BLUE BIRD CAFE, Arlington - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Order Online Food Delivery

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About

The Bluebird Cafe was started in 1958 by Merle & Florence Peper. It is still family-owned! Serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner at 5 am – 8 pm daily. We still do most things the same as we did back then.

CUISINES

American, Cafe, Diner

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

FEATURES

Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service

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4.0

60 reviews

Excellent

22

Very good

17

Average

13

Poor

5

Terrible

3

Blessed

Lake Stevens348 contributions

Average Breakfast

Feb 2022 • couples

Seat yourself cafe. Breakfast was average- did offer gluten-free toast for surcharge of $1. $13.00 for scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon. Service was friendly but did take some time to get our meals.

Written February 23, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AbsolutelyDubrovnik

Seattle1174 contributions

Great breakfast / lunch food

Oct 2024 • family

Loved this cafe. Taken there by our daughter Menu was wonderful food was great. It was a busy Saturday so slower to get a table - we understand. Service was great. Would recommend this restaurant.

Written October 6, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ashley S

1 contribution

Fathers Day breakfast

Jun 2022 • family

Place was understaffed, a little on the expensive side, breakfast portions were huge and the breakfast was great!

Written June 20, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jjmama79

San Francisco2 contributions

Definitely felt discrimination

May 2021 • family

Beware if you are not of Caucasian descent, we were treated like sub-humans who didn't deserve to be served edible food. We attempted to enjoy a Sunday brunch and were sorely mistaken when we chose to eat here. We were asked to sit in the back of the restaurant near the bathrooms, when there were plenty of open booths near the front. We were given glares as we walked in and were seated, no silverware was provided until we requested it. Our children chose cinnamon rolls and they were served and inedible. They were so hard that a knife trying to cut through made a crunching sound. A cinnamon roll should NEVER be crispy. We told the server who went to the manager who said to heat it back up "we will not be giving them another one." We decided to leave at this point because they clearly did not want nor deserve our patronage. I can only imagine that the stares and poor service has something do with us being a biracial couple with multiracial children. Great way to uphold the already well-known stereotype that Arlington harbors blatant racism. Do better Blue Bird! You should be ashamed of yourselves for disappointing children and displaying despicable behavior. NEVER again!

Written May 16, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cali4niahiker

Arlington2474 contributions

This Cafe has seen better days!

Oct 2022 • solo

This was my first visit to the Blue Bird Cafe. Ambiance is 1960’s diner that still has the same furniture without any upgrades. The seats had rips and the formica was scuffed, as was the floor. It didn’t appear clean. Service was friendly and prompt. My Reuben sandwich was dry and greasy. Definitely not what I’d hoped for. I expected more for the price I paid. With so many dining options in and around Arlington, why would I visit this cafe again?

Written November 26, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DM

Sequim15 contributions

Middle America Diner--Good

May 2021 • none

Though not great, it was good. I had the shrimp dinner and they were very good, nice and crispy. My husband had a Liver and Onions and it was only average and a little overcooked. It is typical diner fare.

Written June 13, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Donte T

1 contribution

The Worst Experience in Arlington

Apr 2021 • couples

FEELING RACIALLY PROFILED * **** WOULD NEVER RETURN**** (Anna was my server and she provided terrible service. As a foodie, I have never been treated this bad) 1. Customers seat themselves. Written very little on a dry erase board, We stood there in the front for atleast 2 minutes before we saw the writings on the board to seat ourselves. No one even spoke to us. Solution: Have staff seat the customer(s), that way, the customer(s) don't seat themselves at a dirty table like we had to do. 2. Ready to order. The Wait time was approximately 18-20 mins until another waitress told us that our waitress was on her way. Our Waitress walked pass my table 4 times before even acknowledging us. 3. Listen to the customer. After taking the order, the waitress forgot what was ordered, but has an electronic device to record detailed order entries. Even after getting the order, the waitress didn't record the entries on her electronic device as requested by the customer. 4. Missing food. Not only did she mess up my wife's order, but completely forgot to bring mines out to the table. When I sternly questioned her on my food, she replied " you didn't order anything" when I clearly and directly told her that I wanted wings and tots. It appears that she didn't even input my order. She even asked me what flavor for the wings. 5. Manager / Supervisor. I complained to another waitress first, handling at the lowest level, in hopes that she will get Anna to perform like she wanted to be there. That didn't happen! Next, I went to complain to her management. The manager justified her behavior with regards to Anna being new. I then recommended that Anna shadow a more experienced Server to build her confidence. Even still, the manager wanted to debate that she's new and "we do have our new people shadow" but yet she was on her own completely ignoring us. 6. Horrible conclusion. After making the complaints, the Manager didn't check on us and Anna didn't return with my food. Now normally, my wife never ever gets mad, but she was mad. We asked for the check, and another woman brought it out and slammed it on the table. Come to find out, the woman that gave our check was the DISHWASHER! WHAT??? At this point my wife got up and carrying her food and complained about the service. We didn't pay, we would've paid, but instead of hearing more of our complaining, the house paid for our "less than half eaten food." Even though the following may or may not be the case, I felt discriminated against because I am black and my wife is Mexican.

