Bates City Diner — Restaurant in Bates City

We try to patronize small restaurants in small towns. We feel like in a small way we are helping them stay in business. I arranged for 20 to 30 people to eat at the Bates City Cafe, at staggered times, breakfast and lunch between 10 and 11:30. I told Zabrina and Lisa, to bring out meals as they were ready, we are here to help not cause extra work. I was last to leave and I was concerned by the fact that they had added a 15% gratuity to everyone's bill. They did not tell me that this was their practice. Unexpected to this most of my people tipped as normal and didn't notice the addition. If I had know I would have told the group or maybe not have gone to this restaurant. If it hadn't had been for our group their lunch crowd would have been about ten instead of forty. Maybe we didn't help this restaurant and I am sorry about that. In the future they won't have to worry about us. The food was good, service not what you might expect for 15%. I don't agree with the addition of the 15%, but that's their call, but they should have told me that was their policy when I talked to them twice in advance. Romeo RAS Retired Old Motorcyclists Eating Out.

After I wrote this comment, I received a call from the Bates City Cafe and they apologized for our unpleasant experience. I believe her name was Lisa and she was the owner. The Romeo's try to help small restaurants in small town. If they are good people and trying to do a good job we certainly want to help not hurt their business. Bates City asked that we give them another chance and we most certainly will. ...

I was rather wary seeing the outside of this diner, but my wife insisted on stopping because Google Maps said it had "comfort food." Very casual atmosphere; actually a little rundown, but clean and just old, not because the management was slacking. Servers were very attentive and quick on the draw. I had the chicken livers with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. All were delicious. Broccoli was perfectly cooked, crisp but tender. Chicken livers had a fresh, non-greasy breading that did not overwhelm the livers. I was very pleased. My wife ordered a baked potato with fried onions and mushrooms, which she enjoyed. The chef, a young man who looked to be late 20s, came out to make sure he understood my wife's order and later asked if she enjoyed it, which I thought very...

Have been going there many times. Was there one night and they close at 8PM. Most places would work around and would not ask you to leave if there 10 mn after. Lisa, the owner asked us to go outside and continued our conversation there or come early. I have made sure that all my friends are aware of the "friendly" atmosphere and welcoming. I think that it is nice to go to small places but it sounds like she does not need our business so we have not returned, also the most efficent waitress is no longer there, we never had to "beg" for more water or...