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Fountain View Cafe
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
1842 Fountain View DrHouston, TX 77057
Neighbourhood: Galleria/Uptown
(713) 785-9060
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for Fountain View Cafe
Review Highlights
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"This place serves breakfast all day and that alone is..." In 3 reviews -
"I almost always get hash browns with a warmed blueberry..." In 5 reviews -
"Best pancakes I have ever had." In 3 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Abigail H.
Boston, MA
5/23/2012 1 photo
I really like this place. Probably one of the only cafes in Houston that has a real down to earth vibe. The brick wall and wood accents make you feel at home.
Used to think the guy at the cash register was out to get me, but after a while I realized that he just likes it when customers know what they want. He's not super warm but that's part of the fun of being at a not-so-well-known cafe.
One of the servers sings in the morning sometimes. Once, he let me stand on my chair and sing a jazz standard. Good memories.
Found a lot of chill time here with friends during high school and I'll always go back whenever I visit. -
Review from Ann L.
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Headed here for Sunday brunch with friends. I had the Cafe II with fruit salad and sausage and coffee. The eggs were good and the fruit salad diverse but...the sausage. I know there's an issue with Americans super sizing everything but my sausage patty was half the size of my palm.
And my palm ain't big.
I also had a bite of the infamous pancake. Thin and slightly crunchy, they were good but not your typical fluffy pancake.
The cafe had an old-time diner feel with patrons that seemed like long-time customers. Perhaps not the best place for quality time with my Sex and the City-esque girls but we all enjoyed our food and had a great time gabbing here! -
Review from Jenny L.
Houston, TX
11/26/2011
Old school diner indeed. You have to go up to the counter to order. I didn't find it overpriced at all like other posters did. There was 4 people in my party and we paid $40. I don't think $10 each for eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, pancakes, toast, coffee and milk is expensive (?) but then again, you can get cheaper at McDonalds if that's what floats your boat! In my case, I like real fresh-made food and I don't mind paying for it! The place IS a bit dirty... but it's old, so I'm sure they clean it very well, it just looks old and rundown. If you want genuine Southern-tasting breakfast... come here.
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Review from hope c.
Pflugerville, TX
3/13/2012
Cashier helped me out with my order so that was cool. The orange juice comes in a frosted mug so that was a nice touch. The workers were constantly going around and taking empty plates. The pancakes were so good. They were very thin and delicious. There bacon was also good. The thick crunchy kind with good flavor. I wish they had this place in austin.
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Review from Kari M.
I've been trying to get to Fountainview Cafe for months now, but they close at 3 and I can never seem to get there on time. Today was different. I got there at 1 and I was SO excited.
The inside of this little place is cozy and takes me back to a generation I'm not from. Gretchen P. is totally right, this place is a diner, not a cafe. I mean, c'mon, they were playing Billie Holiday while we ate!
I got the Turkey Melt because it's freezing out today and I thought that a warm sandwich would be nice. It was not healthy by any means but you know that means it was 100% delicious. The turkey and cheese were magical. Melted and warm and seasoned perfectly. I couldn't finish it though even though it wasn't THAT big. I let my husband have the second half of it (mostly because he didn't like his BLT).
As usual, I never know what I want so I just blurt something out, so I ended up getting onion rings as a side because it was the last thing I could remember the guy saying. They were crisp and warm, and the onions didn't pull out when I took a bite (I hate when that happens).
I saw one of the chalk boards that said they will make anything, anyway. That's really cool because so many places don't adhere to different dietary restrictions. I was sort of mesmerized by this place and can't wait to go back when I'm in the mood for breakfast because their menu was huge. -
Review from Carolyn K.
Harris, TX
Updated - 3/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I have already expressed my opinion on the food and that hasn't changed. This review is on customer service / interaction.
After a long time of coming here for weekend brunches, I think the cashier guy is finally warming up to me! I felt the same way as other reviewers and a friend do about him - unenthusiastic and a little cold. I'm convinced the smile and friendlier vibe was because I was with a friend that chit chats with him every time we go. Why is he finally NOW thawing? I don't know. I guess better (years) later than never.
