Ole's Waffle Shop

Good food. Excellent pancakes and waffles. Their eggs are fresh and hash browns cooked perfectly. Great house coffee! Fresh pressed OJ! Be prepared to wait outside, they fill fast. If dining alone or with a party of 2 you might get lucky to grab a counter “bar” stool right away. Parking is street and it’s crowded.

Let's start with, I was surprised that we had to wait in line outside. However, one thing I know is that great food will always have a line. We waited in line for all of 10 minutes or less talking to a random guy who gave us pointers on the food. I love hearing other people's opinions because 9/10 I don't eat the same foods on the menu. The service and atmosphere were ok. It was to be expected from what I like to call a hole in the wall restaurant, which BTW I love hole in the walls 🥰 so no disrespect intended. Our server was really nice. She was just stretched thin. We went on Sunday, January 19th (a holiday weekend), so everyone was there. I even ran into family from out of town. So you know the food was good 😋 I give Oles a 10/10 their food was AMAZING with nice portions and a variety of food options. I couldn't believe that they had grits and they were nice and creamy 🤗 one of my favorites. We will definitely be returning often. Either every weekend or every other weekend for breakfast. Thank you to all of the staff at Oles. We appreciate you.

I’ve been looking around waffle houses in the Bay Area. Not really since the Bay Area doesn’t really have any but this restaurant is the closest one I can ever find. It’s located at the streets in Downtown Alameda. I see that the waffles look different compared to most I see in restaurants. They are quite thin makes the portion smaller than the average. I see that the pancakes are much larger than it. Kinda doesn’t really add up when they’re about the same price. Anyways, the food is not that bad though. I also was expecting the waffles to somehow taste different, but it’s alright. I probably should go back again and order pancakes or other items.

This is your classic American diner. The waffle was cooked perfectly with an excellent crispy crunch in every bite. The syrup can warmed!!! Without me asking. The hot chocolate was top tier. Highly recommend this place.

Ole’s Waffle Shop is a true gem that has stood the test of time. Even after 20 years, they’re still serving up the same delicious food that has kept loyal customers coming back. The waffles are a standout, perfectly fluffy and golden, paired with classic diner fare that tastes just as good as it did decades ago. Stepping into Ole’s feels like a trip back in time, with a nostalgic atmosphere that only adds to the experience. If you’re craving timeless comfort food, this place won’t disappoint.

True to their namesake - great waffles. Slightly crispy a little bit malty, great. The Johnny Max comes with a simple egg and a huge hunk of ham. Yum. I only can review a place after I have eaten the food. Sorry for the photo.

The place is cute with an old time dinner environment. Food is amazingly good. The pancakes melt in your mouth and the fresh squeezed orange juice was really good. The staff was really attentive.

Food was delicious, service was quick, loved the service, and the atmosphere was nice. We sat on the back patio, it was nice place to sit.

Great breakfast and lunch place. I like stepping back in time to the 50s. Love this place, been come since I was a child. -edK

Ole's Waffles - A Hidden Gem for a Quick and Tasty Breakfast Ole's Waffles is a great little spot for a mid-morning breakfast, offering a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating, including booths, bar seating, and tables. Despite a short five-minute wait for a table to be cleared, the experience was well worth it. The service here is impressive--friendly, efficient, and attentive. The staff knows their regulars, which adds a personal touch to the dining experience. What stood out most was how fast everything was prepared. We placed our order, and within five minutes, our food was at the table--hot, fresh, and exactly as ordered. I ordered the early bird breakfast, two eggs, sausage or bacon served with toast and a coffee. The free coffee is a great touch- which they refilled frequently. And if you ask for the vanilla creamer they'll happily come drop it off at the table for you. My friend ordered the deviled egg sandwich, which was cream and delicious. The fries for golden and crispy. Pricing is reasonable, making it a more affordable option compared to many diners. The quality and speed of service make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying breakfast. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely be back!

