1005 Walnut St
Columbia, MO 65203
573-874-7804


Average Overall Rating:

(4 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(4 out of 5)

(3 out of 5)

Review by: pjwccc on 6/16/2011

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Ernie's has a loyal following that in my opinion chooses to be blind to the real value. Here is the truth. Are you looking for good service, fantastic food, a pleasant atmosphere where you can talk without shouting, and some semblance of available parking? Then sorry you won't find it at Ernie's. What you will find is a long established tradition and a loyal clientele who are willing to overlook almost everything that is important to most unbiased customers. I am not from Columbia so I do not share the commitment to a Columbia tradition. Parking is hard to find, seating can be difficult to obtain and the noise level is deafening. Cherish that first cup of coffee because only two waitresses are having to take care of the "packed into a very small space" customers. "Nickel and dime you" kind of menu. 50 cents for every item in the omelet; 50 cents for a dab of raisins in your oatmeal and so forth -- everything is EXTRA. And if you have the courage to be honest with the waitress about lack of service when you are paying your tab when she quickly asks "how was everything" -- don't expect a "I am so sorry" instead -- my son and I received a stone look and she wheeled from the register and walked away -- angry! So meet at Ernie's if you want to rub shoulders with an old Columbia tradition - but not for the food, atmosphere, ease of getting parking or getting a table. You will end up scratching your head when seeing the people like sardines in a can and saying -- "I JUST DON'T GET IT." Now this is the truth about Ernie's.

Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #22564Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 8/2/2009

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Ernie's is absolutely the best place in Columbia for breakfast and is consistently rated "Best in Columbia" for breakfast by a local poll in Inside Columbia Magazine. It is a must-spot on your visit to Columbia. The atmosphere is an odd blend of greasy spoon and art deco (although I'm not sure it was intended). The food is terrific and the service is usually very good. It is a smaller diner, so expect should-to-shoulder dining. However, that is generally part of the charm.

Want more upscale breakfast? Try Boone Tavern for a good Sunday brunch buffet. The Heidelberg also offers a Sunday brunch buffet.

Award Nomination: Best Bargin Breakfast

Review #17634Review by: notinstl on 7/15/2009

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I alternate between Ernie's and Lucy's....Ernie's has much better pancakes....eggs are always cooked right no matter how you order them....the #11 can't be beat....

Award Nomination: Best Bargin Breakfast

Review #17471Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 4/13/2009

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Denny's is better! The Hot Cakes were more like bricks than they were fluffy. We were bumping elbows with the people at the next table.French Toast was soggy and thin and the hash browns were a greasy mess. And the bathrooms disgusting. Yuk! The bacon and coffee were good though.

Review #16785Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 12/23/2007

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If you don't eat meat greasy spoons are sometimes off limits. not so with Ernie's their veggie sausage is VERY good, so good in fact that lots of my omnivore friends eat it over regular meat sausage when we go. The staff (cooks and wait) is excellent and it is a Columbia landmark. My only caveat is the the owner is a 1st class jerk but you still owe it to yourself to check it out (don't worry you'll probably never talk to him). Also if you get there early (before 10 or 11 i think) you can get 2 eggs toast hashbrowns and coffee for under $3. Also I cant recommend the egg sandwich enough, I get it w. veggie sausage pepperjack cheese on an english muffin 10+ 'nuff said.

Award Nomination: Best Bargin Breakfast

Review #12238Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 11/12/2004

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This is one of my all-time favorites. Your cup will runneth over with refills. The No. 10 meal is the way to go, with your eggs, your meat of choice, your hash browns, and choice of hotcakes or french toast (highly recommended). Drawbacks: It's small and can get crowded. Don't let that discourage, but don't bring a big group either.

Award Nomination: Best Service

Review #4081Review by: kaszeta on 7/12/2002

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Another fine place to eat if you happen to be passing through Columbia, MO. Ernie's is funky. I actually think the full name is "Ernie's cafe and steakhouse," although the real action here is definitely at breakfast.

The place is a diner of the standard greasy spoon variety, but is decorated in a Dick Tracy theme. The cooks definitely know how to work the grill, and they always have a nice variety of specials.

I highly recommend this place.

Review #176


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Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of Columbia, Missouri - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Ernie's Cafe.