As always, there's a line to or out the door and he would spend time talking about college football or whatever with my friend. I'm too busy building my omelette in my head / debating yay or nay blueberry muffin to pay attention. That's nice, but if I were someone waiting in line behind this I would be irritated, especially if I am hungry. Ok, I was. I was behind my friend. I'm sure all the people who regular here have more than a "Hi, how are you? I would you like to order so and so" conversation with him - maybe that's why the line is always so long. Hmmm.
It seemed like there were about 4-5 more people working than normal including some I have never seen before. The wait to get food was about the same though. The guy that brought us our food and cleared our plates was a charmer & very sweet.
I don't think I can name ONE time I have been here without running into someone me or my friends know. This place is just a comfortable, fall back place to go to for brunch. I wish they had more than 4 tables out front. Since the weather is picking up you have to hover like a vulture if you really want to sit outside. We're patio people & it sucks when we see that guy flying solo taking a whole table to himself. It's different asking to share a table at a bar compared to crowding a man who wants to eat an omelette in peace... at a table that accomodates four. There's some of the whine I'm good at.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/6/2009
my friends would probably kill me for the fact i didnt give it 5 stars...
fountainview is again, one… Read more »
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Review from Kori S.
2/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Word to the wise: when in doubt, go with the pancakes.
For whatever reason, I decided to not order the pancakes and instead got the special (huevos rancheros with refried beans and tortillas). It was definitely 'meh'. Nothing special, tasted okay but would I ever want to eat it again? Not a chance.
My hubby's pancakes however were awesome. Thin, light and buttery - you cannot go wrong with the p-cakes. Also, prices are great - mine was $6.50 and the short stack was like $5!
Service was fine - counter guy was seemed like he wanted to be someone else but the rest of the staff were really friendly. Not what I'd call attentive but if you asked, they're there and helpful. Also random: one of the servers/bussers broke out in an old jazz standard right in the middle of the cafe. It was a nice little show but definitely surprising. -
Review from K C.
Houston, TX
10/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Best pancakes I have ever had. Old school diner. Do it.
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Review from Bud F.
8/15/2010 5 Check-ins Here
My fav breakfast all-day place in Houston, you must try the pancakes, YUM!
Been going there for about 20 years and still love it! Simple, inexpensive, friendly, and accomodating (they will make anything you want if they have the ingredients). The breakfasts range from light meals with 1-3 eggs (the Light 1, 2, and 3) and fuller meals featuring fruit or grits, hash browns, and toast or home style pan biscuits, choice of meat and eggs any style, including scrambled whites. You must at least once in life try the pancakes. They are thin as crepes and so full of fresh eggy buttery goodness! Many other breakfast options galore, too many to list here. On to lunch and dinner...
They also have great lunch specials and a daily dinner take-out pick up you can order ahead. We tried their turkey dinner for Thanksgiving once and it was really very good, like homemade. The burgers are as good as Cliff's and piled high with more and fresher veggies. They have smoothies, shakes, sundaes, sandwiches (including PB&J and grilled cheese!) and absolutely sinfully good cakes a lot like Mom used to make (OK, not healthy, but YUM!).
While it's a bit of a downer that they close at 3 daily... if you show up around 2:30 and are there while they are closing... you just might get serenaded by the wait staff! One of them has an excellent baritone and leads the rest. It's a fun, welcoming and friendly place where "everybody knows your name!"
And, here's a recent update... I was in there recently with my brother and I was really feeling ill. They noticed I'd barely touched my pancakes and came by to ask if there was something wrong. When I explained, they offered to package them up for me. They brought back the nicest little to go bag, with cups of butter and syrup too! Then, they told me they hoped I would feel better soon and they'd say a prayer. I guess all I can say to those who've accused these folks of sometimes being cold is not to confuse laid back with cold (the guy at the register all the time... ? He's the owner, talk to him about sports and he'll really open up...!) and that they treat you like family here once they get to know you. It's worth it. I just ate the pancakes (only took 1 minute to nuke them!) and they were great and made my stomach so happy! -
Review from Jessica L.
