Katy's Place - Breakfast, Carmel

Mission St, between 5th and 6th, Carmel-by-the-Sea
(831) 624-0199
Parking: street parking
Hours: 7am - 2pm
http://www.katysplacecarmel.com/

Last Visited: 2009

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

Katy's was already getting packed and it was only about 8am when we arrived. There are a lot of locals amongst the tourists present at the restaurant. The board above the kitchen listed their daily specials. Regular menu items include omelettes, pancakes french toast, oatmeal, and of course, eggs benedict. Katy's features 16 versions of eggs benedict for your enjoyment.

I had looked up Katy's prior to the trip to Carmel and was looking forward to a great breakfast based on all of the positive feedback I saw on the web. While Katy's serves both lunch and breakfast, most people were praising their breakfast items. In terms of the atmosphere, the tables and chairs are typical of what you might find at any other restaurant. The ceiling and chandeliers along with the wall with all of the windows make nice natural lighting.

While we were promptly seated, it took some time before someone came to take our order. The wait time for food was also longer than anticipated.

- Crab Cakes Benedict - The crab cakes benedict was okay. The photo shows that we split the dish (one each), and if you aren't feeling super hungry, this is a good way to enjoy some other items. They are happy to split it for you so you don't have to worry about the hollandaise sauce getting all over the place. The potatoes that accompanied the eggs benedict were also okay - browned and seasoned, but not wow. $16.95

If you prefer one egg benedict - subtract a dollar; for split orders, add $2.50.

- Bacon - The bacon is hickory smoked and sliced extra thick. Four slices to a side order. While the bacon was also good, although I don't remember the price I paid, I do remember thinking it was high.

With tax and tip and no drinks, breakfast was about $30. My overall food experience was just okay. I still enjoyed my visit despite the lack of service. The reason - we sat next to some cool elderly gentleman whom were locals. One formerly worked for the school district and talked about how he used to golf at Pebble Beach for a super low price before it became such a popular destination. When the price got higher, he had a chance to golf there with Clint Eastwood, former mayor of Carmel. Personalities and stories like that made Katy's a worthwhile stop. Hopefully, you'll be as lucky as we were and bump into some fun people to chat with if you decide to check out Katy's.

Another important item to note - this place is cash only, so be prepared.