Varsity Inn Restaurant
1801 N 34th St, Seattle, WA, 98103
Varsity Inn Restaurant Menu
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Soup & Salad
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Melt Sandwiches
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Hot Sandwiches
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Hamburgers
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Specialties
Healthy Meal suggestions for Varsity Inn Restaurant
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Soup & Salad
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Melt Sandwiches
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Hot Sandwiches
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Hamburgers
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Specialties
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Address :
1801 N 34th St
Seattle, WA, 98103 - Phone (206) 547-2161
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 2:3
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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J K.
It's a diner.
(3)Daranee O.
This is a great diner. If you like your omelettes served up french style by which I mean very think egg pancake wrapped around fillings, this is your place. The weekday special is a steal, but you have to be there before 10:00. Extremely friendly service. My only complaint is the hash browns could use improvement.
(4)Jennifer L.
Favorite diner in Seattle. There's just something about this place - it has a home-y atmosphere and is a family-run business. Packed always on weekend. Try the eggs benedict. Fast service.
(5)Sid J.
The bacon is amazing so is the eggs, toast, hash browns, and orange juice.
(5)bobby w.
It was ok for breakfast, but very pricey for a basic diner. Eggs florentine Mediterranean omelette Side of bacon - 2 pieces Side of chicken sausage - 3 pieces 4 Sake bloody Mary's 1 coffee $69 For that kind of money I'd like to think they could fix the rips in their booths and not just duct tape over them.
(2)Alex D.
I work nearby, and I was really rooting for this place to be great. It's got the nice orangy color on the outside, and with a name like 'varsity' that harkens back to your days of youth (that never were..) how could it not be great? I was let down, a bit. It had the sleepy feel of belonging in a small town in Missouri, or perhaps a truck stop in Eastern Montana. I actually found this endearing. I got a chicken burger, after asking the waiter whether he preferred the french dip, to which his only answer was that the chicken was 'fresh' (what does this imply about the roast beef? I thought concernedly to myself..). On the bright side, my salad was very, very salty and had goldfish crackers. My chicken burger was perfectly edible, but not exemplary. Overpriced, underwhelming, salty, but a comfortable stop if you don't have other good options.
(2)Lena L.
Overpriced but good food. A cute little diner place with good food but their pricing doesn't match up to their portions. I got a waffle for around 6$ that could feed a little kid. But I love The atmosphere of the place and the fast service we got. It only took around 5/7 mins for our food to arrive and the place wasn't empty either which I really appreciate when I am hungry.
(3)Chloe H.
There is another Varsity in Ravenna, both used to be owned by the same individual but now are run by completely different people. The one in Ravenna has ultra-gooey homemade Cinnamon rolls, and the one in Wallingford has tasty Mexican-inspired breakfasts great for the gluten-free. This review is just for the Wallingford location. I think that this is a pretty standard diner, and like that it is well light by big windows and comfy booths. The service is okay, and the bathrooms are clean. The food is average American food, and if you have a hankering for American diner food you will be very happy! My favorite things are the eggs benedict and spinach omelet with almonds and swiss. I split a breakfast with a friend (since entrees come with hashbrowns and toast) and leave feeling satisfied but not stuffed. Coffee is a little watery, but not acidic and astringent. If you want fancy, less-processed American breakfast fare then you are better off going to Portage Bay. If you want nice breakfast pastries, go to Le Fournil.
(3)Nicole D.
Solid diner. If you're looking for special then this is not the place for you, but if typical diner comfort food is what you crave, they got it! Big portions and extremely friendly service. I've had the veggie omelet and the tuna melt, both hit the spot! Just wish they were open later, I would LOVE this place after a night at the bars.
(4)Lindy W.
Cute diner in the bustling neighborhood that has little intimate booth seating. Got their hobo omelette and pancake combo. The omelettes are generally more than $10 each, which is on the pricier side. However, portions are large, which made up for the cost. They mixed up my order though...instead of getting me extra or something, they took it out instead. Perhaps the server heard me wrong. Omelette was ok and I didn't feel it was spectacular or special. Service is acceptable and orders are served quickly (within 5-10 minutes).
(3)Janus K.
this place is a beacon of dinery dive-ness across from gasworks park and i want to love it. but i can't. every time i've been here - and i've been many times over the last several years - i leave feeling like it was just blah. thought i'd give it another chance this morning after reading mixed reviews on yelp and it was, once again, just fair to middling. the eggs benedict were poached properly enough, but the hollandaise was bland and thick, possibly from a cisco-like mass distributor. the ham was dry and chewy. but the worst part was the massive pile of hashbrowns. i specifically asked for them to be well-done since i'd seen mounds of nearly white shreddings on other folks' plates, and they were barely crisped, unsalted, and just plain annoying. the people who whine about seattle hipsters asking too much from this place are most likely people who don't know anything about food and are perfectly happy to eat at denny's, which, incidentally, would be better than the varsity in my book. this is not about needing organic bacon or long lines of cute people outside to make a solid brunch - i am not a portage bay fan, for instance - but rather it's about seriously mediocre food that isn't worth the diner kitsch environment on which it seems to be coasting. salmon bay, voula's, and the dish are all non-fancy spots with much better food for similar prices.
