King's Chef Diner

Looks like a greasy spoon diner from the outside - but King's Chef is one of the best breakfast and lunch spots in downtown Colorado Springs! This retro purple castle diner is the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends. Delicious food, reasonable prices, spotlessly clean, good service. You can get breakfast for two and leave stuffed for less than $30. The green chili breakfast burrito is delicious and spicy. The french toast is some of the best you'll find in the city. Love their "Clean Plate Club" stickers.

I'll start by saying that this place used to be good. We put our name on the wait list. Hard to hear your name called to be seated from outside. It was a long wait but thats pretty normal for breakfast. While looking over the menu, I heard the manager yelling at one of the wait staff, which was absolutely unprofessional. We ordered the grump, French toast, biscuits and gravy with fries and an omelet. The French toast was good, the biscuits and gravy were mid as they were really Texas toast as they had advertised but still, bad decision. The fries were good. The grump didn't include any of the so called smothered green chile that I had asked for. It didn't have any. But what it lacked in green chile it made up for in its salt content. The waitress brought me a bowl of green chile. The chile was meh. Our waitress (Marley L?) Was friendly, efficient and intuitive of our needs. And when we went up to pay and ask for a box, the manager implied that the server wasn't doing her job which was ridiculous. There were only 2 waitresses in that whole restaurant. He had no cause to be so unprofessional about his employee. I said that she was great and working hard despite the work conditions and he said she was great. Which is weird. No apologies to her. I made sure that she knew that we appreciated her efforts and she winked knowingly. That manager is creating a hostile work environment. Honestly, he was lurking and watching them so much that he could have better spent his time helping the restaurant run efficiently to bring in more customers instead of having hour long waits and micromanaging. He was even talking down to customers. Nasty little man. I won't be coming back. Restrooms were filthy. Maybe he could have spent some effort cleaning them instead of being toxic. Cannot recommend.

Food was good. Service was pretty good, very nice girl. Only 1 waitress and lots of customers. Huge portions. Husband had gravy and texas toast. Sausage crumbs on top. Not really a sausage gravy. French toast was good.

Great place with excellent service and freshly made food. Portions are HUGE! Much like a standard 1950s dinner inside, the walls are adorned with the multitude of awards this place has won. When your food arrives, you'll see why. Carnivore-Friendly.

This downtown location is perfect for brunch & park play or just walking the down to shop. Coffee is good with a little sugar. My kids love to split the French toast combo w/bacon & eggs scrambled.

Marley (Epic Waitress Extraordinare)is the best! Great food with HUGE proportions! Fun 90's vibe

I ordered the French toast, which was fairly decent. It came with an ample amount of whipped topping that overshadowed both the plate and the toast. Unfortunately, the taste did not exceed my expectations for a dining experience. The restaurant markets its menu around their famous 'green chili'; however, I have honestly had better. It leans more towards being peppery than spicy. Overall, it didn't particularly excite me. The seating had a short wait time, and the food was both ordered and served quickly. The atmosphere was a bit noisy but still comfortable. Parking might be a bit tricky since the restaurant is situated across from Acacia Park. The service was very friendly and attentive to details.

Kindly welcomed and didn't have to wait long. The menu has limited breakfast options and most things are smothered with some sort of gravy or chili sauce. Our food was good, however we were disappointed at the size of the French toast, on the menu it states it is made with "thick Texas toast" and it didn't seem like it was, it was good just not what we were expecting from the description. My husband got the French toast combo plate and I got a side of it with my omelette. No kids menu but they do have options for sides. We felt our server was doing good considering it got busy however her attitude did change while ordering and especially when we asked her for more refills as well as a side of green chile. Another server with beautiful nails (I commented on them) gave us more coffee, we were surprised because we did need refills but were waiting for our server, however she was very nice and observant and we appreciated that she took the initiative even if we weren't her table. Overall we would visit again and try their lunch food as well.