Great place that we have loved since years before I moved to the island. Ole's has GREAT food and staff that is equally awesome- so generally they are a 5 star establishment. However the other night we were witness to a really sad situation where in my view the restaurant really dropped the ball. A fellow unrelated to us had ordered togo, he got to his car and found no utensils had been included with his 2 boxes of food. He came in to ask for some and was understandably a bit irritated, and you know what they said to this customer ??? "Sorry we are out of togo utensils..." As if THAT is an acceptable response !!! That fellow said "So am I supposed to eat it with my hands ?" DAMN GOOD question !!! He was irritated but not swearing or yelling- but understandably bewildered by the complete ABSENCE of good business or service sense on the part of this usually perfect restaurant. He ended up returning his order and leaving unhappy, that food went to waste, and we lost a good deal of respect for our neighbourhood hang... :-( This little drama speaks to a shift in service that has occurred in our country. What is the cost on metal silverware ?!? Are they gonna go broke letting a paying customer take a fork and knife he most likely would bring back ??? I mean if I worked there I'd have given him the needed silverware on the principle that he shouldn't have to suffer our eff-up, and seeing them scorn a fellow like that just burns me up ! Damn why are you in business ??? If it is to feed people than for god sake don't be so damn petty !!!

Ole's Waffle House is hands down my go-to breakfast spot! If you're a waffle lover, this place is a must-visit--they serve the best waffles around. This is a true local gem with an old-school diner vibe that's hard to find these days. I love sitting at the counter and watching the food come out. The OG servers here are pros, and it's always fun to see them in action. The food? Solid every time. The bacon is thick and flavorful, the sausage patties are spot-on, and the hashbrowns are always a crispy, golden staple. Pair it all with a hot coffee and some vanilla creamer, and you've got the perfect start to your day. If you're looking for a classic diner experience with consistently great food, Ole's Waffle House is the place to be. Highly recommend!

Great breakfast joint in alameda where locals enjoy their coffee and waffle but service is slow and food lacks seasoning however it's a gem for locals and has a long history They must be doing something right But not my favorite

I've been looking around waffle houses in the Bay Area. Not really since the Bay Area doesn't really have any but this restaurant is the closest one I can ever find. It's located at the streets in Downtown Alameda. I see that the waffles look different compared to most I see in restaurants. They are quite thin makes the portion smaller than the average. I see that the pancakes are much larger than it. Kinda doesn't really add up when they're about the same price. Anyways, the food is not that bad though. I also was expecting the waffles to somehow taste different, but it's alright. I probably should go back again and order pancakes or other items.

Came for an early breakfast. Long line waiting outside. A man came out, asked if anyone was a table of 2 or less. Since I was solo I asked if they had any bar stool seats available. Luckily they had one! I squeezed in between 2 much larger men And sat down.... VERY WELL KNOWN BREAKFAST SPOT FOR DECADES... I ordered the simple breakfast side of hash browns and a single pancake and coffee. Food came out fast and hot...everything was fresh and didn't taste like old rescued oil or other items cooked in the same stove. The pancakes are delicious the simple scrambled eggs are very good. The sausage had a bit of ground bone or gristle but I just spit it out. Coffee was good house coffee (they actually sell their own brand coffee ) I was very satisfied with my meal.... Service was excellent... super nice and attentive

We were greeted and seated promptly. I love breakfast but im not one to order sweets for breakfast but I saw a plate of waffles and decided to order some as well and WOW! These waffles are delicious! Nice crunch too them and HUGE. Probably one of the best waffles I had. Everything we ordered was delicious and staff was kind.

Four stars! Really cute diner in downtown Alameda! I got the short stacks which were good and the waitstaff was amazing. I was shocked to learn I was paying almost $5 for a fountain drink? All the other prices seemed fair so I was shocked to learn that when I got the check.

I passed by this place for a while. I finally dipped in for lunch one day and took a seat at the counter. It's a tight squeeze with not a lot of personal space- I LOVED IT! Dining alone isn't really dining alone here. The team made me feel welcome, like I have been coming here for years. Made me feel like Norm. Cheers! I usually order the half sandwich and soup of the day. Simple and always delicious. On one occasion the soup of the day didn't fancy me, so I ordered the regular salad with grilled chicken. The portion was huge! Really great place- it's always a full house and understandably so.

