on my plate. I wanted to try the Kick Butt Chili, but having now eaten at Geraldine's, I can assume it probably tastes like what I imagine: ass with a foot in it. For the prices at Geraldine's Counter-- not exactly what you'd expect from a diner-- I thought the food would be as comforting as that of the gas station saddled joints fattening land-locked red staters into a slow death. Instead, I got independent gym membership toting, blue-lovers and their conversations about Montessori schools and organic produce. I'm not sure what's worse.
(2)
C C.

I would give this place 5 stars but the hostess was a pain. She called our name, sat us at a table then 5 minutes later she comes back and tells us we have to re-wait and give our table up, she called the wrong name, but she told me I answered to the wrong name! Like I don't know my own name?!?! The food was excellent. I will go back and hope this kind of mistake and attitude won't be repeated.
(4)
Erin K.

Stopped in on a busy Sunday morning for a delightful *spicy* virgin Bloody Mary, the avocado pepperjack omelet (perfect consistency), and crunchy hashbrowns. Service was fairly attentive (more so from the beverage staff than the waitress) and the food was quick and reasonable. The wait was LONG, so come early!! While in Columbia City, also tried COLUMBIA CITY BAKERY (see review)
(4)
Rainy R.

If you want real traditional american diner food, there are plenty of better restaurants in Seattle. The food at Geraldine's is a little bland, a little greasy, and the portions are small for what you are paying. The atmosphere is admittedly nicer and more modern than most of the other diner-style restaurants around, but the food just doesn't cut it for me.
(2)
Sheila L.

When I'm in Seattle I think about places to go to eat and one of them is always Geraldine's. My favorite is a toss-up between the avocado & pepper jack omelet or their chicken sandwich... or the Geraldine's casserole... hmm... the omelet does comes with hashbrowns :) that and the casserole also comes with a side of toast (your choice) which definitely the sourdough from the Columbia City Bakery is the best! They nicely toast it up and give you butter and during the daytime each table has their strawberry jam to spread on with which is yummy. Everytime I come here, I always want to try something new and each has been tasty. My bf always gets their salads (chop chop is good) and I've been the one to venture into other dishes such as the emerald scramble (which I got today) and the sweet corn & havarti scramble. Both delicious. I also get a side of something like their homemade oven-roasted cream of tomato & basil soup and the sweet potato fries. mmm mmm .. my bf tried their kick butt chili today and it was pretty good, me I don't like chili at all but not bad with the cheddar cheese and sour cream on top. :) And if you decide to go to Geraldine's.. be prepare to wait a little to be seated during their peak hours but with their friendly staff you don't mind so much waiting. Sometimes outside their door there's a water dish and a bowl of treats for the doggies that walks by too. OH ! and I cannot forget their selection of loose leaf teas, we always get the morrocan mint tea which has this refreshing taste before/after our meal. It comes in the cutest individual teapot which I always comment on how I want it (I've seen them at uwajimaya) and their nice Fiesta mugs. Their coffee is also good but after trying the tea I cannot go back. haha.. and also paying with cash gives you Geraldine dollars which goes towards your next meal there. Also between 4:30-7pm everyday is 1/2 off their beers on tap. Its a really good price for a good glass of it. ;)
(5)
Lissa M.

I never had a BLT in my life before I was 30 years old. The very idea sounded greasy and heart-attack-inducing and ew. I had my first BLT at Geraldine's, and became an instant convert. However, I'm positive most places don't do it nearly this well. That sandwich has thick-cut, peppery, apple-smoked, non-greasy bacon; plus arugula and red tomatoes. The sweet potato fries you can get alongside it almost bring tears to my eyes. That said, not everything at Geraldine's reaches that level of fantasticity--though none of it is bad. The egg dishes are fine, not amazing; the hash browns are sometimes limp; and the normal fries aren't nearly as delicious as the sweet potato ones. Some of the prices are higher than I'd expect, but they make up for it by giving out coupons if you pay in cash. That's worth planning ahead for. All in all, I'd rather have anything from Geraldine's than a bowl of Cap'n Crunch, any day of the week.
(4)
Kellan M.

I recently discovered Geraldine's. The biscuits and gravy is a great option (though not so healthy) :) The french toast is a hit and usually comes with fruit on top! I really like that they serve Cafe Vita coffee and Columbia City Bakery bread. A local business buying local products is something I like to see. I wll be back. Plus Stacey, one of the owners, is a delight :)
(5)
Michelle V.

Breakfast is so very good here! The French toast is my favorite. Wait for a table is reasonable. Food arrives quickly thereafter. To pass the time We grab an espresso from the bakery across the way as G's serves only drip. Our toddler always enjoys whatever flavor pancakes are available that day. Yum!
(4)
Sweet P.

perhaps i should write a more thorough review after i've had more than just breakfast there. nevertheless, they're worth writing about even after only two visits! my usual evaluation when it comes to eateries is F&B, service and price. geraldine's excels in all three categories! the first visit was just as awesome as the second--service was attentive/friendly/unobtrusive, food was fresh/presented well/delicious(!) and prices were on par with a typical brunch. my absolute favorite thing so far though is that regardless of how busy they are the staff is GREAT and fast. look out, geraldine's...i'll be back with a (hungry) vengance! :D
(5)
Jeremiah S.

It seems sunday brunch has become a religious experience in my life. I am part of the brunchfast club. We are a group that, like many happy hour bar crawlers, we are hitting up the brunch spots this semi-sunny town has to offer. Our most recent stop was Geraldine's Counter. I'll say for as busy as it was I thought my meal would be outstanding, but maybe due to the same reason it was not. I chose the biscuits and gravy and I'll say, I don't order this type of meal often. A friend said this is the meal that he uses as the foundation for the quality of food the joint puts out. I saw this meal on a fellow bruncher's plate and thought I should get it. It looked delish, and for the most part it was. I would say the gravy needed more body though. It was a wee thin and to me a good gravy should be like a blanket of snow upon the field of biscuit on which it resides. I would say this version was maybe more of the, lets thin it out so we have more of it style. I could come back to this place, but since I don't live close it'll be awhile. If you like to wait around and then get food that is more about the neighborhood locals and less about the wham bam best brunch you've ever had, I'd say go here. My buddy who had the french toast was satisfied. From my other brunchfast clubers response to the hash and the wee sample i had, I say avoid it. Happy brunching-
(3)
Shari d.

Geraldine's Counter intrigued me when I first drove by on my way to the supermarket. As I reviewed the menu I was happy to see that they served fine examples of good old home cooking. From meatloaf to chicken pot pie...everything many people associate with their childhoods. I ordered the grilled 3 cheese sandwich and a cup of their tomato basil soup. The sandwich was full of cheese and unfortunately grease. You might think that you can't have one without the other. And while cheese can tend to render oil when heated, the outside of the sandwich should be brown and crispy...not soggy and oil drenched. The soup had a good flavor, tomatoes and basil upfront and present as it should be. Geraldine's Counter has good food at reasonable prices. Will be going back to see their other interpretations on the American classics. However if I didn't live in the area I probably wouldn't make the trip to Columbia City just to eat here.
(3)
A N.

This rating is solely for dinner at Geraldine's Counter, as its breakfast is more like 3.5 stars. Service on week nights was quick and friendly. Our waiter was courteously and helpful. However, the food itself was a little disappointing. I wanted some comfort food and decided to go with chicken pot pie. Maybe we had one too much Marie Callender's version...but Geraldine's chicken pot pie is consisted of solely of chicken soup garnished with a biscuit on top. Where is the PIE?! I want my crust! We also ordered fish and chips. It was average. Ivar's is better, hands down. I think I'll stick with breakfast next time...
(2)
Nathan W.

Two words: De-Lish! We love going to Geraldine's for Brunch. Although the line outside sometimes look scary, the wait isn't usually that bad. My partner always gets the Biscuits and Gravy (he compares all Biscuits and Gravy to Geraldine's). The biscuits are light and fluffy, and the gracy is amazing. I often choose from the Geraldine's Casserole, the Meatball Sandwich, or the Avocado and Pepperjack Omlet. The pico de gallo on the casserole and the omlet is super fresh. Servers are always polite and efficient. The artwork rotates (quarterly?), and is always super fun. Geraldine's is the place where we bring our out-of-town guests for brunch. The only reason they didn't get five stars (because the food is THAT good) is that they add a surcharge if you pay with more than one credit card. I get that there are processing charges, but don't punish the customer (I think Visa frowns on adding a surcharge) and shop around for better processing rates.
(4)
Geoff K.

As we continue to explore the south side of Seattle, there are surprises around every corner. The little strip of "downtown" Columbia City where Geraldine's Counter resides is definitely one of them. Headed to GC for breakfast this morning at about 9:30am. It was busy, but we were seated at a table for 2 after a reasonable 15 mintue wait. If you're willing to sit at the counter(we wanted a table to spread our paper out....), the wait would have been 5 minutes. We split a piece of the raspberry coffee cake to start - holy christ. There have been very few times when I've loved a dish enough to ask the waiter if it is possible to get the recipe, but we had to ask for this splendid pastry. The do make it themselves, but no way in hell they were giving us the recipe. I ordered the biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs & hashbrowns, and my girlfriend got a breakfast casserole. The biscuits and gravy were fantastic, but beware if you are not a fan of rosemary. I love a good dose of rosemary in just about any pork dish, and I thought their liberal use of it was perfect with the gravy. The casserole was good, but a bit underwhelming. We both agreed we'd rather try something else next time instead of repeating that one. The large portions were enough to put me into the full belly daze that I'm dealing with right now... The only knock was the $3.50 side of bacon we got. Pretty sad strips of bacon, and for $3.50 it was a certified rip-off. $3.25 for a glass of OJ is nothing new and I can't fault them too much, but it always continues to amaze me. Two dishes + 1 piece of coffee cake, 1 coffee and 1 OJ came to a grand total of about $31. Pretty pricey for breakfast, but well worth it. Service was excellent. To the lady who tied her dog up on the pole DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE ENTRANCE: You're an idiot.
(4)
Ashly M.

I love Geraldines- I've had only good experiences here. The wait staff has always been friendly, even when it's packed (weekends= jam-packed). I love the french toast, I love the bacon....mmmm...bacon. Mac & cheese & Pot Pie are really good too. Sweet potato fries....grilled cheese.. It's all good. The only thing that bugs me, is that I go here so often, and I've tried everything (pretty much) so, I'm ready for them to add some more to the menu.
(4)
Shera B.

I had the Spinach, Feta, tomato omelet. Delicious! The toast and jam was so good as well! Has browns are pretty standard, but the place had a really nice decor. Only downside was the bathroom which had an inoperable paper towel dispenser. I would also suggest that they use plastic storage bins or something of the like under the sink so their paper storage under there wouldn't be such an eyesore. My sister had the egg sandwich with arugala, it looked quite delicious! The bacon was thick and tasty as well. I will definitely be going back and will probable take my mother to try it as it's right down the street from her house.
(4)
Michelle Z.

Inspired by Seattle Metropolitan magazine's January issue, "Hot Breakfast Spots," my Mom and I popped into Geraldine's Counter, to taste out this recommendation ourselves. This Columbia City neighborhood favorite features diner style decor, and breakfast and lunch cuisine without the grease you'd expect from comfort food. Breakfasts were garnished with thick slices of homemade sourdough toast, and a warm, friendly disposition from the wait staff. I can personally vouch for the avocado and pepperjack omelet, which was delicious! Also a fun fact newcomers may not know: patrons who pay with cash receive "Geraldine dollars." This Monopoly-esque money is awarded $1 for every $ spent in tax on your meal. These dollars can be saved and cashed in for future dining endeavors at Geraldine's Counter. Frequent this new hot-spot enough, you might be able to swing a free meal! Cons: Since the article, this place has apparently become a breakfast hot spot, be prepared for at least a 15-30 minute wait.
(4)
Kendra L.

I've had mixed, but mostly positive experiences at Geraldine's. I love the BLT. Delicious, fresh sourdough, perfect thick cut bacon, high quality tomatoes. I once got the chicken pot pie, which was pretty good. It was a let down after the previous BLT however. I've had salads which have been quite charming. Service can be slow when they're busy, but I have always found the servers good natured.
(3)
Whitney k.

I was sadly disappointed with Geraldines. I had the chicken fried steak and my partner had the biscuits and gravy. The chicken friend steak was chewy and had way to much gravy on top couldn't even see the fried steak. I would prefer the 5 spot over this place sadly. My other half's biscuits and gravy was OK just OK. Wait staff was really pleasant and i liked the atmosphere just not the food. I might try it again.
(3)
Alex P.

AMAZING. the french toast is the best I know. They make it with the bread from columbia city bakery across the street (also worth your time). I love bringing people here because it can do no wrong. Its simply delicious and comforting. Thats all there is to it.
(5)
Mindy W.

Geraldine's was such a welcome restaurant to our neighborhood because until they came along, there really was no where to get breakfast. The menu has a healthier and more interesting twist to typical diner fare and offers some veggie options as well. Be sure to try some of their house-made coffee cake, its worth it! Also, if you pay in cash, for every 20$ you spend, they give you a 1$ certificate you can use next time, nice! My only complaint is that some (not all) of the wait staff provides very minimal service (what I call typical Seattle service that says "you should be glad I'm helping you at all"). But again, it's not everyone or all of the time.
(4)
Diana L.

For some reason I was expecting a little more in terms of choices from Geraldine's. I don't know if I was expecting more to choose from, or if I expected my choices to be more exciting. When it came right down to it, I decided this place is where you go when you don't want to cook, but you do want to eat like you did. Only no prep, or heat, and dishes to do. Everything on the menu was sort of top of your head standbys to answer the "What's for dinner?" question. Went with my pops, my step-mama, the hub and senor mini-hero: I had the Yucatan Chicken - sounded really exotic on the menu, but turned out to be something I could easily make and probably have at some point. It was chunks of chicken in a mango, black bean sauce and came with a nice little bunch of sauteed veggies that were really flavorful and crispy, and some mashed potatoes that were basic but good. The step-mama and the hub had bowls of Chili. Very much something that could be made at home, even came in the Fiestaware Chili bowls we DO HAVE at home. Topped with onions, sour cream and shredded cheddar - think I made that last week. Pops had Fish-n-Chips and mini hero had kids Mac-n-Cheese. They both ate-n-smiled. Nothing to write home about, but again, the charm here is that you feel like you are at home, right? No need to write. Prices are right and the service was awesome, I actually knew our waitress from a past life and it was nice to see her. Solid all around, will be back to see what they have for brunch for sure - the line I see when I pass by indicates good things.
(4)
Sivan T.

Wow. BEST BREAKFAST EVER! We had all recently gone to Geraldine's counter for breakfast, and boy, was I blown away by the delicious food. Everyday, they have different flavored french toast and pancakes. I got orange ginger pancakes, and my brother enjoyed thick slices of apple- cinnamon french toast. I loved the warm, friendly atmosphere as well as the non-traditional greasy spoon food, with delicious twists! Great place to go and eat on a weekend, but make sure that you make a reservation, or get there before 9 am because there is always a line out the door to get a table.
(5)
Tim O.

Well, all I can say is "The french toast is the bomb!" Its the best I have ever had! My partner and I go here almost every Sunday now for breakfast. I have also been here for lunch. The Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich are spectacular!! I highly recommend Geraldines!!!
(5)
Catalina C.

Okay, so your driving down Rainier which is historically "ghetto" and then you come up to a block and a half or so of trendy "white" businesses. It's a surreal experience if your a native southender. I understand that COLUMBIA CITY is a result of the whole gentrification of the southend, but that isn't what bothers me the most. What bothers me is that restaurants like this open up and it's a big hit and it's always busy. And so I wait for 30 minutes in line to eat breakfast, which is absurd in itself. But when I finally sit down and eat, to my disbelief, the food is actually really plain. If your gonna take over a whole neighborhood, at least fill it with flavorful, delicious and interesting restaurants. Wanna eat at Geraldines? Once is enough.
(2)
Tai T.

One of our favorites for breakfast. My wife always order the egg casserole with a side of bisquit. I always order either the country fried steak or the grand slam with french toast (their blueberry compote is amazing!). Last time I went I had the biscuits and gravy and that was delicious!
(4)
Ryan M.

I'm really not sure why there is a line out the door here on weekends. The breakfasts and desserts (which are all I've had) are about as good as I cook at home, so, about like a Perkin's or hotel brunch. Overpriced and underportioned, which frankly was offensive. I paid $2.75 for a chicken sausage to be added to my breakfast, and received *half* of a chicken sausage. Rather than give me the entire sausage, which cost them $1.75 maximum (assuming it was organic chicken sausage), someone actually went to the trouble of cutting it in half lengthwise. Whenever people come to my neighborhood and suggest we go there, I veto and take us elsewhere.
(2)
Andy K.

Perfect morning: sleep in; 6 mile run; hearty breakfast at Geraldine's with friends. A party of 6 at 10:45 and we only had to wait about 20 minutes. Entering the restaurant is uplifting all by itself with the bright walls, colorful plates, and kooky artwork hanging on the walls (and what's with the Muppet over the door?). Service is attentive and neither too fast or too slow. I opted for the biscuits and gravy, a new food sensation for me. With just a bit of added salt and pepper this was absolutely the right choice today. The others I was with mostly ordered the french toast and were similarly impressed. Portions are quite filling but not so large you could drown in them; a plus in my book. Despite the volume of people coming through. there was no pressure to get up and get out. After paying our bill we were given yet another coffee refill and lingered long enough to polish it off. Thanks for not kicking us out!
(4)
Jessica W.

What topped the cake for me, was the fact that Geraldine's has excellent coffee, along with excellent food and normal prices, that is, for breakfast. Breakfast places are wonderful and I have had a hard time finding some place I would go back to in Seattle, with an eye set on the aforementioned equation: remarkable food + good coffee + reasonable prices = a winner. My friend and I split an omlette and oatmeal pancakes. Breakfast fare is standard, but this meal definitely had an on on freshness, which again, sets it apart. Plus, it is bright, clean, and contemporary. I have vowed to explore Columbia City upon our arrival and departure. Check out Columbia City Bakery across the street as well!
(5)
Stephanie Z.

I've heard such great things about the french toast at Geraldine's and finally tried it today. It truly exceeded my expectations! Hands down the best French toast I've EVER had ... nice and cruchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Everyday it's served with a different homemade topping. Another great thing about this restaurant is that their food is locally sourced and therefore always fresh. I love this place! Easily, one of the best breakfast spots in Seattle.
(5)
Marieke M.

Love everything I have ever had there from the Mac and Cheese, to the baked potato, nachos, AMAZING french toast. It's all a winner. Plus, the prices are NICE.
(5)
carrie L. B.

Update-o-matic: ***** This is a happy day! We had a genuinely good, in every sense of the word, lunch at GC. I'm back to loving this place. It was clean. The not so hot waitress from our last visit was our waitress again, alas, but oh ho! Even she has improved! Things were clean, on time, well presented, and well dressed (my salad, you perv). Thank you Geraldine! Thank you. ***** Oh Geraldine, you broke my heart last night. Your edgy diner food was decidedly dull. Let's start with what was still working at the Counter: the sweet potato fries were as delicious as ever. The grilled cheese sandwich paired with a cup of divine tomato soup was supremely satisfying. But there it ends. My mom and I each ordered chop chop salads. She ordered hers lightly dressed. I wonder if they thought we were both on a diet. My chop chop salad arrived nearly nekked and was bland bland. My husband's Mac & Cheese was soupy. The promised chilies packed no punch. But that wasn't the worst. The worst was they were out of all but two beers on tap. How does that happen on a Thursday night? And the beers that were left, were leftover beers. Ugh. Our waitress was completely negligent. A soda spill early on used up the two napkins that were on the table for the four of us. Did she offer to clean up? Did she bring more napkins after we asked repeatedly for them? Clearly no. But even more egregious, the soggy napkins used to clean up the spill stayed on the table throughout our meal! Yuck. Will I go back? Of course! I am all about second chances (and third and fourth). But it will be awhile.
(4)
Brutha Bill ..

Kick ass b'fast & lunch menu. From the Biscuits n Gravy, to the (very different) Corned beef hash, to the Emerald Scramble, to the grubablicious Bacon, egg & arugula sammich. MMMM good! Then on to the very Bodacious BLT(add the avocado!) or their Bacon Cheesburger with fries and a side of Tartar for some dippin'. Dinner? Dunno. After all that I simply don't have enough room left for dinner! Geraldine's is a great family place. Very kid friendly as I would hope since the owner should be dealing with his own sets of twins by now. So popular it is that it will be busy on weekend mornings but no worries mon put your name down and walk on over to the SBUX and grab a cup o joe then enjoy downtown Columbia City with a little window shopping and people watching and before you know it you'll be enjoying some good comfort food Geraldine's style.
(4)
Gina S.

Geraldines is arguably the best brunch in town. I love the white corn scramble... and in the fall they have fantastic pumpkin pancakes with apple compote. Fantastic and perfect pancakes well worth the trip to the south end of town. Plan to wait if you go on a Sunday morning. Its worth it.
(5)
Jay C.

*update* I went back today and the service was so much better... although the coffee was worse...but, you can't win them all, and I'll take nice service over coffee that won't grow hair on your chest. ** ** While the biscuits and gravy had a really good flavor and the pancakes were quite good, the service was so poor, it really may only be a one-time trip to Geraldine's. After our orders were taken we didn't see our waitress until the bill came. I'm not sure who came to fill our coffee when I waved them down. As I said, the biscuits really were surprisingly good. Maybe I'll try one more time... service can always be off one day.
(3)
Paige F.

Me, my husband and my daughter just moved here and have been having a hard time finding great places to eat that aren't too expensive. We found Geraldines online and decided to check it out. We were pleasantly greeted by the owner of the resteraunt and put on the list. He told us how him and his wife were expecting twins. So he was SUPER friendly which was a nice change. I ordered the Ceasar Salad, which was the BEST i have ever had. It was so full of flavor. They make their own dressings there. My husband ordered the Slammer off the breakfast menu, and he really enjoyed his as well. The atmosphere is really bright and neighborhoodly... if that is even a word, and we will deffinately go back. The only thing you have to be prepared for is a bit of a tight squeeze in the waiting area, because it is always buisy when we go there, and not too much room to sit.
(4)
Kate J.

My fiancÃ© have been frequenting Geraldine's pretty much the entire time we have been together (six years!) and while there have been bumps along the way. Geraldine's has consistently been a good experience for us. I almost always get the Sweet White Corn and Havarti Scramble for breakfast, and it is always delicious and satisfying. They have a rotating list of coffee cakes that are YUM, and for lunch/dinner they have a veggie burger that is delicious, plus sweet potato fries - need I say more? Great quality, great selection, and friendly service. Here is the only caviat: Do not make the mistake of accidentally leaving anything behind here. I realized at 3 yesterday that I had left my phone and iPod Touch (I know, I know) on the table there at brunch. Turns out they close at three on Saturdays and do no open again till Sunday. I called this morning, and apparently they do not have a lost and found - the gentleman who answered the phone just yelled to a bunch of employees asking if they'd seen it, and when no one had, he checked the safe. Not there either. He then took my name and number and said he'd ask the employees who were working yesterday. I told him who our waitress was and he said he'd "give her a call later." Admittedly, it is MY fault for leaving my stuff there (hence no docking of stars), but still - you might want to think about investing in a Lost and Found box to avoid all the yelling and confusion in the future. And I sadly feel I will not be seeing my phone or Touch again, which of course is a huge and expensive bummer. :( Anyhow, my own absent-mindedness aside, hooray for Geraldine's! We will keep coming back but I will be careful henceforth not to leave anything behind!
(4)
L L.

YUM! Amazing sweet potato fries, unique mac & cheese, friendly service, super lunchtime spot!
(5)
Paul R.

Excellent food, wonderful service, and the customers were even great! The special ravioli, which was lobster today, was wonderful! It was a tad saltier than it probably needed to be - but was still an A+ as evidenced by the fact that I finished my meal - a rarity for little tiny tummy me. I would have given this place a 5 star if the ravioli was a hair less salty. The brownie a la mode, which sounds simple and fairly boring, was anything but. I hate nuts in brownies, yet, there were nuts in this brownie and I loved it! The ice cream was excellent, and there was some kind of fruit sauce as well as the chocolate sauce, and it was heavenly. The waitress (was that Geraldine herself?) was wonderful - friendly, prompt, and funny too. My only regret is Seattle isn't going to be a regular place I'll visit - so I won't get to enjoy more of the food here :(
(4)
YW T.

recommend: avocado jack pepper omelet just came back from this place. really liked the atmosphere. a good mix of hip yet mellow and casual. our table ordered their famous french toast, chicken fried steak, sweet potato fries and avocado jack pepper omelet. i have to say that while the french toast is delicious and like nothing i've ever had, it is definitely a little too oily and greasy for me. the texture is quite perfect though, super crunchy on the outside and creamy in the middle. the chicken fried steak was good. sweet potato fries are delish, very similar to the best sweet potato fries on earth (kingfish). i was totally in love with the avocado and jack pepper omelet. the eggs were fluffy and the pico de gallo and avocado really makes it refreshing and not heavy. definitely my fav of the bunch. will return to try the other stuff soon!
(4)
Tor T.

only reason I did not give a 6 star rating because I only had 5 stars to give. This place is awesome, I love Breakfast on the weekends. It's so great to wake up, and have hustle and bustle of little cafe. They wait staff are friendly (but very busy), you will most likely have to stand in a line to get in on the weekends but line moves very fast, longest I've waited to sit down was 20mins. but one you get in and sit down, the food rocks, my favorite is the Breakfast Slam with French Toast, well actually its the French Toast, if you go for the first time I recommend you order that first, then work your way down the menu items, I also love Corn Beef Hash and Country Fried Steak..I am hungry just typing about the food. if your in hurry and need to get your day going, go to Denny's or Ihop, if your want to kick start your day with great food, come to this place.
(5)
Hola A.

The biscuits & gravy, the biscuits and gravy, come for the biscuits and gravy! Fresh, homemade butter biscuits with tasty gravy *drools* The atmosphere is super cute: airy and colorful. The weekend is no joke, usually always busy so arrive early if you can. One minor gripe is how small the tables are. You'll have to look for street parking but whenever I'm down in South Seattle, we always try to make it in time for breakfast here.
(5)
J R R.

I have, for a long time, wanted to stop by Geraldine's Counter for breakfast. I've listen to people rave about how delicious and devine the french toast is at Geraldine's. But, it's a long drive to Columbia city... So today, we took that ride! And it's true, no lie... that Geraldine's, is one of the very best breakfast houses in Seattle. Per usual, I had to try the chicken fried steak.I love chicken fried steak! I have eaten chicken fried steak in damn near every state in the Union. Once upon a time, I was on a quest, (think holy grail) trying to find the perfect chicken fried steak. I must say, that Geraldine's approaches chicken fried steak perfection! The steak is crispy, it's not overly breaded or soggy, it's properly spiced and it's perfectly cooked... The Gravy... Oh my God! It's so good! It is not overly thick or heavy and it's choked-full of sausage...Geraldine's makes a really tasty chicken fried steak! My son opted for a slam with the french toast. He was very happy with his choice. It was crunchy and light, topped with honey soaked peaches. He slammed it with eggs over easy, and a couple of slices of the apple wood smoked bacon. There were ooh's and aah's coming from his corner. His GF ordered the tomato,feta and basil omelet... She too, was also, very happy with the food. It's very nice to to see a restaurant, that on a very busy Saturday morning, pays attention to the little details. Our coffee cups were never empty. It is obvious, that at Geraldine's Counter, they take great pride in their restaurant, and you can see the pride reflected in their food... Kudos! JR
(5)
Sara F.

I don't see what the fuss is about this place, it wasn't terrible by far, but just ok if you ask me. We had brunch here on Sunday, I had the corned beef hash & the husband had biscuits & gravy. Nothing too spectacular for the long wait we experienced before sitting down. Our waitor was really nice but seemed confused at times, (brought us another table's food & gave us all our change in 1's, not a huge deal, but service could have been better). My corned beef hash had a slightly burnt taste & my toast peices were TINY! My husband's biscuits & gravy tasted better than my dish though so that was good, but overall I would take 5 spot in QA ANY day over this place. Nothing really original or particularly very tasty, but decent enough breakfast fare. Not sure I'd go back but didn't hate it either.
(2)
D P.

Consistently get a good meal here - breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Our party had lobster ravioli, hamburger with yam fries, and fish and chips. Everything was good (the ravioli was decadent and tasty) and the kids loved it. Wanted more! Not too many people there mid-week, staff was attentive (if waitress didn't see us gesturing then host did). Great neighborhood joint - had all the kid's Halloween pictures up. Great place to take kids.
(4)
erik h.

A little update. Deep Fried French Toast! The best I've had in a long time, maybe even ever. Soft on the inside and sweet and crunchy on the outside. Thick cut bacon cooked perfect. Oh and the coffee, hash browns, and service? Still great. The only bad part not sure if after the Biscuits and Gravy & the French Toast I might not ever try anything else on the menu.
(5)
Amanda K.

You should expect a wait, but the meal you'll get is worth it. On my first visit (nearly a year ago), I enjoyed Geraldine's homemade granola with yogurt and fruit of the day. Yum! This past weekend, I had the Emerald City scramble and wasn't disappointed. There was just enough spice to keep it from being bland, but not enough to cover the flavors of the ingredients. My friends ordered French toast (blueberry was flavor of the day) and the avocado and jack omelet. All of our plates were completely clean at the end of the meal. When meeting a group at Geraldine's bring cash. There's a $.50 per card charge for the second, third, fourth... cards used per table. If you pay with cash, they reward you with gift certificates. It's worth the trip to the ATM.
(4)
Lindsay A.

This place is a bit over-rated. While I adore their pancakes, strawberry coffeecake, & coffee- their herb and goat cheese omelette was a bit bland and everything else that I have tried is pretty ordinary. In fact, I do not stray from the pancakes/coffeecake/ & coffee, because nothing else is really worth the price. While the bacon is good it is ridiculously priced! Almost $4 for 3 pieces! And while I love children and have brought my niece to eat there a couple of times I do not let her walk around or yell, which is something that many parents who frequent this place seem to not mind doing. Seriously? I know it's a family place, but maybe keep your kids in their seats.
(3)
Anisia H.

This is our spot when we want simple, but tasty "American" food (sarcasm - we eat a lot of so-called ethnic foods). I like that its local, charming, and simple - with great coffee. It IS crowded here, and we've had better luck at dinner, than brunch, at getting a table promptly and good service. They have a brief 1-2 page menu - and sometimes, I want just a little bit more in my menu to peruse before selecting. But what they do offer is great - Breakfast Casserole, Burgers, Fish and Chips, Mac N' Cheese, etc. Once, the server messed up my order and comped my meal - free, but yummy, food can always make things better.
(3)
Abbi G.