King's Chef diner is an iconoclastic restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs. The diner started as a small purple castle (1930's lunch car) and only seats about 12 people. There is now a much larger restaurant right across from Acacia Park. Pay attention to map locations as there are 2 locations for King's Chef, both downtown. The diner's sweet spot is really breakfast with plate names called, The Grump, The Thing and varying sizes of each plate. The breakfast burrito ordered with "all the meats" really hits the spot and can be covered in a Colorado green chile sauce or homemade sausage gravy, or both. Again, careful of the size you order or you will be taking left overs home for 2. One thing I would recommend ordering is the fresh cut fries. Gary utilizes a wall mounted french fry cutter and slices potatoes and hash browns before your eyes for every order. Use the fries to clean up the green chile or gravy on your plate, you won't be disappointed. The french toast is excellent and a hit with everyone looking for a little sweet for breakfast with just the right browning on the surface and a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a healthy helping of butter to help it slide right past your taste buds. Service is always prompt with multiple inquiries from the wait staff for refills of coffee, tea or sodas. King Chef's is the place you can always meet long time friends for breakfast, catch up and enjoy a great meal together. It's also the place you want to take out of town guests to ensure you don't have to feed them the rest of the day. Kudos to Gary and Sue for earning one of the best spots for locals to depend upon for a savory, value packed meal made with a little love, freshness and care. The city should give you a key for the service you have provided the citizens for over 20 years.

The portions here are large, but you will want to eat every bite. I have never had a bad meal here. I order the half grump and bring the other half back to Denver with me. The service is always very friendly and quick. Still has an old school vibe, but a very chill environment. 10/10

Food was ok for us. Waiter had no personality as I made a joke about our kids and he got annoyed and simply walked away. Portions are large, husband and I split the full breakfast burrito and they charge $5 for an extra plate.

The food is good and we really liked the place the first time. However, today my wife got an order to go and when we got home and she finally had a chance to eat it there was a hair embedded in it. About a foot long and she almost choked on it. Yes we got our money back. But she's a retired chef and is now not willing to return.

Excellent breakfast burrito, fast and friendly service, and we were seated immediately for breakfast. Definitely recommend!

Amazing people and even better food! Hands down the best breakfast in the Springs! We went there with a large party over 20 people for a retirement party and the staff went above and beyond! Had the Full Burrito with hatch chillies and it was amazing! Even got a sticker for cleaning my plate! Highly recommend we will Be back

My wife and I have been here before and liked it but this last time I couldn't have felt less welcome. The guy seating people was a total jerk and made it clear that he did not want us there. Two minutes of Google searches revealed that this guy is the owner! He was in a bad mood and seemed to be taking it out on everyone else. What a tool. You get back what you give out. Eff this place.

Tasty burrito! It's huge!! Green chile sauce is delicious, you can easily go and split a burrito between two people. Nice service, indoor and outdoor seating. Great breakfast spot while in Colorado Springs!

This was the worst experience in a long time. Use to be an amazing place; truly unfortunate.

A true staple of the springs! The place manages to keep the magic of the true diners of yesteryear alive and thriving. They make a breakfast plate called "The Grump" that will be the measuring stick that you hold all other breakfast menus up against. The green chili has a bit of a kick, but don't you worry there's gravy there to extinguish any pain like a warm hug from grandma. Finally, if you finish your food you'll be invited to join the illustrious "CLEAN PLATE CLUB" that rewards you with a sticker to let everyone know you're having a great day. Do yourself a favor and check out this locally owned and operated restaurant. It's a true piece of Colorado Springs history that has been on the food network and refuses to lose a step.

Great food, great service! We found this place after doing a Google search for good breakfast restaurants in the area. This one was highly recommended so we tried it out and it did not disappoint. It has a really cool vibe inside the restaurant and we were seated right away. The waitress we had was amazing. My husband ordered the grump and the waitress warned him that it's really big and she asked if he wanted a half size but he went all in.... and OMG it is ginormous! but everything was really really good and I highly recommend you try this place if you're in the area.