Very friendly, food great? Had on Valentine's Day during dinner time, we were one of the last people there, so they gifted me a small blue (plastic) rose with fairy lights!

THEY OPEN EARLY! Ole's is one of my favorite go to spots when I'm in The Bay!!! If I don't get here, I have a little attitude. Everytime I come on my way back to LA, there's always a line from like 10am on; but this last visit I learned they open at 6am! This is clutch. If you're there early enough, you can seat yourself. I always debate on the waffles or apple chicken sausage; but I usually go for the sausage. It's a huge portion. I even had left overs to bring home. There's street parking available, no specified lot. Now the only reason I did not give Ole's 4stars is because of the bathroom. You have to go through the kitchen to go to the restroom and honestly it was a bit creepy and not most pleasing. It was clean; but it was a "let me hurry up and get outta here" bathroom. I will continue to go to Ole's every chance I get.

Benjamin was a great host. He was very attentive and helpful. Food was great as usual. Strawberries were a little over ripe which made for a soggy bite. But all in all, what a great quick brunch with the kiddo

Great no frills diner experience. Food is cooked in front on the griddle. Quick service. Friendly staff. Get the waffles or French toast. Add cheese to the eggs. Skip the mimosa.

This place is so good! The service is great, the food is delicious, and the ambiance is very traditional -- real old school. I love it. I always go here whenever I'm in the area.

This is a delivery review not full experience of the restaurant so let's get into it ! I've actually never been here even tho I'm a local . I'm not the biggest fan of waffles and chicken . Don't judge me . That's what they're known for primarily but they have other options as well . 3 stars is all for the steak and how my order was packaged for delivery . I ordered ribeye medium rare with mash potatoes and a side salad . The steak was amazing ! Great cut super marbled and they cooked it like I asked medium rare ! So juicy tender and flavorful ! I didn't even need steak sauce it was fact good . The mash potatoes are obviously not made let alone the gravy . Tasted like the boxed stuff you can buy at the store . I had to season it up myself . and the side salad was just that a side salad nothing special . I too added my own feta cheese and vinaigrette dressing to level it up . That steak tho was so good ! And how they packaged it nothing leaked out all my goodies were intact and they used foil , so no cold food ! I might could give them more stars on a future date , actually experience the restaurant and see the inside & try other things on the menu . But for now I'm recommending that ribeye medium rare !!!! It's good lol !

Located in the heart of Alameda, Ole's Waffle Shop is a hidden gem. I had the pleasure of trying their waffles topped with strawberries and peaches, accompanied by a side of crispy bacon - and it was a truly delightful experience. The waffles were perfectly cooked to a golden crisp on the outside, while remaining fluffy and light on the inside. The fresh strawberries and peaches added a burst of sweetness that complemented the waffles beautifully. Each bite was a symphony of flavors that left me craving for more. To top it off, the side of bacon was cooked to perfection - crispy, savory, and satisfying. It was the ideal savory addition to balance out the sweetness of the waffles and fruit toppings. The ambiance at Ole's Waffle Shop is warm and inviting, with friendly staff who make you feel right at home. The cozy vibes and nostalgic decor transport you to a simpler time, making your dining experience all the more enjoyable.

Service is very slow! Tried to wave to a server and she glanced but didn't bother to walk over to see what I needed. Grits were great. Ham steak was salty and for some reason the pancakes were salty too. Couldn't even finish them. The atmosphere is cool and calm. Not too busy for an early morning.

This place is a staple on Park in Alameda. They've been here for years and I hope they stay. Ole's has that old school diner feel to it, and so it feels like a blast to the past on the inside. It's beautiful. But the food, omg the food is absolutely delicious, and if you haven't been then the waffles are the best and what they're known for. The staff are very nice and always take great care of me and my family. And I love that they have freshly squeezed OJ. Everything here is so good

After writing this review, I know why I have not been here in a while... Quality/Quantity - Waffle Combo - I do not remember the waffles being so thin? The sausages were slightly over cooked. I actually left hungry... Vegetarian Omelet - This was the hit. And generous portions. This dish saved this review. Also available - Specials, kids menu, salad, entree, burgers, etc. Atmosphere - Open kitchen. Old school diner decor. See pictures. Table, booth, or counter seating. Open 7 days a week from 6am to 8pm, 8:30pm or 9pm. Service - Another challenge was it did not get busy until we left and they got a full team working. But it was hard to get service. Hard to even get our check to pay and leave. Price - $37 + generous tip. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1927. And the success of the current 2nd generation owners since 1972. Keeping it in the family. Also congrats on your success since 2014 for your Wines & Waffle; is this business still open...?

