Barbara Ann W.
Yelp
I found this on the map while planning a vacation trip. It was just about the right distance into our drive and sounded like fun. Despite some mixed reviews, we decided to check it out for ourselves. It is a beautiful vintage diner with good parking and beautiful gardens outside. There is some outdoor seating that looked promising, but was not yet open, since it was breakfast time. The tables were full, so we had a short wait. There was really no area designated for waiting, so we huddled inside the front door, trying not to infringe on the first booth's space or the waitress stand. It gave us a chance to soak in the nostalgia. However, the place is badly in need of some TLC. The floors beneath the counter were particularly nasty, cracked with age and the dirt had managed to become a part of it. I have eaten in cleaner establishments, let's just say. as the line behind us grew, the staff kept asking that people close the door, as the AC was on. But there was no solution, since there was nowhere to stand.
As that first booth was vacated, someone came in from the other door and immediately secured it, by sitting down before being noticed, as it had not yet been cleared. His party soon joined him, right under our noses, so we felt less inclined not to lean against the booth a bit and make out presence felt. (Sometimes, it's the little things). A young waitress noticed and came over to assure me that another table would soon become available, which it did, and we were seated.
Our waitress arrived, pad in hand and asked what we wanted. I politely suggested "a menu - and, I'd love some coffee." Both were delivered swiftly. I ordered an omelette with cheese, mushrooms and bacon, and rye toast. My grandson ordered chocolate chip pancakes and a double side of bacon. The food arrived quickly, minus my toast. I had observed a designated toast maker behind the counter and she personally delivered first one, and later a second, slice. It was worth the wait, being a very good seeded rye. My meal was tasty. My grandson's pancakes were huge and reportedly delicious. He was not crazy about the bacon, but managed to eat some of it. The pancakes did not come with syrup and there was none on the table. The waitress was nowhere in sight. My coffee cup stood empty. Still no waitress. Finally, she came over and asked if I had my "ticket." Assuming she meant the check, I said no. (Apparently, she also assumed we were finished, as there was no offer of more coffee or anything else). She then scurried about, checking her pockets, until she came up with the check and dropped it on the table. Not willing to wait an indeterminable amount of time for her return, we went to the counter and paid ourselves, taking the toast lady from her duties. Overall, a disappointing experience, despite the potential for a very fun outing.