Nicole my server was sweet and attentive at my breakfast this morning while at the Diner. Food came out nice and fast! Other server Markey that was not waiting on me was friendly as well! Ambiance is an interesting idea. Clean though and plenty of room for a busy day. I sat at the bar and that's my recommendation at any diner. Food was incredible! I had the Breakfast Burrito. I added ham and bacon to it, smothered with both country gravy and green chili. I had this place a few years ago before COVID and it was great then as well! Keep up the good work! Will recommend to others and will be back!

We went in for breakfast, signed in on the waiting list, We only had to wait approximately five minutes to be seated. When you walk in the name, definitely matches the decor. There are some castle decorations along the borders near the ceiling and painting around the windowsills.. It does give a little touristy vibe. -Once we were seated, our waitress took our beverage order and we were advised she had one other table to take their breakfast order so she would be back in a little while.... she came back in approximately 10 minutes to take our breakfast order. -our food, in my opinion, took extremely long to arrive approximately 25 to 30 minutes and when it came, it was warm, which was disappointing because it did taste good and it would've been better if it was hot. The potatoes were cooked well, seasoned extremely well, not over salted and not overcooked. As far as the green chili definitely spicy!! Thankfully I did get it on the side because for my taste, it would have been a little too spicy however, I was a little surprised that there was no meat in the green chili. -Would I go back? Yes, I would definitely give them another opportunity. Hopefully the food would be hot next time....

Foot was great, portions were large as well. Our server was cute and nice too. Overall I recommend the French toast, and the burrito. I don't recommend the sandwich it's kind of bland

I spoke with the owner outside, asking if dogs were allowed at the outside tables, planning to come back later. Very pleasant, even offered a bowl of water for my dog. My wife and I came back a bit later and were greeted warmly and seated pretty quickly. Our experience was great; service was great, food was excellent and priced well. We're just passing through, but trying to figure out how to go back once more. We'd definitely be regulars if we lived here.

Great food, friendly staff!! It is worth the waiting. Large portions of food. Teenage sons love eating at this Diner.

Gary amazing owner with great personality.... The food was amazing and flavorful. I would highly recommend trying

My new favorite breakfast place. Great food and the service was awesome. The owner greeted us at the door. His personality ensures your dining experience will be awesome. Can't say enough good things. I ordered the Colorado breakfast bowl and thoroughly enjoyed it. I added bacon as the protein and the amount of crispy bacon made me extremely happy. Next time I will try lunch!

Food was delicious and you get alot !! Service was great and waitress was respectful and considerate ... Would recommend and plan to visit again when in the area

I used to be a walking ad for king chef.. probably took nearly 30 people there over the years, BUT The last few times ive been calling in my order and the guy treats me like sh*t cause i get no onions and have to order extra crispy hash browns after getting soggy ones a couple times. Once he said "what is this starbucks" so today i walked in to order and he didnt say anything but treated me like shit and then i heard him and the cook talking shit so i tried to make a joke about giving them a hard time and he's just a gumpy A hole to be the main guy. Mix that with how the mini burritos have been more tortilla than anything and now the fullsize is smaller than my hand (which used to be hard to eat.. remember the clean plate club stickers??) Pretty sad, i think i just ate my last King Chef breakfast burrito. Id highly recommend Rock City Cafe.. i guess thats where the magical employees moved to cause its still great, huge portions, and friendly even after you ask for no onions lol

The worst service by an owner. Got mad at us for sitting at the bar. Yelled at us for sharing a breakfast He actually said we are not getting along today because I don't let people share food but I will today. Then yelled at my fiancé because she had her work tablet on table top. The food was terrible and green chile terrible was more like a salsa. 0 stars if I could

Good classic diner food. Got the Breakfast Sandwich with over easy eggs, cheddar cheese and a vegetarian patty. Usually vegetarian protein options taste like dirt but this one was crispy and delicious, making me forget for a second that it wasn't real meat. We sat at the counter. Got to see the workings of the kitchen--two guys back there were efficient and fun to watch. Definitely understaffed. There were only about five tables plus us at the counter and the guy running the place was definitely overwhelmed and he didn't try to hide it. A bit of a grump but we just wanted some breakfast food. Didn't hide complaining openly about "impatient people." Would go back for food, not for service.