(2)Nick H.
"Meh. I've experienced better" sums it up nicely. There's a huge menu with the usual sort of diner-style fare. The omelets come with a huge side of frozen hash browns--about ten pounds worth, from my estimate. The sandwiches come with frozen crinkle-cut fries. And processed cheese. The ladies who work here at lunch are very friendly and are one of the one bright rays of sunshine at the Varsity Inn. But I don't think I'll be coming back for the food.
(2)Matt W.
Awesome little diner. I was in the neighborhood headed out, called in a togo order, all comes fresh and fast. Burger meat was good, everything I could have wanted was in the box/bag and a mountain of fries. Smiling friendly waitress greeted as I entered, charged me a fair price. If I'm ever back this way they made my will come again list!
(5)Teresa C.
My family really likes this place. The service is great and the staff is very friendly, always with a smile on their faces. It's a small little diner but there's never a long wait. The value is really good. It's diner food at diner prices and the food is delicious! We will continue to go back to Varsity Inn.
(4)Kevin K.
It's rare to find a rural atmosphere in a bustling city. Varsity Inn offers such atmosphere with friendly service and amazing breakfast food. Great for brunch after a fun Friday or Saturday night. A little pricey but portions tend to be large.
(3)Marshall J.
I've gone there countless times, okay lots of times, for breakfast. I always order a ha and cheese omelet and it's always been okay, not Beth's okay or the Voula's Offshore café okay, but okay. So I thought I'd give it another try. I ordered a ham and cheese omelet, sour dough toast and well done hash browns. I got, well done toast, a well done omelet and warm hash browns. Couldn't finish it, and that's rare, and I won't be back.
(2)Leonard S.
Went there for lunch today. Philly was great and waitress did everything to accomodate me and my requests. Worth it for the service alone.
(5)Ruth V.
This place needs to have more stars! Come on, people! I hate how Seattle hipsters expect the sun and stars out of this place! No, this won't have organic whatever eggs with a side of grass fed bacon. Duh! It's a diner! The hash browns and pancakes are amazing!!! Best in the city!!! And I've been tried the trendy spots too, trust me. I've been coming here for over ten years and it's nice to see that it hasn't changed. Sure the prices have gone up but I've paid waaaaaaay more for some awful breakfast at Portage Bay (which has very sad potatoes!). Go here for simple food and friendly service.
(5)Erin H.
This place gets four stars for what it is - A DINER. This isn't your trendy, wait in line outside for an hour breakfast place. This is a good old fashioned diner. The kind you'd expect to find in the middle of nowhere on a road trip. For that, I love it. Flavors are classic and portions are large. Also, you can literally roll out of bed looking like a hot mess and come in for breakfast and not feel out of place. That is a win in my book.
(4)Matthew K.
It's a greasy spoon. Not that that's a bad thing. Food was ok but nothing to rave about. Coffee tasted bland but they kept my cup topped off at all times. We had a patty melt and a burger. These are the reviews I don't know how to rate. Want a greasy spoon diner? 4/5 stars as far as greasy spoons go. If you don't want that? 2/5 stars. So I land somewhere in the middle.
(3)Jessica B.
This diner doesn't deserve 4 stars, it's a pretty normal diner. It has breakfast foods and lunchy things like sandwiches. It's pretty good, but I like most diner food. I'd call it a step up from Denny's strictly due to ambiance and the Varsity Inn's lack of chicken fried steak... they do have good menu options with something for everyone. And the service is nice. It's an "A-OK" diner, but not worth going out of your way for.
(3)Tres B.
You just don't find old time diners like this anymore. The food would get three stars, but the ambiance and family run aspect get them an extra glimmer from me. Its long and narrow and usually busy, with a nice view to the street and of the complicated parking. But its worth the effort. This has that innate charm that only comes with age and years of regular patrons. My burger was average but enjoyable. recommend.
(4)Anna W.
If you're looking for anything fancy or out of the ordinary, you may be disappointed. But if you're looking for an unpretentious place to get a typical diner-type breakfast served by genuinely nice people, Varsity Inn is the place to go.
(4)Rafael R.
Meh pretty much explains it. No, the lower starred ratings aren't expecting a silk purse, what they likely expect is to at least get what you order: Plain, good diner food, which the Varsity Inn fails to deliver. They're the only game in the neighborhood so I'm sure locals put up with a lot, but honestly, my visit today didn't even rise to "Adequate." Check my review of Both Ways Cafe, a neighborhood outlet that serves superior meals at LOWER prices. Go figure.... For a buck more than I pay @ BWC I received perfunctory toast instead of a fresh house-baked buttermilk biscuit, commissary hash browns instead of seasoned home fries, and what appeared to be a mini-omelet instead of light, fluffy scrambled eggs. Top it off with a nearly three dollar glass of warm [!!] orange juice NOT freshly squeezed, and the only thing to crow about is the service, which was prompt and attentive. The aisle literally swarms with servers, bussers and smiling people topping off coffee mugs. Like I said, OK, toast but no biscuit, no harm. Hash browns akin to Denny's? Well, this is a diner. But please, if your short order cook cannot prepare scrambled eggs, don't offer them on the menu. Scrambled eggs do NOT arrive in one solid lump, and hen fruit should NEVER be browned! Shame on whoever let that order leave the line! As for reviewers busting the chops of those who weren't happy with their food from The Varsity, all I can say is, they must think school lunch room food is haute cuisine....I'd ignore their other reviews.
