Chaps, for whatever reason, receives more user reviews here on the ol’ TEO than any other spot in town. Why that is? Who knows, but it certainly piqued my curiosity.

And I can see why there’s such a wide span of opinions about the Latah Valley cafe. The coffee? No problems, very nice indeed. Had I only reviewed Chaps based on that, I would be throwing hearts all over their faces.

The food, however, is… not good. I realize they’re not trying to change the face of cuisine, but my “gourmet” grilled cheese left a bit to be desired. It’s not that I’m against pesto per se (I do in fact enjoy it), but the flavor of it clashed with the cheddar. Badly. In fact, cheddar might be a great cheese, but I can’t say I find it a very inspirational choice on a grilled cheese that supposedly is “gourmet.”

Not a good sandwich then, and the accompanying potatoes didn’t fare much better, largely because they were undercooked.

And the cowboy decor? Ick.

Tremendous! Owner Celeste Shaw has taken her ability to do the exceptional and created a place you want to come back to time and again. Ask for her cinnamon currant spread for bagels… Fabulous!

No where else in Spokane, (or Washington for that matter) will you find the unique cowgirl chic that makes Chaps one of a kind. Celeste Shaw and Dan Coulston have handrafted this amazing cafe from the floor joists up. The attention to detail is incredible~ the dishes, the handpainted murals, the vintage decor, combined with the personal attention from Celeste and her staff create the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast, lunch or just a cup of great coffee. Be sure to try the baked oatmeal!

Chaps is a great place to hang out.

My husband, who never eats out, and I stopped in today and split a Reuben sandwich and salad. The sandwich was not only large, but delicious, marbled rye and loaded. The salad had craisins, feta cheese, sugared walnuts, etc. We loved the outdoor setting and found out they have live music some evenings. The hours are mixed a bit, but we’ll be back!

My husband and I love Chap’s—their breakfast is homemade deliciousness. The biscuits and gravy are easily the best I’ve ever tasted and the service is outstanding—personal and friendly. Any time we treat ourselves to breakfast out, it’s always Chaps.

Hands down, the best place in Spokane to have lunch! The meals are just like grandma served—fresh and tasty comfort food in gigantic portions with enough culinary wizardry to make each menu item uniquely memorable. If you haven’t discovered Chaps you are definitely missing out on something special.

I enjoyed the ambiance but the food was disappointing, again. Cute atmosphere isn’t enough to make up for mediocre food. I was here with friends last summer and we hoped it would have improved in time…

I’ve eaten there twice, and the food was great! The atmosphere is cool, and the owner, Celeste, took time from her duties to chat with us quite a bit. I could hang out there for hours with my friends—we didn’t feel rushed at all like some places, even though it got busy. Keep up the great work!!

We stopped by on the way into during lunchtime. I had my mom and my 2 sons. It was a cute place, but we were not happy with the food. The crusts on the sandwiches were dry (stale?), and the salad was sloppy with house dressing. Maybe it was just a bad day, but for the price I expected more. The wait staff were chatting with construction workers and did not notice we needed water refills etc.
Don’t bother here.

I drive from Liberty Lake to eat at Chaps. The bakery items are fresh and each time I have had lunch, the scratch soups are delish. Last time, I took friends and they said the Monte Cristo was one of the best they have had. You can’t beat the hospitality. I recommend to the “frowny faces” that they let Celeste know if you are unhappy with something – she will fix it with a smile!

We tried this restaurant for breafast one Saturday in May. The food was awful. Eggs were overcooked, chicken fried steak was the worst we have ever had. There was absolutely no service after our food was brought to the table. We will not be back.

I have been to Chaps on numerous occasions with my husband, family, friends, etc. and we have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is very pleasant, the staff very friendly and the food is great! Celeste is always very friendly and engaging when present in the restaurant. I recommend this to everyone I talk to and haven’t heard different from anyone else I have spoken to who has also eaten there. My husband and I, like most, work hard for our money and never regret spending it at Chaps!