Great spot for breakfast food! Would recommend coming here and plan to come back. Very friendly service and the ambiance is a casual style diner feel.

Step back in time to a perfect classic diner experience. But with the perk of the fresh orange juice machine (I want one at home). My nephew and I shared a pecan waffle--so good! He had a very authentic biscuit and gravy platter, loaded with bacon. I had the Tammy's omelette. What a gigantic breakfast! More than half went home for another meal later. Add attentive service on top of this nostalgic food too! Winner.

Don't go on a Tuesday night after 6pm. My tuna melt was scorched and I did not complain until the waitress asked me was everything okay. She was very nice and took it back.

Absolutely amazing and fresh waffles. The service is excellent, our server kept our coffee cups filled, quick and friendly service. I tried waffle combo w bacons and scrambled eggs and it was delicious. The Saturday morning line goes out the door but it does move quickly!!! Worth the hype and local biz.

Visited Ole's at 6:30AM on a Saturday morning and it was pretty packed for 6:30AM. The staff were extremely nice and warm upon entering. We were able to pick any open tables and ordered immediately. I ordered a waffle while my husband ordered a chicken fried steak with hashbrowns, toast and eggs. My favorite was the hashbrowns. Ambiance was clean with a home-y diner feel.

First of all, thank you to Ken who gave us 2 complimentary waffles. I personally don't like waffles but when I tried the waffle here.. woww.. it is so light, thin, very fresh and the butter was not very oily but very light! Having been to so many diners in San Francisco and many states in the US, I can say this is one of the best diner in the US! When I first opened the door and came in to this place, I could feel the positive energy and good vibes here. The service are fast and the servers are attentive regardless of how busy this place is. I ordered 2 eggs and steak and surprisingly the steak is good despite for being served in a diner and not a steakhouse. The price is reasonable as well! I was reading about the history of this place and was very curious to come to try the food here. It is amazing how this restaurant has been opening for nearly a hundred years and still maintaining a friendly service and great food. I am starting to spread the words and will bring more friends here for sure !

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ole's Waffle Shop! When I arrived there was a long line outside! Since I was dining alone, they were able to seat me immediately at the counter. I love sitting at a counter in any restaurant where I can see the goings on in the kitchen. This was a show! These folks are working their behinds off to deliver fresh, hot food to your table. Everything I watch commenting the kitchen looked delicious! I had the Waffle Combo: waffle, egg, and bacon with real maple syrup. They syrup comes in the little jars which they warmed for me while my brunch was being prepared. Nice touch! Ole's is an old school diner, and I loved it.

GREAT waffle joint with superior customer service and decent coffee. What more could you ask for? Everyone here is beaming and looks genuinely happy to be there. I love that they open super early so we can go as soon as we wake up. Wasn't a fan of the biscuits/gravy (slightly bland and wasn't anything special) or the strawberry topping (I'd prefer fresh fruit!), which is why they didn't get 5 stars from me. Nevertheless, I will definitely be a repeat customer because their waffles are truly fantastic.

I wouldn't change a thing! I used to go here in the 80s. Nothing has changed! And why would it??? The menu, the decor and some of the local folks... are still the same and I love it. The waffles are excellent, coffee is a Darn good cup of coffee, and I love the sausage patties. Service was fast as far as being seated ( we went on a rainy Monday morning early) and our food came out right away! When we were finished, it took a while to get the check. Our server was taking a break at the counter. We told the gentlemen bussing tables to let her know we were ready. Even after that it took a long time. If you have time to lounge it's great, but we had to get to work. Great classic food will bring me back!

