Old Mill Cafe — Restaurant in Leavenworth

After checking reviews we decided to stop here instead of venturing into Leavenworth. When we pulled up, we saw a lot of cars and some people waiting out front; getting us excited for this seemingly popular spot. We go in and get ignored for at least 5 minutes with 2 other groups to put our name on the list and the young man estimated an hour wait. Hmmmm, should we stay or go somewhere else and face a long wait? The neighboring general store had a coffee counter and the sun was out so we decided to stick around. During our wait, the young man came outside to call tables to find that many parties had decided to go elsewhere. Would our wait time also drop off? After about 60 minutes of waiting with no updates, the young man came out with his clipboard to check which groups were still waiting. There were 3 groups of various sizes (2-6 people) and when we stepped inside we could see at least half the tables were empty (five 4 tops, a 5 top, and a 10 top) but could not be seated. Odd..... We had been waiting but apparently 2 groups (5 people & 10 people) had made a reservation, showed up as we were asked to come in, and were seated before us. Obviously, this was surprising but at least we got seated, right? Things are looking up, right? I notice the waitress bringing menus out to the reservation groups and we only had water. The waitress comes out with beverages for the big group before we were able to get menus from the young man who seated us, after asking for them. They indicated that they didn't have enough menus! We were with friends so we were chatting and had good company. Time check: 85 minutes pass from the time we arrived to when we place our order and part of our group had to leave. The food came out in decent time considering how full the restaurant became, however, the quality was only slightly better than cafeteria food but priced for a bistro. Everything we ordered was delivered, but nothing to come back for. Bacon was thick and salty, eggs were obviously waiting under a warmer a while, the Belgian waffle tasted like it was previously frozen and warmed in a microwave, syrup came in packets, chicken fried steak was okay, and the biscuit was more like biscuit-like fluffy rolls. They were quick to clear the dishes but we had to wait 15 minutes for our check. The bathroom was low on toilet paper and if you weren't careful when exiting the bathroom, you'd hit the table of the group seated right there. Bottom line, they were not equipped to handle a full restaurant in any way. The food is overpriced for the mediocre quality, the staff wasn't rude but didn't take care of us either. I can't recommend the Old Mill Cafe based on...

It was an experience, that's for sure. It's got a rustic feel, with head old photos of the logging town back in the day for wallpaper.

I ordered a cinnamon roll, corned beef hash, and a coffee. Here's where the experience begins. They have the menu on video screens by the counter. Then you order at the counter like it's a coffee shop. They take your name and you go find a place to sit down. When your food is ready, they call your name and you walk up and get your food yourself. (This would definitely not be ideal if you were trying to bring a family)

The food is served on paper plates, with plastic silverware. Basically they seem to just be trying to save on having to do dishes... Or really anything. You bus your own table, and everything is disposable, and they even have this nasty pitcher type thing for you to pour your unfinished drink in. They also have sings on the table asking you to clean, and sanitize it yourself.

Now for the food... The cinnamon roll was big, but wasn't that flavorful. And it was crunchy, not something I'm fond of with a cinnamon roll. It was alright, but not great. I didn't even finish it.

The corned beef hash was amazing though!it was big chunks of corned beef that was tender and juicy, and homestyle hash. It was all seasoned well. The downside was that it was on a paper plate that soaked up a lot of that delicious runny egg yoke. But otherwise it was one of the best corned beef hash that I've had.

The coffee was good, but being that it came in a paper cup, and that I would have to leave my meal, get up, walk to the counter, and ask for a refill (if they even do those, I didn't try so I don't know) I only had a single cup. And I'm a big coffee fan. Usually I drink a few cups with a meal like this.

So, if that cinnamon roll had been on par with the corned beef hash, then I would have given the food 5 stars and this place 4 stars. Even with the lack of service (I'm actually sorry I even tipped at this point, but it was at the beginning when you ordered) the food would have been good enough for 4 stars. And had the corned beef been on par with the cinnamon roll, I probably would have only gone with a single star. As it stands the corned beef hash was elevated enough for me to give it 3 stars. I will probably not be back again though. I'll look for someplace with...

There are no words for how awesome this little spot in the mountains is. The entire staff made me feel so welcome when our RV broke down and I needed a place to work remotely. From their wifi, to a power strip specifically for people to plug in computers and letting me stay as long as I needed to, the entire experience was was amazing in every way and only enhanced by how incredible the food is.

Matt & Kim are the epitome of people who should own a restaurant. From the (finally!) authentic and amazing BBQ, full breakfast plates, delicious coffee and GORGEOUS fresh pastries, the Old Mill has it all. Every morning at 6:30 I was greeted by Ashley and Hannalei with big bright smiles and nothing but hospitality to make me feel like family. Fun and lively conversation to get the day started right, this family really goes far beyond standard customer service in every way.

We were in Plain for a total of 2 weeks and in that time I got to know the area and this little gem in the middle. We are crossing the country but if I was to ever get “stuck” somewhere, I think Plain and the Old Mill Cafe would be the spot. It was genuinely bittersweet to pull out of that parking lot and wish my new friends farewell. I have never felt so comfortable in an establishment so quickly and again, considering the food is out of this world, it was by far and away the best place to spend my workday.

The BBQ slider is a great little meal, delicious slaw, crispy onions, that perfect slow cook on the meat, and their homemade “chips”, an absolute MUST. The chicken fingers also had a great crispy coating without being greasy or heavy. Try it all, you will not be disappointed!!

If you’re going to the Leavenworth area, make the detour to the Old Mill Cafe and stop in for a bite and a smile. It is a beautiful drive from Leavenworth to Plain and well worth the trip to see what that little town has to offer. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Old Mill has something for everyone. A must try, a must go, a must for anyone who loves amazing BBQ and looks for these hidden spots. This is one you won’t forget!

Thank you for everything Old Mill crew, we’re headed east and miss you and your...