Ethel & Fred's

Hadn’t been here in years and decided to stop in for breakfast. The place was quiet and you seat yourself, so we found a table and were promptly greeted by Christina, our server. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. We ordered a variety of items. The plain oatmeal came with milk and brown sugar (fruit is an option, but I skipped it). I also ordered a side of ham - it was edible, but a bit tough and dry. Others had an egg and ham omelet with home fries. The omelets were cooked perfectly, but the home fries were not. They tasted like boiled potatoes cut up and placed on the plate. They really need to be fried longer and seasoned - maybe with onions or peppers - to add flavor. Another order was scrambled eggs with bacon and home fries. Same issue with the home fries, but the bacon was

Ethel & Fred’s was a quick and delicious breakfast experience. It’s an old fashioned establishment with your typical American breakfast and lunch menu. It’s tucked away in the back of a plaza so you have to really look for it. But it’s definitely worth the try, I ordered the corn beef hash with home fries and my wife got the BLT. We both were very happy with our food. It was served fresh and quick and definitely has that great home cooked flavor. The staff was friendly and attentive. The came around several times to check in on us and offer more coffee.

Very disappointed. The worst part was the "home fries" because they looked to be boiled instead of fried and the only hint that they were not was that they tasted of oil. The Spanish omelette a prepackaged "cheese" slice in the middle but otherwise the eggs were fine. The biscuit and gravy was okay but nothing about it seemed frest and probably came out of a can. The biscuit was dense and doughy and the gravy was luke warm. For a dinner that has been around for so long you would think they would have made the atmosphere a bit more warm and inviting but they have not. Probably should have known what I was in for when walking in but I was hoping for at least a little bit better.

Little hole in the wall breakfast place. Very stuffy and warm inside. Biscuits were raw in the middle. Gravy very flour-ie. Eggs and hash browns were good. Breakfast potato skins were inventive and delicious. With lots of breakfast places around this would not be my first choice.

Ethel & Fred’s is our “go to” local diner, especially on Sunday mornings. We moved back to West Melbourne about 11 years ago and found this gem. Their food is homemade and yummy, their staff is exceptional, and the prices are still easy on the wallet. We especially love their banana pancakes, NY breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken pot pies (only on special), and my daughter LOVES their turkey club (packed with turkey). It’s a diner, their decor is not fancy, but it’s clean and their food and friendly atmosphere and waitstaff more than make up for that. I wish I had more pictures 🩷✨⭐️✨🩷