Written April 3, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bwanderer

Everett2751 contributions

Good food, but be careful

Sep 2019 • none

Located on the main street in what I'd call "downtown" Arlington, this quaint cafe is on the west side of the street, with street parking in front. Inside, a counter, a lot of booths, some creative touches, and darker lighting. Service is about what you'd expect: not spectacular, and in our case no personality. Our server was a younger woman who got part of our order incorrect, and when I asked about it, I got a scowl, an attitude, and it was a while for the corrected item to arrive, without apology. The attitude impacted the visit from when I brought it up to the end, as if a pall hung over our table. If you go, the food is good, prices are reasonable, and the server may be different - or you may not experience a problem. My suggestion is to carefully spell out what you want.

Written December 5, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ruth S

Bellevue680 contributions

Cozy town...cozy cafe!

Sep 2019 • none

Visited the town for the art festival. Since the event was starting at 5 p.m. and we were there mid-afternoon, we wanted an early dinner. The four of us decided to try this spot that is a town icon. Lovely waitress and food chosen was enjoyed by all. Think the burgers and sweet potato fries were especially good. The waitress told us their biscuits and gravy are the best...but not being served at the time we were there.

Written September 8, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KingSalmon777

Livingston165 contributions

Awesome random discovery

Jul 2019 • solo

Just moved to Washington. Needed breakfast. Searched google maps for restaurants. Blue Bird Cafe was close so went. Cute street/neighborhood/small town. Store front looks small and non-pretentious. But going inside, I found a wonderful inviting comfortable cute restaurant that goes back quite a bit and can seat many people. Booths plus a cute bar stool section. Great wait staff. Ample and interesting selections for breakfast. Great prices!! The country style eggs Benedict was very tasty and filling. Coffee is excellent and only a $1.50!!

Written July 2, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erin R

Arlington85 contributions

Sunday Breakfast

Feb 2019 • couples

Love this place! Swedish pancakes with Devonshire cream and berries is the very best. Friendly staff and clean.

Written February 17, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Valarie R

Bothell48 contributions

Delicious homestyle food with generous portions

Feb 2019 • couples

This restaurant has been run by the same family for 60 years and we could understand why it has been successful for so long when we ate our breakfasts. The berry pancakes were full of juicy berries and the German sausage and bacon were very tasty. A casual and clean diner atmosphere makes this venue perfect for families. Service was friendly and attentive.

Written February 2, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erin R

Arlington85 contributions

Good breakfast

Jan 2019 • couples

My husband and I enjoy breakfast at The Bluebird cafe about once a month. It’s a little pricey but I’d rather eat local and support small business than give big chain restaurants my money. Service is slow but this is an old fashioned town and everything runs on a slower pace, you get used to it.

Written January 15, 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lala405

Nanaimo158 contributions

Cozy

Nov 2018 • couples

Small homey diner with all the usual stuff on the walls and the promise of good comfort food. Good but not great but fun

Written December 12, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

UnrepentantFoodie

Bellingham965 contributions

Disappointing

Nov 2018 • family

Passing thru town and halfway between Seattle and home, Arlington seemed like the perfect place for a midday meal. We chose the Blue Bird Cafe and Diner because it was established in 1958 and seemed like a homespun, original kind of cafe. A place that's been around that long has to be great, right? Unfortunately, not right. Whatever laurels this restaurant had at one time, it's resting on them, or trying to. It's possible that the same loyal customers come back week in, week out, as they have for decades, so the restaurant isn't incentivized to improve for the sake of attracting new customers. Either way, our food reflected relatively low standards. We shared, or planned to (we left it uneaten) a sludgy, heavy bowl of chili that tasted straight out of the can, pasty and just beans, no meat. We also shared a French dip. The sandwich part was fine but the dipping jus was super diluted and had almost no flavor. Service was fast and friendly, but we can't recommend the restaurant.

Written November 20, 2018

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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