Wendy L.
Yelp
I can't believe there aren't any previous reviews of Diaz Cafe... This place has clearly been in Ketchikan for a very long time. The sign outside the cafe said that it has been a part of life in Ketchikan for decades.
My friend and I wanted a bit of a break from high-priced seafood, so we stopped in to perhaps take in a bit of the famed Filipino culture of Ketchikan. When we walked in, we were the only folks in the joint, even though there were 3 cruise ships at berth and it was dinner time. When we left, there were 2 local couples and 1 guy at the bar who knew the hostess by first name. But, by then WE knew the hostess by first name, and knew about the house she rented out and many other things. She was very friendly without being at all annoying, and still getting our food out in a timely manner.
Food was good - I'm not that familiar with Filipino food, so I ordered what someone on another review site recommended, the "Small Guy". It was essentially slow-cooked spare ribs in a sweet and sour sauce over sticky rice. This isn't the bright orange, super sweet mystery sauce you get at average Chinese restaurants everywhere, this was savory and not too sweet, the color of normal food. Ribs were exceptioally tender and rice was good. My friend got the almond chicken special, which came with lots of steamed veggies and more rice. The two of us couldn't finish the 2 dishes even though they were good enough that we wanted to. (I guess you'd have to be a lumberjack or crab fisherman to get through the "large guy"!) The lumpia appetizer was tasty as well, with a vinegary dipping sauce.
Here's the winner, though - our meals together were less than $25. In a town where a chicken quesadilla can cost $17 and its not unusual to see $20 hamburgers at a walk-up counter, this was a great deal. Loved being treated like family, eating like a locavore and having leftovers while not breaking the bank. Win win win!
Bring your cash - they don't do plastic. And don't expect to have beer with dinner, or much desert. Do expect good food and friendly service.