(2)Jens J.
Today I made my second visit to Varsity. Both times were for breakfast, and the experience each time was less than stellar. However, despite the grubby building painted egg yolk yellow, the large window-lined windows do make the interior space appealing (even if it is shaped exactly like a railroad car). I was seated by a woman with a large and perhaps genuine smile pasted on her face. Breakfast is the focus of the menu, with lunch options not being offered until the relatively late time of noon. I ordered a routine breakfast of sirloin steak, eggs and hash browns. As I waited for my order I pondered why somebody talking on a cell phone in a restaurant can be annoying to people nearby. I mean, what's the difference between somebody talking on a cell phone and somebody holding a conversation with another person in the restaurant? In theory, it should be the same. But there is a distinction - it seems people on cell phones tend to speak louder, for whatever reasons. So yeah, I was not thrilled when the old college professor-type guy behind me was blathering on and on into his phone about the awesomeness of his 7 iron. My order was brought out in pretty good time. The sirloin steak was a boneless filet. I had asked for medium-well and it came out very rare. Still, I ate the rather tough meat without sending it back for further cooking. The hash browns had a heavy margarine flavor and greasy texture. Oh, and the coffee was terrible and the orange juice lukewarm and artificial tasting. The lady with the faux grin served me, but never came back. What was galling is that when she went around to the tables asking other patrons if they wanted refills, she looked directly at my empty water glass and said nothing. She did that twice! And that was like my experience here the first time - mediocre food and service. The only reason you might consider coming here for breakfast/brunch on the weekend is because there likely will not be a wait for a table. But you should ask yourself why there is not a wait for a table at Varsity.
(2)Alicia E.
It seems like the reviews for 3 stars and less are a bit cynical and seem to want this place to be a trendier restaurant. In reality, this is a family-run business that is unassuming and casual. It reminds me of diners that I used to go to in Denver, where food is less of an affair while still being good. To compare it to Denny's or IHOP is a complete disservice as the food is fresher, much more flavorful, and the servers and owners actually want to please you instead of get you in and out the door, your money in their hands. This is a good place to go for a low-pressure and relaxing breakfast. The service is relatively fast, water glasses and coffee mugs are always full, and the friendly atmosphere is ever present. As far as those with a sweet tooth, it may or may not be the best- I don't know. We normally don't get the pancakes/ waffles/ french toast options and instead opt for more savory or spicy dishes. The best things that they have are all Latin flavors - huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, and their morning specials are all excellent and spicy (well, as spicy as you can get in Seattle without being Thai food...) Other great options are eggs benedict and biscuits and gravy. The omelettes are decent too. Basically, if you want a breakfast that is a bit spicier or savory, Varsity Inn is one of your better options.
(4)Joe H.
Great for a laid back breakfast/brunch on a weekend. Service is nice if unhurried. If you're in a rush, less than ideal, but perfect if you want a lazy Sunday morning with no one hurrying you. Food is exactly what you expect from a diner; tasty (nothing amazing), big portions, reasonable prices and constant flow of coffee. Also have some good Mexican choices which is a welcome change in Seattle.
(3)Jon C.
Four stars? Who are you guys kidding, fellow Yelpers? I am disappoint. I went here for breakfast, against my wishes. Some friends trolled me into going. I'll keep this short: It's worse and more expensive than Denny's, in every way. There. TL;DR and look up another restaurant so that you might enjoy your morning. Go on, now. No? Not convinced? Okay, what neighborhood do you live in? North Ballard / Greenwood? The Four Spoons. South Ballard / Fremont? The Dish. It's the middle of the night, and you live in Queene Anne, but still want breakfast? 5 Spot. I guess what I'm saying is: there's no reason to go here, and there are tons of better options in Seattle. So, hopefully one of those other places works for you. They're mostly pretty good. Glad to help. Take care, now. Jesus, you're still here? You want to know about this place, and really want to go here because you live a block away, and don't want to walk down the hill to the other restaurants? Okay...fine... The food is pretty bad, and they charge way too much for it. I paid $10 for two pieces of Wonder Bread French Toast with fake, crusty, amber-colored butter with fake maple (corn) syrup; two pieces of burnt, flavorless, brown, dry bacon -- served over-top of a single, brown, dry and cold scrambled egg on a teacup saucer. Yuck. I didn't eat them (everyone else with me did), but I recognize them from a mile away: the "awesome hash browns" are frozen Ore-Ida shredded potatoes, dropped in hot grease for four minutes. Almost every crappy diner / breakfast chain (IHOP) in Seattle serves this, for some reason. It is a disservice to the plate; hashbrowns should be one of the better components to a good breakfast. McDonalds prepares a better breakfast, and I would honestly recommend it over this. And really, that's kind of sad.
