Dohboy's Diner — Restaurant in St. Catharines

My partner and I had the pleasure of visiting this very cool and retro inspired diner for the first time after hearing great things about it. We were not disappointed! The food was amazing! The best bakery style rye bread I've ever had! Our server Krissy was so friendly, and efficient as well. Chris, one of the cooks even brought out our food himself, chatted with us, and was really informative and knowledgeable when we were speaking with him... such a nice guy. We will definitely be returning. It will be a regular breakfast/lunch stop for us whenever we're in St Catharines. Edit: as much as our first experience was top notch, we were very disappointed on our second visit. We got a table and sat down. While waiting for service and menus, 2 other patrons came in and sat down. Not only were they approached first, they were also given menus before we were served. The fact that the servers were serving everyone equally and had no set tables or sections, there"s no reasoning for this kind of service. My partner was very irritated by that and yes, gave the server attitude because of what she did. She then proceeded to go over to the other girls at the counter and talk about her, making it quite obvious as they all turned their heads to look at her simultaneously... How professional. This will be our last time at this establishment. Still want to add that Chris and Krissy were awesome on our...

Not impressed. Came in and waited for a table. Not a problem, although they did not notice the people left and a table was open for at least 5 minutes. Service was awful. Young girl was not friendly, didn’t ask if we wanted refills, forgot our waters. Felt like an inconvenience asking for anything. Ordered eggs, Benedict and it took 40 minutes. I asked the server nicely when our food was coming, and she didn’t even offer an apology. Just, “kitchen is backed up, and you should be the 1st or 2nd to come up”. Had to go up to the counter and ask for coffee refills. When a different server dropped off our food, our server came up moments later saying, “see I was right about it coming”. The eggs Benedict wasn’t bad, but it tasted like they used chicken soup base to make the hollandaise which tasted off. When I went to the counter to pay, I advised to the other person working cash that our food took 40 minutes and I was met with there’s nothing we can do about that. Then eventually got an apology. Didn’t get one from the server though. Just felt like no one cared. I understand that kitchens get backed up, I work in hospitality also…But when something like that happens, maybe apologize to the guest or offer a refill. Instead I was met with zero empathy or accountability. I wasn’t even rude, or angry. After spending $48 for breakfast I left very frustrated....

It was the day before Canada Day. The staff was not very friendly- answering questions as if we should know the answer or be familiar with the way things work in their restaurant. For example- coffee in a disposable cup and refills at a cost- just kind of strange unique rules that it felt we were expected to understand . The hollandaise tastes like it was from a can or a packet that was not fresh and even thought we asked for softly poached they were very much a hard medium. Didn’t complain because it was just disappointing and then overall awkward vibe just wanted to pay and get out. After we left it was a good thing we were near a bathroom because I felt very sick within an hour and so did my husband.

*Thanks for your response. I understand that some feedback is more helpful when it's shared in the moment, but not all diners feel comfortable speaking up during their visit—especially when the atmosphere already feels a bit unwelcoming. I wrote the review to honestly reflect my experience, not to be shady or unfair.

Constructive feedback—whether shared in person or afterward—should still be valued. I hope it helps you improve the experience for...