Found this place on here and it held up to the hype! We came here for breakfast and I highly recommend it! The staff was very friendly and helpful and made great recommendations. The food was AMAZING, especially the FRESH potatoes used in the hash browns. The inside was clean but with a lot to look at, as they have been open for many years and have created a following of all kinds of people.

Great service, good food and reasonable prices. Servings are large so plan accordingly!

Can't here after finishing the manitou incline. And wow oh wow it was amazing. I got the half order breakfast burrito and it was amazing. One thing I like about king chef is that they offer vegan and vegetarian options. The half order is plenty for anyone. Even being extremely hungry from the climb. A half serving was more than enough for me. Definitely a great breakfast place when you are in the springs

Eat here whenever I come into town. Best French toast ever. Green chile is a must. I always have the Grump also.

Shared the grump. We both now grump. No extra plate made us also grump...feeling sorry for toilet later.

The owner is a very personable guy. He does everything. Serves, busses, takes orders, cooks, cleans - all of it! Great food at a reasonable price. Open until 2pm but if you arrive at 1:45pm, they'll take care of you. No rush. But be good to him and the other staff; I don't want them mad at me!!

I went here for brunch and I had to wait forever to the point that I was ready to go, nothing was said till I was getting up. Service took forever and food took forever. Portions were huge but so was the bill. Come on guys it's potatoes, bread, gravy, and eggs which is the most expensive but really over $30 for a basic cheap breakfast. 2.7 stars

The grump and burrito and gravy and chili and everything is amazing. Classic Americana. Must go breakfast brunch place.

Great service and the best food!!! The breakfast burrito's are awesome and the hamburgers are amazing.

Great green clilli and food is really good. Service is quick portions are large. Open for breakfast and Lunch

This place is popping on a weekend morning, but does it deserve all the hype? I think it does meet the hype and delivers a pretty good breakfast meal. We had to wait a bit before getting seated and had to wait for our food to come out but that was expected with the amount of people there. I got the breakfast burrito with just green chili on top. The burrito is great, really big and filled with enough of every item, and was not filled with too much hash browns. My one surprising issue was the green chili was not very spicy. I must have gotten a very mild scoop because the other member of my party had some really spicy chili. The whole restaurant feels a little sticky/dirty but that's nothing to knock it down for, it gives it that diner like character. I'd definitely come back here again so I can try some of that green chili again and see how spicy it really is.

I hate writing this review. Me and husband love King Chef for their food. We've been coming here for the last 7 years. It was our regular brunch spot. Recently, we came with our 2 year old. The owner (didn't realize it at the time of check in) asked if we wanted a high chair for our "baby" and we said yes. He also asked if we wanted a booth. We again said yes. After that he asked he said "pick whatever booth you want and I'll meet you with the high chair" so as instructed we did just that. He came over with the highchair and then passive aggressively told us that the booth we chose with the highchair on the end didn't meet 'ADA compliance' and said he'd "allow us to sit there this one time." Like I said previously we've been coming for years. And have sat at this booth with a highchair without a problem. But he was not happy today of all days. He spoke poorly to us after and was honestly just unprofessional. We haven't gone back since. Which is a shame because we love the food and the funky atmosphere. The servers have always been friendly. But wow... way to ruin it there bud.

A wonderful 50s vibe with great breakfast selections from steak and eggs to classic omelets. Friendly staff and good value.