(1)Clive D.
Great place with great staff. I've been going to the Varsity Inn for years. The owners are great people; always friendly. The food is well-done standard breakfast fare with big portions and good prices. Check out the specials board as you walk in for some great Mexican dishes. My favorite is the huastecas which are essentially breakfast enchiladas.
(5)Doug C.
I've been on a number of teams over the years, but this is the easiest time I've ever had making Varsity. Awful joke, but I'm afraid I don't get the tie-in as to why this restaurant is called the Varsity Inn. Then again, I suppose it doesn't have to make sense. As for the restaurant, it's basically an old school diner place. It has the feel, from the benches to the waitresses calling me "hon". Like with the best diners, they serve breakfast all day; all restaurants should do this. The waitress was a little slow taking orders: it's not that she herself was slow, it's just that she was the only waitress for the entire place (she was working the register, greeeting patrons, taking orders, cleaning tables). Since this was a meal before work, I went with the Denver omelette (with toast and hashbrowns) and some coffee. The good news is that the portions are generous. The toast was fine and the hashbrowns were basic unseasoned potatoes; easily cured with some pepper and tobasco. As for the omelette, I did have a few issues. The egg outer portion was very thin and immediately crumbled once touched, spilling the ham, onions and peppers onto the plate. It wasn't so much an omelette as a pile of ham and veggies. Which isn't so bad, I actually like those things. But as constructive criticism, they should fluff up the eggs more so that the outer shell is more substantive. Parking is on the street, but is easily accessible. This area of Wallingford tends to have more open spaces. Overall, it's basic diner fare serving all-day breakfast.
(3)Dan S.
*Had bfast with my 4 yr old son on his bday today and mentioned it to the waitress *Out came a candle in an orange and the staff sang happy bday! He was just tickled *Consistent with my mantra of "how good does a restaurant do with what they are trying to do" Varsity serves up good old fashioned diner food at a reasonable price and the ambiance is second to none! *Thanks for making my day and a 4 year olds!
(5)Scott D.
John C. is a wordy idiot. The Varsity is a great family restaurant. Good food and lots of it.
(4)Cecilia V.
Went for brunch. Will be back. Some was good, some was ok, some was eh. Large portions. Bf loves that. Will definitely come back to try again. Like the family owned atmosphere, that also makes me want to come back. Next time I will try one of the specials on the board I think.
(3)Naomi F.
Bleck. As greasy spoon as it gets! Not my cup. Some might love it for the prices and nice service which are both pretty damn good.
(2)Lisa F.
We'd heard about this traditional diner for breakfast, so had to check it out while in town. It was good, basic breakfast food. Nothing fancy, or off the charts. The fact that they serve breakfast all day is a real winner, if you like to sleep in!
(4)Shari d.
I love sleeping in on Sundays which inhibits my boyfriends desire for a quick Sunday morning breakfast. By the time I wake up and am ready to go it is already almost 10:30 and most places are already packed. On our way through Wallingford we stumbled upon the Varsity Inn. We noticed that it was full but people were leaving so we decided to pop in for some breakfast. I ordered the Eggs Benedict and he ordered an egg combo with sausage. Everything tasted good...albeit a little bland for me so I had to add more salt than usual. The bf really enjoyed his egg combo and liked how the sausages had a SNAP as you bit into them. I asked for a refill on my drink and they forgot, and then asked for a to go box and they forgot again. Despite that the prices are decent and everyone working there were pleasant to deal with.
(3)Jeff B.
I like family owned restaurants and it seems like they just care more. Is this place fancy no it isn't but they have great service and big portions. The HOBO omelet is excellent and the blue berry pancakes are some of the best I had in town. Great place to meet an old friend and catch up while enjoying breakfast..
(4)Dave F.
I had the awesome omelet, and it was awesome. Very good no nonsense breakfast! Had a welcoming feel to it too.
(4)J J.
I really like this place for breakfast and have been going here for years. It's the closest thing to a diner that we have around here, especially because of how inexpensive it is. The staff is always wonderful, without exception; you feel welcome, your coffee cup is always full. Good times. Try the pancakes! If you're looking for good morning grub without spending a ton of money, this is your place.
(4)Kathy A.
Great little greasy spoon kind of diner located close to Gas Works Park. The staff is really nice here. I've only been for breakfast, but they do offer lunch service as well. They have bottomless coffee (a must for me). The greek omelette is really good as are most of the others. There pancakes are also really tasty. They make them just the way I like them... nice crispy edges.
(3)Angie K.
This is one of those places I wish I could give 3.5 stars. I can't do 4 because the food is not truly great. However, it is a really nice neighborhood lunch spot because the food is good, the prices are right, service is good and it's comfortable. I was taken there for lunch by some friends and didn't even know it existed, but I would actually think about living in this neighborhood because this place was there. It seems like it would be a great, comfortable alternative to a coffee shop with $5 coffees and goofballs sitting everywhere working on their laptops. I mean, I love $5 coffees and laptop goofballs, but if you want to have a comfortable lunch/breakfast/chat with friends, a coffee shop is not the best environment. But Varsity Inn was great for that.