Houston, TX
10/24/2010
A friend and I went to Fountain View Cafe earlier today (Sunday) for lunch. The way it works is that you walk up to the counter, order your food, pay at the counter, and then you sit and wait for the food. The waitstaff calls out your number and will deliver your food to you.
The first thing that I noticed was that the service was eh. The guy at the front counter was less than enthused and although my friend started ordering, he helped the other customer that interrupted my friend. Once we were seated, we waited around 45 minutes for our food to come out.! We heard 2 parties leave due to the wait.
We ordered fresh-squeezed orange juice, a stack of pancakes, a croissant, and a plate of 2 sunny-side eggs, 4 pieces of bacon, and hash browns. Luckily, the food was better than the service. The pancakes are well-known and did not disappoint. My friend enjoyed the hash browns a lot; I thought they were good but they didn't stand out for me. The eggs were cooked properly, bacon was good though a little more burnt than I like, but I don't normally eat bacon anyway. We spent a total of just under $16.
I would go back if other people wanted to go, but otherwise, I'd probably try somewhere else. The wait was just waaay too long. -
Review from Alex A.
3/18/2009
Just got back from another successful UYE Lunch Bunch (Tony, Danielle, Tino, Gretchen, Esteban and his phone) and pleased to say I felt it was pretty darn good all round.
Lunch Bunch reviews are always more appraising due to the enjoyable company involved in them (I think I love you guys) and this one was no exception.
The place itself was pretty cool, a cafe and exactly just that. I think this looks like a good spot for lunches, we sat outside under a canopy which was ideal considering directly under the sun may of been a but too toasty for my liking.
The service was pretty sharp, yeah you queue for a bit when you enter but it moves along surprisingly quickly. You have a darn good selection including, as numerous yelpers have pointed out previously, all day breakfast option. I opted for the Club Sandwich complete with Potato Salad, and that's exactly what I got. You can't exactly rave about a Club Sandwich but this one was just fine, I mean it had chicken, bacon and bread so that's a pretty good start!
I must admit I feel my other lunch goers had made a better call, Tony had a pretty sweet looking breakfast and Esteban (and his phone) looked to tackle a pretty monstrous burger!
Parking is easy and very convenient, payment I was surprised they did not take American Express, this is America right? But overall a happy-chappy I was.
I will return and hope another Lunch Bunch is organised there in the future also! Call it 3 1/2 stars, but I'm not generous enough for 4! -
Review from Julie R.
Houston, TX
10/11/2011
We tried pancakes, French toast and an omelette - none of it was tasty or appetizing. Won't go back. The outdoor seating consisted of metal chairs on the sidewalk - no ambiance - like eatting on the side of the road looking at the parking lot.
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Review from E S.
Houston, TX
7/18/2011
1. Over Priced $20. for two people.
2. No steak for steak and eggs.
3. No one was wearing a hair net.
4. Counter help sneezed on outgoing food and didn't wash hands either.
5. Tablebus help was fast but without washing hands this person refilled an ice bucket after touching customers dirty cups and plates this person also serves as a can I get you anything person. Sanitation much?
6. The kitchen floor is black.
7. The tables are sticky.
8. The owner does nothing.
9. The over easy eggs are soupy.
10. The bagel smells like swiss cheese.
11. The jelly is like koolaid and pectin.
13. The shakers are filthy on the outside.
14. It is super loud in there.
15. The old crusty asbestos ceiling tiles should be illegal.
Why is this place packed on the weekend it is a dive... -
Review from Gretchen P.
