Crossroads Diner — Restaurant in Bethel

After stopping into the Crossroads Diner for the first time, we decide to read the reviews on this restaurant. While reading the various opinions, some being positive and some being very negative, I decide to wait and form my own review before judging even before getting my meal. The diner was not quite full when we arrived, but being a smaller diner, it was busy for it's size. We were seated very quickly and didn't have to wait very long before our order was taken. . Glasses of water were delivered to our table and then a beer was ordered at that time ( which was never received ). Note:: We waited a minimum of 45 minutes for what was ordered!! Various items off the menu were ordered and we were nickle and dimed for additions to the burger that was ordered... .50 cents for a slice of tomato .50 cents for some lettuce .50 cents for a slice of onion $2.00 for the home cut fries ( a very small portion !!!) versus a small bag of chips that came with the burger. Just a note... fries were an extra charge ( which was noted on the menu) for everything we ordered ( but....since when does a burger or fish burger and hot dogs not come with fries over a small bag of chips!!! What was ordered consisted of.... A Hamburger A Fish Burger 2 Chile Hot Dogs and 2 Regular Hot Dogs I think next time we will keep driving right on past the Crossroads Diner. But you can judge for yourself if...

Didn't even get to go in. I went with about 11 of my friends. We called 45min ahead to get a reservation. They said they were able to get us a table and reserve a spot for us. When we got there, it seemed we were not welcomed from the beginning. When we got there they immediately were like " oh sorry you'll have to wait 20min". Which we understood slightly since we had a lot of people, but at the same time we did call ahead. Then as we were waiting, elderly customers just sat and stared at our group. We went to the side to not take up a lot of space while we were waiting. One person made their truck beep and we thought they were leaving but it turned out he just wanted us away from his truck. We were like 3 feet away from it and just waiting for a table. Then we moved away and were next to another truck( it was pretty packed, not many places to stand) and then that truck started honking as if someone was getting in, but they never did. Customers stared at us like we weren't welcome there. We waited for a table for over an hour. By the time they actually said they had a table ready, half our group left because they felt uncomfortable and were already starving by that point. So we said thank you but we are headed out to another place. Also, breakfast ends at 1130am. So by the time we were actually able to get in, we wouldn't have been able to...

We were passing through and needed a place to eat that would have some vegetarian options for my mom. There were just 3 of us. This place did the trick with salads and sandwich options. The diner is clearly understaffed and it was packed when we arrived just after 1pm (they close at 2). It took some time for them to acknowledge us and to clear a table for us to sit.

The food was actually pretty good. My mom ended up ordering a grilled cheese that she said was "ok" (nothing special, but it was on the kids' menu so I don't think she can expect a fancy one). My dad got a burger that was super messy and he said was good. I got the chicken bacon ranch, which was also messy and good... if I overlooked the fact that my first bite came with paper (I assume the cheese separator). I had to dig into this very messy sandwich with my fingers to pull out the paper and then the rest of the time I was playing the game of "is that bacon or paper in my mouth". Not a good experience, but can happen to anyone I suppose. Of all the unwelcome things to bite into, I guess paper isn't too bad, right? I also had to cut out some cartilage that was left on the chicken breast. While the sandwich was good, it was an anxiety-filled experience eating it.

I don't think I'll ever find myself in Bethel, Maine ever again, but if I do I'd be willing to give this place...