Chaps Coffee Co. Celeste Shaw… nothing less than perfect, every time!!! Outstanding food, coffee, and her “vintage” eclectic western style is a one of kind, unique to Spokane. Beautiful bistro seating outside and dog friendly,live music,outdoor movies and a market summer of 08. What else do you you want…Celeste is amazing!! compassionate, honest, hardworking, “western meets shabby chic” gal with a wonderful cafe and smile. Thank you….

Wow, what a variety of reviews. The favorable ones sound like they come from the owners “friends”. The house itself is cute and a fun place to browse. The food is okay. I’ve been there 3 times now and tried differant meals. Celeste needs to focus on quality products, quit out-sourcing, and find a chef that can do the job. If you strip away all the
doo-dads, what you have left is well, not much.

went there for lunch last week, it was ok, nothing amazing tho. i have had better lunches at other restaurants. Service is ok, but bread was a little crusty and who thought up the idea to load mayo on with a trowel on a BLT? i had enough for 2 sandwiches. lighten up a little, coffee was ok, again, nothing that made my eyes light up tho. cowboy/girl chic is ok, but better fare would be nice

I love Chaps! My family and I go out for breakfast there whenever they are in town, and in the several occasions we have been there, the food has been nothing but perfection. We have not had a bad meal and the crew that works there is top notch. Celeste visited with my parents and made us all feel very welcome. I haven’t tried the lunch menu, but I would not hesitate a second to recommend Chaps to anyone and everyone I know for breakfast!

We love Chaps! After adjusting our budget to account for rising gas prices. Chaps was our unanimous #1 non-negotiable weekly expense. When I read the few negative reviews, I immediately think “competitor”. The Chaps faithful understand that a complete (dining or otherwise) experience is much more than just satisfying our “five senses”. When you come to check out Celeste and her awesome crew, leave your narcissism in the parking lot.

What a spectrum of reviews!

I have been to Chaps 3 times, twice with friends, once with my husband. Honestly-I wanted to love it. The decorations are awesome, its a fun place to look around. The food is not close to being what it could be or should be. Celeste – maybe you need a new chef or a new approach to what is served. You were there 2 of the 3 times and I watched you make your way around greeting people, I always watched you telling your staff they needed to get to work. Your likability isn’t the question, its the quality of the food you serve. I won’t say I’ll never be back, you are local to us, and you are new to the restaurant world, and there’s hope :)

Chaps is like receiving a present that is wrapped exquisitely… Only to find a token inside. A disappointment. I would go for coffee or a glass of wine, not for the food.
Celeste Shaw is a nice hostess though!

I went to Chaps on my way out to Eastern. Stopped by for a quick lunch, It was okay. The seating was not comfortable and our table rocked on uneven legs (?). The help did not refill our water or check on our table, will not return.

This place is probably the most offensive place in the whole of spokane. Full of Hypocrisy and sham. Not cost effective.. Find other place!

I take all my friends, my work associates and my family. I have had no complaints just gracious thank-you’s. Many of the people I have taken have continued to go themselves. I think it’s great. The atmosphere, the service and food are superb. I will continue to go at least once a week. What fun….

Why I take all my friends too! And also my associates! They in-turn take everyone they know! Everyone who is ANYONE eats there. It’s a 4 star experience (even though its primarily out-sourced…a jumbo muffin from Costco simply tastes better when served at CHAPS!)

Superb?? Try Stupendous! Amazing! Mind-boggling
WONDEROUS!

I will continue to go every day for all my meals :)

It was very good food, good atmosphere, really good place! Everybody I know loves going there.

I thought it was pretty good, I think the food quality is lacking, like ingredients aren’t high quality. I was expecting better, but it wasn’t awful. The seating is uncomfortable very much uncomfortable!

Its ok. very ok food, the place is cute so you don’t think that the food wasnt very good till after you leave.
so go for a cute place but not for very good food thats all.

I can’t understand some of these horrible reviews, especially RG’s review of Sept. 7—was this person really talking about a restaurant? Jeez! My husband and I loved our food. He had breakfast (delicious chicken fried steak), and I had a great cobb salad. We’ll definitely be going back. The prices aren’t cheap, but you get value for your money. In addition, I think the decor is unique and fun. People need to lighten up about that. Does everything have to be the same—formica and fake wood? It would be a pretty dull world if that were the case.

