Ballesteri’s Cafe

Came in just on a whim as I saw this place around the corner and I wanted some lunch. The décor and the ambience got me pretty excited as I got the menu.
I ordered the grilled chicken pesto club sandwich with chips. It didn’t take very long to make and as soon as I got it I felt deflated. The sandwich was way small, no veggies on it (you would think a club would have at least lettuce and tomato). It was just toasted white bread with a very wet pesto, which was not very flavorful. The description of the sandwich on the menu said there was bacon, but you could barely taste it. The chicken was just… chicken.
Where it really got me was the store bought jar pickle and the bag of Lays chips. I paid $ 10 for everything so at the very least, the chips could be homemade or the sandwich could have some personality. I would guess that this café shines more for it’s breakfast. The waitresses are friendly which salvages this review a little bit.

We had great service when we visited for breakfast. The breakfast there was solid! Have yet to have lunch there yet but I hear it is just as good. Prices aren’t too bad either. The Americano coffee was very good too. Will return!

We had an omelet and a breakfast sandwich. Both were good. Only one person was running the whole place and it started getting busy so service got slow. But she did the best she could. They have a jumbo pancake that’s bigger than the plate too. Lots of coffee drinks and Italian sodas. Breakfast and lots of lunch options. I’d go here again.

I’m gonna go ahead and disagree with the majority of the posts here. Looking at most of the peeps that have shared their opinions, I’d guess the glass is often half empty. Cheer up, this place is good!
The predominance of our trips have been for lunch, but we’re yet to have a truly negative experience here as we’ve dined for breakfast as well. The owners are a lovely couple who’ve been in town for quite some time and IMO provide a much needed alternative to the standard subs and fast food that make up the bulk of restaurants in the area.
Pseudo-​rant over, now on to the comida!
As stated, we frequent here for lunch when we’re in town. The ABC, the grilled TBA (Turkey, Bacon, Avocado) and the BLT are crowd favorites, but in actuality, I’ve really never had anything here that I didn’t like. Espresso options rather than just coffee is nice. I’m not sure if there is «free trade, organic, shade grown, civet (look it up!)» espresso and to be honest, I’m not all that interested in it — I just want some caffeinated goodness and to date, we’ve found that here.
The atmosphere is homey and relaxed. Apparently to the chagrin of others, there’s not a bunch of hipster art and ironic pictures of someone taking a selfie in the mirror, just nice décor that shows their trying to make the place a spot you can hang out for a while and just chat. Staff is friendly and makes things right if you feel they’re not.
We’ll keep coming back for both the food and the atmosphere. It won’t be the coolest place you’ve ever been, but it’ll probably be one that you like!

I would never recommend this to anyone. The food was horrible, the pancakes burned, the omelette was small with raw onions and the coffee cold. It was also much more expensive than most places. This is my second time giving them the benefit of the doubt, but never again.

We had a delicious dinner here, pasta succulent garlic sauce, loved their food and herb flavored water! Good price for outstanding food.

It seemed like our entire meal was frozen from a package and microwaved. Greasy, veggies were wilted and dark… We all now feel sick now. Service was amazing, however and they didn’t charge us for the gross food. (As it should be)

My favorite place to eat in Yakima. Favorite sandwich is the ABC sandwich (apple, bacon, cheese). Good breakfasts and good soups too! Fast, friendly service. I’ve never had a bad meal.

I would definitely recommend this place but also would go back. Service was fun, fast & friendly. Food was good, regular coffee was not great, but the mocha was good. We had breakfast, but the lunch looked yummy too.

While it’s true that you can make a good sandwich at home, it is truly great when someone will make it for you. I have loved every sandwich and soup I have had at this restaurant. I have only had one salad, and while I was excited that their oriental chicken salad was the cabbage and noodles version I had hoped for, it was drenched in dressing. Roast beef, Hawaiian, and turkey sandwiches were all great! Broccoli cheddar soup, fantastic.

We were in Yakima for father’s day weekend and looked up brunch on
. This place popped up with good reviews and we later agreed. It’s priced right with good food and comfortable seating. I had the breakfast special for $ 5 and an espresso. They serve breakfast until 1 pm every day! Large sandwich/​soup/​salad menu as well.