I have been here numerous times. In fact I lived right down the street so frequented this delicious spot often. I have had a number of things. I would have to say my favorite is Geraldines Breakfast Casserole. YUMMY! So much flavor and its filling. I also enjoy the french toast. It is unique. Its deep fried, crispy goodness. The Emerald City Scramble is also pretty delicious. Coffee is ok...nothing to write home about. The service is great and the owners are super friendly and attentive. Its a great example of delicious food and a successful local business. Please support it...you won't be sorry!
(5)
Ashley H.

Their sweet white corn, havarti & herb scramble is amazing!!!! Good drip coffee too.
(5)
NANCY H.

Went here for breakfast one morning and thought it would be a great place to take a friend who hadn't had any dairy products in over a year. I was impressed with the selection and the quality of the food but I wasn't blown away. The people and the atmosphere are nice, but finding a little eyelash in my eggs was enough to say 'see ya'! Foreign objects recognizably from a person is just icky! I might come back another day when eye lash precipitation is 0%. Good For: breakfast or lunch with friends
(3)
Julia Z.

Bright and sunny (nice!) and friendly, the food here was good though the portions were not giant. We had mac-n-cheese (different from the standard, clearly homemade, and really yummy), and a good burger with delish sweet potato fries. We didn't have kids with us, which is a bummer, because they're set up well for kidlets and they have a lot of food that they'll like. Other kids were there while we were and it was still mellow and reasonable... the kids don't get quite so tightly wound here as they do at say Red Robin. I secretly really like sitting at the counter! Not too many places you can do that anymore, and enjoy it, anyway.
(5)
MissMaryAnn D.

We had brunch here at my baby sister's request last time she visited. Hmmm, come to think of it, seester hasn't visited in quite sometime. Afraid to fly she claims... hmmph. We converted our garage into a guest house over the summer, complete with personal touches for her quirky little ways. (Come visit soon seester, or I will update this review with details. Oh yes I will...). Service at Geraldine's was friendly and efficient, the atmosphere was bright and cheery and the crowd was eclectic. The food was tasty and we were all happy campers. We wandered around the neighborhood after our meal, I love Columbia City - quite the lovely break from bucolic Whitebread Island. So - the seester: She's whining about the guest house! She want's me to let her sleep in my study - she likes the view there better. Geez - the whole point was to get you out of my bathroom, you little... seester. There's a reason we call the youngest in the family the "baby".
(3)
Sarah R.

This is one of those places I had been meaning to try.. but just hadn't gotten around to it. Until today. We went there for a late breakfast and the restaurant was super busy.... We signed in on the little sheet and were seated within a few minutes. I had the Emerald Scramble and it was fantastic...Sausage, eggs, hash browns, spinach, pepper jack, YUM... and I love how the meals come with lil slices of fruit on the plates. The coffee was very strong but had excellent flavor. I was buzzing throughout breakfast.. who am I kidding?? I am still buzzing. The strawberry jam was delicious.. it's not from the lil packets.. it's just chillin' in a plastic jar on the table. I was skeptical because I didn't know how sanitary the whole thing was. But honestly after trying it I don't care. The service was very good and the prices were very reasonable. I would recommend this place and will definitely be going again. Soon!
(5)
Glenn L.

Excellent. This is one of our favorite places to eat in Seattle. Their French toast is to die for! Prepare to wait for a table on the weekends.
(5)
Cherie M.

I go here frequently. Just the other night I had a meal that was worthy of any fancy restaurant in Belltown or Seattle instead of Geradline's "counter." It was the special - a Coho salmon on mashed potatoes with fresh green beens and sauteed cherry tomatoes. It included dried cherries that were huge, fragrant, and yummy and toasted almonds on the grilled salmon. Only sixteen bucks. What an amazing deal. And beautifully plated. Yum yum. I will try something other than eggs or my favorite cobb salad more often. :-)
(5)
Ozzy G.

I discovered this little corner restaurant when I moved to Columbia City. The food is unbelievably wonderful. The portions were big and the taste brings me back again and again. The perfect location and friendly staff make it one of my favorite places for brunch on the wknds. Especially when I have guests in from out of town. Yum Yum Yummy! Go there and leave with a big smile!
(4)
Bill P.

usually busy so we sit at the counter, the wait staff know us, I try to be good and order the yogurt and fruit or the oatmeal. Sometimes order the french toast which I heard was dipped in egg overnight and the cooked in butter, it is truly the best ever. only place i know with chicken sausage on the menu regularly.
(4)
MiChin L.

This place is a brunch staple for us--their biscuits are as big as your head, and just as delicious. We've only done dinner once, and I had the meatloaf. It was ok, but gave me the worst heartburn I've ever had. I don't know...maybe we'll give it another chance for dinner, but for now I am happy with keeping this as a breakfast place only. It's a good place to bring visitors and guests, although if you're with anyone from the Senior set, they will complain that it's too noisy. It is a family joint, after all. I recommend the biscuits n' gravy (awesome gravy with just the right creaminess and pepper) and the arugula egg sandwich. The breakfast casserole is good too--the fresh salsa served with it makes the dish.
(3)
Ariel S.

Don't be fooled by the stylish decor: Geraldine's is a ho-hum diner dressed up in fancy clothes. I've been for several brunches, and have found the dishes oily and flavors aren't especially refined. It's better than a Denny's, but not as much as you might expect. It's average, but tries to convey an above-average vibe, and that's where it fails. You can't shine up a greasy plate of eggs, folks! Vegetarians be wary: the brunches are super meaty and your options will be limited. Vegans: fugetaboudit.
(2)
Jarrod L.

I had a great lunch there today. The biscuits and gravy were really tasty, with some of the best sausage gravy I've ever had. The over-easy egs were about perfect. The hash browns were crispy enough for my tastes without asking for them to be extra crispy. The french toast my friend got looked great, but I didn't have a chance to try it since she ate it pretty quickly since she said it was awesome.
(4)
Kristina L.

This restaurant is quite the gem. I was looking forward to coming to this restaurant after all the great reviews on Yelp and I was not disappointed! My dad and I came to Geraldine's Saturday morning, we arrived shortly after the 8:00 opening. We sat window-side and watched the people walking by. Our server came by, my dad had a coffee and I had a water (then added a coke shortly after). Dad ordered the country fried chicken, I had the corned beef hash. Dad's fried chicken was served under sausage gravy with hash browns and oranges with eggs. The server asked with a slight accent "and how would you like your huevos cooked". Dad replied "over medium" it sort of made us chuckle a while later because neither one of us had put much thought into the Spanish word thrown in...anyway... My corned beef hash had cubes of corned beef and potatoes and wedges of onion, green and red bell pepper. It was surprisingly not greasy! It didn't even leave a huge grease puddle at the bottom of my plate. Instead of poached eggs I had them scrambbled, there was multi grain bread and honeydew melon. Service was good. My dad was happy because he never once had an empty mug of coffee. The food was good and it was prompt. My only complaint is the restaurant was cold, but I'm guessing they were pumping up the a/c because the weather had forecasted a hot day. I'll definately be taking my family here in the future...
(4)
Analia C.

One of my favorite breakfast spots in the city. Coffee cake is to die for. The bacon arugula sandwich is great too. But everything is great here anyway!
(5)
Rushabh D.

Vegetarians usually don't rate diners as 5-star, but this one deserves it. Awesome grilled cheeses and sweet-potato fries and amazing mac-n-cheese. I've had the pancakes here for brunch, and I didn't think they were spectacular (its hard to beat Portage Bay Cafe), but the lunch stuff is fabulous. Note that G'ines is CLOSED on MONDAYS. I've been bitten by that one before. Perhaps twice. Or more.
(5)
Jonathan B.

All of the food I have eaten at Geraldine's has been great. Stacey has always been an amazing host, and recommend this place to all of my friends. It can be rather busy...but give me this over a boring place with high prices and terrible food. The quality of the food is second to none, and I look forward to making my way to Columbia City just to eat there.
(5)
dave m.

Bottom line is that they have fresh and excellent tasting food. I almost always have eaten brunch there and cant bring myself to order any other dish but my favorite, chicken fried steak; it by far beats any other I've tasted. All those east coast transplants that long for a 'real' diner will feel at home here. Prices are fair, the staff is very friendly and extremely busy, and the atmosphere is relaxed (especially if your not going during rush-hour on saturday or sunday mornings). Geraldines is a corner-stone of the columbia city restaurant row and loved for good reason and a great place to take friends, family and visitors.
(5)
A H.

We drove down to Columbia City to check this place out and it was worth the drive. It was situated on the corner with big windows and a great retro feel. The service and food was quick for a late Saturday morning! And the food did not disappoint. My boyfriend had the Emerald Scramble and was nice enough to share a few bites. It was delicious! But my french toast - oh my! It was amazing with fresh pears and some pure maple syrup. We were both impressed. I hope to be back again for another go at it. I mean, the toppings change daily, so I have to try them all!
(5)
Casper C.

If you like a great hole in the wall with friendly service, organic tea, amazing pancakes and mac and cheese that you would die for.
(5)
Neal M.

Just went for the first time this morning (Sunday). Got there at 9:30 and had a 15 minute wait. Service was friendly and attentive. The coffee was organic Cafe Vita. The French toast was excellent. As previously described, it is crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and delicious all around. Plus... they give you maple syrup. Actual, 100% real maple syrup. Do you know how rare that is? Most of the time we are eating maple flavored corn syrup people! So yeah, thats special too. Great stuff.
(5)
Tonya N.

Amazing! I didnt want to believe it but its true... The French Toast is unreal. I mean how good can battered bread be? Well come here and you'll see! Once I get off my no carb diet, this is the first place I'll be.
(5)
Emily D.

Now this is gonna sound weird, but I've lived in Seattle for over 2 years, and I had never been to Columbia City. It may be because I'm from Detroit (okay, sububs of), and I have a serious case of road rage. As I live in N Seattle, getting to Columbia City would involve me driving way too long on I5 with drivers that annoy me. But I digress. I finally made it to Columbia City a week or two ago, and the BF and I had the good fortune of stumbling upon Geraldine's Counter. It was probably about 1p on a Saturday so it was pretty quiet. I have a feeling this place probably gets CRAZY on weekend brunches though. It is bright and cheery and sunshine-y. And they have a bar. Something that, to me, is essential to a good brunch experience. Service was great. A really friendly guy was our server, and he was also bright and cheery and upbeat. I got the omelet with carmelized onions, herbs and goat cheese, and it was amazing. Light and fluffly, not a huge gross portion, but just right. Came with crispy potatoes and incredible sourdough bread from the Columbia City Bakery. The BF got the reuben, and he said it was giving the 74th St Alehouse a run for its money. Oh, and two lovely mimosas. Yes, it was a good morning.
(5)
Katherine T.

Nothing from this place strikes me as amazing. I've tired this place AT LEAST 7 times. The only thing I really like from here is their chili. Most of there other foods come off as bland. There tomato soup almost tastes like pizza sauce, there grilled cheese has no flavor, the mixed fruit platter was expensive for the tiny amount of fruit I got and there burgers aren't that impressive either. I know its not just me (even though this place is always packed!) because many other people have said the same to me (I worked across the street). Maybe I need to try there breakfast, but lunch or dinner I'll go else ware.
(3)
Rachel S.

I have to admit, we went here one time right after it opened and it was really not that good-the portions were totally skimpy and the food was only so-so. So we never went back. However we met some friends for brunch there last weekend and it has changed. The food was delicious, more like normal sized breakfast portions. It is really crowded on the weekends so consider yourself warned, but we will definitely be back.
(4)
Craig P.

I stopped in for lunch and sat at the counter, as I was alone. Everything looked tasty, but I was in the mood for a salad and ordered the Cobb. It was very good. Nicely dressed, but not overly. The bacon was excellent and all the ingredients were fresh. The waiters were nice and efficient. None of them ever stopped moving! I want to go back for breakfast.
(4)
C B.

The only thing bad about this place is the fact that half an hour after closing, the wait times tend to increase exponentially with each passing minute. But it's worth it - from the bright, cheerful decor to the friendly waitstaff to the kickin' fried French toast and multiple flavors of Mimosa - my wife and I make it a point to go to this place at least twice a month, and we've not been disappointed once! Arrive early!
(5)
Incognito O.

Went for breakfast with the girlfriend this morning at about 10:20. We waited 3-4 minutes being ignored before I got up and got us menus. That pretty much set the stage for the sub-par service that ensued throughout our breakfast. Not impressed at all - slow, inattentive and unapologetic. The food however, was very good! I got the chicken fried steak, which is one of the best I've ever had, and my gf had the avacado omelette, which was also very good. I'd go 4 stars if it wasn't for the lame service...food is worth it though....
(3)
Robyn R.

When I moved to Columbia City my friend took me here and introduced me like this: "Welcome to your new favorite restaurant." I can see where she was going with that. I don't think I got the tastiest dish, the meatball sandwich, but it's what I was craving. The meatballs were a little too dry but they were turkey meatballs. Love that they have sweet potato fries but I wish there was an option to mix them with regular ones. It doesn't make sense to ban that request to me, but I don't understand the intricacies of lunch service. I love the decor. it's perfect, I love the idea of supporting local vendors. I will visit again and hope to enjoy my culinary experience as much as the ambient one.
(3)
Leslie M.

I am going to add to the raves for Geraldines! We just got back from having breakfast there and with a large group, we all tried to order different things so we could try several dishes. Some of the top picks in our group were: Coffee cake (blueberry today) French toast Sweet potato fries Sweet corn and havarti scramble As everyone has mentioned, you need to get there early on weekends for breakfast. We had a large party and it's Mother's Day so we showed up a few mintutes before opening (8:00 am). But the place was pretty well packed by 8:45. I'm not sure if it would be the same if it wasn't Mother's day. Next task will be to try lunch!
(5)
Heather S.

When I'm not feeling up to cooking and I want to go someplace for good comfort food and a cozy, casual atmosphere, Geraldine's Counter is the place that comes to mind. Occupying a bright corner in Columbia City, it's the perfect laid-back diner kind of atmosphere in a neighborhood with loads of character. I love the walk from the parking lot we usually find up the street. Just walking there reminds me of the small town I grew up in with lots of old brick buildings and Victorians. And then the food and service do not disappoint. But be warned - the only thing I've ever ordered that disappointed was a very dry and overly spicy and drenched in too much sauce Pork BBQ sandwich. Otherwise, everything about this place is good. And my 4 yr old daughter approves of the kid friendly menu and booths good for sliding under the seat and switching over to sit next to mommy.
(4)
Jim J.

I wanted biscuits and gravy. I got good eggs. Good hash browns a GREAT biscuit but the gravy tasted like watered down chefs mate. I can ALWAYS tell when the gravy is canned or instant and I am ALWAYS disappointed. I scraped the gravy to the side and enjoyed the rest of my breakfast. They had sassafrass tea. That earned them an extra star. Service was good at 7:30 on a friday morning. I did not see milk listed on the menu. If the B&G would have been really good I definitely would have wanted a glass of milk to wash it down. Overall I'm disappointed but full. The meal was 9.50 and the tea was 2.50.
(3)
M F.

Geraldine's is cute and busy. If I lived in the neighborhood I'm sure I would go there all the time even though the dish I had was substandard. I had the herb omelette with carmelized onions and goat cheese. The omelette was slightly overcooked and the onions were only barely caramelized. They were flavored with balsamic vinegar which clashed with the goat cheese. The bacon was excellent, thick and perfectly cooked. I had a side of fruit which consisted of enormous chunks of bland melon that looked like they had been chopped by a malfunctioning robot. The server hurdled the minimum bar of professionalism but didn't add anything to the experience. I docked a star because he was wearing cargo shorts which I thought was tacky.
(2)
wade m.

The Sweet kept peeking in the window when we walked past, and our friends surprised us with a Sunday brunch invitation. Bright, colorful, friendly, and tasty! Biscuits & gravy were stellar. The rest of our meal was very good - eggs cooked exactly to order. Bathrooms seemed a bit dingy but fine. Nice touch: the waiter coordinated our coffee cups for maximum color (green shirted friend got blue cup / orange shirted friend got green cup, and green-shirted me got red cup). On our table: coffee, English Breakfast tea, french toast & eggs over hard, biscuits & gravy, breakfast casserole, and ricotta pancakes & eggs over easy).
(5)
Rassamee H.

Geraldine's I adore thee. Let me count the ways... 1. Sweet potato fries. 2. Caffe Vita coffee. 3. French toast!!! 4. Thick sliced bacon. 5. Biscuits and gravy. 6. BLT or AvocadoLT, your choice. 7. Bacon, egg, and arugula sandwich. 8. A perfectly seasoned burger. 9. Supporting local businesses like Bob's Meats, Da Pino, and Co. City Bakery. 10. Giving $1 off coupons for paying cash, boo credit card company fees. 11. Nice people. 12. Comfy booths. 13. Fiesta!ware. 14. Sweet potato fries with ketchup!
(5)
Michael K.

I work in South Seattle about four minutes from Columbia City. I have eaten at Geraldine's so much I think it could have its own slice in that pie chart my credit card does at that end of the year to show you how you spend your money. I usually get one of a few select things, but I have never been disappointed with anything from them. The Biscuits and Gravy are amazing. The chicken sandwich is so tasty. I recommend ordering sandwiches with a side caeser salad instead of the fries. I order that so often the guy rarely even gives me a menu when I go in. This place is so popular you need to be careful if you try to come at a busy time. Try to avoid 11:30-1 weekdays, and Saturday or Sunday late mornings. You will have to wait. The only time I have had a bad experience was when it was too busy to get service.(I didn't have time to wait, so I went next door) Show up at 2 on a weekday for a late lunch like I do, and sit right down and enjoy. Also, you must try a biscuit. Order a side one, even if you are getting lunch. It is worth it, trust me.
(5)
Erin W.

well, i think the service is fantastic. always welcoming, really kind to my son... even when he is "being a kid". they have a way of making us apart of the fun! the bummer is that it seems the prices are way to high for what you get on your plate. i have tried many things on the menu ( my son get's eggs and bacon) and like it ok. but the problem the last few times i have eaten there is that i get really sick! i thought maybe it was the flu the first time it happened and made other excuses the next 3 times because i live in the neighborhood and want to support local businesses. i drew the line and made the choice not to come back after the last meal there. there was three of us, a friend, my son and me. all of us were sick later that evening. i was sad. if i want greasy "american comfort food" i'll go to Ihop. the service is just as good, and my family and i have never gotten sick from eating there. i hope they fix this problem... i have heard similar stories from other people in the hood.
(2)
C C.

I was looking for brunch as I had foodies in town from SF. I saw the reviews for Geraldine's and since it was 6 blocks from the Light rail I decided to give them a try for my party of 5 plus an ambitious toddler. I had the Link Special (must have the ORCA card) and enjoyed it. Everyone, toddler included, seemed to enjoy their food. We had to run around the Hispanic Seafair event to work it all off. I have a new fave brunch spot for my guests!
(4)
Alexandra F.

Had to put my 2 cents in for my favorite sweet potato fries! Geraldine's got mine! Not to mention their most delicious chicken sandwich, or basically anything on the menu. They're super kid friendly, and work very hard to serve up quality food quickly.
(5)
Lani A.

Loves: the sweet potato fries with a side of aoili, the bacon arugula sandwich, the aforementioned french toast that magically stays crispy, the coffee cake that is always surprisingly good, no matter what is in it. What I dream about almost daily - the sour cream pancakes. Oh yeah, baby. It's your typical diner, but with rockin' good food and nice staff. Love it.
(5)
marcy g.

a very yummy place to eat!!! The food is fresh, the presentation is nice and the service is usually excellent. It's extremely kid/family friendly and a fun atmosphere. The art changes periodically and it's always colorful and fun. The sweet potato fries are to die for... and you can substitute them for hash browns during breakfast. The owners are always there and very friendly. 5 stars for sure.
(5)
Amanda C.

i LOVE this place. i'm usually not a country fried steak and eggs / biscuits and gravy type breakfast person, but this place converted me. their gravy is sooo yummy! i've also tried the pancakes -- fluffy and melt-in-your mouth delicious. hashbrowns are great also. my bf tried the corned beef hash once, which he said was so-so. overall though, this is my new favorite breakfast place... even though i live nowhere near columbia city. totally worth it!
(5)
Rick C.

I found myself in Columbia City again and stopped back into Geraldine's to give their fried chicken a second chance. It was definitely better than my previous experience. It came out hot and crispy this time. I, however, continue my quest to find amazing fried chicken outside of the South.
(3)
Brooke L.

It's a pretty long wait if you come for breakfast on the weekends, but it is well worth it. The french toast is delicious, and they change the fruit topping all the time. All of the omelets are great. The decor is bright, with checkered floors and counter seating. It's definitely a favorite spot for breakfast.
(4)
Rachel H.

the wait was a little bit long, but it was a saturday morning and we may have had seven people with us... but the service, coffee and food was really great. it was a good introduction to the surrounding area of my sister's new house.
(5)
Edwyn A.

Went here for breakfast that last time i was up in Seattle. I had the bacon, egg and aragula sandwich too. it was so hard to choose from the menu. the hashbrowns were just right and real hash browns not home fries! great neighborhood feel.
(5)
Todd K.

Awesome breakfast. French Toast was great as was the bacon, egg and arugula sandwich.
(5)
Alex S.

I eat here once every week or two, and have never had anything but a good experience. That's saying quite a lot. The food is good (great for breakfast!), the staff is (mostly) friendly and sharp, the prices are reasonable and the portions large. Especially in the mornings it's just a great place to eat, have some coffee and read the paper. The weekend wait is brutal at times, but get on the list, grab a latte to go from one of the other places in the neighborhood and 15 minutes goes by in a flash.
(5)
Nico D.

Husband and I woke up and thought we would go to breakfast since kids were with Auntie. We have been wanting to check out this place for awhile, so we headed over on a Sunday morning. We got there early, thinking we would beat the crowd, but nope, It was already busy. Kids everywhere, which is fine for us, because we are use to screaming children at 8 am but I was a little bummed out that we didn't save this place for a breakfast with the kids, since we always try new places. It was definitely a family restaurant. I enjoyed the featured art on the wall, which seems to be a new theme in a lot of places. My husband tried the french toast and I tried the biscuits and gravy since these were two things we heard about on yelp. The biscuits were really yummy and fluffy, but the gravy was kinda boring. My husband's french toast looked amazing and definitely tasted delicious. We will probably be back with the kids next time. I would recommend this place to anyone but maybe not if your hungover with a headache, haha, there is a lot going on. Good hangover food, bad hangover atmosphere. I see they have bloody Mary's though....That might do the trick. and the coffee was good too.
(4)
iwanna know h.

This is definitely one of the best breakfast spots I've found in Seattle. I would give it 4.5 if I could, but that is not an option. I love the menu. I think Geraldines has a friendly neighborhood diner feel with a gourmet menu. I've been here twice for breakfast and once for dinner and have yet to be less than satisfied. Love the pancakes and berry compote!
(4)
april d.

Today I met a friend at Geraldine's and was so excited to try the place out after reading about it in Seattle magazine and jumped at the chance to enjoy a week day breakfast here. No weekend crowd just a host of apparent regulars and plenty of space to fit in a couple high chairs. I ordered the slammin (eggs, meat and 2 pancakes and some fruit) and was satisfied with the generous portion and the quality ingredients. The eggs (ordered scrambled) were fluffy, not icky and rubbery, the bacon was a thick cut butcher type and the pancakes very nice with a cranberry compote on top and a little server of REAL maple syrup. I did not try the coffee but my friends looked really good. She had a different platter with sausage, hash browns, eggs and toast and it all looked really good. Jam on the table but oops, no butter for my cakes but still yummy. The service was fine, not super friendly but fine, no complaints and they were patient with the tots we had in tow. I would eat there again since a good breakfast is so hard to find in Seattle and the food was quite good. Sometimes you find a place that knocks your socks off and though my sock stayed on, it was still very good and I look forward to trying the rest of their menu. UPDATE: went again, ordered the same thing (still yummy but different fruit) and had the coffee (delish), husband had the french toast, totally unusual, they used a thick rustic bread crispy and sweet on the outside and chewy on the inside-very yummy. Good service again and will become a fave for us.
(4)
Julian M.

A lovely sunny Seattle Saturday, why not a wonderful breakfast? At just past 9AM Geraldine's was already reasonably crowded---a good sign. I entered, was seated and ordered. Coffee arrived. It was a dark earthy coffee, just like the coffee in those famous east coast diners--although, at $2.25 a bit on the spendy side. I ordered biscuits and gravy. The dish came with eggs any style (I ordered scrambled) and hash browns. Although I asked for the hash browns well done, mine were not. Ah well, a busy kitchen on a Saturday---forgivable. My first bite of the biscuits and gravy yielded a strong off-putting vegetal taste. What could that be? After a few more tastes I figured it out. Rosemary had been incorporated in the sausage gravy. In fact, the rosemary was so overwhelming that it was all you could taste in the dish!. Geraldine's should rename the dish "Rosemary and Buscuits". What culinary genius though this dish up?? The eggs and hash browns were OK, no better that any Denny's. Service was fine for a busy Saturday. I was offered a few $-off coupons for my complaint about the gravy. I turned them down since I would never again eat in a restaurant that would serve a dish like their biscuits and gravy. My advice, avoid Geraldines's and just stick to Denny's. At least there you won't be assaulted by rosemary!
(2)
Annie J.

I've been to Geraldine's many times for lunch (the BLT is reliably good). But I finally went for breakfast and I now understand what everyone is raving about. I had the french toast, as per the many Yelp recommendations. I have to admit, I was skeptical. But no joke, it was amazing. You know how french toast can be kind of soggy, dense, and just generally disappointing? Well Geraldine's french toast tastes like they put delicious french bread in the fryer. It's crispy on the outside, but light and airy on the inside. They change up the toppings every day, but when I was there, they added cooked apples + cinnamon. I added some maple syrup on top and was so incredibly happy. My husband had the Emerald City scramble (eggs, spinach, pork sausage, cheese, and some other deliciousness) which he loved. Oh, and if you care about drinks (like I do), you should know that the coffee and orange juice are also great. Next time, I'm getting the pancakes!
(5)
Bikram C.

The best breakfast place I have been to. Every time I come here I have to get the French Toast. I have never had better French toast then this place. I would definitely recommend this place. Excellent food and service. Just try the French Toast and your mind will be blown!
(5)
Ann E.

One of my faves for brunch or lunch! Hidden gem in Columbia city with excellent food, many options to please a group, good for families, vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff. Too bad everyone knows about it now! Too long of a line for brunch these days! My advice: Head there before you know you are hungry, Put your name on the list and grab a latte or brew across the street-
(4)
Stef M.

Delicious food with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Breakfast all day! We opted for breakfast at lunch. French toast: amazing! Served with real maple syrup, as it should be. Hash browns: the crispy bits were great, but I felt like they could have been cooked more. If you'd like them to be crispier, maybe ask that they come out well-done. They didn't have that gross leftover-potatoes flavor that I've experienced elsewhere, though - they actually tasted great. Every table has ketchup (Hunt's? WHAT?!?!?) and 2 kinds of hot sauce (regular and green Tabasco) and a variety of sweeteners, including raw sugar (yay). The scrambled eggs were perfectly cooked and moist, and the fresh toast was nice and crispy. It tasted like they deep-fried it, but I have a feeling they just use a more rustic loaf of bread that stays a little bit crunchy and crispy after they cook it. Somehow they managed to keep the inside of the toast creamy and custardy, though. Magic! Do they soak it overnight? Who knows. But it's delicious! Only real complaint (other than non-Heinz ketchup) was how close together the tables were (one one side was an old guy complaining loudly about Obama, on the other was a couple of guys talking exclusively about TV shows, Wesley Snipes, and the movie "Blade"). Our waitress was nice, and our food came out pretty fast considering we showed up high noon, around the same time as a few other tables.
(4)
Joe P.

A friend and I have been going to this restaurant on and off for about 3 years now, and this place has never failed us. We usually get here after our morning weekend runs (right after opening), so there isn't really a wait. If you get here an hour after opening on the weekends, be prepared to wait a good 20 minutes. Because this place is THAT good. Their french toast definitely sets this place apart from other breakfast joints. It's one of my faves. I usually get their "Geraldine's Casserole" or their corned beef hash. Whenever they have cornmeal pancakes my inner fat kid freaks out like it just hit the twinkie lottery. The best thing about this place is that they serve breakfast all day. I loves me some 7 o'clock brinner at Geraldine's Counter!
(5)
France W.

The Best Breakfast in Seattle, hands down! Organic and local produce, cage free eggs, high quality condiments including organic maple syrup and organic high fructose free ketchup and tasty organic coffees. Some of the best FRENCH TOAST ever! Amazingly friendly staff that move like clock work with one another...I can't recall the last time a saw a busy restaurant run so smoothly! Very fair pricing, great location, easy parking and a beautiful super clean store front!
(5)
Samantha M.

Amazing experience for the whole family! Today we had the corned beef hash breakfast as well as the slammin breakfast with french toast upgrade. The homemade jam on the table was phenominal on the fresh sour dough toast. The hash had a pleasant mix of flavors in every bite. The french toast was packed with flavor! The kids had chicken fingers and the counter classic breakfast with bacon. My son said his bacon was perfect, crispy and tender. The service was very quick despite how busy they were. I highly recommend for breakfast!
(5)
Steph C.

One drizzly afternoon, Ari B. and I sauntered down to Geraldine's Counter for a late brunch. It was just a short walk from where I was staying, on a cute commercial strip in Columbia City, a part of Seattle that was completely new to me. Geraldine's is the sort of joint that can help define a neighborhood. Brunchers are gentrifiers, after all. The restaurant was calm on a Thursday afternoon, with a few stray families getting late lunches. The space was casual and kid-friendly, with a pleasant diner feel. We got a big booth, which was pretty comfortable. Service was okay. I don't think our waiter liked us, but to be fair I did the thing where I asked for his recommendation then hemmed and hawed about other options before taking his advice. He convinced me to get the Slammin', a comprehensive breakfast with choice of meat, eggs any style, and pancakes ($9.95) or French toast ($10.95). It was, in retrospect, probably not the best choice. My scrambled eggs and bacon were very much run of the mill, and though the French toast was nice - fluffy with a crispy edge and served with syrup and sliced strawberry - it wasn't particularly exciting. If I had the chance to do it again, I'd go with the biscuits and gravy. Ari isn't a breakfast person, so he ordered the macaroni and cheese. I helped him eat it, and it was tasty, with a sharp blend of five cheeses, garlic, tomato, jalapeÃ±o, cream, and "magic spices." I liked the heat from the jalapeÃ±o - that kind of made this mac for me. The best part of my meal, though, was the bloody mary, which was thick and spicy, salt rimmed and garnished with an olive, a lemon wedge, and a stalk of asparagus. I might not go out of my way for Geraldine's, but if I lived up the street I'd probably go pretty often. It's a pleasant spot, with decent breakfast food and a solid bloody mary. Most lazy "mornings," that's all I really need.
(3)
Joseph T.