It is a mixed bag of reviews here, sounds like there could be inconsistency in the kitchen or menu? I stopped by to try it out, and thought it was pretty good. It is cute! The girls who work there were not attentive enough to basics though, I would make changes there!

Whoa there, I am puzzled by any negative reaction to this fine little restaurant. The atmosphere is unique, and it is well complimented by the basic lack of service. Might I ask, where else can you go in Spokane and strap on your chaps and straw hat? These are provided right at the front door:) If you don’t get the atmosphere, you won’t get the service. Kind of chuck wagon, slammed on anything you can find. Sit on what you brought with you. The breakfast food is superb, I tried several: the chicken fried steak was definitely unique, a little salty, it seeming more like beef sausage. The pancakes are first rate, truly they made me stutter, as I tried to describe their light angel-food cake-like quality. Finally, the biscuits and gravy would end all wars, should they be introduced to any battlefield. I saw a young couple who were having a bad Sunday afternoon, calm down and lick the plate together. Sweet Nectar of Heaven. I don’t care about lunch, have not had it. But, the breakfast left little to be desired. No not even more.

LOL finally some truth! The service is non-existent! The food is ACK! I had the pancakes, they are GOO.That IS

the deal, you won’t desire more. Really, stay away.

I went to this quirky little cafe with friends after tanning nearby. our main complaint was lack of service. the food was not served hot enough, I think it might have set out too long.
for coffee and conversation this would be fine, otherwise try A & W ?

I find some of these reviews a tad ridiculous. Let’s be fair and realistic people and not bitter and nit picky. Nothing in this world is perfect. I travel frequently and visit restaurant’s almost daily, and I always enjoy coming back to Chaps. I love the atmosphere and the staff have always been friendly to me. The food has always been quality- served hot, quickly, and delicious. The pancakes especially are delicious as are their sandwiches. But more so than simply food, the friendliness of Celeste Shaw and her staff are what make this place special. You can go anywhere for food, but there are few places you can go to find a kind word (even a hug if you asked) from strangers. I wish Chaps all the best.

Average food – atmosphere is darling though. Honestly, we do go to restaurants and hope for good food more than we hope for a hug LOL.

Wow. I can’t believe anyone would rate Chaps negative—do these people work at Denny’s?? I take all of my out of town guests there for breakfast on the weekends—serenaded by a country singer—and they all LOVE it!!! I’ve never had one person, ever, complain. If they even they’ve screwed up, they’ll run out of the kitchen to make it right. For example, I told my husband to get us the chicken fried steak, but he thought I said biscuits and gravy. When it came, I was like oops—we ordered the wrong thing—it’s our fault. They were so worried they ran back to get me the chicken fried steak for FREE. I begged them not to, and we agreed to bacon instead—which they brought for FREE. It wasn’t even their fault—it was OURS. It’s the best coffee I’ve ever had—- EVER. Sorry Starbucks. I just can’t go to Starbucks knowing there’s a local business like Chaps around. I LOVE it!!

This place is for old people. if you like it, you gotta be old and happy with greasy gravy slapped on toast. The trailer park next door is the main stay from what I see. I work in the strip and have been there a few times. It’s not relevant or fresh but it works for the old folks just fine.

very very cute setting. very very “average” fare.

Have only been once, but the apple muffin french toast is to die for. It came with bacon and potatoes which is so unusual. The potatoes are heaven. My husband had the usual eggs and sausage and the bread is homemade. Can’t wait to go back.

Loved the food, loved the staff, loved Celeste, loved the decor…loved every darn thing about it! THE destination for me and my chums!

We came for lunch as a family, I’ve been wanting to try it! We have 2 young children that were hard to keep contain as there is ALOT of stuff. I think there is so much stuff crammed into that little house that its a little hard to get around in. Its almost like being in a marketplace. The staff were friendly, but need to be attentive to details, drink refills, the like. The food wasn’t great but it wasn’t awful. We won’t come back with children but I’d def return to meet friends for coffee.
(The hostess was a cute older woman wearing a very low-cut shirt, not suited IMO to a family setting)