Saraceno's Restaurant — Restaurant in Alabama

The food was really good. Server & register attendant (whom I assume was a manager or owner) were absolutely HORRID & have absolutely NO PLACE in any "service" industry. Both should be PERMANENTLY TERMINATED. I had dental surgery earlier that day and was very hungry. Time enough had passed that I could eat soft food, but my mouth was still a little numb in places. All of my food was soft & easily chewed, but the numbness made it hard to swallow without spilling/spitting. I was becoming self-conscious & embarrassed as I noticed other patrons looking at me as if I were a stroke victim or something because I was unable to not make a mess. Even so, I'd eaten most of my food by that point, I could no no longer stand the stares. When I asked if I could just get the dessert that went with the meal and the rest of my food to go, the girl said "it's against our policy to do to-go boxes for our buffet and if we do it for you, we have to do it for everyone!" I explained my situation, pointed out that ¹I had very little left but would like to finish it, and ²it wasn't like I'd gone back for or wanting seconds, only the dessert that went with the meal. She rudely told me that she'd ask "her boss" but she didn't expect her to give me a different answer. As the waitress predicted, her ruder than her, "boss" recited the no to-go policy. I explained my situation, and said how good the food was & that I intended to even try the banana pudding. She spoke to me so hateful! Said she'd do it "this once" because EVERYONE would be wanting her to do it, and I'm going to refill your plate." I told her I didn't expect her to. She basically snatched the payment and almost didn't give me a receipt. I hope they don't have anyone else who is disabled or handicapped come there and expect to be treated with dignity because they sure won't be treated with any kind of respect. I do NOT care if they were 'having a bad day'; they are "service industry workers" and if they can't serve & do their jobs in a respectful manner, they don't need to be in a "service job". They obviously haven't heard the sales adages "service with a smile" & "the customer is ALWAYS right". Like I said the food was really good, homestyle cooking but I'll never go back to eat there. Horrible...

My wife and I are venturing around the East Mobile Bay Area of Alabama, and was looking for a good country style homemade food. It was very disappointing to see that there wete mostly all box stores in the entire area along the main route. However after a few miles, I found this all you can eat buffet off the beaten path out in the countryside. And I tell you, talk about southern hospitality you couldn't find better. And the food is just as good as the hospitality. And they even have a table area designated to veterans. Which I probably took a seat at while wearing my US Coast Guard veterans hat. The first thing they did was come up to me and thanked me for my service. Then came the food OMG the fried green tomatoes were out of this world. I have been hearing from my Alabama cousin Jeanie who Raves about fried her green tomatoes. And this was the first time I ever had the opportunity to really try and enjoy them. And then comes the pulled pork OMG it's to die for. I wasn't disappointed with anything. They had chicken and all kinds of vegetables and soups it was good. We both left smiling burping and well whatever else comes along with eating a lot of delicious food. Most of all...

This was our first visit to Saracenos Restaurant. Based on the reviews, the number of cars in the lot and the crowded dining area we had high hopes for this place.

There is sufficient parking and the dining area is deceptively large, capable of handling a sizable lunchtime crowd. The staff is friendly, courteous and efficient and the menu is sufficiently varied with a broad selection of meats, vegetables, and desserts. Since this is an all-you-can-eat, server-assisted buffet, it's apparently a popular place.

As stated in the opening comments, perhaps our expectations were too high. We simply didn't enjoy the food. It reminded us of high school cafeteria food - not bad, but not good either.

The vegetables tasted like they were straight out of a can with little seasoning and the mashed potatoes were instant. The pork chop on my plate was very thin and overcooked but the fried chicken was well prepared and very good.

If one has a limited time for lunch and a desire for a large quantity and selection of food, Saracenos would be the perfect place. However, it simply is not the...