Not the best breakfast food. I had the scramble a la mexicana. Flavorless scrambled eggs with a can of green chilies and a little cheese. Totally underwhelmed by the equally flavorless black beans :/
(2)
Ryan W.

What's awesome about Geraldine's Counter is that they serve breakfast all day! Who doesn't enjoy having breakfast for dinner from time to time!? But breakfast isn't the only thing done well here. There is also a large lunch and dinner menu as well - offering diner favorites. At the end of the day, I can confindently say Geraldine's Counter is a spot worth coming to... again... and again. To see pictures and descriptions of what we ate, check out my blog: nwgourmand.wordpress.comâ€¦
(5)
Arthur G.

I'd have to leave a star out for the pricing. They ask if I wanted an extra egg/ add bacon/ Orange J or milk after ordering. I wanted a glass of milk on an order before. Something has to be special about that glass of milk for $3.00, which is more than a gallon from your local grocery store. BEST BREAKFAST/LUNCH ever though. Loving the Counter Special; THE BEST French Toast; and especially the grilled cheese! Pretty good customer service to accommodate that as well. Love this spot, easy to get to, I've never had a problem with waiting time, especially at their peak hours on weekends.
(4)
Mae D.

I was driving around with a friend looking for breakfast before our test. We passed by Geraldine's and I knew I had to stop. After driving past it a few times, seeing tons of people inside enjoying their food and people outside waiting to be seated, I knew it was a good place to eat. Not much space inside, I noticed there are some tables that can hold a large group, to a two seater table. We placed our name on the wait list, and about 10-15 minutes later we were seated, not bad for a very busy place. I ordered pancakes and chicken sausage with egg.... The pancakes were honey orange flavored and I nearly fell to the floor in deliciousness.... They were fluffy, the flavor wasn't over powering and the sausage was a great compliment. My eggs weren't dry, cooked scrambled and just right. I also had some of their freshly squeezed orange juice, which was also fab. My friend ordered the herbed egg omelet. I was given the chance to try some, and it was good considering there wasn't any meat involved. Overall, our experience at Geraldine's was amazing and being from Puyallup, it is hard to make the trek up to have breakfast there. But I would love to come back and try their other dishes!!!
(4)
Hana P.

Went to Geraldine's today for dinner with a group of friends (about 12). I heard the waitress say that today's special was ravioli, with asparagus, cherry tomato & lemon. It sounded good so I ordered it. First of all, the ravioli was pretty flavorless. I bit into the cherry tomatoes which had good flavor but that ravioli didn't. It needed more of a kick to it. My friend ordered the fettucini, it was bland too. Also, the dish cost $14, and I only got about $5 worth. I felt like I overpaid for what I got. I've had breakfast dishes here which I think are far more superior. From now on I will never order pasta dishes from here. I was quite disappointed. Service was not too good. The waitress was a little cold and ignored us a few times. I'm ok though, I've experienced better at Geraldine's but I will not go back unless someone invites me. The food is not worth it...
(2)
Adrienne R.

Geraldine's Counter was on my list of places to try for their all day breakfast. We headed over to "lunner" on a Sunday. Even though it was past lunch time, the restaurant was full and they were seating people right up until closing. It was busy!!!! Staff seems overwhelmed and not all that friendly. They were able to work with the vegan. They have several vegetarian options. We had 2 sandwiches and 2 breakfast items. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Unfortunately, the seasoning on the chicken fried steak was not to the eater's enjoyment and it made it the level of enjoyment a little less. Artwork around dining room is very nice and for sale.
(4)
Noreen B.

Wowers this place is very busy but I do love the atmosphere! Although it's s bit crowded and noisy there's so much positive vibe in the air. The servers were very patient and polite. Our food was delivered quicker than I expected (our table had 5 people and again it was a full house plus there's a line outside!), I couldn't complain I was hungry!!! I would definitely come back again :) I wish they had another location or a bigger space to accommodate their customer volume. ***parking is hard to find! ***go early they get very busy. ***their bacon and pancakes are the best I've tasted!
(5)
Shellie D.

Geraldine's food tastes like someone's grandmother is in the back cooking. And this grandma is from the south. So, she knows how to cook real good. Also, she's a cultivated grandmother, so she knows about eating healthy and the benefits of locally farmed ingredients. Good coffee. I got the chicken fried steak and eggs. Pretty good. Pretty heavy. But no regrets. It came with biscuits and gravy. The prices aren't too bad either. Great customer service.
(4)
Ruth J.

The five stars is for the bacon. Listen up bacon lovers, this place sets the standard for thickness of bacon slices. I'm not kidding, the bacon served here is simply scbrumpdidlyuptous & thick. I'm talkin' thick in all the right places. Yea the food is delicious, which is good because the hostess working here today was not kind. The staff is busy and multitasking like I've never seen before, but with a smile. You can see into the kitchen and the cooks are rockin' it in that kitchen. The food comes out hot, well portioned and quick. Overall, a great place. Well priced for the portions and the bacon is the best restaurant bacon we've ever had. I tried taking pictures, but the camera does these bacon slices no justice. And let's be honest....this bacon deserves better than that. The servers are on point, busy, but kickin' butt getting orders out. The hostess could be a little nicer and maybe put on a smile...who knows maybe she was having a day. We all have those I guess.
(5)
Vivian N.

Wow, okay so my first time here- and I am really blown away! There was a wait when we came, at 12pm, but we didn't wait long at all! The guy that seated us worked so quickly and efficiently. I ordered the Geraldine's casserole, and French toast (A MUST). My sister ordered the chicken fried steak and pumpkin pancakes, and my friend ordered the slammin' and French toast. EVERYONE GET THE FRENCH TOAST, you won't regret it!The portions are a pretty good size, and came out in a timely manner! Our waiter was a bit "stand-off"ish, maybe she was just having a bad day- it's okay! 3 stars because the pancakes i had were still raw- I had a mouth full of raw batter as my first bite, so it really threw off my appetite :( wish my experience didn't start off that way!
(3)
Liane L.

One glance at Yelp and it's pretty clear that the french toast at Geraldine's is foolproof. There's no surprise why it's consistently voted as the best french toast in Seattle. No trip to Geraldine's is complete without an order of french toast. It's crunchy, buttery and served with a seasonal fruit topping. Whether it's honey peaches or a mixed berry compote, it is delicious. My lunch time fave is the bodacious BLT. It's stacked with thick cut bavarian bacon from the Columbia City meat market and instead of lettuce (boring), it's packed with fresh arugula and then topped with garlic aioli. It also comes with a side of french fries (or you may substitute for yummy sweet potato fries) and a pickle. Regardless of what time it is, Geraldine's is always buzzing about. Grab a seat - there may be a wait, but this cute and colorful diner can't be beat.
(4)
Richard T.

This place is very solid, but when I was hyped up for it by the hotel front desk I was a little disappointed. It's good, but nothing extraordinary. I would come back did sure if I was in the area but I wouldn't recommend people drive out of their way for it. Food - I had a half serving of the French toast w fresh berries. The fruit was fresh and plentiful, their French toast was a different spin on things. I believe it was deep fried so it had a nice crisp to it, just not exactly what I expected though. Gf got the southwest scrambler, it was good but the eggs were a little runny. Service was good.
(3)
Delilah R.

This place was/is actually on my bucket list for breakfast but I wandered in here a week ago by sheer proximity while visiting my gal pal on her lunch break. Still on my list for an update to come for breakfast, as they stopped serving breakfast earlier. We opted for the BLT and the Cheesburger. Her BLT was dressed well, sans the avocado she ordered with it but that was overlooked due to the appreciation of the thick cut bacon. They do arugula on the sandwich, which she had never tried and I am not a fan of, so I warned her that arugula is peppery. Our waiter was sweet enough to go get a little piece of it so she could try it. After her meal arrived, she assured me that the sandwich was balanced well. I took her word for it. My burger was seasoned well and the patty was incredibly thick. That's how I like my meat! The potato bun was too dense for my liking but I got through it. It will be something I keep in mind next time to see if I can order it with another option. I had the sweet potato fries and they were good. Nice and crisp, enjoyed mostly by my little monster who lunched with us too. OH and just a heads up, the staff are AWESOME. Like, I want to Facebook friend them. I don't even have FB but I'd do it, dammit. They are funny, cool and helpful. Super sweet. Can't wait to come back.
(3)
Stokely K.

Going downhill... Its interesting and sad, but the regukars get served first. Ive noticed this time and time again. Servers know who will give then personal business right away and who won't. Its been 45 minutes and Im still waiting to get service. The coffee is good here. The server keeps giving me eye contact (the one with the boot from the injured foot). But alas... No lunch yet. Years ago this place had good service. Unfortunately, thats gone downhill rapidly.
(2)
Nathan S.

Extremely busy little place. There must be a reason why everybody in Seattle is driving down to Columbia City for breakfast. I had initially wanted to eat at the Hangar CafÃ©, but they were having issues in the kitchen so I decided to drive over to Geraldine's Counter. Despite the crowd mingling out front, parking was easy to find and I was seated at the counter within a few minutes. This is one of the perks of dining alone. I have no qualms or criticisms of the service and food. Both were adequate. I was served water soon after sitting down and within a few minutes had decided to order the Geraldine's casserole While waiting, I was entertained by the rapid pace of the staff and found it somewhat unusual that the kitchen consisted primarily of Latinos while the front of the house was primarily white. At any rate, they were a great team of people and made everything look easy. Word of warning, if you ever order the casserole don't touch the plates. They cook it in the oven and then serve it to you when it is about 5,000 degrees. Besides almost melting my fingers off, everything was excellent. Their jam is very good and my casserole - while not particularly flavorful - was a fluffy and cheesy masterpiece. If you are patient person or can find a way to be seated in less than an hour (on busy days), I highly recommend Geraldine's Counter for some of the best breakfast you will find Seattle.
(4)
Ken Y.

Delicious breakfast! A little pricey but so worth it. We came here for a bite before heading out to an early movie. At first I wasn't sure if we would make the movie in time but the food came out so fast. I had the country fried steak, and my wife had French toast with a side of bacon. Everything was awesome. The bacon was cut very thick so you definitely got your money's worth. Speaking of money, that side of bacon will set you back $5. If I remember correctly, that was half the cost of my entree! Eh...whatever. It was all kinds of good. So anyways, I was feeling pretty good about making the movie. Food came out fast, and my wife, who is normally a slow eater, was way ahead of her normal pace. Then it came time to get the bill. If I didn't know any better, I would guess it took longer to get the bill and sign the receipt than it took to get our food. All turned out fine in the end though. We got to our movie and several hours later, I was still full from that awesome breakfast. Can't ask for much more than that!
(5)
Michelle B.

one word... biscuits. Best biscuits I've ever had. Flaky, buttery and soft. Omelette was also delicious but the biscuits were the highlight of the meal! Service was also very good. The staff was very attentive.
(5)
Keith M.

I step in for my first time this morning hungry for some healthy comfort food after a difficult couple days to Geraldine's Counter celebrating their 10 years of success (2005-2015) by serving one customer per day a free entree. I was that fortunate one today! Ya know, sometimes you pour your soul into this world and get crapped on, while other times you do nothing of merit and receive extraordinary kindness. Thank you, Geraldine's Counter, for making today's start extra special with your warm smiles, scrumptious scramble and that not-too-decadent 1/2-order of your pancake daily special (applesauce with warm cinnamon apples on top and the ever-important real maple syrup - yum!). Your generosity and enthusiasm for your place in this neighborhood has reached significant depths in me today. I really needed this. Your kindness and quality will not soon be forgotten.
(5)
Jessica H.

Geraldine's never disappoints. I found this gem on Yelp years ago and it is still one of my favorite brunch places. I've never had a bad meal there and the service is always quick with a smile. Can't ask for much more than that! Try the french toast with seasonal fruit or the herbed omelette. Yum!
(5)
Kevin T.

Back in Seattle to visit friends and a graduation. Had breakfast here on they way back to the airport and it was amazing. Their sausage gravy as nearly perfection. Great flavor, chunky just awesome. The rest of the meal was worthy of the covenanted 5 star rating. The wait to get in was long but the service and the food was prompt.
(5)
Meili W.

I'm always satisfied whenever I've had brunch here. Food is delicious and flavorful and the portion is just right. Their French toasts are amazing. Each day they have a different topping which is nice. Good variety of food options to choose from. :3 I understand why there's always a line here when we go. I love how it's so close to my house! Parking isn't too hard to find. So far, my favorite breakfast restaurant!
(5)
Roanne E.

Was this place all that it was hyped to be? I think so. Extremely happy with the service I received here. Sunday brunch craziness and we were seated about two mins after walking in! Our orders were taken within five minutes of being seated and we got our food within thirty. Pretty outstanding numbers considering it was a full house and there were other people waiting out the door! We ordered two Bacon and Arugula Sandwiches, one wtih avocado. Both were delightfully delish. The hashbrowns that came with it were also unbearingly tasty. We also ordered the pancake of the day, which happened to be Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Sugar Butter. TO die FOR. The pancakes were extremely moist and enveloped my tastebuds with a rainbow of flavor! On top of that, we had an order of mac and cheese and boooooy oh boy. That just knocked us out of the ballpack. Drinks. Two strawberry lemonades and a hot cocoa. Both 5 out of 5. I would recommend. I will most definitely be coming back. The service here was awesome, even on a busy day and the rest of the menu looked delish! I NEED to try it all! Geraldine, whoever you are, BLESS YO MOMMA 'cause you have a gift with food.
(4)
Olivere C.

Took my girlfriend here for breakfast and it was AM-A-ZING! We went in the morning on a weekday. It's pretty small and it can get busy. Portions aren't too big, but it is enough to make you full. I had the French Toast and I have to say it was the GREATEST French Toast I have ever had! My girlfriend ordered the casserole and she literally licked the plate clean. Definitely recommend this place to family and friends in Seattle and whose who are visiting out of state!y
(5)
Justin C.

Nice casual brunch stop in the up-and-coming Columbia City district on Rainier Ave. Free 2hr parking is easy to find outside, and count on a 15 minute wait or so for a table. Service is courteous and decor is bright and colorful. They have a good looking brunch menu with seasonal fruits and specials. I enjoyed the Slammer with eggs, chicken sausage, and $1.75 upgrade to their popular (and delectable) french toast, which today was topped with fresh nectarine slices.
(4)
Elizabeth N.

I never came out unsatisfied with their food. I found my favorite breakfast place now :) I got seated quickly, love how breakfast is served all day, and they have such cute color plates that make the appearance of the food 10x more appealing! The French toast is to die for and I like how they change the fruit for it daily so it doesn't get boring. I usually don't finish all my food, but I always clean my plate here!
(5)
Bao-Yen T.

I live a few minutes away from Columbia City and never tried this place. A couple of my friends raved about this place so I wanted to try it eventually. I came here on a couple of days ago with my husband and best friend. Sad to say I wasn't that impressed. PROS: Ambiance: Very cozy and welcoming vibe. The restaurant is small but spacious enough where you aren't running into anyone as you are being seated. The local photographs on the colorful walls brighten up the place. The tables were clean, well organized with your basic flatware. Service: We were greeted right away by the hostess with a warm smile. Our server was nice. The food came out in a decent amount of time. Food: Breakfast served all day. Huge breakfast portions. My best friend ordered the Reuben sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. She very much liked her meal. The fries were freshly made and served nice and warm. My husband ordered OJ, it was freshly squeezed and very refreshing. Parking: Plentiful street parking available. CONS: Food: I ordered the chicken pot pie only because I wasn't in the mood for breakfast food. I was debating between that or a salad. The chicken pot pie was more of a chicken soup than anything. I was disappointed because I was expecting a cream base. However, this was my fault because I did not read the description clearly. The broth was pretty good but the few pieces of chicken breast were a little dry. There wasn't much in the dish. It was served with a biscuit on top which ended up very soggy at the end. I just ate the top of the biscuit. I wasn't very satisfied with my meal. My husband ordered the chicken fried steak with sausage gravy served with eggs and hash browns. The chicken fried steak was tasty and flavorful but the sausage gravy was just alright. There was no wow factor to it, no kick to it. The potatoes and eggs were decent. After finishing up his meal he stated that his stomach felt weird. This was very surprising because he has a very strong stomach. For his stomach to act up was something else. I don't know when I would come back again...I would really have to consider giving them a second try.
(2)
Yumiko K.

I am surprised that I have not reviewed this place! I have been to Geraldine's many a time mostly for brunch. It is always busy and crowded, but the staff are never rude or cold. I have tried their pancakes of the day (pumpkin, deeelicious!!), sweet corn, herb and havarti scramble (light and quite tasty), arugula, bacon and egg sandwich (excellent bread) and chicken pot pie (light but a bit too salty; the biscuit was excellent). If you are not too starving and wouldn't mind waiting in line for a bit, try Geraldine's.
(4)
Julie N.

Little cute breakfast place! It's a bit far drive but definitely worth it. My girls waited about 30 mins in order to get a table which isn't that bad. I ordered a sandwich and potato fries which were delicious! I will be coming back
(4)
Emma H.

REALLY great food, however, the customer service killed the experience for my friends and I. Our server was blatantly rude when we tried to order our food. My friend had asked what kind of mixed berries were served with the French toast and our waiter sarcastically responded "it's a variety of berries....mixed....together." Not only that, when we grabbed her attention to order some hashbrowns after she had left, she apprehensively turned around with an annoyed expression on her face. This is unacceptable behavior/customer service that I hope no customer has to experience.
(3)
Megan Y.

Geraldine's has easily crept into my top 3 favorite brunch places in the Seattle area. Try not to be daunted by the line/wait that is almost always present on the weekends because they're great at moving through it. On average, I'll wait 25-30 minutes with up to 15 parties ahead of me which is pretty impressive. Tip: you can write "C ok" next to your party's name if you don't mind sitting at the counter. You'll be seated faster this way. Service continues to be great even after you sit down. The waiters are friendly and attentive. What to try: Do not miss out on the French toast. What I mean by that is if your dish doesn't specifically come with it, make sure you order a half order or set up an arrangement with your friend to steal some of theirs because this toast is so good and so unlike any other. It is good in all the ways that French toast should be. It's thick and not too soggy and buttery, but still crunchy. It's an entirely new pastry of its own. I don't know how they do it, but I'm hooked! Also, they continually rotate the topping, making each French toast experience here unique. I've had a raspberry orange compote-like topping and fresh peaches on another day. Both were excellent! Also good and a nice selection of breakfast foods: the Slammin' breakfast. It comes with the famous French toast, plus eggs (nothing special) and your choice of meat (I would choose the chicken sausage -- lots of yummy flavor from the herbs). Emerald Scramble: a very large omelette with plenty of onions (beware if you're a hater), spinach, hash browns, bell peppers, and cheese. It comes with toast (plain), but not the French toast, so I usually get this with a half order. I hear the fried chicken steak is also a winner and I wouldn't put it past them, since they seem to have gotten the whole breakfast food thing down. I can't comment on the sandwiches/salads or the dinner options as I've only been here for brunch, but I think most people come here for that anyway. Mm, can't wait to be back here on the weekend!
(5)
Gentle V.

Weekend brunches are a must! Geraldine's Counter is an adorable place located in the heart of Columbia City. It's bright decor and simple, wholesome American breakfast eats make it a neighborhood favorite, especially amongst families. It's right on Rainier Ave, which is super close to Tutta Bella and Starbucks. I can typically find a parking spot on the street pretty easily, without too much trouble. One big drawback: First come, first serve during the weekends (so there's no way to make reservations ahead of time). It's always busy on weekends, and I usually end up waiting a good 20 minutes or more for a coveted table. On the plus side though, breakfast is served all day, every day! If I want pancakes and eggs for dinner, gosh darnit, I'm gonna get me some! French toast that's warm and gooey in the inside, but crispy on the outside...what more can I say? (NOM NOM). Breakfast dishes range from about $9-$11 each, which is reasonably priced. I've had the spinach feta basil omlette, french toast, and the bodacious BLT with tomato soup before, which was all generally tasty (if not pretty standard for brunch). My recommendation: Try Geraldine's Counter, but be prepared to wait on weekends, come before the mad rush, or find a lovely weekday to swing by.
(4)
Kira M.

Went between a 3-4 star with this one. I understand the hype here, cozy diner-like atmosphere, great menu options, and quick service. However in some major areas this breakfast/brunch joint was lacking. It's very loud, definitely not a place for intimate conversation. You'll find yourself yelling across the table to try and overcome the general chatter. I ordered the corned beef and hash and while the actual dish looked delicious, the flavor was lacking. I never add salt but this dish needed it, a lot of it! There was hardly any meat and chunky pieces of fat that should have given it flavor but didn't and had to be picked out. Service was fast but unfriendly and disinterested. I would be back, but maybe earlier in the morning when the food,service, and atmosphere was a bit more fresh.
(4)
Sylvia O.

I'm originally from the bay area (SF,California) and came to Seattle to celebrate our anniversary. We searched high and low for the best breakfast spot in Seattle and the resounding consensus was this place: Geraldine's Counter. I asked the waiter what was popular and he responded by saying the French Toast, so that's what I ordered. That french toast was thee BEST french toast I have EVER had in my LIFE!... Something about the texture and subtle sweetness..*sighs* It was amazing. It was so good, I contemplated coming here the next day for breakfast again, but never got around to it :( If I ever come back to Seattle again, I will be back. Make sure to expect a long (30+ min) wait on weekends!
(5)
Christine V.

The crispy French toast is what brings me back here time and time again! I've taken many of my out of town guests here and the general consensus is that we absolutely love it! You can't get this anywhere else that I know of lol! If you can go on a weekday, you can save yourself an hour long wait. Go give it s try if you haven't already!!!
(4)
Marta B.

I was hungry and I loved it. Herbed omelette with goat cheese. You have me smitten. I guess I don't require much:friendly greeting, smiles, genuine smiles, attentive server, fast food delivery to the table prepared beautifully. The end.
(5)
Lemme K.

This is a legit breakfast joint. Been here a few times but checked in for the first time. Everything was delicious and theres definitely nothing to complain about. Even the butter and jam was good. Never had a bad experience here and will continue to come for their breakfast especially their french toast.
(5)
Jim D.

Back to the Seattle reviews. I knew Geraldine's was iconic when I noticed on one of the walls a poster of a Seattle magazine with Geraldine's on the cover. Plus there was a line outside meaning a 15 minute to half hour wait. It was breakfast time on main street in Columbia City, one of the small districts in Seattle. I ordered the poached eggs with corned beef, butternut squash, peppers and potatoes. Wow great flavor and what a great breakfast. To top that off I split a coffee cake with cream cheese and raspberries. Kudos for having a large selection of teas. Friendly service and you can take out the breakfast entrees too which we did for a friend. Geraldine's was packed with customers and now I see why. Oh my, breakfasts like these are hard to come by.
(5)
Krystin T.

I love brunch, and Geraldine's was first on my list of places to hit up once I moved to the South End. We came with another couple on a Saturday morning; we arrived around 10:45 or so to a pretty packed place, but there was only a 20-minute wait. There isn't a ton of waiting space so for awhile we had to stand outside in the cold, but it's not the biggest place ever so I can understand why there isn't waiting room. We were seated fairly quickly and our server was attentive. The menu had quite a few options ranging from sweet to savory. Because I am more of a savory brunch person, I immediately gravitated toward the omelets and ended up ordering the spinach, tomato, feta, and basil omelet made of just egg whites. The omelets come with a side of hash browns and toast (I ordered wheat). All my favorite things on one plate? Sign me up! Everything was really good; the portions weren't so big as to be totally ridiculous for brunch, but they were big enough to be filling until dinnertime. I had coffee as well, because what is brunch without coffee? I loved that they provide various sweeteners including Stevia in the Raw. Everyone else enjoyed their brunch as well, and they all had rave reviews of the biscuits, which I didn't try. That's on my list for next time! Let's be real: there aren't a ton of brunch spots in the Rainier Valley. I'm really glad Geraldine's Counter is one of the few!
(4)
Jordan M.

Came here with some family because it was a highly recommended place to eat for breakfast. Got here around 11:30 and the wait was about 30 minutes, not too bad because you can walk around and check out the nearby stores while you're waiting. I ordered the Geraldine's Casserole and it was good, but it wasn't anything amazing or mind blowing. I'll admit it was a nice change because you don't find a lot of breakfast casserole's in restaurants. The other breakfasts we had at our table were pretty standard: eggs, bacon, sausage, etc. It has a nice small town, family vibe to it and our waiter was efficient and attentive. If I ever return back to Seattle and decide to make my way back to Columbia City, I think I'll try out the biscuits and gravy! I kinda regret that I didn't since that was another popular menu item.
(3)
Caitlin S.

Fun place! I got the french toast and was SO excited for it! I was a bit disappointed though when I found out that it was made with sourdough bread. Bah. I really hate sourdough bread! I really wish that they would have mentioned this on the menu. Also the service was weird...I saw multiple people with MORE people in their party get their food before my mom and I. Our server was nice though. :)
(4)
Lisa U.

Aside from the long wait, the food here is delicious and orders come out fast (at least in my experience)! The French toast here is different, the bread is thick and isn't coated with too much egg-milk mixture so it stays crispy. The fresh made compote is a great pairing. Lastly but not least, the gravy on the country fried steak is tasty! I'm usually not a fan of country fried steak but saw all the raving reviews. Geraldine's changed my mind, love country fried steak!
(4)
Iafay L.

Great food and excellent service at a reasonable price! Right off the bat, I was impressed with the balance, achieved by the entire staff, of warmth and efficiency. First was the host, Gary (turns out he's the owner), who took our name and gave us clear and accurate expectations of the wait time (about 20 minutes at noon on a Sunday), and followed up by accommodating my seating preferences without a fuss (I prefer a table to a booth). Next was the wait staff, all of whom were friendly, attentive, and patient. Our server (who's name I did not get) was playful with my 4year old son, and helped my wife navigate the extensive menu and narrow her choices. She also had no problem with my substitutions (low carb), and was back to check in about the food, coffee, and water, at all the right times. As for the kitchen, all I can say is that the food came very quickly, considering how busy they were, it was all cooked perfectly, and the flavors were fresh, clean, and delicious. The last standout was the young man bussing and cleaning. I have never seen anyone do their work so quickly and completely, while still moving calmly through the fairly large and very busy dining room. As a cherry on top, he had a natural smile at all times, and was clearly collaborating with the rest of the staff to get the most important items taken care of in turn. These folks could teach companies of any size quite a bit about culture, teamwork, and customer experience. My whole family is looking forward to our next visit, and my wife and I are excited to sample more of what they have to offer. We'll be back soon!
(5)
Theresa B.

This Place Is Really Tasty. They have Great Food I Had sasuage egg casserole bake Very Very Good. They use Fresh Food Even the sourdough Toast was Delicious. ..
(5)
Jen L.

Decided to stop here before our flight back home.. Because of all the rave reviews we decided to try this place out.. Let me just say I LOVE places that have that home town feel.. A lot of street parking and the food was on point!! I had their chicken fried steak and it did not disappoint!! It didn't taste greasy at all.. I've had some chicken fried steaks where I immediately regretted ordering it.. Not here!! If I lived in the area this would be my go to spot for a good breakfast..
(5)
Momo K.

French toast is delish! I ordered the strawberry and pear and they were both excellent. Came back a couple times after and ordered the grilled cheese sandwhich with an avocado and it was amazing. Their service is pretty good, especially for a place that is SO busy. My friend ordered the biscuits and gravy and she seems to like it. Coffee is okay, nothing spectacular. Be prepared to wait in a long line especially during the weekend rush hour time.
(4)
Kris K.

The wait not bad (:20), the food was great. Small table squished by a booth, but ok. The drinks were good (Bloody Mary rather boring, but Lucille IPA on tap a plus). Was RUDELY asked to leave as they needed to turn the table over drinking Sunday Brunch. We were there 1.5hrs, 2 full meals, 3 drinks. Left feeling very embarrassed and insulted after a rare trip into the city catching up with an old friend. WILL NOT BE BACK.
(1)
Kathy S.

I give this 3 stars only because as a senior, it's a bit pricey. Nonetheless the food is always carefully prepared, beautifully presented and choices tantalizing. When your mouth waters over more than 3 things on a menu, you know you've come to the right place. This menu has at least 5 such choices so will never disappoint. The ambiance is seattle simple, with a happy, welcoming air that brings a bit of sun to seattle's many gray days. I prefer the breakfast menu, so would stick to that as their forte. The location is fabulous in a growing old neighborhood with real character. Worth the drive to South Seattle.
(3)
Jeremy J.

Worth trying, it might become one of your regulars. Good old American cuisine, but would like to see some cornbread with the chili.
(4)
Kristin S.

Oh so good. Especially the sweet potato fries. The mac n' cheese has chili powder in it, but not like *chilies* rather like the chili powder you add to chili. That was kind of weird. Nonetheless it was full of cheesy goodness and the grilled cheese was toasted to perfection. (Noticing a cheesy theme). If I lived closer to Columbia City I'd probably put on some serious weight.
(5)
Veronica D.

Excellent! Best pancakes and biscuits/gravy I've ever had!
(5)
Stacy M.

I love this place. I've been several times for breakfast and I've never had a bad meal. My favorite is the Emerald Scramble and my hubby loves the pancakes of the day -- no matter what day it is they're always great! On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the wait is usually up to half an hour. I recommend going with a group of 4 or smaller.
(5)
Ingrid G.

Great service, excellent food, so cute.
(5)
Alicia N.

I would not recommend this place. Although the wait staff is very friendly they are short handed and it took 15mins for the drinks to come and another 30mins for the food. the food is nothing special either. It is expensive (for breakfast, charging 3 bucks for 2 strips of bacon). There dinner salads are AWFUL and everything else is just average....but EXPENSIVE for what it is. if you want a good breakfast go to MADISON PARK CAFE or COLUMBIA CITY BAKERY.
(1)
Liz M.

I liked this place...people were nice to us... we have a cute baby so that helps sometimes... but the wait wasn't too bad even for a weekend brunch-y crowd...maybe 5-10 minutes...the staff was friendly and prompt to bring coffee which is most necessary on a sunday morning...the food was good...not awesomely awesome... but a solid good... they asked us if we could scoot over one table so a bigger group could come in and we obliged graciously...it wasn't a big deal but they gave us coupons for some money off our next meal which was nice... overall i liked it and will go back and try a lunch or dinner item...plus it's in a cute little neighborhood....
(4)
Amy E.

Nice casual brunch spot. Diverse crowd (many children, many without children).
(4)
Lindsay W.