I mean, clearly I don't need to be leaving this review. This place is loved by many. This is my first time here, I've been wanting to come for a long time. But I finally made the time. Friday late morning, and it's still busy. We were able to sneak in and get a table. It's a little loud, but not too loud to not be able to hear the people I'm with. Our server came by within a couple minutes, she was super nice. Our order came SO fast, considering how busy it is in here. We ordered waffles (obviously) and everything was nothing short of delicious. 10/10 will be coming back.

I appreciate the establishment for surviving the pandemic and thriving. It was the lunch rush and I wanted breakfast and the teen a burger. The place was busy. Kinda clean, kinda crazy. Service was nice and fast. The waitress was attentive. $40 for my vegetarian omelette that came with toast and hash browns and a bacon cheeseburger with fries. One lemonade and one coffee. My leftovers were breakfast the next morning. The teen finished her burger later that day.

Ole's ...nothing but good things to say. Best waffles around. They are light, fluffy and just delicious (you can buy their waffle mix and it looks like the secret ingredient is seltzer water). I've bought the do it yourself waffles and they taste just as good at home, but nothing beats eating in Ole's. You can also get fried chicken with your waffles, but it's about a 15 to 20 minute wait for them to fry up the chicken. Well worth it because it's seasoned and super crispy and pairs well with the waffles. The normal breakfast items like eggs and bacon are all good as well. So are the biscuits and gravy I definitely recommend them. The only downside is there can be quite a wait in the mornings so get there early or prepared. Wait in line. This is one way that is definitely worth it.

Purchased Christy's French Toast Combo, the Waffle Combo with two sausages and egg, and Kids Pancake Combo with sausages and Apple Juice. Total came out to be around $48. I highly recommend calling in and getting take out as the lines were atrocious! However I ordered sausages instead of bacon with my kids meal and got bacon which I was upset about. In addition, the phone line kept cutting out so I had to call 3 times to place my order in. The food itself was good but had small portions for the amount. The waffles had a great texture and the pancakes were yummy with the Smucker's Maple Syrup but the bacon was really hard and overcooked. The sausage patty was crunchy and added a great level to the food. Apple juice was crisp and refreshing! Came in a cup where you need a straw. While it was great to check out, I probably wouldn't come here again due to price points and the wait.

Stopped at Ole's last weekend while we were in Alameda for an appointment. We waited a little bit for a table but no biggie as we ended up getting lucky as two counter seats opened. Staff were a little sassy, not rude but not too friendly. I ordered the chicken and waffles. The waffle came out right away, but I had to wait at least 30 minutes after that for the chicken. I know chicken takes a while but you'd think they would time it right. My waffle was cold by the time the chicken came. My husband got the waffle combo and enjoyed his meal. Overall, there waffles never disappoint and if I'm in the area for breakfast I would stop by again.

Walk ins- pay attention to the paper signs on the entrance glasses. Form a line by the door if there's no seating readily available and staff will come and seat you once a table is ready. It's an OG diner, but they do accept card. Waffles. Always order the waffles.

There's a line out the door every morning, and good reason. Despite being at max capacity every day, they manage to deliver good food without much delay. I enjoy their coffee as well. The servers are very nice.

Service good food if this is considered good food the frozen isle at food for less is chef ramsay good . Waffles were thin and tast like a box , eggs were shit , peaches were caned and 2 breakfast cost 46 bucks , are people pallet dumb why was it busy . I'll buy an skillet open up shop on a coroner and I'd make oles look like jail food

I have been eating here for years and years since I was a kid, and now I go at least four times a month. The whole place is a well-oiled machine. You get seated, and given a menu, coffee, and water immediately. My food always comes out perfectly like it has for years. Everything is very clean. My favorite is when they sing the Stevie Wonder Happy Birthday. Unless you seem like you don't sing that version, they will sing that one. You get the regular happy birthday song with the same spirit and joy.

