Windmill Restaurant

I went in for breakfast this morning and I had a great experience and breakfast. Mel is a great waitress, as she made me feel like I was one of her many regulars. We had a nice conversation about my wife being a waitress and how much they have in common being long time waitresses.
Mel, thank you for starting my day off with a smile!

Food: birds nest with coffee
Service: great and friendly, food comes out quick
Ambiance: diner vibes
Parking: generally parking on 8th if it's a weekday, weekends might have to park in the lot on 9th and river
Cost: $15 for items above, very affordable

Overall: always come here at least once a visit

This iconic downtown Holland diner is always reliable for good diner standards. Their breakfast which is served all day is a stand out, especially the Eggs Benedict which I think are the best in Holland! Delicious light Hollandaise blankets a perfectly poached egg on top of a slice of ham and a toasted English muffin. My favorite! The hash browns today were a little greasy but still tasted yummy. It may take some time to get in some days but it's definitely worth it! Recommend to anyone visiting Holland!

A local favorite that I often overlook, Probably due to long lines. First impression was "oh it's a tiny, very noisy cafe."
We were sat next to a table that felt like we were sharing the same space. Which was obvious upon seeing it and we could have waited and refused.
The seats had tears in them that were noticeable to me. I am grateful for places that are locally owned and are part of family traditions. Which I think is why The Windmill is beloved.
I Had the biscuits and gravy. It was good tasted like it should. Also had An order of sausage links . I didn't find them edible but my daughter had them and said they weren't as bad as I was making them out to be. So maybe my taste buds were just expecting a different flavor.
Her fruit pancake roll up looked delicious and I assume other dishes would be fine. If you are staying downtown and want good basic diner food then I can recommend it. Some a la cart options help you choose less portions and make it more economical.
I have no nostalgic feelings tied with The Windmill so my chances of returning are low.

Waited in line about 30 minutes on a weekend. Got the Holland omelette and the server recommended the cinnamon roll (deep fried). It was too much food but so good! Server was super busy but very kind and attentive. Will definitely return!

Great breakfast here! I stumbled on this place because I saw a line and figured the food was good. It's a simple menu, but well done. I had the 5 oz sizzler with scrambled eggs, crispy hashbrowns, white toast, and bacon. Everything was well cooked and delicious. The toast appeared to be made from homemade bread, which was nice and thick. We had the cinnamon rolls which are huge. Tried the regular and fried ones, I liked the fried the best, but I would get light icing; tasted similar to a glazed doughnut. Our server. Rachel, was amazing, but all the staff here was great.

We visited Windmill while in town for a wedding and it was delicious. Don't let the line scare you; it went quick and was well worth the wait.

Our waitress was a gem and was awesome. We both got omelets and they were huge and full of toppings. We both loved them. Also highly recommend the homemade white bread, it was to die for.

They had it decorated for Halloween and it was so fun and cute.

Would definitely come back!

Perfect execution on a classic breakfast. Our family ordered a range of food from the hashbrown casserole to a deep fried cinnamon roll, to a couple fruit bowls (super fresh and a great portion size).

The Windmill clearly has excellent cooks, great ingredients, and our server was great too! Might go again tomorrow.

Total was about $70 for 5 people, which is similar or lower than our typical Bob Evans / Cracker Barrel bill.

Loved it here! I understand why this is an institution in Holland. There was a line out the door when we arrived, but it moved WAY faster than expected. What a nice surprise! I ordered a skillet breakfast-- it was a MOUNTAIN of food (delicious food, too!), and the homemade toast was so fluffy and perfect I couldn't stop talking about it. My husband ordered sausage gravy and biscuits and it was one of his favorite meals of our week long stay in Holland.

Time for a 2022 update. The TLDR version: Windmill is still at it, they're taking the pandemic in stride, and they're as excellent as always!

Stopped in this morning because why not. Folks can't wait inside for their table right now due to the pandemic (and it's a small waiting area anyway). Windmill is asking folks to line up outside the front door. As tables clear they let in the next in line. (PRO TIP: They have counter seating, and if you have the flexibility to use it it's often quicker to get seated that way. A handy tip indeed when the outside temps aren't cracking 20 degrees.) Be patient and know everyone is doing their best.

Windmill's food is fantastic, but I get downright teary eyed over two things. First, you haven't lived until you've had *their* cinnamon roll. What's the secret? You can get it DEEP FRIED. But what I learned today is you can also choose traditional vanilla icing or CHOCOLATE icing (or half and half!). We went with a deep-fried half and half and never looked back. Seriously, it's like your taste buds just won the lottery.

The second thing is that you can get your toast (I recommend their sourdough or wheat--all are homemade) with *cinnamon and sugar*. Just like mom used to make before you caught the school bus. So many fun things to discover. Ask your server what folks don't know about The Windmill and take their recommendations. Our server Rachel was a total pro. Kept the coffee topped up and the water glasses full.

And I know we'd all love a lazy Sunday breakfast relaxathon, but please remember we're still living through the pandemic, Windmill's seating is limited, and there may be a line of folks outside freezing in the cold. Do enjoy your meal (!), but consider reading the morning paper after you get back home. :-D