I LOVE THIS PLACE. Geraldine's Counter is as good as it gets. As a breakfast aficionado, I have been to many of the breakfast joints in Seattle. Geraldines, however, is my favorite--it's even better than the Dish in Ballard. Everything I've had has been delicious. The coffee cake, french toast and sweet corn omelet stick out as favorites in my mind. Beware of the wait, which can be up to 20 minutes. Also, they won't seat you until your entire party is present, so it's useless to arrive ahead of time to reserve a table while you wait for the rest of your crew.
(5)
Josh P.

Why the hell does anyone eat here? Service was diner-like and food was average. Prices are way too high for this place. Once again I am forced to ask if Seattleites have any taste.
(1)
Kiran C.

Vibrant Colors, great atmosphere, and tasty food without the grease. This dinner style restaurant is the perfect place for a late brunch. My friends and I went on a bike ride along lake washington and made our way here afterwards. It was about 2pm on a Sunday. This place was buzzing. We waited about 3 minutes for a table. I was excited because any place as big as this that was busy after 2 must be amazing. The first thing I noticed was the colorful decor and plates. There were 4 of us and we ordered 4 dishes to share. The tastiest was the french toast. It was basically pan fried in butter. The french toast was also the only dish that was pretty unhealthy and not a great choice if you are not sharing. The reuben was tasty and suprisingly light. The omelet was outstanding with the guac. Finally the pancakes were just like what I make at home. Overall, I was very satisfied and would go back again. I usually feel like breakfast cooking is really easy and don't go out for it much but I liked Geraldine's and hope to make my way there again. They also serve breakfast all day from what I can tell which is a big plus. Let me know if you try anything that is worth getting on my next visit :)
(4)
Christine T.

I LOVE Geraldine's Counter. I love everything from the food, to the atmosphere, to the people that work there. I'm willing to drive all the way to Columbia City from Northgate in awful I-5 traffic just to get Geraldine's Casserole. The french toast (I had it with pears and apples) is also super tasty. The jam they put on the table I learned is freezer jam they buy from Cash & Carry. We tried buying a tub from the one down the street, but apparantly they don't stock it anymore! Not sure what Geraldine is going to do about that. GC is the best breakfast place I've been to in Seattle, definitely worth the trip.
(5)
Luke H.

A very good breakfast and reasonably priced for the quality. I'm not a huge fan of lunch or dinner here but the fried chicken on Thursdays should not be missed. I am normally seated here pretty quickly even if it is crowded. The staff has been pleasant and on the ball with drinks etc. Definitely give this place a shot if you are in the area for breakfast.
(4)
Jaime G.

One of my favorite place for comfort food in Seattle. Well, Columbia City. We went here for brunch one morning. It was also my friend's birthday. There was a bit of a wait because we went there at prime brunch time on a Sunday morning. The decor is light and open, the colors bright and modern. The food is incredible. I had the chicken fried steak and eggs (yeah, I'm a sucker for Southern-style heart disease on a plate). It was everything I wanted it to be and more. The only downsides about this place are that I don't live closer to it and that you generally have to choose one thing from the menu. Everything looks good. It is the kind of joint you'd wish were right around the corner so you could go there all the time. If you live in Columbia City, you can. Otherwise, make the trek down from the City proper. You won't regret it. My friend whined about the harsh reality that he's pushing his late 30's. But I've never seen him so happy as that morning we sat there and ate a birthday brunch at Geraldine's. Nothing like comfort food to take the edge off.
(4)
Hang D.

If you haven't gone yet, you may see some similarities between GC's menu and El Greco on Capitol Hill. The same owner runs both and their very good grub here. Mostly specializing in comfort food in a very kid friendly environment. I've only eaten there four times and eat time have order the biscuits and gravy. I'm sure there are other great dishes but this one is so good, I never order anything else. The service is awesome, even when there is people out the door waiting. Its worth the wait and grab a loaf of Columbia City bread across the street while you wait.
(5)
Jeff Z.

Had breakfast here one Sunday. Busy place. Food was OK. Coffee not as good as another review made it out to be -- rather bitter. Service was slow.
(3)
Liam R.

Alright. So we went here recently for dinner and I had the wednesday special, meatloaf. Best I've ever had. Adding a star.
(4)
Katrina T.

This is comfort food at its finest. The portions are good sized, the wait staff friendly and the cost is reasonable. This is a great neighboorhood restaurant. Kid friendly.
(5)
Migs H.

I would only recommend going to Geraldine's Counter for lunch. I'm not a huge fan or Rainier Avenue, and it can get a little sketchy. We went in for lunch and it took over ten minutes before the waitress even acknowledged we were sitting in her section. The food was forth putting up with the rude waitress. Their corned beef is sooo good and I would recommend ANY burger on the menu. The menu is fresh and I haven't tried it, but I hear breakfast is awesome.
(4)
will m.

after hearing reviews of this place, i recently brought my friends here to lunch. geraldines is located on rainier avenue right in the heart of columbia city, a small little district in seattle. the place was pretty busy, which meant the food should be good. we had to wait a couple of minutes, but that was okay. while reviewing the menu i took a look around the place, it lacked atmosphere. it's a basic 40-50 seat deli-style restaurant. the menu was pretty basic, just breakfast and lunch primarily, lots of sandwiches, different breakfast items like eggs, omelettes, french toast, biscuits, etc. however, my friends and i weren't really in the mood for breakfast, so we ordered two reubens and a grilled chicken sandwich. i also ordered a biscuit so i could get a taste of the jam everyone talks about. the reuben was good, but for the price and the menu description, i thought i would get a sandwich that would be reminiscent of sandwiches served at the carnegie deli in nyc. though the sandwich wasn't as big as i thought, it was still delicious. the rye bread from the local bakery was perfectly crisped and the sandwich meat was great, not too salty, but full of flavor. the chicken sandwich my friend ordered looked good, the chicken breast was huge. the fries were good too. for our small after meal treat, we split the biscuit and spread some jam on it. i'd have to admit, the jam went perfectly with the biscuit. i think next time i go, i'll probably just order a couple of biscuits and jam. the service was so-so for our table, the server almost forgot to bring my friend's coffee she ordered. the price was a little high for lunch, after tip, was over $50. the parking is good, just pay $1 at the lot across the street. overall, i guess i expected too much from this place, it was good, but not great, but it's definitely a place for biscuits and jam.
(3)
Mikiko T.

My husband and I love Geraldine's! Breakfast and brunch: I definitely recommend getting there before 9am on weekends, otherwise the long wait time will make you cranky. I am not saying that the wait is not worth it, but we always try to get there early because we would rather not wait in line for an hour. I have had their apple cinnamon pancake, and French toast with honey peaches there, and omg, they were delicious. Their pancakes are very fluffy, light and yet flavorful. I want to know what they do to make it so delicious :) The service is usually good too. Dinner: I ordered fettuchini with turkey meat balls for dinner once before. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact they used fresh pasta, and the dinner salad had really good handmade balsamic vinaigrette. We'd go back to Geraldine's anytime! We are big fans!
(4)
Tim U.

I love this place and sometimes come here just to have the Corned Beef sandwich that is the best I have ever had. It's the cole slaw with the amazing corned beef that really make the difference. I'm not sure how this sandwich didn't make the recent issue of Seattle Met, but certainly should have, particularly since the author revised a sandwich right across the street at Lottie's Lounge. If you come for the Corned Beef sandwich have it with sweet potato fries.
(4)
Nix H.

Clean. Cool interior. Nice staff. And who doesn't like pancakes for dinner, excellent ones too!
(5)
Maren H.

Fresh food, good sandwiches and salads. My good friend and I had lunch here today and were met with friendly servers and some great food. I got their chop salad which was tasty and crisp. He got some sweet potato fries with his burger which was tasty and juicy...a bit messy but hey...that means it's a good burger in my book. I liked it enough now I want to go back for dinner!
(4)
Vicky L.

Went back for the french toasts and they're as good as people say. Thick and toasty-like and there's a different topping everyday. The day I was there, it was peaches and cinnamon. My friend and I shared one plate and it was decent enough for both of us. I also ordered a side of sweet potato fries. Yum. Eat it with ketchup for a sweet and salty taste :) And as always, the service is superb even on a busy day at Geraldine's.
(5)
Amanda Z.

You may have to wait in the tiny Bermuda Triangle at the front of this establishment to get a seat, but it will be well worth it. Behold, an unpretentious, artisan French Toast. Seriously, heaven on a plate. And, exactly why we came here. My beau got the avocado and something omelette, but honestly, after taking my first bite into the French Toast, I was a goner. I'm even trying to eat healthier, but I just couldn't stop myself from getting through the last bit of egg-battered nirvana. Mmmhmmm. Oh, I should mention that they serve everything on Fiesta plates. The whole rainbow for those Fiesta buffs out there. We sat at the bar, a great space to people watch, and our service was prompt and friendly. And, don't skip out on the bacon. Just make sure to let them know how you like it, cuz I asked for just short of crispy, and they really delivered. In essence, ask and you shall receive. Want some breakfast wine? You've got it!
(5)
John F.

I can't believe it took so long to eat at Geraldine's! I've lived in the area for 25+years, been eating in Columbia City restaurants for most of that time and just never tried out Geraldine's. Well, now I know better!!!! Stopped by after Easter service with the family for a "brunch". Both my kids had been there multiple times, so we had some good guidance on the menu. Between the 4 of us, we had 2 omelets, a breakfast sandwich (not even close to an egg mcmuffin, oh so much better) and a scramble. All were very good. You can't get a traditional omelet here. Mine was a spinach, goat cheese and tomatoes and was wonderful. They advertise that their food is all local and fresh. It certainly seemed to meet the criteria in my book. The ambiance is loud and spartan, which was no problem for us, but you should know that there are no table cloths, just formica table tops. The big question I had was where was Geraldine? Almost all the servers were male so I'm guessing none of them were Geraldine. Oh well, I liked the place anyway!
(4)
Philip S.

First time here for dinner. Service excellent. A nice overall impression and vibe. Was a bit let down by the unremarkable vegeburger. Seemed like a basic Garden Burger. There are more interesting and enjoyable versions available. Maybe something made in house? Fries were great.
(3)
Jack D.

It's a great n'hood and our server could not have been more kind. While the dÃ©cor is a little flat and lacks imagination, the food is really great.
(4)
Clint W.

This was my first time here for dinner...and I was underwhelmed. I was focused in on some fried chicken and little drumsticks were dancing around in my mind, with little wings flapping alongside them. My plate arrives with a sort of pale lump of chicken, with a small dollop of mashed potatoes and some sauteed veggies. The chicken was kind of tasteless and a bit overcooked. The meat ended up stringy and even a blast of tabasco did not bring it back to life. At least there was a good assortment of veggies, but overall, it was sort of blah. i guess I need to stick with brekkies and brunches.
(3)
Jingwen Y.

Sometimes I feel like the service in this place is either a hit or a miss but I like it enough to want to keep coming back. It's a really great brunch place and just cozy enough to have a pretty decent conversation. Food in general is tasty and you can't go wrong with anything from the menu. Not sure why I keep ordering the grapefruit juice every time I come here even though I don't like it. Hopefully now that I have written this down on the review I would stop ordering it the next time.
(4)
AlyxandraMonique S.

I came here with a friend for brunch and it was delicious. It gets crowded a bit, so try and come during times when it's not jam packed. The food served is delicious and prepared so uniquely. Though it is pricey and in an awkward business spot, it has great, fresh tasting food. :P
(5)
DeAnne E.

Popular restaurant. Gosh, why must this restaurant be so busy! I wanted to show my friend how great this restaurant was but there was a line outside the door. We were starving and unfortunately we had to pass that morning. I love the service here. I love the breakfast. There's a host that smiles and greets you. The only thing that might be a pet peeve for some people is the noise level. They have high ceilings so table conversations can echo throughout the restaurant. Other than that, it's very clean and the food is awesome.
(4)
Adriana K.

I had long been wanting to go to Geraldines after hearing the rave reviews. But the location and lines kept me away until recently - my Friend and I waited about 25 minutes (during peak brunch time on a Sunday morning) before we were seated at the counter - which was fun to watch all the action. I tried the oatmeal pancakes (was that cinnamon I noted?) with berry compote and my friend, the biscuits and gravy. I loved the pancakes - great consistency and flavor - and the perfect size. I ate most of my breakfast but didn't come away overly full - I appreciated that their portions weren't diner sized but also not so small you left hungry. Took a while for our food to come, but when it did, it was more than worth the wait! Friendly service as well - with a bright comfortable interior.
(4)
kalvin j.

Money.
(5)
Annie L.

it was recommended by a friend. it was mediocre; not worth the 30 mins drive.
(3)
Allen U.

Down in Columbia City where good restuarants are the norm--this a great hole in the wall-- try the lunch sandwiches--corned Beef @ $9.95 etc etc--a little soup @ $1.50 with some milk @ $3.00 (expensive imported milk) and you will be good--Al
(4)
M H.

Best breakfast's, fantastic french toast, pancakes and Geraldine's Casserole. However, they are popular so plan to have a long wait to be seated.
(5)
Diana T.

Let's just hit the key points here since I believe everyone knows how wonderful this place is! -Chicken Fried Steak. Oh. My. God. My boyfriend is the pickiest when it comes to his gravy and he always will ask for a sample first. Once we tried the sample it was game over. This was the best gravy ever. -The French Toast is ridiculous good. That crunch you get is rare with french toast and done perfectly. -THEY GIVE YOU MONEY BACK FOR USING CASH! So why not? Use cash ladies and gents and you'll get Geraldine's Bucks. After years of sitting on the bus passing this little spot, I'm so glad I finally got to try it!
(5)
Jessica H.

What we got: Geraldine's Casserole - Delicious. Biscuits & Gravy - This was okay. I felt like we should have added a side of sausage to this dish Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs - Yummy and oh so bad for you! Avocado & Pepperjack Omelet - Didn't try this but my friend said it was good French Toast with Blueberry Compote and Creme Fraiche - Delicious. We ate this as dessert after brunch and it definitely hit the spot. Don't even need maple syrup for this dish. Service: Good service. This place got crowded while we were there and we were never left hanging.
(4)
Rodney A.

if you don't eat pork it is not cool. no turkey sausage and chicken sausage has pork casing
(1)
Paisley A.

The french toast was a delicious great twist on traditional french toast. It's more crunchy than chewy, like a deep fried fry bread. Their toppings for french toast change daily and I had their honey peach, but it just tasted like canned peaches and I could've used more to go with the amount of french toast I had. All in all, It's such a cute space and I love the daisies in the little vases on the table.
(4)
Carmen K.

As a wise man once said "Wa-Wa- Wee-Wa" - this place is good. I live in Fremont so this was a bit of a random visit - my friend from out of town was staying nearby and so we decided to pop in for breakfast. Their menu was simple - eggs, some normal and fancy omelets, pancakes, french toast, the whole nine yards. I got the Herbed Omelet which was caramelized onions, goat cheese (mmm melty), and various herbs. Not gonna lie, it was pretty bomb. And such a nice and simple variation from normal Western or Vegetarian omelets. It came with Crispy hashbrowns (this is key - who wants to eat soggy shredded potatoes?) and your choice of toast for about 7 bucks. Unbeatable. My friend had the pancake of the day which was just their regular pancakes with fresh berries on top. The fruit was incredibly fresh and plentiful. The pancakes were REALLY good. Fluffy but not too fluffy and just the right size. BONUS: If you pay with cash, you get Geraldine Dollars for every $10 you spend pre-tax - you can use these on your next visit. For those driving, parking was a snap - had no problem parking around the corner at the 2 hour max back in spots. I don't know when I'll be able to redeem my Geraldine dollars since it's out of the way for me but if I'm ever in the neighborhood, there is no doubt I'll be back
(5)
Marina A.

This place has amazing food. First time here and I'm in love. Tried the chicken fried steak and it blew my mind. My sister had the breakfast sandwich and that was delicious. Service was friendly. I might just become a regular
(5)
Kayan H.

Came back again and had to bump up my rating to 5 stars. Yup. It's the mother of all breakfast joints for me in Seattle. Still love the french toast. Great service. eggs were perfectly over easy as requested (i've been having a hard time with breakfast places not getting my eggs right,) and the bacon is worth slappin' a cute baby for.
(5)
Ali B.

I am not sure why this place has rave reviews. I couldn't even find something on the menu that struck my fancy but I will take ownership for that. But I will say the eggs were good (but if you mess up that I think I'd probably flip a car or something) but the hash browns, my favorite thing about any breakfast, were soggy with zero flavor (not a pinch of salt really?). Even the "crispy" brown bits were rubber. The bacon was not traditional bacon (Bavarian I think) and would have served better on a sandwich then breakfast... but again our opinion. Then our seats... again not every seat in the house is like this so we just happened to wait an hour for the money seats... were on top of the waitress stand at the end of the counter. Every waiter was in our conversation, felt like someone was rubbing my back about every 20 seconds, and was all in all uncomfortable and awkward. And our counter waitress was snooty. So it was overpriced for the food and experience we received. Not for us and we won't go back.
(2)
Queen Cuisine C.

Awesome French Toast! Toppings change daily, my fave...the poached pears. Hearty food for a great price.
(4)
Melissa F.

I'm not sure it is that I've never reviewed this place, given how much I love it! There is a fair amount of wait, especially for breakfast on the weekends. I think it's worth it, personally. The french toast. Oh my gawd, the french toast. My favorite is the french toast with the wonderfully delicious and well-flavored chicken sausage, with 2 over-medium eggs, and whatever seasonal stuff they put over the french toast. I've had a blueberry compote and an apple cinnamon. The berry compote may be the best. The thing is.. It's their bread. They have amazing bread that they use for their sandwiches (I've had the chicken with sweet potato fries - awesome!) and when it's stale, they use it for the French toast. Hands-down, the best French toast I've ever had or will ever hope to have. I've dragged many a soul here to try the French toast, and I've seen the same reaction mirrored from my face every single time. My friend in North Carolina wistfully stares and curses me everytime I send him a mobile phone picture of my food there. I've also had the yogurt with fruit and granola. Delicious!! This is on my "must try" list for out-of-town friends come to visit!
(5)
RJ H.

No frills, no fuss American diner. Drink, eat, be merry. Nice folks.
(4)
Laura N.

Huge fan of the big "BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY" motto. I was in need of a breakfast - at 3pm - with my best friend. Geraldine's was fantastic - cute decor, easy street parking. Great service and a damn fine cup of coffee. I had the Emerald Scrambled Eggs and my friend had the Bacon, Egg & Arugula Sandwich. Both were very good - loved the toast and the jam too. OH - and here is a fun fact. They serve A La Mode Pie here too. The best pie in town! I'll be back. Soon. Very soon.
(5)
Cherise F.

Coming here on a Saturday afternoon, I was expecting to wait 15-30 minutes for a table. My boyfriend and I put our names on the list and only had to wait about 5 minutes because we were offered to sit at the counter. (So if you have a 2 person party you might not have to wait very long!) I didn't mind sitting at the counter because I was very hungry and didn't want to wait long. Luckily our order was taken quickly and we didn't have to wait long at all for our delicious food! I ordered the avocado and pepperjack omelet with a biscuit instead of toast and a virgin Bloody Mary. (I will admit I was excited to see they had a virgin Bloody Mary on the menu.) My breakfast was delicious: the omelet was perfect and the hashbrowns were crispy and tasty. The portions were a good size, not too large that you overstuff yourself and not too small either. The biscuit was heavenly, and I'm starting to believe over Yelpers who say Geraldine's serves the best biscuits in town. I will definitely be returning for more delicious breakfasts and biscuits!
(4)
Rachel G.

I'm a new resident of Beacon Hill and have been exploring Rainier Avenue a LOT lately. Geraldine's is an adorable diner with so many great food options, you'll want to come back every day until you've tried everything on the menu. I went with the avocado and pepperjack cheese omelet and it was perfection. Complete with pico de gallo and a dollop of real sour cream. Hashbrowns were perfectly crispy and the coffee was delicious. It might be out of the way for some, but definitely make an effort because it is totally worth it.
(5)
Rachel Q.

Service is great and food is even better!!! The French toast is a MUST. They're known for breakfast but their lunch menu is great as well! Fair warning: weekend brunch gets craycray bizzay, so be prepared to wait... More importantly, I think something has to be said about how the waitstaff are constantly filling up your water or coffee even after you've paid the bill (not that I'm a moocher or anything....). And since something has to be said, I'm going to say it: I think it's great!!!!!
(5)
Michelle H.

I absolutely LOVE this place. I come here probably about once every few months and I am never disappointed. They're usually pretty crowded, especially on the weekends but everytime I go, I'm still seated at a reasonable time. The place is lovely and has a great vibe. The service is always great and friendly. The food is a great portion and is freaking delicious. I can never choose between the Slammin with French Toast or the Chicken Fried Steak. Both are the best I've ever had. Best breakfast food ever.
(5)
Beatrice L.

I LOVE Geraldines. I live in Everett and it takes over 35 min to get to Geraldines, on avgood day minus the time wasted on trying to find parking & waiting to be setes (especially on a weekend brunch). Despite all this, I still come because i heart their food. Dishes I've tried: French toast -very different. Don't expect a soggy mess. French toast here is a crunchy baked yumminess. Toppings change weekly (or maybe daily idk). Pancakes -wow are they fluffy. I once had their banana pancakes and i kid you not, gobbled them up in 15 min. It's magical. Chicken fried steak - crispy chicken seasoned perfectly fried just right. And the gravy is so creamy, it's awesome Sweet corn havarti omelet - the flavor of this omelet is smooth. Havarti here isnt overpowering like some cheeses tend to do. It adds a touch of saltiness and complements the subtle sweetness from the sweet white corn. Even if you get slapped w a 20+wait time, ask for a cup of coffee and relax. It'll be worth the wait!
(5)
kehlee t.

It's just an Okay for me. I think my friends over hyped about this place. Food was decent. Was not bad but it wasn't the best thing I ever had. The service was so slow! I waited for about 40 minutes just for my food. The waitress said the cooks were behind but the place did not look overly busy...on top of that, they got my boyfriend's order wrong. Of course he just brushed it off his shoulder and ate the wrong order because we do not plan on waiting AGAIN for the meal he originally ordered. Eh.
(3)
Emily S.

Not a whole lot for breakfast if you are allergic/sensitive/weird about eating gluten/grains and cheese, but they do have one fabulous paleo-friendly breakfast dish that is amazing - the corn beef hash! Comes with two poached eggs on top, uses butternut squash as a filler instead of potantoes, has lots of yummy diced peppers and onions, and (best part!) it is even more amazing the next day. Geraldine's opens at 7am, so not ideal for stopping by before work, but it is never crowded early in the morning on weekdays (unlike on weekends, when you should come ready for a 10-15 minute wait).
(4)
Suz-E V.

What can I say about this place... Great Food... Excellent service... Awesome atmosphere... One of the best places in Seattle to get breakfast. Everything on the menu is delicious. You can't go wrong with this place. Their french toast is amazing!
(5)
Kevin C.

Absolutely delicious. My first time here and I had the chicken pot pie. It isn't actually a pie where you would find in a british pub, but more of a chunky chicken soup with 2 biscuits on top.
(4)
Galaxie S.

Awesome food and service. My only issue with Geraldine's is that they charge $7 for a screw driver when most of their dishes cost around $9. I will keep coming back but I won't be ordering cocktails!
(4)
Lindbergh M.

Best french toast ever! I loved their french toast and fresh squeezed orange juice that I went there two Saturdays in a row. I would go every Saturday if I could. The french toast is nice and crispy and never soggy. Their seasonal fruit toppings add a nice bit of change.
(5)
Brad W.

I usually come here for brunch and it is always delicious. French toast is interesting but awesome. Chicken friend steak is a winner here. I do want to go here for Fried Chicken on Thursdays, will repost once I try.
(4)
Kendrick R.

A caveat: dinners are a no-go here. The brunch fare will knock your socks off. Dinner: uninspired, disappointing, nothing special nor interesting, rather nondescript fish and chips, ravioli, etc. etc. Brunch: Welcome to the Arcadia of brunches. they should name monuments after the meals here. Pancake park sounds groovy. corned beef tower, yummers! the french toast needle...the possibilities are endless. i take out of town friends and family here for brunch. fresh ingredients are always a plus. the sausage comes from the butcher across the street. so the question being, why don't Geraldine's just serve brunch all day? I think Geraldine's fans would like that alot. it'd be nice to have a black-and-tan from the pub nearby, then bounce over for the corned beef/ biscuits & gravy/ pancakes / french toast. i had many a breakfast there and eating that stuff for dinner sounds good too! 5 stars for brunch/ 3 stars for dinner. Overall value: 4 stars.
(4)
Ren B.

I am from San Diego and there is a breakfast place called The Cottage that is my absolute favorite... So in visiting Seattle, I can definitely say that Geraldine's definitely meets my standards for breakfast foods! LOVE this place! And if I ever come back to visit, I am coming here again! I wasn't too thrilled with my own dish-- Geraldine's casserole. I just read the ingredients and my mouth watered, and I wanted to try something specific to the restaurant, so that's why I got it. It wasn't bad, it just tasted like any other omelette with a ton of cheese and some cream. I ate most of it, but it was definitely heavy. I was torn with what to get since I didn't see any reviews on this casserole. Still enjoyable, just not my fave. What I did keep seeing was reviews on the FRENCH TOAST...and now I know why. AAAHHHHHH-MMMAAAAZZZZZIIINNNNG! It tasted like a fancy donut, still like french toast, but I love donuts--therefore, I loved this french toast :) Everyone decided to order their own dish and then split a dish of the french toast. Good idea. I was a little disappointed that the "full size" was only 3 slices though. Really? We even clarified with the waiter. So, what the heck is the 1/2 size? It was a good thing we got the full order then to split between 4 people. Either way, everyone else cleaned off their plates of burgers, ha. Minus 1/2 star because I can't rate it higher than my fave in SD :) [they're french toast is still my #1 AND the full plate is like 6 huge slices!] Minus the other 1/2 star because paying can be difficult with groups since they only accept 1 credit card :/
(4)
Lynne D.

I look at it this way, yes... you could go to Denny's, and have an ok breakfast, with ok coffee. Or you could come here. It's colourful, friendly, the coffee is divine - the menu items (at least for breakfast) were varied. I thoroughly dove into my french toast with strawberries, and my friend totally enjoyed his Geraldine's Casserole. Our first visit, and yes, we'll be back. (tip: pay cash, you get Geraldine's dollars)
(4)
Mailani W.

I made a special weekday brunch trip down Rainier to Geraldine's. This is the ubiquitous restaurant on the corner you walk by, look inside and affirmatively think, "I bet this place serves up some gooood food." And yezz it does! From the mug of drip coffee to the perfectly cooked bacon and golden hashbrowns it's all delightful. The servers are quick and have the late-morning rush down to an efficient rhythm. I'd come eat, and plop myself up at the counter solo and feel completely comfortable anytime. My co-workers have mentioned their dinner menu is excellent too, and I bet it is.
(4)
Melissa C.

Cute neighborhood diner, It gets busy on the weekends but put your name down on the list, grab a paper, and wait it out. Really standard breakfast selection, nothing stood out. I had the biscuits and gravy...meh.. That's all I've got.
(3)
Chelsy C.

I've been here so many times and can't believe I haven't reviewed yet. Each visit I experience friendly and efficient service. Each time the food exceeds expectations. Each time I leave full and in a good mind space. Geraldine's Counter is so comfy, you have to almost tear yourself away. I like the decorations, art, big picture windows right down to the Fiestaware serving dishes. Their coffee is delicious and may I recommend their new Absolut Peppar Bloody Mary. I really enjoy the mix they use in their Marys. My favorite brunch spot in Columbia City!
(4)
Nick B.

The one major detraction from this restaurant is the wait. I know that's not really a fault of the restaurant for being so popular, but it is something that needs to be taken into account when writing a review. Anyhow, we waited for quite a while, shuffling around in the foyer trying to keep warm. It was well worth it though. The food was excellent and as close to home cooking as you're going to get. Our waitress was very friendly and always ready with the refills. This is the perfect place for a large family get together on a weekend morning. It just has that family atmosphere to it. If you're less than 4 people though, I would recommend going somewhere else just to avoid the wait. But if you're a lot of people who will likely wait elsewhere anyhow, this is most definitely a place you should stop in at!
(4)
Rrr V.

Host/ess; 3.5 Wait person: 2.0 Food: Taste, Presentation, 2.0 Property; Ambiance, Style, Decor, 2.0 This restaurant has the best location in Columbia city; corner, on the busiest street between downown and it's sorrounding lesser known commuinities like Brighton, for example. The food is nothing extra ordinary. It's been done before and not even with a special twist of anything extra that would make it worth its super exaggerated prices. Go for the crowd that hangs out there that are mainly waiting for their turn to experience mediocre food.
(2)
Jimmy H.

Pay in cash get 1 Geraldin dollar per 10 dollars you spent minus tax! I like this place because its colorful and sometimes I don't want to drive far! I like their selections and for someone I always to have grapefruit or cranberry juice because thats what the TV has portrayed when eating breakfast. Milk, water, and Juice. Curious, do you people really do that? I'm not a big fan of the french toast. To me. its deep fried bread with confectionery sugar and jam. I do like that they are accomodating adjusting their menu for me. I been on a paleo diet and for an additional 50 cents I can get a whole small slice tomato instead of bread. Score! I tend to stick to a scramble or a the spinach and feta omelet. If you're in town next time, stop by and have breakfast!
(4)
Alison V.

Brunch was super crowded. My french toast was definitely worth the wait - which was all of 10 minutes. The coffee was good too. Dining companion had biscuits & gravy which weren't as fabulous. Not bad, just the gravy seemed a bit thin. It's a great place if you're searching for a family friendly brunch place. I'd definitely be interested in trying it out for lunch or dinner sometimes. I didn't ask, but they only had virgin bloody marys on the menu which makes me presume they have none with alcohol, so if that's what you're interested in, this isn't the place for you. They did have Mimosas on the menu though.
(4)
Cassandra H.

Oh, Geraldine's. I love and miss you so. Please open in Tukwila and be my Forever Restaurant. Xox
(5)
Kerri B.

The breakfast here is to die for. Try the Geraldine's casserole. Get a biscuit. I promise you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Anna G.

I'd eat here everyday. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I want a BLT. Again.
(5)
Court R.

The star of the Geraldine's is their french toast, crunchy, sweet, and covered in fruit. In fact it was so good that after our family vacation my mom contacted them about how they make it, after several failed attempts at making similarly crunchy french toast. I had the corn & havarti scramble which was interesting, I enjoyed it but not as much as the bite of french toast I tried. My sister raved about the fresh apple juice but wasn't impressed with her biscuits and gravy. My dad and brother both enjoyed their dishes, emerald scramble and the casserole only saying they would prefer crispier hash browns. Overall a great brunch and if I were to find myself in Seattle again I would definitely return for their amazing crunchy french toast!
(4)
Lor B.