(3)Kristin C.
you see all those 4 and 5 star reviews? You should probably just ignore them. This is easiest the worst breakfast I have had in Seattle! The food was soooooooo bland. I got the biscuits and gravy with eggs and hash browns. The gravy was bland and the biscuits were rubbery. Easily the worst part of my meal. The biscuits were almost inedible. It's really hard to try and put into words the taste and texture, just avoid them. The hash browns were so horrible I could only eat them by drenching them in ketchup. And let me tell you, I hate ketchup on my hash browns! Great location near gas work. But HORRIBLE food.
(1)Jon C.
Please ignore the 4 star rating and don't dine here. I just paid $10 for two slices of deli cut roast beef drenched in microwaved BBQ sauce. After a dousing with chipotle tobasco it was ok at best. Still hungry and don't remember any taste of beef. The accompanying side salad was equally brutal. Wet romaine topped diced tomatoes and gold fish. Yes...gold fish crackers. There was a hint of blue cheese dressing as evidenced by the milky white liquid at the bottom of the salad bowl. Not enough salt in the ocean to give this salad any flavor. Ina previous visit about a year ago I had some time to kill so I ordered nachos. Equally bad...using kraft singles and their favorite microwave oven to warm everything up. Unfortunately the cheese didn't even melt
(1)Jeff S.
Awesome restaurant! Can't believe in my 10 years living in Seattle I've never eaten here before. I definitely recommend you try it! I can't remember the name of the special I had, but I would characterize it as an awesome mexican breakfast enchilada with incredible, mildly spicy red sauce.
(5)Nerick M.
This is one of my favorite diners to get a delicious All-American type of breakfast in all it's greasy and fattening glory. I used to frequent this spot during early morning breaks a couple of years ago mainly for their pancakes, which are light and fluffy with crispy edges....mmmmm. The eggs are cooked any way you like them and go great with the hash browns in any of their combination breakfasts. The medium sized establishment can get busy in the mornings but you'll find you can get a seat pretty fast since people are constantly moving in and out of there. The service is very friendly and attentive. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with anything you order here. Varsity Inn pancakes....I LOVE YOU!
(4)Clara L.
I had one of the absolute best breakfast burritos here at Varsity Inn. I had the egg, cheese and chorizo burrito. And hash browns. HUGE serving size and delicious! I would definitely go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)Bruce G.
I am always surprised when my favorite diner fails to be mentioned when talking about breakfast in Seattle... The Varsity Inn on the north end of Lake Union has the best blueberry pancakes around! Hands Down! Also a great spinach omelet, but those blueberry pancakes are a must...each toasty and delicious pancake is loaded with big, plump blueberries! The Best! 1801 N 34th St (cross street is N. Wallingford) Seattle WA 98103 206-547-2161 Open till 2:30 every day -Tell Patty Bruce Sent You!
(4)Patrick H.
Really good breakfast. Chilaquiles were awesome.
(3)courtney p.
Ok, let me start out by saying that I've only eaten from here once. 90% of the reason this place is getting three stars instead of two is because the I loved the lady working there. I called in a togo order of chicken tenders, which came with chicken noodle soup (which was awesome because I was sick). The lady working when I went to pick it up was so nice and friendly, I stayed talking to her for like 10 minutes and when I left I was in a better mood than I was when I went in there, which says a lot I think. So honestly I can't wait to give this place a try for breakfast sometime. But, bad chicken tenders? at a diner? really? bland bland bland chicken noodle soup. It tasted like pure salt. I realize they don't "make" the chicken tenders there, but you would think that they would order different ones after a while.... I dunno. I wasn't impressed. But I live across the street and everyday this place is packed for lunch, so they must be doing something right. They're worth a second chance, so I hope the rest of their menu redeems them.
(3)Darren H.
One of the few reasonably-priced solid breakfast places in Seattle. All of the diner-standard breakfast foods and flavor, none of the usual Seattle markup. Recommend to anyone who considers themselves a diner fan.
(4)Cathy G.
I am going 4 not 5 because it is so standard! I used to eat there when I lived up the street. I loved the hot sausage omelettes! The service was always wonderful - you can tell when management is dedicated to having friendly staff! This is one place like that! I go by occasionally and pop in. I like the coffee. I like the diner atmosphere. I wish they served organic broccoli and chard! DANG that DIE-it!
(5)SE H.
My favorite pancakes! They are awesome--just the right thickness, crispy edges, tender center, no fake vanilla flavor. Yum!! Service is friendly and attentive, but not hovering. They keep my coffee cup filled. The breakfast burritos with chorizo remind me of breakfast burritos I had growing up in Texas. Also yum! They've had Carnitas as a special lately that have been tasty. Waaaaay better than Denny's or IHOP!
(4)Nicole G.
