Kleifeld's Restaurant — Restaurant in Willoughby

Life’s short - get the pancakes!

Kleifeld’s is a tiny, shotgun-style diner with a handful of tables and bar seating. The minimal staff and constant stream of regulars in and out made me (a first-timer) feel right at home in this hidden gem. I can only hope that I too will one day be greeted by name :)

...and the FOOD. My goodness. Homemade corned beef hash (with actual pieces of corned beef!), homemade biscuits (nice and doughy, toasted up on the grill), and a cinnamon roll pancake (not on the menu but you can ask for it!) unlike anything i have ever had. Seriously - get the cinnamon roll pancake! Soft and gooey with caramelized crispy edges YUM

Kleifeld’s is not for those wishing to watch their waistline, but they’re prices and old-fashioned charm cannot be beat...not to mention everything we tried was delicious!

If you’re in the area, or even if you have to drive 45 minutes like me, be sure to make the trip and give it a try! Will be...

Just went again. It took over 30 minutes to get our order. No way breakfast takes that long. I really don't get why people like this place. This place should probably get 3.5 stars. Beginning with the stupendous, the cinnamon roll pancake is divinity on a plate. It kinda ends there. My chicken fried steak was average..I would have to say pre-made elsewhere..the sausage gravy was average. In fact everything else was just ok. I asked for dry toast then butter pats, they have no real butter at all. They talk all about nostalgia yet my 79 year old aunt who used to go there after school at the old Union High tried to explain about a dipped icecream bar she got as a kid. The server was dismissive (to say it in the nicest way). To go on about older or more infirm folk. Access and parking are awful. No wheelchairs you have to be able to walk in. Relatively inexpensive..yes..kitchy 50s vibe yes... All of the...

This older restaurant definitely has a ton of character as it has apparently been around since the early 1900s. Sitting down is a tight-fit, and finding a table is generally hard because it's always full, but it's for good reason...the food is incredible! I decided to order the cornbeef hash (which I HIGHLY recommend) and the French toast, and it was probably the best breakfast food I have had in a long time! I'm normally hard to impress with fresh toast, but the Texas toast they use is amazing along with the syrup!

The atmosphere of the place is also great because you know you're surrounded by regulars who eat there at least once a week because they genuinely like the staff and food! The staff was extremely friendly, and the bar was great fun to sit at.

I highly recommend that you visit this Downtown Willoughby staple if you ever find yourself...