You can't go wrong with Brunch at Geraldines! Get ready for the line - but it's worth wait. I've been to this little hot spot in the past - but never got a chance to review -- Two words to remember: French Toast. Absolutely divine. Crispy and delish - topped with a the specialty fruit of the day... Also devoured the Chicken fried steak - very tasty. Geraldines is the same owner as Table 219 - and I'm a huge fan of that place as well -- tip: there is always a coffee cake of the day that is served warm.. I had the cinnamon and pecan cake as my brunch starter this past weekend and it did not disappoint. Apparently private parties can be booked here - which is really cool. I'll definitely be back soon.
(5)
Michele M.

Amazing and perfect!! Staff, atmosphere and food all wonderful!! Pancakes were above any expectation!!
(5)
Sasha K.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere... I've never had a disappointing experience at Geraldine's, and it's always worth the wait. But I'm a breakfast fanatic, and can wait a long time when I know the food is good. If you haven't eaten here yet, prepare to meet your new favorite breakfast joint.
(5)
Natalie W.

I love when something is as good as the hype and I don't have to wait forever to get in... We actually didn't have to wait at all on a Sunday about noon for brunch. The menu makes it hard to decided between ordering lunch and breakfast. I settled on a smoke salmon, goat cheese, and caramelized onion omelet while my dining friend ordered Chicken Fried Steak. When the food arrived, we both kept taking bites of the others plate because the dishes were so good. I don't think I have ever had so much quality smoked salmon present in an omelet before. FYI's~ * Our meals were around the $8-12 range with most offerings situated there as well * Easy to find on the main strip through the area * Lots of seating is a very airy almost retro sort of setting * Homestyle food with elevated ingredients and additions
(4)
Amy P.

Had a lovely brunch with a friend at Geraldine's today, one in a long line of great meals here. I got the corned beef hash and eggs and had a pancake on the side. Geraldine's corned beef hash is scrumptious, with meaty pieces of nicely cooked corned beef with very little fat and delicious veggies, potatoes, onions, green and red pepper, and some sweet potatoes thrown in there for interest. Fabulous. My friend had the french toast, one of my favorite dishes at Geraldine's, and it was covered in a warm berry compote with lots of yummy looking blueberries in it. I meant to ask for a taste, but it was gone before I got the chance. Usually when I suggest Geraldine's, I expect a wait, but we sailed in at about 12:30, and there was no line. Must have been fate. And there was always someone there with the coffee pot when my cup got low. Even better, they asked before they poured. I'd give an extra star for that alone, if I could. I'll be back soon.
(5)
Allison R.

Great service, great food and great ambiance! My favorite place for breakfast in Seattle, just make sure you get there a bit early on weekends; the line can be pretty long. I recommend the sweet corn scramble or pancakes. Always delish!
(5)
Elaine C.

Delicious breakfast on a quaint little street. It's a lovely way to begin a morning of sight-seeing in Seattle. The food was extremely good, the service was prompt and courteous. We will be back!
(5)
Megan s.

I want to love this place, the service is great, the food sounds great but so many items are so overly flavored with rosemary and thyme that it becomes overwhelming. If you love strong herb flavor then this is your place. Even the burgers are seasoned with rosemary which was a first for me. I will say that many of the breakfast items are super yummy including my favorite, french toast and the arugula egg sandwich. I have been coming to Geraldines for a while now and I just wish I didn't have a select few items to choose from.
(4)
Heidi C.

We drive over from Seatac every other weekend to have breakfast at Geraldine's. The staff is great; attentive, always interact with our toddler and laugh at my husband's silly, early morning jokes. The food is especially good. I like that they use local farmers markets to get their produce, herbs, etc. and local butcher. Our favorite is Geraldine's Casserole; an herby, cheesey, egg bake with hashbrowns and sausage. Super yum. We also substitute a flaky, doughy biscuit instead of the toast. It keeps us coming back for more! Get there early (like we do). By 9:00am it's packed.
(5)
krisztina g.

I came here a couple weeks ago for lunch and ordered a grilled cheese sandwich with tomatoes. Let's put it this way, it was worth the amount of money i paid ($7). It's one of those things that you know isn't going to be great but tastes about the amount of money you paid for it. However they do have sour cream pancakes that sounded amazing and i saw a magazine article on the restaurant that says they have great breakfast and i am willing to go back. But they are always so so busy on the weekends so you have to get there early or expect to wait! I am conflicted about what rating to give but will stick with 2 stars for now
(2)
Fumiko Y.

Hands down, they have the best FRENCH TOAST in town. It tastes like it has been DEEP FRIED! (SCREAM!) So good!!! Be prepared to wait for a long time or you get your ass up early and get there when they open. I will next time. I will TRY...
(4)
Lexi K.

I live and work in Columbia City and Geraldine's is one of my favorite places to eat there. It's just a no-frills, but upscale diner, serving yummy food. It's clean, friendly and fun. Sweet white corn and havarti scramble... I heart you. Geraldine's always loud and full of people; I don't recommend going for a lunch meeting. I think it would be hard for a vegan to find something on the menu, just as an FYI. The other week, I went for lunch. My food was delicious (as it always is), the place was packed (as it always is) and the service was friendly (as it always is). Geraldine's is a total madhouse on the weekend. I sat a the counter. From there I witnessed the staff - from cooks to dishwashers to wait staff to toast makers - work harder and faster than I've ever seen anyone work in my life. And they still managed to joke around with each other and be super friendly to me. I suppose that is just the restaurant business, but it was still awesome to behold. Thanks, Geraldine's staff. You're amazing!
(4)
L O.

GREAT brunch, homey atmosphere. The avocado omelet was to die for and my boyfriend's order of corned beef hash looked pretty tasty too. Prepare to wait for a table on a weekend morning. We met THE Geraldine and even she had to wait about 45 minutes for a table! Very kid friendly.
(5)
Tazzy P.

This is my goto spot on the weekends. I love their breakfast menu! The biscuits and gravy is so yummy! Be careful tho, it can put you to sleep afterwards and all you want to do is couch surf all day! lol I usually order the breakfast casserole and french toast, it is dynamite!!
(5)
CJ B.

I'm not sure why some folks are less than happy with dinner at G's for two reasons: First, everything on the breakfast and lunch menus is available at dinner. Second, I like the dinners I've had there. We went recently and had a yummy meatloaf special (Wednesdays) with some nicely sauted veggies and mashed potatoes and the ravioli special which again came with very fresh and tasty ingredients. The service is always friendly and attentive.
(4)
Anne N.

Great comfort food in a great atmosphere. The place definitely has that cozy-I-was-featured-on-the-Food-Network feel to it. The people were friendly and made sure to check up on us every so often. And the food? Very satisfying. Breakfast is offered throughout the day (I had the sweet corn/havarti/ herb scramble--which I thought was great but there was more cheese in it than I wanted) and my partner in crime had a Southwestern salad (looked great!). They also had meatloaf, chili, sandwiches...name a comfort food and they probably have it. Prices are from $10-15/person Another note. Don't bother trying to parallel park on Rainier. Not only is it difficult to do so but you will probably end up stopping traffic. There are many parking spots in the residential area right around the corner.
(4)
Marcos M.

Its really nice to have an all-around amazing breakfast joint in the neighborhood. I enjoyed an avocado and pepperjack omelet on my most recent visit and it was super delicious. I will certainly plan a lunch expedition soon. During my recent visit, the young woman who served me was so nice, friendly and kind. Also helpful and attentive. The only suggestion I would make is that Geraldine's offer some hot sauce besides Tabasco. Personally I love Cholula; but some Tapatio would be just fine.
(4)
Emily A.

quite possibly my very favorite brunch spot in this lovely city. everything on the menu is good, the service is quick and friendly, and the location is pretty convenient. only issue is parking sometimes, and on sundays there is a looooooong wait, but i can deal with those two things if it means i get some pumpkin pancakes!
(5)
Dusan S.

Oh hellz yes, this place is as good as I expected it to be. After visiting it's sister restaurant Table 219 many times for brunch (btw, that place just changed owners), we realized Geraldine's Counter is actually way way closer to the house and has a bigger menu. I was happy when I walked in and saw that the owner, who always worked brunches over at 219, was now here. There was a line, but they were families with kids so we kinda zoomed past it and went to the bar. My bloody mary was perfect, spicy enough and tasty! I got the spinach omelet and my fellow bruncher got the casserole. Both of our dishes were absolutely delicious. They were slammed (it was a holiday), yet our service did not lack one bit. Coffee was good and promptly refilled. Oh and also if you pay cash, you get some "Geraldine's bucks" you can use toward your next meal. I was gonna come back anyway, but this made it even better! I think I found me a favorite new brunch place for Fridays :)
(5)
Nancy B.

This was the start to a great mini Vacation in Seattle.. Great Service, Great Food!! I could not be happier... It is a must for breakfast!
(5)
Chelsea K.

Yum yum yum! My hubby and I went to Geraldine's for maybe... the third or fourth time yesterday and it was just as good as I remembered. I got the pancakes and they were so incredibly light, fluffy, and yummy! I do believe that I caught myself saying, "these are the best pancakes I have ever had." I also got a side of fruit and it wasn't one of those lame sides of fruit with tons of cantelope, a few orange slices, and some grapes. There were berries, melons, orange, and other good stuff. My husband (who is from the South) got the biscuits and gravy and he likened them to the delicious biscuits and gravy that he grew up on. We are brunch freaks and Geraldine's is one of my faves.
(4)
Dave S.

My favorite breakfast place, anywhere (except Hash House in San Diego). Unbelievable bacon from Bob's Meats, the best French toast made with bread from Columbia City Bakery and Cafe Vita coffee. Real maple syrup and fresh fruit too. Also really good lunch and dinner...great burger, great specials. The service is excellent: friendly, fast, helpful...Gary and his crew keep a great flow. On the weekend expect a wait for a table. Try it..its awesome.
(4)
Christabel F.

We came here for dinner using our Groupon. I can't speculate on any other meals but dinner. I give GC four stars because the service was excellent. Everyone working was really nice, and that means a lot to me. The food was so-so. I suspect breakfast is the sweet spot at GC. I had the turkey meatballs and spaghetti and it was just OK. I felt like the meatballs could have used some zip and they were a little dry. My girlfriend had the lobster ravioli and it was OK. I think we both thought the ravioli was a little more than al dente, almost crunchy still. It was also way too air conditioned in the restaurant. I tend to run on the hot side in general so it must have been really chilly for everyone else. The highlights were definitely the service, the strawberry lemonade (yum!) and the bigger than life banana split that we shared (but shouldn't have because we about exploded). I think we'll be back for breakfast.
(4)
Curry K.

Good food! I went for breakfast. Great atmosphere and service. Very cute overall
(4)
Jackie S.

I don't think I could live without Geraldine's, they've become a must-do part of our weekend. Go for breakfast and go early to beat the crowd. Have the french toast, scrambles, omelettes, or heck, have anything! The staff are great too, very friendly and helpful. 5 STARS!
(5)
Liz T.

I LOVE this place! Everything tastes fresh and homemade and has the right portion. The coffee is delish and the pancakes are yum! It's a small diner but bright and friendly staff. Parking is kinda hard but worth it =]
(4)
Adine L.

I really wanted to give this place five stars because the food is pretty damn good and the space is SUPER CUTE. They have really fun art on the walls and they use all local ingredients or something to that extent... I've only had breakfast and lunch there and I would imagine that if they managed not to burn the toast, which has happened every time I've eaten here, the food would be near-perfection. The service can be iffy. Sometimes it's just okay and other times it kinda blows. Maybe I've just gone on bad days; other Yelpers have said their service is great, but the last time I ate there, there weren't many people seated yet it took forever for someone to come take our order and our coffees and waters were left empty and cold for longer than I would have let them go if I waited tables there... I finally just called ahead and picked up my food but even then they burnt the bread on my B.L.A.T.
(3)
H K.

Scrumptious homemade breakfast!
(5)
Kathleen M.

I pigged out a Geraldine's for brunch recently and it was the happiest day of my life. Went on a Sunday around 2pm and it was busy, busy, busy. Fellow yelper, Nick H, and I waited about 10 minutes for a table, which wasn't too bad b/c I know it could have been worse. I adored our server. Since this was my first visit to Geraldine's she gave me some great suggestions. I am not a fan of eggs unless they are mixed with a bunch of ingredients, so our server suggested the sweet white corn, havarti and herb scramble. She then told me that she always adds avocado and bacon to the dish when she orders it for herself and asked if I wanted to do the same. Um.. let me think...YES, PLEASE! Bacon and avocado is practically my middle name! Instead of hash browns she recommended sweet potato fries and instead of toast she recommended the biscuit. This is exactly what I love about a restaurant, servers who know their menu and know what to suggest. I then proceeded to order the pancake special for the day, which was banana, two mimosas, and also helped myself to Nick H.'s biscuits and gravy. And this, my friends, is the story of how I pigged out at Geraldine's Counter. Tip: Pay in cash. For every $10.00 you pay in cash, you receive a $1.00 voucher to apply towards your next visit at Geraldine's.
(4)
Dylan J.

Been here twice now so I feel like I have a decent feel. First time I had the Chicken Pot pie, made with the most fantastic biscuits of all time. Great veggies in the broth. And the lemonade, fresh squeezed, was tart but not too tart. Splendid. One of my companions had the special Ravioli of the day and said it was fantastic. Upon my second trip I had what one of my other companions on my first trip had, the french toast. When he had it, they had put peaches on top. Mine came with a fresh blueberry dressing. At first I thought the portions looked a bit small. But holy smokes, that fried french toast was so delicious and so filling. And it needed far less syrup than I would usually apply. The fruit plate was great, the coffee was quite nice and certainly not weak, a problem that you find at some breakfast joints. My father had the ricotta stuffed pancakes, topped with fresh strawberries, and he said they were great. Prices are pretty reasonable, and parking is certainly not too much of an issue. Service doesn't blow you out of the water, but it's certainly nothing to complain about either. All in all, if you want breakfast in Seattle, at any time of the day, I'm not sure you can do better. Do it.
(5)
James P.

If this could only be in a different neighborhood... If the service could only be a bit more thoughtful...it would be a 5 for me. I went here as a guy from the rural South in search of good biscuits and gravy, and they didn't disappoint (many Seattle restaurants that try this fail). (To be clear, I'm not saying this is how it would come out in, say, Alabama, but I liked their execution.)
(4)
Mark P.

2 Stars dinner, 5 Stars breakfast/lunch. First, I have to say I really enjoy breakfast and lunch here. When i decided to try it for dinner I on Thursday for the buttermilk chicken special, I was expecting something better. It wasn't Swanson chicken bad, it just wasn't good. The chicken was unremarkable and the mash potatoes rather bland. I even wondered if they were from a mix. The broccoli and cauliflower medley was quite good. Service is always terrific. I will be back for breakfast and lunch but will probably skip the dinner menu in the future.
(2)
Jeannette C.

I wish there were half star ratings, because Geraldine's is better than OK, but I'm not quite a fan. Geraldine's is great to have in the neighborhood, and their pros definitely outweigh their cons, but if they were just a little better, I'd go there a couple of times a week, instead of one or two times a month. They're a cozy neighborhood joint that serves upscale diner fare. They use quality ingredients, many of which are locally sourced, which is awesome, but when they are busy, preparation can get a little sloppy. Service is always friendly, but when they are busy, which is often, it can be slow, and disorganized. -They have the best sausage gravy and biscuits in town. - Breakfast and sandwiches are generally better than their slightly more ambitious dinner main courses. -Their wine list is just inadequate enough that they might as well not have one. -It's annoying that they close between 3 & 5. -They could have better coffee. -They have a nice selection of teas, though. -If you go for brunch on the weekend between 11 & 2, you will have a wait.
(3)
Brian G.

Great Breakfast place. Went there this past Sunday of Labor Day Weekend for "nooner" breakfast. The wait ended up being about 20 minutes, but it was time well spent. The establishment looks small from the outside, but in reality seems to seat a fair number of people. The decor is a bit 50's kitch, but the food is all modern, classic Americana. I had a pretty standard Herbed Omelet, which came with a perfect Biscuit, and very well done classic shredded hash browns. The Biscuit was a surprise choice, because they were unfortunately out of their whole-grain-with-sunflower-seed bread. However, never a better biscuit have I had. Large as my fist, light, and flaky. Didn't even really need butter, but I didn't let that stop me. My wife had eggs and the daily pancakes (they apparently only make one batch of batter a day) which that day way a gingerbread pancake, and included some sort of really great sliced apple cinnamony compote on top. I thought my breakfast was a pretty standard (but solid) choice, but my wife scored on those pancakes.
(4)
Lauren J.

I love Geraldine's! I went here once for brunch. The restaurant is beautiful! I was just about to open a restaurant when I went here and I remember thinking I hoped it looked like this one. (It doesn't... at all.) The place is bright (when it's bright out... so maybe it's not bright). I got a great window seat. I had the Sweet White Corn, Havarti & Herb Scramble. I love me some corn so I was excited to find something so cornalicious on the menu. It did not dissapoint. So, food was good, service was prompt, and they just get a big fat 'ol HOO-RAH. Minus one star because I didn't like my drip coffee; I then noticed the Vita carafe. Vita does not tickle my fancy. Stumptown please :)
(4)
Ginger B.

This is my fall-back place for breakfast on the weekend. It's the only option my boyfriend can bring up that I will ALWAYS say yes to. I keep wanting to try the fabulous-sounding specials and the french toast, but really, I just love getting my old stand-by: the White Corn, Herb, and Havarti Scramble with fruit instead of hashbrowns, English muffin toast, and a cup of coffee. It's not fancy, but it's great food. It hits the spot, and makes you feel like a "regular" somewhere. 11 am on Saturday and Sunday is peak time, so if you go around then, be flexible and take a spot at the counter -- you'll get seated a LOT quicker.
(4)
Michael S.

Overall a nice place for brunch. The pancakes I had were good but the highlight was the bacon which surprised me. It was cut really thick and yet oh so crunchy. I'd return just for that. My girlfriend did not think much of the biscuits and gravy - she likes the gravy a bit thicker and she thought the gravy was on the thin side. She was happier though after adding salt and pepper. I also didn't care so much for the hash browns as they seemed a bit dry to me but I understand that's a matter of opinion. Service was really good - our waiter was friendly and fast. Geraldine's didn't stand out to me as being outstanding, but it was very good and if we are in the neighborhood again for brunch I am sure we'll return.
(4)
Kimberley D.

I decided to use the free rides on light rail's opening weekend as an excuse to go down to columbia city for brunch and drinking. I'd heard good things about Geraldine's Counter but I'm a brunch snob, so I wasn't expecting much. Turns out I like it too! (Disclaimer: I was drunk upon arrival. There was a wait, so we headed nextdoor so I could get a bloody mary. I discovered I needed more than one bloody mary to really get that bloody mary need satiated. However, being drunk doesn't tend to make me any less picky, just more voiciferous about my gripes ;) I came with a crew so I sampled a few dishes. I'm not a big pancakes person... usually I want a mixture of savory and sweet at breakfast, so I rarely order them as an entree. Many of them taste like mix to me anyway. However, their blueberry pancakes were quite tasty. I went with an herbed omelet and was pleased to be given the option of a biscuit. I love biscuits and there aren't enough good ones at breakfast spots. I was disappointed that the lack of bar meant no bloody mary, but my mimosa was tasty. I'll be back.
(4)
Angela N.

My first impression upon walking into the place was, "Wow, this is one of the cutest eateries I've ever seen". It's so bright and inviting and cheerful, you instantly feel at home. Service was prompt and friendly, albeit a little confused. I ordered the "Slammin'" breakfast item, which comes with your choice of sausage, eggs, and pancakes/french toast. I specified french toast, but received pancakes. A little disappointed but too hungry to care, I decided to just eat rather than make a fuss about it. The second I took a bite of the blueberry-syrupy-pancakey goodness, I praised the mistake in the order-- these are, without a doubt, the BEST pancakes I've ever had. Moist and crispy yet fluffy at the same time. Perfect sweetness. The sole downside was that there were only two; I could've easily eaten double the amount. The prices are extremely fair for the quality and amount of food you receive, the seating is comfortable, parking is easy to find (there's a lot adjacent to the building, $1 for two hours-- yes, one dollar), and they happily seated us even though there were only five minutes left 'til lunchtime ended. Definitely one of my new favorite Seattle spots, and well worth the drive.
(5)
Mags L.

I heart the chicken pot pie here. It's really scrumptious. They do a good traditional breakfast here.
(4)
Liza R.

This was amazing!!! Apart from having wonderful friends who invited me to go there, I was so impressed with the food! Atmosphere was great and staff was super friendly. I even thought to myself, "If I would work in the restaurant industry again, I would want to work here". I ordered the spiced applesauce pancakes and my friends a BLT & Vanilla Pear french toast. Absolutely wonderful. We ordered and the next thing we knew we were getting our food, talk about fast service! We stayed there for about 2 hrs without being rushed and it was so much fun. 5 stars for Geradine's!
(5)
Wayne E.

Having recently moved to Seward Park, I have become a fan of Geraldine's. Breakfast are amazing, and I will drive by just to get a couple buttermilk biscuits to go. They are the best in the city as far as I can tell. Everyone raves on the French Toast. I don't know how they do it, but the carmelization on the toast gives it an amazing crunch and texture....and it is so rich putting syrup on it really doesn't seem necessary. I will spend many days contemplating how they do it...light on batter, heavy on butter in the pan, just enough sugar in the batter to get that sweet carmelization...who knows and who cares....yum! I have tried many of the standard menu items and have yet to be dissappointed with the generous portions, balanced flavors, and great service.
(5)
Chris M.

One of the best breakfasts in town. That's why there's always a line out the door during weekend brunch hours. Show up early and get a good seat or show up late and sit at the bar. You're always going to get good service and delicious food on the fly.
(5)
Angie S.

Our visit was 11:20am on a Thursday. We opted to wait for a window seat - took all of 6 minutes to clear the table, so no big deal. Was greeted by our waitress immediately & order taken. "Two Chicken Fried Steaks, please. One with eggs soft & one with tomatoes because of egg allergy. Just water, thanks." Was a moderate wait considering the amount of people being served int he restaurant. It was hopping! The waitress set down 2 HUGE chicken fried steaks with tasty hash browns and eggs! (Well, mine was tomatoes & they were HEAPING!) Taste? Oh man... a scrumptious hint of rosemary in the gravy & the steak was cooked to perfection. Bravo! Hash-browns were browned nicely & accompanied the dish quite nicely. Am still at awe as to how many tomatoes I was given -- a whole one sliced! Other places have given me 2 to 3 slices. No skimping here. Despite the crowds, our waitress did a good job. She was filling coffee cups up in a timely manner for other tables, but we never got a water refill. I admit it. I went to the counter & asked for more water... Oh well. Super friendly staff, tho! Food: 5 Stars Service: 3.8 Stars Definitely going back ;-)
(4)
Me H.

One of my favorite brunch stops. Service is very friendly and the food is flavorful and fresh. I've never had a bad dish from Geraldine's but I've only ever had brunch there not sure how lunch or dinner are. The one downfall is that there is always a wait and really no room inside to wait when it's crowded so go early or just expect to wait a while for a table. *Update 01/29/07* Over the weekend I went here for dinner and tried their mac and cheese and it was completely different from any of the other man and cheeses I've tried. They add tomato's to their which gives it a nice fresh taste along with cut up jalapenos that give it a nice kick. I really enjoyed it even though it had that greasy cheddar cheese film to it that just made it shiny too. If you like Mac and Cheese try theirs it's different but tasty. I almost forgot get the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert too the cake is from the Macrina Bakery and so good and chocolaty and yummy and wonderful all rolled into one.
(4)
Denice R.

To enjoy breakfast, a bold cup of coffee, and fanciful conversation with a good friend is what I enjoy. The environment at Geraldine's Counter feels too obnoxious. It's not set up for many people waiting for tables so folks spill into the restaurant around seated tables which really irritates me. I like "lively" but when lively turns to obnoxious I wish I went someplace else, especially when the menu is on the pricey side and the food isn't fabulous enough to take my mind off the people standing around me and giving me The Eye so I'll hurry up and clear a table. I've experienced MUCH better breakfast venues.
(2)
Adriana R.

The BEST biscuits and gravy and fresh squeezed orange juice!
(5)
Jennifer G.

I went for breakfast. Oh dear God, the french toast. Go, now. Please. I'm telling everyone. If you haven't been, I'm telling you too.
(5)
Amy B.

I am a fan of Geraldine and her Counter. We love brunch here and recently came in celebration of L's 29 +2 Birthday. We arrived around 10:45 and had a bit of a wait. We were 8th on the list but were able to enjoy the corner with all the other hungry brunchers. We were seated within 20 minutes and were greeted warmly by our server. Half of us ordered coffee (strong, black, and hot) and the other half enjoyed Mimosa's. I was in the Mimosa camp and had a lovely citrus effervescent beverage experience. I had an order of the counter special - eggs any style, toast, chicken-sausage, hash-browns, and fruit. Delicious at $8.50. The toast is from fancy crusty bread, my scrambled eggs were fluffy and hearty, and I very much enjoyed my fennely apple chicken sausage. Others in my party ordered biscuits and gravy (thumbs up), and the breakfast casserole. Everyone was very pleased with their order. We thought that the hash-browns might have been better had they been a bit less peppery. I love the sense of community that I feel when I dine at Geraldine's. Everyone is kind of scoonched in to a bright and cheery space. The decor on the walls is fun and it certainly perks you up for the rest of the day (or maybe that was the Mimosa!)
(4)
Terri L.

I love their oatmeal with fresh fruit. It was so good and well worth the 15 minute wait. My friend had the pancakes and said that they didn't even need syrup. The staff are very friendly and attentive. If I am ever in the Seattle area I will definitely go back.
(4)
Michelle B.

A solidly average diner serving up traditional American fair in a clean and friendly environment. The Mac N' Cheese was interesting since it had a bit of spice in it, but it's not something I need to order again. The cheeseburger was good, like every cheeseburger should be. Now, the French Fries - those were good! Geraldine knows how to make some tasty fries. She may want to work on her tartar sauce making skills though. If you get a hankerin' for some homecooked food you could definitely do worse than Geraldine's Counter, but with a bit of effort you could probably do better.
(3)
J R.

Worth the the wait. Likely a top brunch destination for the Seattle area. We came for brunch just before noon on a Sunday (date of my review). This was our first trip to Geraldine's and to Columbia City. This corner diner in the old neighborhood center is a great spot for good food, friendly service and people watching. The diner has bright walls, big windows and a nice open feeling, not too cramped like other diners. Likely the norm for this place on the weekend, a good crowd of folks waiting to be seated was found outside the door. We put our name on the list and walked to the north end of the block to get a SBUX fix while we waited. Once we were called, it was quick with the ordering and beverages. the apple juice is so delicious. I ordered the Geraldine's Casserole and substituted a biscuit for my toast because I eyed the pile of big fluffy biscuits coming in the door. My better half ordered the avocado pepper jack omelet. Even though there was a little mix up that caused my order to come out a few minutes behind, everything was delicious. My order was large enough to share and I ended up taking a little more than half of it home. I definitely recommend Geraldine's and will probably revisit for a dinner or lunch.
(4)
Shane M.

I tried the french toast. With the honey peaches and I Jizzed. In. My pants.
(5)
Ariana J.

super good! yummy pancakes, good service, short wait time.
(5)
Graeme G.

The food is awesome. The place is bright and clean. The staff is great and has always been friendly. Like other super popular restaurants in Seattle, there can be bit of a wait, but it seems to always be shorter then what we expected. Our son loved the mac and cheese.
(5)
J J.

I love their casserole, meatloaf, and the Thursday's special, fried chicken! Great service. It is a comfortable place to spend an hour.
(5)
Kira T.

We've only eaten here once, but we'll be back. I perused some of the other reviews - particularly the one-star reviews - before setting down MY humble opinions, and I'll say right up front that if you don't get in EARLY on a weekend, yes, the one-star contingent is correct. You will wait a long time, on the sidewalk, with a bunch of yuppies. We'd cruised by several times before deciding to eat here, and part of our game plan was to get in just as the doors were opening. Did that, got seated, and of course the whole Endless-Wait-For-"Just"-Breakfast-Food thing couldn't happen. We got a whole booth to ourselves, the place was relaxed, and the service was very efficient. That might break down later in the day, if it gets crazy. Dunno. Another observation: this place is very kid-friendly. As in, they've got special place mats, and crayons, and no one seems to even turn around to glare when a sprog starts screeching, or a "little Princess" comes shyly over to your table to show you her tiara. I am a decidedly not kid-friendly person when I am spending money and expecting an adult experience. Despite that, and despite the plethora of kiddies who showed up to eat, I still liked Geraldine's Counter, so it must have been the food. Okay - the food. Breakfast food is inexpensive to make at home, so when going out, I look for value for money - huge portions, or dishes I can't/won't prepare at home. So far, Geraldine's seems to fit that bill. The food is fresh, locally sourced, and very "clean" as Russell puts it. The portions aren't huge, but they're large enough to fill you up, and didn't start me doing irritated mental calculations about how big the profits must be on such petite platefuls. A nice balance is struck here, my friends. Russell got his usual - an egg whites only omelette, toast, hash browns, and bacon. There was NO FUSS about the whites only omelette - BIG score for Geraldine's. Everything was hot and fresh and tasty, the bacon was thick-cut and yummy, there were no odd flecks of stray food from the flat-top in the omelette, and his orange juice was fresh. I got the corned beef hash, which comes with two poached eggs and a side of toast. I recommend what I got, the sourdough, because the slices are very thick and it's grilled! Yum. Most excellent when topped with the fresh raspberry jam that's already on the table. Not to mention the real butter they serve. But the hash, while tasty, wasn't "corned beef hash" in the traditional diner sense. I recommend it, but I need to describe it. Textbook corned beef hash is made of shredded or finely minced ingredients - corned beef (duh), onions, peppers, potatoes. Geraldine's version is concocted of quite largish chunks of potatoes, green and red bell peppers, onions, and tomatos (I think), sauteed together with chunks - 1/2 inch or more on a side!!! - of, well, I thought it might be roasted pork. I don't know what it was! It was REALLY tasty. But instead of a hash-like texture, with very salty shredded or crumbled corned beef, you get a piecey, chunky texture, featuring big, recognizable hunks of browned, juicy meat. Endless cup of Joe was hot and strong and fresh. Cream seems to be half-and-half. High marks. Cute tableware. Nice decor. Like this place a lot.
(4)
Whitney F.

