King's Chef Diner — Restaurant in Colorado Springs

Daytime review:

King Chef Diner is a true gem in Colorado Springs! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like coming home. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel like a regular even if it's your first visit. But let's talk about the food – it's simply outstanding! The portions are generous, so come hungry! Their breakfast options are legendary, especially the breakfast burrito smothered in their famous green chili – it's a must-try! The green chili has a fantastic kick without being overwhelmingly spicy, and it perfectly complements the hearty fillings. I also highly recommend the French toast, which is fluffy and delicious. Beyond breakfast, their lunch menu is equally impressive. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, and the green chile cheese fries are an addictive side. You can tell that they use fresh, quality ingredients in all their dishes. What makes King Chef Diner even more special is the nostalgic, classic diner vibe. It's a cozy and unpretentious spot where you can relax and enjoy a fantastic meal. Watching the cooks in action adds to the charm of this beloved local establishment. Whether you're a local or just passing through Colorado Springs, King Chef Diner is a must-visit for a satisfying and memorable dining experience. The combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a true standout. I can't wait to go back!

2am review:

Alright, listen up, night owls and fellow survivors of the Springs' after-hours scene. Stumbled into King Chef Diner after a solid crawl, and yeah, the lights were BRIGHT. Like, interrogation room bright. Forget a chill, dim vibe – this place was buzzing, every table packed tight. Flipping tables? Not a chance, pal. It was pure, glorious chaos. The service? Let's call it efficient. No time for niceties, these folks were working their tails off. It had this cool, no-nonsense energy, though. Like they've seen it all and just want to get you fed and out the door (in a good way). It's got this appealingly rough-around-the-edges feel, a bit punk rock in its own way. Now, the green chili. They ain't kiddin'. This stuff is HOUSE-MADE and it bites back. Seriously spicy. Like, clears-your-sinuses-and-makes-you-question-your-life-choices spicy. But in a good way, you know? That kind of heat that wakes you the hell up after a night of questionable decisions. Honestly though, skip the chili if you're a spice wimp (you've been warned). My move? The patty melt. And listen to me on this: these mad lads loaded it with what had to be the hottest damn jalapeños they could find. It was a beautiful, sweaty, delicious mess. The greasy burger, the melty cheese, and that intense jalapeño fire – it was exactly what my slightly inebriated self needed. King Chef at night isn't your cozy, sleepy diner. It's a brightly lit, high-energy refueling station for the city's nocturnal creatures. The service is fast, the food is hearty (and potentially scorching), and it's got this raw, urban edge that's strangely appealing. If you're looking for a no-frills, post-bar-hop feast that will definitely wake you up, King Chef is your spot. Just be ready for the heat – in more...

We've been here several times in the past few years, and previously everything had been great. Today I went out with my mom out to lunch and the GM (always been nice to us) seated us within a couple of minutes after bussing a table.

The young blonde-haired waitress was by herself, and there was one large party (about 8-10 people), and three other tables, including our own...she was pretty busy, and obviously not happy, as I could tell that she was banging around the plates/silverware/etc, and generally had a sour body language/demeanor. It took her about about 10 mins for her to get our drink and food order, and then we waited about 35 mins for our food...this is pretty long, and we were starting to wonder what was going on. Not a big deal...

A couple came in about 15-20 mins after and sat at the booth right next to ours, and they got their food before ours. My mom got the waitress's attention as she was serving the booth behind ours, and asked if she could talk to her...and the waitress immediately had an attitude, shot a glare, and in a disrespectful tone said, "I'll be right with you after I''m done here". She came to our table and still had attitude as she argued with my mom. Eventually walking away while my mom was talking and saying she was "going to just take a break". Again, not a big deal...

A few minutes later the GM (I believe he said his name was Casey) came to our table and we explained what happened and he was cool. We explained that we just wanted to make sure that our order was indeed being made, as the table behind us had come in significantly later and gotten their food first. And he understood. Also, and again, not a big deal.

The waitress then never shows up afterward to refill water or coffee, and doesn't even come to pick up the check with my credit card on it. She busses the tables where the large party was sitting next us in an overly aggressive and loud way (slamming and banging the tables and chairs), as it appears she pretty angry... We eventually realize she's not going to and go up to the register and pay the GM directly while putting our "to go" food on the bar stools. As we're leaving she passes in front of me with a "look"...and I never said a single word to her the whole time...not a big deal...

The food was good though and their coffee is decent. Too bad we won't be going back, as I don't mind the slow service or the bad attitude, but AT A MINIMUM, you must do the job...that is a big deal. This means going to the table, even the one with the "mean" people you don't like, to get them a refill/pick up the credit card for the check/etc. We'll miss you...

2nd time trying this place.

Music is so loud, some people left because of it. The volume and the mix did not make it welcoming. It gave me angry man cave vibes.

Service, abysmal. Only our server, we were at the counter and others we encountered were great. This server seemed really out of it and she would ask a question then not deliver on whatever she asked. Watched her and I think the owner have words. She clearly should not have been on the counter as she seemed overwhelmed and confused by everything. I’ve waited tables before so it’s really easy to see what’s going on. She had prepped like 10 coffee filters with grounds then proceeded to prep 15 more. There wasn’t enough business to go through 5 more pots before they closed.

It wasn’t just her, the whole experience is weird and clumsy. They have the extendable ropes to keep you from walking all the way in with a sign blocking your path when they do seat you. Like you need to move the sign to allow people to walk but it’s not that busy. This seems wholly unnecessary and unwelcoming.

The place could house twice as many tables and breakfast is a churn and burn meal. You want to seat as many as you can. The host was writing down our name for a table when there were multiple free. Not sure if this is how they track which waiter gets tables. The lack of tables and abundance of floor mats just adds to the weird angry man cave vibe. The sad thing is they have great outdoor seating but that was empty too.

Something I ate made my stomach hurt and the food overall is going to be brown or yellow because it is either smothered in cheese or lots of hash browns. It’s silly but the presentation is so lackluster I miss the days of parsley sprinkles.

I only bother to write this out because I can tell there is love and passion there. The whole place needs a revamp and some tough love. Why sell ridiculous portions no one can finish? So you can get a clean plate club sticker to add to the column of dusty, peeling stickers? Why have someone on the front who clearly...