Legendary 24h West Coast breakfast joint specialises in giant omelettes

Few restaurants have the cultural capital of the American diner. Thanks to innumerable iconic film and television appearances, as well as decades of deliciousness, the hustle and bustle of the country’s coffee-stained breakfast joints are as essential as hamburgers and pizza. In order to stand out in a field full of legendary restaurants, you have to offer something seriously special.

Fortunately for West Coast breakfast lovers, one historic Seattle diner delivers “special” by the bucketload. At Beth’s Cafe, customers have been able to tuck into their favourite breakfast food 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1954. From bagels to burritos, all bases are covered. But, buried between mountains of bacon and sausage is a signature dish that really puts Beth’s on the map. 

Central to Beth’s success as a breakfast hotspot is its enviable selection of omelettes. Unlike their traditional three-egg counterparts, however, these omelettes give “big breakfasts” a whole new meaning, being made from either six or twelve eggs. These massive yellow parcels, invariably loaded with enough breakfast staples to sink a small boat, are the main reason why Beth’s is such a big fixture of the Seattle breakfast scene. 

In addition to an impressive range of suggested combinations – including the “Triple Bypass” with honey-cured hardwood smoked bacon, breakfast sausage, diced ham, Swiss and American cheese, and the tomato, black olive, mushroom and cheddar cheese- loaded “Veggie” – customers can choose to completely customise their omelettes. 

Try our delicious recipe for omelette toasts:

Options for fillings include ham, bacon, sausage, chili, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, salsa, tomatoes, olives, green onions, jalapeno’s, cheddar, jack cheese, American cheese, swiss cheese, sour cream or cream cheese, plus smoked salmon if you’re feeling fancy. You certainly won’t struggle for choice.

Although the restaurant has been an institution for over six decades, it’s massive omelettes continue to make a serious impact. In 2009, for instance, Man vs. Food host Adam Richman found himself on the receiving end of a serious food beating, falling foul of Beth’s 12-egg, three-bean chilli loaded “Southwestern Exposure” omelette. As if you needed reminding, these are not dishes to be taken lightly. 

Thanks to coronavirus, the restaurant’s usual 24-hour omelette service has been slightly curtailed, putting pay to some seriously awesome late-night feasting plans. However, whatever you’re craving for breakfast, you can almost guarantee that nowhere will be able to hit the spot quite like Beth’s Cafe.