Chef-O-Nette Restaurant
| Address: | 2090 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221, USA |
| Phone: | +1 614-488-8444 |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 7:30AM–8PM 7:30AM–8PM 7:30AM–8PM 7:30AM–8PM 7:30AM–8PM 7:30AM–8PM Closed |
Location
Photos 49
Reviews 16
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Justin Hendren
An awesome nostalgic diner! I had dinner with a friend who introduced me to this long established restaurant. I was awed by what I stepped into. The first thing you notice when entering is the decor taking you back to the early 60s or so. Old school wood trellised walls, mirrors, stainless steel fixtures, funky patterned carpet, Formica counters and tables, and red pleather seats. In some ways it was very nostalgic and comforting, as my parents took me to many eateries that were decorated similarly when I was boy in the 70s. Overall it was clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were clean and fresh as well. We seated ourselves at a booth next to the windows and were promptly greeted by the server who provided us each with those tiny 8oz glasses of water. Nice. She asked if we knew what we would like to drink, and my friend suggested the Malt shake. He himself got a vanilla malt (with extra malt) and I opted for a chocolate malt. The server left to give us time to peruse the menu, and within just a few minutes returned with our selections. Holy Moses these were good! I havent had a malt like this in years. For $2.80! Granted this isnt a giant 32oz gluttonous monstrosity, but a reasonable 12-14oz or so. Perfect for a meal. My friend ordered a double cheeseburger with bacon, with fries. I myself opted for their cheeseburger platter ($5.70), it came with coleslaw and fries. I opted to do without the sliced onion and tomato that usually comes with it. Extra mayo for the fries as well. We waited a little under 10 minutes for the food The burger itself was great. Served up hot with comfort food levels of tastiness. The burger was like I remember diner burgers being: a simple patty of beef, cheese, and a plain bun with toppings. The taste was great and it was satisfying. The fires were crinkle-cut, but had a very good crispiness that is hard to find in that style. The coleslaw was the creamy variety. I like the more course-sliced style myself, but it was good. Overall, the whole meal was VERY reasonably priced and was very satisfying. The decor was comfortable, relaxed, and quiet. Service was excellent! Friendly, accommodating, and fast. One weird note are the paper placemats. They feature the Chef-o-Nette logo with pictures of a ceiling fan and a window. So oddly charming and I had to comment about them to my friend. Next time I visit I fully plan to try the Hangover Burger. From what my friend tells me, it does the job, and is made of ham. HAM. Please keep this in mind: This place makes no pretentious or trendy overtures. You are NOT going to get a snobby chef-inspired concoction of foraged and deconstructed crumbs that was inspired from a trip overseas within a quaint village next to a goat farm. You might get some food that was probably frozen. Some of the menu items may not have changed since it opened way back in the day. Thats perfectly OK however. You are going to possibly find one of the best examples of comfort food in the Columbus area. For cheap. You may possibly want to look for more retro mid-century interior decoration after visiting as well. Fully recommended. I will visit again.
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Mike Butcher
My wife and I have been eating here for years. Less than expected experience had dropped us to once a year to give it another try. Each year we try it again and still look at each other saying "mediocre at best". Were not expecting TV-worthy chef quality but do hope for tasty comfort food. Yeah, old decor and all is kinda nice for nostalgia. I dont think weve ever tried breakfast yet, its always been lunch or dinner. Im just having a hard time wanting to go back when there are so many other better places to eat close by. But it seems like most folks really like it, so go for it.
MI
Miguel K.
If you are from "UA," feel free to reverse the rating because you already think you live in the Beverly Hills of central Ohio. For everyone else, I cannot think of a single reason to recommend this joint, not even the cheap prices. Ive been here a few times and always felt I got a lot less than what I paid for and/or wouldve been better off microwaving a frozen burrito or some Hot Pockets. The fact the carpet looks like it hasnt been cleaned since the place first opened doesnt inspire much confidence, either.
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Kevin Fathman
We went kind of late, so sure thats part of it. I couldnt eat the fried chicken - the spice in the breading (?) tasted off to me. The salad was very basic, but the dressings were amazing and seemed homemade. My wife loved her pork chops. Service was great, if slow, but again, its late. I will go back to try out the hangover plate, but its got one more shot to impress and Ill be done. Great decor, very, very, very exactly-because-its-never-changed 60s diner
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A Private User
Chef-O-Nette in definitely on the top of list for breakfast now that we have visited! Im actually saddened that they are not open on New Years day, but I do understand. We had breakfast and we all were VERY PLEASED with the quality of the food, speed of service and kindness of the staff! If your hungry and in the Upper Arlington area dont pass this place by, you wont be upset! 5 people ate for $34 WOW in Dec 2009
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Jack Lawson
Family friendly diner. You will feel like you are in an authentic 50s diner. Not because the decor is really good...but because it probably hasnt been updated since then. Besides that though, the food is good. the staff is great. and we always have a good time coming here!
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David Fisher
Always a good meal and great service. I have been dinning there for over 26 years. And it hold many fond memories from taking my kids there when they were growing up, to friends and family that come to town. They dont make them like this anymore.
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Paul Gonser
Its just like a walk back in time. This diner is awesome. They do everything right. Their coleslaw is amazing. Check out the pork chops. You cant go wrong with most anything on the menu. It is an excellent family-friendly diner.
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Abigail Haseley
Good, classic diner food with an old-style and homey atmosphere. Seems like a place surprisingly popular with the you get crowd as quite a few kids were in! The food was pretty good and the service was great
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Michelle Neff
They have in business for a long time that alone is reason to rate it high, but they have good value, and are easy on your pocket-- great for lunch and far better then fast food!
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Andria Edgington
I grew up in Upper Arlington, I would come to Chef-O-Nette with my Grandmother, it is a wonderful family diner! The food is delicious and the prices are very reasonable!
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Mark Day
I have been going to Chef-O-Nette for 40+ years. You can always get a consistent quality meal at an affordable price. You know what to expect. keep up the good work!
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A Private User
This is a place that definitely reminds you of the 1950s. It is classic Americana in here. The food is decent. You cant beat a milk shake from here.
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John Marsh
This place never changes. Good food, good prices, good service. Ive been away for years and the Chef-O-Nette is just the way I remembered.
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Rosie H
The homemade Honey French dressing is out of this world! Fast, friendly service. Also love the drive-thru window for carryout.
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Maggie Bartlett
best bugers in amarica sorry red robin
