Quarter Chute Cafe

I'd say Quarter Chute Cafe qualifies as a "hidden gem." I lived nearby for years before I heard of this place and, the first time I looked for it, I was a little confused. It is located on the site of Emerald Downs, not in the large building you might associate with the racecourse but in a smaller building about a quarter mile north. When you walk in, there are signs that might make you think you're in the wrong place (signs for parking permits or horse owners licenses), but walk straight back and hang a right when you're almost all the way to the back door, and you'll see the double doors to enter the cafe.I come from a small town, and restaurants like this are pretty standard - you walk up to a counter and order, you carry a tray to grab your drinks and any small items (like a pastry or a piece of fruit), pay at the cashier, get a number for your table, and they'll bring your hot food out to you. The food is pretty basic but plentiful. For a small place, there are quite a few options, and I believe breakfast is available all day. My favorite menu item is the chili omelet. The fries are crispy. My mom loved her pancakes. The seating area is large (there is even a pool table!) but I'd recommend a seat near a window. The stars of the show here are the horses! If you have a kid, who is into horses, they will have a blast. Depending on the time of day, you'll likely see horses walking back and forth from their stables and practice areas out to the track. If you have a husband who is into betting on horses, he will have a blast too, checking out all of the horse racing memorabilia throughout the restaurant. You may even see jockeys eating their meals or have the opportunity to strike up a conversation with a trainer or owner. Enjoy your meal and peruse the daily racing form. Now you've had the first glimpse of the horses and you're ready to go place your bets with a good meal in your belly!

Best breakfast and service in the area. You won't regret going here. It's amazing. A fun new experience for many that will keep you coming back time and time again.

This place for sure isn't fancy but is way fun. Love being able to sit at a table and watch the horses go back and forth from the barn to the track. Reminded me of when my aunt had race horses and we used to do this at Del Mar. But I digress.The food is simple, plentiful breakfasts and lunch. Not a huge menu but everyone enjoyed what they got. I managed a lite breakfast with one egg, toast, bacon and hash browns. Make sure you ask for the home made jam. Was more than enough food that's for sure.Several had biscuits and gravy that came with an egg and both said it was super good, just like mother used to make. the last member of the party had corned beef hash which she also liked.We'll for sure try it again.

Good food. Large portions. Excellent staff and fun atmosphere.I'm not usually a fan of ordering at the counter however, in this case it was OK. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. I loved the woman that was the cashier at the end. She was darling and just as sweet as she could be.

Re-visited the Quarter Chute Cafe today, hoping that the chef salad "recommendations" I made in my prior review would have been made. There were changes, but not what I was hoping for The salad was smaller; No cucumbers, tomatoes, or olives. They did have small cubes of ham and turkey, a sliced egg on top and LOTS of croutons (too many in my opinion). Bottom-line, NOT a traditional Chef Salad. The Cafe still does not offer blue cheese dressing. My hubby had eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and toast. Toast??? There was no "toast" on the bread at all and it was slathered in "semi-melted" butter that made the bread soggy. The Cafe still does not offer a Taco Salad 3 STAR rating this time. Guess we will try it later in the season and see how it is....

Service was okay but food was not good. I probably won't recommend if you only go for the food, mainly for people who are watching the horse track.

Came here with my Dad what a welcoming little place Friendly quick service good food lots of pictures and horse photos hanging nice little breakfast/lunch spot before hitting the track and everyone is welcomeGetting a window seat to watch the horses goBy is a plus really enjoyed my day here

I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS VISIT! Food was tasty, ambience was just what i was looking for at a race track and it's cafeteria style so that's what it is. Everyone one i had small conversation with was very nice and when i go back to Seattle i will be returning. I ordered the Quarter Chute Omelette and yooooooo! It was Fire Jones and if someone doesn't name a horse Fire Jones already!

I had the biscuits and gravy with bacon. The biscuits and gravy was ok, bacon was a bit dried out. Service is good, food came out quick. The atmosphere is really nice, you can view horses heading to the track.

Good old service & people great environment love this place! Good food waitresses are fantastic always happy always nice