Mmm, bacon. When I think back on my visit to Geraldine's, two things stand out. The first is how thick, flavorful, and crispy the bacon was, and the second is that I can't wait to come back for the French Toast. We popped in here on a whim after the Georgetown market, because I thought I had heard of this place being really good. And it still exceeded my expectations! The concept is relatively simple, a come-as-you-are, neighborhood diner. What makes it stand out are all the details: the decor is bright and welcoming, the staff are exceptionally friendly, and the everything on the menu you could find elsewhere, but it would only taste half as good. We had a seat at the far end of the countertop, so we watched all the food leaving the expo station. All of the salads were piled high with more goodies than lettuce, the sandwiches and burgers were thick, with plump, toasted bread, and the breakfasts were hearty and fresh. We split a BLT and the Southwest chicken salad. The BLT (mostly due to the bacon) was rock star status. Not to mention the fries - not too thick, not too thin, and not too salty or bland. The salad was alright, pretty basic for a Southwest chicken salad, but the dressing was a housemade chipotle mayo that I ended up dipping all my fries in, it was so good. Great, great place for a casual but out of the ordinary meal.
(5)
Doug M.

Gotta give it up for Geraldine's. bacon egg and arugula sandwich was awesome. Server couldn't have been nicer. Definitely coming back.
(5)
Bubba G.

I've been here twice. Once for breakfast on a weekend, and once for dinner on a Friday. Breakfast: About a 10 minute wait for a party of five. I had a very solid plate of bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and toast. Not huge portions, which I consider a good thing. Yeah, it's nice to be well fed, but I tend to eat smaller meals more frequently. The other breakfasts at the table were good (omellettes, scrambles, great coffee cake, etc.) Dinner: My partner really wanted the fish and chips, but sadly, so did everyone else that day and they were out. She settled for a half order of french toast, a side of hash browns, and a beer. I had a burger with bleu cheese and fries. My burger was great. Good quality meat, generous amount of cheese, sweet grilled onions. Not the best I've ever had, but still very good. Back to the french toast, though. Holy moly, if you haven't had deep fried french toast I think it's about time you tried it. I managed to pry one bite away, and it was pretty incredible. I think the greatest thing about Geraldine's is the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere they have created. Friends and family, young and old, hip and square, Geraldine's is a great place to share some good food.
(5)
Michelle R.

I live in West Seattle and I consider Geraldine's the "Greek diner" plus plus you have down the street if you have lived in Manhattan. On second thought, the food is far superior - it is actually wonderful. The diner piece is the comfort of Geraldine's. It is a blast for breakfast, a wait even if you come right when it opens. But the staff is professional and fast and one always feels welcome. It is a great fallback for good food at reasonable prices for dinner when I don't want to cook and I just want a really super pleasant experience. I love this place Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The french toast, the coffee cake, the bacon, the BLT...almost everything is extraordinary. As you can see, most of these reviews are 4 or 5 stars. I don't get the 3 star posts. I eat out almost every night and lots of lunches and breakfasts. They know who they are and they deliver consistently, day in and day out! Oh, and the kid watching is an added bonus. Lots of adorable babies and parents who are super respectful of their childless dining compadres!
(5)
Cindy M.

Wah Wah Wah Waaahhhhh I came here for a second time and boy did it suck. Our food was terrible. Chicken fried steak and biscuits and gravy were pretty foul tasting. We didn't bother complaining, we were hungry. Service was slow. I guess they are just inconsistent... which will most likely keep me from coming back. Oh well.
(2)
Jovonne B.

We went here on a Groupon and I heard from some people how this place was so good. The food was terrible. First, it took over 35 mins to get our food. I would have walked out but I had to use my Groupon. Second, the food was bland and tastless. I ordered the Meatloaf with potatoes and it was Safeway meatloaf with salsa and fake potatoes. The other person ordered the southwest salad and it also was bland. How do you ruin salad? Then when we asked for the check and the waiter farted when handing us the check. My guest got disgusted and left. I tried to fan the smell away with the napkin, but no avail the place is to small. I left the Groupon, the check, and the money. I did not come back for the change I just wanted to go. I still have one Groupon left to use and I cannot give it away.
(1)
Chanelle G.

This is the first place I have been to where I have actually been able to taste the difference purely due to the quality of ingredients used! The raspberry coffeecake was amazing... super warm and almost custard-like. My mom had the Emerald Scramble... I couldn't stop eating it! And the toast.... wow! I am pretty sure it was sourdough, but it was thick and perfectly toasted. The preserves on the table went along deliciously with the toast. My husband has the biscuits and gravy. The gravy was on point along with the biscuits which is always super important to the both of us. My sister had an omelet that had sour cream, pico de gallo, and avocado. That was also very tasty. I ordered the french toast which was topped with mixed berries. It was very different than any other french toast I've had and was so good. My only complaint was the portion. I was asked if I wanted a half or full order, I opted for the full. When I got it, it was three small pieces. Let me just say... I cannot imagine what a half order would look like although I really believe I was given a half order by mistake! Thankfully my mom's scramble was so big she couldn't finish it so I helped with that :)
(5)
Jennie M.

The food in this diner is so amazing that my Dad insists on we eat at least one meal here every time he visits from out of state. The breakfasts are classic and delicious, the service is quick and friendly, and the ambiance is a fun fast paced diner atmosphere. Oh and for us carnivores? The bacon is to die for! :-)
(4)
Mandy S.

I was intrigued by this cafe for some odd reason..and on my way to Empire Espresso, I noticed this on the corner!! The line was long but it was worth it :) I ordered the Slammin' which is a generous size of eggs: scrambled: tastes really beaten if that makes sense chicken sausage: really good spices not a patty, but a link french toast: todays special was fresh strawberries on top pineapple and orange slice on the side what I found unique was the french toast..the texture of the dough was similar to a chewy donut..with yummy maple syrup. I believe it's deep fried. PS portions are pretty BIG. so save half for later ;)
(5)
Stacie K.

Met a great friend and her baby daughter here for lunch. Menu was impressive, lots of yummy choices. She asked if i had ever been there before...uh. No. She said it was mandatory that i ordered bacon. Twist my arm. So I ordered scramby eggs, biscuits, gravy, and a side of bacon. Artery clogger breakfast. Holy schnikes! Everything was AMAZING. Go Eat there. Eat all of the things. You will be a better person afterwards.
(5)
Theresa P.

Came here for brunch early this year. It took a while to be greeted, but is understandable considering how somewhat busy it seemed. The seats were packed at the time and the wait was a lot longer than expected. The food was decent. Tried the casserole (was a bit on the cheesy side, but overall pretty good), French toast (was very tasty), and the Spinach Feta & Tomato omelet. The omelet consisted of a good portion but became very cold in just a few minutes. The service was a little under mediocre. The server didn't seem too patient and not very welcoming, but he did the minimum to do his job. He did check on our table once, but it would have been nice to receive friendlier service. I'd rate the cleanliness a 5/10. The counter right by my table made me feel to be inhaling dust, and also 3 utensils from our table had residue. It was an OK experience overall, but I wouldn't willingly come here again!
(3)
nate c.

Always good. Excellent service. Excellent food. They even make their own fresh squeezed OJ! The French toast and chicken fried steak are highly recommended!! Expect to wait for a table, especially in the weekends.
(5)
Ken L.

Good coffee and that really sums it up. Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs. The gravy and two stacked pieces of chicken fried steak just didn't go well together. The gravy was a bit watery with ground beef (?) cooked in it. I don't think that gravy should be eaten with anything. Eggs and hash browns were so-so with a piece of watermelon and an orange slice. Corned Beef Hash. Asked for onions to be added. The corned beef chunks were quite tender and enjoyable, however the rest of the dish (a la potatoes) really didn't mesh with the beef. The dish came with eggs, an English muffin and again the piece of watermelon and an orange slice. The decor is colorful and bright with friendly waitstaff. The prices for the above are much higher than I would like to pay for an average breakfast as I left unsatisfied and pretty much unhappy.
(3)
Jennie C.

this place was bustlin at 9am on a saturday morn! good indication that it's good food. sat up at the counter and between the three of us, ordered the: chicken fried steak, french toast, and havarti egg scramble w/ herbs + hash. my main focus was the scramble and it was good (portion size was good too). had a few bites of the french toast - it had a crystallized sugar coating and tart berry topping (compote?). chicken fried steak was doused in an ocean of gravy. charming and quaint place with colorful plates and that family diner feel. waitress was kind, coffee + water always refilled. everyone working hard to fulfill your eating needs! we appreciated it lots. would come back against if it weren't so far!
(4)
Ricky M.

The place makes a pretty rad breakfast. It gets very busy though, be prepared. Unlike other places that are busy, Geraldine's actually is very efficient and they can turn over the tables quickly without making your dining experience feel rushed. I had an omelette that was soft and silky, it was probably cooked as well as one can be cooked. I recommend this place for sure.
(4)
Brittany C.

Such lovely service - Thank you Christina!!!! - and everyone else too! Delicious food. A home away from home.
(5)
Aimee K.

Do I have talent or what? We were randomly considering a breakfast spot and I remembered I'd bookmarked this place not long ago. We headed over and Rainier Ave was taped off. It's local parade day! Very crowded! So this is why traffic was light coming over. Did not anticipate. Want... to... run... away... but no. We were hungry! We managed to find parking anyway off Edmunds for $1. (Seriously, when did you last get away with 2 hour parking in a crowded Seattle 'burb for that much?) We spotted Geraldine's right away and were able to grab two spots at the counter immediately, even though it was pretty crowded. Woot. I targeted my 2 eggs and hash brown special with chicken sausage as it is my brunch tester dish and my SO picked out the buttermilk pancakes. The place is brightly lit and clean for those of you out there that care about that sort of thing. The service is attentive, warm and friendly but not hanging over your shoulder which is annoying. The food came pretty quickly, but here's my disclaimer on the 3 stars when so many before me have given this place 4 or 5. Zagat, apparently, included. Note ahead of time if a new place is known for its decadence. Biscuits & gravy. French toast. Which Geraldine's is. Don't get me wrong. It's good. The hash browns were good. Eggs were done over medium the way I like them, not too runny. Boyfriend's pancakes were nice and fluffy and the fruit looked nice and fresh. But nothing to distinguish itself from other breakfast joints, unfortunately. The parade provided great people watching opps, but no fair including that in the star score! Stand by for more...
(3)
Chad O.

Upscale breakfast/diner joint. Totally worth it. Been back 2 or 3 times when visiting family in Seattle. Food is consistently done well. Most of the breakfast dishes have some twist to them (e.g. butternut squash in the corn beef hash). You cannot really go wrong with anything on the menu. Just be sure to expect that 'twist' rather than a classic. Also, wait times can be a real challenge at peak times; try to go during off hours (i.e. not Sat/Sun morning. Showed up with the extended family of 10 including an infant and toddler on a Tuesday morning. Took 10 minutes to free up 3 neighboring table that could be pushed together. Managed to order and eat in an hour still, in order for some of us to catch a plane. I had the special egg scramble with pesto, sausage, and asparagus, delish.
(4)
Angelica F.

Love this place!! The French toast is hands down the best in Seattle! I also like that they offer a smaller size if you just want a taste. The cornbeef hash is really good too! Always hard for me to decide between which dish to order. They also have a pretty good burger (add the bacon!) that I'd recommend. Love the colorful plates and the restaurant is very inviting. Watch out for the lines on the weekends especially for brunch! The service is prompt and the staff super friendly. If you pay in cash they'll give you a "Geraldine $1" that you can put towards your next visit. So happy to have this place in Columbia City! If you haven't been here yet, definitely check it out.
(5)
Kat P.

The reviews were spot on ... Delicious breakfast entrees using fresh ingredients. Just moved here from Arizona and brother said I had to eat here. Coffee is strong and robust. Recommend: herb omelet (add salmon), corn beef hash (meat is super soft like pot roast), French toast. My new favorite neighborhood breakfast joint :)
(4)
Brooke M.

Perfect chicken fried steak. The sausage gravy is so delicious. This place is the bomb.
(5)
Abbygail E.

My friend and I had lunch here after a few hours of shopping and had no complaints. I love the decor of the restaurant because it's so bright and cheerful, yet tastefully done. I love how there is a flower on every table. The waiters are friendly and will fill up your water glass every chance they get. I ordered the chicken pot pie (chicken soup with two biscuits as the "crust") and it was good (nothing special), along with the special of the day: French toast with strawberries. And wow was it great. Next time, I know to just get a full order of the French toast, skip the pot pie and dive straight into crispy, buttery, toasty goodness. My friend ordered the BBQ sandwich which came with fries and slaw and it was gigantic. Be prepared for a saucy, sloppy meal and have napkins on hand. Order it and you will not leave the place hungry. We loved the music playing in the background as well! I'll definitely return to try more of the menu and fill up on that yummy French toast.
(4)
Sarah V.

Pretty epic grilled cheese. Everything else is OVERRATED. Go to Portage Bay or the Dish instead.
(2)
Kat A.

I love this spot! My boyfriend and I come here semi-regularly for dinner, though I always get breakfast. There's usually no wait for dinner when we go (6:30/7PM), but on the weekends this place is packed! Most people end up waiting at least 30 minutes for a table on a good day so be prepared. Maybe stop at the Columbia City Bakery first to grab some coffee for while you wait. Highlights: Strawberry lemonade (it's tart but delicious), the ever changing french toast and pancakes of the day, fried chicken Thursdays (they sell out, so get it while you can!) Bonus Tip: Bring a sweater, it's usually freezing in here
(4)
Jackie S.

We stayed in Beacon Hill and received the recommendation to eat here. The line wasn't too bad for brunch - about 15 minutes or so. Breakfast or lunch options were available. I thought the breakfast was okay. My husband had the chicken fried steak, and I had the spinach, feta, tomato omelet. Both came with crispy hashbrown. I really enjoyed the biscuit, which was warm and buttery. The homemade jam was also delicious. I thought the service was fine.
(3)
David E.

Have not been here in a while and had an urge. This is still on of my favorite breakfast spots. The chicken fried steaks is one of the best and we shared an order of the mac and cheese, I like the jalepeno kick to it. Great coffee and great service. Still a five star
(5)
Nneka I.

Service was alright! Food was even better. I got the BLT with fries and my bf got the apple cinnamon on top of French toast with scrambled eggs. Everything tasted great. My new breakfast spot!
(5)
Kathleen C.

Cute spot in Columbia City. Daisies in glass vases on table tops. Exposed bricks on one wall, bright colors on another. Also, extra points for playing 90s R&B! Doesn't particularly fit the decor of this place, but reminds me of my days growing up :) Busy spot though, so expect a wait for weekend mornings, but that's the same for all the other brunch places in town. Food: I used to always get the Corned Beef Hash. It's chunks of beef as opposed to ground up meat. I also like the Geraldine's Casserole. Biscuits and Gravy was just ok though, wouldn't get again. They serve hash browns here! Yay! For some reason, a lot of places I've been to lately don't. It's always just "potatoes." The food is def more traditional brunch-type of foods, but better quality/presentation than a diner. Prices: Right around $9-$10 per brunch entree. Very reasonable. This should be NORMAL, but a lot of other places (non-diners) charge a few dollars more, and then of course a handful that dip into the mid to high teens, which is kinda hefty for a brunch, in my opinion. Not that it stops me from going...sigh. haha.
(4)
Megan M.

Always busy, even for Monday brunch. Food was fine, I enjoyed the daily special scrabble albeit pretty straightforward with sliced chicken sausage and eggs (perhaps more inventive?) and opted for biscuit buy up ($1) option. This is what made me do three stars. It was barely baked and not golden brown- I really think a brunch focused place should nail a biscuit. Very nice staff and the cup of coffee was on point for a diner.
(3)
Stephanie P.

We came here for breakfast this morning, it was super busy but we got seated quickly. The food was amazing! I had French toast and my friend had pancakes. The French toast was thick and crunchy, so good! The pancakes were fluffy and so yummy!
(4)
Sue W.

My first time going and I would go again!!! I tried the Mac and Cheese it so so YUMMY!!!
(5)
Mitch N.

Breakfast at dinner time. When that is an option, you know nothing can go wrong.
(4)
Paul Q.

I thought that this would be one of those over-hyped and overrated breakfast/brunch places, but I am glad to say I was wrong. The ambiance was light and casual and the colorful decor from the plates to the painting made the dining experience very pleasing. At 2pm on a Sunday, we still had to wait to be seated but it was quick. I was craving for some Indian and grilled chicken this day, but my gf does not like Indian so we ended up here. To my surprise, they offered grilled chicken with mango chutney dressing salad- way to satisfy my craving hitting two birds at one stone. I must admit, I have eaten tons of salads and this was one of the best. The mango chutney dressing paired perfectly with the tartness of the apples and grapes, elevating the dish to a class of its own. It was just a simple salad with greens and fruits but the the kick from the chutney and the crunch from the apples transformed the dish to another level. The toasted bread that came with it was so good too! Crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside. My girlfriend just had the BLT. She totally loved the french fries! I tried it, and the fries were pretty amazing. The bacon was thick and crunchy. If a place can make a simple BLT that good, that says a lot. Their coffee was from Cafe Vita and they were so generous in refilling my cup. I needed several cups of coffee that day and they satisfied this need too! They even sent me a to-go cup of coffee! Fabulous!! Service was just on the slower side, but this place is legit! The servers were friendly too!
(4)
Noralis R.

Really good breakfast/brunch and amazing service! I have been there only once but i want to go back and order their French toasts! Good coffee too! During rush hour is a little loud and busy but the staff was nice and we only waited for 20 minutes maximum.
(5)
Lea A.

All right, peoples. If you want to try this without the "hassle" of waiting for breakfast/brunch lines--have breakfast for dinner. Serious. Excepting weekends where they close early--3pm--and Monday when they're closed completely, they open until 9pm and they serve breakfast ALL DAY. I don't care, I can definitely have french toast and eggs in the evening. And have. Amazing. And it's totally a different atmosphere in the evening, too. Super laid back! Still beautiful interior, nice service... just... loads calmer than the breakfast/brunch crowd. :) Still, I am the type of person who enjoys a little bit of hustle-and-bustle so I have ALSO waited in line on a Saturday for brunch. Usually there's room on the bar, so I enjoy eating on there to sit sooner. Anyway, is it the best breakfast in Seattle? I don't know about that, but it's DAMN GOOD. They do the classics really really really well, and then they rotate "twists" each time. For example, they make compound butter instead of regular butter and the flavor changes. Last time I was there, it was peach flavored. Amazing. Ditto for their coffee cake--rotating cake flavors! Ditto for the fruit toppings. So even if you go again and again, it feels just that little bit fresh and new. It's consistently good.
(4)
Kim D.

FOOD: Ordered chicken fried steak ($10.75) and French toast (8.95). Also got extra biscuit ($1 each) and a side of gravy ($3). Let's just say this is one of the best chicken fried steak. There has been no comparable restaurant in the state of Washington! The pork gravy was delicious. Tasty and meaty. The chicken fried steak was cooked perfectly. The hash browns was crispy and perfect. The portion of the hash browns are a little less then other breakfast joints but a good amount. It balances with the items on the plate. It also comes with eggs which is cooked perfect. The French toast was DELIGHTFUL! But definitely not light. It could use a touch of more cinnamon but this is one of my favorite French toast. It's very crispy and oily. It almost came with a berries compote. I would ask for it to be on the side next time so the French toast won't get soggy but definitely worth coming back for. The biscuit was heavier then expected. It was very filling and you can taste butter in every bite. It complements the gravy perfectly. SERVICE: Great. Didn't fill up water promptly but the gentlemen serving was very nice and happy. PRESENTATION: The atmosphere is hit on. The pale yellow walls brighten up the whole restaurant and makes it very inviting. I like the brick wall too. It adds great texture to the restaurant. It felt very clean and the tables have a cute vase with pretty flowers. Love the interior! LOCATION: Corner of Rainer and Ferdinand. Street parking for 2 hours for free. Plenty of time or there is a parking lot around the corner for $1 an hour. Would I come back? Most definitely!! ADVICE: Don't pass on the chicken fried steak and French toast! And the biscuit... Don't even think twice! (If you like a dense, buttery biscuit that is)
(5)
Lauren L.

After seeing posts on fb and positive comments from friends, we made our first visit today. Service: Friendly, attentive, efficient Wait for a table or counter is around 25 min on average. Food: The best French toast this side of the Rockies! Fresh peach syrup and topped with fresh peach slices today. Chicken sausages were outrageously delicious. Eggs were average--but how can one make those exciting? Atmosphere: Casual, cozy, warm Prices: Competitive Location: On the corner of S. Ferdinand and Rainier. Street parking. We shall return.
(4)
Jackie D.

I really love the food here! Every time I go the food is always fresh and takes really fast to come to my table. Today I got the biscuit and gravy which was excellent! I just wished they put more sauce on the biscuit.The French toast which I think is way better than Portage Bay! The French toast is crunchy yet has a soft interior!! The fresh fruit on top is the best part! The reason I'm taking off a star is because of the service, our server came to our table a total of 3 times. Some lady dropped off our waters, then our server came minutes later to take our order, she came and gave us the food and left. She didn't come back to refill any water or check if we needed anything else. This is such a disappointment when the food is so good.
(4)
Kellen C.

Nice place to have a quality breakfast when in the CD. Service and food was good not to expensive and trendy. Free parking available and never had to wait to be seated.
(4)
Georgie M.

This place feels like the neighborhood diner that you just walk in and take in all the bustle and activity happening around the place. You soak it all in and suddenly you feel really alive. Went here for brunch on Saturday morning. Walked in and the place won me over with the way you can just walk over to the wait list and add your name to the list. Simple and really cool. The ambiance is simple and the place is well lit with a lot of natural light and sitting the bar counter you get to see all the hustle and bustle inside the kitchen. For food we ordered the French toast, a side order of bacon, a side order of biscuit and gravy, and emerald scrambled. The scrambled was good but the French toast was one of the best I have had with the bread being amazingly crisp on the outside which was served with a topping of cinnamon apple - absolutely exquisite, the bacon and biscuit and gravy sides also deserve a special recommendation. The bacon was think and cooked just right not too crisp not too soft and the gravy was simple and delicious. Ordering just would definitely not something I would rule out for the next time. The service was spot on. My friend added sugar free to hear coffee and they replaced the cup and poured a fresh cup without any hesitation. They were upfront with their recommendations and it was great. No frills just simple and efficient service.
(4)
Chandini S.

I worked in Columbia City when Geraldine's first opened, and I spent quite a lot of time there. I now live in the Central District and am filled with glee whenever I come back to visit. Yesterday I had the french toast with cinnamon apples, and it was amazing. I don't know what they do, but their french toast is the best in the city. My lunch date had the herb omelet, and it looked divine as well. Years later and Geraldine's is still putting out great food. Love this place!
(5)
Jenny D.

Since I've lived here for over five years, I've tried just about the entire menu from myself or from friends and family that come along. Everything we've ordered has been perfect and if it wasn't, they sure were kindly enough to fix it. My favorites are their French toast, their special pumpkin pancakes, and their eggs Benedict which is a special on rare occasions that they can make it! I'm glad that their family friendly, very kind, and always welcoming! I really do believe they care about they way they serve their food because they always make sure everything tastes great!
(5)
Somchai S.

Yelp lead me to this place early morning. We were waiting outside for our table and the NBA player Jamal Crawford was grabbing his order. My hubby was able to get a picture with him and it was a great start to our day. We had the french toast with fresh apricot, pancake with blueberry compote, and an order of hashbrowns. Both items were to die for! Great food at great prices. If im ever in Seattle again, I will be coming.
(5)
Jessica Y.

Two words: FRENCH TOAST. Order it and you won't be disappointed. My absolute favorite place to go when I'm craving breakfast. It's small and yes there can be a long wait but if you get restless, just walk across the street to get some coffee or something to munch on from Columbia City Bakery. Anyways, back to the French toast, their topping changes daily and all of them are good. At least the ones I've had (strawberry, blueberries, peaches.) The emerald city scramble is also good too!
(5)
Cheryl Y.

What a shame. You would think a diner would be friendly to its customers. We had a party of 7, 5 of us were here. We waited in line for a table, got seated for 30 seconds, and was kicked out because our entire party weren't physically there. It's Columbia City, it takes time to look for a parking. Not only did she say we were lying about them parking their car. They said we couldn't even sit there for five minutes and kicked us out. Well Geraldine, you kicked out two 60-year olds, a little 9 year old holding your crayons about to cry, and two other upset customers. Great job. You sure have terrible customer service. What is a good family dining place, when you don't treat us kindly like humans? There are many other diners out there that wouldn't shame people out of the door.
(1)
Brynn E.

I love going here for solid breakfast. Whatever you order get biscuits and lather it up with jam. Sure you'll be stuffed to the gills but you'll be stuffed to the gills with biscuits and jam! Service is excellent even when they are busy. The food isn't anything crazy and honestly I don't need to go crazy with my breakfast or Rueben. I just want a solid, wholesome, and comforting diner grub. Geraldine's Counter always makes good on that which is why I'll keep coming back.
(5)
Crystal S.

Good fast service, reasonably priced, casserole was tasty like everyone else prior has reviewed. My wife ordered the Mac and cheese and really enjoyed its spice. The star of my breakfast was the half order of sour cream pancakes with strawberries. Really really good. The cream biscuit with table jam are fantastic.
(5)
Jennifer L.

Good Coffee. Nice staff. I had the Mac and cheese. It was good. Nice spice to it. Wife had casserole and really liked it. Pancakes are amazing. Vegetarian friendly
(5)
Kathi B.

If I could give Geraldine's more than 5 stars I'd do it in a heartbeat. This is my go-to, most favorite place for breakfast. So, keep in mind this review is for breakfast only. My family and I always go on a Saturday or Sunday morning and because we don't relish waiting around while we listen to each others' stomachs growl, we nearly always get there within 10 minutes of opening, if not before it opens. Love them so much that I place far more importance on eating their yummy grub than getting sleep. Let me say that the service is FANTASTIC. In the couple years we've come here, we've never had poor service experience. We have our favorite servers (Angelina!) but everyone is great and consistently friendly. The place gets crowded but they move things along quickly. Honestly if we arrived later and had to wait, it'd be well worth it. My faves are the pumpkin pancakes, Geraldine's casserole, the herbed omelet (goat cheese, mmmmm.....), the bacon, egg & arugula sandwich, and - I'll freely admit it - anything that comes with one of their biscuits. Holy cow, those things are mouthwatering. I could order a couple alone for breakfast and call it good. I've tried biscuits at a myriad of other breakfast places and for me, nothing tops a Geraldine's biscuit. The French toast is yummy and worth the raves. The only only ONLY drawback for me is that I wish that you had the option of a basic pancake rather than finding out once you're there what the pancake flavor of the day is. Most all of their varieties are tasty, but I'm not a big fan of the orange or oatmeal pancakes. Love the sour cream, pumpkin, and spiced apple.
(5)
Lisa H.

Went here for breakfast the first time today! Even though they were busy and I had to wait for the rest of my party before I got seated they were still really friendly and once my party did get there we were seated promptly. I got the French toast which was so tasty, it was unlike any I had before, crunchy in the outside but soft and had a sourdough twinge. The poached pears I didn't really care for and was glad I asked for it in the side. Overall very tasty.
(4)
Dorothy T.

Been to Geraldine's several times since moving to the area and it never disappoints. There is generally a line to get in on the weekends but it moves pretty quickly and the food makes it totally worth the wait! The chicken fried steak is very tasty. Everything is cooked really well and their country gravy is amazing. Has a great spice to it which cuts through the richness. The biscuits and gravy are a must try because again the gravy is really delicious and the biscuits are flaky and buttery. Geraldine's casserole is a really unique and tasty dish. Great combo of flavors and a decent portion size. If you're wanting eggs without a heavy greasy feel after the fact this is your dish! Their French toast is AMAZING!!! Super crispy and dare I say sweet on the outside and chewy in the center...its delicious! I had mine with the peach compote and it was a fantastic pairing! Another praise for this delightful little breakfast spot is for the staff. For a place this busy they are extremely efficient and amazingly friendly. The task does not get in the way of them being personable and giving really great service. Food always comes out hot and coffee is topped off often. Check this place out you won't be sorry!
(5)
Vivian H.

I am a Rookie's loyalist during football season - absolutely love the place, but every Sunday morning as I turn the corner on to S. Ferdinand st the line at Geraldine's catches my eye. So, on this first real football free weekend of the year - I had to check it out. It was fabulous. We arrived by 9am and sat at the counter, resulting in no wait. However, even as we were leaving the turnover looked pretty fast, so I'd expect the line to move quickly. We were comfortably in and out in under 45 minutes. First, the decor is great - clean, not-to-kitschy, Americana diner. The counter was comfortable, though it would have been nice to have hooks to hang coats near the seats. Food-wise: The french toast was as amazing as the reviews here claim. Not too sweet, wonderfully fluffy and topped this morning with vanilla pear compote. Note: the half order size was a perfect compliment to share with a meal. My boyfriend ordered the Emerald city scramble. It was delicious - had a great a kick of flavor. Exactly what I would want from Sunday brunch hearty and just greasy enough to kill the morning grogginess. I ordered the corn beef hash. While the meat was awesome - melt in your mouth - and the veggies super fresh. I think the potatoes were under-seasoned and cut too chunky which impacted the whole plate. I found myself dumping salt and pepper over the dish to create flavor. It was slightly disappointing. All in: Definitely a yummy, comfortable brunch spot. I'd probably not wait more than 1/2 an hour for the food, but with a little luck - you won't have to!
(4)
Wenn C.

Buttermilk Biscuits! Great service, and great biscuits and cofee. My daughter ordered the pancakes special (sour cream strawberry pancakes that were very moist and delicious) I had the basic breakfast, sausage patty, eggs, hashbrowns and biscuit. Yumm
(4)
Sovannara B.

My friends and I came from Portland to spend the weekend in Seattle. We were referred here by a local. As we walked up to the restaurant on a Sunday morning there were several people waiting out the door. We added our name to the wait list. The staff was friendly and acknowledged every group upon arrival despite how busy they were. I was expecting a long wait until we get seated, but to my surprise we were escorted to our table of 4 no longer than 10 minutes. Our server was very polite and helpful. I ordered the chicken fried steak. I devoured it to the best of my ability (the portion was more than enough). I would recommend this place. If you're around the Rainer area give this place a try. I did and I'll be returning in the future.
(5)
Gary L.

We were driving through Columbia City, heading home after a morning in Seward Park, and happened to stop by this place. It was a rare, non-pre-yelped experience and we were VERY pleasantly surprised. Standard brunch fare, very well done. Service was pretty good for a packed house. Kiddos split the spinach feta basil omelet, which came with plenty of hashbrowns. I got the meatloaf sandwich, which hit the spot perfectly. It came out piping hot with just the right amount of tangy, ketchup-ness without being too tomatoey. Wife had the roasted turkey sandwich, I think...I was too focused on mine to care!
(4)
Mojdeh S.