Houston, TX
3/19/2009 2 photos
Fountain View Cafe is a misnomer. I've thought about this for quite a while (less than 36 hours), and have come to the conclusion that it should be called Fountain View Diner or Broken Fountains a Few Blocks Up Diner. I understand the usage of "Cafe" as there are a few tables out front, but total diner fare, diner attitude, and a fair amount of loyal (older) regulars.
I was here recently on a gorgeous day with a few fellow Lunch Bunchers. Medium-low humidity, temperature in the 70s, clear blue sky, azaleas blooming everywhere. We definitely sat outside. I'm all for enjoying "gorgeous Houston" time before August hits next month. That would be the seven month long stretch of humidity and over 87 degree temperatures that our lovely city is famous for.
My meal taken out of the context of this diner/cafe would have only warranted two stars, but here it was a good comfort food sandwich. I got a turkey melt. Each slice of bread was heavily buttered, there were two slices of American cheese (pre-wrapped if I'm not mistaken), and turkey. Good when you're a kid, but I think I've just gotten used to high-quality cheese.
After seeing Danielle's wedge of iceberg lettuce and fourth of a cup of mayonnaise which she had previously removed from her "healthy" sandwich, I was glad to have chosen the grilled with butter option. Everything was made with unhealthy diner dressings, and when you're faced with those facts, it's best to just dive into good-tasting unhealthy. After seeing Tony's breakfast plate, I regretted not getting an omelet.
I love omelets. They have an omelet section which takes up a good portion of the menu on the wall. You choose three of the roughly twenty filling options, none of which is spinach. Avocado and three types of cheese, yes. Spinach, no. I have no excuse why I couldn't have substituted the spinach in my potential ham, swiss, and spinach omelet with avocado or mushrooms. I was determined, and instead flipped a 180 and got a turkey melt, instead. Mild error.
The only things "un-diner" about the restaurant are few and mildly weak debate points. You order at the counter, then your food is brought to you...in a very diner-esque fashion. A gentleman carries your food on a tray and yells out your number, then brusquely deposits your plate on the table. Not rude, just no dillydally to their demeanor.
One other thing I noticed after paying was a three-layer Sam Houston cake sitting on a cake plate. Very old-fashioned. An old (yet still favorite) marketing ploy for ingredients at the turn of the century was to print recipes on containers. The recipe for this cake (or one similar) appeared on Imperial Sugar Company containers, hence the name. It's basically just a mildly almond-falvored vanilla cake with chocolate frosting.
I also feel that I need to explain my star-rating. The food, service, and space are excellent (or at least great) by diner standards. I wouldn't go here if I was trying to cut back on fat, sodium, and/or carbs, but for comfort food, this place is wonderful.Listed in: Lunch Bunch, Egalitarianism be a Round…, Kiss My Grits
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Review from Agustin S.
Houston, TX
3/19/2009
This place serves breakfast all day and that alone is awesome. Tony's 3 eggs sunny side up with hash, sausage and bacon looked really good for lunch. Esteban's bacon cheese burger looked impressive, and there I was sitting with my puny ham and turkey and a small bowl of clam chowder. I decided to do something light for lunch today, since many beers the previous night was still sitting with me this afternoon. I should have taken a page out of Tony's book and gone with breakfast, or just walked on over to Ron's Pub for another pint. It truly was a tossup.
It was a perfect day and luckily there were a couple of tables available outside to accommodate the lunch bunch. It's counter service and the menu is on a chalk board above the counter. All day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and some impressive burgers and onion rings. I'm already planning my next lunch and thinking about which one I should try first.Listed in: UYE! Lunch Bunch, It's Burger Time
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Review from Anthony H.
11/18/2008
Open all day, every day until mid afternoon and knocks out some really fresh and tasty dishes. I use it for breakfasts as they are available all day and 'morning' to me sometimes begins around 13:00, nuff said.
Can get v. v. busy should you hit it at the wrong time on a Sunday morning but that tells you everything you need to know about the quality of the scran (grub.food) you are about to receive
I am working up to a list of top ten breakfast venues and the Fountain View Cafe will definitely be in it, but where, I am not sure yet.