Great BIG BREAKFASTS you'll want a doggie bag! Good food, good service, but you may have to wait for a table! Pretty much busy all the time! Hectic atmosphere boundless energy!

Holy crap this place is great! Pretty chill atmosphere overall, music playing in the background and amazing waiters, service was great. Food is the best, careful what you order there portion sizes are huge, so if you like lots of food come here

This was a really good breakfast place. Due to the desire to keep service at a standard the order process is a bit different. You order at the counter and pay, then you're escorted to a table where everything is brought to you. I ordered the basic breakfast, eggs, hash browns and extra thick bacon. Was so good and filling. Love so extra thick bacon so this hit the spot. Situated on a downtown corner of the springs. I had to use a parking meter for the first time in years. Ample parking right out side if ta get there early. This place fills up quick and I can see why. Ample portions, cooked to order, solid meals. Happened to eat with Jack, he's been going there for 30+years. Even has the clean plate club sticker tattoo on his arm. The experience was fun, food was great. I'll certainly be back, well worth the hour drive.

I went in this morning for breakfast. They told me to sit wherever I wanted so I sat at a table and the waiter brought me a menu. I started to tell him what I would like since I already knew and he said please give me a minute, and I said oh no problem. That would've been fine up to that point but he had to throw in a scowl and LOUDLY tell me "geez read the room". I left because I sure don't want someone that dramatic and grumpy serving me food. Unfortunate because I've been there several times before and the service and food has been good. Not with this guy today. I'm pretty sure it is him that does not know how to read people. There is no reason for that type of confrontational attitude. There were maybe five or so customers so I guess that was too overwhelming for him.

Coffee was horrible. Chile was sweet. Scrabbled eggs were tough. The only thing that was good was the French toast. My hotel's free breakfast was 100% better. Home2Suites

i ordered an omelette that was almost $20. i asked if i could substitute the toast and hashbrowns for a side a bacon and Casey our server said sure. They charged me for the bacon and didn't substitute it. I also asked for an additional plate because I had to share the meal with my gf since the price for a 3 egg omelette was $20. Casey our waiter said he normally has to charge $5 for an extra plate but he would go ahead and not charge me. Casey was Extremely rude and the price was absolutely outrageous! i got a 3 egg omelette with peppers ham and cheese and the total was $27.10. No thank you will never recommend nor come back here again. Casey was the rudest waiter i have had in my life.

There is clearly an issue with staff. Two waitresses took orders at the counter. You have to pay when you order. You then take your drinks and cutlery to a table. The food is delivered. They're clearly compensating for lack of staff. Hang over food! Mot too many choices. Makes it easier for the cooks.

Great to see this iconic diner open again! There was a line waiting for the door to open at 8 AM but we were all seated quickly. Staff as always was friendly and accommodating. Prices have gone up a little, but I guess that is to be expected. My son ordered the big omelette while my husband and I both decided to try the breakfast special number four, which consisted of Texas toast covered in chopped sausage and sausage gravy. This is King's Chef's version of biscuits and gravy :-). We also ordered iced tea. The omelette was big and filling and perfectly cooked. The Texas toast was grilled with butter before being simply covered in sausage and sausage gravy. It was delicious. The tea, although costing $3.85 per class, was mediocre and obviously not fresh brewed. But that is my only complaint.

Huge portions, great food and service. Locally owned and operated.. love the atmosphere, all of the crazy stickers

I normally love king chef but this time my hash browns were burnt and my s/o fries were soooo greasy, he didn't even touch them after the first one. :(

The food was great. The service was topshelf, and it reminded us of an old 50's style dinner. We will be back!

Breakfast burrito was fantastic. Great service. Enjoyable atmosphere. Will definitely return

If you're looking for a local spot with great food and service Kings Chef is the place! We loved it!

Im want to know who give this place so many awards.... Im 41 years old and this the worst food I have taste in my entire life.