How I heard of this place: Through the January 2010 issue of Seattle Magazine, because I'm house-sitting in the neighborhood and wanted to explore new territories in an unfamiliar area (to me). Type of cuisine: Americana comfort food - the sister restaurant to Table 219 in Capital Hill. Ambiance: Light and colorful, open setting. What I ordered: The all day breakfast made it easy since I had been eying the same at Table 219 a few days earlier. It was between the Bacon, Egg & Arugula Sandwich and the Avocado & Pepperjack Omelet. I went for the first, which was served with tomato, aioli and scrambled eggs on sour batard and served with hash browns. The hash browns were perfectly prepared, cooked all the way through and just crispy enough to add flavor and crunch without being burnt. The sandwich was to die for; the bacon thick and crisped to perfection with fresh arugula, slightly wilted from the warm eggs, bacon and toasted bread for only $8.75. My dining companion was excited for a breakfast dish and chose Geraldine's Casserole, served with hash browns, sausage, pepperjack, cheddar, eggs and cream layered and baked to perfection before being topped with fresh pico de gallo. It came with the option of either toast or English muffins (which we felt complimented the meal) all for $9.25. Because it was our first time there and we have to try as much as possible (though we did leave with leftovers of the casserole), we also ordered one daily pancake (which the waiter gave to us despite the fact that it wasn't a "side" on the menu and we weren't allowed to order the kids pancake): a ginger pancake with caramelized apples flavored with cinnamon. The maple syrup fresh and runny and sweet! What I loved: I loved the Bacon, Egg & Arugula sandwich for the fresh flavors and perfect blend of breakfast and lunch options. Why I loved it: The ambiance is very casual and light and perfect for families and a lazy Sunday with a special someone or a good friend. The layout of tables and booths is very spacious and open and the staff are very friendly and accommodating. Cost: mid-range $7-$10
(4)
L H.

Just have to add - we've now tried lunch and dinner as well. The macaroni and cheese is interesting - kinda texmex flavors. I really didn't prefer it and won't get it again. The chili is DELICIOUS and perfect and great. The meatball sandwich was pretty solid. But, the burger. The burger is fantastic. They actually cook it how you order it, the onion balsamic thing going on is delightful, albeit messy, and the meat is quality, as are the toppings. Sweet potato fries are thin and crisp and just the perfect sweet potato fry. Anyway, chili and salad for lunch, burger for dinner, and almost anything for breakfast makes Geraldine's a solid local choice.
(4)
Melissa D.

Best french toast in town! And so far, best french toast ever for me. :) Super crunchy and flavorful with seasonal toppings. I get it ever time I'm here. The rest of the food is pretty good as well, but not really memorable for me. But nothing I ate here was bad so far. The restaurant probably deserves just 4-stars overall, but I'm going to give it a 5 because of their awesome french toast and because food and service overall is consistently good. Be prepared for a long wait and large crowds during the weekend brunch hours though.
(5)
Rona L.

Geraldine's serves simple and tasty food. Extra points for using products from local vendors to prepare their dishes. I ordered the Country Fried Steak with a biscuit while my boyfriend ordered the Bacon, Egg, and Arugula sandwich. Both were solid and neither of us had anything to complain about. The fried steak was nice and crispy and the gravy was really flavorful. After recently discovering a great place for biscuits, I'll say that I didn't care too much for Geraldine's, but everything else on my plate was pretty tasty. The sandwich was satisfying too -- simple ingredients put together in a sandwich...kinda perfect. I'll also mention that the service was awesome. We came in 30 minutes before close (yes, we were THOSE people that day) but our server didn't make a face, sigh, or mumble anything under her breath. She was really inviting and even waved off our apology like it wasn't necessary. A+
(4)
Cara K.

We arrived around 9am and even though there were 10 people ahead of us on the list, we were seated within 5 minutes at the counter (the best seat in the house, if you enjoy hot food action!). I had the casserole with an English muffin and coffee; he had the country fried steak and gravy with a side of sourdough bread. The casserole, which was topped with pico de gallo, was light, fluffy, and scooped well. I put a little preserves on my muffin and was in heaven! The gravy on the steak was peppery with a hint of rosemary, and the steak was quite tender. His side of sourdough was house made and had a rustic feel. Had we any more room in our bellies, we would have ordered a piece of the scrumptious looking coffee cake. Next time, for sure! We also had good, attentive service that was not pushy or pretentious. Thanks, Geraldine's!
(5)
Alice T.

For about a year now, I have taken my son here regularly after his gymnastics class. 9.8 times out of 10, we sit right at the counter as Geraldine intended, feeling like Norm from Cheers (but it's way too crowded for the staff to yell out our names). We love the staff and have gotten to know them well. They also know us, as well as my son's teddy bear Sherbert (Sherbert signs the sign-in sheet). Rarely does this restaurant not have a crowd outside the door for Saturday brunch, all waiting at least 30 minutes to get a table and partake in the delightful food and service Geraldine's has to offer. It is worth the wait, and we are no different, patiently waiting each time despite our often rumbling tummies. When the crowd is unusually large, I fleetingly consider trying a different spot down the block but quickly dismiss it, knowing that the service will never come close to the now-customized attention we receive here and no one can serve up French toast like they do. If I could give Geraldine's 6 stars, I would, the extra star attributed to their amazing service. The food is great - don't get me wrong - for we wouldn't regularly come here if I didn't love their food. But I feel grateful for the service they provide. My son can be high maintenance. He likes blue things, and Geraldine's has different colored dishware, opening up the door for him to ask for blue plates. Every once in awhile I venture a new dish, but most of the time we share the Slammin', varying between pancakes and French toast depending on the flavor of the day, and always always always choose the BACON. And you should too. Not because bacon generally makes the clouds go away, but because the bacon at Geraldine's is amazing. They are thick slices of heavenly smokiness, with the most perfect texture you can't recreate. Since we share this dish, they bring us an extra plate for my son. And many of them now go through the effort of picking through their stack of plates to search for a blue one, without us needing to even ask anymore! They just know us. It warms my heart thinking about it. For the syrup, they also find a smaller dip bowl (again, in blue), so that my son can pour out the syrup and dip his pancakes or French toast in it. Finally, another quirkiness is that my 4-yo likes coffee. I don't drink much but will have some here and there. The servers at Geraldine's automatically split an order into two mugs for us (and he gets a blue mug). The food is always solid here. I've only ordered breakfast dishes so can't opine on the other menu options. But if you've never tried it, go for the bacon and French toast. I don't think you'll regret it. They do such an amazing job with their food, including the coffee cake which I ordered today for an after-brunch snack and had wished I'd taken more. But even more so, it's a great spot to be a regular. They make you feel important. In particular, we feel the love from Richard, Lani, David, Christine, the gal behind the counter who isn't a server but brings out the food, and a few others whose names we haven't caught. We love you!!!
(5)
Demitri R.

I Love this place. Its close to the Link Light Rail which is a plus. It was lunch time So i ordered just that and Sat at the bar. Went with the Burger with Bacon and Havarti Cheese. And Sweet potato fries. Absolutely Moist burger that they pack in and was delicious. I left with a Food Coma.
(4)
Kristel B.

Came here after the seahawks 5k looking for some good food. It was a beautiful day in Seattle so I didn't mind waiting. I heard this place usually has a long wait, but since it was a beautiful day in Seattle, I didn't mind too much. However I was just a little physically tired from the run. Geraldine's is a very cute brunch spot. I appreciated the dÃ©cor (brick walls, some pops of colors and fake movie posters). My party of 4 finally sat down and the man who sat us down was very friendly, and asked which of us ran. He teased my sister & her bf since they didn't run that day. I knew I wanted something hearty. Usually I'm all about sweet breakfasts like French toasts or pancakes, but I chose the Corned Beef Hash which included two poached eggs on a hash of peppers, onions and celery. I substituted the side of toast for the biscuit (so glad I did!) It was a good mixture of meat and veggies. I was being an extra heffer and ordered a side of bacons. Mmm, my dish and bacon were so good! Maybe next time, I'll try the French toast (seems like this dish gets all the rave). Also our waitress was nice, nothing extraordinary but she always checked up on us and constantly filled our water. I appreciated that since I was still parched from the run. I am not usually in Columbia City but if I find myself here again during brunch time, this is an option.
(4)
Fernando G.

Great food and great service. This place is very nice a bit loud but everything makes up for it...the gravy is packed with sausage and onions and has an herb taste to it...wish i could get the recipe it was very very good. This place is well worth the trip and a small wait of 10 min to sit down is not long at all. A must to come back to when we come back to Seattle.
(5)
Terran W.

Haven't been disappointed once at Geraldine's. Except that one time I tried to order dinner at breakfast. My go to lunch counter when I'm in that area, which is frequently. I like that they put their own twist on diner classics. BEST BISCUITS anywhere. Coffee could be better. Great sandwiches, justifiable portions, and daily pancake specials. The place is always packed for breakfast and lunch. Expect to wait. Or come alone and sit at Geraldine's counter and watch the cooks hustling hash beyond the pass through window. Why hasn't triple D stopped in?
(4)
Jilian R.

Yes, please! This place is adorable. It literally makes my day every time I go. Bright & bustling, it's so colorful it makes you happy just to walk in the door. It basically has the same effect as drinking fresh orange juice, or stepping outside on the first sunny day of spring. The food is excellent. The herbed omelette with smoked salmon was spot on, and today, the pancake special was sour cream pancakes topped with strawberries... with REAL maple syrup. Genius. And delicious. Only downside is a wait on the weekends. But there are tons of coffee places within a block radius to head for after putting your name on the list. If it says anything about my reverence for the restaurant, I gave it five stars despite the wait: totally worth it.
(5)
Meadow J.

This is becoming our weekend go-to spot. I cannot get enough of their crunchy French toast. Be prepared to wait about 20 minutes for a table. We usually put our name on the list and then walk over to Columbia City Bakery for a cup of coffee. There are a couple of reasons this gets 4/5 stars. 1) About 75% of the time, the wait staff is on top of it, but there have been more than a few times when I've been here where we received our meals a good 20 minutes after people around us who arrived later did. I've been told various things such as there was a mixup in the kitchen. We come here a lot, so perhaps that is to be expected. 2) The rest of the time they are eager to serve you and get you out. This makes sense because they always seem to have about 15 people waiting to get seated, but makes it harder to enjoy a longer conversation with the friends or family with whom you hoped to share the meal.
(4)
Robby D.

I love this place - it delivers every time which is why there is a wait list at 8 am on a Saturday. I love sitting at the counter, despite what another reviewer had to say about staff being despondent at the counter register. Come on, give 'em a break!!!! They're slammed and if your eyes see beyond the cash register you'll see a very synergistic crew bustin' their butts to put quality food out for their customers. If you're the needy, requires-validation-emo type the counter may not be the best fit for you. :) I love the argula, bacon and egg breakfast sandwich. I personally think it's the best breakfast sandwich among the many breakfast joints in the area and at a unbeatable price. My only advice is to have snack prior to going and expect to wait, but it's definitely worth it!
(5)
Clint L.

The service was fast and our server was very friendly. The food came out fast and was hot. It was really delicious and we will definitely be back.
(5)
Ben B. N.

My wife loves this place. SO subsequently I've eaten here on a monthly basis. They do make an amazing hash and the pancakes are pretty awesome. Expect a long wait to get in though.
(4)
Marlene S.

Best breakfast EVER!!! I love everything about this restaurant, THE GREAT FOOD, the atmosphere, the employees, the food is ALWAYS fresh, hot & delicious.
(4)
Elie K.

This review is not based on their food. This review is based on their lack of customer service. Host was rude, short, and lacked basic social skills. Waited over 30 minutes for a party of 2. Second person in party stepped out for coffee across the street and our name was called--host refused to seat us which is understandable and a well known policy of the restaurant. Second person in party arrived shortly after and seats for two available but host did NOT seat our party accordingly thereafter. Waited an additional 10-15mins, with plenty of seats to accommodate 2 people, before we left. Very disappointed especially since this isn't the first time I've seen this happen.
(2)
Tommy M.

The service is always an A+, even when it gets busy & on the weekends this place is a beehive! You can have lunch for breakfast & they have daily specials to add to their regular options. Pretty much something for everyone here. Recommend: kick butt chili, French toast & chicken fried steak (if that's your thing).
(5)
Caleb J.

What do you write when the food was great, but you'd never go back? We got a 20 minute wait estimation when we called in. We got there, it was 30 minutes. That's fine. It was a drive so no big deal. 40 minutes later there were 5 people in front of us. One hour and ten minutes after arriving we were sat down. Food was great. I had the corned beef hash with French toast and it was good. I mean the French toast was amazing. Although not good enough to cover the bitterness of almost an hour extra wait time. I would've gone somewhere else if they had been honest about the wait times. My wife is pregnant and needs food often and we had plans for the day that were significantly impacted. The next closest place we were looking at was about 20 minutes away so by the time we realized what we were in for we figured it was a wash. Or so we thought! Food: great Service: Meh Wait times: tack on 50 minutes to their wild guess!
(2)
Brian H.

Had breakfast here this morning for the first time. They were extremely busy - which is a great sign of a great restaurant. Had to wait about 15 minutes to sit. No biggie. I had the chicken fried steak and eggs. I've eaten ALLOT of chicken fried steak in my life as it is one of my favorite breakfast items. This was, hands down, the most flavorful chicken fried steak ever. Usually you rely on the sausage gravy to bring the flavor home but in this case I've never tasted a more flavorful and well seasoned chicken fried steak. I can't believe I'm saying this but the sausage gravy almost got in the way even though the gravy was very good! It was also fork tender. I have to mention the eggs. I always order over-easy eggs with this particular breakfast dish and then cross my fingers they aren't over or under cooked. These eggs were spot on perfect. I walked away very satisfied and happy!
(5)
Edith L.

LOVE!! This is mine and my boyfriend's favorite place. The biscuit and gravy is out of this world. I have tried the casserole but it was a bit too much egg for me. Their bacon is absolutely wonderful, thick slices!! I will never eat another type of bacon again. French toast is also delicious and will change the way you look at French toast. Everything is so good here. Service is always good and friendly too!!
(5)
Robert M.

What a treat! A hidden gem in the rough, Geraldine's can be found in the heart of Columbia City. They offer a menu of delicious breakfast options that have kept me coming back once every few weeks. My personal favorite is the avocado omelet. Each plate comes with hash browns and a slice of toast of your choosing. Personally I like their sourdough. The price is right too!
(5)
Kelly K.

Deliciously smooth and crunchy raspberry creamcheese coffeecake and that was just the start of the oral delights to follow. Great coffee in the colorful mission pottery cups that cheer up any morning. I followed my instincts for a corned beef sandwich with gruyere and coleslaw on rye for breakfast, glad i did. Seriously rich, succulent sliced corned beef, warmed and gooey with the pungent gruyere.The coleslaw added some acid and crunch and the fairly thick sliced rye supported the load without sogging out. A homie had the goat cheese, herb, onion and salmon omelette. Also good, but they left out the salmon he paid a $2 upcharge for. We mentioned it to the server and he brought a heaping bowl of smoked salmon as a replacement. Good save! Biscuits and gravy were a fav, as was corned beef hash, chunks of beef and potatoes along with a good mix of veggies. This is a neighborhood restaurant good enough to draw downtown denizens out from under the covers and into the suburbs. Plenty of families were enjoying the morning, so it was plenty noisy. The floorshow was excellent, as a 9-month old was enjoying his first grapefruit quarter and his facial expressions were priceless. Service was expert, prices fair and the few block from the light rail were pleasantly decorated with home gardens. Well worth a return visit.
(4)
Jenn L.

Its a busy place but the food doesn't disappoint. Breakfast was really great - a sweet corn and havarti omelette and chicken fried steak were so good. Great environment. The OJ was so good too. The jam was on point. We have been there twice since moving here last month and plan to come back often.
(4)
Lorrin C.

Today was the Myasthenia Gravis Walk at nearby Seward Park. The number of walkers is growing but still pretty small. I was hoping a TV celebrity would somehow show up to help spread the word. Tracy Taylor, KING5 morning traffic reporter joined us. After the three mile walk, some us went over for breakfast. The restaurant was crowded and we waited about 20 minutes. Once seated the waiter was prompt and efficient. Corned beef hash, chicken fried steak, a traditional breakfast, and a corn meal pancakes were our order. Nothing left over. I liked the strawberry jam on the table for my biscuit. The owner came over to ask about my MG tee shirt and gave him on a quick rundown on the disease. He said I would be welcome to put a flyer up for next years walk. Thank you.
(3)
hannah g.

Thick, delicious bacon slices. The french toast is really wonderful and different from any other I've had. It was light, crispy, and sweet. My boyfriend and I LOVED it! There was a wait on a Sunday and parking was tough to find, but It didn't take *too* long. The service was exceptionally good. I'd go back again. I heard a couple of paramedics talking about how great the huckleberry soda is.
(5)
Sara B.

Geraldine's has a comfortable, casual diner environment. The servers have always been timely and friendly. Food is great and fresh. Breakfast is served all day with daily French toast, pancake, and scramble specials. The mimosas are delicious! And who doesn't love endless coffee?! Highly recommend!
(4)
Katlyn H.

This is a relaxed spot, I came here for dinner last night with some friends that have just moved here. we were looking around and settled down here. the waiter we had was so nice and attentive. the food what light just what I needed a salad and soup. my friend got the chili and baked potato my other friend got a salad also. Everyone was happy and it was all for a great price. The special was the wine bottles were half off! great little spot I'm sure they are packed on the weekends
(5)
Alison P.

Craving their biscuits, so I ordered two with a bowl of soup. Husband criticized me and ended up eating my second biscuit. So I ordered a third. Waiter smiled and I explained how much I love their biscuits. You have to understand that I've had several bad biscuits none tasting half as good as Geraldine's. They have other good food here too, but the biscuits are to die for!
(4)
Hilary N.

I had the chicken fried steak with the sausage gravy and I added a biscuit. It was so good. I can't describe it in a way that will give it justice. The steak was so soft and tender. My mother had the French toast and said "it was crazy good". The bread was nice and crunchy compared to other French toasts and not too sweet. The topping of the day for the French toast was cinnamon apples with Creme fraiche. My friend had the corn beef hash with peppers, butternut squash, and other stuff. The beef was in big chunks and it tasted so good.
(5)
Neal M.

The food is fine, but so expensive. I paid $14 for a corned beef sandwich and it came on regular size bread - like, two slices of Franz whole wheat supermarket bread. The side salad was just mixed greens.
(2)
Gloria K.

Tis' before my yelpin' days so I don't have many check ins here but trust a sista, I've been here plenty of times. It all started when I was craving some French toast after a recent trip to Portland, OR, where I had what I thought was the most amazing French toast known to all of man kind. Thanks to yelp, my boyfriend found this joint. Sunday afternoon, wait was at a whopping 30 minutes, yikes. It's a nice, colorful atmosphere. Definitely brightens up your mood. The staff is friendly, too. I really enjoy their house coffee with a slice of the coffee cake. They usually have different flavors, but my favorite is the raspberry. Their French toast is different from any other French toast I've ever had. It has a very crunchy coating on the outside, which for me, is great. They have "daily" toppings, for it varies but I always ask for strawberries and they've always accommodated. I also really enjoy the biscuits and gravy and the country fried steak. Most of their breakfast entrees are served with eggs and a biscuit, something along those lines. They also have lunch and dinner options. They've got some beer and wine, but I've yet to try anything besides the breakfast menu.
(5)
Autumn C.

Best breakfast in town. From the coffee to the artwork it's just a perfect cafe experience. I have had the corned beef hash, pancakes, french toast and have yet to find something I don't like.
(5)
Tammy L.

I've been here several times before and I always get the emerald city scramble! Sooo delish. My hubby had the country fried steak and eggs today and said it was the best he's ever had. Pork sausage gravy was amazeballs. It was pretty busy during Tuesday at lunch. The servers were friendly when speaking to you, but they look pissed whenever they were just walking around. I've been here before also during slower times and service was just okay.
(4)
Vixx B.

The food was ok. The Caeser salad has a very weak dressing is was weird. My rueben sandwich was greasy.... Asked for a not breakfast dish and waiter recommended the BLT. My kid said it is good. I will have to try it again when I feel like breakfast most of the great recommendation have breakfast food in them. I did get hash browns on the side of my rueben and they were fantastic. The owner was nice... The server wasn't as nice.
(3)
Regina C.

a friend brought me here with the intention of trying the french toast, which he raved about. for some reason i was hesitant to believe how amazing french toast could be coming from what looks like a mom & pops type restaurant so we ordered a half order along with the biscuits and gravy dish. the biscuits and gravy were good but i wouldn't say they are worth the (so i'm told...) lengthy hour/s for them. now the french toast on the other hand..!!! SO effing good! it's light and crisp with just enough chew. it's not eggy and drenched. the blueberry compote that came with it was a good pairing. i could have eaten that all day long. i figuratively kicked myself in the ass for not fully putting trust in my friend about the french toast. i should've ordered a whole order just for myself!
(4)
Alicia W.

Had awesome Eggs Bene! Service was very personable and fun, however it was super busy the day we went (mother's day, duh), so it took a little longer than normal. We'll be back!
(4)
Melissa N.

FRENCH TOAST. Need I say more? It's so different from any other french toast I've ever had. Breakfast served all day! They always have different toppings :) Check it out. You will NOT be disappointed.
(4)
Dasia A.

If you want poor service and breakfast you could of done better at home, stop in here. Yes it is in Columbia City so parking is a nightmare during certain times. Lucky I was able to find parking my second time around through. The service I received was EXTREMELY poor. Our waiter seemed like he was in a rush and was ready to clock off of work. He had an attitude with us and didn't smile one time. I believe there may have been an issue with my nationality (black) because he seemed to be providing great service to other customers who were of his same nationality (white). There were some confusion about the menu because some items are only available after a certain time, which truly is a burden because as you are looking and skimming through your eyes may land on something that isn't available at that time. I ordered the Macaroni & Cheese which to me wasn't nothing special. I could of made something better at home. My aunts order the biscuits and gravy, the flavor was not all the way there. It was a disappointment the biscuits were not completely done. To be a restaurant that specializes in breakfast I would expect to have some well done biscuits. I am sure I won't be back and will be contacting management about the racist waiter.
(2)
Marques J.

FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC... This is my new breakfast spot. The chicken fried steak is the best I've tasted. Better, than ihop, denny's, Shari's, Destination Diner & many more. That was the only thing I had but I will be back to try some more on their menu.
(5)
Emily P.

I really love Geraldine's for a few reasons, and yup, they are all FOOD. 1) Reuben sandwich has not traditional sauerkraut but fresh made slaw and is constently one of my favorite meals in Seattle. 2) BREAKFAST is a delicious smorgasbord of delightful food options, including rotating toppings on waffles and french toast. 3) Burgers and fries here are delicious, a Seattle standard. Highly recommended, but be forewarned they are busy for weekend brunch and you will wait in line.
(5)
Channing D.

So, I woke up jonesin' for some solid diner grub. After reading reviews for Geraldine's Counter, and noting that it was a weekday afternoon rather than a weekend brunch rush, I made a beeline for them. Glad I did! Great food. I had the spinach-tomato-basil omelette and half an order of their fabulous french toast (the reason I went, actually). Other reviewers are right - that french toast is golDANG good. Don't miss that. The only downside was that the service was quite slow. The hostess ended up taking my order because I didn't see a server for 10-15 minutes. I got a coffee refill only after I had finished my meal, and the couple next to me left before ordering due to the delay. And it was quiet in there folks, with loads of empty tables. I wasn't in a hurry, so I didn't mind. And the food was fantastic.
(4)
Arry Y.

The place is always always always packed + if you're in the neighborhood, this is the place to go for breakfast/brunch on the weekends. I always end up ordering a scramble of sorts - and I'm always very happy with the order. Service is always nice (even though they are very busy). Their coffee is actually pretty good too (I don't remember where it's from). The place is nicely decorated, bright and welcoming. I used to do a bunch of meetings here when I was more involved with the startup world --- and it's a great place for the "off hours" (meaning not quite breakfast, lunch or dinner time) to meet up with people and chat over good food/drinks (non alcohalic).
(4)
Calvin E.

O.M.G. THE FRENCH TOAST. Had breakfast here for the first time today, with out of town guests. I had the French toast. I can say, without any reservation or hyperbole, and with absolute sincerity, that this was the best French toast I have ever had. It was SO PERFECT I CANNOT EVEN. I guess they have toppings that are different sometimes, and today was blueberries, and it was the best. Ever. I also ate some of my breakfast companions' bacon, and it was very good as well. I can't vouch for the coffee or eggs, because I didn't have those. BUT THE FRENCH TOAST. the french toast. I couldn't even bring myself to put syrup on it because the syrup would have sullied its greatness.
(5)
Isis M.

Went here for breakfast and it sure was yummy. Will defintely make a trip here again. Despite the wait for a table, the food came back pretty quickly.
(5)
Rawdnayyy D.

I was down here for vacation and looked on yelp when I stumbled upon this place. Looking at all the photos it left my mouth watery. I ordered fried country chicken and it was awesome. I am not a big fan of fried country chicken but this blew my mind away. I'll be back here for sure whenever I come back for vacation!!!!
(5)
Tobe H.

This place was crazy busy on a Sunday morning. However we managed to get in after a twenty minute wait. The food is very good. I had the chicken fried steak with an extra biscuit. Kudos to this replace for serving spicy gravy with tons of flavor! The biscuit with fresh jam was amazing. Best thing I have eaten in six months. The jam was grand, and the biscuit divine!
(5)
Jaki B.

Let me start by saying that I am completely obsessed with Geraldine's ever since I discovered it last year. I've only ever ordered the Emerald City Scramble because it's everything you would ever want in a breakfast! I have witnessed friends ordering other dishes, and they change their pancakes every so often- i.e. pancakes with fresh strawberries and cream one week; pancakes with poached pears another week- it all looks delicious! The coffee here is better than most breakfast places, the mimosas are unique (blood orange mimosa!), and the food is outstanding. Whenever anyone mentions the word "brunch" I feel compelled to shout "let's go to Geraldine's!!!" Do be prepared to wait a bit on the weekends, or if you have a larger group. However, the staff is very nice about seating larger groups together.
(5)
Sami A.

Good brunch overall. Experience: Long wait as the line never ends Quick service they do excellent job given the amount of people they are serving . Fresh biscuits and perfectly cooked omlets. What can be better: No eggs Benedict dish is served in here !!! Asked for strawberry jam but only got cranberry. Bottomline: more options can be an improvement . Good brunch place though
(4)
Karen W.

One of Seattle's best breakfast/brunch spots. If you get there on the later side (like after 2 on a Sunday) there's often not much of a wait. What I appreciate the most about them is they use real ingredients. So many breakfast joints go with some canned gravy, fake corn-syrup instead of real maple, bottled juice, box mixes, etc. This place is the real thing. And they execute well too. They also have some of the best thick-cut bacon ever! The fat is almost caramelized and the meat is tasty not dried out. The eggs are always nicely seasoned as are the perfectly cooked hash browns. Chicken fried steak is great with a really tasty gravy. It's a naturally heavy dish but theirs is never overwhelming and won't make you feel terrible after! Now for the famous french toast... It's the antidote to all the flaccid, lackluster french toast out there. Super crispy and flavorful! I do think it's the best in Seattle, thought not the best I've ever eaten. I like just a little bit of a custard-y texture in the middle and crispness on the outside. This one is crisp all the way through. But when you douse it in the REAL maple syrup and the always-awesome fruit topping, you kind of get that effect anyway. I also love their coffee cake and always get a slice to start out with my coffee. Fresh squeezed OJ is a nice touch too. The service is super friendly, attentive and genuinely nice here. You feel well taken care of even when they're really busy. Wish it were closer to home!
(5)
Lauren T.

Great brunch in Seattle!
(4)
Candace B.

This food was so good & so worth it. The staff was friendly and it was obvious everyone in the restaurant enjoyed themselves.
(5)
Will C.

The french toast - I could state just this, but it wouldn't be a decent review. My sis and I had a late breakfast. Wait was decent...about 10-15 minutes. She ordered the corned beef and hash, I ordered the emerald scramble, and we both shared the french toast. Odd, the french toast actually looked like...toast. One bite shattered my perception of french toast. My first bite had no syrup or the blueberry compote. Second bite, I tried it with sugar-free syrup - amazing! Blueberry compote? I ended up eating 2 of the 3 served, I forgot I had my emerald scramble. If this sort of place was near me, I'd go every week just for the french toast and the Caffe Vita coffee. This is my personal heaven. Haha...street parking is difficult, but there is an offsite paid lot that charges $1 and hour.
(5)
Benni S.

We had a good supper - very grateful for gluten free food! Always! Good food, good service and good prices. I was pleased. We had a bevy of cheese! My daughter had the Mac and cheese - she's not a big veggie eater but she liked it! I had triple grilled cheese gluten free and the special cauliflower soup - all was very yummy and I was full - just enough food and not too much is very good. The only reason I held back a star is really not the fault of the restaurant - I'm not a huge fan of the new Columbia City white people culture. It's just very passive aggressive, bland, too PC and blah, but I loved my meal. If I had this meal in a place with more soul it would get 5 stars (:
(4)
James G.

Myself and my friend Rob dined here before the Seahawks Vs Broncos game in sept. It was very busy and the line up was out the door. We were not surprised. We left our name and waited about 20 mins for our table. It was a gorgeous day in Columbia City so it was no problem for us to mingle with some locals until our table was ready. After we sat down we ordered some coffee (which was unbelievably good!). I ordered a avacado omelette with hash browns. And Rob ordered some sort of traditional brekfast. Wow! Everything was perfect! So fresh and Delish... My omelette was filled with ripe avacadoes. Hash browns were crispy and they gave me big slices of fresh grapefruit to compliment my masterpiece brekfast! This is a must even if you are miles away... We came over dorm where we were staying in Renton and was well worth it. Go Hawks!! Also the waiting staff was so pleasant. I noticed that we were out of brown sugar and immediately with out even mentioning it, our sugar tray was restocked.
(5)
Vanna P.

Geraldine's is one of my favorite brunch spots in Seattle! The wait is usually long so make sure to get there early cause it's definitely worth the wait. I've tried a couple menu items, but my favorite go to order is the Avocado Pepperjack omelette. They have freshly baked sourdough bread from across the street Columbia Bakery and their jam is to die for!! The servers are quick and very friendly and it's definitely a fun atmosphere. Also, if you pay cash you get Geraldine bucks back to spend next time you come in!
(5)
Elizabeth C.