The Varsity Inn is very close to the top of my favorite breakfast places in Seattle. Many a time, I've met up with friends on a Saturday morning (by morning, I mean noonish) to discuss the previous night's debauchery. I've seen all types of patrons here, young and old, etc. The service is fast and friendly. I usually have an "Awesome Omelet" (you select 5 items off the list to add to your omelet and it lives up to it's name... Aweeeesome!) with hash browns and wheat toast. The hash browns are perfectly crispy and delicious. And the toast comes already buttered. Sweet! My lazy butt doesn't want to butter my own toast. Pshh... I have nothing bad to say about this place. The owner is a very friendly woman who was once a waitress and decided to save up and buy a restaurant. And for those of you wondering, it's called Varsity Inn because it's close to UW and is a good spot for brunch before a big game.
(4)Alli D.
I'm tempted to give this place 5 stars just because of the blatant flattery from the waitress, but I'm going to try not to be that shallow behind my apparently stunning eyes. *tosses hair while brushing shoulders off* Anyway, along with dozens of other people on Labor Day morning, we had the idea of going out for breakfast at the Varsity Inn. Despite the already packed house, the wait was only 5 minutes or so. The menu's pretty standard--omelets, pancakes, french toast, steak & eggs, etc. I was delighted to see a "light breakfast" option that wasn't for toddlers or senior citizens, so I saddled up and ordered the one pancake, one egg, two pieces of bacon option. In no way was it the best tasting breakfast I'd ever had, but at least I didn't feel like a cow after licking the whole plate clean. And it was only $5.45! I felt bad for the wait staff, because they were slammed with all of these customers who wouldn't be there if it wasn't a holiday, and here they were working extra hard. But they were super friendly and quick. Great job, people! Don't know if this makes it on the list of places I must go back to, but if I ever want a cheap breakfast and want to hit up Gasworks Park for a stroll afterwards, (or maybe if I just need a self-esteem boost), I just might find myself here again someday.
(3)Lisa R.
Oh, how I miss this place! When I lived in the Seattle area I would frequent this place every weekend...fantastic food (the best hashbrowns I've ever had in a restaurant), great diner atmosphere, and wonderful service. I miss the lady who I assume is one of the owners...she got to where she knew me and my friend by name. Wish I lived closer so I could frequent it more often than once a year now! I cannot say enough great things about this place. Just love it!
(5)Jolly A.
More or less your typical breakfast dinner. I had the bacon omelette, my fellow diners had the biscuits and gravy and the blueberry pancakes. Helpings were all pretty large (just what ya want from a breakfast diner). My omelette was STUFFED with bacon and the pancakes had plenty of blueberries. If anything can be said about the food, it's that they don't skimp. Hashbrowns were cooked but pretty flavorless. You get big helpings of mediocre food. Probably excellent for a hangover. The place looks like your typical diner, and it really is. Service, though, is phenomenal. I power through diet soda in the morning, and they were always on top of refills, even after getting the check. I probably got six or seven refills just sitting there.
(3)Natalie G.
I have been a regular at Varsity Inn since moving to the Wallingford neighborhood three years ago. Rarely does a week go by that we don't wake up in the morning and decide to go for a short walk to our favorite neighborhood restaurant. The service is beyond compare, Patty and Nancy always greet us with large smiles, there is no better way to start the day. I love that they learn your names, ask how you've been and notice when it's been awhile since you last came in. Food-wise, they are very consistent. I typically order the huevos rancheros since they are the only ones who seem to make it right. The french toast combo is pretty tasty too. With their recent addition of a dinner menu, my favorite diner just because my favorite restaurant. The dinner menu is spectacular. So far I have had the veggie enchiladas, carne asada, and the camarones. Each were a unique experience, seasoned and cooked to perfection and I'd happily order them again. Top it off with an ice cold Negra Modelo and you have the best Mexican food in Seattle.
(5)Floyd B.
I was hesitant to try the Varsity Inn for dinner, but I'd heard the Mexican food was really good. The Mexican food is better than really good. It is authentic and amazing. Better than most Mexican I've had in Seattle. I had the Rockfish tacos. They were perfect. The rice was worth eating, the salsa and guacamole were out of this world fresh. On top of all that, the prices are very reasonable for the portion size. Don't think twice, go to the Varsity Inn for dinner. You won't be disappointed. P.s. I'd never tried mole sauce before so they brought some out for me to sample. WOW. so yummy.
(5)Aaron F.
I enjoyed our breakfast at the Varsity Inn. The Hobo omelet was exceptional as were the pancakes. The service was authentically kind.
(5)Alix H.
BACON WAFFLES = Heaven BACON WAFFLES + Maple Syrup = Paradise in Heaven Ohai I'm getting chubby cuz I can haz bacon waffles @ Varsity Inn! Diner style dining. Down to earth & welcoming staff. Gooood fooooood! What's not to like?
(4)shelly l.
We had dinner there last night and it was AMAZING. First, an incredible homemade salsa, then, authentic chocolaty mole sauce on the veggie enchiladas, and the beans and rice were seasoned well and fresh. I am going back soon and often.
(5)Aayo Gorkhali K.
It was OK breakfast. The place was almost full. The service was pretty fast. I had some waffle combo and it wasn't very exciting. the food lacked some freshness and flavors. The price here is cheap so i guess you get what you paid for.
(3)Jessica D.
