William C.
Yelp
I came at 3 am with a few hours to kill before a morning appointment. Not much is open downtown at night, and this looked like the only option. The original Landmark was great, so I thought I would try this.
It was not busy, and I was seated. I ordered a coke when the server came over. The server had a blank expression on his face the entire time and didn't say anything really. Less than a minute later, he returned and wanted my card to start a Tab. This was fine. I understand restaurants have to worry about people leaving and not paying.
He immediately reappears after returning my card, and now I feel rushed. I like to enjoy my drink and relax for 10 or 15 minutes before I order. It should have been obvious I wasn't ready to order because I was busy on my phone. There was a sign right beside me that said there was a 2-hour seating limit, so I don't know what the rush was. Most of the seats were empty anyway.
I said I would start with some fries and went back to my business on my phone. I had not looked at the menu yet.
After receiving my fries and finishing 3/4 of them, and having one refill, he appears again. I assumed he would give me another refill because my glass was empty, but he put the bill down and walked away.
I had plainly said, "I was starting with fries," so thus I would be ordering more.
Instead of having him run back and forth, I was over it and just signed the tab and left.
I worked in the industry for 20 years, so I tip well, but rushing me... not so much.
Note: I let the people at the counter know I felt rushed and was going elsewhere to eat.
A 'Diner' to me is laid-back and relaxed, not rushing you out the door. They lost the possibility of a $40+ tab (I was planning to order a salad and a cheeseburger and maybe a dessert), and he lost a great tip.
I had to walk 1.5 miles to find anything else open, but it was worth it. I was able to relax and have a decent meal.
Unfortunately, good service and availability of restaurants at night have pretty much vanished in Atlanta sadly.