Very popular breakfast spot in Alameda. The food is good, the service is good, but minus 1 star for the chaotic queue situation waiting to get in. We came here around 9am on a Saturday with a party of 10. There's a line, and we wait patiently. Every once in a while someone will come out and shout "anyone for a party of n" and the first group that answers get in. We watched another party of 10 behind us go in before us. There's no system, and if you're regulars you know this and can take advantage. The food, however, is very good. I had the waffles and egg combo. Their waffles are the ones with the small squares, not the big Belgium type. The waffles were so good and had a little sweetness that I didn't need any syrup on it.

Cute American diner in Alameda with friendly and fast service. The food was good and plentiful. I got the two egg breakfast with hamburger patty. My over easy eggs were a little overcooked but it didn't bother me as there was enough runny yoke to mix in with my hasbrowns, which were perfectly cooked to a crisp. My hamburger had good flavor. Next time I'd like to try their waffles and coffee.

What to say about this place? This is my son and my favorite place! Their waffles are phenomenal! The fasted services and friendliest always smiling staff is the cherry on the toe! I love the community vibe of it and it is always buzzing! Simply it is the best place to have brunch or dinner!

Kitschy decor, friendly service, best waffle maker ever... and trust me I know a good waffle when I eat one. This place checked every box. I did think that the sausage left a little to be desired it was just so blah in comparison to the waffle... But I still give it five stars would love to go back one day

They overcharged me five bucks. Syrup? No they don't have blueberry syrup. They just have blueberries mixed with sugar to the point where it becomes a liquid......... Not Syrup. They couldnt have the decency to give me a small box for all my proteins... The pancakes are gonna taste like sulfur and sour berries. When the server asks a customer if they want the pancakes a certain way, they should say, "syrup? Blueberry syrup? Or just blueberries? The syrup is made fresh..." (THAT SHOULD BE THE ONLY TIME YOU USE THE WORD FRESH)

It's usually a wait but after waiting you won't be disappointed. Give it try the only downside is parking it's slim around there but worth the line and looking for a park.

Service , staff, and atmosphere was great . My eggs were bland sadly even with cheese as well as the omelette we got . The waffles are so thin that even with a little syrup it becomes soggy . I prefer fluffier waffles but overall that's just me . I wanted to see why it was everyone's fav breakfast spot but I'm sad to say it isn't mine . I'm glad I got to try for myself .

Not what I expected! Waffle was ok! Grits were bland service was as good as the food! Not worth the wait!

Simply put the name says it all. The Waffle was the best I have ever had. Raised as a kid I always loved thin over Belgian, and let me tell you the flavor and texture is totally amazing. The servings were generous and delicious. You are welcomed soon as you open the door, and this is rare. We even loved the old fashioned counter which is the length of the restaurant. The rest of the seating is adequate, outback dining is available as well.

You know the food is going to be good when there is a line to get in and get a seat. The line actually moved pretty fast, so it wasn't a long wait at all. The food, location, and customer service was great! Even though the place was packed and really busy, the wait staff were smiling, attentive, and worked together very well. The positive energy among the staff made the taste of the food and experience even better! Oh, and the food portions!! You will definitely get your monies worth. This old school diner vibe is a must go to if in the area.

Timeless Breakfast Haven Ole's Waffle Shop is a great spot for breakfast enthusiasts, with hours from dawn till dusk. For those craving breakfast beyond the traditional morning hours, Ole's is a haven. Their doors remain open into dinner time, offering a comforting embrace of breakfast delights whenever the mood strikes. While the prices are reasonable, some combos like the waffle combo, may not include all desired items. You will have to order additional items on the side, which could potentially inflate the bill. Weekends here are very busy, especially during the morning through lunch rush. Expect a wait of at least 20 minutes. Operating on an old-school, first-come, first-serve basis, the experience begins with lining up outside the restaurant, waiting for staff to let you enter. Ole's waffles are great, crispy and warm, with the hot syrup that is provided, makes this item amazing. Their waffles are definitely not the normal type, it is very thin, and at their price point, pretty expensive. In summary, Ole's Waffle Shop earns a solid 4/5 rating. While the wait times and ordering system may be outdated, the quality of their waffles and the comforting atmosphere make it a worthwhile breakfast destination for any time of day.