This time of year is ideal for a seat outside but last time I went there there were none available!!Listed in: The Full Monty for Breakfast
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Review from Danielle S.
Houston, TX
4/19/2009
I was not particularly wowed by this place. Stopped by as part of the ongoing Lunch Bunch, which encourages Yelpers to shoot the breeze on their lunch break in the Galleria area. Though most Lunch Bunches have been more than satisfactory and have helped me add some great spots into my restaurant rotation, I don't think I'll be adding Fountain View Cafe to that list.
Walked in around noon and the place was hoppin', but not so busy as to be insurmountable. I'm down with any place that serves breakfast all day, but I wasn't really feeling a massive, heart-stopping breakfast at the time so after scanning the massive menu board above the counter, I settled for the sandwich and soup combo. I asked for a club sandwich and was just told pointblank by the very bored looking counter attendant "That's not one of the choices." I blinked, then took a biiiig step backwards so I could crane my neck up at the menu again. It wouldn't kill him to tell me what I had to choose from? After that disappointment, I settled on a plain old turkey sandwich with New England clam chowder.
The interior is stuffy and old, which conveniently also describes the patrons here. We sat outside on the patio, which was a really excellent choice since it was a lovely day out. The server came outside with our food shouting numbers, which perplexed me at first. Turns out the stub you receive with your receipt is your number. Good thing I didn't trash it.
Finally--out came my lunch. It was disappointing, to say the least. The sandwich had been slapped together with what looked like Oroweat bread, straight out of the bag from Randalls, and slimy turkey that tasted like it had the same origins. Plus, my "light" lunch had mayonnaise SLATHERED, absolutely SLATHERED all over it. I spent most of my lunch scraping condiment off the floppy bread, then gave up after a while. I have no problem with a plain ol' turkey sammich, but if I'm going to go out to get one--at least get the bread from Central Market or something, guys. The soup was good, but tasted like watered down Campbell's. You know, the kind that says "Do not dilute?"
Based on the other lunches around me, I made the wrong choice for my meal. I saw a full breakfast that looked amazing, as well as a burger that had everyone at the table envious. But I know other places where I can get a great breakfast or a fantastic burger, so I'll probably be going there instead of the Fountain View Cafe when I get a hankering for either one of those things.Listed in: Rise and Dine!
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Review from Sam V.
Houston, TX
2/20/2009
I have a soft spot for any place that actually serves breakfast all day. Makes me think of (or yearn for?) my younger years when I didn't get up and about before 12pm.
The food here is okay, but the key here is efficiency and price. There is a lot of value on the menu where you can have a hearty meal for under ten bucks. And many of those items are comfort food.
They have a daily special (today it was meatloaf and potatoes/gravy) but I opted for a breakfast plate with nice crispy bacon that was too salty on it's own. But it would be perfect on a BLT - after a night of overly moderate imbibement - which I'll try next time I'm hungover. The biscuits aren't that good and the scrambled eggs a bit undercooked. On the upside: The hash browns were great.
It's a bit tight in here, so expect to share tables with strangers (at least, it feels that way) and I would expect this place gets pretty popular on the weekends... -
Review from Shazia C.
Washington, DC
10/4/2008
I usually hit this place almost every other weekend because its right next to the bikram yoga studio I go to.
Despite the fact that they ALWAYS mess up my order I quite like this place. Maybe its because I am always in a postive-post-yoga mood when I go there.
This place usually gets packed between 11:00- 12:00 PM on the weekends. They do not have many tables out door which is why I always go there around 10:30 - 11:00 AM to grab one. The indoors is pretty nice too , they have large windows and its always bright and shiny inside.
The atmosphere here is pretty laid back. You see people usually in their gym clothes , reading , laughing , chatting.
The breakfast here is alright , I can make it better at home but if you want to get out and meet friends for breakfast after workout , its not a bad place. -
Review from Matt G.