Saw all these great reviews here, and have heard about it for a long time. Thought this holiday weekend was a perfect time to try a Seattle Standard. Well, I think those "standards" are low. My waffle was an over-sized eggo, my friend's corned-beef hash HAD to have been out of a can, and even if I looked at it from greasy-spoon perspective, the portions were sparing. Amongst the three of us, the biscuits and gravy were the *only* redeeming food on out table. Yes, everyone was friendly, our coffee and water was refreshed frequently - but the food just ain't worth it.
(2)Patty C.
The eggs are always perfect, the bacon waffles rock, and the coffee ain't half bad. Consistency is a good thing. Huge selection on the menu for breakfast and lunch. They close in the early afternoon, so this isn't a dinner venue. Expect a line if you get there between 8:30 and 10am on a weekend. Oh, and they now have free wi-fi!
(4)Katie H.
Mediocre food and VERY slow service even when you're the only one in the place. I've experienced this so many times I decided it was time to review it.
(1)Bill R.
Sub-par for breakfast. Slow service.
(2)Brooke G.
Based on some of the reviews I saw here on Yelp, J and I headed down to this joint. We weren't impressed. The food wasn't lousy, but I'd have rather gone to Denny's or IHOP, it probably would have been cheaper and tasted better. The atmosphere = old diner. I ordered the eggs benedict with the hollandaise sauce on the side, and it's probably a good thing. They brought out at least a half cup of the stuff to top my e.b. with. J ordered some generic omelet and it was chock full of ingredients rather than weighted down with egg, which he thought was a nice change.
(2)Yeeps Y.
The best that can be said is the food was edible and it didn't make me sick. Otherwise, the eggs I could have done better myself when hungover, the sausage links weren't really links they were mini-thumbs -- service was diffident -- a disappointment. Was looking forward to a good diner experience and it wasn't that at all.
(1)Chris W.
Just this past week, the Varsity Inn has added dinner hours til 9pm Mon-Sat -- and a brand new Mexican dinner menu from the cook & co-owner's home region of San Luis Potosi. We dined in a group of 4 people, and each of us were shocked with the fresh new entrees at our favorite breakfast greasy spoon. Homemade chips, homemade tortillas, carne asada with very mature flavors, fresh guac & pico, amazing vegetables... and a tres leches cake that's not too heavy, not too sweet, very fluffy & moist with a bit of cream soaked through. Perfection. The Varsity Inn has really stepped it up for dinner, though the fantastic breakfast menu is still available any time they're open. You must try this new dinner menu, and the weekday Mexican lunch specials. Truly fresh, delicious, perfectly prepared, beautifully seasoned.
(5)Will D.
Standard breakfast food is OK, but the Mexican specials are the what elevate this place from 2 to 3 stars. I would give this place 4 stars if they concentrated on Mexican breakfast items. The first time I went, the special was chilaquiles. Fantastic. And homemade salsa to boot!
(3)Michael V.
Did you know that the density of pancakes is affected by weather? It's true...... Well, it is summertime, let's go to the Varsity. I love the Varsity....Love it....An old boss used to take me there every Tuesday morning, and I have been meaning to go back for a few years now. Reasonably priced, cozy, intimate, and absolutely the best pancakes I have ever had in my entire life. Ever......had..........
(5)Bob E.
On some nights, tues-sat I think, the staff cuts loose and starts making some fiercely fresh food that is Mexican inspired, but fresh and not fried. The salsa fresca served with the hot crispy tortilla chips looks like babyfood because it's blended, but it's amazing. The Rockfish in the tacos is either poached or steamed to a delicate perfection without being the slightest bit overcooked. They even have Mexican beer and Alaskan Amber ale to go with it. I've always enjoyed coming here for the authentic diner experience, but at night the kitchen staff is making pure food art. You've got to try this place for dinner.
(4)Eric H.
Love it. Great traditional diner breakfasts; the owners and waiters are friendly, and they serve breakfast all day (at least the one day I asked).
(5)luvtotravel J.
Good Old down home diner cookin!#@ I love it here! Good Food - nice and filling. Not a pishy posh restaurnat (If you are looking for luxury then just leave we don't want to see your face at the Varsity!) This is the place to go if you are hungry. Affordable prices, mellow atmosphere-come in your pajamas kind of place, excellent instant friendly neighborhood service! For those rainy days where you crave comfort food - order the eggs benedict and / or the biscuits and gravy. Their hashbrowns are to-die-for! MMM Mouth wattering just thinking about it! The weekends are packed so come really early or later at around 1-2 ish. I always find parking here.
(5)Don N.
Good hangover-cure establishment. Bad for groups larger than four people, you end up shoehorned into a corner or spilling off the edge of a 4-seat booth. The place isn't big enough for those arrangements to be comfortable, to say nothing of very safe -- when it's busy, servers laden with plates or carrying coffee carafes wander past constantly, it's worth your life to stand up too quickly or turn around without checking behind you first. That said, the diner fare is pretty tasty, and the service very fast. Even during busiest times it was all I could do to empty my coffee cup before a server appeared to refill it without prompting; in fact, I ended up having to turn down refills both times I've visited. The staff are very accommodating to nearly any menu request, which is good for kids who want things to be Just So. Also good for adults who like to make substitutions. Great place for a leisurely late breakfast on a weekend, but be prepared for a wait.