Let's just say I've tried pretty much everything on their menu.. at least twice. Geraldine's is the sun peaking through Seattle's gray skies. And I'm not exaggerating at all. The minute you walk inside you are greeted by such vibrant colors, warm atmosphere, and friendly servers. I don't even know how to even start talking about their food, because I can really go off on a tangent. I recommend their famous, crispy french toast and their I'm-going-to-melt-off-my-seat-because-it's-so-good 3 cheese grilled sandwich. Don't forget to get it with their tomato basil soup too!
(5)
Jonathan L.

Great breakfast. French toast has a unique English muffin-ish consistency that French people would scoff at...probably. Wife had granola and yogurt with fruit. Wow. Makes me wish I'd ordered "healthy"...-er.
(4)
Wennie H.

I have a deep, deep love for Geraldine's coming here never, ever disappoints. There's always something for everyone. I made a lunch date here with an old friend since this was between both of us (and I definitely was in the mood for their pancakes). The wait was about 15 mins, which isn't surprising for lunch hour. The last two times I've come in, I've ordered the pancakes. There's just something magically delicious about the pancakes here. Probably the perfect cook on each side, the soft fluffy center...my goodness, I'm craving them already. I think it's safe to say, if I were to start a best pancakes list on yelp, Geraldine's would be at the top of my list (like how their French Toast ranks high on my FT list). Service is always friendly and efficient. The restaurant is always bustling and lively. I love it here, absolutely love it. Also, $1 for 2 hours of parking in a lot?! Just got even better.
(5)
Heather V.

Ok, we've gone back again and loved it even more than the first time. Yes the acoustics are noisy, but so what. The food is good, the wait staff is super friendly, the wait is short, and they have some friendly vegetarian (not vegan) options. Considering how much we're liking this place, I felt Geraldine's deserved an update. Oh, and if you pay cash, you get a $1 coupon back for every $10 you spend. Nice!
(4)
Mike H.

Talk about a food orgasm I couldn't contain myself in this place. I got the french toast with hash browns, bacon and eggs over medium. This place completely has some of the best french toast I've had. It was amazing to say the least. I took one bite and my eyes started tearing up because I knew that in a short while my relationship with the french toast would soon come to an end. Everything about this place is great. I will definitely be going back. Hopefully sooner than later.
(5)
Katherine C.

French toast was awesome according to my breakfast date. Service rocked again!!! From order to plating...less than ten minutes...the server took our order without writing it down and got everything correct. Ordered the chicken fried steak. It was plentiful and delicious. I am a return customer...
(5)
Elizabeth M.

The french toast will change your life! It's amazing! But then, all the food here is. I like that they don't over season things, especially salt. I don't like a lot of salt on my food, and here I get to add what I want to my dishes. We love coming here, especially for breakfast. The servers are friendly and attentive. It's an overall welcoming and happy place to visit!
(5)
Scott S.

First time here and as far as I know, my first time in Columbia City - which is a surprisingly cool little neighborhood. Hard to believe I've never even driven though... I had lunch here the other day thanks for a CBS list of the best chili in the Seattle area. I was not disappointed. Meat chili - two kinds of beef plus pork - in one word: excellent. The woman behind the counter who identified herself as the owner (presumably Geraldine?) was very proud of it and the fact they make it near daily, which made the experience even more delightful. After reading some of these reviews, I must say that I'm anxious to go back and try some of their other dishes. While there I did see that someone ordered 'something' with sausage gravy on it, which looks amazing. Maybe next time... Oh - also they had good coffee.
(5)
Julian G.

This place oddly has a VERY VERY Good ruben! GET IT!
(4)
April F.

Found this place via Yelp. Went on a Sunday morning during a rush but didn't have to wait long. (note: we walked in and stood at the podium to put our name on the list and failed to be acknowledged for about two minutes) However our server was kind and welcoming once greeted. FOOD: We ordered the breakfast casserole, and the emerald city scramble. (I suggest substituting a biscuit instead of toast because they're biscuits are so big and fluffy!!!) We Loved ALL the food! They have big portions. The bldg is bright, open and very welcoming. *Thumbs up*
(4)
Rebecca S.

I went to Geraldine's for breakfast a few weeks ago, and ordered the counter special with two poached eggs, hashbrowns, toast and chicken sausage. The eggs were really, really runny and the hashbrowns were too greasy. The chicken sausage was also a miss - it was just one piece (for $2.75), sliced down the center, with a lot of herbs baked in. Service was friendly, and quick but overall, the breakfast wasn't anything special - I like Todd's much better and we don't have to leave the house for that.
(3)
Whitney B.

Their breakfast dishes are just average to me. It is oily and just not good. I don't get the rave reviews over some scrambled eggs and bacon. A home-cooked scrambled eggs with bacon is so much better! Unfortunately, I find Denny's breakfast options to be tastier than Geraldine's. With the exception of their french toast, nothing stood out to be exceptional or "different" that would want me to skip making my own breakfast and go to Geraldine's. Their french toast is out of this world good. Their french toast is what gives this restaurant the taste of life, liberty, and rainbows. I don't care that they probably twice deep-fry it, slather it in butter, mounds of maple syrup, powdered sugar, whatever it is that they do to make it so good. . .I will eat it anyway. A half-order is huge! My close friends and I had a good time sharing this together and guessing what kind of bread they use for it (sourdough). Delicious and a good atmosphere.
(3)
shirley l.

THE best French toast in town! Hands down! On,y downside is that there's a long wait most days but I guess that's not a bad thing cause that's a sign they're doing something right!
(4)
Mitch P.

An off-the-beaten-path gem of a breakfast joint! We were visiting Seattle and my cousin told me of this restaurant that's off the beaten path about halfway between the airport and downtown, so we got on the Light Rail and took it to Columbia City station and walked 5 blocks to the restaurant. We got there at 9:30 and people were lined up outside. It took us about 30 minutes to be seated, but once seated our server came to the table quickly and took our order. We each ordered a substitution from what was on the menu - no problem, and both meals were delicious! The restaurant ambiance is casual and friendly and pretty loud - brick walls inside give it a homey feeling but don't absorb sound,so when packed there was lots of surrounding noise, but it didn't seem to matter. The place had no problems with kids at all - there was a table near us with kids playing with coloring books - their parents were at a nearby table and nobody at the restaurant seemed to care because the kids were good. Good service, good food, a good waiter and an owner who personally thanked us for coming in made this a great choice for a Sunday breakfast and well worth going to an area we otherwise never would have gone to.
(5)
Inna B.

I LOVE their breakfast. It's amazing. I pretty much always get the bacon + arugula + egg sandwich. The only bad experience was one time when the arugula was a little too old so I picked it out. I was there last week and the hashbrowns are PHENOMENAL! (The wait on a Sunday morning was about 30 minutes, but the breakfast definitely is what makes their rating so high for me.) The chili and tomato basil soup were awesome for small meals during lunch or dinner-time. Service: I've gotten good service and pretty bad service. The worst was when I went in for a burger with a friend and we sat at the bar. She asked for some avocado on her burger and they completely forgot and the cook made some lame comment about how he got "distracted" because some pretty girl walked by outside before handing her a small plate of avocado. That's nice.... please focus on your job, though.
(4)
Jessica W.

Ok, so I've heard about Geraldine's breakfast for a while now, and my groupon was expiring, so I had to come in for dinner. It was SO good! They offer happy hour ($1.00 off beers, 1/2 bottles of wine on Thursday) and serve foods from their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu from 4:30-9:00. I went ahead and had the meatloaf, and its was delish! I'm talking about a large piece of 'loaf, plus sides of a great stir-fried mixed veggie thing with greens and mushrooms and mashed potatoes. I almost felt like what I was eating was healthy...good feeling! I also had a bite of my friend's salmon ravioli and OMG, it was to die for. Great sauce, wonderfully tender ravs. The server was great...funny, attentive, and super nice. So glad I finally made it to Geraldine's. I'll be making the trip from Greenwood for breakfast very soon.
(5)
Jen C.

I can't wait to go back! -Half order of cinnamon apple pancakes: small cakes, fluffy, not soggy, not too sweet, great size. -Side of hash browns, side of sausage gravy, side of Isernios pork sausage patty: yummy and a good value. -Corned beef hash: nice chunks of meat goodness that you can actually see. Potatoes were larger cubes, which I actually liked. -Feta spinach scramble with toast and hash browns. Nicely cooked and a big serving. One third went home in a little box. Yes, I can't wait to go back for more!! I wish that they offered a better selection of sides for cheap like collard greens, okra, grits, country ham, tenderloin steak n' biscuit, etc.
(4)
Allen B.

For a Saturday morning at 10:00, we were seated quickly and service was good - I ordered the biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were hard and both the hash browns and eggs could have cooked another minute or two. The gravy had good flavor though and lots of sausage. I've been here twice now but was not super impressed either time.
(3)
Jose P.

Best breakfast in Columbia City, greasy spoon comfort food without the grease, just the comfort.
(5)
Anhdao L.

Finally tried this place yesterday and is now one of my favorite breakfast spots! We all ordered the slammin' and the French toast was just amazing! Can't wait to come back and try other items on the menu.
(5)
Tamra G.

This place is pretty great. I had the avocado pepper jack omelet and it was delish! Lots of avocado inside and the pico de gallo they serve with it is super fresh. Mmmmm. I've had their toast and it's awesome because it's from Columbia city bakery but this time I went with a biscuit and holy shit. Get the biscuit. It is sooooo good! Their service is always with a smile and my water glass was always full. Love it!
(5)
Melissa C.

If I could give this place more than 5 stars I would. Just ate here for breakfast and it's the best breakfast I've EVER HAD! My girlfriend and I never completely finish our food but we nearly licked the plate clean because it was sooo good!! The toasted wheat bread didn't taste stale like most places and the fruit definitely tasted fresh, not like it was sitting in the fridge for a week. One of the things I liked most was that the food server would check up on us at the right time. I noticed at every restaurant I visit, the food server would come back to our table to ask how the food was literally 2 minutes after she serves us, without even taking a bite. The customer service is just as good their food!! You will feel welcomed the moment you step in and this place just has an all around great atmosphere. Will come back very soon :) I recommend Geraldine's casserole and the French toast!! Best French toast ever.
(5)
David G.

This is what I call a solid player. Geraldine's has good food and I've always been pleased. The service is friendly and prompt, the atmosphere is neighborhood friendly, and the food is excellent. That said, it is not some sort of culinary destination, so remain calm in your expectations and I think you'll be pleased.
(4)
Julian F.

Great little diner, always have a delicious breakfast/brunch here, especially when people visit. Great biscuits and gravy, my normal go to order, but everything on the menu is good. The only downside is they can be very busy on weekend mornings/brunch time, so make sure to be prepared to wait a little while during what you would expect to be busy times.
(4)
Julie F.

I take back what I said. I got the French toast another time, and damn, it was delicious! Get here right as it opens because the wait otherwise is awful.
(5)
Vik M.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this breakfast eatery! I have been twice since I moved to Columbia City and I cannot believe how delicious the food is! The coffee is a medium roast (light-medium) unfortunately, but I totally don't care. The chicken fried steak is the best I've ever had in the PNW! The breading is perfectly salted and peppered, the sausage gravy is spicy and flavorful, and their biscuits are butter perfection. The service is pretty good and it can get busy so arrive before 8:30 am or after 11:00 am for fast breakfast seating!! They serve breakfast all day so you can get your eggs n' bacon fix at 7:30pm if needed. Waiters are usually hit or miss, mostly depending on how busy the restaurant is. This is a true Columbia City staple to enjoy.
(5)
Edward B.

Really overrated. The place is always packed...but the food is just so-so. The server seemed overwhelmed and inattentive (brought the wrong food). This place is trying to look cozy and diner-y, but I think they miss the mark (drywall doesn't do it for me). And the noise level was out of control (there is nothing but hard surfaces in here -- drywall, brick, glass, linoleum floors), like to the point where you had to shout to have a conversation, which everybody in the place was doing - it was like being at a Seahawks game. But Seattle loves loud restaurants, so I am not surprised so many people love this place. Also: avoid the gluten-free bread substitution for a bun. You'll pay $1 extra and the stuff dissolves into pieces almost instantly
(2)
Ashley H.

Good breakfast atmosphere, bright inside. Cool exposed brick wall on the inside. Booths and tables. Staff was quick and friendly. A bit of a wait to be seated because it's a good brunch joint so be ready for that. My sister got the French toast with blueberries they were awesome! I got the biscuits and gravy - really good but the biscuits could have been a little more moist and soft. Will go back again for sure.
(5)
James S.

The place was packed, the service was incredible, and coffee, bacon, and french toast made probably the best breakfast my wife and I have ever had. This place is awesome.
(5)
Tina N.

This place has always been on my list to try since I use to live around here and would see crowds outside waiting. My boyfriend and I would put our name on the waiting list and go across the street to Columbia bakery to get a coffee and a cookie to snack on while we wait. They have the best French toast. It is crispy all around and super soft on the inside. I love it that they serve it up with daily fresh fruit. Makes me feel less guilty about all the butter and syrup I put on my French toast. The chicken fried steak is a close second. Super crispy and juicy with the gravy. Mmmm. I'm usually not a fan of hash browns because it tends to be soggy but the hash browns here are perfectly crispy on the outside. Really sweet waitresses. Always checking in on us to see how we were doing. Definitely worth the wait.
(5)
Pam N.

Great breakfast: Havarti cheese, white corn and herbs scramble with multi grain toast and raspberry jam. All were very tasty. The fresh apple juice was perfect. My coffee cup was constantly full. The service was attentive. It was a very nice experience.
(5)
Kay D.

Here is a short list of what we ate. Bacon - thick and crispy Biscuits and gravy - plenty of sausage bits in every bite. The biscuits fluffy and not stone hard. French toast - they use sour dough and its crispy on the outside and soft inside. My friend also emphasized the coffee was smooth and delicious.
(5)
Ann V.

This is a tough review for me to write. I really, really want to like Geraldine's. Love the location, love that it's an independent small business, and the service has been great every time we've eaten here. Easy parking on the street and the nearby inexpensive pay lot. The food is good. I just wish it was better. There's nothing bad about it, but it's a bit bland in my opinion. We've had the Eggs a la Mexicana, corned beef hash, avocado/pepperjack omelet, biscuits/gravy, & the Columbia City corned beef. With the exception of the biscuits and gravy (biscuits are outstanding!), I just finish a meal here and feel like there's something "missing"--more seasoning? More originality? As other reviewers have mentioned, the place is busy. When the weather is inclement and it's tough standing outside, there really isn't much room inside to wait. On our last visit here, my fiancÃ© was rudely told to "make space for these girls" sitting near the counter. It was very cold outside, everyone was waiting inside, and there wasn't much space in general. There were people blocking the aisles and entryway, yet he was the only one told to move and make room. I get that it was a busy morning and space was at a premium, but there's no reason to be rude in asking a person to move out of the way. Very disappointing.
(3)
Joanne T.

Geraldine's is one of my favorite brunch places in Seattle. The wait can be very long on the weekends. The waiting area inside is small, so you may have to wait outside... something to think about if the weather is cold. I've tried a bunch of items on the menu but my favorite is the fluffy french toast. The chicken sausage and bacon are delicious as well! I also tried the banana pecan pancakes the other day and they were SO good! If you pay with cash, you get a Geraldine $1 for every $10 you spend. You can use this the next time you choose to eat here.
(5)
Connie L.

1. French toast or fried bread? 2. Joyful ambiance 3. Filling Consumed: Slammin' with french toast substitute It's busy here with people waiting out the door! Thank goodness it was a beautiful a sunny seattle day! We waited about 30 minutes for Sunday brunch and had a party of 10. We ended up splitting tables, but that's okay. I love the ambiance. It was very colorful inside and the paintings were beautiful. They're available for sale too. I was very tempted to take a walk around the restaurant and stare at each one. But since there were patrons seated, I decided to skip the awkwardness of standing in front of their tables. I just really appreciate art if you can't tell already, so a restaurant that displays it well makes for a fun visit! It's almost like going to a museum! Oh, since it's a restaurant, I guess I should mention the food. I liked what I had. It's debatable whether the french toast was actually french toast, since it's pretty unique. It was nicely crunchy, though a tad oilier than what I would've liked, but still it's one of those worldly pleasures you can enjoy on occasion. Everything else was good, not stunning, but good.
(4)
Vivienne L.

Sunday Brunch spot ! The wait can be a little long 15-20min but definitely worth it.
(5)
Vi W. P.

My husband and I eat here about once or twice a month. As a vegetarian, their menu isn't the most diverse for me, but they let you swap out meat for avocado in some meals, so it works fine. I really, really love their hash browns and their portions are generous. I'm more inclined to give this place a 3.5 for the service, but the food is really well prepared so definitely a 4 star rating from me. If it helps, any time we're contemplating where to get brunch, Geraldine's comes up.
(4)
dave m.

I always wonder if a place that everyone loves, is well reviewed, and has a fairly consistent line is *really* that good. And the answer was decidedly yes. My little one had the pumpkin pancakes (the special of the day) and normally I can't stand pumpkin however these changed my outlook on all things pumpkin-y. My friend had huevos a la mexicana, and was great. I had the corned beef hash and was delighted - perfectly crispy, not to much food, and not greasy in the least. Plus they did well with the poached eggs - not over hard and just right. Well worth the wait, and the coffee is stellar.
(5)
James C.

Updated: I had been meaning to do this for a while but I am most happy to report that the Heinz ketchup with the ever poisonous High Fructose Corn Syrup has been replaced with Hunt's ketchup which specifically states that is has NO High Fructose Corn Syrup. Thank you to the owners and staff for correcting my only complain for Geraldine's Counter.
(5)
Britney B.

Far and away, this is my favorite breakfast place in Seattle. Every dish (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) that I've ever tried has been delicious. It's a beautiful restaurant, too. It's on a corner, with windows all along one side. They hang art for sale by local artists. There's character, too, with it's counter seating, brick walls, and colorful walls. I really cannot say enough - it's my favorite Seattle restaurant!
(5)
Seanna J.

I have tried Geraldines a number of times over the years and have received mediocre food and poor service. Perhaps, I am not coming when the b est chefs are on duty, which sounds like weekend mornings. But I am unwilling to wait in line for a half hpur orore for a breakfast that may only be so so.
(1)
Leo H.

A pretty long wait on a Sunday afternoon but it was worth it. Good atmosphere and service. I tried the Hash, the steak and butternut squash were really good, the eggs and toast were also prepared well. A lot of other things on the menu I want to try. My friends biscuits and gravy looked delicious.
(4)
Austin G.

This place has a local feel to it. You feel like you're in a 1960's home dinner. The service was excellent and they constantly refill your coffee mug for you, which is a dream of you like coffee black and a nightmare if you're OCD about getting the perfect ratio of cream, sugar, and coffee. I ordered the French toast, one of their specialities. My wife loved it because it was crunchy and said it was the best French toast she's ever had. I like my French toast more moist and less crunchy. If you're in Columbia City, I recommend this place.
(4)
Yellow S.

Great breakfast place. We had chicken fried steak and eggs ($10.75 and yum) and slammin with french toast and a side of raspberry coffee cake (to die for!!) they have great coffee too.
(4)
Maria A.

Not as good as I was hoping for, a little overrated. Not sure why yelp says that vegetarians love this place. They didn't have any veg gravy for biscuits & gravy nor any meat substitutes. They couldn't make the casserole w/out sausage either. There are no special veg options but you can ask for some things w/out the meat. The French toast was pretty tasty, I'd eat it again. The menu didn't WOW me, pretty standard bfast options in my opinion. The service was mediocre, no one was particularly friendly but they weren't rude either. I was kind of annoyed that I had to wait 15-20mins even though I was dining alone & I was ok with eating at the counter. I saw several empty spots at the counter but it still took them awhile to seat me. Just not super impressed but the place is cute & prices are decent.
(3)
Dalina L.

One of my favorite places to have breakfast and brunch at! i'm not a morning person, but i would wake up early just to eat here. THEY CLOSE ON MONDAYS! I've had the casserole and their omelettes. The casserole is AMAZING. i fell in love with it on the first bite. i recommend it to anyone who's trying Geraldines for the first time.
(5)
Nhu H.

I only wanted to go here bc my friends were all raving about it. I had to wait for about half an hour until I could get a seat, it was soo crowed, but it was honestly worth the wait. The service was great, the employees were so friendly and patient bc I wasn't sure what to get lol they recommended some really good food! This place is great if you're wanting to just hangout with your friends and enjoy a nice bruch together (:
(4)
Kristina M.

Geraldine's is always an easy go-to. I have to admit, at first I wasn't a huge fan because I thought it was overrated. But once you look past the long waits on weekends, the unique French toast, and the fact that they rarely check up on you (personally I don't mind that) then this place is awesome! I never have to wait for a seat if I come in on a weekday. There's always parking because they have a nearby lot for $1. As for the food I usually order the breakfast items. My two favorites are the French toast and biscuits w gravy. They always have new artwork hung around the restaurant and I always look forward to it for my next visit. I visited today, and they had self portraits from students at Hawthorne Elementary, how cute!!
(5)
Priscilla L.

This place is so cute. I love getting my nails did after brunch across the street lol But the food is so yum. Poached eggs done to perfection! I prefer less potatoes so 1 less star for that. I think their food is good enough that it'll fill me up but seems like they dump a bunch of potatoes onto all our plates just to fill us up. This is one of my pet peaves. The waits can be up to an hour on weekends during lunch. I like to come here at night time. After the crowd and have brunch for dinner. Still tastes as yum!
(4)
Tanisha P.

Sigh... I'm probably the only person to write a mediocre review, but I wasn't too impressed. Maybe all the hype of my friends pumped me up. I was totally turned off by the lack of diversity on the menu. I came here extremely hungry, and was turned off by the lack of meat on the menu. Maybe I need to try lunch, because breakfast was very disappointing. Totally overrated.
(2)
Charlene I.

Geraldine's is the best breakfast option you have in the south end. The french toast is the best in Seattle! Trust. *TIP: If you are starving and the wait is horrible (usually the case), cross the street and grab something from The Columbia City Bakery. Everything there is BOMB and it will hold you down until you
(4)
Nina S.

This place is definitely a good find. We kept hearing people talk about Geraldine's, but since it was out of our neighborhood we waited to give it a try. Once we experienced the yumminess, we drive out of our way to eat there. Best biscuits ever!
(5)
April G.

Apparently they won't allow you on the wait list unless your whole party is there. So my wonderful friend told them I was parking the car and we were on the list. But I was really in an uber on my way there. Luckily it wasn't raining when we were waiting but there is no waiting and this place is hopping. Although they were busy. We were not rushed and the French Toast was wonderful. The reason I only can give 4 stars? I asked for extra powdered sugar and I got about two tablespoons. When I have French Toast I usually have a half cup!!! So I was a little disappointed by this!! Otherwise it is a great twist on the FT and I will be back!!
(4)
Tammie W.

Great breakfast! My hubby and I stopped here for a meal on our way to Seattle and we're both glad we did. I had the Counter Special which is two eggs, potatoes and toast. While it sounds unassuming, the eggs were perfectly cooked, potatoes were nicely seasoned and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside and the sourdough was thickly cut and toasted. They have homemade jam on the table which I slathered on very liberally and couldn't get enough of it. My husband got the special which was two eggs served with the pancake of the day (honey & orange pancakes served honey/orange butter and honey/orange syrup). Delicious!
(5)
Tim P.

Excellent food and service!!! Words can not describe how happy I am with the food and the service. Everything we ordered was on point.
(5)
Cherish C.

Was it just me or this place way overrated? The French toast... Wait the French toast was perfection. What am I talking about? The French toast was like a freshly baked croissant that was then deep fried. I loved it, it was actually legitimately made of a baguette...yes just yes. I was hungover and the bacon was that thick type and the fruit wasn't sweet but the French toast was everything. Yes. Just yes.
(4)
Janet N.

Geraldine's is a hit or miss for me. I understand the hype that surrounds it but I don't like the service that I receive each time I go. It's conveniently placed in the center of Columbia city and also a couple blocks away from my home! You can always do street parking but if you give up you'll have to pay up a dollar for the lot across the street on Ferdinand which isn't so bad. The wait for the weekends can be a pain in the butt but that's ok because you can always hit columbia city bakery or Starbucks for a little snack as you wait. I love the food especially the corned beef sandwich, country fried steak, and Geraldine's casserole. I'm not a big fan of the French toast and actually prefer their pancakes. Toppings are rotated between strawberries, peaches, pears, blueberries, and a lot more. I also love the fact that most of their ingredients are bought locally. Not a very big fan of the service though. I've found most of the servers to be rude snooty hipsters. One time during the middle of my meal I had my bill come out. There was no indication that I was ready to pay especially when half of my food was still sitting on my plate. That bothered me a lot. Waters are never refilled you have to really ask to get it refilled which is annoying. Yes to the food. No to the service.
(3)
Jeremy L.

This place is great!!! The wait was not long either, I came with my family of 7 people and the wait was about 5-10 minutes. The food was delicious!! I ordered the, Country Fried Steak & Eggs; if you're a country fried steak lover then this is the plate to go with. The gravy they use was out of this world, most definitely one of the best I have ever had! This spot is a must go to for this town!
(5)
Momo L.

My partner and I came in here to have breakfast and loved the service we received by our waiter up on the bar top. We ordered the herbed omelet as well as the emerald city scramble and a single pancake. While we were waiting for our food, we did see some disturbing practices. When you sit at the bar top you see everything. Especially how sanitary the Staff is being when handling food and disposing dirty dishes. To my dismay as well as my partner we watched a total of 3 (throughout our service, THE SAME THREE [younger woman with a braided bun who was a server, a dude busing dirty dishes and the expediter]) staff members take partially used syrup off of dirty plates and place them at the expo station/pass. The more disturbing part was watching the expo take the syrup and fill new containers with the dirty/potentially used containers. The even more horrifying part was watching the expo (salt and pepper short hair, black shirt, kakhis, blue eyes and a silver wedding ring) grab a container he filled with dirty used syrup and put it on OUR pancake plate. Now I'm all for recycling and reusing but I'm almost 300% positive there is no way in heck that is allowed by the board of food and health. I promptly let my waiter know I wanted a new syrup container and let him know what I had seen. It was clear the expo didn't care that he had been caught doing this as he continued putting used syrups in fresh containers onto customers plates. While my food was great and my server was amazing, this practice alone is a big red flag for me. I don't need to become sick because the restaurant is too lazy to buy or is short on maple syrup. It's also concerning because it makes me question the health code practiced by the rest of the Staff at Geraldines Counter. Customers beware, watch out for the syrup or bring your own.....
(3)
Keanna H.

I visited Seattle for the weekend and was told how great the breakfast spots in town were. We heard a lot of buzz about Geraldine's and decided to go there. I got the slammin' dish and it was slammin. My favorite part was the sausage patty. I could appreciate the fact that it was fresh like most ingredients, if not all there. The decor was nice and the art on the walls were beautiful. The touch of a fresh flower on the table really made brunch special. My only issue was the small gnats that kept flying over my food. Other then that, I would definitely go back when I'm in town.
(4)
Spoon G.

Geraldine's is definitely on my top 5 list of restaurants in seattle. Which is crazy because if you haven't noticed there's a whole lot of flipping food up in here and all the food snobs to go along with it. But Geraldine's!!! What can I say? I am definitely down with real, local ingredients (bread from across the street!) at a decent price in a charming Americana diner setting. The southwest salad is just what I want and they make it without chicken for me. The Mac is delicious and they have hot wine deals on Thursday. They also reward you with Geraldine's dollars if you pay in cash which is clearly a win/win situation that just keeps me coming back. Brunch is bomb and they are always churning out killer specials. The Mexican chocolate pie is so amazing that I don't even know if it should exist. So stop wasting your money on mediocre food and got check it out!!!
(5)
James L.

came for breakfast and the food was okay. From the review, most people raved about their "Frech Toast", so i gave it a try and it was okay. Basically a fry version of the french toast. I still think if you want the perfect, delicious, never forgotten frech toast on your first bit, try Tower Cafe in Sacremento, CA. So far, none, i mean, NONE of the branch place can beat this place in term of French Toast!
(3)
Tina S.

I go to Geraldine's all the time and never leave unsatisfied. The food is delicious and the service is great.
(5)
Forte P.

Boo, over priced, bad flavored experience. I want my $32 back for two breakfast dishes. Boo. Why do people stand outside on the weekends and wait. Go next door to the sports bar, it's better food and better priced.
(1)
Kristen L.

My friend was craving breakfast food, so we decided to hit up Geraldine's for dinner. I was tempted to order the french toast, as the waitress explained that this was their signature dish, but since I was wanting something savory I decided to order the Reuben sandwich. I'm not much of a sandwich person, but this sandwich was great! The bread was nice and buttery and the fries that came with the sandwich were a nice touch. I look forward to coming back and trying breakfast!
(4)

Q & A on

Which states have a Whataburger?

There are more than 800 Whataburger restaurants across the USA which are open 24 * 7 serving the tastiest meal. If you want to know the nearest Whataburger, then search the restaurant in our Restaurant Listings Directory.

Is Whataburger closed on Easter and Christmas?

Though Whataburger remains open 24 hours and seven days a week, most of the branches are closed during Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

What are Whataburger opening and closing time?

This is the only restaurant which proudly serves the customer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone can enjoy good food in the early morning or a late-night meal at Whataburger restaurant branch.

Does Whataburger have a vegan burger?

Yes, Whataburger have Vegan as well as Vegetarian burger option. Whataburger veggie burger and Whataburger sandwiches are popular among vegan crowds.

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About Whataburger

Whataburger, as the name suggests, is an American fast-food restaurant specializing in hamburgers. Unlike other famous US restaurants chains, Whataburger is a regional fast-food chain serving customers at 824 locations in the country. Most of these locations are based in Texas while a few others are spread across Florida, Oklahoma, Arizona, Alabama, New Mexico, Louisiana, etc.

Whataburger was founded by Harmon Dobson and Paul Barton in 1950. The basic idea was to offer a better burger that tastes so good that every bite makes you say, “What A Burger!” In the same year, the Whataburger trademark was granted to Harmon Dobson, one of the co-founders. The restaurant specializes in different varieties and sizes of burgers including fish sandwich.

Healthy Food Options at Whataburger

Being a fast-food restaurant, you won't find many healthy food options at Whataburger. However, citing to the fitness trends and health preferences across the United States, Whataburger has revised its menu and introduced a selection of 550 calories or less menu in 2012. You can also try other items on the menu besides the burger to grab healthy food choices at Whataburger.

Address : 4872 Rainier Ave S
Seattle, WA, 98118
Phone (206) 723-2080
Website https://www.geraldinescounter.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :8:00 am - 3:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Geraldine’s Counter

4872 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98118

Geraldine’s Counter Menu

Hearty Fare

Omelets & Scrambles

Healthy Meal suggestions for Geraldine’s Counter

Hearty Fare

Omelets & Scrambles

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