Houston, TX
1/2/2009
That's right the first 5 star goes to Fountain View Cafe for providing my friends and I with great service and delicious breakfast for the past 8 years. Breakfast before high school check. A good place for brunch check. Breakfast food all day check.
I guess a five star for me is if I could it at the place almost everyday and be satisfied. At FT view I could most definitely do that. They have a huge menu that varies from burgers to breakfast. I wish I could say I try something new every time but I always get the Cafe Lite II - Two scrambled eggs, fruit cup, and wheat toast with a small soup of the day. The soups are amazing..last time I had a Chicken Gumbo....Boom it was tremendous. Furthermore, if your in the mood for a gut bomb, try the Fountain burger ( stacked high with chili and jalapenos ) and wash it down with a pineapple shake.
I do not live close to here now but I grew up close. I see someone I know almost every time I go. The four outdoor tables are almost mandatory for my friends and I on a nice day. They have a special of the day chalked up on the board every day which you can not go wrong with and an ample supply of newspapers every morning. The staff is very friendly and I have even heard one of the waiters break into song once or twice.
If you are as big a fan of breakfast as I am and are outside the loop give this place a try. The orange juice is fresh, the food is great, and the people are friendly. -
Review from Carl I.
San Jose, CA
1/3/2012
I go here for breakfast some time. I have only had the omelets but they are decent. Good amount of ingredients and the option of potatoes or fruit. The only down side of the breakfast here is that I don't eat pork and its the only meat option they had.
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Review from Mary S.
Shreveport, LA
12/30/2011
Great place, very clean,good food,reasonable price,&nice employees.
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Review from Marc C.
5/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good breakfast place with fresh orange juice and lots of eggs and omelettes. There was a line on Sunday morning to get a table. This is very much the classic old fashioned neighborhood establishment type of breakfast place.
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Review from Dianne C.
Richmond, TX
12/4/2010
This place totally rules if you want a great homestyle breakfast. We went for the first time this morning because it had been rated by the Houston Press as having the best pancakes in town. HP was so right! They are not the usual 1" thick cakey kind but rather quite thin but the size of your plate. Very light with a delicious taste. My mouth was watering over the biscuits my neighbors got. They were served with a bowlful of gravy. Not a gravy fan myself but the biscuits were huge and looked wonderful. Very old fashioned neighborhood kind of place. Loved it and plan to go back!
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Review from sue n.
Houston, TX
11/16/2011
I give 5 stars for their pancakes! it's so thin and delicious!! probably some of the best pancakes I've ever tried.
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Review from Caroline H.
Houston, TX
1/4/2011
Maybe I am bias since I have been going here since I was in diapers but Fountain View is my favorite breakfast place in Houston hands down. I almost always get hash browns with a warmed blueberry muffin. The staff has been working there for years and it is definitely a family kind of place. Great food all around, give it a try.
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Review from Michael H.
Houston, TX
4/13/2011
Pancakes 5* nothing else above 3*, still 4 overall for pancakes and singing server
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Review from A V.
Houston, TX
11/11/2010
Great brunches. Had a leisurely brunch here on a weekend and the food was great. The place was crowded and the quality of food was great. My only gripe was the slow delivery of food . It took a long time for the food to come. Otherwise really what a diner should be. Way better than those chain cafes.
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Review from Nicole F.
This place is one of those local mom & pop restaurants that you don't really see around anymore. I come here all the time after recently just finding it. The place makes great homemade country food & the prices along with the portions served make me go back often. All of the food is homemade and it's reflected in the taste. Last time I went I ordered the short stack with eggs.... MMmmm mmm. Good place to eat.
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Review from Buddy G.