(4)Thomas J.
What is it about the Varsity Inn that keeps it off of my short list of breakfast places? In a city of excellent choices, there are others that are, well, better. There isn't anything particularly 'wrong' about the Varsity, but there isn't anything other than average about it either. I've never been particularly impressed, and if the prices were lower, it might be a different story. But as it is, it is decidedly meh.
(2)Amber B.
I've been a regular at the Varsity for about a year. They have basic diner breakfast food for decent prices. Pancakes that overflow the plate for a couple bucks. You really only need one! Their blueberry pancakes come with real blueberries in them, none of the dried blueberry pancake stuff. They're portions are more than enough and the service is quick and friendly. My boyfriend is a huge fan of the awesome omelet which you choose 5 ingredients - as long as they have the ingredients you can choose just about anything!
(5)Nicole P.
normally i am very picky aboutthe type of food i eat- either healthy, or super high quiality ingrediant... there are 2 things that will lead me stray from my path, tho: i love crappy chinese food, and greasy-spoon, diner-style breakfast. this is of the later, but not such low quality food that i was feeling guilty afterwards. and neither was my pocket book. amazingly quick and friendly service, great breakfast in hugh quantity (i had late lunch later, as well) all in a nice and bright setting with splendid service. let's just say i have found a new favorite place to have breakfast in seattle, and that they will be seeing a lot more of me in the future at the varsity inn :)
(5)Heidi F.
The Varsity rocks! Patti is the best waitress I have ever had, always happy and in a good mood! The food is incredible and there is a lot of it, so come hungry. Waits are long on the weekends, but worth it. They keep a list, so no confusion on who is next (take a hint Bay Cafe!),,,,We were here on a Sunday and waited about 30 minutes. My kid was near meltdown status, not to mention is a picky eater. Patti was so sweet and ordered my daughter's meal asap (before Noon on the weekends, no lunch), well, she had the cooks cook a early lunch for my daughter. Thank God, it saved our Family Day that we almost had ruined by the Bay Cafe earlier that am---see the Bay Cafe review for details. I wish all waitstaff/owners were as friendly as Patti, what a great person she is!
(5)Jeff F.
This is my favorite Seattle breakfast spot. A bright diner with many regulars, fast service, and delicious food. For the most part, they're not the healthiest meals you'll eat (unless you're opting for the steel-cut oatmeal), but if you're going to sacrifice your arteries for diner food, it should be worth it.
(5)josh C.
There can be some long waits on the weekends but worth the wait if you are craving the good ol greasy spoon diner breakfast. The only down side is some of the items they offer aren't home made so if you give a crap, go ahead and ask... I passed on the corn beef hash because the waiter told us it wasn't home made. I went for an omelette instead and was full for three days. ahhh yeah.
(4)Rod O.
Perched above Seattle's Gasworks Park, the Varsity Inn has an atmosphere reminiscent of the old East-Coast Fodero-style diners of the '40s and '50s. Service is friendly and generally attentive, though when it gets busy you might have to wait for refills on your coffee. The standard diner fare is about what you'd expect, though mediocre compared with other establishments in the Fremont/Ballard area. Waffles are of the frozen variety, the fruit compote more like thick, half-thawed preserves (ice crystals complimentary). Meals come garnished with orange slices, though the last time I ate there mine was moldy on one side. My biggest beef with the place is that they only serve three sausage links or slices of bacon with "full" breakfast or side orders. I mean , c'mon, three? Has there been a rip in the space-time continuum, or what? I used to eat there frequently because I live close by, but recently I've decided that it's worth a short drive to get better quality meals.
(2)Z E.
We've been regulars here for about 12 years, and the waitstaff always acts like it's a homecoming when we come. They have the best hashbrowns I've ever tasted, and I always go for their Eggs Benedict or Eggs Florentine. Yum!
(5)courtney G.
Bacon Pancakes...enough said!
(5)Randi P.
when I'm really hungry for breakfast, this is where I go. The wait is worth it, because the service is good and super-fast. they are serious about breakfast, and I love it!
(5)Allie T.
Super yummy and 2 blocks from my house. The wait was only about 5 minutes and the biscuits and gravy took care of my hangover. The waitress was uber-friendly as well.
(4)doug S.
I had a fire in my business and home. These people fed us through out rebuild and their positive energy. Recharged us everyday. Love the staff. They are now people I consider personal friends.
(5)Alexi M.
A great breakfast spot with a good early-bird special (get there before 10am, I think). The food is always served up with smile and I always leave with a full belly.
(5)Laural B.
Straight-up no-frills diner food, real hashbrowns, only a few omelets. You'll only know you're in Seattle because you can't smoke inside, otherwise, you'd swear you were in a Waffle House.
(4)Amy G.
Closest to an authentic diner that I've found in Seattle -- looks like one (without the smoke), feels like one, and is as cheap as one. The food is simple and very good. The waitstaff are great -- very friendly and accomodating. Great place to take kids, too.
(4)