Pittsburgh, PA
2/2/2010
I never thought the day would come when the Bellaire Coffee Shop would see serious competition for top breakfast spot. I've even been here before a few times, the coffee is great. But this morning Fountain View Cafe raised up the flag with a proverbial shot across the bow of the venerable BCS. What colors were raised; only the standard of the Pancake Breakfast Sandwich. That's right my friends, a short stack, egg over easy, and bacon, folded over in syruptastic-butterific goodness. The thing that I like the best about this obvious little combo is how razor thin the pancakes are; more like a crepe than a croissant. BCS, I love you but you best raise that game up, you dig?
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Review from Annie R.
Houston, TX
12/7/2009
So it started one Lazy morning...
We love our standard Sunday morning brunches and on a friend's recommendation, decided to try it one fine day.
The appearance outside can be deceptive- it took us a second outside but once the food arrived, we never ever regretted coming here.
for anyone looking for a simple lovely lazy sunday afternoon, this is the place. I love that entire block, just has a nice feel and am definately going back this Sunday again -
Review from Lana H.
Tomball, TX
8/29/2010
Owned by a fellow Kentuckian, which I can certainly appreciate, I had to try this out again. I hadn't been here in more than 15 years, but went this morning after my boyfriend and I had a disasterous breakfast at the French House. (See my review on that one!) So, we go here and had a nice cappucino and fruit bowl. Will be back.
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Review from Brian W.
Houston, TX
11/19/2008
I think the less than stellar reviews are perhaps a ploy to not have this place more busy than it already is! I've been to many a diner-type establishment and this eatery has that old-school down-home feel. Yes, you wait in line to order, but that gives you enough time to think about what to order off their pretty extensive menu and time to burn some calories by standing up, in anticipation of ingesting a large amount of calories. The oatmeal may be good and tasty, but I go for the savory and not so healthy. Don't be put off by the line, which can extend out the door- it moves quickly. I actually made note of how quickly it moved one AM while waiting on the patio for our guests to arrive- it took no more than 5-10 min max for it to cycle through. The dude at the register moves it along- he's a bit soup-Nazi like but not rude by any means, just all business.
The food is well-seasoned and fresh tasting. Nothing seems to have been sitting under heating lamps. The pancakes are awesome- thinner Swedish style ones that aren't overly starchy and cake-like. They are some of the best i've had in town. One of our favorites is the home fries, which are perfectly seasoned and fried up so that there's a nice crisp and brown to them- not greasy and soggy like a lot of places. The prices are very reasonable and service quick and friendly.
For all those folks who are tired of Buffalo Grille which I think is overpriced, overhyped and frankly, not all that good, this is a nice authentic small diner-feel eatery. Breakfast seems to be king here, but i'm eager to try their other fare. -
Review from Jerry E.
7/2/2008
Order at counter; table delivered. Great price on a big bowl of oatmeal with strawberries. Has lots of local and national newspaper for purchase and some outside seating. Has a great local cafe feel.
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Review from Drew W.
Houston, TX
Updated - 8/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
A very good breakfast, and your lunch is old school American fare, so it's good old fashioned grub.
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Review from Gregory B.
Houston, TX
1/7/2010
Unpretentious, just plain good basic food ... when you are tired of gimmicks and high prices, stop by and see Steve and his folks. One of the few real local diners left where everyone knows your name, or at least has seen you hanging out. It gets crowded after church on Sunday so skip the spiritual meal, go early, and splurge with the breakfast biscuits. Pay attention to the blackboard and hurry up and order, there are people standing behind you.
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Review from Sandy D.
Houston, TX
5/2/2010
Read great reviews so decided to try it. If you don't mind smelling like grease and breakfast for the entire day after entering the place, this is the place to go. Pros: Great food and reasonalbe $$. Cons: Very snug seating so really didn't enjoy listening to neighbors smacking and yelling at their children, oh and did not enjoy the splatter of spilled orange juice from the table next door - all over my coach purse. Other than that it's an ok place for Breakfast. :)
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Review from Ron L.
Houston, TX
1/16/2011
We only go for breakfast so cannot comment on lunch, although they can be a little slow when it gets crowded. Breakfast items are good, serve yourself coffee and beverages. Very reasonable priced.
